Daily WHUFC News - 28th April 2013

Macca proud despite City defeat
WHUFC.com
Assistant manager Neil McDonald said West Ham United had been unlucky to
lose 2-1 at Manchester City
27.04.2013

Assistant manager Neil McDonald believes West Ham United were unfortunate to
leave Manchester City with nothing on Saturday. The Hammers travelled to the
Etihad Stadium to face Roberto Mancini's men and gave a good account of
themselves, only to be undone by world-class goals from Sergio Aguero and
Yaya Toure. Andy Carroll was rewarded for another good all-round performance
with a last-gasp goal, but it was not quite enough to avert a 2-1 Barclays
Premier League defeat. "It was a narrow defeat," said Macca. "We were really
disappointed with our possession in the first half but I thought we can out
in the second half, with instructions from the manager, and played how we
wanted to play. "We really dominated the first 15 minutes of the second half
and gave ourselves an opportunity to get back into it. We created chances
and then Toure went and popped it into the top corner from 25 yards. "All
credit to the boys because they kept the ball a lot better in the second
half and moved it on a bit more and got it into the box. We got crosses into
the box and did it well in the second half. "They went right to the final
whistle and we got our just rewards, really. We're slightly disappointed
that we lost the game, but there were a few positives, particularly that the
second half was a lot better than the first half was."

City's goals are both likely to feature in any April Goal of the Month
montage. The first, midway through the opening half, saw Samir Nasri and
Yaya Toure combine twice before the France international cut the ball back
for Sergio Aguero to convert from close-range. The second, seven minutes
from full-time, saw Toure collect 25 yards out before turning and unleashing
a Gareth Bale-esque rocket into the top left-hand corner. "They were super
goals, of course. The individual talent leads to the end product, whether it
is a good ball or a finish into the back of the net. They were top-class
goals and that is why they finished top of the league last year. "I think we
acquitted ourselves really well even if we were slightly disappointed with
our first half. The second half was much better and we'll be looking to play
like that for the rest of the season."

Carroll's goal was his seventh of the season and his sixth in ten
appearances. "Andy has got his reward for going to the end but, especially
with them scoring their second in the top corner, it's a shame because
otherwise his goal might have just got snatched us a draw," lamented Macca.
"The attitude of the players not giving in and the attitude of them in the
second half to do what the manager had told them were pleasing. "Every
credit to them but we have lost the game. We were on a bit of a run but
that's gone now, so we need to make sure we get back on it during the last
two or three games and finish on a high."

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Unbeaten run ended at City
WHUFC.com
Manchester City defeated West Ham United 2-1 at the Etihad Stadium on
Saturday
27.04.2013

West Ham United's five-game unbeaten run was brought to an end by Manchester
City on Saturday, who scored either side of half time through Sergio Aguero
and Yaya Toure to maintain their bid for a second-place finish. City may
have had their grip on the league title released this week by local rivals
Manchester United, but the FA Cup finalists still produced enough quality to
see off the Hammers. Their goals oozed class in different methods - Aguero's
for the slick team move which preceded it and Toure's for the arrow-like
thunderbolt from outside the area. West Ham showed great spirit and gave
their hosts moments of worry, particularly in the second period, and Andy
Carroll's injury time consolation at least gave their travelling supporters
something to cheer. After a low-key start to the game, City began to click
into gear and were not far away from taking an 18th minute lead when the
visitors only half cleared a corner and David Silva sent in a left-footed
drive which wistled past the post. Four minutes later they went even closer,
with only the woodwork saving West Ham on this occasion. Aguero should have
done better as Silva's pass inside deflected off Kevin Nolan and dropped
perfectly for him, but concerned by James Collins who was trying desperately
to get back, the Argentine scuffed his shot against the far post.

Both sets of supporters rose to applaud in the memory of Marc-Vivien Foe
with 23 minutes on the clock, and as their fitting tribute took place,
Mohamed Diame tested Joe Hart with a well-struck volley from the edge of the
box. City's threat was growing tangibly, however, and they opened the
scoring with a goal of real quality after 28 minutes. Aguero made amends for
his earlier miss, stroking home from six yards after Samir Nasri drove into
the box, played a neat one-two with Silva and squared for his striker to
finish. It was very nearly two immediately afterwards, but Jussi
Jaaskelainen made a double stop to save his side, springing up quickly after
he could not hold Nasri's drive to block Pablo Zabaleta on the follow up.
The Hammers struggled to affect the game as an attacking force before the
break, but they were able to force City onto the back foot at the start of
the second period as Sam Allardyce's men flew out of the traps.
Matt Jarvis was more involved and he supplied a couple of dangerous crosses,
but Carroll was being well marshalled by Vincent Kompany and he could not
get enough purchase on his headed chances.

West Ham appeared to grow in belief as the game wore on, but at the same
time City possessed a constant threat and Jaaskelainen had to stand up by
his near post to deny Nasri after the former Arsenal man found space inside
the box. Joey O'Brien then made an excellent block to divert Carlos Tevez'
close range effort over the bar. The former Hammer looked set to score after
strike partner Aguero danced away from James Collins inside the area and
knocked the ball square. With 18 minutes left Nasri was similarly
profligate, miskicking when left with the goal at his mercy by Tevez' low
cross. At the other end Collins dragged a left-footed shot just wide of the
mark after a Matt Taylor free kick bounced around the box. But seven minutes
from the end the Hammers' challenge was effectively killed off by a
thunderbolt from Yaya Toure, who fired into the top right-hand corner of
Jaaskelainen's net with his left foot from 25 yards. West Ham nevertheless
deserved a goal for their second half efforts and it arrived in the last
knockings when Carroll brought down Guy Demel's cross on his chest and
drilled through Joe Hart's attempted save to notch a consolation.

Manchester City: Hart; Zabaleta, Kompany, Lescott, Clichy; Y.Toure, Silva
(Milner 78), Barry, Nasri (K.Toure 87); Aguero, Tevez (Garcia 83)
Subs: Pantilimon (GK), Dzeko, Kolarov, Nastasic
Goals: Aguero 28, Y.Toure 83
Booked: Zabaleta

West Ham United: Jaaskelainen; Demel, Collins, Reid, O'Brien (C.Cole 81);
Diame, O'Neil, Nolan (Taylor 81); Vaz Te (Collison 66), Carroll, Jarvis
Subs: Henderson (GK), Noble, Pogatetz, J.Cole
Goal: Carroll 90+4
Booked: Carroll, Collison, O'Brien

Referee: Howard Webb
Attendance: 47,183

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U18s complete Reds double
WHUFC.com
Steve Potts' West Ham United U18s emulated the Development Squad by beating
Liverpool 2-1 on Saturday
27.04.2013

West Ham United secured a deserved 2-1 victory over Liverpool in their final
home game of the Premier U18 League Tier One Stage at Little Heath on
Saturday. Goals for the Hammers in the opening half-hour from Joe Ward and
Nathan Mavila (pictured) put the Hammers on course for victory; with Alex
O'Hanlon's second-half strike only a consolation for the visiting Reds. Both
sides named a host of young players in their starting line-ups, with Potts
giving starts to Vit Nemrava, Nathan Mavila, Reece Burke and Taylor Miles,
who were all part of Nick Haycock's Development Squad for their own 2-1
Barclays U21 Premier League victory over Liverpool on Friday evening. With
both teams aiming to get some points on the board before the end of the
season, the game started in very lively fashion. The visitors looked more
comfortable with the ball in the midfield, but West Ham were looking more
dangerous in attack.
The Hammers were ahead after ten minutes. As West Ham attacked regularly
down both wings, it was Mavila who was released down the left flank, making
a low cross to the unmarked Ward, who directed the ball into the bottom
left-hand corner of the net.

Liverpool tried to react straight away, but just ten minutes later, Ward and
Mavila linked up again on the counter attack. As Ward progressed over the
halfway line, Mavila sprinted through the defence to prepare to receive the
ball, but Ward failed to put enough pace on the ball and the pass was
intercepted.
Just before the half-hour mark, West Ham doubled their lead. A long ball
forward from Emmanuel Onaraise was aimed at Mavila, who turned his marker on
the halfway line to run through on goal, taking his time before powering his
shot into the corner of the net. Before the break, Liverpool had a clear
opportunity on goal to get back into the game. From a corner, the ball found
Danny Cleary in the box, but the defender sliced his effort straight into
the hands of schoolboy goalkeeper Nemrava.

After the break, Liverpool came out much quicker, looking to put pressure on
a strong Hammers defence. Ten minutes into the second half, the Merseysiders
got the goal they had been searching for. An unlikely mistake in the home
back line gave O'Hanlon a chance to run through on goal, and he kept his
cool to slot past Nemrava. The goal gave Liverpool inspiration to push for
the equaliser, but the Hammers stayed strong and cleared all the danger,
reducing their opponents to long-range shots. In the closing stages of the
game, Liverpool were starting to get frustrated. Despite the extensive
periods of possession and territory enjoyed by the visitors, West Ham held
on to take all three points.

West Ham end their Barclays U18 Premier League Tier One stage season with a
trip to Stoke City next Saturday..

West Ham United U18s: Nemrava, Knoyle, Page, Burke, Harney, Onaraise,
Makasi, Miles (Girdlestone) (Gogo), Ward (Boakye-Yiadom), Parfitt-Williams,
Mavila
Subs not used: Brown, Pike

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Man City 2 West Ham 1
27 April 2013
Last updated at 15:02
By Mandeep Sanghera
BBC Sport

Manchester City's first game since surrendering the Premier League title to
Manchester United ended with a hard-fought win over West Ham. Sergio Aguero
slotted in a low Samir Nasri cross to put the hosts ahead. City failed to
take their chances as Carlos Tevez blazed a shot high and Nasri mistimed a
shot from eight yards. Yaya Toure's curler into the top corner sealed City's
win, although Andy Carroll's shot squirmed past Joe Hart for a late Hammers
consolation goal.
City's 3-1 loss against Tottenham last Sunday allowed rivals Manchester
United to grab back the title with a 3-0 win over Aston Villa on Monday and
there was a subdued atmosphere at the Etihad. However, with the FA Cup final
against Wigan on 11 May, the hosts produced an impressive performance, which
only lacked more of a cutting edge as they tightened their grip on second
place. West Ham, whose top-flight safety is all-but guaranteed, had their
five-match unbeaten run ended by the defeat and, although they improved
after the break, they struggled to create chances. The match soon fell into
the pattern of City trying to prise a way through the massed Hammers ranks
and it did not take long for City's pressure and perseverance to pay off.
Only the woodwork denied the hosts after a David Silva pass deflected off
Hammers captain Kevin Nolan to let in Aguero, who scuffed his shot against
the post.

The Argentine did not take long to atone for his miss. Yaya Toure, Silva and
Nasri combined with some intricate build-up play before the latter teed up
Aguero to slot in at the near post. Almost immediately, City came close to
doubling their lead when a Nasri shot was parried by keeper Jussi
Jaaskelainen, who had to react quickly to turn Pablo Zabaleta's follow-up
around the upright. In a first half marked by a period of applause in a
touching tribute to Marc-Vivien Foe, who played for both clubs and died
playing for Cameroon nearly 10 years ago, West Ham's best chance came when
Mohamed Diame's volley was saved at the second attempt by Hart. City
capitulated when 1-0 up last week at Spurs and, when Tevez blazed over after
a well-worked move after the break, their failure to create more of a
cushion kept the Hammers in the game. The visitors thought they should have
had a penalty when a Matt Jarvis cross struck Zabaleta's arm, although it
was more ball to hand and the appeal was waved away by referee Howard Webb.
City could not find a finishing touch to some eye-catching passing moves as
Nasri had a shot saved and a Tevez effort was diverted over by a lunging
Joey O'Brien. An unmarked Nasri's failure to convert a Tevez cross only
added to City's anxieties and they were nearly punished for their profligacy
when Collins sent a shot just wide after the home side failed to clear a
corner. Yaya Toure finally settled his side's nerves and he did it in style
by sending a 20-yard curling left-foot shot into the top corner, with
Carroll's late goal little more than a nuisance for the hosts.

Manchester City manager Roberto Mancini: "I'm happy with this performance.
I'm unhappy for the goals we missed as we could have scored more goals but
this has been our problem this season. "I'm also happy we remembered
Marc-Vivien Foe, who was a great player for Manchester City. "West Ham are a
good team and have had a good season but we deserved to score four, five or
six goals."

West Ham boss Sam Allardyce: "The second-half performance was more like us
and, in the end, it was a stunning goal from Yaya Toure which secured the
game for them. "Our goals away from home have been poor this year and we
must improve on that next season. "We'll hopefully address that in the
summer but before that we have got three important games and we will try to
keep improving our performances."

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Top ten on the cards
KUMB.com
Filed: Saturday, 27th April 2013
By: Staff Writer

West Ham have remained in the top half of the Premier League after today's
round of matches, despite falling to defeat at Manchester City earlier in
the day.
United were beaten 2-1 at the City of Manchester Stadium earlier this
lunchtime, meaning that both Fulham and Southampton could have potentially
overtaken them later in the day.

However those fears failed to materialise with Fulham losing 1-0 to Everton
at Goodison Park and the Saints suffering a crushing 3-0 home defeat against
West Bromwich Albion.

Those results leave West Ham - who will play two of their remaining three
fixtures this season at the Boleyn Ground - in with a great chance of
recording their first top flight, top ten finish since Gianfranco Zola's
squad finished ninth (with 51 points) back in 2008/09.

First Season Back: How They Fared

Six of West Ham United's 14 full-time managers - Sam Allardyce, Alan Pardew,
Billy Bonds, John Lyall, Ted Fenton and Syd King - have taken charge of a
Hammers side newly promoted to the top flight - three of whom recorded a top
ten finish.

Here's how those teams finished in their first season back...

Sam Allardyce (2012/13): 10th*
Alan Pardew (2005/06): 9th
Billy Bonds (1993/94): 13th
Billy Bonds (1991/92): 22nd
John Lyall (1981/82): 9th
Ted Fenton (1958/59): 6th
Syd King (1923/24): 13th

*Position at time of writing


Remaining 2012/13 Fixtures

Current Premier League Table
Pos Team Pld Pts GD
9 Swansea 33 42 1
10 West Ham Utd 35 42 -8
11 Fulham 35 40 -9
12 Stoke City 35 40 -10
13 Southampton 35 39 -10

Left To Play

Swansea: Chelsea (a); Man City (h); Wigan (a); Man Utd (a); Fulham (h).

West Ham Utd: Newcastle Utd (h); Everton (a); Reading (h).

Fulham: Reading (h); Liverpool (h); Swansea (a).

Stoke City: Sunderland (a); Tottenham (h); Southampton (a).

Southampton: Tottenham (a); Sunderland (a); Stoke City (h).

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End of the road for Hearn
KUMB.com
Filed: Saturday, 27th April 2013
By: Staff Writer

Barry Hearn's challenge over the Olympic Stadium appears to be dead in the
water after he was told there would be no judicial review to examine the
process.
Hearn revealed at the beginning of March that he would be seeking judicial
review into the decision to award tenancy of the stadium to West Ham.
However it is reported that lawyers acting on behalf of other parties have
been informed that Hearn's appeal has been rejected.

The Dagenham-born former accountant, now 64, has long argued that West Ham's
relocation to Stratford could sound the death knell for his club, despite
the two having co-existed within a few miles of each other for more than 70
years since the League One club - formerly known as Clapton Orient - moved
into the area.

Opponents have claimed that Hearn cares little about the future of Orient,
London's second-oldest club and simply views the situation as a money-making
opportunity.

Hearn himself is yet to comment on the latest news but he admitted recently
that should his latest challenge fail, he would not continue his fight
against Wes tHam United's move to Stratford. "Eventually I will get beaten.
They may go through the motions," he said. "If I lose the judicial review, I
have got to walk. I've cost people a lot of money and spent a lot of money
myself, but I don't regret it because I think I am in the right."

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Man City 2-1 West Ham Utd
KUMB.com
Filed: Saturday, 27th April 2013
By: staf

West Ham United were predictably - yet narrowly - beaten at the City of
Manchester stadium in today's early kick off.

Goals from Sergio Aguero and Yaya Toure - one in either half - ensured the
reigning Premier League champions won all three points in the day's
lunchtime game, although Andy Carroll at least gave the travelling fans
something to cheer about with an injury time consolation effort.

It is often said that incorrect refereeing decisions even themselves out
over the season. However in terms of matches against the Premier League's
established 'big four', that is most certainly not the case as far as West
Ham are concerned this season.

Even prior to today's game, West Ham have been on the wrong end of a number
of key decisions in these games since last August.

Two goals incorrectly ruled out against Chelsea (one home, one away), Robin
Van Persie's offside goal at the Boleyn recently and Kevin Nolan's perfectly
legitimate strike in the corresponding fixture against Man City back in
November suggests that equality is not high on the agenda, nor ever likely
to be achieved in a league which positively favours those at its zenith.

And so it was the case again this afternoon when City defender Pablo
Zabaleta's arm twice made contact with the ball inside the penalty area in
the second half - and twice saw appeals go in his favour.

In fairness to the Argentinian, the first incident - in which the ball was
played against him - was certainly not a penalty and has it been given,
would have been extremely harsh. However the second - when he leaned towards
a shot and clearly made contact with his lower arm - definitely was.

One can only conclude that match official Howard Webb, whose impartiality
has been called into question on numerous occasions, failed to spot the
infringement.

In what was to prove a disappointing opening 45 minutes for West Ham, the
Citizens scored the only goal of the half on 28 minutes when a move
involving in excess of 15 passes on West Ham's right was completed by
£40million man Aguero, ghosting in on the blind side of the
otherwise-impeccable Winston Reid, to finish from close range.

However Sam Allardyce's side were a different proposition after the break
and, given a bit of luck, they may well have extended their unbeaten run to
six games today.

James Collins, Andy Carroll and Kevin Nolan all saw good opportunitties
spurned before Yaya Toure finally put the game beyond West Ham on the 82nd
minute. Having picked up the ball outside the box, City's midfield driving
force whipped a curling, dipping shot into Jussi Jaaskelainen's far corner.

To their credit, West Ham continued to push on and eventually got their
reward - even if they did have to wait until the fourth minute of added-on
time to get it. England 'keeper Joe Hart, who endured a bit of a nightmare
today allowed Andy Carroll's header to squirm between his legs and over the
line.


Manchester City 2-1 West Ham United: Match Facts

West Ham Utd: Jaaskelainen, Demel, Collins, Reid, O'Brien (C.Cole 81),
Diame, O'Neil, Nolan (Taylor 81), Vaz Te (Collison 66), Carroll, Jarvis.

Subs Not Used: Henderson, Pogatetz, Noble, J.Cole.

Goals: Carroll (90+3).

Booked: Carroll (20), Collison (71), O'Brien (78).

Shots On/Off Target: 6/3 (9).


Manchester City: Hart, Zabaleta, Kompany, Lescott, Clichy, Y.Toure, Silva
(Milner 78), Barry, Nasri (K.Toure 87), Aguero, Tevez (Garcia 83).

Subs Not Used: Pantilimon, Nastasic, Kolarov, Dzeko.

Goals: Aguero (28), Y.Toure (83).

Booked: Zabaleta (78).

Shots On/Off Target: 10/6 (16).


Possession: Man City 61%-39% West Ham Utd

Corners: Man City 9-4 West Ham Utd

Fouls: Man City 9-7 West Ham Utd

Referee: Howard Webb.

Attendance: 47,183.

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Allardyce: gulf in resources, not effort
KUMB.com
Filed: Saturday, 27th April 2013
By: Staff Writer

Sam Allardyce has praised his team for their efforts after West Ham were
narrowly beaten at the City of Manchester Stadium this afternoon.
Allardyce's West Ham went down 2-1 to the current Premier League champions
in their penultimate away game of the campaign thanks to goals from Sergio
Aguero - who alone cost City more than West Ham's entire starting XI today -
and Yaya Toure, with Andy Carroll grabbing an injury-time consolation for
the Hammers.
However Allardyce, who is poised to sign a new contract that will keep him
in charge at the Boleyn until West Ham move to the Olympic Stadium felt that
his side were never out of the game - and could have even snatched a point.
"At least we showed that we could have [taken something from the game] in
the second half," he said. "I was concerned at the respect our players were
showing the opposition in the first half; we had plenty of possession but
just gave it straight back, so we had to improve that.

"From the very start of the second half we got in their final third and
persisted in doing that the whole of the game. But as has been our problem
all season, we haven't scored enough goals. I know Andy's got one at the end
which is another one to add to his tally but it perhaps should have come a
little sooner.
"In the end, had Yaya Toure not scored that screamer - and you can't blame
your defenders for a goal like that, it was outstanding - who knows. But we
always stayed in the game and our second half performance was pleasing
against a top-quality team. "They've spent millions of pounds on it and
we've managed to match their levels on occasions in the second half and
cause them a few problems. Whilst the first half performance was below par
for us, the second - against this opposition - was very good."

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Zabaleta apologises for O'Brien spat
KUMB.com
Filed: Saturday, 27th April 2013
By: Staff Writer

Manchester City's Argentinian defender Pablo Zabaleta has apologised for his
part in the fracas that saw both him and West Ham United's Joey O'Brien
booked in the second half of today's Premier League clash. Zabaleta reacted
to a late tackle by the Irish Hammer of the Year contender by shoving
O'Brien in the chest - the consequence of which was a caution for both
players. But speaking to the press after the game, Zabaleta admitted that he
was wrong to react in the way that he did. "I think it was a bad tackle but
I have to say 'sorry' for my reaction," he said. "I know it wasn't the best
reaction, but I said that to the referee. Sometimes when you're on the pitch
it's different, sometimes you get angry and it was a bad tackle. But this
time it was a yellow card for both [of us] and that's ok."

Meanwhile City boss Roberto Mancini felt that his side had fully deserved to
win today's encounter, which finished 2-1 in favour of the hosts. "We could
have scored four, five, six goals, " he claimed. "But today it was important
to win. "We scored a fantastic first goal but sometimes we want our football
to be too beautiful. But it was important that we got three points."

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West Ham boss Sam Allardyce keen to add to squad after Man City defeat
Last Updated: April 27, 2013 4:59pm
SSN

Sam Allardyce admitted he would need to improve his West Ham United squad in
the summer after witnessing their 2-1 loss to Manchester City, but he was
encouraged by their second-half showing at the Etihad Stadium. City were
dominant in the first half as Sergio Aguero opened the scoring, but the game
was more evenly contested after the interval and the Hammers carved out
chances to draw level. However, Yaya Toure's fabulous shot left West Ham
with too much to do and they could only pull one goal back in stoppage-time
thanks to Andy Carroll. Asked if he felt West Ham could have got something
from the match, Allardyce told Sky Sports: "At least we showed that we
possibly could in the second half, because I was just a little bit concerned
about the players showing too much respect to City in the first half and
giving the ball straight back to them.

Allardyce wants better players
"We had to improve our play in possession and we persisted to do that
throughout the whole game but, as our problem has been all season, for the
chances created there are not enough goals scored. "Our second-half
performance was pleasing because they are a top-quality team who have spent
millions of pounds and we managed to get to their level at times in the
second half and cause them a few problems." West Ham remain comfortably
placed in mid-table despite Saturday's defeat but Allardyce is aware that he
will need to bring in reinforcements in the transfer window to keep the club
moving forward. Questioned on what he would need to add over the summer, he
replied: "Better players, it's as simple as that. Finding them and getting
them is the hard bit, but if we can then we will get better and hopefully
become an established Premier League side."

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Scouse proud: Andy Carroll drops hint at Anfield return by buying house in
Liverpool
27 Apr 2013 22:30
The Mirror
Ian Walton

Andy Carroll has provided the most significant clue yet that he's ready to
re-build his Liverpool career. The £35million striker is close to agreeing a
move - to a new house in Southport. And that could sabotage West Ham's hopes
of signing the 24 year-old England ace. Hammers boss Sam Allardyce wants
Carroll to stay after spending this season on loan from Anfield. But the
hitman wants to have another go at establishing himself at the Reds – and
boss Brendan Rodgers may need him with Luis Suarez's future uncertain.
Meanwhile, Sir Geoff Hurst has urged West Ham fans to make their views on
the switch to the Olympic ­Stadium known to the Upton Park board. Fans are
divided on the move and a consultation process has been started so they can
voice their ­opposition or support. West Ham are keen to hear from
supporters and England World Cup hero Hurst said: "I am delighted Hammers
fans will have this opportunity to tell the club their opinions about the
Olympic Stadium. "It is essential that as many supporters as ­possible use
the ­opportunity to offer their opinions on this exciting move. "I'm a fan
and I know what I think about the move. I wholeheartedly support it and it
will be a major step forward for the club. "For West Ham to move forward, we
need a bigger ground, we need better ­facilities and that is what we will
get at the Olympic Stadium. The accessibility at Stratford is second to
none. And we will have one of the best stadiums in the country, if not the
world. "It is something that I will be looking forward to and I am sure the
majority of fans will be thinking the same. "It is such a fantastic
­opportunity for the club. I would urge everyone who can to have their say –
­whatever their opinion."

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