Big Sam on: Crystal Palace
WHUFC.com
Hammers manager Sam Allardyce has spoken to the press ahead of the Crystal Palace game
21.08.2014
West Ham United boss Sam Allardyce faced the press on Thursday morning ahead of Saturday's game at Crystal Palace. The gaffer fielded questions on the managerial situation at Crystal Palace, his side's ability in front of goal and the need to bring in a centre half to cover for injuries and suspensions.
Morning Sam. First of all you might have expected to see Malky Mackay in the opposition dugout on Saturday. What's your take on what's been going on over there at Crystal Palace?
SA: "I just think they need to appoint whoever they think is the right man as quickly as possible. I think Keith [Millen], judging by the performance at Arsenal, has them in good standing. He's done it before and has been with them all pre-season so that's fine. It might not be beyond the chairman of Crystal Palace to let him have a go, you've seen that happen before if [the caretaker] gets a couple of results. "It's a difficult situation to be in at the start of a season if you lose your manager, but it's something you have to face and the players have to do the job. They're professionals and they want guidance from the manager, that's very important, but I think for a short period of time they can do and use what they got during pre-season to go and get results. "You just have to look at the way they played against Arsenal - they were thoroughly professional and in many ways were very unfortunate to lose the game away from home at the Emirates, which is a big result for anybody, whether they have a manager or not. They are always very difficult to break down - we found that last year when they beat us 1-0 twice, both goals from set pieces. We expect them to be difficult to break down again on Saturday and very dangerous on the break."
You spoke after the game last week about the failure to take your chances against Spurs. Does that emphasise the search for a striker?
SA: "We've done that search and they're here. The problem is that they're not quite ready yet but we will use them if and when we can. Now Sakho has arrived as well as Enner [Valencia], they're moving along with their fitness on a daily basis and will certainly be used as quickly as possible. If not against Crystal Palace, they'll certainly be used against Sheffield United in the Capital One Cup and hopefully they can hit the ground running. "There's no search for any more strikers from our point of view. My problem and my difficulty is more at the other end. We don't have James Collins because he's suspended and we may not have James Tomkins because of injury, and that leaves a massive hole for us in the central defensive position where we only have Winston Reid. That's my biggest concern moving into the Crystal Palace game."
In terms of that cover at the back, are you looking at making signings?
SA: "We're looking at players who are able to play in that position from throughout Europe."
Looking at Palace's game against Arsenal last week, what can you take from that?
SA: "I think they have some better players than they did last year, but they very much stick to the same type of structural organisation. It was difficult to beat them last year and it'll be just as difficult with the players they've brought in. "The new players have lots of Premier League experience and from that point of view we'll have a tough job. There's still lots of excitement around the ground there, in the second season in the Premier League, and the players know their positions and know what the job is. At the start of last season they found it difficult to cope with the league, but Tony Pulis came in and structured it accordingly. "It'll be a tight game, I think. Don't think there'll be many goals in it, but hopefully it'll be as entertaining as it possibly can be."
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Six of the best - Crystal Palace
WHUFc.com
A look back at six memorable West Ham United wins against Crystal Palace
21.08.2014
The Hammers make the short trip to Selhurst Park to take on Crystal Palace on Saturday as they look to bounce back from defeat in their season opener.
Here, whufc.com takes a look back at six memorable wins over the south Londoners.
West Ham United 3-0 Crystal Palace
Division One
1 October 2003
The Hammers most recent win over Crystal Palace came nearly eleven years ago when they recorded a comfortable win at the Boleyn Ground.
The high-flying home side moved up to third in the table thanks to a goal from Jermain Defoe and two from Neil Mellor.
The Eagles would have the last laugh however as they beat the Hammers 1-0 in the end of season play-off final and secured promotion to the Premier League.
West Ham United 4-1 Crystal Palace
Premier League
3 December 1997
A thumping win over the Eagles earned West Ham their sixth straight home win and moved them into the top half.
Four players got on the score sheet for the home side with David Unsworth, John Hartson, Eyal Berkovic and Steve Lomas all netting in the win.
Palace would go onto finish rock bottom of the table whilst West Ham enjoyed an eighth place finish.
Crystal Palace 2-3 West Ham United
First Division
17 September 1991
The Hammers last away victory over Crystal Palace came in the 1991/92 season as West Ham picked up only their second victory of the season.
Mitchell Thomas, Mike Small and Trevor Morley scored the goals to seal a precious three points in the visitors' battle against relegation.
It would prove fruitless though as towards the end of the season a 2-0 home defeat to the Eagles helped relegate the Hammers.
Crystal Palace 1-3 West Ham United
First Division
24 March 1973
West Ham were in the midst of a nine-match unbeaten run when they recorded a comfortable away win over doomed Palace.
The Hammers had beaten the Eagles 4-0 earlier in the season with Bryan Robson again netting in this win.
Ted MacDougall and Trevor Brooking, who netted twice in the aforementioned win, both scored a goal apiece to secure a good victory.
West Ham United 4-0 Crystal Palace
First Division
28 October 1972
West Ham maintained their unbeaten home record with a convincing win over the visiting Crystal Palace.
A double from Trevor Brooking and one each for Bryan Robson and John McDowell did the damage as the Hammers strolled to success.
West Ham would go onto finish sixth whilst Palace were relegated after finishing in 21st place.
Crystal Palace 0-3 West Ham United
First Division
30 October 1971
West Ham made it ten games unbeaten in all competitions with a resounding win in front of over 40,000 fans at Selhurst Park.
Clyde Best, Ade Coker and Billy Bonds chipped in with the goals as the Hammers moved up to ninth place in the table.
By the end of the season Crystal Palace had avoided relegation by four points whilst West Ham were comfortable in 14th place.
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See the U21s for free on Friday
WHUFc.com
Season Ticket Holders can gain free admission to the Dev Squad's game v Southampton
21.08.2014
Season Ticket Holders can watch the Development Squad take on Southampton at the Boleyn Ground for free this Friday. The U21s face their first home Barclays U21 Premier League game of the campaign, with kick-off at 7pm. Admission is free for Season Ticket Holders, otherwise Adult Tickets are available on the door for £3 and Concessions £1. The Boleyn Ground Store will also be open until 7pm. Skipper Dan Potts is looking forward to the game: "It's always good to have another game quickly after a defeat and we have one against Southampton at the Boleyn Ground on Friday. "We'll be going all out to get the win in that one and hopefully there'll be a good crowd in to watch it. "It's always nice to play in front of a decent crowd and it's a great experience to play there because, at the end of the day, that's where we want to be regularly. "Even the build up to the game, being around the place and the changing rooms is part of it,"
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A Spence force
KUMB.com
Filed: Thursday, 21st August 2014
By: Staff Writer
Jordan Spence has signed a one-year contract with MK Dons. The 24-year-old full-back was released by West Ham at the end of last season after spending almost a decade at the Boleyn Ground, since when he has been on trial with the likes of Blackburn Rovers. However the former England under 21 international finally secured a 12-month deal - with an option for an extra year - with the League One club this week and is available for his new club's league clash with Coventry this weekend. "I spent nine years at West Ham so this was a big decision for me," Spence told mkdons.com. "I've definitely made the right one. I'm determined to do all I can for MK Dons."
No stranger to Stadium MK, Spence made 31 appearances for the club whilst on loan from West Ham last season and hopes to resurrect his career at a club with which he is already familiar. "It feels great to be back, I'm really, really happy to be here," he added. "I've said many times how much I enjoyed my spells here last season, so I'm looking forward to pulling on the Dons shirt once again. "
Dons manager Karl Robinson was equally pleased at landing his man, adding: "I'm estastic to be able to bring Jordan back to the Club. He was a little bit out of our reach at first – I know there was interest from Championship clubs but for whatever reason nothing materialised. "He will push the two centre-halves and the full-backs because he's a natural right-back anyway. He provides us with great strength in depth and hopefully we can build on that."
Spence made his debut for West Ham in the final game of the 2009/10 season as an 88th-minute substitute against Manchester City. The following season he made two starts under Avram Grant - the first of which came in the 3-2 defeat at Wigan that condemned West Ham to the drop and the second a week later in the final home game of the season against Sunderland. In his final season at the club, Spence enjoyed a run of seven games under Sam Allardyce including four further starts. However his appearance at Old Trafford in the 1-0 FA Cup third round defeat in January 2013 was to prove to be his last for West Ham.
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West Ham eye Madrid defender
KUMB.com
Filed: Thursday, 21st August 2014
By: Staff Writer
West Ham are investigating the possibility of signing Athletico Madrid defender Toby Alderweireld on loan. The 25-year-old Belgian international joined the Champions League finalists a year ago this month in a €7million switch from Ajax but featured in just 12 La Liga matches last season. West Ham have approached Los Colchoneros with view to taking Alderweireld, who also starred for his country in the recent World Cup Finals, on loan for the rst of the season.
However Madrid are thought to be keen to recoup the €7million they paid for the centre half last summer. Sam Allardyce revealed earlier today that he was keen to tie down an additional central defender ahead of the close of the transfer window. And landing Alderweireld would certainly be seen as something of a coup for the Hammers, who could face a challenge from neighbours Arsenal - who have also been linked with the Belgian - for the player's signature.
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Big Sam takes it on the chin
KUMB.com
Filed: Thursday, 21st August 2014
By: Staff Writer
And the forehead, the cheeks and the top of his head.... Sam Allardyce showed what a good sport he was today when undertaking the Ice Bucket challenge, a craze that has swept across the UK in recent weeks. Nominated by Ravel Morrison yesterday, Allardyce had 24 hours in which to undergo the challenge or pay a forfeit by means of a charitable donation. And Big Sam naturally had to have a big bucket - or dustbin in this case as you can see from the footage below - for the task, as handled expertly by Carlton Cole and Ravel Morrison.
Like Allardyce, who subsequently nominated assistant manager Neil McDonald and Jack Sullivan, Carlton Cole - who was also nominated by Ravel Morrison - received the dustbin treatment this morning. Poor Carlton was left so shocked by the experience that he was unable to name any nominees...
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Allardyce: defender a priority
KUMB.com
Filed: Thursday, 21st August 2014
By: Staff Writer
Sam Allardyce admitted this morning that he hopes to bring in one additional defender before the transfer window closes little more than a week from now.
Allardyce, who went into the season with only three established centre halfs in James Collins, James Tomkins and Winston Reid has since lost Collins to suspension and Tomkins to injury (hamstring). And speaking to the press at this morning's pre-match press conference, the Hammers boss admitted that his priority between now and the close of the summer transfer window is the acquisition of an additional central defender. "We don't have James Collins because he's suspended and we may not have James Tomkins because of injury," he said. "That leaves a massive hole for us in the central defensive position where we only have Winston Reid. "That's my biggest concern moving into the Crystal Palace game. We're looking at players who are able to play in that position from throughout Europe."
Having added Enner Valencia, Diafra Sakho and Mauro Zarate to his first team squad this summer, Allardyce is now well-stocked in attack - even without Andy Carroll, who is expected to remain sidelined until November. And despite being less than full match-fit, Allardyce insisted that he expects the new boys to be utilised at some point during the next week. "The problem is that they're not quite ready yet but we will use them if and when we can," he said. "Now Sakho has arrived as well as Enner, they're moving along with their fitness on a daily basis and will certainly be used as quickly as possible. "If not against Crystal Palace, they'll certainly be used against Sheffield United in the Capital One Cup and hopefully they can hit the ground running. But there's no search for any more strikers from our point of view."
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And now Dicksy takes a dousing
KUMB.com
Filed: Thursday, 21st August 2014
By: Staff Writer
West Ham United Ladies manager Julian Dicks has joined a long list of celebrities to take the Ice Bucket Challenge. KUMB revealed yesterday how Ravel Morrison undertook the challenge before nominating team mate Carlton Cole and manager Sam Allardyce to follow him. And this morning the Hammers legend looked visibly shocked - well it was a bit chilly, after all - when self-dousing, before naming former team mates Tony Cottee and Frank McAvennie as his two nominees.
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WEST HAM ALLEGEDLY OFFERED THE SERVICES OF LEONARDO PAVOLETTI!
By S J Chandos 21 Aug 2014 at 16:30
West Ham Till I Die
The number of strikers that West Ham have been linked with this summer, well it has to be a new record, even by our club's previous standards! And yesterday there was a report in the Sports Mail making the list just that bit longer. It alleges that Italian Serie A club, Sassuolo have offered West Ham the services of their striker, Leonardo Pavoletti. It is unclear from the report whether that offer is in the form of a loan move or a permanent deal.
Pavoletti is obviously not one of the better known Serie A strikers. In fact, he spent nearly the whole of 2013-14 on loan to Varese in Serie B, where he scored 24 goals in 33 matches to help them escape relegation. Prior to that in 2012-13, again in Serie B, Pavoletti scored 11 goals in 35 matches to help Sassuolo gain promotion to Serie A. So, basically he is a Serie B striker, with no substantive goal scoring record in the top tier. Indeed, his Serie A track record amounts to turning out for Sassuolo in the first two fixtures of last season, before departing to Varese. As such, why would Sassuolo, or anyone else for that matter, conclude that Pavoletti would be suitable for the English Premier League and West Ham eager to take up the offer of his services?
It seems that West Ham's 'issues' up front have become known 'far and wide.' And this has resulted in clubs, and agents, chancing their arm and offering all sorts of players. Some likely decent and others unexceptional. I do not know which category Pavoletti falls in to because I have never seen him play. I suppose he could be a star in-the-making, although one has to ask if that was the case why would Sassuolo not want to retain him? We have taken a calculated risk on Sakho making the grade, based upon his goal scoring record in the 2nd tier of French football and an assessment of his potential to develop in to a PL striker. I very much doubt that the club would want to take a bigger risk on another unproven striker like Pavoletti.
So, I think it will probably be a case of thanks, but no thanks Sassuolo! Unless, the terms of the proposed loan are so good that there is nothing to be lost by going for it. Time will tell, as always!
However, from Sam Allardyce's last public statements, it appears that there will be no more attacking reinforcements and the priority for signings is now in defence. Which of course, is bound to make the club management happy, as that appears to very much be their comfort zone. So, speculation about Pavoletti or any other striker signing, for that matter, could very well be wide of the mark?
And the latest on defensive augmentation? Well, there are the ongoing rumours about negotiations with Man City's Micah Richards on a loan move. While, the very latest speculation, courtsey of kumb, is that we may have an active interest in Athletico Madrid's Belgian central defender, Toby Alderweireld, who starred in the summer World Cup Finals and is considered a fine prospect. It would be something of a coup for the Hammers to landed him in all honesty, but it will most likely cost the club c.£6m to do so. However, with Winston Reid's long-term future at the club looking increasingly in doubt, perhaps that is the type of quality acquisition that we should target, rather than focus on a lesser, stop gap signing.
SJ. Chandos
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WHERE IS ELLIOT'S SQUAD NUMBER?
By Sean Whetstone 21 Aug 2014 at 08:39
West Ham Till I Die
22 squad numbers have been allocated so far to West Ham players but one notable name absence is Elliot Lee. The Academy striker scored 9 goals in the Development squad pre-fixture fixtures which was two more than the whole of the first team in their pre season campaign. He was rewarded with a first team bench spot in the final pre season friendly and came on to setup the goal which fellow Academy youngster Reece Burke scored late in the game but he is yet to receive a first team squad number.
Lee scored three doubles, his first brace came against Havant and WaterlooVille on the 15th July earning the U21's a 2-1 win, this was quickly followed 5 days later by another brace during a 4-2 win over RCD Espanyol. Just 9 days later he netted two again against Braintree to win the game 2-0 He completed his pre season with a hat trick against Woking in a match I attended and he was by far the best man on the pitch to enable the youngsters to win 3-2. In contrast I witnessed a unconfident awkward Maiga relegated to the development squad warm up at Woking, he missed shot after shot against 16 year old keeper Sam Howes. His team mates were laughing at him and it must be humiliating for him to sit on the bench to watch Lee bang in the goals while he remained an un-used sub at £30,000 per week.
I understand Sam Allardyce believes players need to earn their squad numbers, my question is what has the boy got to do more to earn his? Diego Poyet who has been bought in mainly as a development squad player this season and he immediately was given the number 23 without seemingly earning his spurs.
All Premier League clubs must submit a squad of up to 25 players, by 5pm on Monday, September 1st. 20 squad numbers already allocated to players over 21 and two allocated to players under 21 (Morrison and Poyet), the 23rd number is about to allocated to Diafra Sakho subject to his international clearance.
Each 25-man Premier League squad must include at least eight 'home-grown' players. The 'home-grown' players do not have to be English. According to the Premier League: "A home grown player is defined as one who, irrespective of his nationality or age, has been registered with any club affiliated to the Football Association or the Welsh Football Association for a period, continuous or not, of three entire seasons or 36 months prior to his 21st birthday (or the end of the season during which he turns 21)."
West Ham have the luxury of 14 of their current 22 man named squad being classed under this home grown rule. Nolan, Poyet, Cresswell, O'Brien, Collins, Carroll Tomkins, Jarvis, Downing, Morrison, Noble, Jenkinson, Vaz. Te and Cole are all classed as home grown talent.
In addition to the 25-man named squad, clubs can use an unlimited number of players aged 21 or under.
This means the likes of Reece Burke (17), Josh Cullen (18) Elliot Lee and Diego Poyet (19) plus Danny Potts, Blair Turgott, Matthias Fanimo (all 20) and Ravel Morrison (21) but under 21 on 1st January) can be included in the squad without taking up a place a valuable place in the squad of 25.
What harm can it do to give the promising under 21's a first team squad number?
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Sunderland boss Gus Poyet explains why he let son sign for West Ham
HITC
Freddie Shires
Gus Poyet has revealed he had the option to bring his son Diego Poyet to Sunderland this summer but had serious reservations about how the move might be perceived. Sunderland manager Gus Poyet has revealed why he did not attempt to sign his son Diego Poyet this summer, having seen the midfielder move from Charlton Athletic to West Ham United last month. Rumours linking the 19-year-old with a move to the north east immediately surfaced upon Poyet's appointment in October, with his announcement in June that he would not be renewing his Charlton contract further fuelling speculation. The Black Cats boss admitted that the option to sign the former England under-17 international was there, but the friction he believed it would have caused in the dressing room made him decide against it. 'There was a family issue,' The Mirror quoted the Uruguayan as saying. 'I would love to coach him, but at the same time it would be unfair on him. 'Do you think the players on the bench would accept it if I'm playing my son?' Having signed a four-year deal with the Hammers, the younger Poyet made 20 appearances for Charlton last season after becoming a regular in the side from February onwards, with his impressive performances seeing him win the club's Player of the Year award. Recently in the news after old tweets criticising teammates Andy Carroll and Stewart Downing surfaced, the highly-rated youngster also attracted the interest of Arsenal, Tottenham Hotspur and Chelsea this summer, and looks set to for a bright Premier League future.
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Carlos Tevez will be at West Ham's Capital One Cup match... in his thousands!
By NIK SIMON
PUBLISHED: 20:37, 21 August 2014 | UPDATED: 20:37, 21 August 2014
Daily Mail
Upton Park will be filled with thousands of Carlos Tevez masks when West Ham take on Sheffield United in their Capital One Cup tie on Tuesday. Tevez scored some crucial goals during his time in east London, including the winner against Manchester United on the final day of the 2006/07 season to save the Hammers from relegation. West Ham supporters had to watch their side average just 1.05 goals per game last season, but now they can rekindle the spirit of Tevez by wearing a cardboard cut-out of their favourite Argentine striker. While West Ham fans would welcome back the South American with open arms, manager Sam Allardyce has no plans to sign attacking reinforcements after Saturday's 1-0 defeat to Tottenham. 'There's no search for any more strikers from my point of view, the difficulty is at the other end,' he said. 'We're without James Collins because of suspension and we could be without James Tomkins because of injury.'
'We're looking at players who are able to play in that position [centre back] throughout Europe.'
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Hammers prepare new Reid talks
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on August 21, 2014 in Whispers
Claret & hugh
West Ham intend re-opening negotiations with Winston Reid on his new contract once the transfer window has closed. Manager Sam Allardyce and co owner David Sullivan are keen to tie the player down to a new four year deal but are waiting to see how things play out in the final days of the window with Arsenal reportedly watching developments. Rumours started emerging this evening that the New Zealander had rejected a new offer from the club but ClaretandHugh has learned there has been no further contact between the two sides. Speaking exclusively to this site a week ago co chairman David Sullivan revealed the club had made Reid a "fantastic offer" and commented: "Ask him if he's going to accept."
However, tonight a source told us: "There has been no contact on the issue since the club's last offer. "At the moment the manager and chairman have their hands full chasing one or two more signings. "But once the window is closed they will get down to some hard talking with the player again."
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Irons hatch Kouyate cover plan
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on August 21, 2014 in Whispers
Claret & Hugh
West Ham are highly unlikely to have secured a new loan signing to cover at central defence before the weekend game at Palace. Th Irons have been linked with Micah Richards this week but a source told ClaretandHugh: "Unless we are very lucky we don't expect to have someone in for the weekend." However, Sam Allardyce morning concerns that could have "a huge hole" at the back are unfounded. A training ground source made it clear the situation was covered and that hopefully James Tomkins would be fit for first team duty. He said: "He will probably face a late fitness test but has been improving all week. "However, should he not be available then we have Cheikou Kouyate who can play in that role. "However, we definitely want to bring in another central defender before the end of the transfer window."
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Maiga update on Metz talks
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on August 21, 2014 in Whispers
Claret & Hugh
West Ham have confirmed to ClaretandHugh that they are talking to Metz about the possibility of Modibo Maiga joining the club on a season long loan. Negotiations are at an early stage and we have been told that the Irons will know more within the next 72 hours. The news emerged out of France this morning that Maiga was the subject of talks but it has now been confirmed by a highly placed Hammers insider. However, the Irons will still be paying the lion's share of the player's wages if he makes the move. We have been told that Metz are only prepared to pay 20 per cent of Maiga's salary believed to be in the region of £30k a week. ClaretandHugh was told: "We are talking but that's about the size of the situation. We'll know more in the next 72 hours."
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Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger 'weighs up move for West Ham defender Winston Reid'
Aug 22, 2014 03:08 By Chris Richards
The 26-year-old is out of contract at the end of the season and is said to be interesting Gunners boss Arsene Wenger
The Mirror
Arsenal are reportedly weighing up a move for West Ham's Winston Reid. The 26-year-old defender is out of contract at the end of this season and, according to The Times, he is being monitored by the Gunners.# As of yet, however, Arsene Wenger has not made an official approach for the player, the paper reports.
The New Zealand international joined the Hammers in 2010 and signed a new two-year contract in April 2013. To date, he has played 94 times for the Upton Park club.
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