Macca on Fulham defeat
WHUFC.com
Assistant manager Neil McDonald on Wednesday's 3-1 Barclays Premier League
defeat at Fulham
31.01.2013
Neil McDonald believes West Ham United can take heart from their performance
in Wednesday's 3-1 Barclays Premier League defeat at Fulham. The Hammers'
recent indifferent run of results continued at Craven Cottage, but the
assistant manager believes his side were unfortunate to lose in west London.
West Ham fell behind to a controversial Dimitar Berbatov goal early on,
despite the Bulgarian appearing to be offside, and were still behind going
into the break. The visitors roared out of the blocks after half-time and
were level within three minutes when Kevin Nolan expertly finished Mark
Noble's low free-kick. However, just 60 seconds later, slack defending
allowed Hugo Rodallega to head in Damien Duff's cross to put Martin Jol's
side back in front. And West Ham's misery was complete when Joey O'Brien
deflected the ball into his own net in added-time, condemning the Hammers to
a defeat that drops them to 13th in the table. "We were disappointed because
our performance was higher than it has been away from home," said McDonald.
"I thought we played some excellent stuff and mixed the play up really well,
playing through the midfield and dominating the second half. "I thought we
created chance on chance so to come away with nothing is hugely
disappointing considering how we played. "We feel as if their first one is
offside and we could have maybe had a couple of penalties ourselves so that
makes it even worse. We're all disappointed but we'll be in on Thursday
licking our wounds and ready for the game on Saturday against Swansea, when
we need to get some points on the board."
The assistant manager admitted the nature of Fulham's ultimately decisive
second goal was particularly difficult to stomach. "At the training ground
we work on it so that when we do score, we don't concede as quickly as what
we did. It's not just one person, but the whole team who have to try to win
the ball back and try to force Fulham back so they can't create a chance.
"We haven't stopped the cross, which is disappointing, and we certainly
haven't dealt with the ball inside the box, so we've been clinically put to
the sword, I suppose. "We certainly shouldn't have conceded a second goal
like that and we haven't conceded a goal like that during the season. We've
got to make sure we don't do it again, because when we scored the goal we
were right on top and we had Fulham under pressure. "We were hoping it was
only a matter of time before our goal came, so it knocks the stuffing out of
you to concede so soon afterwards when we were putting them under pressure."
Last season, West Ham plundered a club-record number of away wins, but it is
now just one point from a possible 21 on the road. So, why are the Hammers
failing to impose their high-pressure game on teams away from home like they
did in the npower Championship? "First, it is certainly a lot harder when
you come away from home in the Premier League, but we are vastly more
encouraged by our performance. "At Arsenal, I think we had ten minutes when
they were absolutely outstanding and everything they did dropped to them and
they put the ball into the back of the net, they were clinical and killed us
off. I don't think Fulham were like that. "What encouraged us was how many
chances we created and how much football we played in their half. We put
them under pressure, we need to be more clinical ourselves."
One player West Ham hope will help them to punish their opponents in front
of goal is Andy Carroll, who returned from two months out with a knee injury
as a second-half substitute. The England centre forward worked Mark
Schwarzer with a low shot within seconds of his introduction and later fired
an effort over.
"He is going to be very important," McDonald confirmed. "We have lots of
players back fit and that's probably the strongest bench we've had this
season. Everyone is coming back to fitness now and there is going to be one
hell of a competition for places and that's good."
West Ham return to the more plentiful surroundings of the Boleyn Ground on
Saturday, when Swansea City are the visitors. Michael Laudrup's team have
recently reached the Capital One Cup final, and the assistant manager is
hoping they may have one eye on their big day out at Wembley, instead of
being fully focused on the Barclays Premier League. "Our home form has been
very good and we'll try to play on the front foot and create chances. We'll
certainly be doing that against Swansea on Saturday. "We have to try to take
advantage of everything we possibly can and we need to win our home games if
we want to go up the league and put ourselves in a better position than we
are at the moment. "All newly-promoted teams go through these little
patches. We were encouraged by the performance even if we were hugely
disappointed with the result, because we played on the front foot and
created chances. If we can keep that going for the rest of the season, we'll
be fine."
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Fulham 3 West Ham 1
By Tim Oscroft
BBC Sport
Fulham fought back after squandering an early lead to beat West Ham at
Craven Cottage. A header from Dimitar Berbatov saw Fulham take the lead
after 10 minutes despite suspicions of offside. Kevin Nolan reacted to a
quickly-taken free-kick to equalise just after half-time but Hugo
Rodallega's header restored Fulham's lead within a minute. Mladen Petric's
shot from a tight angle went in off West Ham's Joey O'Brien to secure the
win in stoppage time. The result saw Fulham leapfrog over West Ham, now
without a win since New Year's Day, to ease worries after a run that had
seen Martin Jol's side slip down the table. The game's first chance came
after less than 30 seconds when Joe Cole spurned a good opportunity to shoot
wide, but it was the home side who took the lead after just 10 minutes.
Damien Duff's free-kick from the right of the West Ham box floated over a
packed penalty area, before flicking off Brede Hangeland's chest to the
lurking Berbatov on the far post. The Bulgarian nodded the ball past
Jaaskelainen for a simple goal but, together with the West Ham defence, he
looked to the officials to check whether he would be flagged for offside.
Despite replays suggesting that he was, the goal stood to give Berbatov his
eighth of the season. The former Manchester United striker, celebrating his
32nd birthday, was at his languid best as Fulham held their visitors at bay
on the cushion of the early goal. Bryan Ruiz and Rodallega built on neat
work from Berbatov in several moves, with Ruiz drilling a shot at
Jaaskelainen, who also reacted quickly to dive at Rodallega's feet to snuff
out another chance. Cole's early miss apart, West Ham's only other chance of
note in the first half came on the half-hour, when Kevin Nolan saw his
close-range header bounce a yard wide of the post.
Only their second league victory of 2013, Martin Jol's side leapfrog above
Sam Allardyce's West Ham, with a 3-1 victory which they had to work ever so
hard to get. Hugo Rodallega's goal came only 40 seconds after the equaliser
from Kevin Nolan. Berbatov, brilliant in the first half, got the first
albeit from an offside position. Berbatov continued to pose a threat, going
on a loping run late in the first half before shaving the post with his shot
from just outside the area. West Ham looked like a different side in the
opening exchanges of the second half, and they were level three minutes
after the re-start when Kevin Nolan span away from Berbatov at a
quickly-taken free-kick to shoot home from an angle. But Fulham hit back
immediately through Rodallega, who climbed above two West Ham defenders to
head a Damien Duff cross past Jaaskelainen. The flurry of goals roused both
sides, with Mark Schwarzer making a fine save low to his left to deny
another angled effort from Nolan. Berbatov was in the action again with a
shot flashing across Jaaskelainen, but after appearing to tweak a hamstring
his contribution ended with 15 minutes remaining. Andy Carroll went close to
marking his first taste of action since 28 November with a goal within a few
seconds of replacing midfielder Cole, forcing Schwarzer into action with a
low shot from the edge of the area. But the hosts held firm and they sealed
their three points on 90 minutes when Petric, who had replaced Berbatov, saw
his shot from the tightest of angles finally roll in off the unlucky
O'Brien.
Fulham manager Martin Jol said : "West Ham were two points above us, so we
needed this win. We had some good games lately, but could not get the
results. We had a lot of draws, we should have won the Swansea game so we
were struggling. "We had to play Man City and Man United away from home, and
we've got to play United again on Saturday which is not going to be easy for
us. In between we had to play West Ham, and we did what we had to do
tonight. "They were very important, vital points to us and it was vital to
them as well. I'm happy because we got the points, and we're on 28 points
now."
West Ham assistant manager Neil McDonald said : "We work very hard in
training that when we do score we have to keep it tight, unfortunately we
didn't stop the cross and we let him (Rodallega) get his chance which was
disappointing for us. We very rarely concede goals like that. "We have a lot
of positives to take, we created a lot of chances and we have people coming
back, which adds to the squad and hopefully we'll have better results in the
remaining games."
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Paul Robinson: West Ham close in on deal for goalkeeper
BBC.co.uk
West Ham are closing in on a deal for Blackburn goalkeeper Paul Robinson.
The 33-year-old former England international has fallen out of favour at
Ewood Park in recent months.
Paul Robinson factfile
Born: 15/10/1979 in Beverley
Height: 6'3"
Weight: 14.2st
Honours: 2008 League Cup
Clubs: Tottenham Hotspur, Leeds Utd, Blackburn Rovers.
England career: 41 caps
The clubs are close to reaching an agreement on a deal that could see West
Ham goalkeeper Stephen Henderson move in part-exchange. Robinson has yet to
agree personal terms with West Ham, but his relationship with manager Sam
Allardyce is expected to ensure a deal is struck. The former Leeds
goalkeeper was first choice at Blackburn under Allardyce during his spell as
manager. Robinson has privately expressed a preference to remain in the
north of England because of family reasons, but the offer from West Ham may
prove too good to turn down.
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Fulham return to winning ways with 3-1 victory against West Ham
Last Updated: January 30, 2013 11:01pm
SSN
Fulham returned to winning ways after recording just their third victory in
16 Premier League games thanks to a 3-1 home success against West Ham.
Birthday boy Dimitar Berbatov gave the hosts the perfect start with a goal
after just 10 minutes.
Best of the Match
Man of the match: Dimitar Berbatov gets the award after scoring on his 32nd
birthday and proving he's still got it.
Goal of the match: Hugo Rodallega's effort to put Fulham ahead was an
important goal, but Damien Duff's left-wing cross was simply sublime
Moment of the match: Andy Carroll looked a handful when he came on and
immediately tested Mark Schwarzer. Maybe a sign of things to come!
Save of the match: The Australian made an important stop to deny Nolan
scoring his second goal of the game in the second half as he tipped his
curler wide of the far post.
Talking point: Are West Ham in freefall? And can they hang onto their main
man Mohamed Diame? Will this win inspire Fulham to surge up the table?
However, the visitors hit back three minutes into the second half with Kevin
Nolan netting to restore parity, but the lead lasted just 33 seconds as Hugo
Rodallega fired the Cottagers back in front.
And Martin Jol's side made sure of all three points after an unfortuante own
goal by Joey O'Brien in stoppage time. Jussi Jaaskelainen was forced into
action in the eighth minute, parrying away a fierce Bryan Ruiz effort from
20 yards. Fulham pressed and soon broke the deadlock, with Berbatov nodding
home just 10 minutes in. Damien Duff sent across a free-kick from the right,
which looked to take the slightest of touches off Ruiz as it made its way to
Berbatov to head home. It was a moment of luck for the hosts as the
Bulgarian was offside when the ball was whipped in - something the forward
seemed aware of given he looked at the linesman before celebrating. West Ham
showed impressive fight by the Thames, levelling things up through captain
Nolan in the 48th minute.
Mark Noble played a quick free-kick that caught the hosts off guard and
Nolan did well to fire a low left-footed strike from an acute angle past
Mark Schwarzer.
Parity lasted for just a minute, though, as Duff burst down the left flank
and sent in a cross that Rodallega reached ahead of West Ham's defenders to
bundle home. Andy Carroll replaced his former Liverpool team-mate Joe Cole
and forced Schwarzer into action moments into his first appearance since
November 28th. But the victory was secured in stoppage time when O'Brien
inadvertently put into his own goal from Mladen Petric's cross-shot. It was
just Fulham's second league win of 2013 as they moved above their opponents
into 12th position in the standings.
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Panic Stations or Steady As She Goes?
By Iain Dale
West Ham Till I Die
Presenting a radio show while trying to follow the Hammers' fortunes is
sometimes a depressing task. Especially on two successive Wednesday nights
in January. From the reports I have read this was yet another truly deserved
defeat. What on earth has happened to the team which until December boasted
the second best defensive record in the Premier League? Well, I have little
idea, but we have to hope that Sam Allardyce does, otherwise we are in for a
very difficult couple of months indeed. We're not scoring goals and we're
conceding them by the bucketload. A fatal combination. The rot needs to stop
on Saturday.
Many of you will be feeling a sense of panic at the situation we now find
ourselves in.but before we go overboard, let's recognise that we're still in
13th place, seven points off the relegation zone. It is indeed conceivable
that if we don't soon put a few points on the board, we will indeed find
ourselves in a relegation scrap, but let's not press the panic button too
soon.
But a key to our future will be the retention of Mo Diame. This might have
been his last game for us, and by all accounts he played appallingly. Let's
hope the Arsenal and Spurs scouts were present.
Tomorrow is transfer deadline day. I'll try to keep a thread running
throughout the course of the day, even though I will be at work from mid
afternoon. I suspect we will see a little action both in and out of Upton
Park.
Meanwhile, have a drink, put a cold towel over your forehead and keep calm.
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Rat catchers? West Ham chase Romania captain Razvan - and Blackburn's
Robinson
The Mirror
30 Jan 2013 22:30
West Ham are locked in a three-way European fight to land Shakhtar Donetsk's
Razvan Rat, writes Darren Witcoop. Rat, 31, who captains Romania from
left-back, is also wanted by French giants Marseille and Turkish outfit
Besiktas. The Hammers want extra cover at the back before Thursday's
deadline, despite already snapping up ex-Middlesbrough full-back Emmanuel
Pogatetz on loan this week.
* WEST HAM boss Sam Allardyce is also swooping on former employers Blackburn
to sign forgotten keeper Paul Robinson, writes Alan Nixon. England
international Robinson has been told he can leave the Championship club to
get his wages off the payroll and he is set to sign for Hammers to compete
with fellow veteran Jussi Jaaskelainen. Blackburn manager Michael Appleton
is taking Hammers reserve keeper Stephen Henderson as part of the deal - the
pair worked together at Portsmouth before Henderson had to be sold by the
troubled club.
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West Ham assistant manager Neil McDonald upset with refereeing decisions
Last Updated: January 30, 2013 11:20pm
SSN
Assistant manager Neil McDonald slammed some of the decisions made by
referee Chris Foy after watching West Ham fall to a 3-1 defeat at Fulham.
Dimitar Berbatov set Fulham on their way with an earlier opener from what
appeared to be an offside position, only for Kevin Nolan to equalise three
minutes into the second half. Hugo Rodallega restored the hosts' lead and an
own goal by Joey O'Brien sealed only their second win of 2013, to lift them
above their opponents and back into mid-table. The Hammers are just seven
points clear of the relegation zone in 13th and are winless in four league
matches and six games in all competitions now. "We were disappointed that
we're not putting the chances away at the minute," McDonald told Sky Sports.
"That seems to be costing us as well as refereeing decisions. Their first
goal wasn't just one person standing in an offside position, but three of
them, so it's hard to take. "We came out in the second half and forced the
issue. We put Fulham on the back foot and we're pleased with lots of aspects
of our play but disappointed that we conceded another three goals. "Form the
start of the season, if we're in this position, then I'd say we would be
very, very happy. If we keep on playing the way we are playing and we
tighten up, then I'm sure we'll be fine and the form will turn around."
McDonald was pleased with the introduction of Andy Carroll as he made his
first appearance in 11 matches. He added: "We created some good chances and
felt we should have two penalties in the second half."
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http://vyperz.blogspot.com
Thursday, January 31
Wednesday, January 30
Daily WHUFC News - 30th January 2013
Big Sam on: Fulham
WHUFC.com
Sam Allardyce spoke to the press ahead of West Ham United's trip to Craven Cottage
29.01.2013
Sam Allardyce is pleased to have added to his defensive options ahead of Wednesday's Barclays Premier League meeting with London rivals Fulham.
The Hammers completed the loan signing of Wolfsburg defender Emanuel Pogatetz on Monday and Big Sam says the ex-Middlesbrough man could be in line for a quick debut at Craven Cottage. He also revealed that Andy Carroll is in contention after taking part in training this week.
Sam, could you talk us through the team news for Wednesday night?
SA: "We've signed Emanuel Pogatetz on loan from Wolfsburg and I'm pleased to have him, because we've had defensive problems - particularly as the loss of James Collins and George McCartney [to injury] leaves us short at the moment. He's an experienced defender, both in Germany and of course at Middlesbrough. It gives us a bit more opportunity in defensive terms where we are short on players at this moment in time. "We're still waiting on Andy Carroll, whether we think it's right to add him to the squad because he's only had two days training with us, in terms of joining in with the players having not played for a number of weeks. We don't know whether that'll be too risky and we'll make the choice later on Tuesday. The rest of the squad stays the same. It's quite good at the moment, and it's quite strong, and we have to play to our best to start getting some points on the board. "The biggest message is to play better than we have been away from home. We haven't been able to secure a clean sheet for an awful long time. That and the shortage of goals particularly away from home - we've got to improve all of that. "We've got the players available, we know what the players are capable of. They've proven that they can perform and they've got to get to that level of performance again. It's two massive games in terms of Wednesday and Saturday coming up. It's two massive efforts from the players [we need] to establish their position in the Barclays Premier League, and to secure the points in both the games. I'm not saying win both, we'd love to win both, but certainly to come out the back of the next two games undefeated. As always you're trying to win a football match when you start and if we can do that then that would be great. Put points on the board in both games - that's the important thing for us."
You've signed Emanuel Pogatetz. Is there a chance that he could make his debut?
SA: "He comes straight into the squad. He's said he's fully fit and ready to go. He's had a winter break as they do in Germany but he's been training every day and has been available every day for Wolfsburg. He's said he's ready to go straight in and of course he does have some experience in the Premier League. Hopefully that'll stand him in good stead when we need him."
How important are the next two games?
SA: "I think that Fulham are in a similar situation to ourselves where performances have been pretty good but results have not followed that. It's all about winning football matches and putting points on the board. We've both failed to do that, so it's a massive game from our point of view. It's a team that are below us at the moment and you don't want teams below you to catch you up and get nearer to you. "Then it's Swansea at home and we've played so well at home all season. Our performances at home have been outstanding, but recently it's been performances but not the results we should have gained. That's been hugely disappointing - too many draws have turned to losses and too many supposed wins we've ended up with draws, particularly the last one against QPR. It was a massive blow to have played that well - in my opinion the best game we've played here this season, from start to finish we battered them - and not win. That's the problem we've got, when we're so dominant we've got to win."
Harry Redknapp was quoted as describing the transfer window as 'gang warfare' between agents. What do you think?
SA: "I wouldn't use the terminology gang warfare, but I would agree that the volatility that the January market causes means that you're looking at a group of people, licenced agents, who have one month to make money, and then they don't make money any more until the end of the season. That will bring a huge and volatile market to the forefront where they will try to outdo each other and do whatever it takes to get a deal on the table for them to be the ones who benefit financially. "That's where the problem lies when it comes to who is looking after what and who represents what player. It's hugely difficult to work all that out in the first place and, yes, it causes a massive panic in and around this time of the year. Then the speculation that goes with it in the media, which is probably fuelled mostly by agents telling you that this player is going to go there, and this player might go here and so on and so forth. It's a hugely stressful window as ever and we'll all be glad when it's over."
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The Big Interview - Emanuel Pogatetz
WHUFC.com
West Ham United's new No18 Emanuel Pogatetz is delighted to be back in English football
29.01.2013
He may have been playing in Germany for the past two-and-a-half years, but many English football fans will instantly recall Emanuel Pogatetz. The tall, strong Austria international defender enjoyed five seasons with Middlesbrough between 2005 and 2010, helping Boro to reach the UEFA Cup final and earning a reputation for being a whole-hearted player willing to put his body on the line for the cause. West Ham United's new No18, who has joined the club on loan from Bundesliga side VfL Wolfsburg, is planning to endear himself to Hammers fans with more of the same following his arrival in east London. The 31-year-old could make his debut in the Barclays Premier League fixture at Fulham on Wednesday evening and he has told whufc.com he cannot wait to start his second spell on these shores.
What is it like to come back to England with West Ham?
EP: "I am really happy to be back in England, because the English football is enjoyable and is the football I have enjoyed the most and suits me the most."
What it is about English football you like the most?
EP: "It is a fast game and that suits the way I like to play. I just try to play my best and think I can play my best football here. I also enjoyed my time in the Bundesliga, of course. I think I adapted quite quickly to that but the game I want to play again is the English Premier League. I am really happy to be back here."
What did Sam Allardyce and your new team-mates say when you met them? You already know Gary O'Neil from your time with him at Middlesbrough, of course!
EP: "Yes, I met the manager and we had a chat. He is a very experienced manager who I am looking forward to working with and working under. I had a chat with Gary. I saw him at lunch and it was good to see him again after three years. Kevin Nolan also made a point of coming up to me as captain, to say hello and welcome - it was nice of him to do that, he spoke a few words to me."
You are versatile and able to play at either centre-back or left-back, but what do you see as your best position?
EP: "Definitely at the back, a centre0half. That is why Sam Allardyce has brought me in. I can also play as a left-back if I am needed there, but think I am best as a centre-half. I think that is the main position he [Sam] has brought me in for]."
Are you fit to play immediately?
EP: "I feel I am ready to go. I am looking to play games and train with the lads. I think I am OK but it is up to the gaffer when he wants to play me. But I am ready to train and then I can see if the manager thinks I am ready. I am fit and will try to make a good impression in the training session and then hopefully I can be ready for when the manager and team needs me."
Do you have any good memories of playing against West Ham, here, during the time you have played in England?
EP: "Yes, it is quite a few years ago but what I can remember is the supporters are very passionate here and I also remember coming in on the coach, seeing the area here, it was already packed with supporters making their way to the game. So straight away, when you see all of that, you think it is going to be a tough match here not only against the team but with the fans, who will be passionate. That is what I can remember. I am looking forward to playing in front of such an atmosphere, but for the West Ham fans this time. In front of such passionate supporters who give you the extra push, drive and boost you need to play your best."
You have been out of the country for a while, but have you watched the Premier League and seen what has been going on?
EP: "Yes, of course. I have been watching it in between playing. I have stayed in contact with a few of the lads I knew at Middlesbrough. I know what is going on and know what to expect in this league. I am looking forward to and am ready for that."
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Fulham v West Ham
BBC.co.uk
29 January 2013
Last updated at 12:43
By Steve Wilson
BBC Match of the Day commentator
BARCLAYS PREMIER LEAGUE
Venue: Craven Cottage Date: Wednesday, 30 January
TEAM NEWS
Fulham could give a debut to Emmanuel Frimpong, who has joined on loan from Arsenal for the rest of the season. Kieran Richardson is expected to return after missing Saturday's defeat at Manchester United with a calf strain.
West Ham welcome back Arsenal loanee Marouane Chamakh, who was ineligible to face his parent club in the Hammers' last match. Andy Carroll could return from a knee problem and new signing Emanuel Pogatetz has been named in the squad.
MATCH PREVIEW
The FA Cup bared its giant-killing teeth last weekend, going some way to restoring the reputation of a competition tarnished by too many boring all-Premier League encounters between not quite full-strength sides playing not quite fully committed football in front of nowhere near full houses. Thank goodness for Millwall, MK Dons, Luton, Brentford, Leeds and Oldham. That's a sentiment which might be echoed at the FA, though the marketing types at their Wembley HQ may well hope the minnows are long gone before the final - Oldham against Millwall wouldn't sell in Dubai.
LAWRO'S PREDICTION
Mark Lawrenson
Football Analyst
"West Ham will revert to a system that makes them difficult to beat but Martin Jol's Fulham side have bigger problems. They have been poor for a long time and are dropping into the category of 'easy to beat'." I have vague memories of Kevin Keegan in the 1974 FA Cup final (and David Coleman's commentary line "Newcastle were undressed!"), but West Ham against Fulham in 1975 was the first final I really watched properly. Fulham were the minnows, a second-tier team captained by former England skipper Alan Mullery. Another former England captain was the story though; Bobby Moore was playing in the white of Fulham against the claret and blue of his beloved West Ham. It was Bobby's last game at Wembley but there was to be no fairytale, with West Ham winning 2-0. But there was a famous photo - Moore and Mullery arm in arm, sweaty and smiling as West Ham celebrated with the cup in the far distance. They might have lost the game, but both those ageing warriors knew that such days would not come round for them again. Can it really be nearly 40 years ago? Both clubs fell to Manchester United in this season's FA Cup, and I doubt that this league meeting of west and east London will still be talked about in four decades time, but I suppose you never know. Neither team are exactly flying right now; in their last 10 league and cup matches Fulham have just two wins and West Ham only one. Neither can yet afford to be impervious to the scramble for points involving those below them, so a victory for either would be warmly welcomed.
There, did it - a Fulham preview without mentioning Dimitar Berbatov… Doh!
MATCH FACTS
Head-to-head
Fulham have only won two of their 17 Premier League meetings with West Ham (W2, D5, L10).
The Hammers have won six of their eight Premier League games away to Fulham (W6, D1, L1).
Fulham
Fulham are the only team yet to win a Premier League London derby this season (D2, L3).
Martin Jol's men have won two of their last 15 league games (W2, D6, L7).
They have failed to keep a clean sheet in their last nine league matches.
West Ham United
The Hammers have claimed eight points from the last 33 available, and have lost five of their previous six away league games (D1, L5).
Sam Allardyce's men have scored six away league goals this season, fewer than any other Premier League side. Stoke (eight) are the only other side not yet in double figures.
They have only kept one clean sheet in their last 12 league games.
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West Ham manager Sam Allardyce says Mohamed Diame might leave
BBC.co.uk
Sam Allardyce has suggested there remains a possibility Mohamed Diame will leave the club before Thursday's transfer deadline. The 25-year-old midfielder has been linked with a move away but said last week that he was keen to stay. The West Ham boss said: "There are certain situations where, yes, we might lose the player. I hope we don't. "It can change between now and 11pm on Thursday, in the flick of a text, or an e-mail, or a phone call." Diame joined the Irons from Wigan last summer, and has made 18 appearances in the Premier League for the club. He continues to be linked with a move despite his statement that he is "very happy at the club". Allardyce admits he is as confused as anyone about the situation. "My understanding is that it is total confusion," said Allardyce ahead of Wednesday's match with Fulham. "I am sat there listening to what is going on [in the media], but deep down inside behind the scenes I speak to the chairman and where we are at the moment we are relatively comfortable regarding Mo Diame. "However, whatever Diame says to me today might change in an hour's time - if Manchester United ring up in one hour's time, he's not going to want to stay is he? "If the situation develops accordingly there is going to be the chance we lose him. We are trying to keep him. "It is hugely stressful window as ever and we will all be glad when it's over."
Allardyce also revealed that the club had missed out on signing left-back Stephen Warnock from Aston Villa. He said: "Stephen we thought was a goer yesterday, but we had another club in the Championship [reported to be Leeds] make him a longer-term offer, which he has accepted. "Ours was more a short-term offer with a view to a further and longer deal, but at the end of the day he chose the more secure one. "That was a lot of hard work which went to waste yet again. You constantly waste your time because 99% of the time you don't get what you want."
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Mo says no but will he go?
KUMB.com
Filed: Tuesday, 29th January 2013
By: Staff Writer
David Gold has revealed that the club's revised contract offer to Mo Diame has been withdrawn. The Senegalese international had been offered a 20 per cent wage increase that would have boosted his weekly wage from £40,000 to £50,000 - on condition that the existing minimum fee release clause be removed.
However Diame, who has been linked with a string of clubs since the transfer window opened at the beginning of the month as a result of the £3.5million buyout clause, has failed to put pen to paper. West Ham United's co-chairman told sportsdirectnews.com: "There has been no inquiry from anywhere. That's not to say there won't be but it would have been fair to have expected something by now if there was anything happening. "Never rule anything out and it is possible to do a deal in 24 hours but in the meantime all new contract talks have ended and the offer withdrawn."
Diame, who is set to start for West Ham against Fulham at Craven Cottage tomorrow night now faces the choice of remaining at West Ham for the foreseeable future or negotiating a move away from the club prior to Thursday night's 11pm transfer deadline.
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Allardyce admits defeat in left-back chase
KUMb.com
Filed: Tuesday, 29th January 2013
By: Staff Writer
Sam Allardyce has resigned himself to losing out on Aston Villa's Stephen Warnock. The 31-year-old defender looked set to join West Ham having agreed terms at the weekend but has instead opted to hold discussions with Championship club Leeds United. Speaking this morning, Allardyce admitted that the chances of signing Warnock now looked bleak. "The player was on his way down but it appears he received a phone call from a Championship club who made him a better, long-term offer," he told reporters. Allardyce could now return to first choice target Martin Olsson, Blacburn Rovers' Swedish left back for whom United are understood to have already lodged three bids - the latest of which was reported to be worth in the region of £5million including add-ons. However the French media are suggesting that Big Sam has turned his attention to Valencia's Aly Cissokho, with a late bid for the 25-year-old being mooted. Cissokho, who is of Senegalese descent and has made one appearance for France, moved to Spain last summer in a €5 million deal.
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Allardyce admits he could lose Mo Diame
KUMB.com
Filed: Tuesday, 29th January 2013
By: Staff Writer
West Ham midfielder Mo Diame could be making his final appearance for the club at Fulham tomorrow night. With less than 72 hours of the transfer window remaining, Diame remains at West Ham despite being linked with a string of clubs since the window opened on January 1st. And despite none of those clubs coming forward to make an official approach for the 25-year-old midfielder, Hammers boss Sam Allardyce still refuses to rule out movement - despite admitting to being utterly confused by the situation. Speaking to the press this morning ahead of tomorrow night's trip to Craven Cottage, Allardyce said: "I'm listening to what's going on but behind the scenes I've spoken to the chairman and, at the moment, we're relatively comfortable regarding Mo Diame. "[But] whatever he says to me today might change in an hour's time. If Manchester United ring up, he's not going to want to stay, is he? So it doesn't matter what he's saying now. It could change between now and 11 o'clock Thursday night in the flick of a text, or an email, or a phone call. "There are certain situations where, yes, we might lose the player. I hope we don't. But if the situation develops accordingly, there's going to be the chance we lose him. We're trying to keep him."
Diame, who is available for a paltry £3.5m having insisted on a minimum fee release clause being inserted in the contract he signed with West Ham last summer, is also understood to have snubbed a new contract offer from West Ham.
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Fulham prepare to face West Ham at Craven Cottage
Last Updated: January 29, 2013 6:50pm
SSN
Fulham have the chance to overtake their visitors when they host West Ham at Craven Cottage on Wednesday. Neither team have won in the Premier League since New Year's Day with Martin Jol's side on a run of four without a win in front of their own fans. A London derby against the Hammers could be the motivation they need to kick-start their campaign and pick up that first home win since the December triumph over Newcastle. Coincidentally, Sam Allardyce's side have fond memories of the Magpies too -their November trip to Tyneside is the last time the Irons picked up three points on the road. The West Ham boss is known for targeting specific fixtures and it seems likely that an away day at the Cottage would be the sort of evening he will expect his players to end that poor run. Bolstered by a host of January arrivals, both sides will go into this clash with cause for optimism but for the losers there is still the risk of being lured into a surprise relegation battle.
Fulham
Last 6
4-1
2-0
1-2
1-1
1-1
1-2
Emmanuel Frimpong is in line to make his Fulham debut after joining on loan from Arsenal on Friday. Fellow midfielder Simon Davies is also available for selection having returned to training after a lengthy spell on the sidelines. Kieran Richardson (calf), Mahamadou Diarra (knee) and Kerim Frei (pelvis) are all absent for the visit of the Hammers.
West Ham
Last 6
5-1
1-1
1-0
3-0
2-2
2-1
West Ham striker Andy Carroll could finally return to the squad after recovering from a knee problem. The on-loan Liverpool forward has been missing since November but could make the bench at Craven Cottage. New arrival Emanuel Pogatetz will go straight into the squad but George McCartney (knee), James Collins (hamstring) and Dan Potts (concussion) are all missing.
Opta Facts:
Fulham have won just two of their previous 17 Premier League matches against West Ham (W2 D5 L10), with one of those victories being in their first ever PL meeting.
Carlton Cole has scored in each of his last five Premier League starts against Fulham, netting six goals in total.
No goalkeeper has been forced into making more saves than Jussi Jaaskelainen (91).
Dimitar Berbatov netted five goals in his first seven Premier League appearances for Fulham (goal every 117 mins), but has scored only two in his subsequent 12 PL games (goal every 540 mins).
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West Ham's Mohamed Diame could leave, says Sam Allardyce
Last Updated: January 29, 2013 3:02pm
SSN
The future of Mohamed Diame at West Ham United remains unclear after manager Sam Allardyce confessed there is 'total confusion' regarding the midfielder.
Arsenal and Aston Villa are both interested in the 25-year-old Senegal international, who was only signed last summer but has a £3.5million release clause in his contract at Upton Park. There has yet to be a bid for Diame, according to Allardyce, but that situation is subject to change ahead of Thursday's transfer deadline. "My understanding is that it's total confusion," said Allardyce in the build-up to Wednesday's Premier League London derby at Fulham. "I'm as confused as anyone by what's happening. "I'm sat there listening to what's going on but, deep down inside, behind the scenes, I speak to the chairman and, where we are at the moment, we're relatively comfortable regarding Mo Diame." But Allardyce added: "Whatever he says to me today might change in an hour's time. Whatever he says now, if Manchester Unitedring up in one hour's time, he's not going to want to stay, is he? "So it doesn't matter what he's saying now. It could change between now and 11 o'clock Thursday night in the flick of a text, or an email, or a phone call. "There are certain situations where, yes, we might lose the player. I hope we don't. But if the situation develops accordingly, there's going to be the chance we lose him. We're trying to keep him." Carlton Cole is another player who Allardyce does not expect to leave West Ham but there has been interest from Turkish club Kasimpasa. The striker has just six months left on his contract and could be behind loan signings Andy Carroll and Marouane Chamakh in Allardyce's plans.
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West Ham manager Sam Allardyce expects Mohamed Diame passion at Fulham
Last Updated: January 29, 2013 11:39pm
SSN
West Ham manager Sam Allardyce expects Mohamed Diame to be fully committed if he plays against Fulham at Craven Cottage on Wednesday night. The 25-year-old midfielder only joined the Hammers last summer from Wigan, but he has a £3.5million release clause in his contract and has been linked with a move to Arsenal. Diame insisted last week that he was "happy" at Upton Park but the speculation over his future continues and Allardyce admits the situation amounts to "total confusion".
But he said: "Diame is a professional. He is paid to play for West Ham United. I expect everyone to put the shirt on and play with a passion, with the ability and desire that they have got. "He has had a long spell off with a hamstring injury and is only finding his feet again. My plan is that I am playing him because I hope and I believe he is going to be here after Thursday."
West Ham have recorded just one Premier League win in the last eight, and were thumped 5-1 at Arsenal last time. Allardyce added: "We aren't comfortable by any stretch of the imagination, based on recent results. "It is not good enough and the players' responsibility is to get more points on the board, starting Wednesday, to produce a result from the game and see if we can move on from there."
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Transfer News: West Ham considering January bid for Razvan Rat
By Pete O'Rourke. Last Updated: January 29, 2013 11:06pm
SSN
Sky Sports understands West Ham are eyeing a move for Shakhtar Donetsk left-back Razvan Rat. Rat is out of contract in the summer and with the 31-year-old unlikely to agree a new deal at Shakhtar, the Ukrainian club are keen to secure a fee in January. The Hammers have already brought in Emmanuel Pogatetz on loan until the end of the season and the Austrian is capable of operating at left-back. But Sam Allardyce could still be forced into a cut-price offer with several other Premier League clubs tracking the player this week. The Romania international has vast experience having won league titles in his homeland as well as with Shakhtar and was part of the team that won the UEFA Cup in 2009.
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Big Sam's SOS for Carroll
By ANDREW DILLON
Last Updated: 30th January 2013
The Sun
SAM ALLARDYCE is ready to risk Andy Carroll tonight in a desperate bid to stay out of the relegation battle. On-loan striker Carroll has not played for two months because of a knee injury but West Ham's freefall down the table calls for desperate measures. The match at Fulham is a must-win for both teams with the Hammers just two points above the Cottagers and eight points clear of the drop zone. Boss Allardyce said: "Andy is fit in that he has cleared from the injury and he is in training. "But we will have to assess whether he is going to be in the squad at such an early stage. "He has had no competitive football and only two days' training with the squad. "We aren't comfortable by any stretch of the imagination — our recent results suggest we are anything but comfortable. "We have played seven games and taken five points. It's not enough, and the players' responsibility is to get more points on the board." Carroll has yet to ignite in his £92,000-a-week spell at West Ham. He has scored only once — a consolation effort in a 3-1 defeat at Tottenham. But even a limping Carroll warming the bench would lift the fans and boost West Ham's attack.
WEST HAM (likely): Jaaskelainen, Demel, Reid, Tomkins, Pogatetz, Nolan, Noble, Diame, Vaz Te, J Cole, C Cole.
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Come in Andy! Off-form West Ham set to throw Carroll into 'doom derby'
The Mirror
29 Jan 2013 22:30
By Mike Walters
Twitchy Sam Allardyce is ready to gamble on Andy Carroll against Fulham in a desperate bid to pull West Ham out of their nosedive. Hammers boss Allardyce has presided over a wretched run of just five points from a possible 24, culminating in a 7am inquest with his squad just hours after last week's 5-1 drubbing at Arsenal. Big Sam has also missed out on transfer target Stephen Warnock, after the former England defender snubbed the Hammers to join Championship mid-table side Leeds. And Allardyce faces a battle to keep dynamic midfielder Mohamed Diame beyond Thursday night's transfer deadline, with Arsenal ready to spring the £3.5million release clause in his contract. Carroll, who has been out since November 28 with a knee injury, is likely to be on the bench at Craven Cottage on Wednesday in what has becomes a doom derby, where the losers will be sucked into the relegation dogfight.
The £35m England centre-forward, who is on a season-long loan from Liverpool, terrorised Fulham when he made his Hammers debut in the reverse fixture at Upton Park. Allardyce said: "Andy is fit, in terms of being injury-free, and he is training with the first team players again. "We have to assess whether to put him straight in the side at such an early stage having had no competitive football for two months and only two days' training with the squad. "But we aren't comfortable, in terms of where we are in the table, by any stretch of the imagination - our recent results would suggest we are anything but comfortable.
"We have taken only five points from our last seven games, which is not good enough, and the players' responsibility to get more points on the board, starting at Fulham. "Generally, we have always had a good reaction after losing a game - I just hope it is the same at Craven Cottage and the players reach the level we know they can."
Allardyce admitted he could lose Senegal international Diame, saying: "It's total confusion. I hope we don't, but we might lose him. "It's the worst month of the year because of the volatility of the market and speculation on a daily basis about what is happening to your players. "For those of us teetering on the brink of the relegation zone, it creates a wave of emotion that is very difficult to deal with. "Diame is a professional, he's paid to play for West Ham United and I expect everyone to put the shirt on and play with passion, ability and desire. "He has had a long spell off with a hamstring injury and is only finding his feet again. My plan is that I'm playing him because I hope and believe he's going to be here after Thursday. "I've re-sold the club to him a million times already, but at the end of the day it will be money talking - and when money talks in football, there's no stopping it. "People (agents) are trying to earn their living in one month because it's the only month they have a chance to earn it."
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http://vyperz.blogspot.com
WHUFC.com
Sam Allardyce spoke to the press ahead of West Ham United's trip to Craven Cottage
29.01.2013
Sam Allardyce is pleased to have added to his defensive options ahead of Wednesday's Barclays Premier League meeting with London rivals Fulham.
The Hammers completed the loan signing of Wolfsburg defender Emanuel Pogatetz on Monday and Big Sam says the ex-Middlesbrough man could be in line for a quick debut at Craven Cottage. He also revealed that Andy Carroll is in contention after taking part in training this week.
Sam, could you talk us through the team news for Wednesday night?
SA: "We've signed Emanuel Pogatetz on loan from Wolfsburg and I'm pleased to have him, because we've had defensive problems - particularly as the loss of James Collins and George McCartney [to injury] leaves us short at the moment. He's an experienced defender, both in Germany and of course at Middlesbrough. It gives us a bit more opportunity in defensive terms where we are short on players at this moment in time. "We're still waiting on Andy Carroll, whether we think it's right to add him to the squad because he's only had two days training with us, in terms of joining in with the players having not played for a number of weeks. We don't know whether that'll be too risky and we'll make the choice later on Tuesday. The rest of the squad stays the same. It's quite good at the moment, and it's quite strong, and we have to play to our best to start getting some points on the board. "The biggest message is to play better than we have been away from home. We haven't been able to secure a clean sheet for an awful long time. That and the shortage of goals particularly away from home - we've got to improve all of that. "We've got the players available, we know what the players are capable of. They've proven that they can perform and they've got to get to that level of performance again. It's two massive games in terms of Wednesday and Saturday coming up. It's two massive efforts from the players [we need] to establish their position in the Barclays Premier League, and to secure the points in both the games. I'm not saying win both, we'd love to win both, but certainly to come out the back of the next two games undefeated. As always you're trying to win a football match when you start and if we can do that then that would be great. Put points on the board in both games - that's the important thing for us."
You've signed Emanuel Pogatetz. Is there a chance that he could make his debut?
SA: "He comes straight into the squad. He's said he's fully fit and ready to go. He's had a winter break as they do in Germany but he's been training every day and has been available every day for Wolfsburg. He's said he's ready to go straight in and of course he does have some experience in the Premier League. Hopefully that'll stand him in good stead when we need him."
How important are the next two games?
SA: "I think that Fulham are in a similar situation to ourselves where performances have been pretty good but results have not followed that. It's all about winning football matches and putting points on the board. We've both failed to do that, so it's a massive game from our point of view. It's a team that are below us at the moment and you don't want teams below you to catch you up and get nearer to you. "Then it's Swansea at home and we've played so well at home all season. Our performances at home have been outstanding, but recently it's been performances but not the results we should have gained. That's been hugely disappointing - too many draws have turned to losses and too many supposed wins we've ended up with draws, particularly the last one against QPR. It was a massive blow to have played that well - in my opinion the best game we've played here this season, from start to finish we battered them - and not win. That's the problem we've got, when we're so dominant we've got to win."
Harry Redknapp was quoted as describing the transfer window as 'gang warfare' between agents. What do you think?
SA: "I wouldn't use the terminology gang warfare, but I would agree that the volatility that the January market causes means that you're looking at a group of people, licenced agents, who have one month to make money, and then they don't make money any more until the end of the season. That will bring a huge and volatile market to the forefront where they will try to outdo each other and do whatever it takes to get a deal on the table for them to be the ones who benefit financially. "That's where the problem lies when it comes to who is looking after what and who represents what player. It's hugely difficult to work all that out in the first place and, yes, it causes a massive panic in and around this time of the year. Then the speculation that goes with it in the media, which is probably fuelled mostly by agents telling you that this player is going to go there, and this player might go here and so on and so forth. It's a hugely stressful window as ever and we'll all be glad when it's over."
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The Big Interview - Emanuel Pogatetz
WHUFC.com
West Ham United's new No18 Emanuel Pogatetz is delighted to be back in English football
29.01.2013
He may have been playing in Germany for the past two-and-a-half years, but many English football fans will instantly recall Emanuel Pogatetz. The tall, strong Austria international defender enjoyed five seasons with Middlesbrough between 2005 and 2010, helping Boro to reach the UEFA Cup final and earning a reputation for being a whole-hearted player willing to put his body on the line for the cause. West Ham United's new No18, who has joined the club on loan from Bundesliga side VfL Wolfsburg, is planning to endear himself to Hammers fans with more of the same following his arrival in east London. The 31-year-old could make his debut in the Barclays Premier League fixture at Fulham on Wednesday evening and he has told whufc.com he cannot wait to start his second spell on these shores.
What is it like to come back to England with West Ham?
EP: "I am really happy to be back in England, because the English football is enjoyable and is the football I have enjoyed the most and suits me the most."
What it is about English football you like the most?
EP: "It is a fast game and that suits the way I like to play. I just try to play my best and think I can play my best football here. I also enjoyed my time in the Bundesliga, of course. I think I adapted quite quickly to that but the game I want to play again is the English Premier League. I am really happy to be back here."
What did Sam Allardyce and your new team-mates say when you met them? You already know Gary O'Neil from your time with him at Middlesbrough, of course!
EP: "Yes, I met the manager and we had a chat. He is a very experienced manager who I am looking forward to working with and working under. I had a chat with Gary. I saw him at lunch and it was good to see him again after three years. Kevin Nolan also made a point of coming up to me as captain, to say hello and welcome - it was nice of him to do that, he spoke a few words to me."
You are versatile and able to play at either centre-back or left-back, but what do you see as your best position?
EP: "Definitely at the back, a centre0half. That is why Sam Allardyce has brought me in. I can also play as a left-back if I am needed there, but think I am best as a centre-half. I think that is the main position he [Sam] has brought me in for]."
Are you fit to play immediately?
EP: "I feel I am ready to go. I am looking to play games and train with the lads. I think I am OK but it is up to the gaffer when he wants to play me. But I am ready to train and then I can see if the manager thinks I am ready. I am fit and will try to make a good impression in the training session and then hopefully I can be ready for when the manager and team needs me."
Do you have any good memories of playing against West Ham, here, during the time you have played in England?
EP: "Yes, it is quite a few years ago but what I can remember is the supporters are very passionate here and I also remember coming in on the coach, seeing the area here, it was already packed with supporters making their way to the game. So straight away, when you see all of that, you think it is going to be a tough match here not only against the team but with the fans, who will be passionate. That is what I can remember. I am looking forward to playing in front of such an atmosphere, but for the West Ham fans this time. In front of such passionate supporters who give you the extra push, drive and boost you need to play your best."
You have been out of the country for a while, but have you watched the Premier League and seen what has been going on?
EP: "Yes, of course. I have been watching it in between playing. I have stayed in contact with a few of the lads I knew at Middlesbrough. I know what is going on and know what to expect in this league. I am looking forward to and am ready for that."
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Fulham v West Ham
BBC.co.uk
29 January 2013
Last updated at 12:43
By Steve Wilson
BBC Match of the Day commentator
BARCLAYS PREMIER LEAGUE
Venue: Craven Cottage Date: Wednesday, 30 January
TEAM NEWS
Fulham could give a debut to Emmanuel Frimpong, who has joined on loan from Arsenal for the rest of the season. Kieran Richardson is expected to return after missing Saturday's defeat at Manchester United with a calf strain.
West Ham welcome back Arsenal loanee Marouane Chamakh, who was ineligible to face his parent club in the Hammers' last match. Andy Carroll could return from a knee problem and new signing Emanuel Pogatetz has been named in the squad.
MATCH PREVIEW
The FA Cup bared its giant-killing teeth last weekend, going some way to restoring the reputation of a competition tarnished by too many boring all-Premier League encounters between not quite full-strength sides playing not quite fully committed football in front of nowhere near full houses. Thank goodness for Millwall, MK Dons, Luton, Brentford, Leeds and Oldham. That's a sentiment which might be echoed at the FA, though the marketing types at their Wembley HQ may well hope the minnows are long gone before the final - Oldham against Millwall wouldn't sell in Dubai.
LAWRO'S PREDICTION
Mark Lawrenson
Football Analyst
"West Ham will revert to a system that makes them difficult to beat but Martin Jol's Fulham side have bigger problems. They have been poor for a long time and are dropping into the category of 'easy to beat'." I have vague memories of Kevin Keegan in the 1974 FA Cup final (and David Coleman's commentary line "Newcastle were undressed!"), but West Ham against Fulham in 1975 was the first final I really watched properly. Fulham were the minnows, a second-tier team captained by former England skipper Alan Mullery. Another former England captain was the story though; Bobby Moore was playing in the white of Fulham against the claret and blue of his beloved West Ham. It was Bobby's last game at Wembley but there was to be no fairytale, with West Ham winning 2-0. But there was a famous photo - Moore and Mullery arm in arm, sweaty and smiling as West Ham celebrated with the cup in the far distance. They might have lost the game, but both those ageing warriors knew that such days would not come round for them again. Can it really be nearly 40 years ago? Both clubs fell to Manchester United in this season's FA Cup, and I doubt that this league meeting of west and east London will still be talked about in four decades time, but I suppose you never know. Neither team are exactly flying right now; in their last 10 league and cup matches Fulham have just two wins and West Ham only one. Neither can yet afford to be impervious to the scramble for points involving those below them, so a victory for either would be warmly welcomed.
There, did it - a Fulham preview without mentioning Dimitar Berbatov… Doh!
MATCH FACTS
Head-to-head
Fulham have only won two of their 17 Premier League meetings with West Ham (W2, D5, L10).
The Hammers have won six of their eight Premier League games away to Fulham (W6, D1, L1).
Fulham
Fulham are the only team yet to win a Premier League London derby this season (D2, L3).
Martin Jol's men have won two of their last 15 league games (W2, D6, L7).
They have failed to keep a clean sheet in their last nine league matches.
West Ham United
The Hammers have claimed eight points from the last 33 available, and have lost five of their previous six away league games (D1, L5).
Sam Allardyce's men have scored six away league goals this season, fewer than any other Premier League side. Stoke (eight) are the only other side not yet in double figures.
They have only kept one clean sheet in their last 12 league games.
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West Ham manager Sam Allardyce says Mohamed Diame might leave
BBC.co.uk
Sam Allardyce has suggested there remains a possibility Mohamed Diame will leave the club before Thursday's transfer deadline. The 25-year-old midfielder has been linked with a move away but said last week that he was keen to stay. The West Ham boss said: "There are certain situations where, yes, we might lose the player. I hope we don't. "It can change between now and 11pm on Thursday, in the flick of a text, or an e-mail, or a phone call." Diame joined the Irons from Wigan last summer, and has made 18 appearances in the Premier League for the club. He continues to be linked with a move despite his statement that he is "very happy at the club". Allardyce admits he is as confused as anyone about the situation. "My understanding is that it is total confusion," said Allardyce ahead of Wednesday's match with Fulham. "I am sat there listening to what is going on [in the media], but deep down inside behind the scenes I speak to the chairman and where we are at the moment we are relatively comfortable regarding Mo Diame. "However, whatever Diame says to me today might change in an hour's time - if Manchester United ring up in one hour's time, he's not going to want to stay is he? "If the situation develops accordingly there is going to be the chance we lose him. We are trying to keep him. "It is hugely stressful window as ever and we will all be glad when it's over."
Allardyce also revealed that the club had missed out on signing left-back Stephen Warnock from Aston Villa. He said: "Stephen we thought was a goer yesterday, but we had another club in the Championship [reported to be Leeds] make him a longer-term offer, which he has accepted. "Ours was more a short-term offer with a view to a further and longer deal, but at the end of the day he chose the more secure one. "That was a lot of hard work which went to waste yet again. You constantly waste your time because 99% of the time you don't get what you want."
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Mo says no but will he go?
KUMB.com
Filed: Tuesday, 29th January 2013
By: Staff Writer
David Gold has revealed that the club's revised contract offer to Mo Diame has been withdrawn. The Senegalese international had been offered a 20 per cent wage increase that would have boosted his weekly wage from £40,000 to £50,000 - on condition that the existing minimum fee release clause be removed.
However Diame, who has been linked with a string of clubs since the transfer window opened at the beginning of the month as a result of the £3.5million buyout clause, has failed to put pen to paper. West Ham United's co-chairman told sportsdirectnews.com: "There has been no inquiry from anywhere. That's not to say there won't be but it would have been fair to have expected something by now if there was anything happening. "Never rule anything out and it is possible to do a deal in 24 hours but in the meantime all new contract talks have ended and the offer withdrawn."
Diame, who is set to start for West Ham against Fulham at Craven Cottage tomorrow night now faces the choice of remaining at West Ham for the foreseeable future or negotiating a move away from the club prior to Thursday night's 11pm transfer deadline.
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Allardyce admits defeat in left-back chase
KUMb.com
Filed: Tuesday, 29th January 2013
By: Staff Writer
Sam Allardyce has resigned himself to losing out on Aston Villa's Stephen Warnock. The 31-year-old defender looked set to join West Ham having agreed terms at the weekend but has instead opted to hold discussions with Championship club Leeds United. Speaking this morning, Allardyce admitted that the chances of signing Warnock now looked bleak. "The player was on his way down but it appears he received a phone call from a Championship club who made him a better, long-term offer," he told reporters. Allardyce could now return to first choice target Martin Olsson, Blacburn Rovers' Swedish left back for whom United are understood to have already lodged three bids - the latest of which was reported to be worth in the region of £5million including add-ons. However the French media are suggesting that Big Sam has turned his attention to Valencia's Aly Cissokho, with a late bid for the 25-year-old being mooted. Cissokho, who is of Senegalese descent and has made one appearance for France, moved to Spain last summer in a €5 million deal.
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Allardyce admits he could lose Mo Diame
KUMB.com
Filed: Tuesday, 29th January 2013
By: Staff Writer
West Ham midfielder Mo Diame could be making his final appearance for the club at Fulham tomorrow night. With less than 72 hours of the transfer window remaining, Diame remains at West Ham despite being linked with a string of clubs since the window opened on January 1st. And despite none of those clubs coming forward to make an official approach for the 25-year-old midfielder, Hammers boss Sam Allardyce still refuses to rule out movement - despite admitting to being utterly confused by the situation. Speaking to the press this morning ahead of tomorrow night's trip to Craven Cottage, Allardyce said: "I'm listening to what's going on but behind the scenes I've spoken to the chairman and, at the moment, we're relatively comfortable regarding Mo Diame. "[But] whatever he says to me today might change in an hour's time. If Manchester United ring up, he's not going to want to stay, is he? So it doesn't matter what he's saying now. It could change between now and 11 o'clock Thursday night in the flick of a text, or an email, or a phone call. "There are certain situations where, yes, we might lose the player. I hope we don't. But if the situation develops accordingly, there's going to be the chance we lose him. We're trying to keep him."
Diame, who is available for a paltry £3.5m having insisted on a minimum fee release clause being inserted in the contract he signed with West Ham last summer, is also understood to have snubbed a new contract offer from West Ham.
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Fulham prepare to face West Ham at Craven Cottage
Last Updated: January 29, 2013 6:50pm
SSN
Fulham have the chance to overtake their visitors when they host West Ham at Craven Cottage on Wednesday. Neither team have won in the Premier League since New Year's Day with Martin Jol's side on a run of four without a win in front of their own fans. A London derby against the Hammers could be the motivation they need to kick-start their campaign and pick up that first home win since the December triumph over Newcastle. Coincidentally, Sam Allardyce's side have fond memories of the Magpies too -their November trip to Tyneside is the last time the Irons picked up three points on the road. The West Ham boss is known for targeting specific fixtures and it seems likely that an away day at the Cottage would be the sort of evening he will expect his players to end that poor run. Bolstered by a host of January arrivals, both sides will go into this clash with cause for optimism but for the losers there is still the risk of being lured into a surprise relegation battle.
Fulham
Last 6
4-1
2-0
1-2
1-1
1-1
1-2
Emmanuel Frimpong is in line to make his Fulham debut after joining on loan from Arsenal on Friday. Fellow midfielder Simon Davies is also available for selection having returned to training after a lengthy spell on the sidelines. Kieran Richardson (calf), Mahamadou Diarra (knee) and Kerim Frei (pelvis) are all absent for the visit of the Hammers.
West Ham
Last 6
5-1
1-1
1-0
3-0
2-2
2-1
West Ham striker Andy Carroll could finally return to the squad after recovering from a knee problem. The on-loan Liverpool forward has been missing since November but could make the bench at Craven Cottage. New arrival Emanuel Pogatetz will go straight into the squad but George McCartney (knee), James Collins (hamstring) and Dan Potts (concussion) are all missing.
Opta Facts:
Fulham have won just two of their previous 17 Premier League matches against West Ham (W2 D5 L10), with one of those victories being in their first ever PL meeting.
Carlton Cole has scored in each of his last five Premier League starts against Fulham, netting six goals in total.
No goalkeeper has been forced into making more saves than Jussi Jaaskelainen (91).
Dimitar Berbatov netted five goals in his first seven Premier League appearances for Fulham (goal every 117 mins), but has scored only two in his subsequent 12 PL games (goal every 540 mins).
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West Ham's Mohamed Diame could leave, says Sam Allardyce
Last Updated: January 29, 2013 3:02pm
SSN
The future of Mohamed Diame at West Ham United remains unclear after manager Sam Allardyce confessed there is 'total confusion' regarding the midfielder.
Arsenal and Aston Villa are both interested in the 25-year-old Senegal international, who was only signed last summer but has a £3.5million release clause in his contract at Upton Park. There has yet to be a bid for Diame, according to Allardyce, but that situation is subject to change ahead of Thursday's transfer deadline. "My understanding is that it's total confusion," said Allardyce in the build-up to Wednesday's Premier League London derby at Fulham. "I'm as confused as anyone by what's happening. "I'm sat there listening to what's going on but, deep down inside, behind the scenes, I speak to the chairman and, where we are at the moment, we're relatively comfortable regarding Mo Diame." But Allardyce added: "Whatever he says to me today might change in an hour's time. Whatever he says now, if Manchester Unitedring up in one hour's time, he's not going to want to stay, is he? "So it doesn't matter what he's saying now. It could change between now and 11 o'clock Thursday night in the flick of a text, or an email, or a phone call. "There are certain situations where, yes, we might lose the player. I hope we don't. But if the situation develops accordingly, there's going to be the chance we lose him. We're trying to keep him." Carlton Cole is another player who Allardyce does not expect to leave West Ham but there has been interest from Turkish club Kasimpasa. The striker has just six months left on his contract and could be behind loan signings Andy Carroll and Marouane Chamakh in Allardyce's plans.
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West Ham manager Sam Allardyce expects Mohamed Diame passion at Fulham
Last Updated: January 29, 2013 11:39pm
SSN
West Ham manager Sam Allardyce expects Mohamed Diame to be fully committed if he plays against Fulham at Craven Cottage on Wednesday night. The 25-year-old midfielder only joined the Hammers last summer from Wigan, but he has a £3.5million release clause in his contract and has been linked with a move to Arsenal. Diame insisted last week that he was "happy" at Upton Park but the speculation over his future continues and Allardyce admits the situation amounts to "total confusion".
But he said: "Diame is a professional. He is paid to play for West Ham United. I expect everyone to put the shirt on and play with a passion, with the ability and desire that they have got. "He has had a long spell off with a hamstring injury and is only finding his feet again. My plan is that I am playing him because I hope and I believe he is going to be here after Thursday."
West Ham have recorded just one Premier League win in the last eight, and were thumped 5-1 at Arsenal last time. Allardyce added: "We aren't comfortable by any stretch of the imagination, based on recent results. "It is not good enough and the players' responsibility is to get more points on the board, starting Wednesday, to produce a result from the game and see if we can move on from there."
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Transfer News: West Ham considering January bid for Razvan Rat
By Pete O'Rourke. Last Updated: January 29, 2013 11:06pm
SSN
Sky Sports understands West Ham are eyeing a move for Shakhtar Donetsk left-back Razvan Rat. Rat is out of contract in the summer and with the 31-year-old unlikely to agree a new deal at Shakhtar, the Ukrainian club are keen to secure a fee in January. The Hammers have already brought in Emmanuel Pogatetz on loan until the end of the season and the Austrian is capable of operating at left-back. But Sam Allardyce could still be forced into a cut-price offer with several other Premier League clubs tracking the player this week. The Romania international has vast experience having won league titles in his homeland as well as with Shakhtar and was part of the team that won the UEFA Cup in 2009.
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Big Sam's SOS for Carroll
By ANDREW DILLON
Last Updated: 30th January 2013
The Sun
SAM ALLARDYCE is ready to risk Andy Carroll tonight in a desperate bid to stay out of the relegation battle. On-loan striker Carroll has not played for two months because of a knee injury but West Ham's freefall down the table calls for desperate measures. The match at Fulham is a must-win for both teams with the Hammers just two points above the Cottagers and eight points clear of the drop zone. Boss Allardyce said: "Andy is fit in that he has cleared from the injury and he is in training. "But we will have to assess whether he is going to be in the squad at such an early stage. "He has had no competitive football and only two days' training with the squad. "We aren't comfortable by any stretch of the imagination — our recent results suggest we are anything but comfortable. "We have played seven games and taken five points. It's not enough, and the players' responsibility is to get more points on the board." Carroll has yet to ignite in his £92,000-a-week spell at West Ham. He has scored only once — a consolation effort in a 3-1 defeat at Tottenham. But even a limping Carroll warming the bench would lift the fans and boost West Ham's attack.
WEST HAM (likely): Jaaskelainen, Demel, Reid, Tomkins, Pogatetz, Nolan, Noble, Diame, Vaz Te, J Cole, C Cole.
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Come in Andy! Off-form West Ham set to throw Carroll into 'doom derby'
The Mirror
29 Jan 2013 22:30
By Mike Walters
Twitchy Sam Allardyce is ready to gamble on Andy Carroll against Fulham in a desperate bid to pull West Ham out of their nosedive. Hammers boss Allardyce has presided over a wretched run of just five points from a possible 24, culminating in a 7am inquest with his squad just hours after last week's 5-1 drubbing at Arsenal. Big Sam has also missed out on transfer target Stephen Warnock, after the former England defender snubbed the Hammers to join Championship mid-table side Leeds. And Allardyce faces a battle to keep dynamic midfielder Mohamed Diame beyond Thursday night's transfer deadline, with Arsenal ready to spring the £3.5million release clause in his contract. Carroll, who has been out since November 28 with a knee injury, is likely to be on the bench at Craven Cottage on Wednesday in what has becomes a doom derby, where the losers will be sucked into the relegation dogfight.
The £35m England centre-forward, who is on a season-long loan from Liverpool, terrorised Fulham when he made his Hammers debut in the reverse fixture at Upton Park. Allardyce said: "Andy is fit, in terms of being injury-free, and he is training with the first team players again. "We have to assess whether to put him straight in the side at such an early stage having had no competitive football for two months and only two days' training with the squad. "But we aren't comfortable, in terms of where we are in the table, by any stretch of the imagination - our recent results would suggest we are anything but comfortable.
"We have taken only five points from our last seven games, which is not good enough, and the players' responsibility to get more points on the board, starting at Fulham. "Generally, we have always had a good reaction after losing a game - I just hope it is the same at Craven Cottage and the players reach the level we know they can."
Allardyce admitted he could lose Senegal international Diame, saying: "It's total confusion. I hope we don't, but we might lose him. "It's the worst month of the year because of the volatility of the market and speculation on a daily basis about what is happening to your players. "For those of us teetering on the brink of the relegation zone, it creates a wave of emotion that is very difficult to deal with. "Diame is a professional, he's paid to play for West Ham United and I expect everyone to put the shirt on and play with passion, ability and desire. "He has had a long spell off with a hamstring injury and is only finding his feet again. My plan is that I'm playing him because I hope and believe he's going to be here after Thursday. "I've re-sold the club to him a million times already, but at the end of the day it will be money talking - and when money talks in football, there's no stopping it. "People (agents) are trying to earn their living in one month because it's the only month they have a chance to earn it."
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http://vyperz.blogspot.com
Tuesday, January 29
Daily WHUFC News - 29th January 2013
The Big Interview - Wellington Paulista
WHUFC.com
West Ham United's new Brazilian forward on Barcelona, Ramires and his
respect for English football
28.01.2013
Wellington Paulista may not be a well-known name to most English football
supporters, but he is soon hoping to change that soon. The 29-year-old
joined West Ham United on loan until the end of the season from Brazilian
Serie A club Cruzeiro on Friday, having enjoyed a prolific 2012 that saw him
net 28 goals in 40 appearances. The forward, who becomes just the second
Brazilian to sign for the Hammers after compatriot Araujo Ilan in 2010, told
whufc.com and West Ham TV that he is hoping to make a big impact in a claret
and blue shirt and could appear for the Development Squad in Monday's
Development Squad game with Arsenal.
Wellington Paulista, welcome to West Ham United! What are your emotions on
joining the Hammers?
WP - "Thank you. I am really happy to be here at West Ham United. Everyone
has been very kind to me since I have been at the club this week. I think I
can do my best here and I am coming to England to prove to everyone that I
am one of the best strikers in Brazil and to get better and better."
Supporters will have seen your goals on YouTube, but what other qualities
will you bring to West Ham United?
WP - "I am strong, I am a fighter and I can score with both feet. I run a
lot on the pitch and I can play as either as first or second striker."
You have played at the very highest level in Brazil, including the final of
the Copa Libertadores in 2009, so will you feel pressure in the Barclays
Premier League?
WP - "The pressure will not be a problem for me because I am used to it from
my time in Brazil, where the fans were really addicted to the club. The
manager also put pressure on the players too, so it will be the same playing
here. What I am interested in is the passion of the supporters for their
team, the way they keep going with the club and the way they make the
players perform better."
You scored on your debut for Alaves against Barcelona in the Camp Nou in
January 2007, so can you rise to any challenge?
WP - "It is a pity that we lost that game because it was my first match for
Alaves against Barcelona in the Camp Nou. As soon as I scored that goal I
thought 'I am a star' because it was my first goal in my first game in
Europe. I was really young and had come from a really small team in Brazil
so that goal was so important for my whole career."
A lot of Brazilians are playing in the Barclays Premier League - do you know
any of them and do you hope to emulate their success?
WP - "I know Ramires very well. We are very good friends because we played
together for Cruzeiro. I also talked to some of the others. The best thing
for me is to adapt to England, to the language and to the style of play of
West Ham. I want to get to know my team-mates better and be adapted within
three months."
What do you know about West Ham United?
WP - "I didn't know much because the highlights of the Premier League have
not been shown on Brazilian television for very many years. I have been
working on my form and my fitness, but I also want to learn about the
history of the club and the old players and coaches and everybody."
Do you feel ready to play immediately?
WP - "I have not played since the Brazilian Premier League finished at the
start of December and I had been on holiday for three weeks. I am prepared
to do all the training as best as I can so I will be available for selection
by the coach as soon as possible. I also know that I need to be stronger as
the game here is based more on strength than it is in Brazil, but I will be
ready."
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Hammers loan Pogatetz
WHUFC.com
Emanuel Pogatetz has joined West Ham United on loan until the end of the
season
28.01.2013
West Ham United are pleased to announce the signing of Austria international
defender Emanuel Pogatetz on loan until the end of the 2012/13 season.
Pogatetz, who joins the Hammers from German Bundesliga club VfL Wolfsburg,
has been capped more than 50 times and is able to play at either centre-back
or left-back. The powerful 30-year-old also has extensive experience of the
English Premier League, having spent five seasons with Middlesbrough between
2005 and 2010. After two-and-a-half seasons in Germany with Hannover 96 and
Wolfsburg, the Graz-born player is delighted to be returning to this
country.
"I feel very good to be here and I am very excited about playing for West
Ham," he told whufc.com. "I am looking forward to the opportunity to play
for the club and help it get good results. I will be doing my best to play
well and hope I can play a part in the club achieving the targets for this
season. "First of all when I heard that West Ham wanted me, I thought it was
a club I wanted to play for because they are a very traditional club, with
passionate supporters. Secondly, it was good for to have the opportunity to
come back and play in England. This is the football I want to play and I
have missed playing here, I want to show what I am still capable of after
five years playing in Middlesbrough."
Born in Austria's second-largest city in January 1983, Pogatetz won the
Austrian Cup with FC Karnten in his first season as a professional in
2000/01, earning a move to German club and then-UEFA Champions League
regulars Bayer 04 Leverkusen. Pogatetz spent four seasons with Leverkusen,
during which time he was loaned to Swiss side FC Aarau, his hometown club
Grazer AK and Russian Premier League outfit Spartak Moscow, where he played
alongside future West Ham midfielder Radoslav Kovac and partnered future
Manchester United star Nemanja Vidic in defence. The versatile defender
moved to the Premier League in June 2005, when one-time England manager
Steve McClaren spent £1.8m to take him from Leverkusen to Middlesbrough.
Pogatetz made 158 appearances in five seasons at the Riverside Stadium,
helping Middlesbrough to reach the UEFA Cup final in his first season on
Teesside, only to miss the 4-0 defeat by Sevilla after fracturing his eye
socket in a quarter-final victory over FC Basel.
During the 2007/08 season, Pogatetz was appointed Middlesbrough captain.
Playing alongside future Hammers Gary O'Neil and Mido and ex-West Ham
striker Jeremie Aliadiere, the Austrian helped Boro to maintain their place
in the Premier League. Middlesbrough were relegated in 2009, but Pogatetz
stayed loyal to the club as they started life in the Championship. However,
a recurrence of his fractured cheekbone restricted his first-team
appearances. The player was snapped up by Hannover in June 2010, helping the
club to reach the UEFA Europa League quarter-finals in 2011/12 and totalling
72 appearances over two seasons. Bundesliga rivals Wolfsburg liked what they
saw and moved for Pogatetz last summer.
The 6'3 tall defender has also been a regular for Austria at senior level
since making his debut in a friendly with neighbours Germany in Leverkusen
in May 2002. Since then, Pogatetz has become an influential figure for his
national side, starting all three group-stage games when Austria hosted the
UEFA European Championship finals in 2008. The defender has netted twice in
his 52 international appearances - in a UEFA European Championship qualifier
against Netherlands in September 2003 and in a friendly draw in Italy in
August 2008.
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Haycock revels in Arsenal win
WHUFc.com
Nick Haycock heaped praise on his young guns after West Ham United's 2-0 win
at Arsenal
28.01.2013
Nick Haycock was delighted with a job well done as West Ham United's
Development Squad kicked-off their Barclays U21 Premier League Elite Group
Stage campaign with an impressive 2-0 win at Arsenal's London Colney
training ground. January recruit Wellington Paulista marked his first
appearance in claret and blue with a well-taken header, before Matthias
Fanimo doubled the visitors' advantage with just half-an-hour gone. The
Hammers were pressed into defensive duties after the interval, but having
weathered the Arsenal storm, were ultimately good value for a third
successive win over the Gunners at this level.
"It was a very satisfying performance," confirmed Haycock, speaking to West
Ham TV. "Before the game we said, in every development game you're looking
for a performance first, and nine times out of ten, if you get a performance
you get the win. And that was the case on Monday. "I thought in the first
half we were the better team. I was slightly disappointed that we didn't
come in with more goals. I thought we created some good opportunities and we
imposed our game on Arsenal. "They're always going to the pass ball well.
They've got an abundance of talent right through the youth teams into the
development side and then the first team. And obviously we had a lot of boys
there making their debuts at U21 level [in Amos Nasha, Sean Maguire and
substitute Kieran Bywater].
"We slightly changed the system from the success we had in the first part of
the season, just because of the personnel we had. Namely Elliot Lee had to
play out wide and I thought he did a terrific job and worked hard for the
team. All in it was a pleasing day at the office."
As well as two good goals, Haycock revelled in his side's excellent
rearguard display, as Arsenal struggled to fashion many chances of note.
"The defending, the blocking, tracking runs and keeping it tight on the edge
of the box was fantastic," added Haycock. "They didn't get in too many times
and when they did there were blocks on the line and a couple of good saves
from Raphael Spiegel. "But what we've got to work on is to make sure that
when we win it, we don't give it away as quickly as we did at times. Because
when we kept the ball we looked like we could go and score another at the
other end as well. All being said, second half, yes they had the lion's
share of possession but we still missed two good chances. Sometimes it goes
like that but the discipline of the side, the work rate and the quality at
times was there for everyone to see."
Haycock, overseeing only his second game in charge of the U21s, also
reserved special praise for Paulista, who worked tirelessly as he led the
line for the inexperienced Hammers. "He's a good lad first and foremost.
I've picked that up in training. He wants to do extra, he wants to work, he
wants to get fit, he's hungry. I thought he showed that in his performance
today. You sometimes get players who are used to playing at a higher level
in their own minds, and they come down to this level and don't put the
performance in, but I couldn't question Wellington. "I have to add I thought
Jordan Spence was immaculate at the back as well. The first team players in
Jordan, Wellington and Rafa, all had good games, and it gave the younger
ones a little bit of experience around them."
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Emanuel Pogatetz: West Ham sign Wolfsburg defender on loan
BBC.co.uk
West Ham have signed former Middlesbrough defender Emanuel Pogatetz on loan
until the end of the season. The Austria international, who made 158
appearances for Boro in a five-year spell, joins from German Bundesliga side
Wolfsburg. "I feel very good to be here and I am very excited about playing
for West Ham," said the 30-year-old. Pogatetz had spells with AK Graz, Bayer
Leverkusen and FC Aarau before joining Middlesbrough in 2005. He was part of
the side that reached the Uefa Cup final in 2006, although he missed out on
the final through injury. The Austrian headed back to Germany in 2010 with
Hannover before signing for Wolfsburg last summer.
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'Mad Dog' completes West Ham transfer
KUMB.com
Filed: Monday, 28th January 2013
By: Staff Writer
Emanuel Pogatetz has completed his loan move to West Ham United. We revealed
yesterday how West Ham were on the verge of tying up a deal for the
30-year-old Austrian international, who currently features for Wolfsburg in
the German Bendesliga. And the Club have just confirmed the deal which sees
the former Middlesbrough central defender arrive in London on a six-month
loan deal. Speaking to whufc.com, Pogatetz - who, like former Hammer Martin
Allen is affectionately known as 'Mad Dog' - said: "I feel very good to be
here and I am very excited about playing for West Ham. "I am looking
forward to the opportunity to play for the club and help it get good
results. I will be doing my best to play well and hope I can play a part in
the club achieving the targets for this season. "First of all when I heard
that West Ham wanted me, I thought it was a club I wanted to play for
because they are a very traditional club, with passionate supporters.
Secondly, it was good for to have the opportunity to come back and play in
England. "This is the football I want to play and I have missed playing
here, I want to show what I am still capable of after five years playing in
Middlesbrough."
Pogatetz is likely to be straight into the squad to face Fulham at Craven
Cottage on Wednesday evening.
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Wellington grabs first West Ham goal
KUMB.com
Filed: Monday, 28th January 2013
By: Staff Writer
New signing Wellington Paulista scored his first goal since joining West Ham
in a under 21s fixture against Arsenal this afternoon. The 29-year-old
on-loan Brazilian - featuring as one of the permitted over-age players -
grabbed the opening goal for West Ham in today's Elite Group encounter at
London Colney, which United won 2-0. Paulista, who played for an hour before
being replaced by fellow newcomer Sean Maguire, rose highest to meet George
Moncur's near-post corner to hear West Ham ahead on the 20-minute mark. It
was a lead that Nick Haycock's young Hammers doubled ten minutes later as
Matthias Fanimo's attempted cross somehow found its way into the back of the
net. The win gave the under 21s a perfect start to their Elite Group
campaign in what should have been their second outing, with last week's
planned fixture against Manchester United cancelled as a result of the snow.
West Ham Utd: Spiegel, Driver, Shaw, Nasha, Spence, Ruddock, Moncur,
Lletget, Fanimo, Lee, Paulista.
Subs: Larkins, Onariase, Miles, Bywater, Maguire.
Arsenal: Martinez, Angha, Miquel, Yennaris, Boateng, Hajrovic, Eisfeld,
Aneke, Ansah, Henderson, Neita.
Subs: Rees, Charles-Cook, Wynter, Bihmoutine.
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January transfer madness
KUMB.com
Filed: Monday, 28th January 2013
By: Matthew Kemp
So the transfer window circus continued on Thursday 24th January as Mo Diame
confirms that he wants to stay at West Ham and Arsene Wenger echoes Big
Sam's comments from the previous evening that they have not made an official
approach for the midfielder.
Lo and behold, the Daily Mail follow up on Friday, revealing that Tottenham
Hotspur are now the latest club to be interested in the Senegal
international. Albeit they have Dembele and Parker already competing for
this position!
In between these stories, we discover that Alou Diarra says his move to West
Ham was a waste of time (L'Equipe - lost in translation?) and Guy Demel and
Joey O'Brien have signed new contracts.
Focusing the attention on players coming in, it has become evident that
there isn't much money to be spent, as players joining have been Joe Cole
(free - albeit his salary will make him one of the higher earners within the
club), Wellington Paulista (loan signing), Marouane Chamakh and Emanuel
Pogatetz (also on loan).
Big Sam, has already declared his frustration at being unsuccessful in
finding a defender or two to help solve injuries and lack of numbers. The
issue being that his prime focus is to try and get players in on loan.
Chelsea have reportedly said no to a short term loan for left back Ryan
Betrand, and Blackburn have rebuffed up to three offers for Swedish
international Martin Olsson.
Of the four trialists we had earlier on in the season, Mikael Silvestre is
in the process of joining Dodsal FC in the Indian league, John Mensah has
joined Rennes in France (a powerhouse defender who I was surprised we didn't
sign?), Anthony Vanden Borre is club-less and Michael Lamey has joined RKC
Waalwijk.
It was clear earlier in the season that we needed more defenders, any of the
forementioned players were free agents, yet for what ever reason they
weren't up to standard in the clubs eyes to challenge for a first team
place.
To balance this out though, we must recognise that the club are in debt, and
Gold & Sullivan have parted with a considerable amount of money to keep the
club going, and did spend big in the summer. Modibo Maiga joined from
Sochaux, and Britain's most expensive footballer Andy Carroll signed for a
one year loan , on a reported £100k weekly salary.
Matt Jarvis became the club's record signing from Wolves. Razak Boukari, a
Togo international who was close to signing if we didn't land Jarvis,
ironically joined Wolves for £3m and has been hampered by injury since
September (Kieron Dyer, anyone?). Offloading Yossi Benayoun back to Chelsea
in early January helped release wages to fund Joe Cole's arrival.
Sam Allardyce has a lot of options now in midfield and up front - and
considering he only ever plays one striker, means at least five strikers
will be getting splinters from the woodwork on the bench. It is in defence
where we have issues.
West Ham have been linked with thousands of players, as agents wheel and
deal, using the media to heighten the transfer frenzy. So in order to blend
in with the other tabloids, here are my predictions:-
It has become clear that as the deadline approaches, some clubs will more
willing to do business. I suspect, West Ham will sign Martin Olsson on
deadline day from Blackburn, yet don't be surprised if Henri Bedimo flies in
from France as a Plan B. The Cameroon international could be available for
around £4m.
I think Diarra will be sold to either Rennes, Espanyol, or Mallorca which
will help fund the Olsson deal. Modibo Maiga may also leave, with a number
of French clubs allegedly interested, and you never know, the French team up
North, Newcastle!?! Lastly, Stephen Henderson - to be loaned out to a
Championship club.
So ironically, it may be that we are net receivers in terms of transfer fees
in January - watch this space!
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Transfer news: Emanuel Pogatetz makes return to England on loan with West
Ham
Last Updated: January 28, 2013 9:19pm
SSN
Austria defender Emanuel Pogatetz has joined West Ham on loan from Wolfsburg
for the remainder of the season. Pogatetz, who can play at left-back or in
the centre of defence, has more than 50 caps for his country and experience
of the Premier League from five seasons with Middlesbrough. The powerful
30-year-old had been playing in Germany for the last two-and-a-half years
but is delighted to be returning to England. "I feel very good to be here
and I am very excited about playing for West Ham," he told the club's
official website. "I am looking forward to the opportunity to play for the
club and help it get good results. I will be doing my best to play well and
hope I can play a part in the club achieving the targets for this season.
"First of all when I heard that West Ham wanted me, I thought it was a club
I wanted to play for because they are a very traditional club, with
passionate supporters. "Secondly, it was good for to have the opportunity to
come back and play in England. This is the football I want to play and I
have missed playing here, I want to show what I am still capable of after
five years playing in Middlesbrough."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Mad Dog 2 Signs, as Wellington gets off the Mark!
By S J Chandos
West Ham Till I Die
Ex-Middlesboro central defender, Emanuel Pogatetz, has completed a six month
loan move from German club Wolfsburg. The tough tackling central defender
has expressed his pleasure in signing for a 'traditional club' like West Ham
and returning to the English PL. Nicknamed 'Mad Dog.' like Martin Allen in a
previous era, he is a good solid defensive signing, who will give 100% to
the cause. He goes straight in to the first team squad for Wednesday
evening's important away fixture at Fulham.
The rumour is that Villa left-back, Stephen Warnock, will follow Pogatetz in
to the club. Some fans are distinctly underwhelmed by the prospect of
signing Warnock, their rationale being that if he cannot get in to a
struggling Villa side, why is he an appropriate signing for West Ham? But he
is an experienced performer, who will undoubtedly do a solid job. The
question is whether we will also sign a second left-back in this window. In
a recent interview, Sam Allardyce seemed to indicate that he needed two left
full-backs to provide adequate cover in that position. Perhaps if this is
the case, then the other signing will offer a bit more pace down the left
flank. Might we yet see a deadline day deal for Martin Olsson or Henri
Bedimo?
Who knows what is happening with the Diame situation. Hopefully nothing and
he will remain a Hammers player, at least until the end of the season.
However, no doubt the club have lined up a replacement as a contingency
measure. In that context, there were some intriguing reports today that West
Ham are lining up a bid for Marseilles midfielder, Charles Kabore. Kabore is
currently out of the Marseilles first team and a c.£2.5m bid could be enough
to secure his services. Yet another story has us competing with Reading FC
for the signature of another Marseilles midfielder, Morgan Amalfitano. Of
course, Kabore or Amalfiano could arrive regardless of Diame's fate in the
transfer window. It could be that a new signing comes in to replace a
discontented Alou Diarra, who is wanted by Espanyol and Mallorca amongst
others. Losing Diarra would be a shame in many respects, particularly with
regard to his ability to shield the centre of our defence and slot in to a
three at the back, giving the full-backs the extra assurance to attack down
the flanks.
Congratulations to the U-21s for defeating their Arsenal counter-parts 2-0
in this afternoon's Elite Group match at Colney Hatch. The match was also
notable for seeing Wellington Paulista score his first goal in a Hammers
shirt. He started as one of the two permitted over-age players and scored
with a near post header from a George Moncur corner. It was a well taken
goal and it bodes well for Paulista's first team debut, which will hopefully
happen sooner rather than later. Perhaps he might even be named on the bench
for the Fulham match. I hope so, as I am looking forward to seeing what
Paulista can offer the first team, hopefully goals and a few of them!
Finally, we need to do ourselves a favour and bounce back with a win at
Fulham on Wednesday evening. It is not beyond the team, as long as we can
play a consistent 90 minutes of good football. Our cause should be assisted
by the return of Andy Carroll, who is likely to be named on the bench. A
draw is a likely result, although I am hoping that we can sneak a 1-0 or 2-1
victory on the night. COYI !
SJ. Chandos.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Book Review: West Ham - The Inside Story by Tony Cottee
By Iain Dale
West Ham Till I Die
I think if any West Ham fan were asked to compile a list of their Top 5
greatest ever West Ham strikers, Tony Cottee would more than likely feature
alongside Geoff Hurst, Syd Puddefoot, Vic Watson and Iain Dowie. OK, maybe
not Iain Dowie.
When I saw that Cottee had written a new book I assumed it was merely an
update of his autobiography published back in 1995. So I bought it anyway
even though I only expected a couple of new chapters to bring his life up to
date. Boy was I wrong. It's a whole new book, covering the last 18 years of
his life. It covers the fag end of his playing career in Malaysia, Leicester
and Norwich before moving on to his ill fated six months as player/manager
at Barnet. He writes movingly about the difficult transition from top class
player to journeyman pro winding down his career, and the awful realisation
that through little fault of his own, his managerial reign at Barnet would
prove to be the first and last time he had the chance to manage a football
club.
This is not a particularly polished book. It's published very cheaply on
very shiny paper with far too many photos mixed into the text. It's not
edited that well either, but somehow none of this matters because it's so
authentic. Cottee isn't a bad writer and can certainly hold the readers
attention and he comes into his own when he starts discussing what turns out
to be the main theme of the book – how we tried to buy West Ham and install
himself as chairman. I reckon I know quite a bit about the recent history of
West Ham, but I hadn't realised how close Cottee came to achieving his goal,
and as he relates, had West Ham not not been promoted in the playoff final
of 2005, it's likely that the name above the Chairman's office at Upton park
would be Cottee not Gold or Sullivan.
Cottee hated what he saw happening to the club he supported as a boy. He
felt Terry Brown the then chairman, was resting on his laurels and fat
salary (£492,000 if you please). The club wasn't operating as it should
commercially, the wrong managers were being appointed and they were buying
the wrong players. So Cottee set out to do something about it. He tells the
tale in exhaustive detail, naming names and shaming those who he sees as
guilty parties. For a footballer with no background in finance to get so
close to successfully buying West Ham tells you something about his gutsy
determination. Despite Terry Brown constantly shifting the goalposts – and
price – Cottee persevered and whenever his bid suffered a setback, he
bounced back. But the one thing he seems to have lacked was perhaps the most
important thing – a sense of media nouse. Cottee went through the whole
episode operating by the maxim 'least said, soonest mended'. He didn't go
public with his bid and as a consequence was outmanouvred not just by rival
bids but also by Terry Brown's media operation, which sought to do him down
at every opportunity. Had Cottee gone public at the right time and solicited
the support of West Ham fans I suspect his bid would have been unstoppable.
Instead, he was shafted not just by Terry Brown, but by the Icelanders.
The Icelanders? I hear you chorusing. Yes, because the main point of this
book is to show us, the loyal West Ham fans, that it was Cottee who actually
gave them the idea of buying the club in the first place. They had agreed to
put up money to back Cottee's bid, but over time, they sought to edge him
out of the equation. Once they realised that Terry Brown wouldn't do
business with Cottee he was well and truly shafted. Was he naive? Probably.
Did he trust one or two people – like Keith Mills from Seymour Pierce – too
much? Absolutely.
I'm not going to go into any more detail because I don't want to ruin the
book for those who haven't read it yet, but suffice to say after reading it
you will change your opinion of quite a few people at the heart of the club
over those years.
One question he didn't really answer, though, is why didn't he try to buy
the club again in 2010, or at least attempt to become part of the
Gold/Sullivan bid? He clearly enjoyed good relations with them both.
Perhaps I will ask David Sullivan in our next interview. Or perhaps I should
interview Cottee himself. Now there's a thought.
Anyway, do buy Tony's book. It's published in paperback at £14.99. The
Newham Bookshop have signed copies available, which you could buy before the
next home game
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http://vyperz.blogspot.com
WHUFC.com
West Ham United's new Brazilian forward on Barcelona, Ramires and his
respect for English football
28.01.2013
Wellington Paulista may not be a well-known name to most English football
supporters, but he is soon hoping to change that soon. The 29-year-old
joined West Ham United on loan until the end of the season from Brazilian
Serie A club Cruzeiro on Friday, having enjoyed a prolific 2012 that saw him
net 28 goals in 40 appearances. The forward, who becomes just the second
Brazilian to sign for the Hammers after compatriot Araujo Ilan in 2010, told
whufc.com and West Ham TV that he is hoping to make a big impact in a claret
and blue shirt and could appear for the Development Squad in Monday's
Development Squad game with Arsenal.
Wellington Paulista, welcome to West Ham United! What are your emotions on
joining the Hammers?
WP - "Thank you. I am really happy to be here at West Ham United. Everyone
has been very kind to me since I have been at the club this week. I think I
can do my best here and I am coming to England to prove to everyone that I
am one of the best strikers in Brazil and to get better and better."
Supporters will have seen your goals on YouTube, but what other qualities
will you bring to West Ham United?
WP - "I am strong, I am a fighter and I can score with both feet. I run a
lot on the pitch and I can play as either as first or second striker."
You have played at the very highest level in Brazil, including the final of
the Copa Libertadores in 2009, so will you feel pressure in the Barclays
Premier League?
WP - "The pressure will not be a problem for me because I am used to it from
my time in Brazil, where the fans were really addicted to the club. The
manager also put pressure on the players too, so it will be the same playing
here. What I am interested in is the passion of the supporters for their
team, the way they keep going with the club and the way they make the
players perform better."
You scored on your debut for Alaves against Barcelona in the Camp Nou in
January 2007, so can you rise to any challenge?
WP - "It is a pity that we lost that game because it was my first match for
Alaves against Barcelona in the Camp Nou. As soon as I scored that goal I
thought 'I am a star' because it was my first goal in my first game in
Europe. I was really young and had come from a really small team in Brazil
so that goal was so important for my whole career."
A lot of Brazilians are playing in the Barclays Premier League - do you know
any of them and do you hope to emulate their success?
WP - "I know Ramires very well. We are very good friends because we played
together for Cruzeiro. I also talked to some of the others. The best thing
for me is to adapt to England, to the language and to the style of play of
West Ham. I want to get to know my team-mates better and be adapted within
three months."
What do you know about West Ham United?
WP - "I didn't know much because the highlights of the Premier League have
not been shown on Brazilian television for very many years. I have been
working on my form and my fitness, but I also want to learn about the
history of the club and the old players and coaches and everybody."
Do you feel ready to play immediately?
WP - "I have not played since the Brazilian Premier League finished at the
start of December and I had been on holiday for three weeks. I am prepared
to do all the training as best as I can so I will be available for selection
by the coach as soon as possible. I also know that I need to be stronger as
the game here is based more on strength than it is in Brazil, but I will be
ready."
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Hammers loan Pogatetz
WHUFC.com
Emanuel Pogatetz has joined West Ham United on loan until the end of the
season
28.01.2013
West Ham United are pleased to announce the signing of Austria international
defender Emanuel Pogatetz on loan until the end of the 2012/13 season.
Pogatetz, who joins the Hammers from German Bundesliga club VfL Wolfsburg,
has been capped more than 50 times and is able to play at either centre-back
or left-back. The powerful 30-year-old also has extensive experience of the
English Premier League, having spent five seasons with Middlesbrough between
2005 and 2010. After two-and-a-half seasons in Germany with Hannover 96 and
Wolfsburg, the Graz-born player is delighted to be returning to this
country.
"I feel very good to be here and I am very excited about playing for West
Ham," he told whufc.com. "I am looking forward to the opportunity to play
for the club and help it get good results. I will be doing my best to play
well and hope I can play a part in the club achieving the targets for this
season. "First of all when I heard that West Ham wanted me, I thought it was
a club I wanted to play for because they are a very traditional club, with
passionate supporters. Secondly, it was good for to have the opportunity to
come back and play in England. This is the football I want to play and I
have missed playing here, I want to show what I am still capable of after
five years playing in Middlesbrough."
Born in Austria's second-largest city in January 1983, Pogatetz won the
Austrian Cup with FC Karnten in his first season as a professional in
2000/01, earning a move to German club and then-UEFA Champions League
regulars Bayer 04 Leverkusen. Pogatetz spent four seasons with Leverkusen,
during which time he was loaned to Swiss side FC Aarau, his hometown club
Grazer AK and Russian Premier League outfit Spartak Moscow, where he played
alongside future West Ham midfielder Radoslav Kovac and partnered future
Manchester United star Nemanja Vidic in defence. The versatile defender
moved to the Premier League in June 2005, when one-time England manager
Steve McClaren spent £1.8m to take him from Leverkusen to Middlesbrough.
Pogatetz made 158 appearances in five seasons at the Riverside Stadium,
helping Middlesbrough to reach the UEFA Cup final in his first season on
Teesside, only to miss the 4-0 defeat by Sevilla after fracturing his eye
socket in a quarter-final victory over FC Basel.
During the 2007/08 season, Pogatetz was appointed Middlesbrough captain.
Playing alongside future Hammers Gary O'Neil and Mido and ex-West Ham
striker Jeremie Aliadiere, the Austrian helped Boro to maintain their place
in the Premier League. Middlesbrough were relegated in 2009, but Pogatetz
stayed loyal to the club as they started life in the Championship. However,
a recurrence of his fractured cheekbone restricted his first-team
appearances. The player was snapped up by Hannover in June 2010, helping the
club to reach the UEFA Europa League quarter-finals in 2011/12 and totalling
72 appearances over two seasons. Bundesliga rivals Wolfsburg liked what they
saw and moved for Pogatetz last summer.
The 6'3 tall defender has also been a regular for Austria at senior level
since making his debut in a friendly with neighbours Germany in Leverkusen
in May 2002. Since then, Pogatetz has become an influential figure for his
national side, starting all three group-stage games when Austria hosted the
UEFA European Championship finals in 2008. The defender has netted twice in
his 52 international appearances - in a UEFA European Championship qualifier
against Netherlands in September 2003 and in a friendly draw in Italy in
August 2008.
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Haycock revels in Arsenal win
WHUFc.com
Nick Haycock heaped praise on his young guns after West Ham United's 2-0 win
at Arsenal
28.01.2013
Nick Haycock was delighted with a job well done as West Ham United's
Development Squad kicked-off their Barclays U21 Premier League Elite Group
Stage campaign with an impressive 2-0 win at Arsenal's London Colney
training ground. January recruit Wellington Paulista marked his first
appearance in claret and blue with a well-taken header, before Matthias
Fanimo doubled the visitors' advantage with just half-an-hour gone. The
Hammers were pressed into defensive duties after the interval, but having
weathered the Arsenal storm, were ultimately good value for a third
successive win over the Gunners at this level.
"It was a very satisfying performance," confirmed Haycock, speaking to West
Ham TV. "Before the game we said, in every development game you're looking
for a performance first, and nine times out of ten, if you get a performance
you get the win. And that was the case on Monday. "I thought in the first
half we were the better team. I was slightly disappointed that we didn't
come in with more goals. I thought we created some good opportunities and we
imposed our game on Arsenal. "They're always going to the pass ball well.
They've got an abundance of talent right through the youth teams into the
development side and then the first team. And obviously we had a lot of boys
there making their debuts at U21 level [in Amos Nasha, Sean Maguire and
substitute Kieran Bywater].
"We slightly changed the system from the success we had in the first part of
the season, just because of the personnel we had. Namely Elliot Lee had to
play out wide and I thought he did a terrific job and worked hard for the
team. All in it was a pleasing day at the office."
As well as two good goals, Haycock revelled in his side's excellent
rearguard display, as Arsenal struggled to fashion many chances of note.
"The defending, the blocking, tracking runs and keeping it tight on the edge
of the box was fantastic," added Haycock. "They didn't get in too many times
and when they did there were blocks on the line and a couple of good saves
from Raphael Spiegel. "But what we've got to work on is to make sure that
when we win it, we don't give it away as quickly as we did at times. Because
when we kept the ball we looked like we could go and score another at the
other end as well. All being said, second half, yes they had the lion's
share of possession but we still missed two good chances. Sometimes it goes
like that but the discipline of the side, the work rate and the quality at
times was there for everyone to see."
Haycock, overseeing only his second game in charge of the U21s, also
reserved special praise for Paulista, who worked tirelessly as he led the
line for the inexperienced Hammers. "He's a good lad first and foremost.
I've picked that up in training. He wants to do extra, he wants to work, he
wants to get fit, he's hungry. I thought he showed that in his performance
today. You sometimes get players who are used to playing at a higher level
in their own minds, and they come down to this level and don't put the
performance in, but I couldn't question Wellington. "I have to add I thought
Jordan Spence was immaculate at the back as well. The first team players in
Jordan, Wellington and Rafa, all had good games, and it gave the younger
ones a little bit of experience around them."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Emanuel Pogatetz: West Ham sign Wolfsburg defender on loan
BBC.co.uk
West Ham have signed former Middlesbrough defender Emanuel Pogatetz on loan
until the end of the season. The Austria international, who made 158
appearances for Boro in a five-year spell, joins from German Bundesliga side
Wolfsburg. "I feel very good to be here and I am very excited about playing
for West Ham," said the 30-year-old. Pogatetz had spells with AK Graz, Bayer
Leverkusen and FC Aarau before joining Middlesbrough in 2005. He was part of
the side that reached the Uefa Cup final in 2006, although he missed out on
the final through injury. The Austrian headed back to Germany in 2010 with
Hannover before signing for Wolfsburg last summer.
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'Mad Dog' completes West Ham transfer
KUMB.com
Filed: Monday, 28th January 2013
By: Staff Writer
Emanuel Pogatetz has completed his loan move to West Ham United. We revealed
yesterday how West Ham were on the verge of tying up a deal for the
30-year-old Austrian international, who currently features for Wolfsburg in
the German Bendesliga. And the Club have just confirmed the deal which sees
the former Middlesbrough central defender arrive in London on a six-month
loan deal. Speaking to whufc.com, Pogatetz - who, like former Hammer Martin
Allen is affectionately known as 'Mad Dog' - said: "I feel very good to be
here and I am very excited about playing for West Ham. "I am looking
forward to the opportunity to play for the club and help it get good
results. I will be doing my best to play well and hope I can play a part in
the club achieving the targets for this season. "First of all when I heard
that West Ham wanted me, I thought it was a club I wanted to play for
because they are a very traditional club, with passionate supporters.
Secondly, it was good for to have the opportunity to come back and play in
England. "This is the football I want to play and I have missed playing
here, I want to show what I am still capable of after five years playing in
Middlesbrough."
Pogatetz is likely to be straight into the squad to face Fulham at Craven
Cottage on Wednesday evening.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Wellington grabs first West Ham goal
KUMB.com
Filed: Monday, 28th January 2013
By: Staff Writer
New signing Wellington Paulista scored his first goal since joining West Ham
in a under 21s fixture against Arsenal this afternoon. The 29-year-old
on-loan Brazilian - featuring as one of the permitted over-age players -
grabbed the opening goal for West Ham in today's Elite Group encounter at
London Colney, which United won 2-0. Paulista, who played for an hour before
being replaced by fellow newcomer Sean Maguire, rose highest to meet George
Moncur's near-post corner to hear West Ham ahead on the 20-minute mark. It
was a lead that Nick Haycock's young Hammers doubled ten minutes later as
Matthias Fanimo's attempted cross somehow found its way into the back of the
net. The win gave the under 21s a perfect start to their Elite Group
campaign in what should have been their second outing, with last week's
planned fixture against Manchester United cancelled as a result of the snow.
West Ham Utd: Spiegel, Driver, Shaw, Nasha, Spence, Ruddock, Moncur,
Lletget, Fanimo, Lee, Paulista.
Subs: Larkins, Onariase, Miles, Bywater, Maguire.
Arsenal: Martinez, Angha, Miquel, Yennaris, Boateng, Hajrovic, Eisfeld,
Aneke, Ansah, Henderson, Neita.
Subs: Rees, Charles-Cook, Wynter, Bihmoutine.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
January transfer madness
KUMB.com
Filed: Monday, 28th January 2013
By: Matthew Kemp
So the transfer window circus continued on Thursday 24th January as Mo Diame
confirms that he wants to stay at West Ham and Arsene Wenger echoes Big
Sam's comments from the previous evening that they have not made an official
approach for the midfielder.
Lo and behold, the Daily Mail follow up on Friday, revealing that Tottenham
Hotspur are now the latest club to be interested in the Senegal
international. Albeit they have Dembele and Parker already competing for
this position!
In between these stories, we discover that Alou Diarra says his move to West
Ham was a waste of time (L'Equipe - lost in translation?) and Guy Demel and
Joey O'Brien have signed new contracts.
Focusing the attention on players coming in, it has become evident that
there isn't much money to be spent, as players joining have been Joe Cole
(free - albeit his salary will make him one of the higher earners within the
club), Wellington Paulista (loan signing), Marouane Chamakh and Emanuel
Pogatetz (also on loan).
Big Sam, has already declared his frustration at being unsuccessful in
finding a defender or two to help solve injuries and lack of numbers. The
issue being that his prime focus is to try and get players in on loan.
Chelsea have reportedly said no to a short term loan for left back Ryan
Betrand, and Blackburn have rebuffed up to three offers for Swedish
international Martin Olsson.
Of the four trialists we had earlier on in the season, Mikael Silvestre is
in the process of joining Dodsal FC in the Indian league, John Mensah has
joined Rennes in France (a powerhouse defender who I was surprised we didn't
sign?), Anthony Vanden Borre is club-less and Michael Lamey has joined RKC
Waalwijk.
It was clear earlier in the season that we needed more defenders, any of the
forementioned players were free agents, yet for what ever reason they
weren't up to standard in the clubs eyes to challenge for a first team
place.
To balance this out though, we must recognise that the club are in debt, and
Gold & Sullivan have parted with a considerable amount of money to keep the
club going, and did spend big in the summer. Modibo Maiga joined from
Sochaux, and Britain's most expensive footballer Andy Carroll signed for a
one year loan , on a reported £100k weekly salary.
Matt Jarvis became the club's record signing from Wolves. Razak Boukari, a
Togo international who was close to signing if we didn't land Jarvis,
ironically joined Wolves for £3m and has been hampered by injury since
September (Kieron Dyer, anyone?). Offloading Yossi Benayoun back to Chelsea
in early January helped release wages to fund Joe Cole's arrival.
Sam Allardyce has a lot of options now in midfield and up front - and
considering he only ever plays one striker, means at least five strikers
will be getting splinters from the woodwork on the bench. It is in defence
where we have issues.
West Ham have been linked with thousands of players, as agents wheel and
deal, using the media to heighten the transfer frenzy. So in order to blend
in with the other tabloids, here are my predictions:-
It has become clear that as the deadline approaches, some clubs will more
willing to do business. I suspect, West Ham will sign Martin Olsson on
deadline day from Blackburn, yet don't be surprised if Henri Bedimo flies in
from France as a Plan B. The Cameroon international could be available for
around £4m.
I think Diarra will be sold to either Rennes, Espanyol, or Mallorca which
will help fund the Olsson deal. Modibo Maiga may also leave, with a number
of French clubs allegedly interested, and you never know, the French team up
North, Newcastle!?! Lastly, Stephen Henderson - to be loaned out to a
Championship club.
So ironically, it may be that we are net receivers in terms of transfer fees
in January - watch this space!
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Transfer news: Emanuel Pogatetz makes return to England on loan with West
Ham
Last Updated: January 28, 2013 9:19pm
SSN
Austria defender Emanuel Pogatetz has joined West Ham on loan from Wolfsburg
for the remainder of the season. Pogatetz, who can play at left-back or in
the centre of defence, has more than 50 caps for his country and experience
of the Premier League from five seasons with Middlesbrough. The powerful
30-year-old had been playing in Germany for the last two-and-a-half years
but is delighted to be returning to England. "I feel very good to be here
and I am very excited about playing for West Ham," he told the club's
official website. "I am looking forward to the opportunity to play for the
club and help it get good results. I will be doing my best to play well and
hope I can play a part in the club achieving the targets for this season.
"First of all when I heard that West Ham wanted me, I thought it was a club
I wanted to play for because they are a very traditional club, with
passionate supporters. "Secondly, it was good for to have the opportunity to
come back and play in England. This is the football I want to play and I
have missed playing here, I want to show what I am still capable of after
five years playing in Middlesbrough."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Mad Dog 2 Signs, as Wellington gets off the Mark!
By S J Chandos
West Ham Till I Die
Ex-Middlesboro central defender, Emanuel Pogatetz, has completed a six month
loan move from German club Wolfsburg. The tough tackling central defender
has expressed his pleasure in signing for a 'traditional club' like West Ham
and returning to the English PL. Nicknamed 'Mad Dog.' like Martin Allen in a
previous era, he is a good solid defensive signing, who will give 100% to
the cause. He goes straight in to the first team squad for Wednesday
evening's important away fixture at Fulham.
The rumour is that Villa left-back, Stephen Warnock, will follow Pogatetz in
to the club. Some fans are distinctly underwhelmed by the prospect of
signing Warnock, their rationale being that if he cannot get in to a
struggling Villa side, why is he an appropriate signing for West Ham? But he
is an experienced performer, who will undoubtedly do a solid job. The
question is whether we will also sign a second left-back in this window. In
a recent interview, Sam Allardyce seemed to indicate that he needed two left
full-backs to provide adequate cover in that position. Perhaps if this is
the case, then the other signing will offer a bit more pace down the left
flank. Might we yet see a deadline day deal for Martin Olsson or Henri
Bedimo?
Who knows what is happening with the Diame situation. Hopefully nothing and
he will remain a Hammers player, at least until the end of the season.
However, no doubt the club have lined up a replacement as a contingency
measure. In that context, there were some intriguing reports today that West
Ham are lining up a bid for Marseilles midfielder, Charles Kabore. Kabore is
currently out of the Marseilles first team and a c.£2.5m bid could be enough
to secure his services. Yet another story has us competing with Reading FC
for the signature of another Marseilles midfielder, Morgan Amalfitano. Of
course, Kabore or Amalfiano could arrive regardless of Diame's fate in the
transfer window. It could be that a new signing comes in to replace a
discontented Alou Diarra, who is wanted by Espanyol and Mallorca amongst
others. Losing Diarra would be a shame in many respects, particularly with
regard to his ability to shield the centre of our defence and slot in to a
three at the back, giving the full-backs the extra assurance to attack down
the flanks.
Congratulations to the U-21s for defeating their Arsenal counter-parts 2-0
in this afternoon's Elite Group match at Colney Hatch. The match was also
notable for seeing Wellington Paulista score his first goal in a Hammers
shirt. He started as one of the two permitted over-age players and scored
with a near post header from a George Moncur corner. It was a well taken
goal and it bodes well for Paulista's first team debut, which will hopefully
happen sooner rather than later. Perhaps he might even be named on the bench
for the Fulham match. I hope so, as I am looking forward to seeing what
Paulista can offer the first team, hopefully goals and a few of them!
Finally, we need to do ourselves a favour and bounce back with a win at
Fulham on Wednesday evening. It is not beyond the team, as long as we can
play a consistent 90 minutes of good football. Our cause should be assisted
by the return of Andy Carroll, who is likely to be named on the bench. A
draw is a likely result, although I am hoping that we can sneak a 1-0 or 2-1
victory on the night. COYI !
SJ. Chandos.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Book Review: West Ham - The Inside Story by Tony Cottee
By Iain Dale
West Ham Till I Die
I think if any West Ham fan were asked to compile a list of their Top 5
greatest ever West Ham strikers, Tony Cottee would more than likely feature
alongside Geoff Hurst, Syd Puddefoot, Vic Watson and Iain Dowie. OK, maybe
not Iain Dowie.
When I saw that Cottee had written a new book I assumed it was merely an
update of his autobiography published back in 1995. So I bought it anyway
even though I only expected a couple of new chapters to bring his life up to
date. Boy was I wrong. It's a whole new book, covering the last 18 years of
his life. It covers the fag end of his playing career in Malaysia, Leicester
and Norwich before moving on to his ill fated six months as player/manager
at Barnet. He writes movingly about the difficult transition from top class
player to journeyman pro winding down his career, and the awful realisation
that through little fault of his own, his managerial reign at Barnet would
prove to be the first and last time he had the chance to manage a football
club.
This is not a particularly polished book. It's published very cheaply on
very shiny paper with far too many photos mixed into the text. It's not
edited that well either, but somehow none of this matters because it's so
authentic. Cottee isn't a bad writer and can certainly hold the readers
attention and he comes into his own when he starts discussing what turns out
to be the main theme of the book – how we tried to buy West Ham and install
himself as chairman. I reckon I know quite a bit about the recent history of
West Ham, but I hadn't realised how close Cottee came to achieving his goal,
and as he relates, had West Ham not not been promoted in the playoff final
of 2005, it's likely that the name above the Chairman's office at Upton park
would be Cottee not Gold or Sullivan.
Cottee hated what he saw happening to the club he supported as a boy. He
felt Terry Brown the then chairman, was resting on his laurels and fat
salary (£492,000 if you please). The club wasn't operating as it should
commercially, the wrong managers were being appointed and they were buying
the wrong players. So Cottee set out to do something about it. He tells the
tale in exhaustive detail, naming names and shaming those who he sees as
guilty parties. For a footballer with no background in finance to get so
close to successfully buying West Ham tells you something about his gutsy
determination. Despite Terry Brown constantly shifting the goalposts – and
price – Cottee persevered and whenever his bid suffered a setback, he
bounced back. But the one thing he seems to have lacked was perhaps the most
important thing – a sense of media nouse. Cottee went through the whole
episode operating by the maxim 'least said, soonest mended'. He didn't go
public with his bid and as a consequence was outmanouvred not just by rival
bids but also by Terry Brown's media operation, which sought to do him down
at every opportunity. Had Cottee gone public at the right time and solicited
the support of West Ham fans I suspect his bid would have been unstoppable.
Instead, he was shafted not just by Terry Brown, but by the Icelanders.
The Icelanders? I hear you chorusing. Yes, because the main point of this
book is to show us, the loyal West Ham fans, that it was Cottee who actually
gave them the idea of buying the club in the first place. They had agreed to
put up money to back Cottee's bid, but over time, they sought to edge him
out of the equation. Once they realised that Terry Brown wouldn't do
business with Cottee he was well and truly shafted. Was he naive? Probably.
Did he trust one or two people – like Keith Mills from Seymour Pierce – too
much? Absolutely.
I'm not going to go into any more detail because I don't want to ruin the
book for those who haven't read it yet, but suffice to say after reading it
you will change your opinion of quite a few people at the heart of the club
over those years.
One question he didn't really answer, though, is why didn't he try to buy
the club again in 2010, or at least attempt to become part of the
Gold/Sullivan bid? He clearly enjoyed good relations with them both.
Perhaps I will ask David Sullivan in our next interview. Or perhaps I should
interview Cottee himself. Now there's a thought.
Anyway, do buy Tony's book. It's published in paperback at £14.99. The
Newham Bookshop have signed copies available, which you could buy before the
next home game
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
http://vyperz.blogspot.com
Monday, January 28
Daily WHUFC News - 28th January 2013
Deano back at the Boleyn
WHUFC.com
Dean Ashton speaks exclusively to West Ham TV, on only his second return to
the Boleyn Ground
27.01.2013
Former West Ham United striker Dean Ashton was back at the Boleyn Ground, as
he joined up with BBC's Football Focus team prior to the 1-1 draw with
Queens Park Rangers. Ashton, who made 56 appearances for the Hammers between
2006 and 2008, gave an exclusive interview to West Ham TV, upon only his
second return to the club since his retirement due to an ankle injury in
2009. It proved a poignant afternoon for the hugely popular figure, whose
goals so nearly fired the Hammers to FA Cup triumph in 2006. "It's nice to
come back, it's always a special place for me," he told West Ham TV. "The
crowd have been fantastic to me, when I was playing and also since I
finished. That's great for me and it makes me feel good, obviously."
After hearing his name ring around the Boleyn Ground during a half-time
interview, Ashton was reminded of exactly what he's missing. "That's what
you miss from when you're playing - playing in front of all the fans and
getting their reactions when you score and when you play well." For
exclusive access to the interview, in which Ashton discusses West Ham's
prospects in the Barclays Premier League, as well as his own future in the
game, login or subscribe to West Ham TV using the link below. We've also got
behind the scenes footage of Football Focus at the Boleyn Ground, including
a chat with legendary broadcaster John Motson.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Vaz Te's boots raise 1,700 pounds!
WHUFC.com
Ricardo Vaz Te's Championship Play-Off final boots have raised welcome cash
for the Bobby Moore Fund
19.01.2013
A West Ham United supporter has raised £1,700 for the Bobby Moore Fund for
Cancer Research UK by winning an auction to sign a unique piece of Hammers
memorabilia. Ricardo Vaz Te kindly donated the purple and orange size 9 1/2
Adidas Adizero TRX boots he was wearing when he fired West Ham back into the
Barclays Premier League at Wembley in May 2012. The Hammers No12 scored a
dramatic late winner to clinch a thrilling 2-1 npower Championship Play-Off
final victory over Blackpool - and now one lucky fan has won the chance to
own the boots that scored that historic goal by successfully bidding £1,700
in an online auction! A total of 57 bids were made for the historic boots,
which also scored West Ham's Goal of the Season against Brighton and Hove
Albion in April 2012. "I wore these boots all last season, so they scored
more than 20 goals and are very special to me," said Vaz Te before the
auction began. "Believe it or not, a friend of mine bought me the boots from
a sports shop because I did not have an endorsement deal at the start of
last season, so they really are my lucky boots! "However, I know the Bobby
Moore Fund is a very important cause and does a lot of fantastic work, so I
felt it was right that I put the boots up for auction to raise as much money
as possible for the charity. "So many people's lives are touched by cancer,
so any work that is done to try to find ways to prevent and cure it is
extremely valuable, so whatever money we can raise by selling the boots will
be put to good use in this area."
The £1,700 raised will go to the Bobby Moore Fund for Cancer Research, with
the club targeting to raise £50,000 for the charity founded in memory of the
late, great West Ham and England captain this season. So far, thanks to a
personal donation of £10,000 from Joint-Chairman David Sullivan and
significant contributions from the club's Principal Partner SBOBET and
manager Sam Allardyce, the club has raised more than £20,000 towards this
total. Two home fixtures have also been designated as Bobby Moore Fund
Awareness Matches - the Barclays Premier League visits of Tottenham Hotspur
and Manchester United on 25 February and 9 March 2013 respectively. The
Spurs fixture will mark 20 years since Moore's tragic and untimely passing
and the club is planning a fitting tribute to the great defender, including
a special 100-page commemorative Official Programme.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham poised for double swoop
KUMB.com
Filed: Sunday, 27th January 2013
By: Staff Writer
West Ham United are on the verge of signing fomer Middlesbrough defender
Emanuel Pogatetz on loan for the rest of the season. The Austrian
international, now 30, will join the Irons for the remainder of the 2012/13
campaign with view to a permanent contract according to reports. German
media have revealed that Pogatetz, who played at the Riverside between 2005
and 2010 has travelled to London in order to rubber-stamp his move to east
London. Currently with Bundesliga outfit Wolfsburg, Pogatetz - also known as
'Mad Dog' - has also been linked with Aston Villa and Fulham in recent days
although according to reports from Germany has opted to join Sam Allardyce's
squad instead.
The Hammers boss is also hoping to clinch a second signing with the capture
of Stephen Warnock from Aston Villa. The 31-year-old former England
international has fallen out of favour at Villa Park and looks set to join
Pogatetz at the Boleyn Ground on a free transfer imminently. West Ham, who
placed a third bid for Blackburn left-back Martin Olsson on Friday have
turned to Warnock having become increasingly disillusioned with their search
for a replacement for George McCartney, who is sidelined for several weeks.
The former Liverpool and Blackburn player is said to be earning in the
region of £40,000 per week at Villa, but is yet to make a single appearance
for the relegation-threatened club this season. He spent the first half of
the campaign on loan with Bolton in the Championship.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Kevin Nolan reveals West Ham were called to 7am meeting after Arsenal loss
Last Updated: January 26, 2013 12:30pm
SSN
West Ham captain Kevin Nolan has revealed manager Sam Allardyce called a 7am
meeting the morning after the 5-1 loss at Arsenal in order to put the defeat
behind them. Allardyce's side conceded four goals in 10 minutes as the
Gunners ran riot in the second half to extend the Hammers' winless run to
five matches.
"It was totally unacceptable for us with the standards we have set
ourselves," Nolan told the club's official website. "The gaffer wasn't happy
and rightly so - so he asked for us to come in at 7am the next morning on
the Thursday. "There were no complaints from any of us - we all need a kick
up the backside every now and then and we take it all on board. "The gaffer
and all of us wanted to put this result and what happened to bed straight
away, and it was good that we came in early and got into looking at what
went wrong together as a group."
Midfielder Mohamed Diame, who joined West Ham last summer from Wigan but has
been linked with a move away from the club this transfer window, was late
for the meeting. Nolan added: "We all had to wait for him before we could
start and when he arrived, we all gave him stick for not only being late and
keeping us all waiting, but we said we thought he had left us without saying
goodbye." West Ham's next game is away at Fulham in the Premier League on
Wednesday 30 January.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Turkish side Kasimpasa have made an enquiry for West Ham striker Carlton
Cole
By Pete O'Rourke - Follow me: @skysportspeteo. Last Updated:
January 26, 2013 1:28pm
SSN
Sky Sports understands Turkish side Kasimpasa have made an enquiry for West
Ham striker Carlton Cole. Cole's future at West Ham has been the subject of
speculation this month with his contract due to expire at the end of the
season. The forward is yet to be offered a new deal by the Premier League
club and they could try to sell him now rather than risk losing him for
nothing in the summer. West Ham have brought in two strikers on loan this
month in Marouane Chamakh and Wellington Paulista, and with Andy Carroll set
to return from injury, Cole could find himself pushed well down the pecking
order at Upton Park.
The news has alerted a number of teams at home and abroad to his possible
availability before the close of the transfer window. Kasimpasa have
expressed an interest and they are thought to be locked in talks with the
Hammers in trying to agree a fee for the former Chelsea man. West Ham are
thought to be willing to sell for a fee in the region of £3million and
Kasimpasa's Turkish rivals Galatasaray and Fenerbahce are believed to be
keeping a watching brief on the situation. A number of Premier League clubs
are also keeping tabs on Cole and could move for him before the transfer
window slams shut next Thursday.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Arsenal have snubbed enquiries from several sides to take Carl Jenkinson on
loan
By Pete O'Rourke - Follow me: @skysportspeteo. Last Updated:
January 26, 2013 1:27pm
SSN
Sky Sports understands Arsenal have rejected enquiries from several Premier
League clubs to take Carl Jenkinson on loan. The likes of Stoke, West Ham,
Wigan and Southampton are all thought to have asked about the availability
of the right-back on loan for the rest of the season. However, Arsenal boss
Arsene Wenger has rebuffed the offers for Jenkinson as he feels he could be
needed for the remainder of the campaign. Jenkinson started the season as
first-choice due to an injury to Bacary Sagna and he impressed for the
Gunners which resulted in him winning a call-up to the England squad. The
former Charlton man is highly-regarded at Emirates Stadium and he was
rewarded with a new deal before Christmas.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Now it is Stephen Warnock in the Frame, as Diame's Unnamed Friends Inform us
that ...... !
By S J Chandos
West Ham Till I Die
After being linked with Martin Olsson (Blackburn Rovers), Emilio Izaguirre
(Celic) and Henri Bedimo (Montpellier), it is now being reported that West
Ham may be considering bringing in Stephen Warnock (Villa) on a free
transfer move. Apparently, the club are meeting with Warnock on Sunday to
negotiate a deal. There is also interest from Championship clubs, but West
Ham are in pole position to land the player.
It is more than possible that we could see two left-backs join the club in
this window, as Sam Allardyce has previously stated that he needs a couple
of acquisitions to provide adequate cover in that position, while, there are
also rumours that West Ham, along with Stoke City, could be interested in
taking Arsenal's Carl Jenkinson on loan. I am not sure about this. After
all, Jenkinson is a right-back and with Demel, O'Brien and Spence covering
that position, it is not so much of a priority.
Elsewhere, Mirror Sport are really pushing the boat out on the Diame to
Arsenal story. They have given it a new focus by quoting some unnamed
'friends' of Diame, who have confirmed that Diame would love to join Arsenal
in this transfer window. And based upon that, the Mirror feels confident in
stating that Diame wants to join Arsenal! He may well want to sign for
Arsenal - no doubt many players would, but whether he gets the chance is
another matter. In addition, they have linked the story to the disciplinary
action (1 week's wages) allegedly taken due to Diame arriving late at the
training ground for the 7am Arsenal post-mortem. And to round it all off
nicely, it is also authoritatively stated in the article that Sam Allardyce
has given up all hope of retaining Diame's services. How do they know what
Allardyce is thinking? Perhaps they have had a discreet word with one of Sam
Allardyce's best pals on the quiet!
This Mo Diame release clause issue has been an annoying distraction. I for
one will be glad when it is over one way or the other. Hopefully, Diame's
public statement about wanting to stay at the club best reflects the
player's intentions. We will see, come the 1 February 2013, what exactly is
the factual wheat amidst the speculative chaff. If I was in Diame's position
I would stay with West Ham until the summer and review my options then. He
is playing regularly at West Ham and an equally good second half of the
season can only improve his prospects and future options. But Diame may well
not see it like that, so lets see what transpires.
And finally, it appears that our Republic of Ireland international keeper,
Stephen Henderson, has returned to the club. He was on the bench against
Arsenal and it will be interesting to see whether Henderson goes back on
loan to Ipswich Town or spends the remainder of the season at West Ham. It
may be that the club decide to stick with Jussi, Henderson and Spiegel, this
season, and focuses their attention upon strengthening in other, more
pressing areas. While, we can also confirm that any interest that West Ham
had in Nicolas Anelka is over, at least for the time being. Anelka has just
signed a six month contract with Serie A leaders Juventus, with the option
of a further one season contract if the move proves succesfull.
I am not sure if that is good or bad news from our perspective. Still, never
mind, we still have Wellington Paulista waiting in the wings. Could Paulista
be a Hammers cult hero in the making? I do not know, but he does appear to
be a bit of a character and someone who gives 100% on the pitch, both
characteristics that endear players to the Hammers faithful. We shall see.
SJ. Chandos.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Fine idea: Mohamed Diame up for Arsenal move as he lands in West Ham's
dog-house
The Mirror
26 Jan 2013 23:00
EXCLUSIVE by Dean Jones & Steve Bates
Mohamed Diame has told pals he would love to join Arsenal this week, writes
the Sunday People. The 25-year-old West Ham midfielder has been fined a
week's wages by boss Sam Allardyce for turning up late for a team meeting on
Thursday. Every other player was on time for the 7am session to watch a
rerun of Hammers' horror show in the 5-1 defeat to Arsenal. Allardyce seems
to have given up the fight to keep his star man, with Arsenal set to trigger
a £3.5million release clause. Spurs could also make a late bid, but West Ham
will want to bring in a replacement before Diame – signed from Wigan last
June – goes anywhere.
Hooray Henri: Hammers eye Montpellier star
EXCLUSIVE by Alan Nixon
West Ham boss Sam Allardyce is making a £2million bid for Montpellier's
Cameroon left-back Henri Bedimo, writes the Sunday People. Allardyce wants
to make Henri a Hammer before the deadline and his agents have opened talks
with the French club's president. Bedimo, 28, wants to move to the Premier
League while he is still at the peak of his powers, especially after seeing
Montpellier's better players leave the club so soon after winning the French
title.
Big Sam wants to recruit a new left-back after failing to land Sweden star
Martin Olsson from Blackburn, with the Hammers bidding a similar sum for the
24-year-old. Bedimo may cost more than Allardyce wants to pay, but sources
close to the deal are optimistic that it can be rushed through.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Cash out: Aston Villa loaning big-money flops Alan Hutton and Stephen
Warnock
The Mirror
27 Jan 2013 22:30
Aston Villa have agreed to ship out flops Alan Hutton to Real Mallorca and
Stephen Warnock to West Ham. The pair of big-earning Villa full-backs were
made to train with the kids when boss Paul Lambert took over last summer.
Hutton and Warnock were then bombed out on loan to Nottingham Forest and
Bolton respectively. Despite returning to Villa, the club are now sending
right-back Hutton, 28, to Real Mallorca and left-back Warnock, 31, to West
Ham this week.
Their exits will ease Villa's wage bill as both collect over £40,000 a week.
But Lambert's youthful first team is struggling and there have been calls to
recall the duo to use their experience.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
http://vyperz.blogspot.com
WHUFC.com
Dean Ashton speaks exclusively to West Ham TV, on only his second return to
the Boleyn Ground
27.01.2013
Former West Ham United striker Dean Ashton was back at the Boleyn Ground, as
he joined up with BBC's Football Focus team prior to the 1-1 draw with
Queens Park Rangers. Ashton, who made 56 appearances for the Hammers between
2006 and 2008, gave an exclusive interview to West Ham TV, upon only his
second return to the club since his retirement due to an ankle injury in
2009. It proved a poignant afternoon for the hugely popular figure, whose
goals so nearly fired the Hammers to FA Cup triumph in 2006. "It's nice to
come back, it's always a special place for me," he told West Ham TV. "The
crowd have been fantastic to me, when I was playing and also since I
finished. That's great for me and it makes me feel good, obviously."
After hearing his name ring around the Boleyn Ground during a half-time
interview, Ashton was reminded of exactly what he's missing. "That's what
you miss from when you're playing - playing in front of all the fans and
getting their reactions when you score and when you play well." For
exclusive access to the interview, in which Ashton discusses West Ham's
prospects in the Barclays Premier League, as well as his own future in the
game, login or subscribe to West Ham TV using the link below. We've also got
behind the scenes footage of Football Focus at the Boleyn Ground, including
a chat with legendary broadcaster John Motson.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Vaz Te's boots raise 1,700 pounds!
WHUFC.com
Ricardo Vaz Te's Championship Play-Off final boots have raised welcome cash
for the Bobby Moore Fund
19.01.2013
A West Ham United supporter has raised £1,700 for the Bobby Moore Fund for
Cancer Research UK by winning an auction to sign a unique piece of Hammers
memorabilia. Ricardo Vaz Te kindly donated the purple and orange size 9 1/2
Adidas Adizero TRX boots he was wearing when he fired West Ham back into the
Barclays Premier League at Wembley in May 2012. The Hammers No12 scored a
dramatic late winner to clinch a thrilling 2-1 npower Championship Play-Off
final victory over Blackpool - and now one lucky fan has won the chance to
own the boots that scored that historic goal by successfully bidding £1,700
in an online auction! A total of 57 bids were made for the historic boots,
which also scored West Ham's Goal of the Season against Brighton and Hove
Albion in April 2012. "I wore these boots all last season, so they scored
more than 20 goals and are very special to me," said Vaz Te before the
auction began. "Believe it or not, a friend of mine bought me the boots from
a sports shop because I did not have an endorsement deal at the start of
last season, so they really are my lucky boots! "However, I know the Bobby
Moore Fund is a very important cause and does a lot of fantastic work, so I
felt it was right that I put the boots up for auction to raise as much money
as possible for the charity. "So many people's lives are touched by cancer,
so any work that is done to try to find ways to prevent and cure it is
extremely valuable, so whatever money we can raise by selling the boots will
be put to good use in this area."
The £1,700 raised will go to the Bobby Moore Fund for Cancer Research, with
the club targeting to raise £50,000 for the charity founded in memory of the
late, great West Ham and England captain this season. So far, thanks to a
personal donation of £10,000 from Joint-Chairman David Sullivan and
significant contributions from the club's Principal Partner SBOBET and
manager Sam Allardyce, the club has raised more than £20,000 towards this
total. Two home fixtures have also been designated as Bobby Moore Fund
Awareness Matches - the Barclays Premier League visits of Tottenham Hotspur
and Manchester United on 25 February and 9 March 2013 respectively. The
Spurs fixture will mark 20 years since Moore's tragic and untimely passing
and the club is planning a fitting tribute to the great defender, including
a special 100-page commemorative Official Programme.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham poised for double swoop
KUMB.com
Filed: Sunday, 27th January 2013
By: Staff Writer
West Ham United are on the verge of signing fomer Middlesbrough defender
Emanuel Pogatetz on loan for the rest of the season. The Austrian
international, now 30, will join the Irons for the remainder of the 2012/13
campaign with view to a permanent contract according to reports. German
media have revealed that Pogatetz, who played at the Riverside between 2005
and 2010 has travelled to London in order to rubber-stamp his move to east
London. Currently with Bundesliga outfit Wolfsburg, Pogatetz - also known as
'Mad Dog' - has also been linked with Aston Villa and Fulham in recent days
although according to reports from Germany has opted to join Sam Allardyce's
squad instead.
The Hammers boss is also hoping to clinch a second signing with the capture
of Stephen Warnock from Aston Villa. The 31-year-old former England
international has fallen out of favour at Villa Park and looks set to join
Pogatetz at the Boleyn Ground on a free transfer imminently. West Ham, who
placed a third bid for Blackburn left-back Martin Olsson on Friday have
turned to Warnock having become increasingly disillusioned with their search
for a replacement for George McCartney, who is sidelined for several weeks.
The former Liverpool and Blackburn player is said to be earning in the
region of £40,000 per week at Villa, but is yet to make a single appearance
for the relegation-threatened club this season. He spent the first half of
the campaign on loan with Bolton in the Championship.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Kevin Nolan reveals West Ham were called to 7am meeting after Arsenal loss
Last Updated: January 26, 2013 12:30pm
SSN
West Ham captain Kevin Nolan has revealed manager Sam Allardyce called a 7am
meeting the morning after the 5-1 loss at Arsenal in order to put the defeat
behind them. Allardyce's side conceded four goals in 10 minutes as the
Gunners ran riot in the second half to extend the Hammers' winless run to
five matches.
"It was totally unacceptable for us with the standards we have set
ourselves," Nolan told the club's official website. "The gaffer wasn't happy
and rightly so - so he asked for us to come in at 7am the next morning on
the Thursday. "There were no complaints from any of us - we all need a kick
up the backside every now and then and we take it all on board. "The gaffer
and all of us wanted to put this result and what happened to bed straight
away, and it was good that we came in early and got into looking at what
went wrong together as a group."
Midfielder Mohamed Diame, who joined West Ham last summer from Wigan but has
been linked with a move away from the club this transfer window, was late
for the meeting. Nolan added: "We all had to wait for him before we could
start and when he arrived, we all gave him stick for not only being late and
keeping us all waiting, but we said we thought he had left us without saying
goodbye." West Ham's next game is away at Fulham in the Premier League on
Wednesday 30 January.
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Turkish side Kasimpasa have made an enquiry for West Ham striker Carlton
Cole
By Pete O'Rourke - Follow me: @skysportspeteo. Last Updated:
January 26, 2013 1:28pm
SSN
Sky Sports understands Turkish side Kasimpasa have made an enquiry for West
Ham striker Carlton Cole. Cole's future at West Ham has been the subject of
speculation this month with his contract due to expire at the end of the
season. The forward is yet to be offered a new deal by the Premier League
club and they could try to sell him now rather than risk losing him for
nothing in the summer. West Ham have brought in two strikers on loan this
month in Marouane Chamakh and Wellington Paulista, and with Andy Carroll set
to return from injury, Cole could find himself pushed well down the pecking
order at Upton Park.
The news has alerted a number of teams at home and abroad to his possible
availability before the close of the transfer window. Kasimpasa have
expressed an interest and they are thought to be locked in talks with the
Hammers in trying to agree a fee for the former Chelsea man. West Ham are
thought to be willing to sell for a fee in the region of £3million and
Kasimpasa's Turkish rivals Galatasaray and Fenerbahce are believed to be
keeping a watching brief on the situation. A number of Premier League clubs
are also keeping tabs on Cole and could move for him before the transfer
window slams shut next Thursday.
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Arsenal have snubbed enquiries from several sides to take Carl Jenkinson on
loan
By Pete O'Rourke - Follow me: @skysportspeteo. Last Updated:
January 26, 2013 1:27pm
SSN
Sky Sports understands Arsenal have rejected enquiries from several Premier
League clubs to take Carl Jenkinson on loan. The likes of Stoke, West Ham,
Wigan and Southampton are all thought to have asked about the availability
of the right-back on loan for the rest of the season. However, Arsenal boss
Arsene Wenger has rebuffed the offers for Jenkinson as he feels he could be
needed for the remainder of the campaign. Jenkinson started the season as
first-choice due to an injury to Bacary Sagna and he impressed for the
Gunners which resulted in him winning a call-up to the England squad. The
former Charlton man is highly-regarded at Emirates Stadium and he was
rewarded with a new deal before Christmas.
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Now it is Stephen Warnock in the Frame, as Diame's Unnamed Friends Inform us
that ...... !
By S J Chandos
West Ham Till I Die
After being linked with Martin Olsson (Blackburn Rovers), Emilio Izaguirre
(Celic) and Henri Bedimo (Montpellier), it is now being reported that West
Ham may be considering bringing in Stephen Warnock (Villa) on a free
transfer move. Apparently, the club are meeting with Warnock on Sunday to
negotiate a deal. There is also interest from Championship clubs, but West
Ham are in pole position to land the player.
It is more than possible that we could see two left-backs join the club in
this window, as Sam Allardyce has previously stated that he needs a couple
of acquisitions to provide adequate cover in that position, while, there are
also rumours that West Ham, along with Stoke City, could be interested in
taking Arsenal's Carl Jenkinson on loan. I am not sure about this. After
all, Jenkinson is a right-back and with Demel, O'Brien and Spence covering
that position, it is not so much of a priority.
Elsewhere, Mirror Sport are really pushing the boat out on the Diame to
Arsenal story. They have given it a new focus by quoting some unnamed
'friends' of Diame, who have confirmed that Diame would love to join Arsenal
in this transfer window. And based upon that, the Mirror feels confident in
stating that Diame wants to join Arsenal! He may well want to sign for
Arsenal - no doubt many players would, but whether he gets the chance is
another matter. In addition, they have linked the story to the disciplinary
action (1 week's wages) allegedly taken due to Diame arriving late at the
training ground for the 7am Arsenal post-mortem. And to round it all off
nicely, it is also authoritatively stated in the article that Sam Allardyce
has given up all hope of retaining Diame's services. How do they know what
Allardyce is thinking? Perhaps they have had a discreet word with one of Sam
Allardyce's best pals on the quiet!
This Mo Diame release clause issue has been an annoying distraction. I for
one will be glad when it is over one way or the other. Hopefully, Diame's
public statement about wanting to stay at the club best reflects the
player's intentions. We will see, come the 1 February 2013, what exactly is
the factual wheat amidst the speculative chaff. If I was in Diame's position
I would stay with West Ham until the summer and review my options then. He
is playing regularly at West Ham and an equally good second half of the
season can only improve his prospects and future options. But Diame may well
not see it like that, so lets see what transpires.
And finally, it appears that our Republic of Ireland international keeper,
Stephen Henderson, has returned to the club. He was on the bench against
Arsenal and it will be interesting to see whether Henderson goes back on
loan to Ipswich Town or spends the remainder of the season at West Ham. It
may be that the club decide to stick with Jussi, Henderson and Spiegel, this
season, and focuses their attention upon strengthening in other, more
pressing areas. While, we can also confirm that any interest that West Ham
had in Nicolas Anelka is over, at least for the time being. Anelka has just
signed a six month contract with Serie A leaders Juventus, with the option
of a further one season contract if the move proves succesfull.
I am not sure if that is good or bad news from our perspective. Still, never
mind, we still have Wellington Paulista waiting in the wings. Could Paulista
be a Hammers cult hero in the making? I do not know, but he does appear to
be a bit of a character and someone who gives 100% on the pitch, both
characteristics that endear players to the Hammers faithful. We shall see.
SJ. Chandos.
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Fine idea: Mohamed Diame up for Arsenal move as he lands in West Ham's
dog-house
The Mirror
26 Jan 2013 23:00
EXCLUSIVE by Dean Jones & Steve Bates
Mohamed Diame has told pals he would love to join Arsenal this week, writes
the Sunday People. The 25-year-old West Ham midfielder has been fined a
week's wages by boss Sam Allardyce for turning up late for a team meeting on
Thursday. Every other player was on time for the 7am session to watch a
rerun of Hammers' horror show in the 5-1 defeat to Arsenal. Allardyce seems
to have given up the fight to keep his star man, with Arsenal set to trigger
a £3.5million release clause. Spurs could also make a late bid, but West Ham
will want to bring in a replacement before Diame – signed from Wigan last
June – goes anywhere.
Hooray Henri: Hammers eye Montpellier star
EXCLUSIVE by Alan Nixon
West Ham boss Sam Allardyce is making a £2million bid for Montpellier's
Cameroon left-back Henri Bedimo, writes the Sunday People. Allardyce wants
to make Henri a Hammer before the deadline and his agents have opened talks
with the French club's president. Bedimo, 28, wants to move to the Premier
League while he is still at the peak of his powers, especially after seeing
Montpellier's better players leave the club so soon after winning the French
title.
Big Sam wants to recruit a new left-back after failing to land Sweden star
Martin Olsson from Blackburn, with the Hammers bidding a similar sum for the
24-year-old. Bedimo may cost more than Allardyce wants to pay, but sources
close to the deal are optimistic that it can be rushed through.
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Cash out: Aston Villa loaning big-money flops Alan Hutton and Stephen
Warnock
The Mirror
27 Jan 2013 22:30
Aston Villa have agreed to ship out flops Alan Hutton to Real Mallorca and
Stephen Warnock to West Ham. The pair of big-earning Villa full-backs were
made to train with the kids when boss Paul Lambert took over last summer.
Hutton and Warnock were then bombed out on loan to Nottingham Forest and
Bolton respectively. Despite returning to Villa, the club are now sending
right-back Hutton, 28, to Real Mallorca and left-back Warnock, 31, to West
Ham this week.
Their exits will ease Villa's wage bill as both collect over £40,000 a week.
But Lambert's youthful first team is struggling and there have been calls to
recall the duo to use their experience.
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