Daily WHUFC News - 21st May 2014

Page proud of Academy's season
WHUFC.com
Young defender Lewis Page has made a real impact this term - and hopes for more next year
19.05.2014

Lewis Page rounded off a fine season in the Hammers Academy by being nominated for the Academy Player of the Year award. Although he was beaten to the prize by Josh Cullen, defender Page was still proud of a campaign in which he appeared in close to 20 U18s matches, as well as turning out for the Development Squad on five occasions. With both teams enjoying success this season too, Page will look back on 2013/14 with some satisfaction before building for next season. "It was a very good season," he explained. "We've made a big step in the right direction with the U18s and U21s. "The U18s made it to the Play-Offs and the U21s have had younger players pushing up and doing well at that level. "There's a slight difference in the physicality and the speed of the game between the two levels. There are more tactics involved but I've felt comfortable, helped by my teammates and coaches. "Hopefully I can kick on with the U21s next year and cement my place there again. "Obviously first team is the ultimate aim and hopefully I can take any chances that come my way. "It was a privilege to be at the Player Awards. Just to be nominated as one of the Academy Players of the Year was a great achievement. It was great to share the experience with my teammates too."

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Lycamobile Cup finals flourish
WHUFC.com
West Ham United Kicks U14s and Redbridge U12s reigned supreme in the Lycamobile Cup finals
20.05.2014

The inaugural Lycamobile Cup ended in shootout drama at the Boleyn Ground on Saturday, as West Ham United Kicks saw off St Bonaventure's School 5-4 from the spot to claim the U14s title. A joint initiative of West Ham United Community Sports Trust and Club sponsor Lycamobile, the Lycamobile Cup sought to raise participation through both an U12s and U14s tournament, culminating in the weekend's spectacular finals day. In front of a bumper crowd of friends and family at West Ham United, Redbridge U12s were the day's other victors, as they won by the odd goal in five against their Cumberland School counterparts.
West Ham's Kicks side, meanwhile, squeezed past St Paul's 1-0 in the last four, before playing out a goalless draw in the final and then prevailing on penalties.
All in all, the tournament has seen some 4,500 youngsters play their part, to the delight of Lycamobile Group Chairman, Subaskaran Allirajah. "At Lycamobile we are always looking at ways to make a difference in our local community and the Lycamobile Cup is fantastic testament to that. "We're proud of our work with West Ham United Community Sports Trust in giving back to the local area and we hope the Lycamobile Cup will inspire young people to get more involved in sport." West Ham's Head of Community, Joe Lyons, paid tribute to all involved and was in no doubt that the joint-venture had gone down a storm with participants. He confirmed: "We're delighted with the success of the first Lycamobile Cup and Saturday's finals were a fitting end to that. "The Cup certainly captured the imagination of local youngsters wanting to play at the Boleyn Ground, along with that of their friends and family, too. "It's been fantastic to work alongside Lycamobile on this project and we appreciate their support, as well as that of the Club, in what is a great partnership for the community."

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Sam Allardyce: West Ham United announce manager is staying
BBC.co.uk

Sam Allardyce is to carry on as manager at West Ham United, the Premier League club has announced. The statement on the future of the 59-year-old, in charge since June 2011, ends speculation about Allardyce's role at Upton Park. Allardyce led the Hammers to 13th in the Premier League table, but has faced criticism from some supporters. "The club have made clear that they want to see progression on the pitch," says a club statement. West Ham's announcement follows an end-of-season meeting between Allardyce and the club's board. They considered the former Bolton, Newcastle and Blackburn manager's plans for next season before making the announcement. The statement said that Allardyce has agreed to recruit a new attacking coach "to ensure the team provides more entertainment next season".

It added that the club expects a top 10 finish in the table. The statement continued: "After listening to feedback from supporters, the board have insisted on improvements to the set-up of the playing and backroom staff to ensure the team provides more entertainment next season. "The manager has agreed to recruit a new attacking coach to complement the existing coaching set-up as well as an overhaul of the club's scouting and recruitment operation. "That will see the board have a greater involvement in the players who are signed, as the board will once again be investing considerable funds into the club this summer.
"The club have made clear that they want to see progression on the pitch and at least a top 10 finish as a result."

Allardyce took charge at Upton Park three years ago after the Hammers had been relegated from the Premier League under Avram Grant. He led West Ham to promotion via the Championship play-offs in his first season before securing 10th place in 2012-13. But after a four-match winning run in February, the Hammers finished the 2013-14 campaign with eight defeats in 11 games. Some fans vented their displeasure at Allardyce during the 1-0 defeat by West Brom on 26 April. "We are absolutely committed to taking West Ham United to new heights and we want to see the club continue on an upward trajectory next season," said West Ham joint-chairmen David Sullivan and David Gold. "The 2014-15 campaign is crucial to our future and we are confident that Sam has the passion, experience and determination to make sure it is a success."

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Di Canio in the frame for coaching role
KUMB.com
Filed: Tuesday, 20th May 2014
By: Staff Writer

Paolo Di Canio is emerging as one of the fans' favourites to take the new coaching role at West Ham. In a meeting earlier today Sam Allardyce was told he would be retained as the club's manager - partly on condition that he hires a coach dedicated to improving the team's attacking threat. And former Hammer Di Canio, who has previously enjoyed managerial spells at Swindon and Sunderland has immediately been installed as one of the favourites to land the role by supporters keen to see the Italian involved with the club once again. Speaking earlier today, Di Canio revealed that he was ready to return to football eight months after being fired by Sunderland just five games into the 2013/14 Premier League season. And in timely fashion, the 45-year-old revealed that he was a big fan of West Ham's current manager. "He's a manager who's got great experience, and had a long time in Premier League," the Italian told Sky Sports.
"The fans like his style sometimes and sometimes they don't. I don't know why they're so frustrated. You should ask them to be honest. I can only tell you that Sam Allardyce is a good, experienced manager." And with view to returning to the game, Di Canio added: "I'm available, I'm ready. I've had time to think about what's happened in the past and I have a more positive opinion about my philosophy."

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Sam stays - official
KUMB.com
Filed: Tuesday, 20th May 2014
By: Staff Writer

West Ham United have released a statement with view to Sam Allardyce's position as manager of the club.

Following lengthy discussions in two board meeting both last week and earlier today, Allardyce has been informed that he is being retained in order to see out the final year of his current contract, which expires next summer.

However some much-needed changes were also being implemented as a result of discussions between the two parties - including the recruitment of a new attacking coach.

David Gold, speaking via whufc.com said: " "We have a very clear vision of how we want West Ham United to operate under our joint ownership. Although not everybody understands the West Ham way, we do and we respect it as we have been supporters all our lives. We believe this is about a philosophy that is not just about the style of play, but the whole ethos that surrounds the Club.

"Sam was asked to give us a detailed presentation on his vision for next season and during this he assured us that he can deliver that ethos to West Ham United and we have agreed to support him with the resources that he needs. We have mapped out a way forward with him that will ensure our much-deserving fans have more to cheer about next season.

"We should also stress, though, that while improvements do need to be made, Sam deserves credit for the job he has done thus far after securing promotion in his first year and two respectable Premier League finishes in the two years thereafter. We have also seen the likes of Mark Noble, James Tomkins and Winston Reid all make huge progress under his management, which in turn contributed to our impressive record of 14 clean sheets last season.

"The truly historic opportunity of a move to the Olympic Stadium in 2016 forms a major part of our five-year strategy to take this Club forward and, while we have a duty to make sure we stay in the Premier League, we also want to make sure the performances on the pitch will befit a team playing in such a world-renowned stadium.

"We are absolutely committed to taking West Ham United to new heights and we want to see the Club continue on an upward trajectory next season. The 2014/15 campaign is crucial to our future and we are confident that Sam has the passion, experience and determination to make sure it is a success."

Reaction to the news of Allardyce's arrival has been met with disappointment by his detractors and relief from those who believed that given his three-year record, he should be allowed to continue his work at the club.

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Sam Allardyce remains boss at West Ham, who want a top-10 finish
Last Updated: 20/05/14 5:38pm
SSN

Sam Allardyce will still be manager of West Ham next season but the club's board has demanded more attacking football and a top-10 finish in the league.
Despite finishing a respectable 13th in the Premier League table, some reports had suggested the 59-year-old was facing the axe after three years in charge.
He was summoned to a meeting at West Ham co-owner David Sullivan's house in Essex last week where he put forward his case to keep hold of the reins next season. Allardyce clearly impressed the board with his vision and a statement on the club's website revealed the manager had agreed to recruit a new attacking coach, along with an overhaul of the scouting and recruitment operation, although he faces demands for "more entertainment" and a top-10 place in the top flight. "The 2014/15 campaign is crucial to our future and we are confident that Sam has the passion, experience and determination to make sure it is a success"

On the back of "constructive" and "lengthy and detailed" talks between Allardyce and the board, the club statement on Tuesday afternoon read: "The club's direction, values and philosophy and a positive way forward for next season has been agreed. "After listening to feedback from supporters, the board have insisted on improvements to the set-up of the playing and backroom staff to ensure the team provides more entertainment next season. "The board will once again be investing considerable funds into the club this summer. The club have made clear that they want to see progression on the pitch and at least a top-10 finish as a result."

Allardyce took charge of the Hammers in 2011 and immediately steered them back to the top flight, but some fans have never warmed to his playing style and jeered after their home win over 10-man Hull City in March. After Tuesday's announcement, the former Bolton manager said: "I look forward to taking the club forward and improving the squad for next season to try and achieve the plans we have set out in our very productive meeting last week."

West Ham joint-chairmen David Sullivan and Gold added: "We have a very clear vision of how we want West Ham United to operate under our joint ownership. Although not everybody understands the West Ham Way, we do and we respect it as we have been supporters all our lives. "We believe this is about a philosophy that is not just about the style of play, but the whole ethos that surrounds the club. We have mapped out a way forward with (Sam) that will ensure our much-deserving fans have more to cheer about next season. "We should also stress, though, that while improvements do need to be made, Sam deserves credit for the job he has done thus far after securing promotion in his first year and two respectable Premier League finishes in the two years thereafter. "The truly historic opportunity of a move to the Olympic Stadium in 2016 forms a major part of our five-year strategy to take this club forward and, while we have a duty to make sure we stay in the Premier League, we also want to make sure the performances on the pitch will befit a team playing in such a world-renowned stadium. "We are absolutely committed to taking West Ham United to new heights and we want to see the club continue on an upward trajectory next season. The 2014/15 campaign is crucial to our future and we are confident that Sam has the passion, experience and determination to make sure it is a success."

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WHAT'S DONE IS DONE - LET'S LOOK TO THE FUTURE & RESTORE SOME EXCITEMENT
By Iain Dale 20 May 2014 at 20:45
West Ham Till I Die

Just as politicians live and die by the choices and decisions they make, so do football club owners. Today's decision to retain the services of Sam Allardyce as our manager is one which may well define our club for some years to come. Unless disaster strikes it is now unthinkable to change manager before the Olympic Stadium move. Assuming we stay up next season, that will guarantee Sam another year in the job, and I imagine one beyond that.

So why did the Board reach this decision, and reach it rather more quickly than we were led to believe they would? No idea to be honest. although it could have had something to do with the fact that all sorts of people were being linked with the manager's job. I suspect (and it is only a suspicion) that this was understandably issued a back me or sack me ultimatum. I certainly would have done in the circumstances. Did they make the decision because they couldn't face paying the £4 million in compensation to Sam and his backroom staff, when in a year's time it will cost nothing? Maybe, but if that really was the reason it's a rather short-sighted one.

i really hope the reason was the one quoted – that Sam has promised to introduce more flair to the team next season and to place more emphasis on the scouting network and youth setup. It's clear that the Board will cast more than a beady over transfer policy and that has to be a good thing. Too many of the permanent and loan signings haven't worked out. No one will ever have a perfect record on signings, but even so, it's difficult to think of any signings in the last twelve months which could be classed as an unqualified success. That needs to change very quickly.

Look, I have deliberately written this without looking at the 600 comments on the last thread. I didn't want to be influenced by what I suspect is a lot of negativity and anger. As soon as I press publish on this blogpost I will scroll through the comments. When I heard the news that Sam was staying my initial reaction was somewhat phlegmatic. I didn't kick the cat. Mainly because I don't have one. I didn't scream. I reacted with a mental shrug of the shoulders. But I feel I ought to be angry. I feel I ought to care more than I do. It goes back to my blogpost where I put into words my frustration at the way West Ham now play. I recounted the fact that if I am watching a game on TV I no longer pump my arms when West Ham score, or make the dogs run round the house because I am screaming with joy. I don't scream, I smile. Weakly. I headlined that blogpost "This, Mr Allardyce is what you have done to me".

Now I live in hope that I can get excited by going to Upton Park again. I really do. But along with thousands of others, I have a decision to make. Am I going to renew my season ticket, one I have held for more than twenty years. My two friends who I go to matches with have already decided not to renew. I don't like to think of myself as a fickle fan. Whatever happens, I am West Ham Till I Die, and if I don't renew it will seem as if I am betraying the club who in many ways have given me so much. But I've now got a house in Norfolk where I go at weekends. A lot more matches are on TV. This season I've been to fewer matches than before, not just because of the style of football, although that put me off the latter matches, but also because my life has changed.

I actually have two season tickets, because you know what, half the fun is enjoying the match with someone else who can join you on that emotional rollercoaster. You hug each other when we score. You berate the referee when he makes a dodgy decision. You share in each other's misery when we lose. You rejoice in every header Andy Carroll wins. You sigh every time we lose the ball. It's a collective experience. It's a tribal experience and it's one I want to know again. I don't want to sit there not caring anymore. And if Sam Allardyce can bring back that feeling I feel he has stolen from me I will be the first to admit it.

And he can do that by making his peace with Ravel Morrison and signing him on a long term contract. He should call Ravel into his office when he gets back from his holiday and say: "Ravel, what's past is past. I want you to stay and I am going to form my team around you." He can't do more than that.

I've said my piece. I am not going to allow this site to be a cesspit of negativity because frankly if it did, I wouldn't want to read it or visit it myself, so why would anyone else.

So let's just remember who we are, what we are and why we support the team we do.

It's time to circle the wagons, suck it up, accept the decision that has been made, and just get on with it. Fine, express your viewpoint, but let's get over it and try to look forward to next season, some exciting new signings and hopefully a more "West Ham" style of play.

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OFFICIAL: SAM ALLARDYCE REMAINS AS MANAGER
By Sean Whetstone 20 May 2014 at 14:32
West Ham Till I Die

West Ham United has confirmed that manager Sam Allardyce will lead the club into the 2014/15 Barclays Premier League season after constructive talks with the Club's Board.

The club have insisted on improvements to the set-up of the playing and backroom staff to ensure the team provides more entertainment next season.

Sam has agreed to recruit a new attacking coach to complement the existing coaching set-up as well as an overhaul of the Club's scouting and recruitment operation that will see the directors have a greater involvement in the players. The club have made clear that they want to see progression on the pitch.

Full Statement:

"West Ham United can confirm that manager Sam Allardyce will lead the Club into the 2014/15 Barclays Premier League season after constructive talks with the Club's Board. The Board and Allardyce have held lengthy and detailed discussions on the Club's direction, values and philosophy and a positive way forward for next season has been agreed. After listening to feedback from supporters, the Board have insisted on improvements to the set-up of the playing and backroom staff to ensure the team provides more entertainment next season. The manager has agreed to recruit a new attacking coach to complement the existing coaching set-up as well as an overhaul of the Club's scouting and recruitment operation that will see the Board have a greater involvement in the players who are signed, as the Board will once again be investing considerable funds into the Club this summer. The Club have made clear that they want to see progression on the pitch and at least a top-ten finish as a result. West Ham United Joint-Chairmen David Sullivan and David Gold said: We have a very clear vision of how we want West Ham United to operate under our joint ownership. Although not everybody understands the West Ham Way, we do and we respect it as we have been supporters all our lives. We believe this is about a philosophy that is not just about the style of play, but the whole ethos that surrounds the Club. Sam was asked to give us a detailed presentation on his vision for next season and during this he assured us that he can deliver that ethos to West Ham United and we have agreed to support him with the resources that he needs. We have mapped out a way forward with him that will ensure our much-deserving fans have more to cheer about next season. We should also stress, though, that while improvements do need to be made, Sam deserves credit for the job he has done thus far after securing promotion in his first year and two respectable Premier League finishes in the two years thereafter. We have also seen the likes of Mark Noble, James Tomkins and Winston Reid all make huge progress under his management, which in turn contributed to our impressive record of 14 clean sheets last season. "The truly historic opportunity of a move to the Olympic Stadium in 2016 forms a major part of our five-year strategy to take this Club forward and, while we have a duty to make sure we stay in the Premier League, we also want to make sure the performances on the pitch will befit a team playing in such a world-renowned stadium. "We are absolutely committed to taking West Ham United to new heights and we want to see the Club continue on an upward trajectory next season. The 2014/15 campaign is crucial to our future and we are confident that Sam has the passion, experience and determination to make sure it is a success." West Ham United manager Sam Allardyce said: "I look forward to taking the Club forward and improving the squad for next season to try and achieve the plans we have set out in our very productive meeting last week."

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IS A VICTOR OBINNA RETURN CREDIBLE & SHOULD WE RAID CITEH?
By S J Chandos 20 May 2014 at 08:00
West Ham Till I Die

Is it credible that West Ham are interested in signing former loanee, Victor Obinna? Fans will remember Obinna's loan period in 2010-11, when his displays and eight goals were one of the few bright spots in an otherwise disastrous campaign. The highlight probably being his excellent all round display in the 4-0 league cup demolition of Man Utd. At the conclusion of that campaign, we were relegated and he subsequently signed a four year contract with Lokomotiv Moscow in a lucrative Bosman deal. However, the Nigerian International spent last season on loan to Italian side, Chievo Verona and now apparently has aspirations to return to the PL. And his name has been linked with a move back to Upton Park. Is this a legitimate interest or is it just an agent 'flying a kite' to drum up interest? I think it is more likely to be the latter.

Of course, it is presently difficult to talk with any certainty about the club's summer transfer activity. Until the management situation is resolved, one way or the other, we are effectively stuck in limbo. Lets just hope that PL rivals have not 'got a jump on us' as result of this self-imposed transfer hiatus. Especially in respect of the better Bosman deals that will be up for grabs this summer. There is no doubt that some decent quality players will be available in the upcoming transfer window. For instance, Man City are planning to make Micah Richards, Jack Rodwell and Scott Sinclair available on loan or permanent deals; whilst Joleon Lescott will also be subject to a Bosman deal. That constitutes City stripping out four of the small English contingent in their current first team squad. Regardless, should we look to the surplus players at City to help strengthen our own squad for the next campaign?

Claret & Hugh reported yesterday evening that their source had indicated that the club were awaiting a response to a job offer made to a potential new manager and a definitive answer was expected within 48 hours. If the mystery person says yes, it is the green light for managerial change; but if its no, then the club will continue with the current set up, albeit with a new approach imposed by the board. All we fans can do is wait, wonder and see what transpires? However, If we have made an offer to an unnamed manager, I personally hope that we have gone for the radical option and sought the services of Ronald Koeman.

And finally, the club yesterday made the latest of their 'Don't miss out on your seat!' website appeals to season ticket holders. Could it be that renewals are not going well, as a significant number of STHs await the outcome of Friday's board meeting before committing their hard earned cash?

S.J Chandos.

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Sullivan: 'Fans protests the most important thing'
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on May 20, 2014 in Whispers
David-Sullivan-001
By Hugh Southon
ClaretandHugh.com

West Ham's co chairman David Sullivan has exclusively revealed to ClaretandHugh that fan protests provoked the inquest into Sam Allardyce's position at Upton Park. Having survived the lengthy quizzing into his future, Sullivan has made it clear that it was the fans reaction which was closest to his heart when considering Allardyce's continuing role as team boss. Speaking to me immediately after the announcement that the 59 year old manager was staying Sullivan – in a question and answer session – made his position clear. I asked: "It's widely believed it was fan protests that were at the bottom of the board's thinking when considering Sam's position – was that the case?" The co-chairman responded: "In fact it was the most important thing. That's why we looked for assurances from the manager and the addition of a striking coach." I then asked: "How are season tickets selling – how worried are you about a fan lashback both generally and at the box office from this decision?" He responded: "They are roughly level with last year, and we have a large list of people waiting for the best seats if any long standing season ticket holders do not renew. "I think supporters realise they need to renew or they'll go to the bottom of the list to get tickets at the Olympic stadium. "That said and done, we do not want to lose a single season ticket holder and we hope they think long and hard if they are thinking of not renewing."

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Five things Sam Allardyce must do to win West Ham fans back
Tuesday, May 20, 2014
8:08 PM
London24

West Ham on Tuesday announced Sam Allardyce would stay on as their manager, but he has been told by the board to produce more entertaining football and aim for a top-10 finish at least.

Here, London24 takes a look at five areas he could focus on to achieve those aims.

SUPPORT FOR CARROLL

The towering striker missed a chunk of the season through injury and, even after returning to fitness, could not improve the Hammer's fortunes as they suffered eight defeats in their last 11 games. As well as hoping Carroll stays fit, Allardyce urgently needs to find a strike partner to help ease the goal burden on the frontman, who only managed two in the Premier League last term. Being left out of the England World Cup squad could be a bonus as it should ensure he returns for pre-season training fresh.

GET WINGERS FIRING

The Hammers have two out-and-out wide men in Matt Jarvis and Stuart Downing, both former England internationals. They should be the ideal duo to provide the service from the flanks for Carroll to thrive on, but went off the boil over the course of the campaign. Allardyce needs to work out how to help both return to form next season and open up his side's most obvious source of goals.

BRING THE BEST OUT OF MORRISON

Ravel Morrison is the sort of attacking, creative midfielder the Hammers desperately need, but fell out of favour and was sent out of loan to QPR. His future at Upton Park is far from certain but, if Allardyce decides to give him another go and can bring the best out of him, it could prove his best piece of business all summer. Failing that, though, Allardyce needs to bring in a playmaker who could make the side tick.

FIND THE RIGHT ATTACKING COACH

Allardyce has agreed to recruit a new attacking coach to help the team adopt a more positive style of play. One candidate could be Les Ferdinand, who played briefly for the club and has been doing a similar job at Tottenham. His future at White Hart Lane is unclear, with the club looking for a new manager following the departure of Tim Sherwood.

GET THE FANS ON SIDE

Allardyce is renowned, fairly or not, as a long-ball merchant for whom results trump style every time. That philosophy did not sit at all well with the West Ham fans and he has been instructed to produce a more entertaining brand of football. A concerted effort to do that, even if it does not bring instant results, would likely be appreciated by the Upton Park faithful.

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West Ham & Newcastle target Almeida set to leave Besiktas
2014-05-20 09:58:04
Turhish-football.com

Hugo Almeida is set to leave Beşiktaş after failing to agree a contract extension with the club. "The deal they put forward was laughable," Almeida said. "They should think about the bigger picture, it's a shame it had to end like this I never wanted to leave these fans." "I made great friends here and would have liked to stay however, I couldn't accept the offer." Almeida is free to speak to other clubs, with his contract set to expire this summer. The Portuguese international has been closely linked with a number of Premier League clubs and has hinted that he would be open to a move to England. "I would be very interested in moving to the Premier League if the right offer came up," Almeida said. "I have always wanted to play in England. It is the best league in the world and the fans are completely crazy about football. "I watch a lot of Premier League football and it is the kind of football I like, with lots of crosses and fighting for everything. "I would really like to play in England." Almeida joined Beşiktaş from Werder Bremen in 2011 on a €2 million transfer fee. The 29-year-old striker has 13 goals and three assists in 31 appearances this season.

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West Ham fans react with fury after Allardyce stays
London24
Tuesday, May 20, 2014
5:45 PM

West Ham fans are "disappointed" the club have decided to stick with Sam Allardyce and feel their views have been ignored by the club's owners, says the editor of a prominent Hammers fanzine. The club announced on Tuesday that Allardyce will remain as manager for the start of next season but that he must accept a handful of "improvements", including a commitment to a more positive style of play. A statement released by the club said: "After listening to feedback from supporters, the board have insisted on improvements to the set-up of the playing and backroom staff to ensure the team provides more entertainment next season."

Allardyce has agreed to hire a new attacking coach and has been told by joint chairmen David Gold and David Sullivan to aim for "at least a top-ten finish" - but sceptical supporters remain unconvinced. "There is certainly a lot of disappointment and a feeling the fans haven't been listened to," said David Blackmore, editor of The Blowing Bubbles Fanzine. "Gold and Sullivan are talking about 'the West Ham Way' but the more you look at it the more it seems the Allardyce way is never going to be 'the West Ham Way'. "A lot of fans are absorbing it and making notes on what has been promised so that when it doesn't materialise at the start of the season they can call the board out on it."

He added: "At the moment we don't have the types of players to be entertaining so I don't see much changing. "Having a squad that is going to be fit is going to make a difference but I doubt it will be long past October or November before fans start voicing their concerns again."

West Ham's prospects last season were damaged by a number of injuries to key players, including club-record signing Andy Carroll. Allardyce will have "considerable funds" available to strengthen his squad this summer but the board will have more influence over which players are brought in. Sullivan and Gold said: "We have a very clear vision of how we want West Ham United to operate under our joint ownership. "Although not everybody understands the West Ham Way, we do and we respect it as we have been supporters all our lives. We believe this is about a philosophy that is not just about the style of play, but the whole ethos that surrounds the club. "Sam was asked to give us a detailed presentation on his vision for next season and during this he assured us that he can deliver that ethos to West Ham United and we have agreed to support him with the resources that he needs. "We have mapped out a way forward with him that will ensure our much-deserving fans have more to cheer about next season."

Allardyce guided the club to promotion from the Championship at the first attempt in 2012 and secured a 10th-place finish in the team's first year back in the Premier League. The Hammers failed to progress last season, however, and spent the majority of the campaign fighting off the threat of relegation. Three wins over rivals Tottenham and a 13th-place finish in the table did little to appease disillusioned supporters, who complained about the team's defensive style of play. In March, the home fans at Upton Park booed at the final whistle even after the Hammers had beaten Hull 2-1, to which Allardyce responded by cupping his ears in disbelief. Maintaining status in the Premier League remains the club's priority, especially given the significant financial implications of moving to the Olympic Stadium in 2016.

The statement concluded: "We are absolutely committed to taking West Ham United to new heights and we want to see the club continue on an upward trajectory next season. "The 2014/15 campaign is crucial to our future and we are confident that Sam has the passion, experience and determination to make sure it is a success." Allardyce added: "I look forward to taking the club forward and improving the squad for next season to try and achieve the plans we have set out in our very productive meeting last week."

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Five reasons Sam Allardyce kept his job as West Ham manager
Tuesday 20 May 2014 5:40 pm
Metro.co.uk

West Ham have announced that Sam Allardyce is to stay on as manager for a fourth season but why have the board decided to keep him on? Here are five possible reasons:

1) Allardyce has kept West Ham in the Premier League for two seasons running after getting them promoted from the Championship at the first time of asking.

2) Big Sam has never been relegated as a manager and appears to be a specialist at Premier League survival which is vital for the club ahead of the move to the Olympic Stadium.

3) He has one year left on his current contract and has hit every target set by the board.

4) A few additions to the squad could equal a more expansive playing style, especially at home, which may appease the terraces somewhat.

5) The board don't want to have to pay up his contract.

Quite how this show of loyalty will effect season ticket sales and the atmosphere within the Boleyn Ground next season remains to be seen but what is certain is that Allardyce will need new players to adopt the kind of football the fans desire whilst maintaining his usual unremitting surge to safety.

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Exclusive - Ashton: Morrison can save Allardyce from West Ham chop
By Nick Rostron-Pike (@nickrostronpike) | Tuesday, May 20, 2014
Talksport

Dean Ashton believes West Ham were right to keep Sam Allardyce at Upton Park – but has warned the Irons chief to resolve his problems with Ravel Morrison if he wants to keep his job. The Hammers boss, whose position at the Boleyn Ground had been under threat, has been given a stay of execution by co-chairmen David Gold and David Sullivan. Morrison has spent the tail end of the season on loan at Championship side QPR, after falling out of favour with Allardyce earlier in the campaign. The former Blackburn man has come under fire numerous times this season from the Upton Park faithful, who have become tired with his negative style of play. And former striker Ashton claims the 59-year-old must make Morrison his key man next season. "There have certainly been signs in the way Morrison has played to show he's a top player," he told Drivetime. "I can understand why he's fallen out of favour with the manager.
"Sam wants players to track back and do the defence side of football. Ravel has struggled with that and wasn't allowed the freedom he needs. "If the club want a different type of football then he's exactly the sort of player West Ham need to accommodate. "He's the type of player that can produce something out of nothing."

And Ashton believes the club were right retain Allardyce's services. "Sam has had some problems, in terms of injuries, and he hasn't had all of his best players fit throughout the season," he added. "When he has, he's got results, but not the style of football fans are looking for. "It's not easy in the Premier League though and he's still getting results, he knows how to do that. "This last decade has been a bit up and down for West Ham. Now they need a bit of stability. "[It's the right decision to keep] Sam and give him another year. They need to keep the club stable in the Premier League."

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The Big Interview - James Collins
WHUFC.com
West Ham United centre-back James Collins reflects on the 2013/14 Barclays Premier League campaign
20.05.2014

James Collins will be looking to the positives as he heads into the summer break. West Ham United turned around a bleak winter position to finish well clear of the Barclays Premier League's drop zone by the season's end and Collins says that uplift in form should not be forgotten. 2013/14 also included a hat-trick of victories over Tottenham Hotspur, which Collins knows pleased the Boleyn Ground crowd.

James, it's a season that had its ups and downs, but three wins against Spurs...

JC: "Beating Tottenham three times is a positive we can take from the season, but we'd have liked to have finished higher in the league, of course.
"Last year, our first back in the Premier League, we finished tenth and had a great season - we weren't far off that in the end this season."

Fourteen clean sheets must be a record you're really proud of...

JC: "The gaffer always sets out to keep a clean sheet and if we keep one, we know we only have to score one goal to win the game.
"Fourteen is nice, we'd like more but we'll take that."

How do your assess your own form this season?

JC: "I'll never say I've been outstanding and I'll never say I've been rubbish, but it's been alright.
"I'd have liked to have played a few more games - I had a fiew niggles throughout the season but that's going to happen at my age."

How impressed have you been with your fellow centre halves?

JC: "The other centre backs have been great - in any team you need confident, strong centre halves and in Winston and Tonks we've certainly got that.
"To see them doing well is great, and that's the same for both goalkeepers."

You've got two outstanding goalkeepers fighting for that No1 jersey?

JC: "Jussi got eight of the clean sheets, then Adrian's come in and carried it on.
"When he came in he didn't speak a lot of English, but he gets involved with the lads and has the banter. That's great and I think he's going to go on and be a top-drawer keeper.

There's a trip to New Zealand to look forward to. How's that going to be?

JC: "New Zealand will be great. It's a long old trip, but we'll deal with it and it's a part of the world I've never seen so I'm looking forward to it.
"Reidy's New Zealand captain, so hopefully he can show us around too!"

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Aston Villa and West Ham to fight for QPR winger
BY JOSH NUGENT ⋅ MAY 21, 2014 ⋅ POST A COMMENT
Footballleagueworld.co.uk

Aston Villa are set to fight with West Ham to secure the signature of QPR winger Shaun Wright-Phillips according to Football Direct News. Former England international Wright-Phillips is available on a free transfer with only a week to run on his contract at QPR. The former Manchester City and Chelsea wideman only made 13 appearances for QPR last season and his exit will be confirmed after their Championship playoff final against Derby on Saturday. Aston Villa are very keen on bringing the winger to Villa Park to provide some experience for their young squad. After a struggling season that saw the Birmingham-based side flirt with relegation to the second tier of English football, Villa boss Paul Lambert is keen for his younger players to learn from some more experienced names.
Despite Aston Villa owner recently putting the club up for sale causing uncertainty over the long-term future of the playing and backroom staff, Lambert has been allowed to press on with his summer transfer business. West Ham are also admirers of Wright-Phillips. They want to bring the 32 year-old to Upton Park and are confident of being able to match his wage demands-something which is a potential stumbling block for Aston Villa.

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HAMMERS EYE OLD BOY
WEST HAM KEEN TO RE-SIGN STRIKE STAR
Written by Alex Hams | Comments(0)

West Ham are considering a move to bring former attacker Victor Obinna back to Upton Park this summer, according to reports from talkSPORT. The Nigerian ace spent the 2010/11 season with the Hammers, smashing in eight goals before returning to Inter Milan. Since heading away to Italy, Obinna has moved to Lokomotiv Moscow but his spell in Russia looks set to come to an end soon. The 27-year-old has found it difficult to settle at his current club, and is rumoured to be ready to follow up a loan move to Chievo from the latter half of last season with a permanent switch to one of Europe's more established leagues. Hammers boss Sam Allardyce is desperate to bolster his forward line in the coming months, and is tempted by partnering the pacey Obinna with Andy Carroll.
The African star was a fans' favourite during his brief spell in east London, and a move to bring him back could ease tensions between 'Big Sam' and sections of the Irons' support. The versatile attacker is set to represent Nigeria at the World Cup this summer.

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