Big Sam on: Everton
WHUFC.com
Sam Allardyce faced the media on Thursday morning ahead of Saturday's trip
to Everton
27.02.2014
West Ham United manager Sam Allardyce spoke to the assembled press on
Thursday morning ahead of Saturday's trip to Everton in the Barclays Premier
League. Ahead of the game at Goodison Park, Big Sam faced questions on the
latest team news, his side's excellent form and what sort of test he expects
from Roberto Martinez's team.
Morning Sam, what's the team news ahead of Everton on Saturday?
SA: "We're fine, I think. Andy's back in the squad, we still have a little
bit of a problem with Marco Borriello with his calf. Guy Demel had a severe
case of tonsillitis earlier this week, but he's back in today so we hope
that he's going to be OK. The squad is looking big, strong and confident at
the moment."
You said after the Aston Villa game that if you won the next two matches it
would be a tough decision to bring Andy back in, is it now a tough decision
for you?
SA: "Yes it's a tough decision based upon how Carlton performed last week
and obviously I will make that decision tomorrow when we pick the final
eleven to
go out and play against Everton. We know how tough the game is going to be
because last season we did well to keep the score down the way they played
against us, they were terrific. That's been carried on by Roberto so we know
we'll have a very tough game, even though the results haven't been as good
as they would like recently, they've played exceptionally well in every game
and lost by the odd goal. I watched the two live games against Tottenham and
Chelsea, and they will have been really gutted that they didn't get any
points out of those two games. Even though they've lost three out of their
last four, it's going to be a tough, tough match for us."
What do you make of the job Carlton has done while Andy has been out?
SA: "Really good. Since his re-introduction to the squad, after he spent a
long time in the wilderness over the summer, it took a little bit of time to
get him back in top condition and now he's done that he's produced more
goals than he did last season. Goals are what it's all about for us at the
moment. Our margins are good in terms of our last four games we've won them
all by two goals and scored two in most of the games and three last week.
"We've built a lot of confidence on the fact, particularly last week, that
we came back from 1-0 down to win 3-1 which is the first time we've done
that this season. Not needing a clean sheet to win a game, that's the first
time we've done that this season. Winning four games on the trot breeds a
huge amount of confidence within the team and we'll need all that confidence
and all that ability to get a result against Everton."
Andy Carroll has said he still believes he can make the England Squad for
the World Cup, do you think he can?
SA: "I don't see any reason why not, apart from the fact that it's in his
hands with what happens between now and the end of the season based upon his
performances when selected. After a disruptive first half of the season last
season he got into full flow and I think he scored eight goals in 12 games
and got selected by Roy Hodgson to go to Brazil. Unfortunately because he
got injured in the last game of the season against Reading he couldn't make
that trip. If he does the same again then there shouldn't be any problems
with Andy being in that final squad for Brazil. He's got to stay fit,
perform well and that will give him a great chance of being selected."
Just how far away do the pressures of five or six weeks ago feel now that
you're seven points clear of the relegation zone?
SA: "I don't think that you forget them, I think that you use them as a spur
to go on and continue to perform well and get the results. In that dark
period we had, we all battled our way through it which I thought we did
really well, particularly sticking together as a squad of players. We all
knew that if we got some of our key players back from the injuries and
suspensions that we suffered that we would be better and we've gone out and
proven that.
"Let's continue to prove that we are a team that's growing, we are a team
that's going to finish the season strongly and we are a team that's
hopefully going to finish in and around the position we finished last year.
That's the process of growing slowly in the Premier League. Unless you've
got millions of pounds to spend, it's very difficult to increase the quality
of your players and your squad."
How difficult was it for you to stick to your principles when you had the
bad run of results?
SA: "I don't think it's too difficult at my age and experience to know that.
In the early days you get distracted by it, by the huge amount of euphoria
that goes on around you, good or bad, and you can be putting yourself into
really dark places and worrying far too much. You've got to stay as calm as
you possibly can and you've got to know what works, and continue to promote
what works. Having the experience that I have at this level I knew it was
important to keep a cool head and keep telling the players the right things
to do and not get too distracted."
On this run of four wins, you beat three teams that were in and around the
relegation shake-up and last time out you came from behind to beat a team in
the top half. How does that win show the confidence of the team and how well
you're playing right now?
SA: "I read after the game that Southampton had an off day, not, oh my god
wasn't West Ham playing well and snuffing out a front-line that's been very
successful this season. So it was an off day for them and not great
defending from us. We learn to accept that as life goes on. Because we
structured the team to stop Southampton's strengths and expose their
weaknesses is why we won. Southampton had an off day because we made them
have an off day. They tried their best but we wouldn't let them be at their
best, and that's why we won the game.
"We nullified them, their only real chance was Gaston Ramirez when he came
on as sub from a team that everyone says is free-scoring, whereas we at the
other end were so clinical that we won the game comfortably 3-1 in the end.
It was a big game and a big challenge to us because they're proving to be a
very good team in the top half and have performed consistently well. It
should give us a lot of confidence going into Saturday because that's going
to be a bigger test than Southampton because they are, in my opinion, a much
better team than Southampton."
What do you think of the job Roberto Martinez has done at Everton, and what
difficulties do you think they will pose you?
SA: "It depends a lot now on is Romelu Lukaku fit. Without him they haven't
been as bigger threat in front of goal, even though they've played well up
to the point. Steven Naismith has done well in terms of goals that he's
scored, but the rest of the team have faltered in that area. Roberto has
carried on where David Moyes left off. At this stage, he's doing no better
and no worse. Now it's about what they can do for a final push. I think
he'll be disappointed they're not closer to the top four but it's still not
beyond their reach and we've got to make sure they don't secure all three
points on Saturday."
You touched on their lack of goals, are there similarities between the two
sides in that area?
SA: "It was our problem in the early part of the season, but at the moment,
no. We're scoring freely at the minute and in the last four games we've
scored nine goals and conceded one. If we try and keep that record up
against Everton on Saturday then we'll give them a very good game. Sooner or
later Everton will get back to winning ways and we've got to make sure they
don't do that on Saturday.
"From our point of view, it's a big result to try and get because on this
run we want to continue to play games. After Everton we don't have a game
for a few weeks because Hull City are now participating in the quarter
finals of the FA Cup. That's why this game is more important to get a result
and keep our run
going because you don't want to go into that period having lost."
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April fixture changes
WHUFC.com
Two West Ham United fixtures in April have been moved for live TV coverage
27.02.2014
Two West Ham United fixtures in April have been moved for live TV coverage.
The Barclays Premier League visit of Liverpool to the Boleyn Ground has been
moved back 25 hours and will now kick-off at 4pm on Sunday 6 April. To buy
tickets for this fixture, click here.
The trip to Arsenal scheduled for Saturday 12 April will now kick-off 21
hours later at 12noon on Sunday 13 April. However, this fixture will need to
be rescheduled should the Gunners defeat Everton in the FA Cup with
Budweiser sixth round on 8 March. Ticket details for this fixture will be
confirmed in due course.
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Hammers miss out once again
KUMb.com
Filed: Thursday, 27th February 2014
By: Staff Writer
Roy Hodgson says Andy Carroll has been omitted from the latest England squad
due to a lack of game time. Hodgson, whose assistant Ray Lewington was at
the Boleyn Ground last weekend to watch Sam Allardyce's team outplay and
outclass a disappointing Southampton side has once again completely
overlooked West Ham when naming his latest, all-too-predictable 30-man squad
for the forthcoming fixture with Denmark.
Carroll was one of a number of players tipped to be named in the latest
England squad. But like Adam Johnson and Gareth Barry who also failed to
make the final 30, he has been told that exclusion on this occasion will
have little bearing when it comes to selecting a squad for the World Cup
Finals this summer.
"I think it would be very foolish in March to give a definite 30-man squad,"
said Hodgson at this afternoon's press conference. "This is the 30 that I've
chosen today, but the fact is that this isn't a final squad. That's a
message I want to get out there. This is my 30 man squad for now and I stand
by that.
"Andy Carroll has hardly played but we're going to be keeping an eye on him.
Johnson obviously we know and Gareth Barry is a player who is playing well
at the moment and I wouldn't be adverse to calling on him if I thought there
was a place in the team."
Southampton - who were distinctly second best at the Boleyn last weekend -
have four players in the squad. West Ham's only representative in the Under
21 squad - which was also named today - is on-loan midfielder Ravel
Morrison.
Full England squad
Goalkeepers: Fraser Forster (Celtic), Ben Foster (West Bromwich Albion), Joe
Hart (Manchester City), John Ruddy (Norwich City).
Defenders: Leighton Baines (Everton), Gary Cahill (Chelsea), Steven Caulker
(Cardiff City), Ashley Cole (Chelsea), Glen Johnson (Liverpool), Luke Shaw
(Southampton), Chris Smalling (Manchester United), Kyle Walker (Tottenham
Hotspur).
Midfielders: Ross Barkley (Everton), Michael Carrick (Manchester United),
Tom Cleverley (Manchester United), Steven Gerrard (Liverpool), Jordan
Henderson (Liverpool), Adam Lallana (Southampton), Frank Lampard (Chelsea),
James Milner (Manchester City), Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain (Arsenal), Raheem
Sterling (Liverpool), Andros Townsend (Tottenham Hotspur), Jack Wilshere
(Arsenal).
Forwards: Jermain Defoe (Toronto FC), Rickie Lambert (Southampton), Jay
Rodriguez (Southampton), Wayne Rooney (Manchester United), Daniel Sturridge
(Liverpool), Daniel Welbeck (Manchester United).
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Little by little
KUMB.com
Filed: Thursday, 27th February 2014
By: Staff Writer
Sam Allardyce expects his team to finish in a similar position to last
season - whilst urging them to continue their recent run of good form at
Everton this weekend. West Ham, who ended last season's campaign in tenth
spot go into this weekend's game as the Premier League's form side having
won all four fixtures in February. Conversely, a striker-less Everton -
denied the services of main forwards Romelu Lukaku and Lacina Traore through
injury recently - endured a frustrating month with victories againt Swansea
and Aston Villa accompanied by defeats aginst Chelsea and Tottenham.
Although just three places seperate the two teams, you have to go back seven
years to find the last win for West Ham at Goodison Park (during the 'Great
Escape' of 2006/07). However Allardyce believes that his side can emulate
that success - if they can repeat their excellent recent form. "We know how
tough the game is going to be," said Big Sam. "Last season we did well to
keep the score down as they were terrific. That's been carried on by
Roberto, so we know we'll have a very tough game.
"Even though the results haven't been as good as they would like recently,
they've played exceptionally well in every game and lost by the odd goal.
Even though they've lost three out of their last four, it's going to be a
tough, tough match for us."
Allardyce also has something of a unique situation to contend with - a
selection headache up top, with Andy Carroll returning from suspension
following three weeks on the sidelines. With Carlton Cole in good form, the
manager admits he has a difficult decision to make - one that he intends to
leave until the last possible inute.
"It's a tough decision based upon how Carlton performed last week," he
mused. "I'll make the decision tomorrow [Friday] when we pick the final
eleven to go out and play against Everton.
"After Carlton spent a long time in the wilderness over the summer, it took
a little bit of time to get him back in top condition. Since his
re-introduction to the squad he's produced more goals than he did last
season and goals are what it's all about for us at the moment.
"Our margins are good; in terms of our last four games we've won them all by
two goals and scored two in most games (three last week). We've built a lot
of confidence; winning four games on the trot breeds a huge amount of
confidence within the team and we'll need all that confidence and all that
ability to get a result against Everton."
And looking ahead to the season end, Allarcye believes that his team have
more than enough to emulate 2012/13's top half finish - a potentially
remarkable achievement given the club's situation at Christmas.
"Let's continue to prove that we are a team that's growing, we are a team
that's going to finish the season strongly and we are a team that's
hopefully going to finish in and around the position we finished last year,"
he said.
"That's the process of growing slowly in the Premier League. Unless you've
got millions of pounds to spend, it's very difficult to increase the quality
of your players and your squad."
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West Ham boss Sam Allardyce says Andy Carroll not guaranteed start
Last Updated: 27/02/14 6:51pm
SSN
West Ham manager Sam Allardyce has warned Andy Carroll he is not guaranteed
to start Saturday's Premier League clash with Everton. Allardyce insists
Carlton Cole's form in the four-match winning run that has eased the
Hammers' fears of relegation makes him a genuine contender to continue up
front at Goodison. Three of those victories were secured in Carroll's
absence as the England marksman served a three-match ban for his red card
against Swansea on February 1. Carroll is available to face Everton, but
Allardyce may opt for Cole after he was on target in Saturday's 3-1 victory
over Southampton. "Carlton has done a really good job while Andy has been
out," Allardyce said. "It's a tough decision based upon how Carlton
performed last week and obviously I'll make that decision on Friday when we
pick the team to play Everton. "After he spent a long time in the wilderness
over the summer, it took a little bit of time to get him back into top
condition and now he's done that he's produced more goals than he did last
season. "Goals are what it's all about for us at the moment. In our last
four games we've won them all by two goals."
Carroll had only recently recovered from a long-term foot injury when he was
dismissed against Swansea, a setback which contributed to him not being
included in Roy Hodgson's England squad for the friendly with Denmark on
March 5. And Allardyce is backing the 25-year-old to prove he is worthy of
selection. "I don't see any reason why he can't make the World Cup squad,"
Allardyce said. "It's in his hands what happens between now and the end of
the season based upon his performances, when selected. "After a disrupted
first half of the season last season he got into full flow and was selected
by Roy Hodgson to go to Brazil. "Unfortunately, because he was injured in
the last game of the season against Reading, he couldn't make that trip. "If
he does the same again then there shouldn't be any problems with Andy being
in that final squad for the World Cup. "He's got to stay fit, perform well
and that will give him a great chance of being selected."
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WILL ANDY CARROLL BE PICKED FOR ENGLAND?
By Iain Dale 27 Feb 2014 at 11:28
West Ham Till I Die
Later today Roy Hodgson announces his squad for the friendly against
Denmark. Naturally, Andy Carroll will hope that he will be picked. I love to
see West Ham players picked for England, but in this case I have very mixed
feelings. Can you imagine the consequences if he played against Denmark and
got injured again? Poor old Dean Ashton comes to mind. He was crocked in an
England training session by Shaun Wright-Phillips and barely played for us
again. He's still only thirty and I think we all wonder what might have
been.
Don't get me wrong, I want to see Andy Carroll go to Brazil and I think he
can do so, but he needs to play games for his club and get on the
scoresheet. He's still not 100% fit, and having sat out the last three games
through suspension is not an ideal preparation for an international recall.
And will we see Mark Noble make his first England squad?? Don't hold your
breath on that one. No doubt totally average players like Tom Cleverley will
make it ahead of him purely because he plays for a top 4 side. Oh, actually,
I got that wrong didn't I? He now plays for a top 7 side. If he's lucky.
Years ago I reckoned James Tomkins would play for England. He won't make
this squad, but his form must surely be alerting the England management,
who, let's face it don't exactly have a preponderance of quality central
defenders.
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Ravel Morrison hits back at negative reports after he posed for a late-night
snap with friends
Feb 27, 2014 16:27 By Paul Gorst The Mirror
Queens Park Rangers midfielder Ravel Morrison has hit back at reports that
criticised his lifestyle after he posted a picture with friends on his
Instagram account. Morrison, who is on loan with the Championship side from
West Ham, posted this snap with three friends on Wednesday evening under the
caption: "Laughs all night good night with my homies from day". The Daily
Mail then used the picture to question the former Manchester United
youngster's lifestyle habits. However, Morrison hit back at the report by
posting a picture of the article itself with the caption: "1 mixed race 3
black that means were all Bad Boys that's all it can be Foolish people can't
take a picture with friends no more"
Morrison joined Harry Redknapp's side last month after reportedly falling
out of favour with Hammers boss Sam Allardyce.
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Friday, February 28
Thursday, February 27
Daily WHUFC News - 27th February 2014
Potts pleased with U18s progress
WHUFC.com
Steve Potts has been encouraged by the form of his much-changed U18s in
recent weeks
26.02.2014
Steve Potts has been encouraged by the form of his much-changed West Ham
United U18s in recent weeks. With a number of U21s out on loan, Potts'
Academy side has lost a number of players to the Development Squad, leaving
the U18s boss to blood a number of schoolboys. However, the changes have not
affected the Hammers' form, with the youth team going top of Barclays U18
Premier League South following a 2-0 win at Fulham on Saturday. "Credit to
the boys because they deserve all the praise they have got recently," said
the former West Ham defender. "The effort they have been putting into their
training and the games has seen them get their rewards. I've been really
pleased with them. "The pleasing thing has been that we've kept winning,
despite having to make lots of changes to the team. I had quite a settled
team at the start of this season, but lately openings have appeared for the
schoolboys. "On Saturday at Fuham, I had three schoolboys starting alongside
four first-year scholars and four second-years, so I had quite a young team
against a good side. They did well to do what they did."
The U18s' win at Fulham was their fifth in succession and ninth in ten
league games. During that run, West Ham have scored 23 goals and conceded
just seven, pleasing Potts still further. However, he was quick to point out
that there is a big jump between U18 and Barclays Premier League football.
"I think the lads are just working really well for each other as a group.
All I am looking for is for them to keep improving individually and as a
team. "They have got to make a lot of improvements to make it to first-team
level and show that desire to want to improve. The day they don't show that
desire is the day they are going to struggle, I think, but the way it has
gone so far has been pleasing. "They are at a level now which is a good
standard, but they're not at the standard to go into the first team, and
that's what they need to get into their heads. They've done OK so far, but
they have a long way to go."
A number of U18s have been playing U21 football in recent weeks, including
Kyle Knoyle, Lewis Page, Reece Burke, Kieran Bywater and Josh Cullen and
Potts has been happy with their contribution at that higher and more
physical level. "I took the game against Southampton earlier this month and
I went to the game against Reading on Monday and the boys coped with it very
well, which was pleasing. "It was interesting to see, because they have done
well in the youth team and you want them to go to the next level and see how
they perform. They held their own and hopefully there will be more of the
U18s pushing in there, because that's what it's all about."
Potts saw Burke make his first-team debut at Nottingham Forest in the FA Cup
with Budweiser third round in January, and now his ambition is to see one of
his charges graduate to make a debut in the Barclays Premier League. "That's
why we're all here - to try to get the boys up to that level and in the
first team. That will be a real buzz, I must admit, and it will be nice for
it to happen. "It's tough and a lot tougher than it was years ago with all
the money in the Premier League and a lot of foreign players here, so you've
got to be special to get in there. "You don't get there without a lot of
hard work and I've got a group who know how to work hard and that's the main
thing. They need to keep doing what they're doing."
The U18s have a free weekend coming up, but Potts' side will return to
action at Arsenal on Saturday 8 March.
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Reid feeling lucky
WHUFC.com
Winston Reid believes West Ham United have deserved their recent run of good
results
26.02.2014
At the beginning of the current season, West Ham United did not exactly
enjoy the rub of the green in the Barclays Premier League. The Hammers
suffered a horrendous succession of injuries, losing Andy Carroll, Winston
Reid, Alou Diarra and Ricardo Vaz Te to long-term absences, while a series
of agonising defeats left the players and staff wondering what they had done
to deserve their misfortune. Now, West Ham's fortunes are no longer hiding,
with a run of four straight victories in February carrying the Club from
18th to tenth in the table. Reid's return to the squad after three months
out with a high ankle sprain has coincided with the upturn in results, and
the No2 believes West Ham have deserved their improvement. "The last five
games, we have been performing really well and have picked up four wins and
draw, so points-wise it's been brilliant," said the New Zealand defender.
"At this stage six weeks ago, it wasn't looking the best, but we've picked
up a lot."
"I just think we have had luck on our side as well, which we didn't have at
the beginning of the season when free-kicks were going in from everywhere
and decisions were going against us. "You always get that over the season,
so you just need that little bit of luck and I think we're playing well as a
team, scoring goals and keeping the back door shut."
Reid has been part of keeping that 'back door shut' in recent weeks,
appearing as a substitute in the victories over Swansea, Aston Villa and
Southampton when Sam Allardyce has opted to go five at the back late on.
Having had a replacement's role in those wins, Reid is now biding his time
as he works to win back his place in the starting XI for the first time
since the goalless draw at home to Aston Villa on 2 November. "It's been OK.
I've come on for the last 15 minutes a couple of times and I've had to do my
job to help us to keep a clean sheet. "I've been out for three-and-a-bit
months so I need time to get myself right and take it from there."
Reid may or may not start at Everton on Saturday, but whoever does line up
in the back four will have a testing afternoon on their hands against
Roberto Martinez's top-four challengers. "It won't be easy because it's a
tough place to go. They are a good team with a good manager, so it'll be
tough but we've shown we can pick up points left, right and centre in the
last five games. "Hopefully we can go up there and pick up some more points
and bring them back to London."
One player who West Ham will have to watch carefully is Everton forward
Romelu Lukaku, who scored the late winner in the reverse fixture at the
Boleyn Ground in September and is expected to return from an ankle injury on
Saturday. "I think you have to accept that sometimes he is going to get the
ball and you can't really do anything about it. You have to pick your
battles and pick your moments when you're going to go for the ball. "He's a
good player, he's strong and he finishes his chances off really well too, so
we'll have to watch him."
While Reid and company will take nothing for granted at Goodison Park, the
No2 says West Ham can go to Merseyside in relaxed and confident mood
following their recent run of results. That said, the 25-year-old says the
Hammers are determined to finish the season strongly. "I think we can go
there confident and looking up the table rather than down it. Maybe six
weeks ago, we weren't thinking that, but there's now seven points between us
and the bottom three, so we've given ourselves a bit of breathing space.
"We'd like to hit the 40-point mark as quickly as possible."
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Macca relishing Goodison return
WHUFC.com
Assistant boss Neil McDonald wants the Hammers to maintain their fine form
at Everton
26.02.2014
West Ham United assistant manager Neil McDonald is looking forward to
returning to his old stamping ground in Everton this weekend. McDonald
played 90 league games for the Toffees between 1988-91 and now the Hammers
will travel to Goodison Park on the back of the four wins out of four. While
confidence is high, McDonald says nobody is getting carried away and there
is still work to do to pull away from the relegation zone. He said; "We are
in a really good habit at the minute, the team spirit is probably the
highest it has been since coming to the Club and the boys are trusting each
other, working hard for each other, and even when we go behind now, we seem
to respond in the right way. "The response was fantastic against Southampton
to score two goals in a few minutes, one from a corner ourselves and one
from a great ball from Kevin Nolan to Matt Jarvis. That put us on the front
foot. "It was a difficult game, all the way through Southampton played
really well but at the end of the day, you have to create the chances and
score from them to win the game. We then took our chance again in the second
half, carried on and it was a terrific finish from Kevin, that then killed
them off. "We are looking to reach those magic points of safety, there are
still a number of tough games to play and Everton will be difficult. "They
are an excellent side so we have to be on our guard, but we will be focused
and we will be ready."
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Lee thrilled with Royals strike
WHUFC.com
Elliot Lee hailed his goal against Reading on Monday night as one of the
best of his career
26.02.2014
A spectacular strike against Reading on Monday night saw a welcome return to
the scoresheet for Development Squad marksman Elliot Lee. The frontman
opened the scoring with an impeccable volley after 43 minutes, watching
Danny Whitehead's lofted pass drop over his shoulder before firing the ball
into the opposite corner of the net. It had been over two months since Lee's
last goal for the Under-21s, after he struck in a 2-1 win against Bristol
City in the U21 Premier League Cup on 2 December, and the forward was
delighted to be back amongst the goals. When asked if the goal was one of
his best, he told West Ham TV: "Yeah definitely, it's up there with my best.
It was a great ball from Danny and I've just hit it and it's gone in the
bottom corner so I'm absolutely delighted with it. "I made the run and I
didn't know if Danny was going to play it, but he's put it on an absolute
plate for me and I've done the other bit. It was a great goal and I'm really
happy with it. "As a striker, you go through these little blips and I think
I'd gone four games without a goal but I never lost confidence. I knew I was
going to get a goal soon and hopefully they'll keep coming now."
Blair Turgott added to Lee's opener with just three minutes left on the
clock, finishing off a swift counter-attack to wrap up all three points. The
second goal came a just a matter of seconds after Reading had gone within
inches of pulling level through Liam Kelly's long-range half-volley which
struck the post with Raphael Spiegel helpless in goal. It would have been
harsh on the Hammers, who dominated for large portions of the match and Lee
believes the result was fully deserved. "I think a lot of credit's got to go
to the back five. In the last two games they've limited the opposition to
very few chances and that's a big reason why we're winning. If us attackers
can do our job upfront then we're going to win games if we can keep keeping
clean sheets. "As we progress through the levels I think the margins become
smaller and smaller and I think it showed great character from the boys
today. "If that shot had of gone in then I think a few heads might have
dropped, but we went up the other end and we scored a great goal to kill the
game. It was a great performance from the boys, fully deserved."
Victory over the Royals means the squad have now picked up back-to-back wins
following their win against Southampton in their previous outing. The wins
have moved the Hammers back into the top four of the Barclays Under-21
Premier League, and Lee is hoping they can continue their fine form. "I
thought the lads were brilliant tonight. From goalkeeper to attack we were
all brilliant, and ground out a great result, on not the best pitch, but
it's another three points and hopefully we can keep going. "As you know, we
had a few disappointing results which saw us drop down the league a bit, but
the last two wins have given everybody a confidence boost and I think
they're fully deserved wins as well."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
The Big Interview - David Gold
WHUFC.com
Joint-Chairman David Gold talks exclusively to whufc.com
26.02.2014
Joint-Chairman David Gold is thrilled at the Club's upturn in fortunes over
the last month. The Hammers have climbed away from the bottom three with
four straight wins, in a five-game spell which has yielded 13 points and
just one goal conceded. Sam Allardyce's men have risen up to tenth in the
Barclays Premier League table as a result and Mr Gold is keen to maintain
the upward momentum.
Mr Gold, we've won four straight games - you must be delighted with the
team's form at the moment?
DG: "I'm absolutely thrilled. When Andy Carroll got sent off and we knew
he'd miss three games, you start thinking if we can get a point a game you'd
maybe live with that, but then to go on and win all three without him is a
great relief and very, very important to the football club, because you
could argue now that, dare we say it, we're [nearly] safe. "We've certainly
given ourselves a fantastic chance, and Sam was saying to me that this time
last year we actually had one point less than now. So this is a great
performance."
It's amazing to think that just a few weeks ago we were in the bottom three,
and now we're into the top half of the table. We could match last year's
tenth place finish if we keep this up...
DG: "There's every chance we can do that. Early in the season we had a lot
of bad luck, particularly with injuries and I know people say that it all
evens out, but early in the season I thought we had some poor decisions go
against us. I remember going away to Hull, and they had the softest of
penalties, then in the second half there was an absolute blatant penalty for
us which wasn't given. We could have won the game 1-0 when in actual fact we
lost it 1-0.
"There were a number of games not dissimilar to that, and then the injuries
started piling up. When I say it's bad luck with injuries, we all have
injuries, we know that, but it's when they all fall to the same area. You
wake up one morning and you don't have any centre-backs available - that's
when you feel the luck's running against you. But I think it's turned now."
We were asked to judge Sam and judge the team when all the options were back
available to him. Now they are it's beginning to bear fruit, isn't it?
DG: "Sure. Fans are frustrated, are angry and the first thing that happens
is that they want a change of manager, then the second thing they want a
change of the Chairmen. It comes with the territory, and there's no question
that Sam's vindicated himself and I'm delighted for him."
As well as the manager, it has been great to see the captain return in great
form after his suspensions...
DG: "He'll be the first to tell you how disappointed he was at getting
sent-off. He definitely felt that he let the team down, he let the fans down
and most importantly of course, he left himself down. He found it hard to
deal with, but he's dealt with it in the best possible way in coming back
and scoring five goals in his last four games. You couldn't ask for more
from him. It has been a true captain's performance on the field and what
people don't often get the opportunity to see, but I do, is what a great
captain he is off the field, in the dressing room and on the training pitch.
He is a special character."
This recent run has been based on defensive solidity and that shows that the
team is working hard together to keep it tight...
DG: "I thought the Adrian's Wall picture was brilliant and I loved it when I
saw it. The four defenders with the goalkeeper in the middle and the wall
behind. that was great, and of course they've been a stalwart. That's only
one goal in five games and i feel sorry that Adrian couldn't go on and break
some records because he was very close and it was unfortunate that he
conceded on Saturday, because James Tomkins told me that he never touched
him [Adam Lallana] to give away the free kick and I believe him! That
wouldn't have been a free kick and they wouldn't have scored. That would
have been nice, but having said that, to beat Southampton, who are a very
good side, was fantastic."
How much does this run boost the Club?
DG: "The good run we're on raises the spirits of the fans, the players and
the football club - it's buzzing. We were in a dark place for months,
worrying about what we were doing wrong, and of course we kept turning back,
claiming that it was bad luck, and once that turns we'll be in a much better
place. We are now and we can start thinking again about the future.
"Don't misunderstand me, we're not clear, our position is not guaranteed in
the Premier League, but we're in a good place and you would be very, very
disappointed if we were to fail from here."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
DG: we're nearly safe
KUMB.com
Filed: Wednesday, 26th February 2014
By: Staff Writer
David Gold has praised Sam Allardyce for West Ham's recent run of 'Champions
League' form - and believes that February's results have staved off the
threat of relegation. Allardyce is odds-on to be named as the Barclay's
Premier League Manager of the Month for February having led his team to four
successive victories - a string of wins that have taken West Ham from the
relegation zone to tenth place in the table. February's haul of a maximum 12
points has led to a renewed sense of optimism at the Boleyn Ground, as
exemplified by co-owner David Gold who believes that we should now be
looking up, rather than down, the table. "You could argue now that, dare we
say it, we're [nearly] safe," he told.whufc.com. "We've certainly given
ourselves a fantastic chance. "Early in the season we had a lot of bad luck,
particularly with injuries. I know people say that it all evens out, but I
thought we had some poor decisions go against us. I remember going away to
Hull and they had the softest of penalties. There were a number of games not
dissimilar to that and then the injuries started piling up.
"Fans are frustrated and the first thing that happens is that they want a
change of manager. Then the second thing they want a change of Chairmen. It
comes with the territory, there's no question that Sam's vindicated himself
and I'm delighted for him. "The good run we're on raises the spirits of the
fans, the players and the football club - it's buzzing," he added. "We were
in a dark place for months and we can start thinking again about the future.
"Don't misunderstand me, we're not clear, our position is not guaranteed in
the Premier League - but we're in a good place and you would be very, very
disappointed if we were to fail from here."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham chairman David Gold heaps praise on 'vindicated' boss Sam Allardyce
after turnaround
Feb 26, 2014 16:41 By Liam Prenderville
The Mirror
West Ham joint-chairman David Gold is delighted the club have been justified
in their decision to stick with boss Sam Allardyce. After just one win in 10
games through December and January, the Hammers looked almost certainties
for relegation with most sections of the Upton Park crowd calling for
Allardyce to be sacked. However, the 59-year-old has since masterminded four
wins on the bounce, with last weekend's 3-1 success over Southampton lifting
the club to 10th in the Premier League table. And Gold is delighted to see
Allardyce emerge through the difficult period and prove the club were right
to keep hold of him. He told Goal.com: "Fans are frustrated, are angry and
the first thing that happens is that they want a change of manager. "It
comes with the territory and there's no question that Sam's vindicated
himself and I'm delighted for him."
Someone else who has been rejuvenated in the past month is captain Kevin
Nolan, having scored five times in four matches. He also came under fire
after two petulant dismissals in games at Liverpool and Fulham and looked
set to be stripped of his captaincy. But Gold has also saved words of praise
for the in-form midfielder. He added: "Kevin definitely felt that he let the
team down, he let the fans down and, most importantly, of course, he let
himself down. "You couldn't ask for more from him. It has been a true
captain's performance on the field. "And what people don't often get the
opportunity to see, but I do, is what a great captain he is off the field,
in the dressing room and on the training pitch. He is a special character."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
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WHUFC.com
Steve Potts has been encouraged by the form of his much-changed U18s in
recent weeks
26.02.2014
Steve Potts has been encouraged by the form of his much-changed West Ham
United U18s in recent weeks. With a number of U21s out on loan, Potts'
Academy side has lost a number of players to the Development Squad, leaving
the U18s boss to blood a number of schoolboys. However, the changes have not
affected the Hammers' form, with the youth team going top of Barclays U18
Premier League South following a 2-0 win at Fulham on Saturday. "Credit to
the boys because they deserve all the praise they have got recently," said
the former West Ham defender. "The effort they have been putting into their
training and the games has seen them get their rewards. I've been really
pleased with them. "The pleasing thing has been that we've kept winning,
despite having to make lots of changes to the team. I had quite a settled
team at the start of this season, but lately openings have appeared for the
schoolboys. "On Saturday at Fuham, I had three schoolboys starting alongside
four first-year scholars and four second-years, so I had quite a young team
against a good side. They did well to do what they did."
The U18s' win at Fulham was their fifth in succession and ninth in ten
league games. During that run, West Ham have scored 23 goals and conceded
just seven, pleasing Potts still further. However, he was quick to point out
that there is a big jump between U18 and Barclays Premier League football.
"I think the lads are just working really well for each other as a group.
All I am looking for is for them to keep improving individually and as a
team. "They have got to make a lot of improvements to make it to first-team
level and show that desire to want to improve. The day they don't show that
desire is the day they are going to struggle, I think, but the way it has
gone so far has been pleasing. "They are at a level now which is a good
standard, but they're not at the standard to go into the first team, and
that's what they need to get into their heads. They've done OK so far, but
they have a long way to go."
A number of U18s have been playing U21 football in recent weeks, including
Kyle Knoyle, Lewis Page, Reece Burke, Kieran Bywater and Josh Cullen and
Potts has been happy with their contribution at that higher and more
physical level. "I took the game against Southampton earlier this month and
I went to the game against Reading on Monday and the boys coped with it very
well, which was pleasing. "It was interesting to see, because they have done
well in the youth team and you want them to go to the next level and see how
they perform. They held their own and hopefully there will be more of the
U18s pushing in there, because that's what it's all about."
Potts saw Burke make his first-team debut at Nottingham Forest in the FA Cup
with Budweiser third round in January, and now his ambition is to see one of
his charges graduate to make a debut in the Barclays Premier League. "That's
why we're all here - to try to get the boys up to that level and in the
first team. That will be a real buzz, I must admit, and it will be nice for
it to happen. "It's tough and a lot tougher than it was years ago with all
the money in the Premier League and a lot of foreign players here, so you've
got to be special to get in there. "You don't get there without a lot of
hard work and I've got a group who know how to work hard and that's the main
thing. They need to keep doing what they're doing."
The U18s have a free weekend coming up, but Potts' side will return to
action at Arsenal on Saturday 8 March.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Reid feeling lucky
WHUFC.com
Winston Reid believes West Ham United have deserved their recent run of good
results
26.02.2014
At the beginning of the current season, West Ham United did not exactly
enjoy the rub of the green in the Barclays Premier League. The Hammers
suffered a horrendous succession of injuries, losing Andy Carroll, Winston
Reid, Alou Diarra and Ricardo Vaz Te to long-term absences, while a series
of agonising defeats left the players and staff wondering what they had done
to deserve their misfortune. Now, West Ham's fortunes are no longer hiding,
with a run of four straight victories in February carrying the Club from
18th to tenth in the table. Reid's return to the squad after three months
out with a high ankle sprain has coincided with the upturn in results, and
the No2 believes West Ham have deserved their improvement. "The last five
games, we have been performing really well and have picked up four wins and
draw, so points-wise it's been brilliant," said the New Zealand defender.
"At this stage six weeks ago, it wasn't looking the best, but we've picked
up a lot."
"I just think we have had luck on our side as well, which we didn't have at
the beginning of the season when free-kicks were going in from everywhere
and decisions were going against us. "You always get that over the season,
so you just need that little bit of luck and I think we're playing well as a
team, scoring goals and keeping the back door shut."
Reid has been part of keeping that 'back door shut' in recent weeks,
appearing as a substitute in the victories over Swansea, Aston Villa and
Southampton when Sam Allardyce has opted to go five at the back late on.
Having had a replacement's role in those wins, Reid is now biding his time
as he works to win back his place in the starting XI for the first time
since the goalless draw at home to Aston Villa on 2 November. "It's been OK.
I've come on for the last 15 minutes a couple of times and I've had to do my
job to help us to keep a clean sheet. "I've been out for three-and-a-bit
months so I need time to get myself right and take it from there."
Reid may or may not start at Everton on Saturday, but whoever does line up
in the back four will have a testing afternoon on their hands against
Roberto Martinez's top-four challengers. "It won't be easy because it's a
tough place to go. They are a good team with a good manager, so it'll be
tough but we've shown we can pick up points left, right and centre in the
last five games. "Hopefully we can go up there and pick up some more points
and bring them back to London."
One player who West Ham will have to watch carefully is Everton forward
Romelu Lukaku, who scored the late winner in the reverse fixture at the
Boleyn Ground in September and is expected to return from an ankle injury on
Saturday. "I think you have to accept that sometimes he is going to get the
ball and you can't really do anything about it. You have to pick your
battles and pick your moments when you're going to go for the ball. "He's a
good player, he's strong and he finishes his chances off really well too, so
we'll have to watch him."
While Reid and company will take nothing for granted at Goodison Park, the
No2 says West Ham can go to Merseyside in relaxed and confident mood
following their recent run of results. That said, the 25-year-old says the
Hammers are determined to finish the season strongly. "I think we can go
there confident and looking up the table rather than down it. Maybe six
weeks ago, we weren't thinking that, but there's now seven points between us
and the bottom three, so we've given ourselves a bit of breathing space.
"We'd like to hit the 40-point mark as quickly as possible."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Macca relishing Goodison return
WHUFC.com
Assistant boss Neil McDonald wants the Hammers to maintain their fine form
at Everton
26.02.2014
West Ham United assistant manager Neil McDonald is looking forward to
returning to his old stamping ground in Everton this weekend. McDonald
played 90 league games for the Toffees between 1988-91 and now the Hammers
will travel to Goodison Park on the back of the four wins out of four. While
confidence is high, McDonald says nobody is getting carried away and there
is still work to do to pull away from the relegation zone. He said; "We are
in a really good habit at the minute, the team spirit is probably the
highest it has been since coming to the Club and the boys are trusting each
other, working hard for each other, and even when we go behind now, we seem
to respond in the right way. "The response was fantastic against Southampton
to score two goals in a few minutes, one from a corner ourselves and one
from a great ball from Kevin Nolan to Matt Jarvis. That put us on the front
foot. "It was a difficult game, all the way through Southampton played
really well but at the end of the day, you have to create the chances and
score from them to win the game. We then took our chance again in the second
half, carried on and it was a terrific finish from Kevin, that then killed
them off. "We are looking to reach those magic points of safety, there are
still a number of tough games to play and Everton will be difficult. "They
are an excellent side so we have to be on our guard, but we will be focused
and we will be ready."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Lee thrilled with Royals strike
WHUFC.com
Elliot Lee hailed his goal against Reading on Monday night as one of the
best of his career
26.02.2014
A spectacular strike against Reading on Monday night saw a welcome return to
the scoresheet for Development Squad marksman Elliot Lee. The frontman
opened the scoring with an impeccable volley after 43 minutes, watching
Danny Whitehead's lofted pass drop over his shoulder before firing the ball
into the opposite corner of the net. It had been over two months since Lee's
last goal for the Under-21s, after he struck in a 2-1 win against Bristol
City in the U21 Premier League Cup on 2 December, and the forward was
delighted to be back amongst the goals. When asked if the goal was one of
his best, he told West Ham TV: "Yeah definitely, it's up there with my best.
It was a great ball from Danny and I've just hit it and it's gone in the
bottom corner so I'm absolutely delighted with it. "I made the run and I
didn't know if Danny was going to play it, but he's put it on an absolute
plate for me and I've done the other bit. It was a great goal and I'm really
happy with it. "As a striker, you go through these little blips and I think
I'd gone four games without a goal but I never lost confidence. I knew I was
going to get a goal soon and hopefully they'll keep coming now."
Blair Turgott added to Lee's opener with just three minutes left on the
clock, finishing off a swift counter-attack to wrap up all three points. The
second goal came a just a matter of seconds after Reading had gone within
inches of pulling level through Liam Kelly's long-range half-volley which
struck the post with Raphael Spiegel helpless in goal. It would have been
harsh on the Hammers, who dominated for large portions of the match and Lee
believes the result was fully deserved. "I think a lot of credit's got to go
to the back five. In the last two games they've limited the opposition to
very few chances and that's a big reason why we're winning. If us attackers
can do our job upfront then we're going to win games if we can keep keeping
clean sheets. "As we progress through the levels I think the margins become
smaller and smaller and I think it showed great character from the boys
today. "If that shot had of gone in then I think a few heads might have
dropped, but we went up the other end and we scored a great goal to kill the
game. It was a great performance from the boys, fully deserved."
Victory over the Royals means the squad have now picked up back-to-back wins
following their win against Southampton in their previous outing. The wins
have moved the Hammers back into the top four of the Barclays Under-21
Premier League, and Lee is hoping they can continue their fine form. "I
thought the lads were brilliant tonight. From goalkeeper to attack we were
all brilliant, and ground out a great result, on not the best pitch, but
it's another three points and hopefully we can keep going. "As you know, we
had a few disappointing results which saw us drop down the league a bit, but
the last two wins have given everybody a confidence boost and I think
they're fully deserved wins as well."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
The Big Interview - David Gold
WHUFC.com
Joint-Chairman David Gold talks exclusively to whufc.com
26.02.2014
Joint-Chairman David Gold is thrilled at the Club's upturn in fortunes over
the last month. The Hammers have climbed away from the bottom three with
four straight wins, in a five-game spell which has yielded 13 points and
just one goal conceded. Sam Allardyce's men have risen up to tenth in the
Barclays Premier League table as a result and Mr Gold is keen to maintain
the upward momentum.
Mr Gold, we've won four straight games - you must be delighted with the
team's form at the moment?
DG: "I'm absolutely thrilled. When Andy Carroll got sent off and we knew
he'd miss three games, you start thinking if we can get a point a game you'd
maybe live with that, but then to go on and win all three without him is a
great relief and very, very important to the football club, because you
could argue now that, dare we say it, we're [nearly] safe. "We've certainly
given ourselves a fantastic chance, and Sam was saying to me that this time
last year we actually had one point less than now. So this is a great
performance."
It's amazing to think that just a few weeks ago we were in the bottom three,
and now we're into the top half of the table. We could match last year's
tenth place finish if we keep this up...
DG: "There's every chance we can do that. Early in the season we had a lot
of bad luck, particularly with injuries and I know people say that it all
evens out, but early in the season I thought we had some poor decisions go
against us. I remember going away to Hull, and they had the softest of
penalties, then in the second half there was an absolute blatant penalty for
us which wasn't given. We could have won the game 1-0 when in actual fact we
lost it 1-0.
"There were a number of games not dissimilar to that, and then the injuries
started piling up. When I say it's bad luck with injuries, we all have
injuries, we know that, but it's when they all fall to the same area. You
wake up one morning and you don't have any centre-backs available - that's
when you feel the luck's running against you. But I think it's turned now."
We were asked to judge Sam and judge the team when all the options were back
available to him. Now they are it's beginning to bear fruit, isn't it?
DG: "Sure. Fans are frustrated, are angry and the first thing that happens
is that they want a change of manager, then the second thing they want a
change of the Chairmen. It comes with the territory, and there's no question
that Sam's vindicated himself and I'm delighted for him."
As well as the manager, it has been great to see the captain return in great
form after his suspensions...
DG: "He'll be the first to tell you how disappointed he was at getting
sent-off. He definitely felt that he let the team down, he let the fans down
and most importantly of course, he left himself down. He found it hard to
deal with, but he's dealt with it in the best possible way in coming back
and scoring five goals in his last four games. You couldn't ask for more
from him. It has been a true captain's performance on the field and what
people don't often get the opportunity to see, but I do, is what a great
captain he is off the field, in the dressing room and on the training pitch.
He is a special character."
This recent run has been based on defensive solidity and that shows that the
team is working hard together to keep it tight...
DG: "I thought the Adrian's Wall picture was brilliant and I loved it when I
saw it. The four defenders with the goalkeeper in the middle and the wall
behind. that was great, and of course they've been a stalwart. That's only
one goal in five games and i feel sorry that Adrian couldn't go on and break
some records because he was very close and it was unfortunate that he
conceded on Saturday, because James Tomkins told me that he never touched
him [Adam Lallana] to give away the free kick and I believe him! That
wouldn't have been a free kick and they wouldn't have scored. That would
have been nice, but having said that, to beat Southampton, who are a very
good side, was fantastic."
How much does this run boost the Club?
DG: "The good run we're on raises the spirits of the fans, the players and
the football club - it's buzzing. We were in a dark place for months,
worrying about what we were doing wrong, and of course we kept turning back,
claiming that it was bad luck, and once that turns we'll be in a much better
place. We are now and we can start thinking again about the future.
"Don't misunderstand me, we're not clear, our position is not guaranteed in
the Premier League, but we're in a good place and you would be very, very
disappointed if we were to fail from here."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
DG: we're nearly safe
KUMB.com
Filed: Wednesday, 26th February 2014
By: Staff Writer
David Gold has praised Sam Allardyce for West Ham's recent run of 'Champions
League' form - and believes that February's results have staved off the
threat of relegation. Allardyce is odds-on to be named as the Barclay's
Premier League Manager of the Month for February having led his team to four
successive victories - a string of wins that have taken West Ham from the
relegation zone to tenth place in the table. February's haul of a maximum 12
points has led to a renewed sense of optimism at the Boleyn Ground, as
exemplified by co-owner David Gold who believes that we should now be
looking up, rather than down, the table. "You could argue now that, dare we
say it, we're [nearly] safe," he told.whufc.com. "We've certainly given
ourselves a fantastic chance. "Early in the season we had a lot of bad luck,
particularly with injuries. I know people say that it all evens out, but I
thought we had some poor decisions go against us. I remember going away to
Hull and they had the softest of penalties. There were a number of games not
dissimilar to that and then the injuries started piling up.
"Fans are frustrated and the first thing that happens is that they want a
change of manager. Then the second thing they want a change of Chairmen. It
comes with the territory, there's no question that Sam's vindicated himself
and I'm delighted for him. "The good run we're on raises the spirits of the
fans, the players and the football club - it's buzzing," he added. "We were
in a dark place for months and we can start thinking again about the future.
"Don't misunderstand me, we're not clear, our position is not guaranteed in
the Premier League - but we're in a good place and you would be very, very
disappointed if we were to fail from here."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham chairman David Gold heaps praise on 'vindicated' boss Sam Allardyce
after turnaround
Feb 26, 2014 16:41 By Liam Prenderville
The Mirror
West Ham joint-chairman David Gold is delighted the club have been justified
in their decision to stick with boss Sam Allardyce. After just one win in 10
games through December and January, the Hammers looked almost certainties
for relegation with most sections of the Upton Park crowd calling for
Allardyce to be sacked. However, the 59-year-old has since masterminded four
wins on the bounce, with last weekend's 3-1 success over Southampton lifting
the club to 10th in the Premier League table. And Gold is delighted to see
Allardyce emerge through the difficult period and prove the club were right
to keep hold of him. He told Goal.com: "Fans are frustrated, are angry and
the first thing that happens is that they want a change of manager. "It
comes with the territory and there's no question that Sam's vindicated
himself and I'm delighted for him."
Someone else who has been rejuvenated in the past month is captain Kevin
Nolan, having scored five times in four matches. He also came under fire
after two petulant dismissals in games at Liverpool and Fulham and looked
set to be stripped of his captaincy. But Gold has also saved words of praise
for the in-form midfielder. He added: "Kevin definitely felt that he let the
team down, he let the fans down and, most importantly, of course, he let
himself down. "You couldn't ask for more from him. It has been a true
captain's performance on the field. "And what people don't often get the
opportunity to see, but I do, is what a great captain he is off the field,
in the dressing room and on the training pitch. He is a special character."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
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Wednesday, February 26
Daily WHUFC News - 26th February 2014
AC ready to return
WHUFC.com
Andy Carroll is desperate to return to West Ham United's starting XI for
Saturday's trip to Everton
25.02.2014
Andy Carroll knows he faces a battle to win his starting place back
following West Ham United's outstanding recent run. The Hammers have won
four straight Barclays Premier League matches, scoring nine goals and
conceding just one - despite having Carroll available for just 70 minutes of
that run due to the striker's sending-off against Swansea City on 1
February. The England international's replacement, Carlton Cole, has led the
line well, netting the go-ahead goal in Saturday's 3-1 home win over
Southampton, while Kevin Nolan has scored five goals in his last four
appearances. Carroll returns from suspension for Saturday's trip to Everton,
but the No9 knows he will not automatically return to Sam Allardyce's
starting XI at Goodison Park. "Coley is on fire and has scored six goals,
while Kev has got seven, so I've just got to work hard and hope the Gaffer
sees fit to pick me," said Carroll, who was at the Boleyn Ground to cheer on
his team-mates to victory over Southampton on Saturday. "It's unbelievable,
where we have come from to where we are now. All the lads are buzzing in the
dressing room and when I went in there after the game they were all laughing
and messing about. It's great and I'm over the moon with how things are
going."
Having only returned from a long-term foot injury in January, Carroll has
kept himself fit during his enforced absence, most notably during an
extended warm-weather training visit to Dubai. The forward spent four days
with his team-mates before remaining at the Dubai Sports City for a further
four days to work one-on-one with the Club's rehabilitation coach Eduardo
Parra Garcia. "It was a lot of hard work at the beginning of the week, then
the rest of the lads left and it was one-on-one training with Eduardo, which
was really good. Having the sun on my back was even better. It's been hard
for me all season. I hadn't really done much training, so wherever I can
train is great, but it was even better to do it in the sun. "It's obviously
great to get away from the training ground when we get the chance. We're out
of the FA Cup and the lads were able to do the same training we do here, but
in Dubai. It gives everyone a change of scenery.
"The lads came back and won again against Southampton, which was great."
Carroll spent 18 months on Merseyside with Liverpool prior to joining West
Ham on loan in August 2013. During his time with the Reds, he scored a late
winner in their FA Cup semi-final victory over Everton at Wembley in April
2012. Having tasted one memorable win over the Toffees, Carroll is now
hoping to do again this weekend. First, he knows he has to force his way
back into Big Sam's starting XI. "We are playing well and are scoring goals
now, so I don't see why we can't go up there and get three points. I've just
got to work hard in training, because that's all I can do. At the end of the
day, the manager picks the team. "The sending-off has happened and I was
annoyed at the time with missing games, which was not what I wanted after
the season that I've had, but I'm over it now. I just need to focus on
playing the games now and getting back in the team and playing games."
While Carroll is eager to get his West Ham place back first and foremost, he
is also desperate to regain his spot in Roy Hodgson's England squad. The
striker has not played for his country since October 2012, but the
25-year-old is being widely tipped to make a return to Hodgson's selection
for the friendly international with Denmark at Wembley on Wednesday 5 March.
It is an opportunity he would relish. "I've definitely not given up on the
England squad and I never will do."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Carlton Cole says West Ham are not safe yet from threat of relegation
Last Updated: 25/02/14 3:32pm
SSN
Carlton Cole has admitted that West Ham United still have a lot of work to
do to secure their Premier League survival, but believes it is important to
look up rather than down. The Hammers were in deep trouble just a few weeks
ago but a run of four straight wins has catapulted them into the top half of
the table.
However, just seven points still separate Sam Allardyce's men from the
bottom three and Cole insists there is no chance of thinking safety is
already guaranteed. The striker is staying focused on Saturday's clash with
Everton and hopes West Ham can continue to climb the standings. "We're not
safe yet, we just need to keep winning games," Cole told the club's official
website. "We are looking upwards. At the start of the season, we were
looking up too and it is good to do that rather than looking over your
shoulder, because that can lead to mistakes. "We now have to look towards
Everton, which will be a hard game.
"They are a good footballing team so we just need to nullify their attacking
and try and get a goal, because the form we are in at the moment, we can
notch against anyone."
Cole netted his sixth goal of the season in the 3-1 victory over Southampton
and is delighted with his form, having returned to the club on an 18-month
deal last year. "I didn't have a pre-season, but I have been playing and
that is what I need to do," he said. "Training has been intense. There is a
lot of work that goes on behind the scenes to keep me fit. I feel wanted
because I got re-signed. "When you are not feeling wanted, it is always hard
to take, but when you feel wanted it is a big difference to your game and
your attitude."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Andy Carroll targets West Ham and England recalls
Last Updated: 25/02/14 3:25pm
SSN
Andy Carroll is focused on earning his place back in the West Ham team and
fighting for an England recall following a three-match suspension. The
25-year-old was finding his form after a frustrating foot injury lay-off
when he was sent off against Swansea on February 1, and subsequently
received a three-game ban.
In Carroll's absence, Sam Allardyce's side have won three successive matches
to extend an unbeaten run to five games, and in the process have pulled
clear of the relegation zone and up to 10th place. Carroll will be available
again for West Ham's trip to Everton on Saturday, but the striker is taking
nothing for granted.
"The sending-off has happened and I was annoyed at the time with missing
games, which was not what I wanted after the season that I've had, but I'm
over it now," Carroll said on the club's official website. "I just need to
focus on playing the games now and getting back in the team and playing
games. "I have just got to work hard in training, because that is all I can
do. At the end of the day, the manager picks the team."
Recall
Carroll last featured for England in the 5-0 World Cup qualifying win over
San Marino at Wembley in October 2012. However, the 6ft 3in former Newcastle
and Liverpool frontman is determined to become part of Roy Hodgson's plans
for Brazil this summer, having been tipped for a recall to the international
squad in next week's friendly against Denmark. "I have definitely not given
up on the England squad and I never will do," he said.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
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WHUFC.com
Andy Carroll is desperate to return to West Ham United's starting XI for
Saturday's trip to Everton
25.02.2014
Andy Carroll knows he faces a battle to win his starting place back
following West Ham United's outstanding recent run. The Hammers have won
four straight Barclays Premier League matches, scoring nine goals and
conceding just one - despite having Carroll available for just 70 minutes of
that run due to the striker's sending-off against Swansea City on 1
February. The England international's replacement, Carlton Cole, has led the
line well, netting the go-ahead goal in Saturday's 3-1 home win over
Southampton, while Kevin Nolan has scored five goals in his last four
appearances. Carroll returns from suspension for Saturday's trip to Everton,
but the No9 knows he will not automatically return to Sam Allardyce's
starting XI at Goodison Park. "Coley is on fire and has scored six goals,
while Kev has got seven, so I've just got to work hard and hope the Gaffer
sees fit to pick me," said Carroll, who was at the Boleyn Ground to cheer on
his team-mates to victory over Southampton on Saturday. "It's unbelievable,
where we have come from to where we are now. All the lads are buzzing in the
dressing room and when I went in there after the game they were all laughing
and messing about. It's great and I'm over the moon with how things are
going."
Having only returned from a long-term foot injury in January, Carroll has
kept himself fit during his enforced absence, most notably during an
extended warm-weather training visit to Dubai. The forward spent four days
with his team-mates before remaining at the Dubai Sports City for a further
four days to work one-on-one with the Club's rehabilitation coach Eduardo
Parra Garcia. "It was a lot of hard work at the beginning of the week, then
the rest of the lads left and it was one-on-one training with Eduardo, which
was really good. Having the sun on my back was even better. It's been hard
for me all season. I hadn't really done much training, so wherever I can
train is great, but it was even better to do it in the sun. "It's obviously
great to get away from the training ground when we get the chance. We're out
of the FA Cup and the lads were able to do the same training we do here, but
in Dubai. It gives everyone a change of scenery.
"The lads came back and won again against Southampton, which was great."
Carroll spent 18 months on Merseyside with Liverpool prior to joining West
Ham on loan in August 2013. During his time with the Reds, he scored a late
winner in their FA Cup semi-final victory over Everton at Wembley in April
2012. Having tasted one memorable win over the Toffees, Carroll is now
hoping to do again this weekend. First, he knows he has to force his way
back into Big Sam's starting XI. "We are playing well and are scoring goals
now, so I don't see why we can't go up there and get three points. I've just
got to work hard in training, because that's all I can do. At the end of the
day, the manager picks the team. "The sending-off has happened and I was
annoyed at the time with missing games, which was not what I wanted after
the season that I've had, but I'm over it now. I just need to focus on
playing the games now and getting back in the team and playing games."
While Carroll is eager to get his West Ham place back first and foremost, he
is also desperate to regain his spot in Roy Hodgson's England squad. The
striker has not played for his country since October 2012, but the
25-year-old is being widely tipped to make a return to Hodgson's selection
for the friendly international with Denmark at Wembley on Wednesday 5 March.
It is an opportunity he would relish. "I've definitely not given up on the
England squad and I never will do."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Carlton Cole says West Ham are not safe yet from threat of relegation
Last Updated: 25/02/14 3:32pm
SSN
Carlton Cole has admitted that West Ham United still have a lot of work to
do to secure their Premier League survival, but believes it is important to
look up rather than down. The Hammers were in deep trouble just a few weeks
ago but a run of four straight wins has catapulted them into the top half of
the table.
However, just seven points still separate Sam Allardyce's men from the
bottom three and Cole insists there is no chance of thinking safety is
already guaranteed. The striker is staying focused on Saturday's clash with
Everton and hopes West Ham can continue to climb the standings. "We're not
safe yet, we just need to keep winning games," Cole told the club's official
website. "We are looking upwards. At the start of the season, we were
looking up too and it is good to do that rather than looking over your
shoulder, because that can lead to mistakes. "We now have to look towards
Everton, which will be a hard game.
"They are a good footballing team so we just need to nullify their attacking
and try and get a goal, because the form we are in at the moment, we can
notch against anyone."
Cole netted his sixth goal of the season in the 3-1 victory over Southampton
and is delighted with his form, having returned to the club on an 18-month
deal last year. "I didn't have a pre-season, but I have been playing and
that is what I need to do," he said. "Training has been intense. There is a
lot of work that goes on behind the scenes to keep me fit. I feel wanted
because I got re-signed. "When you are not feeling wanted, it is always hard
to take, but when you feel wanted it is a big difference to your game and
your attitude."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Andy Carroll targets West Ham and England recalls
Last Updated: 25/02/14 3:25pm
SSN
Andy Carroll is focused on earning his place back in the West Ham team and
fighting for an England recall following a three-match suspension. The
25-year-old was finding his form after a frustrating foot injury lay-off
when he was sent off against Swansea on February 1, and subsequently
received a three-game ban.
In Carroll's absence, Sam Allardyce's side have won three successive matches
to extend an unbeaten run to five games, and in the process have pulled
clear of the relegation zone and up to 10th place. Carroll will be available
again for West Ham's trip to Everton on Saturday, but the striker is taking
nothing for granted.
"The sending-off has happened and I was annoyed at the time with missing
games, which was not what I wanted after the season that I've had, but I'm
over it now," Carroll said on the club's official website. "I just need to
focus on playing the games now and getting back in the team and playing
games. "I have just got to work hard in training, because that is all I can
do. At the end of the day, the manager picks the team."
Recall
Carroll last featured for England in the 5-0 World Cup qualifying win over
San Marino at Wembley in October 2012. However, the 6ft 3in former Newcastle
and Liverpool frontman is determined to become part of Roy Hodgson's plans
for Brazil this summer, having been tipped for a recall to the international
squad in next week's friendly against Denmark. "I have definitely not given
up on the England squad and I never will do," he said.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
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Tuesday, February 25
Daily WHUFC News - 25th February 2014
New date for Hull
WHUFC.com
West Ham's home meeting with Hull City will now take place on Wednesday 26
March
24.02.2014
West Ham United's home Barclays Premier League clash with Hull City will now
be played on Wednesday 26 March with a 7.45pm kick-off. The game was
originally scheduled for Saturday 8 March but needed to be moved due to
Hull's continued involvement in the FA Cup with Budweiser, which now sees
them take on Sunderland in the competition's quarter-finals.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Bobby Moore OBE 1941-1993
WHUFC.com
West Ham United and England's finest-ever captain Bobby Moore OBE died on
this day 21 years ago
24.02.2014
Bobby Moore OBE, West Ham United's most famous player and England's 1966
World Cup-winning captain, sadly passed away on this day 21 years ago. The
central defender made 646 league and cup appearances for the Hammers,
scoring 27 goals. Moore was born in Barking on 12 April 1941, making his
debut for his local club in a 3-2 win over Manchester United at the Boleyn
Ground as a 17-year-old on 8 September 1958. It was the start of a
glittering career that is remembered fondly by football fans the world over.
As a West Ham player, Moore lifted the FA Cup in 1964 and the European Cup
Winners' Cup in 1965. A year later, he was back at Wembley to complete an
unforgettable hat-trick by lifting the Jules Rimet Trophy following
England's 4-2 victory over West Germany.
Moore would go on to star at the 1970 World Cup finals in Mexico before
moving to Fulham, for whom he played against the Hammers in the 1975 FA Cup
final. Following his retirement, Moore moved first into management and then
into the world of broadcasting before his life was cut short by cancer in
February 1993. He was just 51.
Fellow Hammers legend Billy Bonds MBE recalls Bobby's memory fondly. He
said: "Mooro was an absolute icon. I respected a lot of team-mates and
opponents down the years but he was the only person in my entire career, who
made me feel that way. "He was fantastic to me from the day that I arrived
and I loved him as a player and as a person. Bobby Moore had a presence both
off and on the field. "There was no side to him at all and, having lifted
the World Cup, he'd been the most famous person on the planet on that July
afternoon at Wembley in 1966 but, despite all of that, Bobby wasn't the
slightest bit lairy. Mooro treated everyone the same, no matter who they
were. "Bobby Moore wasn't a particularly good header of the ball and he
wasn't very quick either but, boy, his timing was impeccable. He didn't need
to be good in the air or fast because he could read the game so well - he
always seemed to be in the right place at the right time to nick the ball
off a centre-forward. "And he was just so good at bringing the ball out of
defence and starting attacks, too."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Nobes lauds perfect February
WHUFC.com
Mark Noble was in positive mood after helping West Ham United to four wins
out of four in February
24.02.2014
After a tough start to 2013/14 that saw West Ham United begin the New Year
in the Barclays Premier League relegation zone, the Hammers roared back to
form in February. Sam Allardyce's side won four league games out of four in
the month, scoring nine goals and conceding just one. Over the same period,
West Ham climbed from 18th and two points from safety to tenth, seven points
clear of the bottom three. While the improvement has been a real team
effort, the form of midfielder Mark Noble has been a recognisable highlight
in recent weeks. The No16 played every minute in February, chalking up an
assist for Mohamed Diame in the 2-0 win over Norwich City and making a
team-high 154 passes and 16 tackles over the four matches. Unsurprisingly,
Noble is enjoying the Club's first four-match winning league run since May
2007, when he was part of the team which miraculously avoided relegation by
winning their final four league fixtures. "I was in that run as well, wasn't
I?" he smiled "That's nice. I can't remember it, if I am honest, but
obviously I remember that season. I didn't know that is when we last won
four in a row. "It's a similar situation, really. We were obviously low in
the league, so a draw and four wins in a row is superb. Up until a month ago
I don't even think we had achieved back-to-back wins for two years, and then
we win four in a row. That is just what you get for working hard and taking
your chances."
Many commentators have suggested it was a goalless draw at Chelsea on 29
January - where West Ham repelled 39 shots on their goal - that proved to be
the catalyst for the Hammers' winning run. However, Noble believes the
confidence drawn from the 2-0 win at Cardiff City on 11 January was the real
start of the resurgence. There, West Ham overcame the loss of James Tomkins
to a red card at 1-0, with the midfielder himself scoring a last-gasp
clincher. "To be honest it has been an accumulation of things. We went away
to Cardiff and that was a massive game. We went down to ten men on 70
minutes and we won it 2-0, then we played at home to Newcastle [and llost
3-1]. Then, we went away to Chelsea and defended well and then obviously we
have now won four games in a row. Three of those teams are among the ones
around us and they are the teams you have to beat. "I think the top six or
seven are out of sight and the rest are fighting for places. It has been
enjoyable in the last month. We have come back from Dubai, where we had a
good team-bonding thing out there. We trained and had some free time which
we enjoyed and we have come back and put another win on the board."
Saturday saw Noble at his best yet again, making a team-high 33 passes and
four tackles as West Ham upset a Southampton side which had not lost in the
league since New Year's Day. "Everyone said how good Southampton are," Noble
added. "I think they had taken 19 points away from home already this season.
They came here and we ended up winning 3-1. The confidence is high, it is
five games unbeaten now and we are looking forward to whatever comes our
way."
That 'whatever' is a trip to Everton on Saturday. West Ham's five-match
unbeaten run will no doubt come under threat at Goodison Park, where Everton
have lost just once in 12 home league matches this season. The Toffees also
won 3-2 in the reverse fixture at the Boleyn Ground in September - a game
that saw Noble score before being sent-off for two bookable offences. After
his dismissal, Leighton Baines and Romelu Lukaku netted late goals to send
West Ham spiralling to a disappointing home defeat. However, with confidence
high and striker Andy Carroll available again after a three-match
suspension, Noble says the Hammers have nothing to fear from their trip to
Merseyside. "Yeah. I remember we were 2-1 up and I scored a penalty and I
think there were only ten minutes to go," he recalled. "We always look back
and see that game as what was going wrong with our season in the first half
of it. "Has Baines scored another free kick this season? I don't think he
has. It just seemed like it was all happening to us and we didn't deserve
it. We were getting punished and that is what happens in this league. Now we
are solid and scoring goals it shows what a team we are."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Reading 0-2 Dev Squad: FT
WHUFC.com
Live text commentary from the Development Squad's match against Reading
24.02.2014
READING v DEVELOPMENT SQUAD
BARCLAYS U21 PREMIER LEAGUE
CAMROSE GROUND
MONDAY 24 FEBRUARY 2014
REFEREE: IAN COOPER
KICK-OFF: 7PM
Reading U21 0-2 Development Squad
Full-time: A win for the young Hammers arrives courtesy of a brilliant
Elliot Lee volley and Blair Turgott's tidy finish. A very good team
performance from the Under-21s saw them dominate for long periods with the
hosts struggling to create chances. When they did, Spiegel was in inspired
form making two great saves. A well deserved win is the squad's second in a
row. Get in!
90+2 mins: Whithead tries a long-range spectacular with a half-volley from
just inside the Reading half but doesn't connect cleanly and it goes out for
a goal-kick.
90 mins: Three minutes of stoppage time indicated as the Hammers look to
have done enough to earn a second consecutive win.
89 mins: That spell of play just goes to show how small the margins are in
football. Reading come within inches of scoring a late equaliser before
conceding a second less than a minute later. Great entertainment here.
87 mins GOAL: Turgott wraps it up! The winger slams home first time from
Fanimo's centre following a swift counter-attack.
86 mins: The post comes to the rescue as Kelly hits a wonderful long-range
half-volley which had Spiegel beaten before rebounding off the upright. What
an effort!
84 mins: Haycock makes his second change, bringing on Makasi for Lletget. A
good shift from the midfielder tonight who linked up well with Lee up top.
82 mins: What a save! Spiegel produces his second fantastic stop of the
night as he gets down to deny Ugwu from close-range as the forward prodded
powerfully goalward. Super Spiegel to the rescue for the Hammers.
80 mins: Great running from Lee who shrugs off the attentions of Kuhl before
scuffing a shot over the bar. The forward has been full of running tonight
and a menace to the Royals' back four.
78 mins: Tshibola launches a long diagonal looking for Tanner and Fanimo
flicks the ball out for a corner. From the resulting set-piece Burke leaps
to head the ball clear.
76 mins: Reading are probing around the West Ham penalty area but have found
no joy so far today. They'll have to come up with something a bit different
if they want to level things up.
74 mins: Chambers goes off to a good ovation as he's substituted for Burke.
Chambers has been excellent tonight, making a couple of key interceptions as
well as providing composure on the ball at the back for the Hammers.
72 mins: Fanimo just fails to link-up with Lee as he attacks the opposition
box. Close but not quite.
70 mins: A second change of the match for the home side. They take off Keown
and replace him with No 14 Cooper.
68 mins: Signs of life from the Royals who attack down the right with Long
crossing to the centre where Ugwu put his header well wide after stretching
for the ball.
65 mins: Spiegel's been a by-stander for much of the match but the one time
he was called into action he made a terrific stop to keep the scores level.
That may prove to be a crucial moment in this match.
63 mins: Fosu-Henry runs off to be replaced by Kelly as the hosts make their
first change.
61 mins: Fanimo looks to be racing way until the linesman signals he was
offside as he chased Lee's through ball.
59 mins: Chambers makes a great interception to thwart the Reading attack as
he backtracked. It's been a very tidy performance so far from the
centre-back and his partner Potts.
57 mins: The ball breaks to Fanimo who slides it through for Lee. The
striker takes it first time but the 'keeper saves low to his right. Great
chance for the striker to bag his second.
56 mins: A scrappy period of play this with both sides committing fouls as
they search for some rhythm.
54 mins: The Hammers have started the second period on the front foot but
have been unable to carve an opportunity from their possession so far.
51 mins: Professional foul by Whitehead who recieves a talking to for
upending Tshibola as Reading counter-attacked.
49 mins: Knoyle is absolutely clattered as he stops the run of Sweeney whose
momentum flattens the defender. He's on his feet though and should be able
to continue.
48 mins: An early free-kick as Tshibola handles midway inside his own half.
Lee steps up, bouyed by his earlier goal, but sends the ball high into the
stand behind the goal.
46 mins: Reading kick-off the second half looking to claw back the Hammers
who lead thanks to a stunner from Lee.
Half-time: The whistle goes for the end of a competitive first half. The
Hammers have the lead thanks to a brilliant volleyed goal from Elliot Lee
just a couple of minutes before the break. The visitors have enjoyed the
best of the chances so far with Turgott and Lletget also close to opening
the scoring. At half-time the Hammers are good value for their lead.
45 mins: That was a touch of class from Lee who let the ball drop over his
shoulder before firing his volley into the opposite corner. Superb.
43 mins GOAL: What a goal from Lee! The striker does brilliantly to turn a
volley home from a ball into the area. Great strike!
42 mins: The hosts have come into the game after a strong spell from the
Hammers who've performed well so far as we come up to half-time.
41 mins: Whitehead hoists a free-kick into the area where Turgott is unable
to bring the ball down and it rolls out of play.
39 mins: Chambers makes an important interception as Griffin crosses into
the centre.
37 mins: The Royals earn themselves a corner which Tanner takes. Keown meets
it powerfully but Spiegel makes a great diving save before Fanimo is able to
boot the ball clear.
35 mins: Lee's been quiet so far, but has himself a free-kick just outside
the area as he lures the defender into a foul. Fanimo whips it in and Ugwu
is back to make an important headed clearance.
33 mins: Reading have themselves a corner as Page makes a clearance. Tanner
swings it into the box where Turgott clears.
31 mins: Chambers and Turgott play a nice one-two before Turgott has a shot
deflected off for a corner. Fanimo takes and Potts gets up highest to head
straight at Lincoln. The defender is adjudged to have fouled his marker in
the build-up to the chance however.
29 mins: Ugwu turns a long ball into the path of Long who's just unable to
collexct as Chambers gets in to clear.
27 mins: Spiegel is yet to be tested by the Royals who've struggled to cope
with Fanimo and Turgott down the flanks. The Hammers best moments have come
from the two wingers so far.
25 mins: Confusion in the Reading ranks as the keeper and centre-back get in
a muddle. Lincoln clears but only after a back pass which nearly caught him
out.
23 mins: A great piece of play from Chambers sees him dribble the ball past
two players before a Cruyff turn which leaves Ugwu committing a foul on the
defender.
20 mins: A couple of great chances there for the visitors, let's hope they
don't come back to haunt them.
18 mins: So close again! The Hammers are having a purple patch now as
Lletget goes within inches of opening the scoring. The midfielder collects
Whitehead's pass before curling a shot just past the post.
16 mins: Close! A great cross from Fanimo finds Turgott unmarked in the
centre but the winger can only direct his header straight at Lincoln.
14 mins: Chambers does well to cut-out another probing pass destined for
Ugwu and the striker plants a shove in his back, conceding a free-kick in
the process.
12 mins: The home side are growing in confidence and Ugwu is nearly clean
through on goal as he looks to latch onto a through ball. The offside flag
is raised however.
9 mins: Reading enjoy a spell of keep ball amongst their back five before
eventually firing a long ball toward the left which drifts out of play.
7 mins: Turgott lively again as he dances inside onto his right foot and
fires toward goal. His shot is deflected and comfortable for the 'keeper.
6 mins: Turgott races onto Potts' through ball and forces a corner as he
looks to find a teammate in the centre. The winger takes but it's easy for
the home defence.
4 mins: Fanimo's clearance finds Stacey who hits a first-time shot out for a
throw-in. One he'll want to forget.
3 mins: Long combines with Stacey down the Hammers' left and crosses but
it's overhit and flies over the bar.
1 min: Lletget races away immediately from the kick-off and fires a
left-foot shot goalward. His effort has the keeper scrambling but slides
just wide of the post. Great start.
Kick-off: West Ham kick us off at the Camrose Ground, kicking from right to
left into the wind.
6:57pm: Reading in their usual blue and white stripes and West Ham
resplendent in their glorious claret and blue shirts emerge from the tunnel
as we prepare to get under-way in Basingstoke.
6:48pm: The teams head back inside the changing rooms as they prepare to go
head-to-head in this Barclays Under-21 Premier League clash.
6:35pm: There are a fair few spectators who've braved the elements pouring
into the Camrose Ground, with a fair few of those making a trip to the
burger van to my left. The rain has eased slightly and the pitch would seem
to be in perfect condition.
6:21pm: Both sides have emerged from the tunnel and are now into their
pre-match routines. The Hammers will have to play well tonight to earn the
three points against a Reading side who've lost just once in their last five
matches, and scoring two wins in that period.
6:15pm: The tunes are on and the 'keepers are out here in Basingstoke.
Haycock is also out and surveying surroundings at the Skrill South club.
6:00pm: The pitch is in good nick here at the Camrose Ground despite the
heavy rain currently seaping into the turf. We're awaiting the teams to
begin their warm-ups.
Nick Haycock is back in the dug-out tonight as he takes the Development
Squad to the home of Basingstoke Town FC to play Reading. Haycock was in
Dubai with the first team when the Under-21s were last in action, beating
Southampton 1-0 courtesy of a wonder strike from Danny Whitehead. That win
was the young Hammers first of 2014 and they will be hoping to follow it up
with victory against the lowly Royals. The home side occupy 19th place in
the Barclays Under-21 Premier League but did score a 2-1 victory against
Arsenal last time out.
A West Ham squad, containing the returning Raphael Spiegel in goal, will
look to secure the three points which would boost their hopes of returning
to the top four in the table. The young Hammers lie sixth in the league
table at present, just one point off fourth placed Liverpool.
West Ham United: Spiegel, Knoyle, Page, Whitehead, Potts, Chambers, Turgott,
Cullen, Lee, Lletget, Fanimo
Subs: Burke, Nemrava, Sadlier, Makasi, Brown
Reading: Lincoln, Long, Griffin, Tshibola, Sweeney, Keown, Stacey, Kuhl,
Ugwu, Tanner, Fosu-Henry
Subs: Hyam, Ward, Cooper, Fridjonsson, Kelly
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Lucash returns
KUMb.com
Filed: Monday, 24th February 2014
By: Staff Writer
Former West Ham United captain Lucas Neill is back in English football after
signing a short-term contract with Watford. The 35-year-old Australian
international has joined the Championship club for the remainder of the
2013/14 season, subject to international clearance being obtained. Neill
spent just over two years in east London having rejected Liverpool in order
to join the Icelandic revolution in January 2007. He was named club captain
upon the sale of predecessor Nigel Reo-Coker to Aston Villa in July of the
same year. He left West Ham in the summer of 2009 having rejected a one-year
contract extension, said to be worth around half the £70k-per-week
"Magnusson" contract he previously enjoyed. A brief spell at Everton then
followed before Neill moved to Turkey in order to join Galatasaray. After a
year-and-a-half with Gala, Neill moved on to UAE Pro League Club Al Jazira
before being released a year later. Three months at Al Wasl followed - after
which he was effectively fired as the club's lone foreign player. In
February last year the right back returned to Australian where he signed a
short-term deal with the A-League club. Just six months later the
globetrotting Neil was off to Japan, where he signed a four-month deal with
Omiya Ardija. A contract extention was not forthcoming, hence Neill's return
to English football.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham's Mark Noble believes he is playing best football of career
Last Updated: 24/02/14 5:13pm
SSN
Mark Noble believes he is playing the best football of his career and would
love to force his way into Roy Hodgson's England squad. The 26-year-old West
Ham midfielder enjoyed another impressive display at Upton Park on Saturday
when the east Londoners beat Southampton 3-1. And Noble said: "I think I am
playing the best football of my career right now as far as my all-round game
is concerned - winning back the ball and starting us off to play. "I have
probably played as well as I ever have in 90 per cent of the games so far
this season but when you are losing it doesn't show. "To be picked for my
country is my ultimate goal, as it should be with any English player. "The
subject has come up a few times before and people have said when an
international squad is about to be announced, 'you've definitely got a
chance', but it hasn't happened. "All I can do, though, is go out there
every week and in training and try my hardest.
"Roy Hodgson hasn't spoken to me but I will carry on enjoying what I do,
working hard for the team and all being well one day I will get my chance."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham boss Sam Allardyce says Kevin Nolan has repaid club for two red
cards
Last Updated: 24/02/14 5:10pm
SSN
West Ham boss Sam Allardyce believes Kevin Nolan has repaid the club for the
two red cards he received earlier this season. Nolan was sent off in quick
succession against Liverpool and Fulham, meaning he missed a number of key
games as West Ham struggled at the wrong end of the table, and Allardyce
admits the dismissals were 'one of the lowest points of his career' for the
midfielder. However, the former Bolton man has bounced back from that
disappointment and has been instrumental in West Ham's climb up the table
with five goals in four games and Allardyce never doubted Nolan would come
good. "I know his qualities and I like the fact that he's gone about his job
and made sure he repays everybody at the club for what happened," said
Allardyce.
"It was his lowest point of his career. It wasn't just the one sending off;
it was two in a short period of time, but his contribution since then has
been massive and it is not only in the goals, but also the contribution with
the first goal which was a top quality pass. "Everyone talks about him being
with Andy (Carroll), but Andy hasn't been here for a while, and Kevin's
still feeding off the front men with the balls going in the box, and our
quality in the final third is getting so much better now. "Because it's
getting so much better is the reason why we're winning games of football
now, because we've always been good at defending."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
TEN THINGS WE'VE LEARNED OVER THE LAST MONTH
By Iain Dale 24 Feb 2014 at 13:45
West Ham Till I Die
1. Sam Allardyce hasn't lost the dressing room.
2. David Sullivan and David Gold have balls of steel.
3. Adrian has proved to be rather better than we thought in December.
4. We should never have let Carlton Cole leave in May.
5. Ravel Morrison has proved not to be the player we thought he was in
December.
6. Bobby Moore is even prouder of Jonjo Heuerman.
7. Winston Reid has a fight on his hands to get back into the team.
8. We should all be ashamed of ourselves for our comments on Kevin Nolan.
9. Scoring goals is not something confined to other teams.
10. With apologies to Harold Wilson, a month is a very long time in
football.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Guilty consciences: Why Bobby Moore has become more revered in death than he
ever was in life
Feb 20, 2013 07:301
OPINION BY OLIVERHOLT
The Mirror
Bobby Moore was an idol of mine, too. When he died 20 years ago this
weekend, I took the front page of a national newspaper that commemorated his
passing and stuck it up on my wall. "Bobby Moore," the headline said, "A
True Hero Who'll Never Be Forgotten." I never saw Moore play. I never met
him, either. Of all the people in the game, I wish I could have shaken hands
with but never did, Moore and Bill Shankly top the list. His reputation has
not faded in the two decades that have now passed since he died at the age
of 51 from bowel cancer. Far from it, in fact. His legend has grown and
grown. Initial reactions to a man's death are, typically, uncomplicated by
inconvenient recollections of character flaws. Indeed, in the aftermath of
Moore's tragically early end, the elegies centred on Moore's personal
qualities as much as his football. He was, everyone agreed, 'a perfect
gentleman', 'a perfect pro', 'a great person in every sense'.
The funny thing about Moore is that the intervention of time has done
nothing either to dull or dilute those recollections. His memory has been
cherished with such steadfastness that, if anything, he is regarded as even
more flawless now. Partly, that is because that the vast majority of people
who knew him regarded him with great affection as well as admiration. He was
a popular man, a man's man, one of the chaps, a gentle man possessed of
great generosity of spirit.
But partly, it is because of guilt.
Partly, it is because he was treated like dirt towards the end of his life
and we have been trying desperately to over-compensate for it ever since.
Moore is revered in death but in life he was shunned by almost every part of
the football establishment. He found work at Capital Radio in the end,
driving to matches with his mate, the commentator Jonathan Pearce. Still, we
have never forgiven ourselves for his banishment. The greatest sporting hero
we ever had was treated pretty much like a pariah. It's different now. At
Wembley, before England's match against Brazil earlier this month, a slogan
on the big screen encouraging donations to the bowel cancer charity set up
in his name urged us to 'Make Bobby Proud'. 1970 World Cup Finals,
Guadalajara, Mexico 7th June, 1970, England 0 v Brazil 1, Bobby Moore and
Pele embrace after a fantastic personal dual throughout the match1970 World
Cup Finals, Guadalajara, Mexico 7th June, 1970, England 0 v Brazil 1, Bobby
Moore and Pele embrace after a fantastic personal dual throughout the match
It was an interesting, cleverly-devised message that played on the idea of
Moore as a benevolent force we must seek to please. There's a stand named
after him at Upton Park, of course, and a lovely statue with a fine
inscription outside Wembley. Fans will gather there on the anniversary of
his death on Sunday before the Capital One Cup Final to gaze up at the
likeness of England's World Cup winning skipper.
More tributes will be paid to him and we will mourn afresh for the time when
England's place in the football world was still a matter of pride.
Sometimes, it feels as though Moore's memory has become a giant stick used
to beat the ingrates of the current footballing generation. He was perfect
on and off the pitch, he tackled Pele in full flow, he wiped his hands
before he took the World Cup from our young Queen. How could anyone ever
match that? Some use his memory to portray the current generation of players
as an embarrassment to the game. They use their behaviour on and off the
pitch as evidence and talk as if Moore belonged to a different species. That
ignores inconvenient truths like the fact that the current England squad
have made generous donations to the Bobby Moore Fund. It ignores the fact
that many of our current players, men like Steven Gerrard, Frank Lampard and
others, play the game with the same commitment to excellence Moore had. And,
most importantly of all, it ignores the fact that part of the reason Moore
was revered was precisely because he was one of the lads. He wasn't some
remote, haughty, buttoned-up skipper. He liked a drink. He loved a night
out. And to mock those who have followed him, to say that they are somehow
not worthy, is to ignore the lessons we are supposed to have learned when we
shunned him. I see Moore's legacy everywhere now. I saw it when I went to a
corporate evening at The Emirates recently and Charlie George gave us a
stadium tour. I see it when I read of the delight of Manchester United fans
who have been entertained on match days by a talk from Norman Whiteside. I
see it when I watch an interview with Didi Hamann on Liverpool's website.
And I see it in the determination, doomed or otherwise, to try to save Paul
Gascoigne from himself.
Footballers and ex-footballers deserve our respect and our gratitude for the
entertainment they have given us. The guilt we feel about the way we treated
the great Bobby Moore taught us that.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
In memory: St George's flag to fly at half mast at Wembley on Sunday for
Bobby Moore
Feb 21, 2013 17:05 By Mirror Football
The Mirror
The flag of St George will fly at half mast at Wembley this Sunday as a mark
of respect to England's only World Cup-winning captain Bobby Moore. Bradford
are taking on Swansea in the Capital One Cup final and it will be exactly 20
years since the death of Moore from liver and colon cancer, aged just 51.
Earlier this month, FA chairman David Bernstein handed over a £25,000 cheque
to the Bobby Moore Fund, with England skipper Steven Gerrard confirming the
players would match that donation. In addition, the FA promoted 'text to
donate' messages around the stadium during England's friendly win over
Brazil - a policy they have pledged to repeat at future England home games,
in addition to the FA Cup semi-finals and final later this season. The most
prestigious section of Club Wembley has been named the Bobby Moore Club, an
association that entitles the BMF, amongst other things, to host an annual
match at Wembley to generate additional funds. Moore's first wife Tina and
daughter Roberta were invited to Wembley this week by FA director of
football development Sir Trevor Brooking ahead of Sunday's anniversary.
"Bobby's contribution to football and history has sadly only been recognised
after his premature death," said Brooking. "He was an astonishing
footballer, but also a great man and an important footballing friend to me
in my early days." Former West Ham and England team-mate Sir Geoff Hurst
added: "Bobby Moore was a great player, a great leader and a great
friend."He was loved and respected by all who played with him and by all who
watched him perform."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Bishop: the truth about Morley
KUMB.com
Filed: Tuesday, 25th February 2014
By: Staff Writer
Former West Ham United star Ian Bishop has revealed the full details of what
really happened on the infamous night that team mate Trevor Morley was
stabbed.
In March 1991, the news that Morley was critically ill in hospital having
been wounded in a domestic incident shook West Ham. The striker's Norwegian
wife Hege was held responsible, although the reasons for the dispute were
unclear.
Shortly after the incident occurred two main rumours regarding the source of
Mrs Morley's fury emerged. Firstly it was claimed that that Morley and team
mate Bishop had been caught with two women in a compromising position by
Hege - but secondly, and with far wider consequences for the two players'
careers, that no women had been involved in the liaison.
The latter rumour - that the two friends and team mates were involved in a
gay relationship - is a falsehood that pervades to this day. It is an
allegation that Bishop, speaking exclusively in the latest episode of the
KUMB.com Podcast, calls "evil" - and a record he was keen to finally set
straight.
Taking up the story, Bishop, 48 - who now resides in the United States -
said: "We were at a function for Tony Gale in Chigwell and we shouldn't have
been because it was two nights before a game. But we did it for Galey.
"We thought 'we won't drink too much', because you're not allowed to before
a game. As much as we were a bit of a drinking squad at the time we didn't
abuse it, we didn't go out after a Wednesday.
"You couldn't, because it was your club, your team - you wouldn't disrespect
the club and the supporters in that way. But this night was a function with
our wives in Chigwell, where I lived; Trevor lived in Waltham Abbey.
"After the function, Trevor and his wife came back to our house; we'd had a
couple of beers and they were arguing. After that, she waited in a cab
outside whilst he was finishing a beer in the house. My next-door neighbour
and his wife were there too. Eventually, Trevor and Hege went home
together."
That was the last Bishop saw of his team mate that night - and news of what
had happened upon the couple's return home was broken to him by manager
Billy Bonds the next day after Bish's regular chauffeur at the time - Morley
- failed to collect him for work.
"I was on a driving ban at the time and Trevor was picking me up every
morning," he continued. "I was late for training because he didn't turn up.
When Bill told me [what had happened], it was the first I knew of it.
"Bill said apparently his [Morley's] wife had come home and found us with
two birds - which, considering what the other rumours were, I would have
taken as that would have been a far better story for me! My wife would have
killed me, but luckily enough, she was there at the time..."
It wasn't long before rumours of an alleged relationship between the two
players began to emerge - and soon Bishop and Morley were fending off not
only disgusting abuse from the terraces the length and breadth of the
country, but also the unwelcome advances of the press who sniffed a big
story.
"It was ugly and evil; you know what football fans are like," Bishop
recalled. "We got dogs abuse and I don't think Trevor dealt with it too
well. Obviously he nearly died as well.
"I had the press come to my house offering me tons of money to do a story. I
could have made something up, taken the money and just laughed at them. But
it was at every game we went to.
"Every time we turned up the sports press, who you thought were your
friends, would come up to you and say 'look, the story's going out tomorrow,
do you want to put your side across? Is there anything you'd like us to say
on your behalf?' And I said 'yeah - write the story and I'll sue you'.
"I can talk about it now. The thing was, I was getting abused but I wouldn't
speak because it wasn't my story. It was Trevor's, and what went on in their
house was between him and his wife."
Although he admits that he used to occasionally react to the very worst
abuse - "I showed my arse to the Manchester United fans once, but I got away
with it because I did it really sneakily", he admits - the slurs are
something that have stayed with him ever since.
And despite some 23 years having passed since Morley was hospitalised and
the subsequent false rumours festered, homophobia remains a major issue
within both football (and sport in general, see the recent Olympic
protests).
* To listen to the full interview with Bishop, download the latest episode
of the KUMB.com Podcast.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
'I could have moved to West Ham', admits Galatasaray striker Didier Drogba
ahead of Chelsea reunion
Feb 24, 2014 22:30 By John Cross
The Mirror
Didier Drogba could have ended up joining West Ham two years before Chelsea.
Drogba was still a rookie at Guingamp when ex- Hammers boss Glenn Roeder
tried to sign him – and his career would have been very different. "That was
two years before moving to Chelsea, I could have gone there," admitted the
Ivorian. Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger also tells a story how he could have got
Drogba for around £200,000 before he went to Marseille. But Wenger decided
not to pursue it as he already had Thierry Henry. He added: "I wasn't really
aware of it at the time. I think I spoke about it with my agents at the
time. "That's life, you know, there's a few things, a few decisions that you
make in life take you in a different direction."
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http://vyperz.blogspot.com
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WHUFC.com
West Ham's home meeting with Hull City will now take place on Wednesday 26
March
24.02.2014
West Ham United's home Barclays Premier League clash with Hull City will now
be played on Wednesday 26 March with a 7.45pm kick-off. The game was
originally scheduled for Saturday 8 March but needed to be moved due to
Hull's continued involvement in the FA Cup with Budweiser, which now sees
them take on Sunderland in the competition's quarter-finals.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Bobby Moore OBE 1941-1993
WHUFC.com
West Ham United and England's finest-ever captain Bobby Moore OBE died on
this day 21 years ago
24.02.2014
Bobby Moore OBE, West Ham United's most famous player and England's 1966
World Cup-winning captain, sadly passed away on this day 21 years ago. The
central defender made 646 league and cup appearances for the Hammers,
scoring 27 goals. Moore was born in Barking on 12 April 1941, making his
debut for his local club in a 3-2 win over Manchester United at the Boleyn
Ground as a 17-year-old on 8 September 1958. It was the start of a
glittering career that is remembered fondly by football fans the world over.
As a West Ham player, Moore lifted the FA Cup in 1964 and the European Cup
Winners' Cup in 1965. A year later, he was back at Wembley to complete an
unforgettable hat-trick by lifting the Jules Rimet Trophy following
England's 4-2 victory over West Germany.
Moore would go on to star at the 1970 World Cup finals in Mexico before
moving to Fulham, for whom he played against the Hammers in the 1975 FA Cup
final. Following his retirement, Moore moved first into management and then
into the world of broadcasting before his life was cut short by cancer in
February 1993. He was just 51.
Fellow Hammers legend Billy Bonds MBE recalls Bobby's memory fondly. He
said: "Mooro was an absolute icon. I respected a lot of team-mates and
opponents down the years but he was the only person in my entire career, who
made me feel that way. "He was fantastic to me from the day that I arrived
and I loved him as a player and as a person. Bobby Moore had a presence both
off and on the field. "There was no side to him at all and, having lifted
the World Cup, he'd been the most famous person on the planet on that July
afternoon at Wembley in 1966 but, despite all of that, Bobby wasn't the
slightest bit lairy. Mooro treated everyone the same, no matter who they
were. "Bobby Moore wasn't a particularly good header of the ball and he
wasn't very quick either but, boy, his timing was impeccable. He didn't need
to be good in the air or fast because he could read the game so well - he
always seemed to be in the right place at the right time to nick the ball
off a centre-forward. "And he was just so good at bringing the ball out of
defence and starting attacks, too."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Nobes lauds perfect February
WHUFC.com
Mark Noble was in positive mood after helping West Ham United to four wins
out of four in February
24.02.2014
After a tough start to 2013/14 that saw West Ham United begin the New Year
in the Barclays Premier League relegation zone, the Hammers roared back to
form in February. Sam Allardyce's side won four league games out of four in
the month, scoring nine goals and conceding just one. Over the same period,
West Ham climbed from 18th and two points from safety to tenth, seven points
clear of the bottom three. While the improvement has been a real team
effort, the form of midfielder Mark Noble has been a recognisable highlight
in recent weeks. The No16 played every minute in February, chalking up an
assist for Mohamed Diame in the 2-0 win over Norwich City and making a
team-high 154 passes and 16 tackles over the four matches. Unsurprisingly,
Noble is enjoying the Club's first four-match winning league run since May
2007, when he was part of the team which miraculously avoided relegation by
winning their final four league fixtures. "I was in that run as well, wasn't
I?" he smiled "That's nice. I can't remember it, if I am honest, but
obviously I remember that season. I didn't know that is when we last won
four in a row. "It's a similar situation, really. We were obviously low in
the league, so a draw and four wins in a row is superb. Up until a month ago
I don't even think we had achieved back-to-back wins for two years, and then
we win four in a row. That is just what you get for working hard and taking
your chances."
Many commentators have suggested it was a goalless draw at Chelsea on 29
January - where West Ham repelled 39 shots on their goal - that proved to be
the catalyst for the Hammers' winning run. However, Noble believes the
confidence drawn from the 2-0 win at Cardiff City on 11 January was the real
start of the resurgence. There, West Ham overcame the loss of James Tomkins
to a red card at 1-0, with the midfielder himself scoring a last-gasp
clincher. "To be honest it has been an accumulation of things. We went away
to Cardiff and that was a massive game. We went down to ten men on 70
minutes and we won it 2-0, then we played at home to Newcastle [and llost
3-1]. Then, we went away to Chelsea and defended well and then obviously we
have now won four games in a row. Three of those teams are among the ones
around us and they are the teams you have to beat. "I think the top six or
seven are out of sight and the rest are fighting for places. It has been
enjoyable in the last month. We have come back from Dubai, where we had a
good team-bonding thing out there. We trained and had some free time which
we enjoyed and we have come back and put another win on the board."
Saturday saw Noble at his best yet again, making a team-high 33 passes and
four tackles as West Ham upset a Southampton side which had not lost in the
league since New Year's Day. "Everyone said how good Southampton are," Noble
added. "I think they had taken 19 points away from home already this season.
They came here and we ended up winning 3-1. The confidence is high, it is
five games unbeaten now and we are looking forward to whatever comes our
way."
That 'whatever' is a trip to Everton on Saturday. West Ham's five-match
unbeaten run will no doubt come under threat at Goodison Park, where Everton
have lost just once in 12 home league matches this season. The Toffees also
won 3-2 in the reverse fixture at the Boleyn Ground in September - a game
that saw Noble score before being sent-off for two bookable offences. After
his dismissal, Leighton Baines and Romelu Lukaku netted late goals to send
West Ham spiralling to a disappointing home defeat. However, with confidence
high and striker Andy Carroll available again after a three-match
suspension, Noble says the Hammers have nothing to fear from their trip to
Merseyside. "Yeah. I remember we were 2-1 up and I scored a penalty and I
think there were only ten minutes to go," he recalled. "We always look back
and see that game as what was going wrong with our season in the first half
of it. "Has Baines scored another free kick this season? I don't think he
has. It just seemed like it was all happening to us and we didn't deserve
it. We were getting punished and that is what happens in this league. Now we
are solid and scoring goals it shows what a team we are."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Reading 0-2 Dev Squad: FT
WHUFC.com
Live text commentary from the Development Squad's match against Reading
24.02.2014
READING v DEVELOPMENT SQUAD
BARCLAYS U21 PREMIER LEAGUE
CAMROSE GROUND
MONDAY 24 FEBRUARY 2014
REFEREE: IAN COOPER
KICK-OFF: 7PM
Reading U21 0-2 Development Squad
Full-time: A win for the young Hammers arrives courtesy of a brilliant
Elliot Lee volley and Blair Turgott's tidy finish. A very good team
performance from the Under-21s saw them dominate for long periods with the
hosts struggling to create chances. When they did, Spiegel was in inspired
form making two great saves. A well deserved win is the squad's second in a
row. Get in!
90+2 mins: Whithead tries a long-range spectacular with a half-volley from
just inside the Reading half but doesn't connect cleanly and it goes out for
a goal-kick.
90 mins: Three minutes of stoppage time indicated as the Hammers look to
have done enough to earn a second consecutive win.
89 mins: That spell of play just goes to show how small the margins are in
football. Reading come within inches of scoring a late equaliser before
conceding a second less than a minute later. Great entertainment here.
87 mins GOAL: Turgott wraps it up! The winger slams home first time from
Fanimo's centre following a swift counter-attack.
86 mins: The post comes to the rescue as Kelly hits a wonderful long-range
half-volley which had Spiegel beaten before rebounding off the upright. What
an effort!
84 mins: Haycock makes his second change, bringing on Makasi for Lletget. A
good shift from the midfielder tonight who linked up well with Lee up top.
82 mins: What a save! Spiegel produces his second fantastic stop of the
night as he gets down to deny Ugwu from close-range as the forward prodded
powerfully goalward. Super Spiegel to the rescue for the Hammers.
80 mins: Great running from Lee who shrugs off the attentions of Kuhl before
scuffing a shot over the bar. The forward has been full of running tonight
and a menace to the Royals' back four.
78 mins: Tshibola launches a long diagonal looking for Tanner and Fanimo
flicks the ball out for a corner. From the resulting set-piece Burke leaps
to head the ball clear.
76 mins: Reading are probing around the West Ham penalty area but have found
no joy so far today. They'll have to come up with something a bit different
if they want to level things up.
74 mins: Chambers goes off to a good ovation as he's substituted for Burke.
Chambers has been excellent tonight, making a couple of key interceptions as
well as providing composure on the ball at the back for the Hammers.
72 mins: Fanimo just fails to link-up with Lee as he attacks the opposition
box. Close but not quite.
70 mins: A second change of the match for the home side. They take off Keown
and replace him with No 14 Cooper.
68 mins: Signs of life from the Royals who attack down the right with Long
crossing to the centre where Ugwu put his header well wide after stretching
for the ball.
65 mins: Spiegel's been a by-stander for much of the match but the one time
he was called into action he made a terrific stop to keep the scores level.
That may prove to be a crucial moment in this match.
63 mins: Fosu-Henry runs off to be replaced by Kelly as the hosts make their
first change.
61 mins: Fanimo looks to be racing way until the linesman signals he was
offside as he chased Lee's through ball.
59 mins: Chambers makes a great interception to thwart the Reading attack as
he backtracked. It's been a very tidy performance so far from the
centre-back and his partner Potts.
57 mins: The ball breaks to Fanimo who slides it through for Lee. The
striker takes it first time but the 'keeper saves low to his right. Great
chance for the striker to bag his second.
56 mins: A scrappy period of play this with both sides committing fouls as
they search for some rhythm.
54 mins: The Hammers have started the second period on the front foot but
have been unable to carve an opportunity from their possession so far.
51 mins: Professional foul by Whitehead who recieves a talking to for
upending Tshibola as Reading counter-attacked.
49 mins: Knoyle is absolutely clattered as he stops the run of Sweeney whose
momentum flattens the defender. He's on his feet though and should be able
to continue.
48 mins: An early free-kick as Tshibola handles midway inside his own half.
Lee steps up, bouyed by his earlier goal, but sends the ball high into the
stand behind the goal.
46 mins: Reading kick-off the second half looking to claw back the Hammers
who lead thanks to a stunner from Lee.
Half-time: The whistle goes for the end of a competitive first half. The
Hammers have the lead thanks to a brilliant volleyed goal from Elliot Lee
just a couple of minutes before the break. The visitors have enjoyed the
best of the chances so far with Turgott and Lletget also close to opening
the scoring. At half-time the Hammers are good value for their lead.
45 mins: That was a touch of class from Lee who let the ball drop over his
shoulder before firing his volley into the opposite corner. Superb.
43 mins GOAL: What a goal from Lee! The striker does brilliantly to turn a
volley home from a ball into the area. Great strike!
42 mins: The hosts have come into the game after a strong spell from the
Hammers who've performed well so far as we come up to half-time.
41 mins: Whitehead hoists a free-kick into the area where Turgott is unable
to bring the ball down and it rolls out of play.
39 mins: Chambers makes an important interception as Griffin crosses into
the centre.
37 mins: The Royals earn themselves a corner which Tanner takes. Keown meets
it powerfully but Spiegel makes a great diving save before Fanimo is able to
boot the ball clear.
35 mins: Lee's been quiet so far, but has himself a free-kick just outside
the area as he lures the defender into a foul. Fanimo whips it in and Ugwu
is back to make an important headed clearance.
33 mins: Reading have themselves a corner as Page makes a clearance. Tanner
swings it into the box where Turgott clears.
31 mins: Chambers and Turgott play a nice one-two before Turgott has a shot
deflected off for a corner. Fanimo takes and Potts gets up highest to head
straight at Lincoln. The defender is adjudged to have fouled his marker in
the build-up to the chance however.
29 mins: Ugwu turns a long ball into the path of Long who's just unable to
collexct as Chambers gets in to clear.
27 mins: Spiegel is yet to be tested by the Royals who've struggled to cope
with Fanimo and Turgott down the flanks. The Hammers best moments have come
from the two wingers so far.
25 mins: Confusion in the Reading ranks as the keeper and centre-back get in
a muddle. Lincoln clears but only after a back pass which nearly caught him
out.
23 mins: A great piece of play from Chambers sees him dribble the ball past
two players before a Cruyff turn which leaves Ugwu committing a foul on the
defender.
20 mins: A couple of great chances there for the visitors, let's hope they
don't come back to haunt them.
18 mins: So close again! The Hammers are having a purple patch now as
Lletget goes within inches of opening the scoring. The midfielder collects
Whitehead's pass before curling a shot just past the post.
16 mins: Close! A great cross from Fanimo finds Turgott unmarked in the
centre but the winger can only direct his header straight at Lincoln.
14 mins: Chambers does well to cut-out another probing pass destined for
Ugwu and the striker plants a shove in his back, conceding a free-kick in
the process.
12 mins: The home side are growing in confidence and Ugwu is nearly clean
through on goal as he looks to latch onto a through ball. The offside flag
is raised however.
9 mins: Reading enjoy a spell of keep ball amongst their back five before
eventually firing a long ball toward the left which drifts out of play.
7 mins: Turgott lively again as he dances inside onto his right foot and
fires toward goal. His shot is deflected and comfortable for the 'keeper.
6 mins: Turgott races onto Potts' through ball and forces a corner as he
looks to find a teammate in the centre. The winger takes but it's easy for
the home defence.
4 mins: Fanimo's clearance finds Stacey who hits a first-time shot out for a
throw-in. One he'll want to forget.
3 mins: Long combines with Stacey down the Hammers' left and crosses but
it's overhit and flies over the bar.
1 min: Lletget races away immediately from the kick-off and fires a
left-foot shot goalward. His effort has the keeper scrambling but slides
just wide of the post. Great start.
Kick-off: West Ham kick us off at the Camrose Ground, kicking from right to
left into the wind.
6:57pm: Reading in their usual blue and white stripes and West Ham
resplendent in their glorious claret and blue shirts emerge from the tunnel
as we prepare to get under-way in Basingstoke.
6:48pm: The teams head back inside the changing rooms as they prepare to go
head-to-head in this Barclays Under-21 Premier League clash.
6:35pm: There are a fair few spectators who've braved the elements pouring
into the Camrose Ground, with a fair few of those making a trip to the
burger van to my left. The rain has eased slightly and the pitch would seem
to be in perfect condition.
6:21pm: Both sides have emerged from the tunnel and are now into their
pre-match routines. The Hammers will have to play well tonight to earn the
three points against a Reading side who've lost just once in their last five
matches, and scoring two wins in that period.
6:15pm: The tunes are on and the 'keepers are out here in Basingstoke.
Haycock is also out and surveying surroundings at the Skrill South club.
6:00pm: The pitch is in good nick here at the Camrose Ground despite the
heavy rain currently seaping into the turf. We're awaiting the teams to
begin their warm-ups.
Nick Haycock is back in the dug-out tonight as he takes the Development
Squad to the home of Basingstoke Town FC to play Reading. Haycock was in
Dubai with the first team when the Under-21s were last in action, beating
Southampton 1-0 courtesy of a wonder strike from Danny Whitehead. That win
was the young Hammers first of 2014 and they will be hoping to follow it up
with victory against the lowly Royals. The home side occupy 19th place in
the Barclays Under-21 Premier League but did score a 2-1 victory against
Arsenal last time out.
A West Ham squad, containing the returning Raphael Spiegel in goal, will
look to secure the three points which would boost their hopes of returning
to the top four in the table. The young Hammers lie sixth in the league
table at present, just one point off fourth placed Liverpool.
West Ham United: Spiegel, Knoyle, Page, Whitehead, Potts, Chambers, Turgott,
Cullen, Lee, Lletget, Fanimo
Subs: Burke, Nemrava, Sadlier, Makasi, Brown
Reading: Lincoln, Long, Griffin, Tshibola, Sweeney, Keown, Stacey, Kuhl,
Ugwu, Tanner, Fosu-Henry
Subs: Hyam, Ward, Cooper, Fridjonsson, Kelly
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Lucash returns
KUMb.com
Filed: Monday, 24th February 2014
By: Staff Writer
Former West Ham United captain Lucas Neill is back in English football after
signing a short-term contract with Watford. The 35-year-old Australian
international has joined the Championship club for the remainder of the
2013/14 season, subject to international clearance being obtained. Neill
spent just over two years in east London having rejected Liverpool in order
to join the Icelandic revolution in January 2007. He was named club captain
upon the sale of predecessor Nigel Reo-Coker to Aston Villa in July of the
same year. He left West Ham in the summer of 2009 having rejected a one-year
contract extension, said to be worth around half the £70k-per-week
"Magnusson" contract he previously enjoyed. A brief spell at Everton then
followed before Neill moved to Turkey in order to join Galatasaray. After a
year-and-a-half with Gala, Neill moved on to UAE Pro League Club Al Jazira
before being released a year later. Three months at Al Wasl followed - after
which he was effectively fired as the club's lone foreign player. In
February last year the right back returned to Australian where he signed a
short-term deal with the A-League club. Just six months later the
globetrotting Neil was off to Japan, where he signed a four-month deal with
Omiya Ardija. A contract extention was not forthcoming, hence Neill's return
to English football.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham's Mark Noble believes he is playing best football of career
Last Updated: 24/02/14 5:13pm
SSN
Mark Noble believes he is playing the best football of his career and would
love to force his way into Roy Hodgson's England squad. The 26-year-old West
Ham midfielder enjoyed another impressive display at Upton Park on Saturday
when the east Londoners beat Southampton 3-1. And Noble said: "I think I am
playing the best football of my career right now as far as my all-round game
is concerned - winning back the ball and starting us off to play. "I have
probably played as well as I ever have in 90 per cent of the games so far
this season but when you are losing it doesn't show. "To be picked for my
country is my ultimate goal, as it should be with any English player. "The
subject has come up a few times before and people have said when an
international squad is about to be announced, 'you've definitely got a
chance', but it hasn't happened. "All I can do, though, is go out there
every week and in training and try my hardest.
"Roy Hodgson hasn't spoken to me but I will carry on enjoying what I do,
working hard for the team and all being well one day I will get my chance."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham boss Sam Allardyce says Kevin Nolan has repaid club for two red
cards
Last Updated: 24/02/14 5:10pm
SSN
West Ham boss Sam Allardyce believes Kevin Nolan has repaid the club for the
two red cards he received earlier this season. Nolan was sent off in quick
succession against Liverpool and Fulham, meaning he missed a number of key
games as West Ham struggled at the wrong end of the table, and Allardyce
admits the dismissals were 'one of the lowest points of his career' for the
midfielder. However, the former Bolton man has bounced back from that
disappointment and has been instrumental in West Ham's climb up the table
with five goals in four games and Allardyce never doubted Nolan would come
good. "I know his qualities and I like the fact that he's gone about his job
and made sure he repays everybody at the club for what happened," said
Allardyce.
"It was his lowest point of his career. It wasn't just the one sending off;
it was two in a short period of time, but his contribution since then has
been massive and it is not only in the goals, but also the contribution with
the first goal which was a top quality pass. "Everyone talks about him being
with Andy (Carroll), but Andy hasn't been here for a while, and Kevin's
still feeding off the front men with the balls going in the box, and our
quality in the final third is getting so much better now. "Because it's
getting so much better is the reason why we're winning games of football
now, because we've always been good at defending."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
TEN THINGS WE'VE LEARNED OVER THE LAST MONTH
By Iain Dale 24 Feb 2014 at 13:45
West Ham Till I Die
1. Sam Allardyce hasn't lost the dressing room.
2. David Sullivan and David Gold have balls of steel.
3. Adrian has proved to be rather better than we thought in December.
4. We should never have let Carlton Cole leave in May.
5. Ravel Morrison has proved not to be the player we thought he was in
December.
6. Bobby Moore is even prouder of Jonjo Heuerman.
7. Winston Reid has a fight on his hands to get back into the team.
8. We should all be ashamed of ourselves for our comments on Kevin Nolan.
9. Scoring goals is not something confined to other teams.
10. With apologies to Harold Wilson, a month is a very long time in
football.
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Guilty consciences: Why Bobby Moore has become more revered in death than he
ever was in life
Feb 20, 2013 07:301
OPINION BY OLIVERHOLT
The Mirror
Bobby Moore was an idol of mine, too. When he died 20 years ago this
weekend, I took the front page of a national newspaper that commemorated his
passing and stuck it up on my wall. "Bobby Moore," the headline said, "A
True Hero Who'll Never Be Forgotten." I never saw Moore play. I never met
him, either. Of all the people in the game, I wish I could have shaken hands
with but never did, Moore and Bill Shankly top the list. His reputation has
not faded in the two decades that have now passed since he died at the age
of 51 from bowel cancer. Far from it, in fact. His legend has grown and
grown. Initial reactions to a man's death are, typically, uncomplicated by
inconvenient recollections of character flaws. Indeed, in the aftermath of
Moore's tragically early end, the elegies centred on Moore's personal
qualities as much as his football. He was, everyone agreed, 'a perfect
gentleman', 'a perfect pro', 'a great person in every sense'.
The funny thing about Moore is that the intervention of time has done
nothing either to dull or dilute those recollections. His memory has been
cherished with such steadfastness that, if anything, he is regarded as even
more flawless now. Partly, that is because that the vast majority of people
who knew him regarded him with great affection as well as admiration. He was
a popular man, a man's man, one of the chaps, a gentle man possessed of
great generosity of spirit.
But partly, it is because of guilt.
Partly, it is because he was treated like dirt towards the end of his life
and we have been trying desperately to over-compensate for it ever since.
Moore is revered in death but in life he was shunned by almost every part of
the football establishment. He found work at Capital Radio in the end,
driving to matches with his mate, the commentator Jonathan Pearce. Still, we
have never forgiven ourselves for his banishment. The greatest sporting hero
we ever had was treated pretty much like a pariah. It's different now. At
Wembley, before England's match against Brazil earlier this month, a slogan
on the big screen encouraging donations to the bowel cancer charity set up
in his name urged us to 'Make Bobby Proud'. 1970 World Cup Finals,
Guadalajara, Mexico 7th June, 1970, England 0 v Brazil 1, Bobby Moore and
Pele embrace after a fantastic personal dual throughout the match1970 World
Cup Finals, Guadalajara, Mexico 7th June, 1970, England 0 v Brazil 1, Bobby
Moore and Pele embrace after a fantastic personal dual throughout the match
It was an interesting, cleverly-devised message that played on the idea of
Moore as a benevolent force we must seek to please. There's a stand named
after him at Upton Park, of course, and a lovely statue with a fine
inscription outside Wembley. Fans will gather there on the anniversary of
his death on Sunday before the Capital One Cup Final to gaze up at the
likeness of England's World Cup winning skipper.
More tributes will be paid to him and we will mourn afresh for the time when
England's place in the football world was still a matter of pride.
Sometimes, it feels as though Moore's memory has become a giant stick used
to beat the ingrates of the current footballing generation. He was perfect
on and off the pitch, he tackled Pele in full flow, he wiped his hands
before he took the World Cup from our young Queen. How could anyone ever
match that? Some use his memory to portray the current generation of players
as an embarrassment to the game. They use their behaviour on and off the
pitch as evidence and talk as if Moore belonged to a different species. That
ignores inconvenient truths like the fact that the current England squad
have made generous donations to the Bobby Moore Fund. It ignores the fact
that many of our current players, men like Steven Gerrard, Frank Lampard and
others, play the game with the same commitment to excellence Moore had. And,
most importantly of all, it ignores the fact that part of the reason Moore
was revered was precisely because he was one of the lads. He wasn't some
remote, haughty, buttoned-up skipper. He liked a drink. He loved a night
out. And to mock those who have followed him, to say that they are somehow
not worthy, is to ignore the lessons we are supposed to have learned when we
shunned him. I see Moore's legacy everywhere now. I saw it when I went to a
corporate evening at The Emirates recently and Charlie George gave us a
stadium tour. I see it when I read of the delight of Manchester United fans
who have been entertained on match days by a talk from Norman Whiteside. I
see it when I watch an interview with Didi Hamann on Liverpool's website.
And I see it in the determination, doomed or otherwise, to try to save Paul
Gascoigne from himself.
Footballers and ex-footballers deserve our respect and our gratitude for the
entertainment they have given us. The guilt we feel about the way we treated
the great Bobby Moore taught us that.
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In memory: St George's flag to fly at half mast at Wembley on Sunday for
Bobby Moore
Feb 21, 2013 17:05 By Mirror Football
The Mirror
The flag of St George will fly at half mast at Wembley this Sunday as a mark
of respect to England's only World Cup-winning captain Bobby Moore. Bradford
are taking on Swansea in the Capital One Cup final and it will be exactly 20
years since the death of Moore from liver and colon cancer, aged just 51.
Earlier this month, FA chairman David Bernstein handed over a £25,000 cheque
to the Bobby Moore Fund, with England skipper Steven Gerrard confirming the
players would match that donation. In addition, the FA promoted 'text to
donate' messages around the stadium during England's friendly win over
Brazil - a policy they have pledged to repeat at future England home games,
in addition to the FA Cup semi-finals and final later this season. The most
prestigious section of Club Wembley has been named the Bobby Moore Club, an
association that entitles the BMF, amongst other things, to host an annual
match at Wembley to generate additional funds. Moore's first wife Tina and
daughter Roberta were invited to Wembley this week by FA director of
football development Sir Trevor Brooking ahead of Sunday's anniversary.
"Bobby's contribution to football and history has sadly only been recognised
after his premature death," said Brooking. "He was an astonishing
footballer, but also a great man and an important footballing friend to me
in my early days." Former West Ham and England team-mate Sir Geoff Hurst
added: "Bobby Moore was a great player, a great leader and a great
friend."He was loved and respected by all who played with him and by all who
watched him perform."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Bishop: the truth about Morley
KUMB.com
Filed: Tuesday, 25th February 2014
By: Staff Writer
Former West Ham United star Ian Bishop has revealed the full details of what
really happened on the infamous night that team mate Trevor Morley was
stabbed.
In March 1991, the news that Morley was critically ill in hospital having
been wounded in a domestic incident shook West Ham. The striker's Norwegian
wife Hege was held responsible, although the reasons for the dispute were
unclear.
Shortly after the incident occurred two main rumours regarding the source of
Mrs Morley's fury emerged. Firstly it was claimed that that Morley and team
mate Bishop had been caught with two women in a compromising position by
Hege - but secondly, and with far wider consequences for the two players'
careers, that no women had been involved in the liaison.
The latter rumour - that the two friends and team mates were involved in a
gay relationship - is a falsehood that pervades to this day. It is an
allegation that Bishop, speaking exclusively in the latest episode of the
KUMB.com Podcast, calls "evil" - and a record he was keen to finally set
straight.
Taking up the story, Bishop, 48 - who now resides in the United States -
said: "We were at a function for Tony Gale in Chigwell and we shouldn't have
been because it was two nights before a game. But we did it for Galey.
"We thought 'we won't drink too much', because you're not allowed to before
a game. As much as we were a bit of a drinking squad at the time we didn't
abuse it, we didn't go out after a Wednesday.
"You couldn't, because it was your club, your team - you wouldn't disrespect
the club and the supporters in that way. But this night was a function with
our wives in Chigwell, where I lived; Trevor lived in Waltham Abbey.
"After the function, Trevor and his wife came back to our house; we'd had a
couple of beers and they were arguing. After that, she waited in a cab
outside whilst he was finishing a beer in the house. My next-door neighbour
and his wife were there too. Eventually, Trevor and Hege went home
together."
That was the last Bishop saw of his team mate that night - and news of what
had happened upon the couple's return home was broken to him by manager
Billy Bonds the next day after Bish's regular chauffeur at the time - Morley
- failed to collect him for work.
"I was on a driving ban at the time and Trevor was picking me up every
morning," he continued. "I was late for training because he didn't turn up.
When Bill told me [what had happened], it was the first I knew of it.
"Bill said apparently his [Morley's] wife had come home and found us with
two birds - which, considering what the other rumours were, I would have
taken as that would have been a far better story for me! My wife would have
killed me, but luckily enough, she was there at the time..."
It wasn't long before rumours of an alleged relationship between the two
players began to emerge - and soon Bishop and Morley were fending off not
only disgusting abuse from the terraces the length and breadth of the
country, but also the unwelcome advances of the press who sniffed a big
story.
"It was ugly and evil; you know what football fans are like," Bishop
recalled. "We got dogs abuse and I don't think Trevor dealt with it too
well. Obviously he nearly died as well.
"I had the press come to my house offering me tons of money to do a story. I
could have made something up, taken the money and just laughed at them. But
it was at every game we went to.
"Every time we turned up the sports press, who you thought were your
friends, would come up to you and say 'look, the story's going out tomorrow,
do you want to put your side across? Is there anything you'd like us to say
on your behalf?' And I said 'yeah - write the story and I'll sue you'.
"I can talk about it now. The thing was, I was getting abused but I wouldn't
speak because it wasn't my story. It was Trevor's, and what went on in their
house was between him and his wife."
Although he admits that he used to occasionally react to the very worst
abuse - "I showed my arse to the Manchester United fans once, but I got away
with it because I did it really sneakily", he admits - the slurs are
something that have stayed with him ever since.
And despite some 23 years having passed since Morley was hospitalised and
the subsequent false rumours festered, homophobia remains a major issue
within both football (and sport in general, see the recent Olympic
protests).
* To listen to the full interview with Bishop, download the latest episode
of the KUMB.com Podcast.
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'I could have moved to West Ham', admits Galatasaray striker Didier Drogba
ahead of Chelsea reunion
Feb 24, 2014 22:30 By John Cross
The Mirror
Didier Drogba could have ended up joining West Ham two years before Chelsea.
Drogba was still a rookie at Guingamp when ex- Hammers boss Glenn Roeder
tried to sign him – and his career would have been very different. "That was
two years before moving to Chelsea, I could have gone there," admitted the
Ivorian. Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger also tells a story how he could have got
Drogba for around £200,000 before he went to Marseille. But Wenger decided
not to pursue it as he already had Thierry Henry. He added: "I wasn't really
aware of it at the time. I think I spoke about it with my agents at the
time. "That's life, you know, there's a few things, a few decisions that you
make in life take you in a different direction."
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Monday, February 24
Daily WHUFC News - 24th February 2014
Manager on Monday
WHUFC.com
Sam Allardyce was pleased to see the goals shared around his squad during
Saturday's 3-1 win against Southampton
23.02.2014
West Ham United manager Sam Allardyce was delighted with the team effort
that secured his team's fourth consecutive win in the Barclays Premier
League against Southampton at the Boleyn Ground on Saturday. Big Sam was
left praising the contribution from all members of his team after goals from
Matt Jarvis, Carlton Cole and captain Kevin Nolan fired the Hammers to a 3-1
victory against the Saints. The east Londoners have now gone five games
without defeat since a 0-0 draw against Chelsea on 29 January and Allardyce
was delighted that goals are starting to come from all areas of the team.
"It's always about sharing goals around the team and if you share the right
amount of goals it gets you into the right position in the league," he
explained. "One thing we've turned around and why we're doing so well at the
moment is that we've stopped, apart from Saturday, conceding from set-plays.
"In the last eight or ten games we've started scoring some goals from
set-plays and open play and kept clean sheets once we've had our defence
back together. That was always a recipe for winning football matches. "The
quality of our front play and our final third play is key now. We're
resilient defensively but our final third play is getting much, much better
now and of course our finishing is in a top-ten position in terms of the
chances that we're turning into goals."
Before the team's current run of four wins from five games, the Hammers
occupied a place in the relegation zone. After Saturday's victory against
the Saints, Allardyce's side moved up to tenth in the Premier League and the
manager believes that the battling performance at Stamford Bridge was a
turning point for his side. "When you go to a Chelsea when you've been
struggling away from home, and you see a performance where you put your body
on the line and do whatever you need to do to stop the opposition scoring
and you come out of there with a point, then you can build from there. "That
started it, then when you win against Swansea with ten men it lifts
everybody. The new players that have come in all have a small factor in
building everybody's confidence, even though the new guys haven't played
very much. "It also adds pressure in terms of challenging for places which
is always a very healthy position. It's not a sprint, it's a marathon and
it's not where you are after five, ten, 15 or 20 games, it's where you are
after 38 games."
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Loanee round-up
WHUFC.com
West Ham United's loanees were in action in England and Scotland on Saturday
23.02.2014
West Ham United's loanees were in action on Saturday. Ravel Morrison made
his Queens Park Rangers debut by playing the full 90 minutes at Charlton
Athletic, but could not prevent Harry Redknapp's side falling to a 1-0
defeat at The Valley. Fellow Hammers loanee Modibo Maiga was introduced as a
70th-minute substitute for the Hoops, who sit fourth in the table, seven
points adrift of the automatic promotion places.
In League One, Jordan Spence played the full game for MK Dons, who are ninth
after a 1-0 defeat at Bradford City.
North of the border, Paul McCallum played the opening 52 minutes for Heart
of MIdlothian in their 2-0 Scottish Premiership defeat by leaders Celtic at
Tynecastle. The game was goalless when McCallum was replaced.
At Partick Thistle, George Moncur was an unused substitute for a shock 3-1
home win over second-place Aberdeen.
Sean Maguire will hope to make his Sligo Rovers debut in the League of
Ireland Premier Division side's Setanta Sports Cup opener at Northern Irish
club
Crusaders on Monday evening.
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Brayley back at the Boleyn
WHUFC.com
FA Youth Cup winner Bertie Brayley is fast becoming a Boleyn Ground regular
once more
23.02.2014
There was a familiar face back at the Boleyn Ground this week as West Ham
United Academy graduate Bertie Brayley popped in to reacquaint himself with
some old friends. Currently plying his trade with Chelmsford City of the
Conference South, 32-year-old Brayley was once a pivotal figure in the
famous FA Youth Cup-winning side of 1999. Alongside the likes of Michael
Carrick, Joe Cole and Stephen Bywater, Brayley netted three times in an
astonishing 9-0 aggregate win over Coventry City in the final. Incidentally,
it is only in recent weeks that Brayley has returned to the Boleyn Ground,
with almost four years having passed since he turned out for the testimonial
of Academy Director Tony Carr MBE. But with his son now firmly Claret and
Blue and the Hammers flying, Brayley is hardly about to stop now. "I've
brought my son to the last few home games and West Ham keep winning, so
we're going to keep coming," he told West Ham TV. "To be fair, I did give
him the choice of who to support, but there was only one team for him. "The
Club's doing really well at the moment. It's nice for the fans, because it
had been a bit of a slow start this season but we've turned that corner now
and things are going right at the moment, so it's all good."
While some 15 years have passed since Brayley lifted the FA Youth Cup, the
Basildon-born Hammer still regards that triumph as one of his finest hours.
He continued: "It was a great experience. It was great playing in front of a
full house at the Boleyn Ground. I scored at both ends in that game, so
walking back around brings back some nice memories. "It was a special group
that year, every single boy, and they were all very good players. It was a
great experience and probably one of the best of my life. "It really is
lovely to see people like Joe [Cole] and Michael [Carrick] win the Champions
League and trophies like that. I'm proud of them and it's good to say that I
was once alongside them."
With the Hammers' U18s currently top of the Barclays U18 Premier League, the
Academy is still as potent a force as ever and Brayley paid tribute to
long-serving director Carr. "The Academy has always been very good and I was
fortunate to be in one of the best youth sides that West Ham's ever had," he
explained. Above that you had Rio [Ferdinand] and Frank [Lampard], who were
two, three years older than us. "It was a good time to be at the Club and
it will always have a name for that [youth development]. Tony Carr has done
a fantastic job here over the years, so it's down to him."
In fact, 1998/99 was a fine season all round for the Hammers, with Harry
Redknapp leading his seniors to fifth in the top flight and subsequently
into the then UEFA Cup. For all the success on the pitch, Brayley was just
as thrilled to rub shoulders with some household names. "You had players
like Ian Wright, John Hartson and Razor [Neil Ruddock], some real
characters. The special thing for me was being lucky enough to get up every
morning, not have to go into work, go to training and mix with those sort of
characters, Paolo Di Canio and people like that, it was amazing. When you're
living it you don't realise how lucky you are. "I would go in the old gym at
Chadwell Heath with Wright in the mornings and we used to play two-touch
against the wall. Just little things like that. Everything about it, it was
just fantastic."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
U18s go top of the table
WHUFC.com
West Ham United went top of the Barclays U18 Premier League following a 2-0
win at leaders Fulham
23.02.2014
West Ham United went top of the Barclays U18 Premier League following a 2-0
win at leaders Fulham on Saturday. The Hammers made it five wins in a row
and nine in ten league matches with a deserved victory at Motspur Park.
Jordan Brown continued his impressive recent run of form with the opening
goal before half-time. Bermuda-born winger Djair Parfitt-Williams (pictured)
then added a second on the hour-mark to complete a fine day's work for Steve
Potts' side. West Ham have lost just one of their previous 16 league matches
and now sit three points clear of Fulham and Tottenham Hotspur, whose
Saturday fixture with Arsenal was postponed.
After a free weekend, the Hammers return to action on Saturday 8 March, when
they travel to London Colney to take on Arsenal.
U18s: Howes, Pask (Gordon 60, Bailey 89), Harney, Onariase, Burke, Nasha,
Makasi, Diangana (Amoo 46), Bywater, Parfitt-Williams, J.Brown
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Hammers going down under?
KUMB.com
Filed: Sunday, 23rd February 2014
By: Staff Writer
West Ham United could be off to New Zealand this summer for at least two
pre-season friendlies. West Ham, who have never previously visited New
Zealand could be set for a summer trip to the country, from where West Ham's
central defender Winston Reid's hails. That's according to Wellington
Phoenix midfielder Vince Lia, whose side are hoping to play host the Hammers
this summer. Speaking in an interview with broadcaster Tony Veitch, Lia
said: "If it does [come off] it's great for us, it's great for the game in
New Zealand. Just think back about seven years ago when LA Galaxy came to
Wellington and how football mad the town was." Wellington Phoenix are
currently seventh in the ten-team Hyundai A-League, the top tier of New
Zealand football.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham boss Sam Allardyce expects Kevin Nolan to miss out on an England
call-up
Last Updated: 23/02/14 3:21pm
SSN
West Ham boss Sam Allardyce believes Kevin Nolan will be overlooked by
England, despite his fine recent form for the club. Nolan has played a key
role in the Hammers' recent surge up the table and the midfielder netted his
fifth goal in as many games in Saturday's 3-1 win over Southampton. England
assistant Ray Lewington was keeping a close eye on Southampton's World Cup
hopefuls at Upton Park, but Nolan outshone the likes of Adam Lallana and Jay
Rodriguez.
Allarcyce is delighted with Nolan's response since a costly sending-off
against Fulham, but fears the 31-year-old's chance of an England place has
passed him by. "He has had a lot of times that he has knocked on the door
and I don't think that's going to make much difference for him now," he said
ahead of Thursday's squad announcement for the friendly with Denmark. "It
would be nice if he did, but it is just about Kevin continuing where he is
now. "He is in his thirties now so he has got to continue his career as long
as he possible can by doing what he has always done and that is score goals.
"Apart from a short spell out in the Championship with Newcastle, he has
scored goals every single season he has played at a very, very high level
for a midfield player. "There are very, very few players better than him at
scoring goals from midfield."
Saints have not been short of goals this season, but Allardyce feels his own
side has a potent attacking line-up. "We all know how much praise has been
heaped on Rickie Lambert, Jay Rodriguez and Adam Lallana about the goals
they've scored and the way they've scored them," Allardyce said. "But it's
our lads up front - it's Kevin Nolan, Carlton Cole, Matt Jarvis and their
quality which has outshone Southampton. "That's the reason why we've won
3-1, because we all know how good we are at defending. "We had a big
disappointment after just a few minutes when we gave away a free-kick and
lost a goal, but in the end it's an outstanding victory."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
THE MONTH WEST HAM BOUNCED BACK!
By Tony Hanna 23 Feb 2014 at 18:00
West Ham Till I Die
Back on the 1st of February things were not looking great for West Ham. We
had 22 points from 24 matches, were lying 3rd last and the two teams above
us had a game in hand. Aston Villa were in 10th spot in a very congested
league table and some five points ahead of us - things were looking grim and
relegation was not just a possibility but a probability. Out of the bottom
nine clubs, six had changed manager this season and the calls were out for
the Hammers to do the same and become the seventh. Despite a gruesome injury
list for much of this season, surely even the return of Andy Carroll and
Winston Reid would not be enough to turn our fortunes around? Was Big Sam's
time up?
Forward 23 days and can we stop pinching ourselves? The month of February
2014 can be etched with the stats of four wins in succession and four
without conceding if you include the 0-0 at Chelsea on the 29th January.
Here we are three weeks later in 10th position and some seven points clear
of Sunderland who are now where we were some 3 weeks ago - 3rd last! The
first of the four wins came against Swansea and the euphoria of winning only
our 3rd game at home of the season was soured by the sending off of Andy
Carroll who had been unplayable on the day. The decision by referee Howard
Webb was a tough one to take, especially with the theatrics of Chico Flores
who was apparently the victim of a careless arm across his hair bun. West
Ham threatened to go to the High Court initially in their attempts to get a
3 games suspension over ruled but in the end walked away with a new panel
review only, that was never going to reverse a flawed system. We had three
games left in the month that were winnable if we were at our best, but
without Andy it just looked like the football gods were against us.
What has followed since has been unbelievable when considering our previous
form this season. Two more successive 2-0 wins away to Villa and at home to
Norwich and this weekends 3-1 victory over Southampton now sees Sam
Allardyce ready to accept the poisoned chalice of "Manager of the Month"!
However, before we start getting too comfortable we must realise one bad
month can be just as devastating as one good one. On the 1st February, Stoke
and Sunderland were sitting OK in 11th and 14th respectively and now both
find themselves in the mire. We must keep our foot on the pedal with a very
tough finish to the fixture list. In our last eleven games of the season I
can only see the bookies chalking us up as favourites for two of the
remaining games - home to Palace and Hull.
So, what was the changing point to our season? There are many variables and
perhaps there are several reasons? What most of us thought a month ago was
that the return of Carroll and Reid would hopefully be the catalyst of
changing fortunes. Both have had very little play time so it surely can't be
that. Was Ravel a bad influence on the squad - there did seem times when
playing colleagues were getting frustrated with him on the pitch. Did Andy's
seemingly unfair dismissal provoke a backs to the wall attitude from the
players - Sam says no and surely the massive attitude we saw away at Chelsea
a few days before that incident would suggest not either. Is it the fact we
now have Tomkins and Collins in career best form, together with the attitude
and performances of Adrian our "new keeper" that has seen the tide turn? Or
perhaps that Kevin Nolan has bounced back from his dual sending's off and
found his desire and scoring touch again. Or perhaps it is the much maligned
Matty Taylor in a midfield role where his work rate and contribution has
added a new steel. Or was it the performance to grind out a magnificent
point at Chelsea that made the players believe once again?
Whatever the reason I am sure Sam has a stat for it. For me it is a
combination of all of the above but a big factor must also rest on the fact
that our injury list is now manageable and the key is we have been able to
send the same side out in successive weeks. When Winston Reid can't get in
the run on side at the moment you know things must be going well!
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham's sprint away from relegation zone shows I was right to sacrifice
Cups says Sam Allardyce
Feb 23, 2014 22:30 By Hector Nunns
The Mirror
After crushing defeats in the cups and deep in the relegation mire, an
under-pressure Sam Allardyce was backed by United owners David Gold and
David Sullivan in January. A glance at the table shows five out of the
bottom six have opted to sack their manager, but it is the resurgent Hammers
who can now boast four consecutive league wins after Saturday's 3-1 victory
over Southampton. The turnarounds for the club, its manager and talismanic
captain Kevin Nolan, after the disgrace of his two red cards at the turn of
the year, have been astonishing. And Allardyce, now feted but pilloried just
weeks ago, believes decisions such as his controversial team -selection at
Nottingham Forest in the FA Cup have been shown to be correct. He said: "The
worst week was when we lost to Forest [5-0] and then [6-0 to] Manchester
City. But that was in the cups, so it proves my point again, doesn't it?
That's why I'm good at what I do, isn't it? "The cup is not the material
thing, the Premier League is - for everybody apart from the top four. They
need to win the Premier League and get into the -Champions League, everybody
else needs to stay in the Premier League first and go for other things after
that. "I don't need to feel vindicated, I'm just doing my job properly. It's
not a sprint, it's a marathon. It's not where you are in the league after
five, 10, 20 games, it's where you are after 38. "Unfortunately, patience
has long gone in the game today. I could get sacked just by new owners
coming in. "You have just got to do your job and get results for that club.
And if you can do what your club's philosophy is, then you should be OK. The
owners have picked you to do that." Nolan's redemption also appears
complete, after his sending-off at Fulham on New Year's Day triggered a
frank exchange with Allardyce and work with the club psychologist .
Christopher LeeFebruary 22: Smiles all round at Upton Park over a fourth
league win in a row After West Ham fell behind to Maya Yoshida's early
header, Nolan made the -equaliser for Matt Jarvis, a first league goal of
the season. And then, after Carlton Cole put the home side ahead, Nolan fed
on the striker's knockdown, acrobatically hooking in his fifth goal in four
matches. Jarvis said: "Kevin has really turned things around, it shows
exactly what a character and leader he is. His goals have been sensational
and really kicked us up the table. It was a bit of us helping pick him up
and him doing it for himself. He is very mentally strong."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
MORRISON WATCH: Midfielder angers QPR fans
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on February 23, 2014 in News Agenda
Claret&hughinfo.com
Ravel Morrison found more trouble on his first game for Queens Park Rangers
at Charlton over the weekend. The on loan West Ham midfielder left the
travelling Rangers fans incensed with a lack-lustre display following by a
petulant reaction at the end. He stalked off after the late 1-0 defeat
without acknowledging the fans who had travelled to the New Valley. And that
brought a frosty response from club sources who preferred to remain
anonymous with one declaring: "We all know his reputation but we didn't
expect that - there's a lack of class involved in that isn't there?
"Applauding the fans at the end of a disappointing display - or at any time
- is the very least we should expect."
Morrison's mood may not have been helped by missing two simple chances to
put the game beyond recall before Johnnie Jackson's late smash and grab raid
gave Chartotn the points. He had sidefooted wide of an open goal before
placing an even better chance gently into goalkeeper Yohann Thuram's arms
from point blank range. QPR boss Harry Redknapp had believed Morrison could
be the key to his problems after a shocking February which sees them
win-less and with a single points from their efforts.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
http://vyperz.blogspot.com
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WHUFC.com
Sam Allardyce was pleased to see the goals shared around his squad during
Saturday's 3-1 win against Southampton
23.02.2014
West Ham United manager Sam Allardyce was delighted with the team effort
that secured his team's fourth consecutive win in the Barclays Premier
League against Southampton at the Boleyn Ground on Saturday. Big Sam was
left praising the contribution from all members of his team after goals from
Matt Jarvis, Carlton Cole and captain Kevin Nolan fired the Hammers to a 3-1
victory against the Saints. The east Londoners have now gone five games
without defeat since a 0-0 draw against Chelsea on 29 January and Allardyce
was delighted that goals are starting to come from all areas of the team.
"It's always about sharing goals around the team and if you share the right
amount of goals it gets you into the right position in the league," he
explained. "One thing we've turned around and why we're doing so well at the
moment is that we've stopped, apart from Saturday, conceding from set-plays.
"In the last eight or ten games we've started scoring some goals from
set-plays and open play and kept clean sheets once we've had our defence
back together. That was always a recipe for winning football matches. "The
quality of our front play and our final third play is key now. We're
resilient defensively but our final third play is getting much, much better
now and of course our finishing is in a top-ten position in terms of the
chances that we're turning into goals."
Before the team's current run of four wins from five games, the Hammers
occupied a place in the relegation zone. After Saturday's victory against
the Saints, Allardyce's side moved up to tenth in the Premier League and the
manager believes that the battling performance at Stamford Bridge was a
turning point for his side. "When you go to a Chelsea when you've been
struggling away from home, and you see a performance where you put your body
on the line and do whatever you need to do to stop the opposition scoring
and you come out of there with a point, then you can build from there. "That
started it, then when you win against Swansea with ten men it lifts
everybody. The new players that have come in all have a small factor in
building everybody's confidence, even though the new guys haven't played
very much. "It also adds pressure in terms of challenging for places which
is always a very healthy position. It's not a sprint, it's a marathon and
it's not where you are after five, ten, 15 or 20 games, it's where you are
after 38 games."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Loanee round-up
WHUFC.com
West Ham United's loanees were in action in England and Scotland on Saturday
23.02.2014
West Ham United's loanees were in action on Saturday. Ravel Morrison made
his Queens Park Rangers debut by playing the full 90 minutes at Charlton
Athletic, but could not prevent Harry Redknapp's side falling to a 1-0
defeat at The Valley. Fellow Hammers loanee Modibo Maiga was introduced as a
70th-minute substitute for the Hoops, who sit fourth in the table, seven
points adrift of the automatic promotion places.
In League One, Jordan Spence played the full game for MK Dons, who are ninth
after a 1-0 defeat at Bradford City.
North of the border, Paul McCallum played the opening 52 minutes for Heart
of MIdlothian in their 2-0 Scottish Premiership defeat by leaders Celtic at
Tynecastle. The game was goalless when McCallum was replaced.
At Partick Thistle, George Moncur was an unused substitute for a shock 3-1
home win over second-place Aberdeen.
Sean Maguire will hope to make his Sligo Rovers debut in the League of
Ireland Premier Division side's Setanta Sports Cup opener at Northern Irish
club
Crusaders on Monday evening.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Brayley back at the Boleyn
WHUFC.com
FA Youth Cup winner Bertie Brayley is fast becoming a Boleyn Ground regular
once more
23.02.2014
There was a familiar face back at the Boleyn Ground this week as West Ham
United Academy graduate Bertie Brayley popped in to reacquaint himself with
some old friends. Currently plying his trade with Chelmsford City of the
Conference South, 32-year-old Brayley was once a pivotal figure in the
famous FA Youth Cup-winning side of 1999. Alongside the likes of Michael
Carrick, Joe Cole and Stephen Bywater, Brayley netted three times in an
astonishing 9-0 aggregate win over Coventry City in the final. Incidentally,
it is only in recent weeks that Brayley has returned to the Boleyn Ground,
with almost four years having passed since he turned out for the testimonial
of Academy Director Tony Carr MBE. But with his son now firmly Claret and
Blue and the Hammers flying, Brayley is hardly about to stop now. "I've
brought my son to the last few home games and West Ham keep winning, so
we're going to keep coming," he told West Ham TV. "To be fair, I did give
him the choice of who to support, but there was only one team for him. "The
Club's doing really well at the moment. It's nice for the fans, because it
had been a bit of a slow start this season but we've turned that corner now
and things are going right at the moment, so it's all good."
While some 15 years have passed since Brayley lifted the FA Youth Cup, the
Basildon-born Hammer still regards that triumph as one of his finest hours.
He continued: "It was a great experience. It was great playing in front of a
full house at the Boleyn Ground. I scored at both ends in that game, so
walking back around brings back some nice memories. "It was a special group
that year, every single boy, and they were all very good players. It was a
great experience and probably one of the best of my life. "It really is
lovely to see people like Joe [Cole] and Michael [Carrick] win the Champions
League and trophies like that. I'm proud of them and it's good to say that I
was once alongside them."
With the Hammers' U18s currently top of the Barclays U18 Premier League, the
Academy is still as potent a force as ever and Brayley paid tribute to
long-serving director Carr. "The Academy has always been very good and I was
fortunate to be in one of the best youth sides that West Ham's ever had," he
explained. Above that you had Rio [Ferdinand] and Frank [Lampard], who were
two, three years older than us. "It was a good time to be at the Club and
it will always have a name for that [youth development]. Tony Carr has done
a fantastic job here over the years, so it's down to him."
In fact, 1998/99 was a fine season all round for the Hammers, with Harry
Redknapp leading his seniors to fifth in the top flight and subsequently
into the then UEFA Cup. For all the success on the pitch, Brayley was just
as thrilled to rub shoulders with some household names. "You had players
like Ian Wright, John Hartson and Razor [Neil Ruddock], some real
characters. The special thing for me was being lucky enough to get up every
morning, not have to go into work, go to training and mix with those sort of
characters, Paolo Di Canio and people like that, it was amazing. When you're
living it you don't realise how lucky you are. "I would go in the old gym at
Chadwell Heath with Wright in the mornings and we used to play two-touch
against the wall. Just little things like that. Everything about it, it was
just fantastic."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
U18s go top of the table
WHUFC.com
West Ham United went top of the Barclays U18 Premier League following a 2-0
win at leaders Fulham
23.02.2014
West Ham United went top of the Barclays U18 Premier League following a 2-0
win at leaders Fulham on Saturday. The Hammers made it five wins in a row
and nine in ten league matches with a deserved victory at Motspur Park.
Jordan Brown continued his impressive recent run of form with the opening
goal before half-time. Bermuda-born winger Djair Parfitt-Williams (pictured)
then added a second on the hour-mark to complete a fine day's work for Steve
Potts' side. West Ham have lost just one of their previous 16 league matches
and now sit three points clear of Fulham and Tottenham Hotspur, whose
Saturday fixture with Arsenal was postponed.
After a free weekend, the Hammers return to action on Saturday 8 March, when
they travel to London Colney to take on Arsenal.
U18s: Howes, Pask (Gordon 60, Bailey 89), Harney, Onariase, Burke, Nasha,
Makasi, Diangana (Amoo 46), Bywater, Parfitt-Williams, J.Brown
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Hammers going down under?
KUMB.com
Filed: Sunday, 23rd February 2014
By: Staff Writer
West Ham United could be off to New Zealand this summer for at least two
pre-season friendlies. West Ham, who have never previously visited New
Zealand could be set for a summer trip to the country, from where West Ham's
central defender Winston Reid's hails. That's according to Wellington
Phoenix midfielder Vince Lia, whose side are hoping to play host the Hammers
this summer. Speaking in an interview with broadcaster Tony Veitch, Lia
said: "If it does [come off] it's great for us, it's great for the game in
New Zealand. Just think back about seven years ago when LA Galaxy came to
Wellington and how football mad the town was." Wellington Phoenix are
currently seventh in the ten-team Hyundai A-League, the top tier of New
Zealand football.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham boss Sam Allardyce expects Kevin Nolan to miss out on an England
call-up
Last Updated: 23/02/14 3:21pm
SSN
West Ham boss Sam Allardyce believes Kevin Nolan will be overlooked by
England, despite his fine recent form for the club. Nolan has played a key
role in the Hammers' recent surge up the table and the midfielder netted his
fifth goal in as many games in Saturday's 3-1 win over Southampton. England
assistant Ray Lewington was keeping a close eye on Southampton's World Cup
hopefuls at Upton Park, but Nolan outshone the likes of Adam Lallana and Jay
Rodriguez.
Allarcyce is delighted with Nolan's response since a costly sending-off
against Fulham, but fears the 31-year-old's chance of an England place has
passed him by. "He has had a lot of times that he has knocked on the door
and I don't think that's going to make much difference for him now," he said
ahead of Thursday's squad announcement for the friendly with Denmark. "It
would be nice if he did, but it is just about Kevin continuing where he is
now. "He is in his thirties now so he has got to continue his career as long
as he possible can by doing what he has always done and that is score goals.
"Apart from a short spell out in the Championship with Newcastle, he has
scored goals every single season he has played at a very, very high level
for a midfield player. "There are very, very few players better than him at
scoring goals from midfield."
Saints have not been short of goals this season, but Allardyce feels his own
side has a potent attacking line-up. "We all know how much praise has been
heaped on Rickie Lambert, Jay Rodriguez and Adam Lallana about the goals
they've scored and the way they've scored them," Allardyce said. "But it's
our lads up front - it's Kevin Nolan, Carlton Cole, Matt Jarvis and their
quality which has outshone Southampton. "That's the reason why we've won
3-1, because we all know how good we are at defending. "We had a big
disappointment after just a few minutes when we gave away a free-kick and
lost a goal, but in the end it's an outstanding victory."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
THE MONTH WEST HAM BOUNCED BACK!
By Tony Hanna 23 Feb 2014 at 18:00
West Ham Till I Die
Back on the 1st of February things were not looking great for West Ham. We
had 22 points from 24 matches, were lying 3rd last and the two teams above
us had a game in hand. Aston Villa were in 10th spot in a very congested
league table and some five points ahead of us - things were looking grim and
relegation was not just a possibility but a probability. Out of the bottom
nine clubs, six had changed manager this season and the calls were out for
the Hammers to do the same and become the seventh. Despite a gruesome injury
list for much of this season, surely even the return of Andy Carroll and
Winston Reid would not be enough to turn our fortunes around? Was Big Sam's
time up?
Forward 23 days and can we stop pinching ourselves? The month of February
2014 can be etched with the stats of four wins in succession and four
without conceding if you include the 0-0 at Chelsea on the 29th January.
Here we are three weeks later in 10th position and some seven points clear
of Sunderland who are now where we were some 3 weeks ago - 3rd last! The
first of the four wins came against Swansea and the euphoria of winning only
our 3rd game at home of the season was soured by the sending off of Andy
Carroll who had been unplayable on the day. The decision by referee Howard
Webb was a tough one to take, especially with the theatrics of Chico Flores
who was apparently the victim of a careless arm across his hair bun. West
Ham threatened to go to the High Court initially in their attempts to get a
3 games suspension over ruled but in the end walked away with a new panel
review only, that was never going to reverse a flawed system. We had three
games left in the month that were winnable if we were at our best, but
without Andy it just looked like the football gods were against us.
What has followed since has been unbelievable when considering our previous
form this season. Two more successive 2-0 wins away to Villa and at home to
Norwich and this weekends 3-1 victory over Southampton now sees Sam
Allardyce ready to accept the poisoned chalice of "Manager of the Month"!
However, before we start getting too comfortable we must realise one bad
month can be just as devastating as one good one. On the 1st February, Stoke
and Sunderland were sitting OK in 11th and 14th respectively and now both
find themselves in the mire. We must keep our foot on the pedal with a very
tough finish to the fixture list. In our last eleven games of the season I
can only see the bookies chalking us up as favourites for two of the
remaining games - home to Palace and Hull.
So, what was the changing point to our season? There are many variables and
perhaps there are several reasons? What most of us thought a month ago was
that the return of Carroll and Reid would hopefully be the catalyst of
changing fortunes. Both have had very little play time so it surely can't be
that. Was Ravel a bad influence on the squad - there did seem times when
playing colleagues were getting frustrated with him on the pitch. Did Andy's
seemingly unfair dismissal provoke a backs to the wall attitude from the
players - Sam says no and surely the massive attitude we saw away at Chelsea
a few days before that incident would suggest not either. Is it the fact we
now have Tomkins and Collins in career best form, together with the attitude
and performances of Adrian our "new keeper" that has seen the tide turn? Or
perhaps that Kevin Nolan has bounced back from his dual sending's off and
found his desire and scoring touch again. Or perhaps it is the much maligned
Matty Taylor in a midfield role where his work rate and contribution has
added a new steel. Or was it the performance to grind out a magnificent
point at Chelsea that made the players believe once again?
Whatever the reason I am sure Sam has a stat for it. For me it is a
combination of all of the above but a big factor must also rest on the fact
that our injury list is now manageable and the key is we have been able to
send the same side out in successive weeks. When Winston Reid can't get in
the run on side at the moment you know things must be going well!
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West Ham's sprint away from relegation zone shows I was right to sacrifice
Cups says Sam Allardyce
Feb 23, 2014 22:30 By Hector Nunns
The Mirror
After crushing defeats in the cups and deep in the relegation mire, an
under-pressure Sam Allardyce was backed by United owners David Gold and
David Sullivan in January. A glance at the table shows five out of the
bottom six have opted to sack their manager, but it is the resurgent Hammers
who can now boast four consecutive league wins after Saturday's 3-1 victory
over Southampton. The turnarounds for the club, its manager and talismanic
captain Kevin Nolan, after the disgrace of his two red cards at the turn of
the year, have been astonishing. And Allardyce, now feted but pilloried just
weeks ago, believes decisions such as his controversial team -selection at
Nottingham Forest in the FA Cup have been shown to be correct. He said: "The
worst week was when we lost to Forest [5-0] and then [6-0 to] Manchester
City. But that was in the cups, so it proves my point again, doesn't it?
That's why I'm good at what I do, isn't it? "The cup is not the material
thing, the Premier League is - for everybody apart from the top four. They
need to win the Premier League and get into the -Champions League, everybody
else needs to stay in the Premier League first and go for other things after
that. "I don't need to feel vindicated, I'm just doing my job properly. It's
not a sprint, it's a marathon. It's not where you are in the league after
five, 10, 20 games, it's where you are after 38. "Unfortunately, patience
has long gone in the game today. I could get sacked just by new owners
coming in. "You have just got to do your job and get results for that club.
And if you can do what your club's philosophy is, then you should be OK. The
owners have picked you to do that." Nolan's redemption also appears
complete, after his sending-off at Fulham on New Year's Day triggered a
frank exchange with Allardyce and work with the club psychologist .
Christopher LeeFebruary 22: Smiles all round at Upton Park over a fourth
league win in a row After West Ham fell behind to Maya Yoshida's early
header, Nolan made the -equaliser for Matt Jarvis, a first league goal of
the season. And then, after Carlton Cole put the home side ahead, Nolan fed
on the striker's knockdown, acrobatically hooking in his fifth goal in four
matches. Jarvis said: "Kevin has really turned things around, it shows
exactly what a character and leader he is. His goals have been sensational
and really kicked us up the table. It was a bit of us helping pick him up
and him doing it for himself. He is very mentally strong."
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MORRISON WATCH: Midfielder angers QPR fans
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on February 23, 2014 in News Agenda
Claret&hughinfo.com
Ravel Morrison found more trouble on his first game for Queens Park Rangers
at Charlton over the weekend. The on loan West Ham midfielder left the
travelling Rangers fans incensed with a lack-lustre display following by a
petulant reaction at the end. He stalked off after the late 1-0 defeat
without acknowledging the fans who had travelled to the New Valley. And that
brought a frosty response from club sources who preferred to remain
anonymous with one declaring: "We all know his reputation but we didn't
expect that - there's a lack of class involved in that isn't there?
"Applauding the fans at the end of a disappointing display - or at any time
- is the very least we should expect."
Morrison's mood may not have been helped by missing two simple chances to
put the game beyond recall before Johnnie Jackson's late smash and grab raid
gave Chartotn the points. He had sidefooted wide of an open goal before
placing an even better chance gently into goalkeeper Yohann Thuram's arms
from point blank range. QPR boss Harry Redknapp had believed Morrison could
be the key to his problems after a shocking February which sees them
win-less and with a single points from their efforts.
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