Daily WHUFC News - 19th June 2014

Hammers complete Kouyate transfer
WHUFC.com
Senegal international Cheikhou Kouyate has signed for the Hammers for an
undisclosed fee
18.06.2014

West Ham United are delighted to confirm the transfer of Anderlecht
midfielder Cheikhou Kouyate for an undisclosed fee. The 24-year-old Senegal
international arrives from the Belgian champions on a four-year deal and
becomes the Hammers' second new addition of the summer, following the
signing of Argentine striker Mauro Zarate. The Hammers had to fight off
strong competition from clubs across Europe to land the services of Kouyate,
who possesses extensive UEFA Champions League and UEFA Europa League
experience from his time at Anderlecht. Kouyate is thrilled to have
completed his move to the Hammers, as he exclusively told West Ham TV: "I am
very happy, because today West Ham have given me the chance to play in the
Premier League. So I'm very happy to join such a club and that gives me
great pleasure. "I know a few players who were also at the club, [Carlos]
Tevez, Demba [Ba], Andy Carroll, who was obviously here last season. West
Ham are a team who are known and who are going to help me to progress. For
my part, I'm going to try to do great things here and try to improve further
still as a player. "That I'm here now is thanks to the manager, because he
went out of his way, leaving his holiday for me, so he has done everything
he could for me to join the club. He, my advisers and agents helped me make
the right decision and said West Ham was the ideal club for me, because as a
kid I dreamed of playing in the Premier League and now it's here that my
dream has been realised."

Joint-Chairman David Sullivan has welcomed Kouyate to the Club and believes
his capture is a good indicator of the direction the Club is heading in. "I
am absolutely delighted to have clinched the signing of Cheikhou after weeks
of tough negotiations that saw us beat off the challenge of some huge clubs
across Europe for his signature," Mr Sullivan said. "He comes with vast
experience at the top level - including the Champions League - despite being
only 24 and I am sure he will add valuable competition to places. "We are
determined to have a better season this year and this signing is a statement
of the direction the Club is heading in. We hope to have at least four more
signings in place by the time we kick-off against Tottenham on 16 August as
we aim for at least a top-ten finish this season."

Born in Dakar, Senegal, Kouyate moved to Europe at the age of 15 when FC
Brussels took him into their Academy and the 6'4 central midfielder's
breakthrough came in the 2007/08 campaign when he made ten first team
appearances in the Belgian top flight. He earned a move to Anderlecht in the
summer of 2008, quickly becoming a mainstay in the starting line-up. A first
Belgian title arrived in the 2009/10 season, and he added to his medal
collection as Anderlecht claimed the crown for the last three campaigns. In
Europe, Kouyate played a full role as Anderlecht reached the knockout stages
of the UEFA Europa League in 2009/10, 2010/11 and 2011/12, and the group
phase of the UEFA Champions League for the last two seasons.
Internationally, Kouyate is a teammate of Senegal captain Mo Diame. He has
been capped eleven times and represented his country at the 2012 London
Olympic Games.

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Kouyate - 'It's a dream come true'
WHUFC.com
West Ham United's new signing Cheikhou Kouyate is thrilled to have joined
the Club
18.06.2014

Cheikhou Kouyate cannot wait to get stuck in to his new challenge at West
Ham United after completing his transfer from Belgian champions Anderlecht
on Wednesday. The 24-year-old midfielder arrives on a four-year deal and he
admitted that the lure of showcasing his talents in the Barclays Premier
League presented him with an unmissable opportunity. Kouyate, capped eleven
times by Senegal, won the Belgian title in four of his six seasons, and is
now looking forward to testing himself at his new Club. He told West Ham TV:
"That I'm here now is thanks to the manager, because he convinced me. He, my
advisers and agents helped me make the right decision and said West Ham was
the ideal club for me, because as a kid I dreamed of playing in the Premier
League and now it's here that my dream has been realised. "Sam wanted me to
sign, first and foremost. He went out of his way, leaving his holiday for
me, so he has done everything he could for me to join the Club. He said all
that he needed to so that I joined the Club. Kouyate describes himself as an
athletic midfielder, and although he filled in at the back on occasion for
Anderlecht, he sees himself slotting into the Hammers' engine room. He
explained: "I'm big, quick and athletic, so a box-to-box midfielder. I'm a
midfielder, so [when playing] as a defender, it was only to fill in. Now
I've come to West Ham as a defensive midfielder, so I don't want to be
thought of as a defender."

Dakar-born Kouyate is already well-versed on his new Club and is determined
to help push them onto greater heights in 2014/15. He added: "The aim is to
try to do better than last season. Anything's possible in football, so we
want to rub shoulders with the big boys and really push them. "We mustn't
forget that a lot of work lies ahead, but I've come to bring all that I have
and to try to have a good season."

Kouyate represented his country at the 2012 London Olympic Games so has
already visited the Hammers' new home, and he cannot wait to step out on the
pitch there again. "I was there with the national team of Senegal for the
Olympic Games," he recalled. "It's fantastic that they're now going to make
it a football stadium. It's a good project, it shows that the Club is
ambitious and it bodes well for the future. "London's a great city and
West Ham is the Club that has allowed me to come to the Premier League. That
was my dream, my dream was to play in the Premier League. Now I have that
opportunity to show what I can do, to wear the colours of West Ham and I'm
honoured. "I'll see the supporters in a few weeks. I know they'll be there
in their numbers and the rest will unfold on the pitch!"

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Joint-Chairmen excited by opener
WHUFc.com
Joint-Chairmen David Sullivan and David Gold react to West Ham United's
2014/15 fixture list
18.06.2014

Joint-Chairmen David Sullivan and David Gold's excitement for the new season
has gone up another notch after the Barclays Premier League fixture list
presented a mouthwatering set of opening matches. The lifelong Hammers fans
will see their side kick-off with back-to-back London derbies, starting with
Tottenham Hotspur at home followed by a trip to last season's surprise
package, Crystal Palace. The next four home games cover the visits to the
Boleyn Ground of Southampton, Liverpool, Harry Redknapp's Queen's Park
Rangers and champions Manchester City, which all promise sell-out crowds and
electric atmospheres. "It is a tremendously exciting start to the new
season, with three of the first five home games against top-six sides from
last season," Joint-Chairman David Sullivan said. "Although they will
obviously not be easy, it probably isn't a bad time to be playing them as
some of their players might still have a World Cup hangover. Our squad
should be refreshed and recharged after a thorough pre-season so I'm
optimistic we can get off to a good start. The Hammers famously recorded
three consecutive victories against Spurs last season and will be presented
with the earliest possible chance to make it four on the spin on when they
travel to east London on 16 August. The north Londoners will have a new
manager in Mauricio Pochettino in the dugout and Mr Sullivan believes that
could also help the Hammers. "The three victories against Spurs were
undoubtedly the highlight of last season and I'm really pleased we've been
handed another fixture with them so early this season. "They will obviously
be fired up for the game after what happened last season and you can never
be sure how a team with a new manager in charge will start. It could be that
it takes some time for his new ideas to embed themselves in the team so
we've got to try to take advantage of any uncertainty they may have. "For
our part, we are aiming to have at least four more new signings in place by
that game so I am sure we will be an even tougher opponent for them than
last season."

The Hammers overcame Tottenham on the opening day of the 1999 season and
Joint-Chairman David Gold, feels there is no reason Sam Allardyce's side
cannot repeat that feat this time around. He said: "Despite us being in the
midst of the World Cup, the fixture list brings your thoughts back to the
Premier League. "Tottenham at home is an amazing first fixture. It'll be a
full house at the Boleyn Ground and I couldn't think of a better way to
kick-off the new season than playing Spurs at home."

Mr Gold also shares the same optimism about what the 2014/15 season could
bring West Ham United. With one high-profile signing of Mauro Zarate already
in the bag and more set to follow, the Joint-Chairman is looking forward to
seeing what the new signings can add to the squad. "The first game is always
exciting as it'll be the first time we can see our new faces in competitive
action. We'll undoubtedly have a stronger squad than last season, with the
exciting signing of Zarate along with another major signing we're hoping to
announce shortly. "We've looked at what went wrong last season and we've
acted upon it and with everyone fit and firing for the first game I'm
confident we've got a great season to look forward to."

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Spurs at home first up for Hammers
WHUFc.com
West Ham United's fixtures for the 2014/15 season have been released
18.06.2014

West Ham United will kick-off the 2014/15 Barclays Premier League season
with a mouthwatering home London derby with Tottenham Hotspur. Fresh from
defeating the north Londoners three times in the 2013/14 season, Sam
Allardyce's side will start the new campaign by welcoming Mauricio
Pochettino's side to the Boleyn Ground on Saturday 16 August. The Hammers'
first away game will follow with a trip to Crystal Palace on Saturday 23
August before returning home on Saturday 30 August to play Southampton. Big
Sam's men will wrap up league matters on Sunday 24 May 2015, when they make
the long trek to Newcastle United. The Hammers take on reigning Barclays
Premier League champions Manchester City on Saturday 25 October (home) and
Saturday 18 April (away), while they host runners-up Liverpool on Saturday
September 20. The return match at Tottenham Hotspur will take place on
Saturday 21 February, while Jose Mourinho's Chelsea will form the Boxing Day
opposition at Stamford Bridge, while they visit E13 on Tuesday 3 March.
Premier League new boys Queens Park Rangers visit the Boleyn Ground on
Saturday 4 October, while the Hammers travel to Leicester City on Saturday 4
April and Burnley on Saturday 18 April. After Chelsea on Boxing Day, the
other traditional Christmas and New Year fixtures will see the Hammers face
Arsenal at home on Sunday 28 December and West Bromwich Albion at home on
New Year's Day. West Ham are one of 13 Barclays Premier League clubs who
will enter the Capital One Cup at the second round stage, with ties
scheduled to be played in the week commencing Monday 25 August. Please note
that all fixtures are subject to change, with broadcast selections through
to November due to be confirmed by Friday 4 July. All fixtures against teams
competing in the Europa League are subject to movement from Saturday to
Sunday, should they be playing on the preceding Thursday

Full list of fixtures (all subject to change)
Sat Aug 16 Tottenham Hotspur H
Sat Aug 23 Crystal Palace A
Sat Aug 30 Southampton H
Sat Sep 13 Hull City A
Sat Sep 20 Liverpool H
Sat Sep 27 Manchester United A
Sat Oct 4 Queens Park Rangers H
Sat Oct 18 Burnley A
Sat Oct 25 Manchester City H
Sat Nov 1 Stoke City A
Sat Nov 8 Aston Villa H
Sat Nov 22 Everton A
Sat Nov 29 Newcastle United H
Tue Dec 2 West Bromwich Albion A
Sat Dec 6 Swansea City H
Sat Dec 13 Sunderland A
Sat Dec 20 Leicester City H
Fri Dec 26 Chelsea A
Sun Dec 28 Arsenal H
Thu Jan 1 West Bromwich Albion H
Sat Jan 10 Swansea City A
Sat Jan 17 Hull City H
Sat Jan 31 Liverpool A
Sat Feb 7 Manchester United H
Tue Feb 10 Southampton A
Sat Feb 21 Tottenham Hotspur A
Sat Feb 28 Crystal Palace H
Tue Mar 3 Chelsea H
Sat Mar 14 Arsenal A
Sat Mar 21 Sunderland H
Sat Apr 4 Leicester City A
Sat Apr 11 Stoke City H
Sat Apr 18 Manchester City A
Sat Apr 25 Queens Park Rangers A
Sat May 2 Burnley H
Sat May 9 Aston Villa A
Sat May 16 Everton H
Sun May 24 Newcastle United A

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham: Cheikhou Kouyate joins from Anderlecht
BBC.co.uk

West Ham United have completed the signing of Senegalese midfielder Cheikhou
Kouyate on a four-year deal from Anderlecht. Kouyate, capped 11 times by
Senegal, moves to Upton Park for an undisclosed fee. He helped Anderlecht
win four league titles after joining them in 2008. "I am very happy because
today West Ham have given me the chance to play in the Premier League," said
the 24-year-old. "For my part, I'm going to try to do great things here and
try to improve further still as a player." Kouyate, who played for Senegal
against Great Britain at the London 2012 Olympics, can also play in defence.
West Ham joint-chairman David Sullivan told the club website: "We hope to
have at least four more signings in place by the time we kick off against
Tottenham on 16 August as we aim for at least a top-10 finish." Kouyate is
the Hammers' second new addition of the summer, following Argentine striker
Mauro Zarate.

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Senegal midfielder Cheikhou Kouyate signs for West Ham
BBC.co.uk

West Ham have completed the signing of Senegal midfielder Cheikhou Kouyate.
The 24-year-old joins from the Belgian champions Anderlecht on a four-year
deal for an undisclosed fee. "West Ham have given me the chance to play in
the Premier League, I am very happy. To join such a club gives me great
pleasure," he told West Ham TV. Kouyate played for Senegal at the London
2012 Olympics, coming on as a substitute against Great Britain in the 1-1
draw at Old Trafford. He has also won five full international caps and joins
the Hammers off the back of a season where he played 44 matches for
Anderlecht, including six Champions League appearances, and helped the club
secure a third consecutive Belgian title. Koutaye revealed he is eager to
step up to a new challenge and follow in the footsteps of players he
admires. "I know a few players who were also at the club - Carlos Tevez,
Demba Ba, Andy Carroll, who was obviously here last season. West Ham are a
team who are known and ho are going to help me to progress," he said. "For
my part, I am going to try to do great things here and try to improve
further still as a player. "That I am here now is thanks to the manager,
because he went out of his way, leaving his holiday for me, so he has done
everything he could for me to join the club. "He, my advisers and agents
helped me make the right decision and said West Ham was the ideal club for
me, because as a kid I dreamed of playing in the Premier League and now it
is here that my dream has been realised."

Kouate's arrival follows that of Argentina striker Mauro Zarate, who joined
on a three-year contract from Velez Sarsfield at the end of May. And West
Ham co-chairman David Sullivan revealed more additions are likely. "We hope
to have at least four more signings in place by the time we kick-off against
Tottenham on 16 August as we aim for at least a top-10 finish this season,"
he said.

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Cheikhou Kouyate joins West Ham on four-year deal from Anderlecht
Last Updated: 18/06/14 1:38pm
SSN

West Ham have completed the signing of midfielder Cheikhou Kouyate from
Anderlecht on a four-year deal. The Senegal international joins for an
undisclosed fee and becomes the club's second summer signing following the
recent arrival of Argentine striker Mauro Zarate. A number of clubs were
thought to be tracking the 24-year-old, but he was impressed with the
perseverance of Sam Allardyce, who cut short his holiday to complete the
deal. Kouyate, who has played in the Champions League with the Belgian
champions, told the club's official website: "I am very happy, because today
West Ham have given me the chance to play in the Premier League. So I'm very
happy to join such a club and that gives me great pleasure. "That I'm here
now is thanks to the manager, because he went out of his way, leaving his
holiday for me, so he has done everything he could for me to join the club."
"I know a few players who were also at the club, [Carlos] Tevez, Demba [Ba],
Andy Carroll, who was obviously here last season. "West Ham are a team who
are known and who are going to help me to progress. For my part, I'm going
to try to do great things here and try to improve further still as a player.
"That I'm here now is thanks to the manager, because he went out of his way,
leaving his holiday for me, so he has done everything he could for me to
join the club. "He, my advisers and agents helped me make the right decision
and said West Ham was the ideal club for me, because as a kid I dreamed of
playing in the Premier League and now it's here that my dream has been
realised."

Joint-chairman David Sullivan believes this latest arrival proves the club
are serious about launching an assault on the top half of the Premier League
after the struggles of last season. He hopes for at least four more recruits
during the summer before the opening game against Tottenham at Upton Park.
"I am absolutely delighted to have clinched the signing of Cheikhou after
weeks of tough negotiations that saw us beat off the challenge of some huge
clubs across Europe for his signature," said Sullivan. "He comes with vast
experience at the top level - including the Champions League - despite being
only 24 and I am sure he will add valuable competition to places. "We are
determined to have a better season this year and this signing is a statement
of the direction the club is heading in. "We hope to have at least four more
signings in place by the time we kick-off against Tottenham on 16 August as
we aim for at least a top-ten finish this season."

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham must aim for top-six finish, says co-owner David Sullivan
Last Updated: 18/06/14 12:15pm
SSN

David Sullivan insists breaking into the Premier League top six must be West
Ham's ambition and believes the appointment of Teddy Sheringham is a signal
of their intent. After last season saw manager Sam Allardyce come in for
criticism over the team's style of play, West Ham have recruited former
striker Sheringham in a bid to provide the attacking brand of football the
Upton Park faithful crave. Hammers fans were dismayed by Allardyce's
tactical approach but despite the unrest, Sullivan, co-owner David Gold and
vice-chairman Karren Brady opted to back their manager. Sullivan believes
offering such support to Allardyce quashes suggestions the club are dictated
to by opinions from the terraces. "I don't think we have undermined Sam at
all. We've been very honest with him. He is in the last year of his contract
and he knows we have to have a better performance because the fans won't
stand for it otherwise." "It's quite the opposite," he told the Daily
Mirror. "They voted 80-20 per cent to sack the manager. We didn't sack the
manager." West Ham get their 2014/15 campaign underway on August 16 as
London rivals Tottenham visit Upton Park and Sullivan admits the fans are
right to be ambitious.

Not acceptable

"You can't just look to stay up," he said. "It is not acceptable to our
supporters to say, 'We've survived. We've had a very good campaign'. "We are
not Norwich. We are not Fulham. We are not Reading. We are West Ham United.
"Our supporters are realistic. They know it is a huge and difficult task to
break into the top six. But we must be aiming for that, even if we don't
achieve it." Sullivan believes the addition of former England forward
Sheringham to the coaching staff will prove influential, but denies
suggestions the appointment undermined Allardyce. "We had a lot of people
approach us to become our attacking coach and Sam picked the one he wanted,"
he added. "Yes, we suggested the idea, but Sam liked it. "We didn't
undermine him at all. I think he has analysed the performance of the team
last year and agreed that we would like to score more goals. It was a
weakness of the team and he has brought in an expert to try and improve
that. "Teddy has played at the highest level. If you combine his game
intelligence with the level he has played at, I do not believe that he won't
improve our attacking ideas, whether it is the way we take our corners, our
free-kicks, or just our overall strategy. "I believe we will be a better
team for having him as part of our management set-up."

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Leyton Orient warn rivals off Moses Odubajo
Last Updated: 18/06/14 12:10pm
SSN

Barry Hearn has warned those monitoring Moses Odubajo that it will require
'a king's ransom' to lure him away from Leyton Orient. The 20-year-old
winger is a product of Orient's academy system and they have carefully
nurtured him into a first-team star following loan spells at St Albans,
Sutton United and Bishops Stortford earlier in his career. The youngster has
been handed a senior stage on which to shine in the last two seasons, and
has offered a sizeable return on that show of faith. The 2013/14 campaign
saw him score 12 times in all competitions, including a spectacular strike
in the League One play-off final defeat to Rotherham United. His efforts
have not gone unnoticed, with Premier League interest reported to have been
sparked. Tottenham Hotspur reportedly enquired as to Odubajo's availability
in January, and remain keen, while West Ham United are also claimed to be
plotting a raid on their capital rivals. Orient have no intention of
selling, though, with Hearn eager to ensure that a successful side is not
allowed to be broken up by the poaching of top talent. He said in The Sun:
"Moses is the best player to come out of Orient in generations. "It would
take a king's ransom to get him out of the club."

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
NEW SIGNING STATS: CHEIKHOU KOUYATÉ
By Tom Aldworth 18 Jun 2014 at 19:21
West Ham Till I Die

Cheikhou Kouyaté
DOB: 21/12/1989
Age: 24
Position: Defender/Midfielder

Previous Club: R.S.C. Anderlecht
Previous Division: Belgian Jupiler League

Transfer Date: 18/06/2014
Reported Fee: £7.2m

Analysis
In a move that feels like it's rumbled on for eternity, Cheikhou Kouyaté has
finally completed his move to West Ham United from R.S.C. Anderlecht. The
highly rated Senegal defender/midfielder joins for a reported fee of around
£7.2m, and is the clubs second signing after the arrival of Mauro Zárate at
the end of May.

So what do we know about the new arrival? A quick google search will tell
you that both Arsenal and Liverpool were linked with the 24 year old just a
few months back, and we know that Valencia were interested too. By all
accounts, this is a bit of a coup for the Irons.

Head to West Ham United Stats for my full analysis of the new man, including
a comparison with his new team mates, and a look at some of his strengths .

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
WILL THE POLICY TOWARDS OUR YOUNGSTERS CHANGE NEXT SEASON?
By S J Chandos 18 Jun 2014 at 13:00
West Ham Till I Die

I think it is fair to say that it has not been a great recent period in the
illustrious history of West Ham's Academy. The legendary production line
seems to have developed a mechanical fault of late. But is this down to the
quality of our recent crops of youngsters or is it also related to a deficit
of belief in the value of promoting youth?
We have recently seen Jordan Spence's failure to make the grade at the club
and that followed the departure of such formerly rated prospects as Sears,
Hines and Stanislas. Maybe recent crops of talent have not excelled like Rio
Ferdinand, Joe Cole and Micheal Carrick, but did they get anything like the
opportunities that those famous Academy graduates enjoyed? And would
Ferdinand and co have become the same players without those early first team
opportunities?

It is all very well issuing blanket verdicts that: they are just not good
enough, if they were they would be playing! Of course they have to reach a
certain standard to get in the first team frame. The question is whether,
having attained the required standard, they are then getting a 'fair crack
of the whip.' Few prospects, if any, emerge from the youth/Development Squad
100% equipped for first team football. I remember Joe Cole's first team
debut and, although bursting with tricks and neats touches, he still had a
considerable way to go before becoming anything like the finished article.
And he progressed by playing regularly in the first team, not by
disappearing back in to the youth/reserve team. Similiarly, both Rio
Ferdinand and Frank Lampard Jnr developed their game in the first team, not
out on loan nor in the reserves. Again, both had some areas for improvement
and they worked on their game week in/week out alongside seasoned
professionals. A major difference is that the club in that era seemed to
accept that first team opportunities were both a learning curve and key to
the ongoing development of young players. But it seems that today, in the
present high stakes world of Premier League football, it is far too risky to
play 'kids.' If that is so, what does that say about what English football
is becoming and, indeed, where it is going. Moreover, what does it mean for
the future of West Ham's famous Academy?

Putting youngsters out on loan can be an important part of their
development. But they must be the correct loan deals, which actively support
their learning and development. To me, it seems that many are put out in the
vague hope that the experience might result in something 'clicking' for the
players in question. Is it likely that a youngster will return from a month
on loan, to say non-league Luton Town, suddenly transformed and ready to
challenge for a first team place? Of course not. Too many recent youngsters
have stalled in their development, as they have stagnated in the U-21 squad
and/or moved from one aimless loan deal to another. All of which has
resulted in fustrated potential, the exit door and an eventual lower league
move to the likes of Colchester or Dagenham & Redbridge. This is a
depressing pattern that has become all too familiar in recent seasons.

You can constantly deploy the: they are not ready/done enough to impress
argument. But the fact is we currently have a group of three youngsters who
are close to making a break through. All three have had at least a taste of
first team football and would surely benefit from further exposure. Those
youngsters are Potts, Chambers, and Elliott Lee. Next season, will they be a
part of the first team squad, train at that level and be used (at least
sparingly) from the bench? Or will they be put out on perpetual loan and/or
stagnate in the Development Squad? They are at a stage where they need to be
tested and learn alongside first team regulars. Yes, there is a element of
risk, but when has there never been risk attached to playing youngsters. The
important thing is to manage it. rather than becoming totally risk adverse.
That's why Ted Fenton consulted with his Captain, Noel Cantwell, before
selecting Bobby Moore for the home match Vs Man Utd in 1958-59. And please
do not tell me that the inclusion of Moore was 'risk free' at that very
early stage of his career. You only have to look at Moore's next game Vs
Notts Forrest to see that he did not have a completely smooth transition to
first team football. But he got his chance, learnt, progressed and realised
his exceptional potential with the help of experienced defenders like John
Bond and Noel Cantwell. It is the same story with Geoff Hurst. It has to be
acknowledged that (apart from Ron Greenwood) the single biggest influence on
Hurst's development as a striker was Johnny Byrne. Hurst learnt many of the
more sophisticated tools of the striker's trade from the 'English Di
Stefano' and it was key in his subsequent development in to a world class
centre forward.

So, the contention is that youngsters need planned first team exposure and
benefit from the guidance of experienced professionals. Is that currently
happening at West Ham? As an outside observer, I am not convinced that it
is. Indeed, nothing could be further removed from it than the 'sacrifice of
the lambs' horror show that we witnessed last season at Notts Forrest. There
has been much talk of changing our style of play next season. But will there
also be a change of policy next season towards our youngsters? Will Potts,
Chambers and Lee (and perhaps others) get more first team exposure as a
result? Because at the end of the day, the fate of this talented trio next
season could well be an indicator of the future of the Academy as a whole.

Obviously, the club need to operate successfully in the transfer market and
bring quality players to the club. There is no bone of contention there. But
ideally that should be but half of the strategy. The other half, at a club
of West Ham's proud traditions, should be about producing and bringing
through our own talent. And there needs to be a successful synthesis, where
the youngsters thrive by training, playing alongside and learning from high
quality acquisitions. Much as the likes of Joe Cole once learnt from players
of the quality of Eyal Berkavic and Paolo Di Canio. Arguably that is the
trick for West Ham going forward, to get that synthesis right. That is the
challenge and the balance that must be struck. The future of the Academy and
this crucial aspect of the club's identity/heritage may well depend on it.

ps. It appears that West Ham do have an outstanding Rio Ferdinand type
starlet coming through its Academy ranks. He name is Reece Oxford, a 15 year
old, 6ft 3 inch, ball playing centre back, who played for the U-18s last
season and has allegedly already trained with the first team. And it has
been suggested that Oxford is so highly thought of that his development
could be further fast tracked next season. Could this be an example of
exactly what I have argued for in the above article. Possibly, yes, perhaps
the club's recent conservatism on blooding youngsters will be thrown aside
in the face of Oxford's outstanding promise and he will break through in to
the first team within a season or two. The problem is that such is his
reputation that both Arsenal and Chelsea are allegedly seeking to steal the
youngster from West Ham's grasp. Will they succeed? Possibly not, but our
recent declining record on youth development may not help our cause.
Hopefully, the saving grace will be that Oxford will realise that he still
has a better over all chance of progressing at West Ham. But that is
probably not nearly as clear cut as it once was. So, it is important that we
value the Academy and continue our long standing reputation for positively
and genuinely promoting youth development. A line in the sand needs to be
drawn on this issue, in addition to the others addressed just recently.

SJ. Chandos.

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
REPORTS EMERGE THAT ALONSO IS TO ARRIVE IN A £1.5M DEAL, AS THE PL FIXTURES
ARE ANNOUNCED AT 9AM TODAY!
By S J Chandos 18 Jun 2014 at 07:30
West Ham Till I Die

We know that West Ham have prioritised left-back as a key position that
requires addressing in the summer transfer window. There have been reports
that the club have been holding concurrent talks with up to four possible
left-back targets. The best known of these is Norwich City's Martin Olsson.
However, latterly, another name has come in to the frame, Fiorentina's
Marcos Alonso. West Ham will recall Alonso on loan at Sunderland last season
and him turning in some useful performances. The Black Cats are seeking a
permanent deal for the player, but it appears West Ham could be looking to
guzump them.

Indeed, the Mirror Sports are reporting that the Hammers are close to
agreeing a bargain £1.5m deal for Alonso's services, which represents very
good value for money. It appears negotations with the player may be at an
advanced stage and, all things being equal, a deal could be concluded sooner
rather than later. It has been suggested that West Ham switched their
attentions to Alonso after being priced out of a deal for Nice's Timothee
Kolodziejczak.

The Sports Mirror's Darren Lewis has also published an interview with David
Sullivan. In it, our co-owner confirms that Sam Allardyce was fully
supportive of the idea of appointing an attacking coach and Teddy Sheringham
was the manager's choice; that a club like West Ham must have higher
ambitions than just staying up and Hammers fans expect a concerted effort to
break in to the top six, even if they do not actually achieve it next
season; and Sam Allardyce knows that improvement is needed on the last
campaign and the Hammers fans will not stand for a repeat. Finally, Mr
Sullivan refutes the suggestion that the board are being overly dictated to
by fans opinion. In fact, in response and by way of a rebuttal, he makes the
point that the fans voted by c.80% to 20% in a poll to sack the manager, but
the board chose not go down that road.

The club have not yet announced the deal officially, but a number of sources
are reporting that the club have sealed a deal for Anderlecht's Chiekou
Kouyate on a 4 year contract. The reports state that West Ham beat off
competition from a couple of Spanish clubs (thought to be Valencia and
Seville) to secure the player for a fee of c£7m. If true, and there are
conflicting views on this, it is excellent news for the club. The Senegal
international is a towering 6ft 4 inch dynamo, who can operate both at
centre-back and as a defensive midfielder. I personally hope that he gets
the chance to play as a defensive midfielder, alongside Mark Noble. Whilst
fans naturally respond best to the signing of players with silky, creative
attacking skills, others who are powerful, industrious and facilitate the
attacking play are equally as important within a team context. Think of
players like Neill Orr in the 1985-86 team, who oiled the wheels of the
team, won the ball and created the space for the Devonshires, Dickens,
Cottees and McAvennies to attack the opposition. In that, and other key
respects (he is a good passer of the ball and keeps possession well),
Kouyate can be a major player for West Ham and a great addition for next
season. Yes, fans are probably still looking to add another flair player or
two, but that is no reason to under-value the significance of this deal. In
fact, Kouyate can compliment those type of players and help them to maximise
their performance.

Talking of players who are on the more creative end of the playing spectrum,
it has been reported by some sources that West Ham might make a move for
Newcastle Utd's midfielder, Hatem Ben Arfa. Ben Arfa is thought to be
unhappy at St James Park and nurtures ambitions to move to another Premier
League side. He could even be available for a £5m fee, which is good value
for money in the current market. However, there is likely to be fierce
competition for his signature, with Spurs, Everton, Monaco and Dortmund all
supposedly with an active interest in acquiring the player. On the subject
of the bar codes, it appears that Alan Pardew is in talks to sign Hertha
Berlin striker, Pierre-Michel Lassoga in a c.7m deal. Lassoga spent last
season on loan at Hamburg and was prolific, scoring 13 goals in 20 matches.
At 22 years of age, he seems a good prospect, although he did have some
persistant injury problems earlier in his career. West Ham were linked with
him at one point, and if they are still interested they need to get a move
on, because Newcastle utd appear to have stole a march in signing him.

While the attention is naturally on incoming deals, there are some key
players who entering the final year of existing contracts. This includes
Winston Reid, Ravel Morrison and Mo Diame. The outcome of negotiations will
be of equal interest to Hammers fans. Surely some progress/outcomes will be
reported soon?

Finally, the 2014-15 Premier League fixtures are due to be announced at 9am
today. The rumour is that we have drawn an opening, away day, fixture at
Hull City. We will see soon enough whether that is true. What other key
fixtures are fans looking out for? How kindly or otherwise will the fixtures
treat us in the various phases of the forthcoming season? All will be duly
revealed this morning!

SJ. Chandos.

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham transfer plan is FOUR more signings on top of newcomers Kouyate and
Zarate
Jun 18, 2014 20:15 By Darren Lewis
Ecuador World Cup winger Jefferson Montero is being eyed to join the Senegal
midfielder and the Argentine striker at Upton Park
The Mirror

Sam Allardyce wants another FOUR signings after making £7million Anderlecht
star Cheikhou Kouyate West Ham's second capture of the summer. The powerful
24-year-old – capped five times for Senegal – has signed a ­four-year deal
at Upton Park, with a two-year option. The Hammers beat off competition from
Spanish club Valencia to land the midfielder, who can also play in central
defence. Kouyate's signing follows that of Argentine striker Mauro Zarate
late last month. "I am very happy to join such a club as West Ham," said
Kouyate, who will link up with Mo Diame in midfield. "That I'm here now is
thanks to the manager, because he went out of his way, leaving his holiday
for me, so he has done everything he could for me to join the club." Also in
West Ham's sights is Ecuadorian winger Jefferson Montero. The 24-year-old,
who is playing at the World Cup, is looking to move from Mexican club
Monarcas.

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham boss Sam Allardyce wants four more signings after £7million move
for Chiekou Kouyate
Jun 18, 2014 13:44 By Darren Lewis
The Hammers boss has his eye on a big summer of strengthening as he looks
towards the top 10 next season
The Mirror

Sam Allardyce wants another four signings after making £7million Anderlecht
star Cheikou Kouyate his second capture of the summer. The powerful
24-year-old - capped five times for Senegal - has signed a four-year deal at
Upton Park with a two year option. West Ham have beaten off competition from
Spanish club Valencia to land the midfielder who can also play in central
defence. Kouyate, who had a medical on Tuesday, has made 145 appearances for
Anderlecht in the Belgian league after signing from Brussels in 2008. "I am
very happy, because today West Ham have given me the chance to play in the
Premier League," explained Kouyate. "So I'm very happy to join such a club
and that gives me great pleasure. "I know a few players who were also at the
club, [Carlos] Tevez, Demba [Ba], Andy Carroll, who was obviously here last
season. West Ham are a team who are known and who are going to help me to
progress. For my part, I'm going to try to do great things here and try to
improve further still as a player. "That I'm here now is thanks to the
manager, because he went out of his way, leaving his holiday for me, so he
has done everything he could for me to join the club. "He, my advisers and
agents helped me make the right decision and said West Ham was the ideal
club for me, because as a kid I dreamed of playing in the Premier League and
now it's here that my dream has been realised." He is now set to form a
formidable partnership in central midfield with Mohamed Diame for the
Hammers. Also in West Ham's sights is Ecuadorian winger Jefferson Montero.
The speedy left-winger, 24, is currently playing for his country at the
World Cup. Although he has impressed for Monarcas in Mexico, Montero - whose
contract expires next summer - is keen to move to the Premier League.

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham linked with 35-goal Argentine striker - Three questions
HITC

West Ham are said to be weighing up a bid for Catania forward Gonzalo
Bergessio as the club's transfer market campaign hits top gear. The Hammers
have already wrapped up the signings of striker Mauro Zarate from Velez
Sarsfield and versatile midfielder Cheikou Kouyate from Anderlecht. Manager
Sam Allardyce is said to want four other new additions on top of the pair,
and so it looks as if the London outfit will continue to be active over the
course of the summer. Catania's Gonzalo Bergessio is the latest man linked
with an Upton Park switch, with TuttoMercatoWeb claiming contact has been
made with the Argentine. Following are three questions posed by West Ham's
reported interest in securing Bergessio's services.

What can he offer the Hammers?

Bergessio primarily has played centrally in a trident attack during his
three plus years at Catania, flanked by pacy wingers such as Pablo
Barrientos and Alejandro Gomez. Though the Argentine is solid with the ball
at his feet, he's most comfortable receiving the ball in the penalty area
and turning to pick his spot with a shot on goal. Despite his relatively
modest stature - 5 foot 10 - Bergessio has a good leap and can also be a
threat in the air with adequate service from wide areas. For the past two
seasons the 29-year-old has finished as Catania's top scorer in Serie A,
having netted 35 goals in 109 career appearances in the Italian top flight.

Would his signing signal a change in Sam Allardyce's tactics?

Allardyce has reportedly been pressured by the West Ham hierarchy to adjust
his typically direct style of play and offer a more entertaining brand of
football next term. The capture of the tricky Zarate seemed to be an effort
to move the side in this direction, but it's debatable if signing Bergessio
would also be a move in this direction. It's possible that the Argentine
would be used as a direct back up for Andy Carroll, with Zarate playing a
more creative role in the side.
Injuries decimated West Ham's attacking ranks for long periods last season,
and Allardyce will be determined to have adequate cover this time around to
avoid a similar situation.

How much would Bergessio cost?

Catania's calamitous relegation from Serie A means the club will need to
sell several of their best players this summer, with Bergessio a likely
candidate to leave. The Argentine is valued at £5 million by Transfermarkt,
but it's likely the Sicilian outfit would accept an offer closer to £3
million given their precarious financial position at the moment. Bergessio's
salary at the Stadio Angelo Massimino is reportedly in the region of £10,000
per week, so signing him wouldn't have a drastic impact on West Ham's wage
bill.

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Alonso deal may hit Irons wage hitch
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on June 18, 2014 in Whispers
Claret & Hugh

West Ham are hoping they can organise a sensible wage deal with Spanish left
back Marcos Alonso as they bid to solve their problem position. The cash
conscious Hammers are keeping a tight grip on their wage bill but are ready
to discuss terms with the player. The board have regularly made it clear the
need to hold down their wage bill and that could scupper a deal for the
player who has now had spells at Bolton and on loan at Sunderland last
season. The Hammers have no problem with a £1.5 million fee and Alonso is
ready to quit Fiorentina for London. He enjoyed an impressive spell on loan
at Sunderland last season and is believed to be looking for a deal in the
region of £40k a week. A Hammers source told ClaretandHugh: "There's no
problem with the transfer fee but it's in the wages area that the problems
arise so it's all very much in the balance."

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Anderlecht mark our cards: Kouyate for midfield!
Posted by Sean Whetstone on June 18, 2014 in Whispers
Calret & Hugh

Hammers new boy Cheikhou Kouyaté has been bought as a powerful midfield
presence to play alongside Mark Noble. Billed as a central defender it seems
however, that Winston Reid, James Collins and James Tomkins shouldn't be in
fear of their places. ClaretandHugh has today been talking to Anderlecht
club sources who have told us that our £7 million has bought a guy who is
far better in the middle of the park than at the back. One said: "He's prone
to the odd defensive error but he can certainly play back there. However, in
the middle he's a seriously effective player. "We'd be surprised if he's not
used there primarily because I think it's reasonable to say that's where
he's really been at his best for Anderlecht." Another told us: "He was a
massive part of the team that won the Belgium Pro League last season
through the play offs where he scored his only goal of the season." The
signing appears to suggest that Mohamed Diame will be under real pressure
this season after complaining regularly to the media he wants a top four
club. Co-chairman David Gold – talking about the new signing to
ClaretandHugh – explained: "We have bought a very good player who can
perform in the middle and at the back. "Our policy is to get pressure in all
positions and in Cheikhou we have a very versatile performer at a brilliant
price."

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Sullivan exclusive: Top club came late for Kouyate
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on June 18, 2014 in Whispers
Claret * Hugh

West Ham supremo David Sullivan has admitted that late interest in the
club's £7 million signing Cheikhou Kouyaté had threatened to derail the
Irons big summer deal. Speaking exclusively to ClaretandHugh he declared:
"Another top club came in on Monday for the player, but I don't think its
right that we name the club." The club believed they had the player under
lock and key until then and were left clinging onto their hopes whilst the
European outfit negotiated with Kayoute's club Anderlecht. But eventually
the player's strength of character overcame the obstacles and Sullivan
revealed: "The main reason this deal was done was the player wanted to play
for us and held firm. "It was a very tough deal to complete. The price just
kept going up. It's been going on for three weeks."

Sullivan revealed that the player had first come to the club's attention
whilst manager Sam Allardyce had gone to watch a striker at an Anderlecht
match.
He said: "He went to watch a striker but this player caught his attention.
We then did a lot of research and we believe he has a good chance of being a
top player. "Now We expect to sign the or four more but it's all about who
is value for money.

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Hit, miss or maybe: West Ham's 2014-15 fixtures rated month by month
Wednesday 18 Jun 2014 6:18 pm
Metro.co.uk

West Ham's fixtures rated month by month

The World Cup in Brazil has served up an impressive diet of spicy exotic
fare so far (ok maybe not Iran v Nigeria) but fans will have had an extra
spring in their step on Wednesday morning at the thought of attention
returning to the meat and potatoes of domestic football. Next season's
fixtures are out – and for West Ham fans, they make for pretty good reading.

In a competition where everyone plays one another an equal number of times
(mercifully the absurd 39th game idea seems to have died a deserved death)
obviously there is no such thing as a good draw. The best you can hope for
is for an even spread of the toughest games – and that is what West Ham seem
to have.

August: Tottenham (H), Crystal Palace (A), Southampton (H).

Dust off your t-shirts, look who's back! The Tottenham three-peat was the
highlight of last season, with victory in the final home game over our
nearest and dearest securing Premier League survival. A repeat would be the
perfect start. HIT

September: Hull (A), Liverpool (H), Man Utd (A).

After a steady start, the Liverpool/United combo poses the first major
challenge. Louis van Gaal will ensure are United a completely different
prospect to last season. Could be nasty. MISS

October: QPR (H), Burnley (A), Man City (H).

The return of Harry Redknapp and West Ham Reunited will be eagerly
anticipated. Will Ravel Morrison feature – and who for? Anything taken off
City is an improvement on last season's horrors. MAYBE

November: Stoke (A), Aston Villa (H), Everton (A), Newcastle (H).

By now the season's shape should be clear, so this is a decent run to have
at this time, although the two away games are particularly difficult. MAYBE

December: West Brom (A), Swansea (H), Sunderland (A), Leicester (H), Chelsea
(A), Arsenal (H).

Enjoy the run-up to Christmas, as there could be a nasty hangover
afterwards. Two particularly hard derbies to end 2014. HIT/MISS

January: West Brom (H), Swansea (A), Hull (H), Liverpool (A).

January 2014 was the darkest point of a miserable season, but January 2015
looks better – although Cup matches could change all that. HIT

February: Man Utd (H), Southampton (A), Tottenham (A), Crystal Palace (H).

Liverpool and Manchester United back to back again. That could set things
back, but otherwise the opposition is not too scary. MAYBE

March: Chelsea (H), Arsenal (A), Sunderland (H).

Ouch. There had to be one duff month – this is it. Four points from this
would be a decent return. MISS

April: Leicester (A), Stoke (H), Man City (A), QPR (A).

After last season's horrors it is a relief to have to wait this long to
return to the Etihad Stadium. Otherwise, there are points for the taking.
HIT

May: Burnley (H), Aston Villa (A), Everton (H), Newcastle (A).

And we're done – again. A twist in the tail though, as Everton are always
stingy and Newcastle can be one of the most daunting places to visit in the
country. MAYBE

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Badge of convenience
Kumb.COM
Filed: Wednesday, 18th June 2014
By: Paul Walker

It's getting serious now. We are going to get a new badge, somehow, some
way, because that is clearly what our owners and board want.

Yes, I know we are being asked for our opinions and we are being told that
no change will take place without a strong consensus, but deep down--I am
sure you all agree--the times (and badge) are a'changing!

When the idea was first suggested, my initial gut reaction was to say 'no
way'. So much of our legacy is about to be changed by the move to Stratford,
so much history, that my initial feeling was to say 'just leave us alone'.

And that is sad, because there is such a cynical view these days about club
owners, not just ours, that we don't believe a word anyone says anymore,
instinctively. Modern society dictates that, I suppose; everyone is under
such scrutiny, so much of what we are told is doubted.

Sadly, the gulf between the fans and the owners is vast. In fact it is more
acrimonious than I can remember in all my years of following the Irons. Some
of the abuse that has flooded fans' sites since the consultation was
announced is seriously bitter and twisted.

While our board have clearly impressed on big Sam to make more of an effort
to get along with the us, maybe the board need to look at themselves as well
because their image could do with a make-over, too.

So, after dismissing the badge change idea out of hand I took a more
considered view, and I can certainly understand the need for a fresh
approach to broaden the appeal of the club. And after some interesting
research, frankly I cannot find any sort of badge that you could claim was
definitive.

It has been a badge of convenience for so long, changing with each kit
contract or cup final. And it has not changed significantly since 1999, with
most clubs regularly changing their badges to allow them to trademark them
and see off the fakers and forgers.

The badge has gone through a multitude of changes over the decades,
virtually everything has been tried, some with far less success than others.
The fuss from fans now seems to revolve around the retention of the Boleyn
castle, which to my mind has always looked like a cartoon or a Camelot theme
park logo. And as for the yellow (I know people say it is gold, but to me it
just looks yellow), where did that come from?

There is not a hint of yellow/gold anywhere in our history, right back to
the Thames Ironworks. And for the first half of the last century, there was
not a hint of any sort of castle in our badge.

The first castle in the badge I can find, dates back to the famed '64 and
'65 cup finals at Wembley, where a white castle appeared on the shirts for
the first time for the FA Cup and European Cup Winners' Cup triumphs. The
yellow/gold only came into use in the first Adidas era, starting around 1980
to '83, and then again from '85 to '87.

Even then the castle reverted to sky blue right up until 1995, and we have
had it ever since. Now this is just a personal view, but I hate yellow. It's
an insipid, weak, flimsy colour. I am tempted to say 'girlie' but you are
not allowed to say such things these days.

So if the yellow disappeared, along with the Camelot castle, I wouldn't be
that bothered. If the consultation came up with a decision to revert to a
strong image of crossed Hammers, blue, with a plain claret background, I'd
be happy with that. In fact, it would be more traditional to our history
than anything we have seen since 1995.

The Thames Ironworks badge, on a dark blue shirt,, was a Union Jack. Our
then founder Arnold Hills was a great patriot. And from the foundation of
West Ham United in 1900 to the first FA Cup Final season of 1923, there
wasn't a badge on our shirts.

For that final, a simple white crest had claret crossed hammers, and claret
trim. But that, too, disappeared until the 1950s. Even the 1940 War Cup
Final shirt had no badge on it.


It's amazing what you can find on YouTube when you start looking, and
there's some lovely footage of that final, when Sam Small scored the winner.
It reminded me of a time when I was working in Birmingham, that I sought out
Sammy--a born and bred Brummie--for a interview about that final. He was a
lovely, humble man who was amazed anyone still bothered about his day of
glory.

He passed away at 81 in 1993 a real Hammers hero, having scored the winner
in front of a 42,000 crowd at Wembley with a 6.30pm kick-off to avoid the
bombing. Mind you, TV makes us have a 6.15pm kick off these days for the Cup
Final, and there's not a hint of the Luftwaffe to be seen, just advertising
driven TV execs.

Anyway, back to the badges. From 1950 a blue square with claret hammers
appeared on our shirts. It became a shield in '52 and a square and a shield
in '54. Then from '58 to '60 we had the iconic V-necked shirt with blue
shield and crossed claret hammers that Bobby Moore first wore.

Up until '64 the square badge was worn, but after that flirtation with the
white castle again there was no badge from '67 to '75.. The white castle
re-appeared for the '75 Cup Final shirt, and then came the remarkable deep
V-yoke with claret strips for the ECWC Final defeat by Anderlecht in '76.
That shirt had a castle too.

The 1980 Cup Final shirt had a claret castle with thin sky blue crossed
hammers, and there was no further hint of a castle from then to '85.

Ok, so the point I am trying to make, somewhat long-windedly I accept, is
that the castle is not a significant image of our history in terms of the
club badge. The important stuff is the claret and blue, plus the crossed
hammers.

If you watch the club's on-line presentation about the badge consultation,
and gloss over all the guff about trying to prove they understand our
heritage and have someone doing the design who has been a season ticket
holder for 30 years, you get the sense that the club would like to have a
plain and simple badge with the club's name and London 1895 on it somewhere.

They make the point, again, that the club's name will not be changed (over
my dead body I hear you all say) and that must be the case because the boy
Jack in his little twerps, sorry tweets, says so!

Now the bit about incorporating London into the badge. That doesn't bother
me much as our new ground will be closer to the City than Arsenal, Spurs,
Chelsea, Crystal Palace, QPR or Fulham. And it would get right up the noses
of our rivals if we stole a march on them.

It reminded me of something Craig Bellamy said in his autobiography. Craig
can be a stroppy little so-and-so with some seriously dodgy mates, but he
never gave less than 110 per cent in a West Ham shirt.

He admitted that when he joined us he did not realise how big a club we
were, or the size of our fan base, and the fact that "West Ham is really
London's club". Exactly. The City skyline will be a stunning backdrop to our
new stadium, like it or not, and we are more to do with the essence of being
Londoners than those muppets from White Hart Lane.

Back in the old days, the docks went right to the walls of the Tower, and
West Ham were very much the club of the City.

So, having initially dismissed any change in a rather luddite approach, I am
prepared to see what the club come up with. Anything would be better than a
toytown yellow castle, with very, very dubious links to Anne Boleyn. In
fact, I believe she had lost her head before the place was even built.

What we must not do is lose our heads every time our wonderful owners come
up with a scheme for something or other. They may well be Del Boy, Rodney
and Torygirl, but they are not all bad... are they?

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::

http://vyperz.blogspot.com



---
This email is free from viruses and malware because avast! Antivirus protection is active.
http://www.avast.com