Daily WHUFC News - 2nd November 2013

Aston Villa match preview
WHUFC.com
All the information you need to know ahead of Saturday's match
01.11.2013

WEST HAM UNITED v ASTON VILLA
BARCLAYS PREMIER LEAGUE
SATURDAY 2 NOVEMBER 2013
KICK-OFF: 3PM
REFEREE: HOWARD WEBB
FULL AUDIO COMMENTARY - WEST HAM TV

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West Ham United v Aston Villa
Introduction
• West Ham United return to action in the Barclays Premier League at the
Boleyn Ground after progressing to the quarter-finals of the Capital One Cup
with a 2-0 victory over Burnley on Tuesday night.
• The Hammers will hope to transfer their cup form into the league where
they have lost their last three home matches to Stoke City , Everton and
Manchester City.
• Last time out in the top-flight on Sunday 27 October, Sam Allardyce's team
secured a solid point away to Swansea City, where they earned a fifth clean
sheet in nine league matches. In their last outing at the Boleyn Ground the
Hammers suffered a 3-1 defeat by Manchester City.
• West Ham currently occupy 15th place on nine points from nine matches
played - two positions and one point worse off than Saturday's visitors
Aston VIlla.
• Aston Villa have struggled for consistency so far this season, winning
three, drawing one and losing five of their first nine league fixtures.
• The Villans have struggled in front of goal of late and failed to find the
net during three Barclays Premier League matches over the course of October,
drawing 0-0 at Hull City and losing 2-0 at home to Tottenham Hotspur and
Everton.
• Paul Lambert's side have been beaten just once on their league travels
thus far, a 2-1 defeat to Chelsea representing the only loss in four away
games.
• In their last away outing, the Villans drew 0-0 at the KC Satdium against
Hull City, the scene of West Ham's only away defeat this season.

Team news
West Ham United
• Matt Taylor (calf), Alou Diarra (knee), James Collins (hamstring), Andy
Carroll (foot), Ricardo Vaz Te and Stephen Henderson (both shoulder) are all
unavailable.
• James Tomkins looks set to play after overcoming a slight hamstring twinge
suffered in mid-week.
• Mladen Petric could also be available after recovering from a knock.

Aston Villa
• Gabriel Agbonlahor (ankle), Joe Bennett (back) and Antonio Luna
(hamstring) are all doubts for the Villans.

Background
• West Ham United and Aston Villa have met 107 times in total in competitive
fixtures. Each club has tasted victory on 38 occasions, with 31 draws.
• The first-ever meeting between the two clubs proved to be a forgettable
one for West Ham United, who were beaten 5-0 at Villa Park in the FA Cup
second round on 1 February 1913.
• West Ham United's largest victory over Aston Villa came in Division One on
30 August 1958, when the newly-promoted Hammers won 7-2 at the Boleyn
Ground. A 30,506-strong crowd saw John Dick, Vic Keeble and Malcolm Musgrove
scored twice apiece and Bill Lansdowne once.
• Sam Allardyce faced Aston Villa five times as a manager during the 2009/10
season, when his Blackburn Rovers side were eliminated from the FA Cup and
League Cup by the Villans.
• West Ham United's all-time record goalscorer Vic Watson netted 18 goals in
15 appearances against Aston Villa, including three hat-tricks in November
1926, December 1929 and April 1930.
• Marlon Harewood scored West Ham United's most-recent Premier League
hat-trick when he bagged three times in a 4-0 home win over Aston Villa on
12 September 2005. He later went on to play for Villa.
• A total of 13 West Ham United players have made their debuts against
today's opponents Aston Villa - Alfred Earl, Ernest England, Alvin Martin,
Carlos Tevez, Winston Reid, Pablo Barrera, Frederic Piquionne, Archibald
Macauley, Ian Crawford, Bill Green, Craig Forrest, Paulo Alves and Matthew
Upson.

Last time out
Burnley 0-2 West Ham United
Capital One Cup fourth round
29 October 2013
West Ham United: Adrian, Potts, Ruddock, Tomkins (Nolan 71), O'Brien,
Chambers, Taylor, Diame (Collison 45), J Cole (Downing 60), C Cole, Maiga
Subs not used: Morrison, Spiegel, Fanimo, Tombides
Goals: Taylor 76 (pen), Collison 90 (pen)

Aston Villa 0-2 Everton
Barclays Premier League
26 October 2013
Aston Villa: Guzan, Bacuna, Luna (Clark 46), Westwood, Vlaar, Baker,
Weimann, Delph, Benteke, Tonev (Helenius 77), Agbonlahor
Subs not used: El Ahmadi, Steer, Kozak, Lowton, Sylla

Previous meeting
In a tight match it was Aston Villa who eventually prevailed on a damp day
at Villa Park. Christian Benteke converted a penalty after 74 minutes and
Charles N'Zogbia doubled the lead with a superb free-kick five minutes later
before Ashley Westwood put through his own net to set-up a grand stand
finish with three minutes left.
Aston Villa 2-1 West Ham United
Barclays Premier League
10 February 2013
Aston Villa: Guzan, Lowton, Vlaar, Clark, Baker, Weimann (Dawkins 64),
Westwood, Delph, Bowery (Bent 63), N'Zogbia (Sylla 85), Benteke
Subs not used: Given, Holman, Bannan, Bennett
Goals: Benteke 74, N'Zogbia 79
West Ham United: Jaaskelainen, O'Brien (Demel 24), Reid, Tomkins, Pogatetz,
Noble (C Cole 76), Diame, Nolan, Taylor, J Cole (Vaz Te 67), Carroll
Subs not used: Spiegel, Jarvis, Chamakh, O'Neil
Goals: Westwood 87 (og)

Last six meetings
(Premier League unless stated)
10 February 2013 - Aston Villa 2-1 West Ham United
18 August 2012 - West Ham United 1-0 Aston Villa
16 April 2011 - West Ham United 1-2 Aston Villa
14 August 2010 - Aston Villa 3-0 West Ham United
17 January 2010 - Aston Villa 0-0 West Ham United
4 November 2009 - West Ham United 2-1 Aston Villa
Overall record v Aston Villa (all competitions) W 38 D 31 L 38

Ten-year record
West Ham United
2012/13 Premier League 10th (46 points)
2011/12 Championship 3rd (86 points - promoted via Play-Offs)
2010/11 Premier League 20th (33 points)
2009/10 Premier League 17th (35 points)
2008/09 Premier League 9th (51 points)
2007/08 Premier League 10th (49 points)
2006/07 Premier League 15th (41 points)
2005/06 Premier League 9th (55 points)
2004/05 Championship 6th (73 points - promoted via Play-Offs)
2003/04 Championship 4th (74 points)

Aston Villa
2012/13 Premier League 15th (41 points)
2011/12 Premier League 16th (38 points)
2010/11 Premier League 9th (48 points)
2009/10 Premier League 6th (64 points)
2008/09 Premier League 6th (62 points)
2007/08 Premier League 6th (60 points)
2006/07 Premier League 11th (50 points)
2005/06 Premier League 16th (42 points)
2004/05 Premier League 10th (47 points)
2003/04 Premier League 6th (56 points)

Old boys
• James Collins swapped east London for Birmingham on 1 September 2009 for
an undisclosed fee after making 65 appearances in all competitions for West
Ham United, scoring two goals. The Wales centre-back returned to West Ham on
1 August 2012, having scored six goals in 109 games for the Villans.
• Carlton Cole would be playing against the team where he spent the 2004/05
season on loan. Cole scored three goals in 30 league and cup appearances for
Aston Villa.
• Stewart Downing spent two years with Aston Villa between 2009 and 2011,
scoring eleven times in 82 matches
• Among the other players who have represented both clubs are Billy Askew,
John Carew, Alan Curbishley, Mervyn Day, Marlon Harewood, Thomas
Hitzlsperger, Ray Houghton, David James, Robbie Keane, Fred Norris, Nigel
Reo-Coker, Tony Scott, Les Sealey, Nolberto Solano, Tommy Southren, David
Unsworth and Phil Woosnam.

Referee
• Saturday's referee will be Howard Webb. Webb began officiating in
Yorkshire in 1989. He took charge of his first Barclays Premier League match
as a referee in October 2003 and has since been the man-in-the-middle for a
host of high-profile fixtures, including the 2010 FIFA World Cup final
between Spain and Holland in South Africa.
• He also refereed the 2012 npower Championship Play-Off final at Wembley,
when West Ham United beat Blackpool 2-1 at Wembley to secure promotion.
• Previously, Webb also refereed the 2005 FA Community Shield, 2006 FA
Trophy final and 2006 UEFA European Under-21 Championship, as well as taking
charge of his first UEFA Champions League match in 2006. The former police
officer was referee for the 2007 Carling Cup final and was selected as
England's representative at Euro 2008, taking charge of the first match of
the tournament between Austria and Poland and the Group D fixture between
Greece and eventual champions Spain.
• This season, Webb officiated the Hammers' opening Barclays Premier League
match against Cardiff City.
• In all, Webb has refereed West Ham on 28 occasions. He will be assisted on
Saturday by Sian Massey and Darren Cann, while the fourth official will be
Keith Hill.

General information
• A limited amount of tickets are still on sale for Saturday's match. For
full details, click here.
• The weather forecast for Saturday is for a cloudy day with a chance of
rain and highs of 13C (56F).
• The London Underground District line will be closed between Dagenham East
and Upminster. Replacement buses operate. This is while line improvement
work is carried out at Upminster and drainage replacement work at Elm Park.
• The London Underground Cental line will be closed between Bethnal Green
and Loughton/Woodford (via Hainault). Replacement buses operate. This is
while TfL replace track and points in the Leytonstone area and carry out
station improvement work at Buckhurst Hill.
• The London Overground will be closed between Highbury & Islington and
Stratford due to engineering works. Valid tickets will be accpeted on rail
replacement buses S and Q.
• Greater Anglia rail services will be affected by engineering works between
Liverpool Street and Seven Kings. Liverpool Street to Shenfield Metro
services will run at a reduced frequency of four trains per hour, calling at
all stations, while Liverpool Street to Southend Victoria and Southminster
services will run to a revised timetable. For Liverpool Street to
Chelmsford, Colchester, Ipswich, Norwich and branche services, journey times
to and from Liverpool Street and Stratford will be extended by between ten
and 15 minutes. For full details, click here.
• c2c rail services will run as normal on Saturday.

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Demel seeks home comforts
WHUFC.com
Hammers full-back Guy Demel is determined to rediscover the winning touch in
E13
02.11.2013

Guy Demel is eyeing Saturday's Boleyn Ground clash with Aston Villa as a
chance for West Ham United to get back on track in E13. So far this season,
Sam Allardyce's men have been unable to live up to their awesome home form
of last season, and are searching for their first success on their own turf
since the opening day of the campaign. But having secured two clean sheets
on their travels in the last week, full-back Demel is certain the Hammers
have what it takes to gain a positive result against Villa. "It's nice to
see the fans are right behind us and now we need a win at home," he
admitted. "Last season we really strong at home so it would be nice to get
back to that. "We need to put some more points on the board and we're
looking forward to playing in front of our home fans. "We have a huge
support and we want to start an unbeaten series at home now, It wasn't easy
for other teams to come to the Boleyn Ground before and that is what we need
again. "We know we can do that, we just need to repeat the good performances
and we will be able to get a result against Aston Villa."

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Chadwell Chatter
WHUFC.com
Dan Potts reflects on his first-team return and looks forward to an
important weekend
01.11.2013

Hello everyone,

It has been a good week for me and for the Club. I was really happy to make
my first appearance of the season for the first team at Burnley on Tuesday,
and it was all the better because we won the game and got through to the
Capital One Cup quarter-finals. It's always good to play in the first team -
that's where you want to be. I'm just pleased we got the right result and as
part of the back four or five during the game I'm happy we got a clean sheet
too. It was also a big night for Leo Chambers and Pelly Ruddock, who I know
well and have been playing alongside regularly at Under-18 and Development
Squad levels for the past few years. Leo and Pelly did really well. Leo is
only 18 and Pelly was making his debut, so they could have felt nervous, but
they certainly didn't let the pressure get to them.

All three of us have been pretty much ever-present in the Under 21s this
season, playing well and keeping clean sheets which have bought about some
very good results. To go to Burnley, get the win and the clean sheet was a
fantastic feeling. As I mentioned, it was my first first-team appearance of
the season and first since I was knocked out playing at Arsenal in January!
From my point of view I've just kept pushing and pushing and tried to stay
fit. I've now got to keep training hard and training well waiting for the
opportunities to come. When they do come my way I like to think I will be
able to take them. I was pleased with my performance against Burnley in a
team performance that was very good in the end.

There's no equivalent to first-team football and if you can't get it here
then the next best thing is for you to move on loan and help you develop. It
has to be the right move for yourself however. You don't want to be in a
situation where you're out on loan and not playing games. The idea is to go
out and get games under your belt and if that opportunity comes then we'll
see but for now I'm just taking each game as it comes.

I went to Colchester United on loan last season - a club where my good
friend Elliot Lee has recently gone on loan - and enjoyed the experience,
even if I didn't win a game while I was there! For now, I'm very happy with
the way the Burnley game went and now I can move on to the next one, which
is likely to be tonight's Barclays U21 Premier League match at Chelsea.
We've been going really well this season and go into the match top of the
table, so we want to win and stay there. I remember losing on penalties to
Chelsea a couple of seasons ago, so that will give me and some of the other
lads plenty of added motivation to beat them this time around. I should also
mention the Under-18s, who are on a five-match unbeaten run at the moment
and are also doing well. My Dad would not forgive me if I didn't mention
them too!

The first team welcome Aston Villa tomorrow and I know the boys are
determined to finish off a good week with a victory on home turf. I am sure
we can do that with a full stadium behind us.
Come on you Irons!
Dan

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Chelsea 3-3 Development Squad - FT
WHUFC.com
Minute-by-minute coverage of the Dev Squad's match against Chelsea
01.11.2013

CHELSEA v DEVELOPMENT SQUAD
BARCLAYS UNDER-21 PREMIER LEAGUE
EBB STADIUM
FRIDAY 1 NOVEMBER 2013
KICK-OFF: 7.05PM
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Full-time: Well I'm exhausted, what a match. It had it all, six goals,
bookings and drama a plenty. A late Ake goal denied the Hammers, who can
feel very hard done by. Ruddock, Fanimo and Turgott scored for the Hammers
in a game in which they were never behind. They can feel proud of their
efforts with only a last minute goal denying them victory. Great game but a
twinge of disappointment that it's one point instead of three.
90+4 mins GOAL: Disaster strikes as the clock ticks down into the last few
seconds. Ake pounces on a loose ball after Clifford's shot rebounds off the
crossbar.
90+2 mins: Ruddock clears as the Hammers counter. Tombides races clear and
should be awarded a penalty as he's bought down but the referee says no.
Poor decision.
90 mins: Four minutes added on here.
89 mins: What a save! Spiegel acrobatically tips Loftus Cheek's header over
the bar. Nasha is on for Driver who is currently receiving treatment off the
pitch.
88 mins: Loftus Cheek hangs his head in shame as he somehow misses the
target from eight yards after a Swift cut-back. Phew.
86 mins: Driver is just unable to connect with a super cross whipped in by
Sadlier.
85 mins: The ref brandishes a yellow to Clifford and about time too. Another
reckless tackle this time on Cullen is finally punished.
84 mins: Corner to Chelsea. Baker whips it in and Ake gets his head to it
but nods it straight at Spiegel.
82 mins: What a hectic last few minutes! Fanimo has now gone down and will
have to be replaced by Josh Cullen. He's done his work for the night and has
a brilliant goal to show for it.
80 mins GOAL: How long did that last! A matter of sixty seconds before
Turgott sends a low shot past the keeper to regain the lead!
79 mins GOAL: Swift equalises for the hosts after turning home Brown's
cross.
78 mins: Turgott jinks his way to the edge of the box before hitting a shot
straight at Beeney.
76 mins: Just under 15 minutes left and the match could still harbour a few
twists and turns yet.
74 mins: Whitehead goes close! He tries his luck from distance and his shot
takes a deflection before making its way out for a corner. The set piece
comes to nothing however.
73 mins: Ruddock, as he likes to do, rampages forward from centre-back and
wins himself a free-kick. Fanimo delivers but Swift is there to clear.
71 mins: Chelsea win a corner after Baker's shot is deflected out. It's put
high into the box but well cleared by the Hammers.
70 mins: What a block! Driver dives in front of Brown as he looks to have a
tap-in! Great defending!
68 mins: Fanimo's free-kick bounces just in front of the keeper but luckily
for him rebounds to his defender who is able to clear.
68 mins: Makasi is ready to come on for Miles as Haycock makes his first
change.
67 mins: Big chance for Chelsea as Loftus Cheek prods just wide after an
excellent through ball from Clifford.
65 mins: A break is on for the away side but Tombides has his pass cut out.
Davey on for Omeruo as Chelsea make their final change.
63 mins: Surface is starting to cut-up as the rain keeps coming down. Making
life a little harder for the players as things stand.
61 mins: Clifford heads over as Baker delivers a free-kick.
59 mins: The tackles are starting to fly in as things get a little tasty.
57 mins: Boga replaced by Loftus Cheek as Chelsea make their second change.
56 mins: Turgott leaves Wright for dead and tries to cross but ball
ricochets back off Ake and flicks Turgott on it's way out.
54 mins: Neat move from Chelsea with Baker slipping a through ball to Feruz
who loses his footing as he goes to shoot and the ball rolls wide of the
goal.
52 mins: Pass after pass from the home side. They finally go forward but
lose it when Swift slides in and fouls Burke.
50 mins: Much the same pattern to the second half like there was the first.
Chelsea keeping possession and West Ham looking to counter-attack at speed.
48 mins: Swift involved again as he picks the ball up and unleashes a
wayward shot which doesn't pose any threat to the goal.
47 mins: Swift lives up to his name and breezes past Shaw but Burke
intercepts his cut-back and clears.
46 mins: Chelsea have brought on Brown at half-time to replace Kiwomya as
they kick us off for the second half. The Hammers are unchanged.
Half-time: The whistle goes on a brilliant half of football which has
thoroughly entertained the fans. After a strong start from the home side the
Hammers went in front thanks to a goal from Pelly Ruddock as he smashed home
from eight yards after 25 minutes. Just three minutes later and Fanimo
doubled the lead with a rocket from the edge of the box. Chelsea pulled one
back on 38 minutes and had chances to be level but overall the Hammers are
good value for their lead.
45 mins: Burke goes into the book after a cynical foul as Chelsea broke.
44 mins: Just as I say that Turgott sparks a counter-attack and has a shot
deflected past the post off Ake. The resulting corner goes across the face
of goal and somehow no one manages to touch it.
43 mins: Now a question of whether the Hammers can hold out until half-time
as Chelsea push for an equaliser.
40 mins: The home side are almost level! Spiegel does brilliantly to stop
Swift's shot before Kiwomya puts the rebound just wide.
38 mins GOAL: Chelsea pull one back. Baker is in the right place to tap home
after Clifford's shot hits the post.
36 mins: Chelsea haven't quite recovered from the Hammers quick-fire double
and have been reduced to wayward shots from distance.
34 mins: It's nearly three! Tombides flicks the ball just over the bar after
good work from Turgott.
32 mins: Each Hammers goal has been met with a roar from the crowd. This is
supposed to be a home match for Chelsea, doesn't feel like that at the
moment.
30 mins: The Hammers are on the attack again and have a free-kick just
outside the area. Sadlier takes and we think he's scored again but alas it
hits the side netting! What a five minutes for the visitors.
28 mins GOAL: You're not stopping that! Fanimo is played through by Tombides
and he blasts the ball past the keeper from the edge of the box. What a
goal!
27 mins: That goal was against the run of play but just goes to show the
clinical nature of Haycock's side this season.
25 mins GOAL: Ruddock smashes home from eight yards after the ball falls to
him in the box.
24 mins: Sadlier has the Hammers first real opportunity after he's found by
a lovely pass from Fanimo. The winger is going away from goal and fires
straight at the keeper.
23 mins: Pressure builds as Kiwomya forces a good save from Spiegel at his
near post. It goes out for a corner but doesn't threaten and Burke clears.
22 mins: Baker takes control on the edge of the box and strikes one. His
shot is weak and straight at Spiegel.
20 mins: Chelsea piling on the pressure but seem reluctant to pull the
trigger when in with a sight of goal. When Kiwomya does decide to shoot he
misses the ball completely and allows Driver to clear.
18 mins: He's back on his feet and after being waved back onto the pitch he
rejoins the action.
17 mins: Omeruo is down and in need of the magic sponge after Sadlier's shot
hits him where it hurts.
16 mins: Sadlier nicks the ball in Chelsea's half and drives down the left
before firing in a low cross. It's straight to a Blues defender however.
14 mins: Burke knocks a long ball forward looking for Tombides. His effort
is over hit and drifts out for a throw-in.
12 mins: Reece Burke has made a couple of nice interceptions early on which
will no doubt help ease any nerves he had.
10 mins: Chelsea are confident on the ball and have controlled the tempo so
far with the visitors still looking to have a prolonged period of
possession.
8 mins: Swift picks the ball up 30 yards out and decides to have a pop. His
low effort is well saved by Spiegel however.
6 mins: Ruddock and Sadlier collide on the edge of the box and the ball
falls to Feruz who side foots it just wide.
5 mins: Driver looks to slip a through ball to Tombides but the defender is
just able to get across and cut it out.
4 mins: Kiwomya is flagged for offside, straying just past the last defender
down the left-hand side as Chelsea go on the offensive early on.
3 mins: A good spell of possession for the home side comes to nothing as
they work it neatly before Driver steps in to clear.
1 min: Turgott is penalised for a free-kick after a mistimed tackle on
Chelsea captain, Ake.
Kick-off: We're ready to go in this one and West Ham kick us off!
7:03pm: The players make their way out onto the pitch with both sides being
warmly welcomed by a large crowd. The Hammers will sport their usual Claret
and Blue Shirts whilst Chelsea will also don their home strip.
6:56pm: Just under ten minutes until the players take to the field for this
one. All four stands of the ground have fans in and the atmosphere is
building nicely.
6:50pm: 15 minutes left to go until kick-off and the ref has arrived! A
rather sprightly jog out of the tunnel straight into his warm-up. Must have
been caught in the traffic too!
6:45pm: Both teams might be well into their warm-up but as yet no match
officials have been seen...anyone fancy it?
6:40pm: The main stand is already filling up nicely with a strong display of
West Ham support on show. Good to see.
6:30pm: After being held-up by heavy traffic on the way to the EBB Stadium
the West Ham United players are now out on the pitch preparing for this
Barclays Under-21 Premier League match. The pitch looks in fine condition
and so far there is no torrential rain to contend with, unlike the last away
trip!
The Development Squad continue their Barclays Under-21 Premier League
campaign against Chelsea at Aldershot's EBB Stadium. Nick Haycock's men have
been brilliant so far this season winning six of their first eight games
including a 100 per cent record in their away games. Last time out goals
from Kieran Sadlier and Dan Potts guided them to a win over Wolverhampton
Wanderers to put them two points clear at the top of the table.
The side will have to do without the services of top-scorer Elliot Lee who
missed the win over Wolves and is not due to return until the 23rd November
whilst he undertakes a loan spell at Colchester United. Paul McCallum was
loaned out on the same day as Lee as he headed for Torquay United. Several
of Steve Potts' Under-18s have been drafted into the squad with Reece Burke
starting at centre-back whilst Amos Nasha, Josh Cullen and Moses Makasi are
among the substitutes.
West Ham United: Spiegel, Shaw, Ruddock, Burke, Driver, Turgott, Sadlier,
Miles, Whitehead, Tombides Fanimo
Subs: Howes, Nasha, Makasi, Maguire, Cullen
Chelsea: Beeney, Dabo, Omeruo, Ake, Wright, Baker, Swift, Clifford, Feruz,
Boga, Kiwomya
Subs: Davey, Beeney, Loftus Cheek, Brown, Aina

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U18s prepare for Magpies' visit
WHUFC.com
West Ham United host Newcastle United in the Barclays U18 Premier League on
Saturday morning
01.11.2013

West Ham United will seek to extend their Barclays U18 Premier League
unbeaten run to six matches when they welcome Newcastle United to Little
Heath on Saturday. The Hammers won four straight games before being held to
a goalless draw at Middlesbrough last weekend. Now, they fact a Magpies side
which has lost eight of their ten league games and come into the match on
the back of a 2-1 home defeat by Tottenham Hotspur. U18s assistant manager
Mark Phillips knows previous results are irrelevant, but insists his players
are in confident mood ahead of the clash. "Undoubtedly we want to keep our
unbeaten run going against Newcastle," said Phillips. "They'll be travelling
down from the North East and hopefully they won't have as bad a trip as we
did up to Middlesbrough last week, when we left at one o'clock and got there
at half-past-eight! It was a horrendous journey. "Myself and Steve Potts
don't tend to look at the opposition's recent results, but we will get DVDs
of their previous matches to have an idea of their personnel and how they
might line up. "We've got two home games on the trot now against Newcastle
and Aston Villa and hopefully the run can continue."

Phillips said the U18s' recent improvement in results was based on two main
factors - being more clinical in front of goal and players winning indvidual
battles all over the pitch. "We've been more clinical and when we look at
the stats of the games we've played, we've been winning a very high
percentage of our challenges, so I don't think it's been a coincidence that
this has combined with us winning games."

One player who has been more clinical than most is captain Kieran Bywater,
who has scored ten goals in eleven Barclays U18 Premier League matches this
term - many of them vital equalisers or winners. "Kieran has had a little
bit of luck, but he keeps going until the end and he does love scoring and
many of his goals have come in the last five minutes of games or in injury
time. "He has scored some penalties and free-kicks and he always spends an
extra 20 minutes practising his free-kicks after training on Tuesdays and
Thursdays. It's no coincidence that he has scored three or four goals from
free-kicks."

Phillips may be without a number of regular starters, with Reece Burke, Amos
Nasha, Josh Cullen and Moses Makasi involved in Friday evening's Barclays
U21 Premier League fixture at Chelsea. "That's good, even if it weakens us
as an U18s, because players moving up is what it is all about. We will bring
some U16s up and it's all about the U18s moving up to the U21s and the U21s
moving up to the first team. "Leo Chambers, Pelly Ruddock and Dan Potts all
played for the first team against Burnley this week and played the whole
game, which was excellent for them and good for the Academy."

West Ham and Newcastle kick-off at 11am at Little Heath on Saturday.
Admission and parking are both free of charge.

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West Ham v Aston Villa
KO 15:00
1 November 2013
Last updated at 11:58
By John Motson
BBC Match of the Day commentator
BARCLAYS PREMIER LEAGUE
Venue: Upton Park Date: Saturday, 2 November

West Ham's injury problems have worsened, with Matthew Taylor and Mladen
Petric the latest casualties this week. The re-signed Carlton Cole is not
yet ready for a Premier League start, according to manager Sam Allardyce.
Aston Villa forward Gabriel Agbonlahor is unlikely to recover in time from
the ankle injury he suffered during last weekend's defeat by Everton.
Left-backs Antonio Luna (hamstring) and Joe Bennett (back) are both
sidelined.

MATCH PREVIEW

What a curious start to the season it has been for these two sides. Both
have recorded eye-catching wins - West Ham at Spurs, Villa against Arsenal
and Manchester City - but neither can find any consistency, particularly at
home. From that point of view, Aston Villa may feel the more comfortable of
the two teams going into this fixture. Paul Lambert has won more away games
with Villa than at home, with their counter-attacking style better suited on
the road.
Villa will maintain they have had a tough run of fixtures - having faced six
of last season's top seven teams in their first nine games - but you feel
that, until their young side has played together for longer, they will
continue to be looking over their shoulder.

"Aston Villa have lost their last two home games but they are a team set up
to play on the counter-attack and they are more comfortable away from home.
"I expect West Ham will try to keep things tight, which might restrict Villa
on the break. Put it this way: I don't see there being many chances."
The same might be said for West Ham, who will be hard pressed to improve on
last season's tenth-place finish. The story of their current campaign
revolves around the absence of forward Andy Carroll. The resulting lack of a
focal point has really hindered the Hammers. Carlton Cole has been re-signed
but is still building up his fitness, and Ricardo Vaz Te is now out for a
while. Sam Allardyce's side rely a lot on the midfield axis of Mark Noble
and Kevin Nolan, and we have yet to see the best of the wingers brought in
by Allardyce, Matt Jarvis and ex-Villa man Stewart Downing. Villa's cause is
helped by the fact they have just got their main striker - Christian Benteke
- back from injury, although Gabby Agbonlahor is likely to miss out. This is
a fixture that's produced few goals in recent times and I'm not expecting
this occasion to be any different. One thing's for sure, the losers will be
looking downwards.

MATCH FACTS

Head-to-head
Eight of the 17 Premier League meetings at Upton Park have ended in draws.
West Ham beat Villa for only the third time in their last 12 attempts at
home on the opening day of last season. Kevin Nolan scored the only goal.

West Ham
The Hammers have lost their last three home matches. They have not suffered
four consecutive home defeats since the 2005-06 season.
West Ham have never lost four of their first five top-flight home matches.
They have failed to score in five of their nine fixtures, the joint-worst
record in the division.
However, only three clubs (Southampton, Tottenham and Chelsea) have conceded
fewer goals than West Ham's tally of eight.
A third of their nine league games have ended 0-0 this season.
Stewart Downing and Carlton Cole have both previously played for Aston
Villa.

Aston Villa
Villa have conceded the opening goal in seven of their Premier League
fixtures this season, more than any other side.
They have only taken one point from the last three matches and failed to
score in that time. Villa last went four successive league games without a
goal between December 2009 and January 2010.
Paul Lambert has won more away league games (seven) as manager of Aston
Villa than he has at Villa Park (six).
Lambert's side have won five, drawn two and lost just two of their last nine
league away games.
Christian Benteke has missed two penalties this season. There have only been
six penalties missed in total in the top flight this term.

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
WHISA, WHISA baby
KUMB.com
Filed: Friday, 1st November 2013
By: Staff Writer

A group of supporters disillusioned with the way in which West Ham is being
run have established a new fans' action group. The group, known as the West
Ham Independent Supporters' Association have issued a press release
announcing details of a meeting planned for later this month, to which all
fellow fans are invited to attend. WHISA's long term strategy involves
forming a representative body to act on behalf of all West Ham supporters -
"to unite all WHU fans" - and crucially, one that is independent of the Club
unlike the much-criticised Supporter Advisory Board. "From its inception,
West Ham United FC was known as a 'family owned' Club with our owners and
Chairmen always perceived as having the best interests of the Club, and by
extension the fans, at heart," read the group's statement. " However, since
the controversial Hammers Bond Scheme the relationship and communication
between fans and the owners has become increasingly uneasy, fractious and
confrontational. "The current owners set up the Supporter Advisory Board
but as this body is not independent of the Club, many fans feel that this
hinders the workings and ultimate effectiveness of the group. "With the
recent multitude of off-field own goals by the Club and growing
disillusionment with the Board, many fans believe that it is now time for an
independent supporter association to be established that gets its strength
from its membership and who will be able to best represent our views and
opinions. "To this end, an inaugural meeting has been called for Thursday
28th November 2013 at the Supporters Club, Castle Street, E6; 7pm for a
7:30pm start."

For those interested in attending, a copy of the group's draft constitution
may be obtained from whisa@btinternet.com.

Haven't we been here before?

The most notable fans' protest group in recent years went under the banner
of Brown Out! - with the group's sole motivation being the removal of
then-Chairman Terry Brown from his position. A figure ill at ease with
publicity, Brown was blamed for selling the Club's crown jewels - the likes
of Rio Ferdinand, Michael Carrick, Joe Cole and Glenn Johnson - and failing
to invest in either the Club or playing squad. The first Brown Out!
protests took place in late 2002 - on the same night the long-dormant West
Ham United Supporters Trust was formed - and continued for more than a year.
In 2003 another fans' group - WHISTLE, who sought investors from the City in
order to raise sufficient funds to prise control of the Club away from Brown
- was inaugurated. Like Brown Out! and the WHUST, they were to prove
short-lived although all three could feasibly claim to have achieved their
aim when the Chairman sold the Club lock, stock and barrel to the Icelandic
consortium in 2007. Brown, who borrowed the £2million stake required to
wrestle control of West Ham in the early 1990s eventually sold the Club for
circa £85million - and once the Magnusson/Gudmundsson empire had collapsed,
bought a small stake back and was awarded an Honourary Life Presidency (for
the second time, having previously been stripped of the title).

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham United v Aston Villa
KUMb.com
Filed: Friday, 1st November 2013
By: Preview Percy

He's a bit late tonight. This is because he's spent the past few hours
trying to convince a Crystal Palace fan that they are in fact playing West
BROM tomorrow. Preview Percy may be daft but he usually gets the names of
our opponents right. Well "occasionally" anyway...

Next we are at home where we will play host to our guests from Birmingham in
the form of Aston Villa. Kick-off is the sacred hour of 3pm. Tfl?
Engineering works? Of course. No District line twixt Dagenham East &
Upminster is the order of the day. The C2C will still be open though, which
will be some consolation as you sit on your replacement bus. And don't think
you Central Line johnnies are going to escape. Nothing east of Bethnal Green
– well nothing that's of any use anyway . Usual rules apply – check before
you leave.
A quick word about our visitors. Now don't get me wrong, I'm quite a fan of
royalty. Why, only last week at the annual Avram Grant Olympic Rest Home for
the Bewildered's annual trip to the cinema I berated the spotty oik of a
cinema manager for a) not playing the national anthem at the conclusion of
the programme; and b) letting me stand waiting for 35 minutes in a dark and
empty auditorium in the vain hope that said anthem would be played. I was
also quite friendly with Princess Margaret you know, so I will defer to no
one in my respect for the House Of Windsor. However, if Prince William
insists on bringing up the newest member of the "firm" as a Vila supporter
then I'm afraid Social Services will have to become involved. I mean poor
George is going to end up having to go to Birmingham every now and then to
open some day care centre or another quite enough without inflicting
unnecessary trips up to Villa Park on him.
The Villains currently sit in 13th place with 10 points from their 9 matches
so far – 1 point and 2 places above our good selves. They kicked off the
season with a win at the library, much to everyone's amusement. Since then
their form has been a bit up and down and they've actually been on the
losing end five times this season. Their most recent reverse was last
weekend's 2-0 reverse at home to Everton. This appeared (from such
highlights as I was able to view) to be not a half bad game of football.
Certainly the home side had a decent share of the game and they ought to
have taken the lead with Tim Howard (note to Villas-Boas: THAT's what a
beard looks like) making a rather good save from a first half penalty.
They are managed by Paul Lambert, a shrewd chap who elected to do his
coaching exams in Germany. In truth it wasn't the greatest of first seasons
though. They spent much of 2012/13 with one eye over their shoulder thanking
their lucky stars that Wigan, QPR and Reading were so bloody awful. Even a
run to the League Cup semi-final was scant consolation, with Bradford adding
their scalps to the list of giants slain. Their form picked up at the end of
the season and they eventually finished up in 15th spot with the two North
Eastern clubs and 5 points sitting between them and the trapdoor, a position
helped in no small measure by a 6-1 win over the Mackems.
Clearly changes were required so Randl Lerner's pocketbook (wallet) saw
daylight. In defence they brought in left-back Antonio Luna for from
Seville. Luna immediately endeared himself to Villa fans by popping up up
front on the right hand side to net the third in the win at Arsenal.
They picked up a couple of strikers. Czech international Libor Kozak came in
for a few bob over £6m from Lazio. He had a mixed time in Rome, failing to
score in any of his last 19 league matches, though he was their top scorer
in the Thursday Night Cup, finishing with 8 to his name as they progressed
to the quarter finals.
The other striker they picked up was Dane Niklas Helenius who arrived from
Aalborg for £1.2m. The most notable thing about Helenius was the chant that
the Aalborg support had for him. Based on the old standard "Eviva Espana"
the lyrics loosely transate as: "we like violence, cocaine and Niklas
Helenius". Those wacky Danes eh? Though I'm not sure Difford and Tilbrook
have too much to be worried about in the songwriting stakes.

Kozak and Helenius have been brought in to provide back-up and competition
for the likes of Christian Benteke and Gabriel Agbonglahor. Benteke looked
like he'd be on his way during the summer having handed in a transfer
request. Sums upward of £25m were being bandied about but the Belgian
eventually changed his mind and signed a new four year deal. He's had a
spell out with a hip injury but returned a couple of weeks ago.

Agbonglahor made himself a bit of a hero to music fans everywhere a few
weeks back by kicking lumps out of one of the mime artists from One
Direction during a charity match. Agbonglahor received death threats from
hundreds of One Direction fans, who presumably thought that they could beat
him to death with their school pencil cases. I'm guessing that the player
didn't lose an awful lot of sleep over the whole thing.

All those forwards mean that there is no room for Darren Bent. Somehow
transferred for fees of £40m+ over the years he's been put safely out of
harm's way for the season – I had been concerned that someone at the Boleyn
might consider him to be the answer to our striker shortage. Thankfully,
Fulham took that particular bullet for us.

Which brings us to our good selves. That wasn't a bad result in midweek.
Especially when you look at the fact tat we had the kids out against the
team that sits at the top of the league. Interesting draw too. You have to
laugh at Spurs whose players now appear to be as cerebrally-challenged as
their fans are. Andros Townsend described their League Cup victory over Hull
as a "great win". That's right, a 2-2 draw with an 8-7 scrape-through on
penalties is a "great win". Over Hull. Mind you his vision is still probably
bit impaired – it must be dazzling coming into daylight after so long in
Razvan Rat's pocket.

The efforts of the last few weeks have come at a cost – latest reports
suggest that James Tomkins has a slight hamstring problem, though James
Collins may be set for a return from his own hamstring issue.

We're still in an apparent quandary over the front position(s). Mr Allardyce
has been quoted as saying that Carlton Cole is still a while away from
starting a League game. Petric may be struggling with a thigh problem which
leaves us looking at good 'ole 4-6-0 again. The problem being that Ricardo
Vaz Te, whose improving form was pretty much integral to that system
working, is also out for the foreseeable, those dislocated shoulders take
forever to heal. That might mean that Joe Cole, whose involvement has been
mainly from the bench in recent weeks, gets more time on pitch than of late.

The home form is something of a concern at the moment. I say form, it's less
the form than the results. With the exception of the Man City game – no
shame in losing that one with the form they were in that day - many of our
results have come from circumstances outside our control. We're due a break
in that respect so, for this week's prediction, I'll be staking the Avram
Grant Olympic Rest Home For The Bewildered's fund to buy a proper claret &
blue scarf for Prince George (£2.50) on us to win a tight one 1-0.

Enjoy the game!

When Last We Met At The Boleyn – Won 1-0 Sweltering heat greeted us for our
return to the top flight. A Kevin Nolan first half goal was enough to give
us all three points against the combined might of Vila and Mike Dean.

Howard Webb One of the fireproof ones. Has become rather erratic over the
past four years but nobody seems to have the bottle to say so. Last seen at
the Boleyn on opening day aginst Cardiff.

Danger Man: Christian Benteke. Much better than his near-nameske, despite
his new deal there are a few big clubs sniffing around waiting for the
window to open. Ans Spurs.

Daft Fact Of The Week: Twattish fiddle player Nigel Kennedy of "accent more
fake than Dick Van Dyke" and "Last Night Of The Proms ruining" fame supports
Villa. Just saying, Prince George, you might want to have a think about that
when you're old enough.

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Ladies round-up
KUMB.com
Filed: Friday, 1st November 2013
By: Dave Maslen

A comfortable win, a narrow defeat and an encouraging tournament performance
for West Ham Ladies last weekend. Dave Maslen brings us the latest from the
camp...

Under 11s: Tournament Report

The Under 11s faced a tough test as they travelled to Chigwell to play in a
round robin festival with Charlton Under 12s, Watford Under 12s and two
teams from Colebrook Royals Under 11s.

The format required eight very short matches and the girls performed
admirably, especially in the games against older opposition.

West Ham finished the day with a record of three wins, four draws and just
one defeat from their eight matches. Also, the girls conceded only two goals
and can be very proud of their efforts.


East Bergholt FC 0-13 Under 13s

The Ladies' Under 13s travelled to Suffolk to play in their first round
League Cup tie against East Bergholt FC. With the Hammers going into the
game unbeaten so far this season confidence within the team was high, but as
with all cup ties the opposition wanted to prove a point.

And so they did with Bergholt starting at pace, out-passing a slow and
rather lacklustre Hammers team. It took a Kelly Wealthall goal, which came
via a counter-attack to kickstart West Ham into life after a poor opening
ten minutes.

The Hammers managed to take control of the game, creating chance after
chance, but some fine saves from the Bergholt keeper kept her determined
side in the game. By half time, the West Ham girls had managed to score four
more goals; another from Kelly Wealthall plus two from Poppy Binding and one
from Mia Seeley.

The Hammers continued their good form after the break and an outstanding
performance from Player of the Match Tessa O'Connor, who was involved with
most of the goals scored on the day thanks to some good link up play with
the forward line and United's attacking midfielders.

The second half also saw some great goals scored by Molly Bowness, Sophie
Kelly, Maddie O'Connor, Kelly Wealthall (2) and three more from Poppy
Binding, sending the Hammers through to the next round with a resounding
13-0 win.

Under 13s: Kelly, Smith, Harris, Adams, Bowness, Binding, Denton, Seeley, M
O'Conner, T O'Conner, Wealthall.

Goals: Wealthall (4),Binding (5), Seeley, Bowness, Kelly, M O'Connor.


Eastern Avenue 4-3 Under 17s

West Ham Ladies' Under 17s were involved in a top-of-the-table clash with
Eastern Avenue. The Hammers started the game uncharacteristically slow and
allowed the opposition to take the lead. Worse followed, as by half time the
Hammers were trailing 4-1.

However the second half saw the West Ham girls rediscover the form that has
kept them at the top end of the table this season and with a more determined
attitude they battled their way back into the game, pulling it back to 4-3
before the final whistle.

Goals: Shellie Sumpter (2), Aldana Zenka.

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham lite
KUMB.com
Filed: Friday, 1st November 2013
By: Staff Writer

Colchester United have signed a third player to learn their trade at West
Ham United's famous Academy. Last season the Us signed former striker
Freddie Sears on a permanent basis, before taking first team fringe striker
Elliot Lee on a short-term loan last month. And earlier today the Essex club
announced the capture of Dominic Vose - another product of Tony Carr's
Chadwell Heath centre of excellence and a free agent since being released by
Barnet in August - on a short-term trial basis. "We are pleased to have him
on board," Us manager Joe Dunne's told the club's website. "He's had a
successful trial and fits the bill of someone who has lost his way in the
game a bit, but has the drive and hunger to get back into it again. That
desire and hungry is really important to me."

Dominic Vose

One of a highly-rated batch of youngsters to emerge from Tony Carr's Academy
along with players such as Cristian Montano and the aforementioned Freddie
Sears, Vose failed to make a single first team appearance during his three
years at the Club. There were high hopes for the Lambeth-born midfielder,
who began his career at Fulham before defecting to West Ham, but he failed
to live up to his early promise. Since leaving West Ham he enjoyed short
spells with Tooting & Mitcham United and Barnet, before joining Colchester.

Elliot Lee

The son of former Hammer Rob, Elliot Lee made his Premier League debut as a
late replacement for Mo Diame in the 1-0 home defeat to Stoke back in
August. He joined Colchester on a month's loan last month and has started
both of their fixtures - against Shrewsbury and Peterborough - since.

Freddie Sears

Since leaving West Ham 'by mutual consent' in June 2012, Sears - who was
twice voted Young Player of the Year by readers of KUMB.com - has made more
than 50 appearances for Colchester, for whom he has scored 14 goals (four
from 12 this season). The Hornchurch-born forward made a total of 58
appearances for the Hammers, scoring three times - including a memorable
strike on his debut against Blackburn in March 2008.

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Wally returns
KUMB.com
Filed: Friday, 1st November 2013
By: Staff Writer

Former first team coach Wally Downes is back in football after joining
Championship club Queens Park Rangers. The 52-year-old, who departed the
Boleyn Ground last December in mysterious circumstances that have never been
fully explained, has been out of work since parting company with West Ham.
However the former Wimbledon defender started work today for the first time
in ten months, telling QPR's website that he was It's a great time to be
coming to the Rangers," he said. "We've made an excellent start to the
season and are having a real go at trying to get back in the Premier League,
which is what I'm sure all the fans, staff and players want. "I was born
only five minutes away from QPR. I was a fan growing up and was at Loftus
Road most weeks, so it's special for me to be here now. "Harry [Redknapp],
Kevin [Bond] and Joe [Jordan] have worked tremendously well together for a
long period of time. Hopefully I can come in, be a different pair of eyes
and add something fresh on the training ground. "We're in a very good
position and hopefully we can push on between now and the end of the
season."

The nephew of former boxing champion Terry Downes, Wally joined West Ham in
November 2010 when he joined the doomed Avram Grant's backroom squad as
defensive coach. Having survived the cull which followed relegation to the
Championship, Downes became part of Sam Allardyce's backroom team and
appeared to have become a valued member of the team. That was until a
fateful trip to Dublin led to his departure. Prior to joining West Ham,
Downes - who was voted by KUMB Readers as the Most Missed person in our
2012/13 season awards - had worked in a coaching capacity for Reading,
Southampton and Gillingham.

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham welcome Aston Villa to Upton Park
Last Updated: November 1, 2013 12:48pm
SSN

West Ham United and Aston Villa will be looking to get back to winning ways
when they lock horns at Upton Park. The 2013/14 campaign has been something
of a struggle for the Hammers, with luck very much against them. Injuries
have hit hard at times, while Sam Allardyce will argue that performances
have deserved more than they have delivered. Just two wins from nine is not
the kind of return the capital outfit had been hoping for at the start of
the season, but a defensive unit which has only shipped eight goals so far
suggests there is cause for optimism. Villa are just a point better off at
present, having taken 10 from the 27 available. They have, however, suffered
back-to-back defeats to slip back towards the drop zone and need to find
momentum from somewhere if they are to avoid being dragged into another
basement battle.

Paul Merson's prediction

Aston Villa can't seem to win at home and they really should have last week.
They dominated Everton for the first 20 minutes and if they'd scored their
penalty and their good chances then they would have won. Instead they went
1-0 down and ended up collapsing. West Ham will have to come at Villa
because their fans will think they should win the game and that will play
into the hands of the away team. For that reason I'm going for an away win.

PAUL PREDICTS: 0-2

West Ham Badge West Ham
Last 6
Burnley (a)0-2
Swansea (a)0-0
Man City (h)1-3
Tottenham (a)0-3
Hull City (a)1-0
3-2

Winger Matthew Taylor will be missing for West Ham after suffering a knock
against Burnley in the midweek Capital One Cup victory. Mladen Petric is
also out for a couple of weeks after aggravating an injury in an U21 run-out
and fellow striker Ricardo Vaz Te is absent after dislocating a shoulder
against Swansea on Sunday. The re-signed Carlton Cole is not yet ready for a
Premier League start, according to Hammers manager Allardyce, but the
striker could feature from the bench.

A Villa Badge A Villa
Last 6
Everton (h)0-2
Tottenham (h)0-2
Hull City (a)0-0
Man City (h)3-2
Tottenham (h)0-4
Norwich (a)0-1

Lambert has revealed that Gabriel Agbonlahor is unlikely to make the trip to
east London, with the game coming too soon for a man who continues to nurse
an ankle complaint. Joe Bennett (back) is also set to be unavailable, while
Antonio Luna has been ruled out for a couple of weeks with a hamstring
injury. Jores Okore (knee ligaments), Charles N'Zogbia (Achilles) and Gary
Gardner (back) remain on the treatment table and some way off a first-team
return.

Opta stats

West Ham United have lost only two of their last 13 Premier League home
games against Aston Villa (W4 D7).
The Villans have lost just one of their last six away games, winning three
and drawing two.
West Ham will be trying to avoid a fourth successive top-flight home defeat.
This last happened in January 2006.

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham manager Sam Allardyce says rivals also guilty of parking the bus
Last Updated: November 1, 2013 6:02pm
SSN

Sam Allardyce suggests some of the Premier League's top managers are being
hypocritical when it comes to complaining about teams who shut up shop
against them. Tottenham's Andre Villas-Boas became the latest manager to
voice his discontent after criticising White Hart Lane fans last weekend for
not getting behind the team against a Hull side intent on getting men behind
the ball. But Allardyce insists the Premier League's big teams often play
the same way, particularly away from home in European competition. "They
(Tottenham) do the same when they play in Europe," the West Ham manager
said. "Chelsea will go away and play the same way at Schalke and play on the
break. Manchester United will go away and play the same way. "They all know
that they play that way themselves so they can't really criticise the team
that comes to them and sits behind the ball because they do the same in the
bigger games, especially in the Champions League. "So when you hear a
manager moaning about that, he should really watch what he is saying because
when it comes around and he does it he wants to get some praise for what he
does, particularly if he ends up with a result or winning. "We all have to
tactically set out how to nullify the opposition."

Allardyce's men lie in 15th position in the Premier League table ahead of
this weekend's visit of Aston Villa with nine points from their opening nine
matches.
The 59-year-old will be hoping his side can add to their "bitterly
disappointing" tally of two league victories so far this season. "We are one
of those teams who are struggling with points on the board. All that matters
at the end is winning matches. Last season at home was a fantastic ride for
us. This season it has been bitterly disappointing. "The players are bound
to feel extra pressure and feel more anxious but they have to remind
themselves of the good performances they've given and continue in that vein
from a confidence point of view. "We have been severely punished for not
taking chances."

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
THE OLYMPIC STADIUM RENTAL DEAL
By Sean Whetstone 1 Nov 2013 at 14:26
West Ham Till I Die

In this article I am exploring the Olympic Stadium rental deal and the
comparison to the one negotiated by Manchester City.

It has been widely speculated in the press that West ham will be paying
between £2m and £2.5m per season for 99 years to rent the Olympic Stadium
from 2016.

At the upper £2.5m rent estimate it works out as £247.5m over 99 years. It
is claimed that the rental annual sum is also linked to the Retail price
Index (RPI). Based on the past 50 years of RPI this would mean the £2.5m per
season rental would rise to around £10.7m per season in 99 years time so the
final rental total bill could be much higher. But what would be £10.7m
between friends in 102 years? probably just the average annual wage of a
Premier League player.

Barry Hearn in a recent London Standard interview said West Ham have the
"the deal of the century"

He was quoted as saying: "West Ham are paying £2 million a year rent but the
stadium owners, LLDC, are paying for all the security, police, stewarding
and ground maintenance. That comes to more than £2m a year. So effectively
they are getting the stadium rent free. West Ham also get all the normal
match day revenue and part of the catering income"

In front of the House of Lords select committee Barry Hearn said "In my
view, commercially, the occupation of this stadium will increase West Ham's
value by around £100 million. Yet they are paying £2 million a year rent and
the stadium is responsible for policing, stewarding, and so on. If you add
up those costs, it is rent-free. I think they are paying a £15 million
contribution to the reorganisation cost but are being allowed to sell and
develop Upton Park. This is state sponsorship beyond my wildest dreams."

At the time of the October interview West ham responded saying "The figures
quoted here are entirely inaccurate and in no way reflect the financial
commitment West Ham has made to the Stadium. West Ham United will deliver a
profit to the taxpayer. We will bring over 1 million people to the Queen
Elizabeth Olympic Park each year and create in excess of 750 jobs for the
local workforce"

It has also been claimed West ham current running costs at the Boleyn Ground
for match day stewarding and security, police costs, ambulance costs, rates,
utilities and ground maintenance for currently around the £2m mark. A mere
coincidence?

It remains to be clarified who exactly will be funding match day stewarding,
police costs, ambulance costs, rates, utilities and ground maintenance for
the Olympic Stadium.

In Karren Brady's Select Committee interview in front of the House of Lords
she said:

"A significant amount of money is being invested by West Ham into the
stadium, into the retractable seating and the reconfiguration to make it a
sporting arena. That could not be done without West Ham, without our rent,
without the money that we generate naming rights, catering and pouring
income. All those things that amass to many, many
millions of pounds will be going into the stadium, and not into West Ham's
pocket."

Baroness King of Bow asked "When do you think that taxpayers might be able
to see a return on their investment?"

Karren Brady answered "I do not know what the running costs of the stadium
are" "We made the best bid we could, based on many factors: lump sums,
generated guaranteed rent that is RPI'd every year, a commitment to the
naming rights income, the catering income, and various other source of
income, that made us partners in that process" She went on to say "In terms
of the finances, by the end of the 100-year lease, the taxpayer will be able
to afford to build two new Olympic stadiums, for the commitment that West
Ham has made. The money that West Ham will generate from the stadium runs
into many, many hundreds and hundreds of millions of pounds over
its lifetime"

This last quote from Karren seems to suggest that West Ham will 'generate'
twice the original construction which was £486m. A eye watering £972m over
99 years!

It also confirms the RPI element of the rental deal and suggests West Ham do
not know what the running costs of the stadium are so to me we wouldn't
agree to pay for something we don't know.

Manchester City Rental deal as a comparison:

Manchester City FC originally agreed to pay rent for their new stadium to
Manchester council derived from match day income, specifically ticket sales.
Under their agreement no money was due if the attendance did not top the
32,000 capacity of Maine Road, while half the price of tickets sold above
that level would be paid over, after associated costs had been factored in.

Now Man City have new found wealth from their billionaire owner they have
renegotiated the terms of their 250 year lease.

The new agreement in place now switches from the match day revenue model to
a flat £3m yearly charge.

This is still an increase on the £2M per year generated on average from the
ticket sales model used previously.

In a master stroke they bought the naming rights in a separate agreement
paying £2M per year for them which they then sold on to their main sponsor
Etihad for an estimated £10m per year. The rental model certainly appears to
work for them by making a £5M per year profit of a stadium they don't own!
Not bad business for the richest club in the world.

Hopefully the terms of our rental deal will be announced before the start of
the 2016 season so we can find out whether this is a good deal for West Ham,
the Tax Payer or both.

Karren Brady confirmed in front of the house of Lords that "In the event
that West Ham could not pay any rent or fulfil any commitments that it had
made to the LLDC, the two owners of the football club have guaranteed
personally to meet those commitments, so the stadium will never fail to
fulfil its business plan. If they sell up, they sell that commitment to the
next potential buyer"

As always the devil is in the detail with these rental agreements.

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham's Winston Reid wants the Double.. the League Cup and a World Cup
place with New Zealand
1 Nov 2013 22:30
The Mirror

Winston Reid has set his sights on a dream cup double at Wembley in March
and in Brazil next summer. Reid has enjoyed a memorable few years with West
Ham after helping them gain promotion to the Premier League and has become
one of the star performers at the heart of the defence. He was instrumental
as the Hammers beat Blackpool at Wembley last year in the Championship
playoff final. Now, he is targeting a return under the Arch for the Capital
One Cup Final in the spring, with a quarter-final against Spurs next month
already secured following victory over Burnley this week. And he is also
focused on helping his New Zealand side prepare for a crucial two-legged
World Cup play-off tie against Mexico in two weeks' time, and hopes to make
it a summer to remember.
Reid's performances against some of Europe's best forwards have started to
catch the eye - reports this week have suggested Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger
is considering a move for him in January. The 25-year-old is refusing to get
carried away with all the speculation and insists his main priority is to
ensure West Ham enjoy another successful season. He said: "I think a good
season for West Ham would be having a good cup run and getting to the final.
"It would be nice to get back to Wembley. We've played there once in the
playoff finals and it was a good day out. We are getting closer and closer
but we know it is going to be difficult. "Obviously, as captain of the New
Zealand side, I would love to take them back to another World Cup and it
would be brilliant for me personally.
"I would love to play in Brazil and the weather will not be so bad. World
Cups are a massive experience. I have been fortunate enough to play at one
and would love the chance to do it again. "When we were playing in South
Africa (in 2010) the streets were absolutely packed - and it was three in
the morning. The stadium sold out in a week and it will be a really good
atmosphere. "We are just going to make sure that we get the guys ready. It
is going to be a big task but I am confident we are going to be okay."

Reid is aware that the biggest threat from Mexico will come from Manchester
United forward Javier 'Chicharito' Hernandez and former Tottenham winger
Giovani Dos Santos. But he is confident he can help keep the talented duo at
bay. Reid added: "They have got Hernandez and Dos Santos who will probably
be their biggest threats. Luckily I am at the back so I will do my best to
stop them. "I have faced Hernandez a couple of times and I am not sure if he
has scored against me. I need to make sure he doesn't again. "It is going to
be tough. We are playing a good side. [But] I have watched lot of their
games and it is not the same Mexico team from four years ago. They have lost
a lot of players and if we can do things right and prepare ourselves well I
think we have got a really good chance."

Before jetting out to prepare for the away leg in Mexico City's iconic
100,000-capacity Azteca Stadium on November 13, Reid faces Saturday's
crucial West Ham home game against Aston Villa. Sam Allardyce's side have a
dismal home record this season, having lost their last three matches at
Upton Park to Stoke, Everton and Manchester City. But it has been a
different story on their travels, with an impressive 3-0 victory over
Tottenham and a well-earned point at Swansea last Sunday. West Ham boast the
fourth-best defensive record in the Premier League and Reid is hoping they
can replicate their away record against Villa and give the fans something to
shout about. He said: "We have had a couple of good away performances and
have then been let down by a home performance. It is tough sometimes. "We
have had a good start to the season but I still think we can do better.
Hopefully from November we will push on and move up the league. "We need to
get our home form back on track and we will be alright."

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham boss Sam Allardyce says he is collecting too many injuries after
Vaz Te and Taylor setbacks
1 Nov 2013 23:22
The Mirror

Sam Allardyce says West Ham are "collecting too many injuries". The Hammers
boss has just 17 fit players to choose from for tomorrow's match against
Aston Villa, prompting him to admit: "We need a few back." Among those
injured are Ricardo Vaz Te, who could be out for three months with a
dislocated shoulder, and Matt Taylor, who has a calf injury which could take
six weeks to heal. Writing in the Evening Standard, Big Sam said: "We're
collecting too many injuries.
"We need a few back, especially by the time we get into next month and move
towards a hectic part of the season, which includes the Capital One Cup tie
at Tottenham. "When we come back after the international break, we will have
played just 11 Premier League games yet already we have a clutch of
injuries.
"We're going to have to do our best to keep the rest of the squad fit
because we can do nothing about adding to it until the transfer window opens
on January 1."

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