Big Sam on: Stoke City
WHUFC.com
The manager has faced the media ahead ot the Barclays Premier League trip to
Stoke City
30.10.2014
Sam Allardyce is waiting on the fitness of Diafra Sakho as West Ham United
prepare for Saturday's Barclays Premier League trip to Stoke City. The
manager explained in his pre-match press conference that they will give the
Senegal striker every possible chance of recovering in time as the Hammers
go for a fourth straight win.
Good morning Sam. Do you have any team news? An update on Diafra Sakho?
SA: "It's touch and go, we'll make a decision on Friday to see how his
shoulder is. There's no dislocation or fracture but he's still in a bit of
pain. We'll assess it tomorrow, maybe on Saturday morning if needs be."
Is it possible he could start on Saturday?
SA: "It's possible, at the moment it's about 50/50. There's still 48 hours
to go before the match so that's a lot of recovery time."
You've been in the top four for the last couple of weeks, has it been hard
keeping the players' feet on the ground?
SA: "Not particularly. I've sensed the joy and the goodwill feeling around
the camp. There's a buzz around training which is always good to see. But
the players now need to maintain and build on their performances. We need to
make sure we are mentally prepared for the game against Stoke City. It's
very easy to lose after a big result like the one against Manchester City so
I need to make sure the players are guarded against that."
Do you think the players are surprised where they are at this stage?
SA: "I think the new players will be surprised at how well they've done so
far. But that's been down to their own application and determination. I
think we're all surprised at how consistently good our performances have
been so far this season that has been very pleasing. "We've had quite a
number of injuries to deal with, but only one-and-a-half performances so far
have been below my expectations in nine matches, so that shows fantastic
consistency."
What do you make of Stoke City?
SA: "They've had a mixed start to the season. But they've used a very
effective and organised counter attack system to good effect. It's harder to
implement that when you're at home, but it will certainly be a tough game on
Saturday and we're certainly not underestimating the task in hand. Sparky
has been rotating quite a lot in an effort to get some consistency."
Did you expect to be sitting in fourth given it's almost November?
SA: "No it's been a surprise to us all. I never take too much notice of our
results in pre-season but it does create a bit of doubt ahead of the season.
And of course you never quite know how the signings are going to settle in.
Thankfully all those anxieties have been put to rest pretty quickly."
Are you looking forward to having Andy Carroll back in the side?
SA: "Of course, he's been out for a long time. As a manager you want as many
players to be fit as possible and Andy can make a very important
contribution. Competition for places is always a good thing because it
drives standards up."
Are you going to have to slowly introduce him back?
SA: "Yes it'll take a while. This is his pre-season now really because he
missed out. We'll take it game by game and see how he feels. Hopefully by
game three or four of his recovery he'll be able to play a full 90 minutes."
How high can West Ham finish this season?
SA: "There's no point trying to make an accurate prediction on where we'll
finish. November and December are notoriously difficult months. So I'm
waiting until after that period to make a proper judgement. I think this
period coming up is the hardest of the season so if we do better this season
than in previous ones we'll know roughly where we could finish."
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Six of the Best - Stoke City
WHUFC.com
The Official Website recounts six memorable wins against Stoke City ahead of
Saturday's clash
30.10.2014
This weekend West Ham United visit the Britannia Stadium, home of Stoke City
and a ground where the Hammers have enjoyed some good results over past
decades, despite last season's reverse. Here, whufc.com takes a look at six
memorable away wins against the Potters.
Stoke City 0-1 West Ham United
Premier League
2 March 2014
Jack Collison was on hand to end a run of five straight defeats as the
Hammers secured a narrow win at the Britannia Stadium. The midfielder was on
as a tenth minute substitute as the Hammers were forced into an early
reshuffle due to Matt Taylor's injury. Ricardo Vaz Te also replaced the
injured Joe Cole just a minute after Collison's introduction and the
substitutes combined to create the only goal of the game. The Welsh
midfielder slotted the ball into the bottom left-hand corner after being
found by Vaz Te, to give the visitors a much-needed three points.
Stoke City 0-2 West Ham United
Division One
24 April 2004
West Ham picked up a second straight win as their promotion push gathered
pace towards the end of the 2003/04 season. The Hammers put fresh impetus
into their challenge with goals from strike duo David Connolly and Marlon
Harewood. Irishman Connolly netted the opener after 39 minutes, before
Harewood doubled the lead with a crucial second goal with 59 minutes played.
A fourth place finish saw the Hammers beat Ipswich Town in the play-off
semi-final before they suffered heartbreak in the final against Crystal
Palace, suffering a 1-0 loss.
Stoke City 2-4 West Ham United
Division One
20 October 1984
John Lyall took his West Ham side to the Victoria Ground in 1984, just seven
days after watching his team take a 5-1 thrashing at the hands of Manchester
United. The Hammers manager got the perfect response from his players after
their defeat to the Red Devils, with goals from Paul Allen, Paul Goddard and
Tony Cottee doing the damage. Home defender George Berry also put through
his own net as the Potters lost out in a six-goal thriller. Stoke would
later find themselves shipping five goals to the Hammers at the Boleyn
Ground as the season drew to a close, with Billy Bonds scoring twice that
day.
Stoke City 1-2 West Ham United
Division One
16 August 1975
A week after losing the Charity Shield to Derby County at Wembley, West Ham
kicked off their league campaign with a strong 2-1 win against Stoke City.
Alan Taylor - the man who scored twice in the previous season's FA Cup final
to win the trophy for the Hammers - was again on the scoresheet at the
Victoria Ground as the visitors took all three points. Bobby Gould also
grabbed himself a goal to kick the season off in style for the Hammers.
Stoke City 1-2 West Ham United
League Cup semi-final first leg
8 December 1971
In the first of what would be four instalments between West Ham and Stoke
City in the 1971/71 League Cup semi-final, the Hammers secured a narrow
victory. A goal from Clyde Best and a penalty from Geoff Hurst set the
visitors on their way to a lead to defend in the second leg at the Boleyn
Ground. In the return fixture, the Potters snatched a 1-0 win to send the
game to a replay. The first replay ended 0-0, meaning the teams would have
to do battle again. Stoke finally prevailed and earned their place in the
final after a 3-2 triumph at Old Trafford, despite goals from Trevor
Brooking and Billy Bonds.
Stoke City 0-3 West Ham United
FA Cup round four
17 February 1968
Ron Greenwood's Hammers swatted Stoke aside as they strode into round five
of the FA Cup with a comprehensive win. West Ham booked their spot in the
next round courtesy of strikes from Geoff Hurst and a double from John
Sissons. Sheffield United were the opponents for the Hammers in round five
but proved too strong, running out 2-1 winners at the Boleyn Ground, with a
goal from Brian Dear the only consolation.
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Oxford leads England to victory
WHUFC.com
West Ham United's Reece Oxford captained England U17s in their victory over
France on Thursday
30.10.2014
England U17s, captained by West Ham United's Reece Oxford, maintained their
100% record in the Qualifying Round for next year's European Championship
with a 3-1 victory over France on Thursday afternoon. England topped Group
Four with maximum points after goals from Chris Willock, Will Patching and
Jay DaSilva sealed the victory for the Three Lions. Oxford, still only 15
years old, captained the side throughout this round of fxtures, missing one
game due to suspension. John Peacock's men completed a hat trick of wins in
just six days with a 4-1 win over Cyprus followed by a 1-0 victory over
Macedonia. The Three Lions will now progress to the Elite Round in the
spring before the main tournament is held in Bulgaria in 2015.
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Cole - 'We're firing on all cylinders'
WHUFC.com
Carlton Cole says the Hammers need to keep up their fine form when they head
to Stoke City
29.10.2014
Carlton Cole says West Ham United will continue to fire on all cylinders as
they look to build on their fine start to the season. Thre Hammers head into
Saturday's Barclays Premier League clash at Stoke City fourth in the
division having won their last three matches, including a memorable victory
over champions Manchester City. For striker Cole, that has fuelled his, and
his teammates', belief and he cannot wait for Saturday's game to come
around. He said: "The boys are buzzing, we maintained fourth position last
weekend so everyone is in a good mood around the training ground and
everyone wants to progress. "The manager said in our meeting on Tuesday that
we can't be complacent. We have to keep going, keep firing on all cylinders
and take advantage of the situation we're in. "Of course last Saturday is up
there with my top results at West Ham. I remember beating Manchester City
1-0 in 2009 when Jack Collison scored, but that was the last time we beat
them before Saturday. "It was a big scalp for us and it just shows the
progression we've made. We just want to keep on producing and churning out
the results."
The No24 has come off the bench in the last two matches, scoring at Burnley
before providing a useful presence up front in the closing stages of victory
over Manchester City. He added: "It's been brilliant. The last game was a
bit of a tidy-up job, trying to keep the ball on their side of the pitch,
but in the Burnley game I had a load of chances which I could have
converted. "I'm enjoying it a lot - I always enjoy putting on the colours,
going out there and giving my best."
Looking ahead to the Britannia Stadium clash, Cole says the Hammers should
fear nobody, as long as they play to their best. He explained: "It's going
to be a stern test for us. They have a strong squad, but so do we and I
think we can go anywhere and produce a result right now. "We have to keep
that in mind and know we're not inferior to anyone else."
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I had my doubts, admits Allardyce
KUMB.com
Filed: Thursday, 30th October 2014
By: Staff Writer
Sam Allardyce admits that West Ham United's dreadful run of pre-season
results was of grave concern going into the 2014/15 campaign.
Big Sam, who had guided his team into fourth place in the Premier League
with a quarter of the season gone went into the new campaign having seen his
team win just ONE of their SEVEN pre-season fixtures (in normal time) - the
very final match at home to Sampdoria.
Prior to that 3-2 win, Allardyce had watched his side labour to draws
against Stevenage, Ipswich and Schalke and lose to New Zealand part timers
Wellington Phoenix, A-League side Sydney FC and La Liga outfit Malaga in
Germany. It was a scenario that so concerned Allardyce he moved to boost his
squad with three additional players - Diafra Sakho, Alex Song and Morgan
Amalfitano - between the end of pre-season and before the transfer window
closed. And the trio's introduction - combined with some excellent
performances from fellow new arrivals and existing squad members, such as
the rejuvenated Stewart Downing - has ensured West Ham have started the new
season on a roll.
"I never take too much notice of our results in pre-season but it does
create a bit of doubt ahead of the season," he admitted. "And of course you
never quite know how the signings are going to settle in. Thankfully all
those anxieties have been put to rest pretty quickly.
"I think the new players will be surprised at how well they've done so far.
But that's been down to their own application and determination. I think
we're all surprised at how consistently good our performances have been so
far this season that has been very pleasing. "We've had quite a number of
injuries to deal with, but only one-and-a-half performances so far have been
below my expectations in nine matches, so that shows fantastic consistency."
Despite the wonderful start to the new campaign, which has exceeded all
expectations, Allardyce insists the bulk of the hard work lies ahead with a
packed schedule prior to Christmas likely to go some way to determining West
Ham's fortunes this season. "There's no point trying to make an accurate
prediction on where we'll finish," he added. "November and December are
notoriously difficult months so I'm waiting until after that period to make
a proper judgement. "I think this period coming up is the hardest of the
season so if we do better this season than in previous ones we'll know
roughly where we could finish."
A Nightmare on Green St: pre-season Blues
July
12th: Stevenage FC 2-2 West Ham Utd
16th: Ipswich Town 0-0 West Ham Utd
23rd: Wellington Phoenix 2-0 West Ham Utd
26th: Sydney FC 3-1 West Ham Utd
August
2nd: Schalke 0-0 West Ham Utd (West Ham win 7-6 on pens)
3rd: Malaga 2-0 West Ham Utd
9th: West Ham Utd 3-2 Sampdoria
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Diafra Sakho '50/50' for Stoke clash
KUMB.com
Filed: Thursday, 30th October 2014
By: Staff Writer
Diafra Sakho could be in line for a instant return to the first team -
despite several sources claiming he would be out of action for up to a
month. The Senegal international played all but one minute of last weekend's
2-1 win over reigning Premier League champions Manchester City before being
substituted with a shoulder injury. Several rumours emerged over the course
of the next 48 hours, with some even claiming that Sakho has broken a collar
bone. However according to Sam Allardyce, speaking in his pre-match press
conference this morning, the 24-year old could yet make Saturday's trip to
the Potteries. "It's 50-50 at the moment, but we've still got 48 hours
recovery time," he told the press pack at Chadwell Heath. "And we might even
wait until Saturday morning. "It's touch and go, we'll make a decision on
Friday to see how his shoulder is. There's no dislocation or fracture but
he's still in a bit of pain. "We'll assess it tomorrow, maybe on Saturday
morning if needs be. He is still in pain. There is no dislocation so it's
about his pain threshold."
Sakho has been a revelation since moving to West ham, since when he has
scored in each of the seven games he has started for the club. The only
match in which he has failed to score was the 3-1 win at Crystal Palace,
when he was a 68th-minute substitute for Carlton Cole.
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THROWBACK THURSDAY
By Bianca Westwood 30 Oct 2014 at 08:00
West Ham Till I Die
I took my afternoon run last Sunday. Well, I use the term 'run' very
loosely. It's more of a very, VERY slow jog. In fact, my old gym instructor
used to say that I was so slow it looked like I was running backwards.
Nothing like a bit of moral support to boost your confidence! But at least
I'm making an effort right?? Anyway I digress, as I was fast-walking round
Chingford, passing all my old haunts: the church where I went to Brownies,
the garages where I had my first fight at 11 years old with the school
bully; the alleyway where I had my debut sneaky cigarette that I'd craftily
snaffled from my mum's handbag; our old home, that the local kids used to
call the Adams' family house (whilst singing the theme tune at me) because
it was ancient looking, creepy, dilapidated & covered in dark brown peeling
paint with a front door that wouldn't shut properly and would weirdly swing
open of its own accord (it's ok we had less-than-nothing to steal anyway);
my primary school, my secondary school where the deputy head told me I'd
amount to nothing in life; the park I hung around in as a moody teenager,
swigging 20/20; the council house we ended up in after the previous
monstrosity was repossessed (it had no carpet, just the floorboards, but I
was over the moon with it because it had double glazing and a kitchen that
didn't look like it came with rats); instead of wallpaper I was allowed to
graffiti on my bedroom walls and the Chingford to Liverpool Street train
line ran right the way through our back garden. You got used to the rattling
noise after a while.
Now I'm not saying all this as some kind of woe-is-me, Monty Pythonesque
"There-were-a-hundred-and-sixty-of-us-living-in-a-small-shoebox-in-the-middl
e-of-the-road" life story but that's the way it was. I'm not ashamed of it
and I don't feel sorry for myself. I never have. I had a tough childhood. We
heard things and saw things that no child ever should. My dad had MS, a
debilitating and devastating illness that ravaged his body slowly and
cruelly over the years until he eventually gave up on living. My step-dad
was a compulsive gambler who struggled for two decades to fight his
addiction. More often than not he failed. Men were always banging on the
door demanding money owed, threatening all sorts. We got good at hiding
behind the sofa. My mum worked three jobs to support four kids and later
battled alcoholism. Them's the facts.
So the reason I'm inflicting my painful history on you is just that…it's not
painful anymore. In fact we laugh about some of the stories now. As I
dragged my reluctant body around the streets of my youth I had an epiphany
of sorts. I realised how far I'd come. And I don't mean the 5 miles I
hobbled through that day. I'm not that self-conscious, shy, uncomfortable,
oft-melancholy girl from the poorest family in the school anymore.
I'm not the same person who stood in the corner of the playground, with my
free school uniform on or waiting awkwardly in line in the canteen for my
free school dinners. The huge cardboard-like collar of my shirt from Henry
Taylor's of Walthamstow restricting blood flow to my head; the hideous and
scratchy polyester-viscose mix cardigan with holes in it and the appalling
A-line acrylic skirt I had on that was so stiff it wouldn't move when I
walked. I was quiet because I felt embarrassed…inadequate. The mean-girls at
school took it for aloofness. They thought I was haughty because I didn't
say much but held my head high. We didn't get on well. Probably partly the
reason I immersed myself in the world of football. There were no females.
There was abuse on the terraces…but it wasn't aimed at me.
But hey…that's not my life anymore! I got out! Wooooo! "Didn't she do
well??"
I'm not patting myself on the back here. Far from it. Yet it was this
realisation on Sunday afternoon that made me draw parallels with life as a
West Ham fan. So when do we start believing in ourselves? When do we start
believing we can really achieve something here? Without the fear of falling
flat on our faces. Or, as one charming football fan put it on Twitter to me
on Saturday night, going back to the gutter where we 'belong'. After two
more wins, three, four? Or is it in May? Or beyond?
I grew up knowing I could do better, but never truly believing I would. I
worked hard. I got my grades, my degree (first in my family if you don't
mind), my job. But there was always the deep-seated feeling that I wasn't
good enough. Someone at my work experience at the BBC told me I didn't have
a future in broadcasting unless I changed my Cockney accent. In my youthful
pig-headed arrogance and misguided East End pride I swore I'd never change.
But unfortunately he was right. It held me back for a long time. Plus the
fact I was a woman in a male-dominated industry. I used to be referred to by
another person in power at Sky as 'the Essex girl'. It wasn't a term of
endearment. It was a dig and I knew it. Eventually I realised I had to
soften my estuary tones. They haven't disappeared completely but I conceded
defeat on that score. But however you say it, with whatever accent you like,
I've broken a few barriers. Especially as a woman (and a Londoner to boot)
in football.
West Ham are also breaking records. Breaking new ground. We're enjoying our
best start in the league for 15 years. We're 4th in the table, the highest
we've been since 2008 and Sakho has scored his seventh goal in eight games,
six in six Premier League starts – only the 2nd player in history to do so.
We are preparing to enter a new era. We'll be plying our trade in a super
stadium soon enough. But we're constantly told (and telling ourselves),
don't get carried away, it won't last, it'll all end in tears, it's only
West Ham.
Always looked down upon in the top flight by our London-based Premier League
neighbours (no disrespect but I'm not referring to Palace). Laughed at.
Ridiculed. No money. The poor relation. The cockney working class rogues who
have nothing to their name but the West Ham Way (it's no myth
thank-you-very-much Sir Alex!) hoping against hope to rise above their
station. What happens if the Downstairs want to come Upstairs? What happens
when Del Boy finally becomes a mill-yon-aire?
Southampton fans are also enjoying their moment in the sun. They don't seem
to be questioning it. Despite their recent lean years they have an inherent
sense of entitlement. They are the 'haves' and their noisy neighbours, the
ones who are always 'playing-up' are the 'have-nots'. They're not
uncomfortable in their lofty place. Nor do they have nose bleeds. Whereas,
we can't believe our luck and are wondering where and when it will all end.
I'm not saying we should adopt delusions of grandeur and expect Champions
League football but when do we start looking up instead of down? How long do
I have to wait before I'm allowed to start believing that this club can rise
above its humble beginnings? What do we need to do to deserve, and more
importantly, believe we deserve the luxury of our new mansion in Olympic
Park? Why shouldn't we emulate the likes of Everton, a club which, on a
relatively small-ish budget consistently finishes in the top six or 7, has
decent cup runs and experiences European football beyond the Inter-toto cup?
I'm not getting ahead of myself. This should be viable. If they can do it on
a regular basis so can we. Surely a billionaire oligarch isn't compulsory
for success! I don't want to be a yo-yo club anymore. We have the manager
(nay-sayers be damned), we are far more secure financially than we've been
in years, we have a new mega-home to look forward to and
"gawd-blimey-strike-a-light-guv'nor" we've got the makings of a bloody good
team. And no mistake.
Ok so my tongue is ever-so-slightly placed in my cheek here…but I call for
no more tugging of our fore locks! Cast off the inferiority complex. We're
not just the pride of the East End we're the pride of London! We're doing it
the hard way and we can be more and do more than everyone thinks. It doesn't
happen overnight. It takes graft. And dedication. It's an evolution. It
takes time and energy but you get there. You just have to believe.
I should know….
Having said all that I'd take a point on Saturday haha! Come on you Irons!!
B x
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AN AMERICAN SEARCHING FOR BUBBLES
By Iain Dale 30 Oct 2014 at 18:47
West Ham till I Die
Guest Post by Matt Caputa
When the wheels touched down at Heathrow nothing felt comfortable. I had too
much luggage, no cash, and a not a clue where my living accommodation was
located. Grudgingly, I experienced the tube and spent the entire ride
wondering why it was even called a tube. I am studying abroad with the
intention of involving myself in British life, and the morning of my arrival
I wanted nothing more than to fall asleep and watch American football.
It was a dark Saturday and West Ham was hosting Liverpool. A generous fan
had offered me a ticket to the game but I had no idea where Upton Park was
in relation to Islington London, so I passed and opted to find a soccer pub
to watch the match. The first pub I entered asked me what league West Ham
played in. "What league was West Ham?" "Where was I?"- They were the only
thoughts lingering on my mind. I was forced to run the streets of central
London trying to find a place to watch the game. Luckily I found an American
resembling sports bar and caught the second half of our brilliant
performance against Liverpool. But I was worried. I was the only fan in the
building.
The next couple weeks I was plagued with concern about West Ham. London was
fantastic don't get me wrong, but for the life of me I couldn't find a
supporter. I am located in the dead center of London, where are the Hammers!
Student after student told me they were for Arsenal, Chelsea, and even the
brave admitted to Tottenham. I booked my first ticket to the QPR match with
a cautiously optimistic excitement. Was it even going to be worth it? Was
this entire pilgrimage for a mediocre experience? Well the next three weeks
gave a resounding response to my nervous energy.
I arrived to Upton Park for the first time alone four hours early. I must
have paced up and down Green Street one hundred times. The merchandise
tents, cheap fried chicken, and the people swarming with scarves and thick
jackets gave me the feeling I was finally in the right place. I remember
walking up the steps into Upton Park and taking my seat right under the G in
the Upper Trevor Brooking stand. I asked the steward where I get my bubbles,
and he looked at me like I had three heads and said that people don't
actually blow bubbles. I was stunned and to date that was by far the most
embarrassing moment over here, but boy did he get a kick out of it. I'll
spare the details of the game, but as I funneled outside the stadium after a
wonderful 2-0 trouncing of QPR, something inside me felt alive.
After the international break and an inspiring win at Burnley, I knew I had
to see the Hammers up close. Cue to the morning of the 25th. I was in
Queens's pub sipping on a Guinness. I was by myself again, but for some
reason I felt so connected with the fan base. I sat in a corner and watched
fathers laugh with sons, grandparents wrap their arms around the younger
generations, and more importantly not a single City jersey could be spotted.
The comradery was not superficial. The energy was laced with a hundred years
of loyalty and intricate memories. Feeling buzzed, I walked to the stadium
and took my seat 5 rows up from the field. When Amalfitano scored Upton Park
was became a circus. Fans from all sides of the stadium were on their feet
with arms raised in a heavenly direction above their heads. Could this be
the day I see something special?
And then, the moment happened, or shall I say, Sakho happened. I've been to
American Football playoff games, basketball games, hockey, you name it. But
when Sakho tacked on goal number two, the eruption from the stands was
unheard of before. There were no sirens, or marching bands, just pure
unadulterated excitement blasting from the vocal chords of those in ecstasy.
In the United States stadiums have become accustomed to trying to outdo each
other with manufactured volume. Boat sirens go off in hockey arenas.
Football stadiums have music and even cannons on site. Not here though. It's
not needed. With the singing, and chanting, and the laughing and oh my
goodness just typing this has created a stir of emotion. It carried its way
to the grueling 90 minute mark and the eruption again poured from all ends
as we beat City!
Now I know what some might think. I'm that simple minded American influenced
by an incorrect film about an outdated time period starring the guy from the
Hobbit. I get that. But this migration to London has taught me so much about
life, and the games at West Ham have taught me even more. I've learned that
this isn't a hobby, or an interest. There isn't a hint of casualness on game
day. Life is West Ham. I cannot wait to travel to Stoke on Saturday, and to
get a taste of West Ham supporters on the road. Because of ticket prices and
still a lack of anyone to be a loyal supporter of whom I live with, I will
continue to see as many games as possible until December 15 (when I return
home) on my own. I would love to arrange to meet with anybody up until that
date, and hope the next month allows me to network even more amongst the
Hammers community. This has been a surreal experience so far, and from the
bottom of my red, white and blue heart, I want to thank the city of London
for being so wonderful.
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West Ham forward Mauro Zarate switches international allegiances from
Argentina to Chile
Oct 30, 2014 18:27 By Ed Malyon
The former Birmingham City man has accepted the call for La Roja and will be
eyeing up a Copa America appearance on home soil in 2015
The Mirror
West Ham star Mauro Zarate has switched allegiances to realise his
international dream. The Argentine has finally accepted a call-up from Chile
after spurning previous overtures. And it means that the 27-year-old will be
able to feature in the Copa America on home soil next summer. The former
Lazio and Inter Milan forward won the U-20 World Cup with his native
Argentina in a team that counted upon Manchester City star Sergio Aguero and
United winger Angel Di Maria. But Zarate will now hope to line up alongside
QPR striker Eduardo Vargas, Arsenal's Alexis Sanchez and the other players
who impressed for Chile at the World Cup
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West Ham hotshot Diafra Sakho rated 50-50 to figure against Stoke this
weekend
Oct 30, 2014 11:41 By Neil McLeman
The buy of the summer had expected to miss a month with the shoulder injury
picked up in a collision with Joe Hart but he could be OK to figure this
weekend
The Mirror
Diafra Sakho is "50-50" to play at Stoke on Saturday after suffering a
shoulder injury in the win over Manchester City. The sensational Senegal
striker has scored seven goals in his seven starts for West Ham since his
£4.7m transfer from Metz. But manager Sam Allardyce said he is "touch and
go" to appear at the Britannia Stadium as his Hammers aim to continue their
strong start to the season. "We will wait till tomorrow to see what he is
like and make a decision from there," he said. "He is still in a bit of pain
so while there is no dislocation or fracture, it is about the arm movement.
The pain is obviously a lot less than when he did it but it is whether he
will be sufficiently recovered to take the risk. "There are no injections in
this scenario - it is all about whether the movement and the pain is
bearable for him. It depends on his pain threshold. He could start but at
the moment I would say it is about 50-50 but there are still more than 48
hours to go. "There is a lot of recovery time between now and three o'clock
on Saturday so we will wait and see. We might even wait till Saturday
morning."
Andy Carroll has yet to play a practice match and although he could return
to action next month Allardyce said: "At the moment we are playing well and
getting good results. It doesn't force me to play Andy quicker than I have
to. It is about game time and training with the lads and seeing how quickly
he improves."
The Hammers have won four of their last five games to sit in the Champions
League places following home wins over Liverpool and the defending
champions. "I think it is a surprise to us all," Allardyce admitted. "We had
a very poor pre-season and looking back, it was not the right thing to go to
New Zealand. The results and performances were not good going into the
season and there was some anxiety going in. "We had so many injuries because
of the travelling and the anxiety of the new players and how good they would
be. Those anxieties were quickly put aside and in the last four or five
games we have been excellent."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Tottenham Hotspur's struggles are a warning to Premier League rivals
Southampton and West Ham United
Subhankar Mondal
HITC
At the start of the season, Tottenham Hotspur were claimed to be among the
key contenders for a top-four finish in the Premier League; now West Ham
United and Southampton are the new darlings. Tottenham Hotspur are
struggling at the moment. Their 2-0 victory over Brighton & Hove Albion at
White Hart Lane in the League Cup fourth-round tie on Wednesday cannot
eclipse that. Heading into this weekend's round of matches, Spurs find
themselves 11th in the Premier League table with just 11 points from nine
matches. Mauricio Pochettino's side are five points behind fourth-placed
West Ham United and just three points above the relegation zone – results
have been that bad. However, back in August, Tottenham were being backed for
a top-four spot, with some suggesting that they could even fight for the
league title.
Tottenham's recent struggle is another example of the myopic vision that
exists in football. When you win three games in a row, you are set for
glory; if you fail to win in five matches, you are set for
disaster.Southampton and West Ham United have made truly brilliant starts to
the 2014-15 season, and there are suggestions that they could finish in the
top six, maybe even the top four. That could well turn out to be the case,
but it would be foolhardly to get carried away after just nine rounds of
matches. As good as the Saints and the Hammers have been, there is no
guarantee that they will continue this run of good results. First and
foremost, the two clubs should think of consolidating their place in the
Premier League; European glory should be a bonus. Yours truly is not trying
to undermine the achievements of Southampton and West Ham so far this
season, but it would be unwise to get carried away and start over-hyping the
two teams. Both Arsenal and Manchester United are below them, and both have
far better squads than them.
True, Southampton's summer signings have gelled, but there is a reason -
often overlooked by the bangwagon jumpers - why Graziano Pelle and Dusan
Tadic were not picked up by bigger clubs in the summer. Pelle is 29 and has
only just played for the Italy national team, while 25-year-old Tadic has
yet to prove himself at the highest level. Make no mistake both have been
brilliant so far – but they have to continue playing like this over the
course of the season. Can they do that? West Ham have a similar situation.
The Hammers' summer signings Alex Song, Diafra Sakho and Enner Valencia have
been brilliant so far, but let's not get carried away too early. Remember
Song was put up for sale by Barcelona and Sakho was at Metz until this
season.
Tottenham have a different situation. They started well but are struggling
at the moment, and now the fear-mongers are claiming that they will fail to
even secure a top-six finish, neatly forgetting that they have more talented
players that West Ham and Southampton.
Over the years, there have been numerous examples of teams making great
starts and then fizzling out. There is no sign yet that West Ham and
Southampton will follow suit, but it would be wise to temper the
expectations on them.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Sam alone must make Sakho decision
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on October 30, 2014 in Whispers
Claret & Hugh
Big Sam will know how desperate Diafra Sakho will be to play at Stoke on
Saturday but he musn't – nor do I believe he will – allow the player to make
the decision on whether he starts. The manager revealed in his press
conference this morning that the striker has a 50/50 chance of making the
game and with normal progress you would expect that to rise to 80/20 by kick
off time. As a former manager myself I've had a lot of players tell me they
are ready to play and found to my cost they weren't. You learn fast to make
your own mind up and I am sure Sam will take the decision away from the
lad. I've always been a firm believer too that if a guy isn't fit to start,
he isn't fit to be on the bench so iSam has to be 100 per cent sure of
Diafra. Should he not be ready then I imagine the manager will go with Kevin
Nolan who remains a goalscorer and with the level of competition in the
squad will be well motivated for the game. He also gives the advantage of
being suited to an awkward away game where if the pressure does come on he
can drop back into midfield. I'd have Mauro Zarate on the bench should we
need to change things after an hour. People are saying that the Stoke
central defenders will give Diafra too hard a handling if he does play but
let me tell you as a former striker, there are no central defenders in any
team who don't want to you up. With him or without him, I fancy us to win
against Stoke who have had a patchy start to the season and the degree of
difficulty involved will depend in which Stoke turn up! One thing I am
absolutely certain of is that they will be more worried about us than vice
versa because you can almost feel the confidence in the Hammers squad. I
reckon we'll win it 2-1
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Friday, October 31
Thursday, October 30
Daily WHUFC News - 30th October 2014
The Big Interview - Andy Carroll
WHUFC.com
Andy Carroll cannot wait to return to action as quickly as possible
28.10.2014
Andy Carroll is excited by the prospect of returning to a winning West Ham
United side in the near future. The former Liverpool striker has missed the
whole of the season to date after suffering an ankle injury in the summer,
but is now back in training and itching to be involved in Barclays Premier
League action again. whufc.com caught up with the No9 for this week's Big
Interview.
Andy, you're back in training now. How good does that feel?
AC: "It's unbelievable. I've been out for so long that to be back training
with the lads again is a fantastic feeling. It has been a difficult few
months, being in a dark gym by myself training every day. Seeing the lads go
out and having the banter and not being as much a part of it that you want
to be [is hard], but it's getting closer now and it feels a lot better.
"Just putting the boots on again for the first time is a real lift. That's
what you're a footballer for, to go out on the grass and play football.
That's where I am now and hopefully I'll be back in the squad soon."
Looking at the way the team's played, you must be itching to get out there
and amongst it?
AC: "We're playing fantastically. The gaffer has signed some great players
and we're showing the quality we've got with the goals we're scoring. That's
why we are where we are in the league, so for me to be a part of that - I
cannot wait."
Does it feel like the team has evolved over the time you've been at the
Club, with the players who joined with you having been added to over the
summer?
AC: "Since West Ham were promoted, it's only gone up really, and it's going
to continue to go up too with the New Stadium and where we are in the
league. With the players we've signed, we've turned it around completely."
We're scoring goals and creating chances - how much do you want to be a part
of that?
AC: "We scored three headers at Burnley, and another on Saturday with
Cresswell crossing the ball in. He whips them in and puts them on a plate,
so I can't wait to be involved with that."
That kind of delivery is just what you want, isn't it?
AC: Yes, the service that everyone is putting in the box to create chances
has been great. That's what I thrive on."
How far do you think this team can go this season?
AC: "I think we can push right on for Europe. I don't see why not - I think
all the lads are positive about that and I know the gaffer is too."
I know you were there on Saturday, and you experienced the atmosphere
against Manchester City. That was special, wasn't it?
AC: "It's great, I'm sitting there with my friends and family watching and
everyone's talking about how great the fans are. It shows when the fans get
behind you how well you can play. That's exactly what they're doing and it
feels like we've got 12 men on the pitch."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Hammers sign up ICU Label
WHUFC.com
ICU Label are to become West Ham United's official Club record label
29.10.2014
West Ham United are delighted to announce a new partnership with ICU Label,
the Club's very own official record label. Founded by 25-year-old Elliott
Govinden, ICU seek potential in aspiring artists and work with them to
develop their talent. To further enhance the West Ham matchday experience,
ICU artist Harper will be performing live throughout the season at the
Boleyn Ground and both her and the label plan to engage with the Hammers
fanbase across the Club's many digital platforms. Having established a
network that stretches from London to New York and beyond, ICU have an
enjoyed an exceptional first year and expect their star to continue in rise,
now that they have joined forces with the Hammers. "We're thrilled to be
working with West Ham United and hope that this will raise our growing
profile yet further," Elliott confirmed. "We've got some great talent on our
books and I'm sure the fans will enjoy listening to them at the Boleyn
Ground."
West Ham United Commercial Director Felicity Croft added: "Music is a huge
part of the West Ham matchday and this collaboration will add to the
atmosphere at the Boleyn Ground. ICU Label are an ambitious outfit and we
look forward to working with them."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Andy Carroll says club can 'push for Europe'
BBC.co.uk
West Ham striker Andy Carroll believes the east London club can qualify for
European competition this season. The Hammers have won their past three
games and are fourth in the Premier League after Saturday's 2-1 win over
Manchester City. Carroll has been out all season with an ankle injury but is
back in training. "I think we can push for Europe. We're playing
fantastically and I cannot wait to be a part of that," the 25-year-old told
the club website. "I think all the lads are positive about that and I know
the gaffer is too. "The gaffer has signed some great players and we're
showing the quality we've got with the goals we're scoring - that's why we
are where we are in the league." Meanwhile, West Ham's top scorer Diafra
Sakho, who has scored seven goals in seven games, could face up to four
weeks out after sustaining a shoulder injury in the Upton Park side's
triumph over the Premier League champions at the weekend. West Ham travel to
Stoke in their next Premier League game on Saturday.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Morgan Amalfitano eager to stay on at West Ham
Last Updated: 29/10/14 3:19pm
SSN
Morgan Amalfitano is hoping to earn an extended stay at West Ham United past
the end of his initial one-year contract. The French midfielder returned to
England over the summer having spent the 2013/14 campaign on loan at West
Bromwich Albion. It was during his time at The Hawthorns that he came to the
attention of other Premier League bosses, with the 29-year-old settling
quickly in new surroundings.
West Ham were, however, only prepared to offer a 12-month deal upon signing
Amalfitano from Marseille. There was always the opportunity for the one-cap
France international to prove that he was deserving of a prolonged stay and,
after netting his second West Ham goal in Saturday's impressive 2-1 victory
over Manchester City, he hopes terms will be tabled at some stage.
Amalfitano told RMC: "I hope to contribute and to stay here. I never had any
doubts about making this choice. "I just had to prepare myself physically in
line with what I did with Marseille. Then I could get back to my best. "I'm
adapting well and I hope it carries on this way in the future. But we can't
rest because there is still a long road ahead."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Andy Carroll praises performances of West Ham colleague Aaron Cresswell
Last Updated: 29/10/14 3:01pm
SSN
Andy Carroll says he cannot wait to get back into the first team at West Ham
and believes he could thrive on the service provided by full-back Aaron
Cresswell. Carroll has not played for the Hammers this season because of an
ankle injury but his manager Sam Allardyce said recently that the
25-year-old striker could be back in action during the next few weeks. The
east London club are currently fourth in the table and last Saturday beat
reigning Premier League champions Manchester City 2-1 at Upton Park. They
have also beaten last year's runners-up Liverpool and Carroll has praised
the recent performances of Cresswell. He told the West Ham website: "We
scored three headers at Burnley, and another on Saturday against City with
Cresswell crossing the ball in. He whips them in and puts them on a plate.
"The service that everyone is putting in the box to create chances has been
great. That's what I thrive on. I can't wait to be involved with that."
As for their great start to the campaign, Carroll added: "I think we can
push right on for Europe. We're playing fantastically. "The gaffer has
signed some great players and we're showing the quality we've got with the
goals we're scoring. That's why we are where we are in the league."
Regarding the return of Carroll, Allardyce said recently: "We'll try to get
him through three or four behind-closed-doors games and if that goes all
right then we would hope to have him back. "It's been a long, hard road
again for Andy and one he's been too familiar with recently, sadly.
Hopefully he'll have a major impact when he comes back again."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Alex Song hopes to remain in Premier League after loan spell at West Ham
Last Updated: 29/10/14 12:46pm
SSN
On-loan midfielder Alex Song hopes to stay in England after making an
impressive start to his spell at West Ham. Manager Sam Allardyce pulled off
one of the transfer coups of the summer when he persuaded the Cameroon
international to join the Hammers from Barcelona on a season-long spell.
Song has lived up to his billing, producing some assured displays in the
heart of the midfield and was a stand-out performer in Saturday's 2-1
Premier League win over Manchester City. The 27-year-old is likely to have
plenty of options at the end of the campaign if he maintains his form, but
would rather stay in this country than return to Barcelona. "I've always
said if I move from Barcelona, I'll come to England and my future is here
anyway."
Song, who spent seven years at Arsenal before heading to Spain, told Sky
Sports News HQ: "No, I think my future will be here. "My family, everyone is
happy here. I'm very happy to come back to England. "I've always said if I
move from Barcelona, I'll come to England and my future is here anyway. I
just want to enjoy playing at the moment and we'll see what is happening at
the end of the season." The Hammers have moved up to fourth in the Premier
League after last weekend's surprise victory over the reigning champions.
Defender James Collins hopes the side can extend their winning run to four
games when they travel to Stoke. "The confidence was obviously high
beforehand, but obviously beating the champions at home - in front of our
home fans - it breeds confidence throughout the whole club," said Collins.
Not just with us, all the fans as well. "Long may it continue and we look
forward to Stoke on Saturday."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
HAMMERS TO REPLACE ADIDAS WITH UMBRO
By Sean Whetstone 29 Oct 2014 at 13:00
West Ham Till I Die
A post in a KUMB.com forum on Monday suggests Umbro will take over as West
Ham's Official technical supplier when the Adidas contract finishes at the
end of the current season. The forum post reports that Umbro outbid Adidas,
Nike and Puma to land a lucrative five year commercial partnership with West
Ham United.
Umbro was sold by Nike in 2012 to the Iconix Brand Group for £140m and in
February this year Umbro announced Everton as their first new Premier League
club to start from the beginning of the 2014/15 football season. This was
followed by the announcement of similar deals with French clubs Lens and FC
Nantes and Derby County.
Andy Carroll is also on the books of Umbro, he signed a deal back in 2011
while still playing for Newcastle.
And it hasn't taken long for one enterprising KUMB forum user to mock up
what the shirts might look like with the Umbro logo and new club crest. The
designs are based on a Everton template. Many fans will be sorry to see
Adidas finish their partnership with us but it is has been speculated Umbro
may be a better fit for our club.
The club has refused to comment on the existence of a commercial agreement
with the Hammers and Umbro but a source close to the club claims the deal
was concluded last summer.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
ADRIAN'S WALL - WILL IT STAND OR FALL ?
By HamburgHammer 29 Oct 2014 at 08:00
West Ham till I Die
Goalkeepers are a funny bunch. It's not necessary for a goalkeeper to be a
lunatic, a nutter, a headjob, but several examples of great goalkeepers seem
to suggest that it helps. Schmeichel, Higuain, Chilavert, Lehmann, Kahn to
name but a few were certainly characters to put it mildly. We've seen
goalkeepers trying to bite opponents in the neck, saving shots by doing a
scorpion kick on the goalline, spitting at opponents, being prone to sudden
bursts of outrage or hair-raising blackouts resulting in embarrassing goals
from throw ins, back passes or harmless shots slowly rolling through arms
and legs turning a routine save into a scene repeated over and over again in
football shows presenting football bloopers. It's not easy being a
goalkeeper.
With Adrian San Miguel del Castillo, or short Adrian for his friends, family
and fans, we have a curious case, a late starter at his only club played at
before West Ham, Betis Seville. He only made his first team debut two years
ago at the ripe old age of 25 years. He had to come on because the starting
goalie got himself sent off early on, the end result was a 0:4 loss. Two
months later though came his Man of the Match performance against Real
Madrid in a 1:0 win at which stage he had established himself as Betis
Seville's new number one. He kept eleven clean sheets to help his team
qualify for the Europa League by finishing in seventh place, not a bad feat
for a late bloomer. West Ham then managed to sign him up without having to
pay a transfer fee to Betis. Adrian was merely supposed to be the understudy
to Jaaskelainen, but again managed to make the number one, or rather number
13, shirt his own, wrestling the starting job away from the Finnish
shotstopper.
With our team playing so well I've still read and heard in recent weeks and
days even that Adrian was our weakest link, the one player potentially
holding us back from challenging near the top of the league and maintaining
that challenge for years to come. I have to disagree. Some were for instance
unhappy with his performance against Liverpool where hot headed Adrian
nearly managed to get himself sent off twice, first getting into a scrap
with Balotelli and in the second half making a save by sliding with studs
showing into Borini, catching the player in the stomach.
People also obviously were unhappy with Adrian flapping about with a Burnley
corner, allowing them to score at a vital time in the match to keep things
interesting.
Let me spell it out at this point: Adrian is not perfect in his performances
at this stage, very few goalkeepers in the world are and if he was he
wouldn't be playing at West Ham at this stage of his career. But surely he
has also shown us enough fantastic saves and blocks already, only as
recently as the famous home win against Man City, to merit a lot of credit
and praise. Add to that the fact how Adrian made all the right noises when
he arrived, mentioning the tradition and history of our club, immediately
striking up a relationship with the fans, praising them via his social media
account time and time again, bringing over his dad and granddad for a game
recently and you can see the man fitting right in at our cosy little family
club.
I have to say that Adrian and his goalkeeping fill me with a lot of
confidence in most situations on the pitch, including crosses, freekicks or
cornerkicks. He fills me with more confidence actually than any other
goalkeeper I've seen at West Ham so far, including players like Miklosko,
Hislop, Walker, Green or Jaaskelainen.
I love his interaction with fans and obvious passion for the club and the
game even if that may result in the odd sending off for him. The man cares.
And the player Adrian will still only get better with more experience, he's
only 27 which is still infancy status for a goalkeeper, his peak should
happen a few years from now, hopefully still at West Ham.
As I said he's been at Betis before, now West Ham – and he strikes me as the
loyal type so Adrian could end up being a two-club man if things keep going
well.
Of course we need to replace Jussi and bring in a goalkeeper that will
really challenge Adrian in training, day in day out. May I kindly point our
club scouts towards Germany which has a history of producing great
custodians between the sticks on a regular basis, up and down the country,
even in Bundesliga 2. Competition for places is needed at every position at
West Ham. What I don't want to see happen is us bringing in an aging,
already established goalkeeper to challenge Adrian.
West Ham simply don't buy star players, we try to make them, develop them
and I hope that's exactly what we will do with a second goalkeeper.
As for Adrian I hope he is here for years to come, a West Ham legend in the
making. For those who are still being critical towards Adrian's overall
quality let me finish with telling you about Walter Junghans, a name
certainly unknown to most of you. He developed into a bit of a cult hero,
hailing from Hamburg, later playing for Bayern Munich, Schalke and Hertha
Berlin. This guy was Jekyll and Hyde with gloves. On any given day he would
tip certain goals over the crossbar with his fingertips, making saves worthy
of a World Cup Man of the Match award. The next week he would try to clear a
back pass only to hit grass and air and concede a goal that would make a
slighty overweight Sunday League goalie shudder with horror and
embarrassment.
Yet said Walter Junghans had a 20 year long career, winning the European
Championship in 1980 plus two Bundesliga titles with Bayern Munich in 1980
and 1981 plus a German Cup in 1982. You don't need a perfect goalkeeper to
be successful, but one that fits into your team, gets on well with his
teammates and is respected in the dressing room and in the stands at the
same time.
As far as I can see Adrian ticks all those boxes. Adrian's Wall should be a
feature for the Hammers for the foreseeable future.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Female football star found dead after row with girlfriend over telling her
family about them
Oct 29, 2014 19:48 By Nina Massey
Katie Sheppard, 20, who played for West Ham Ladies, had sent angry texts to
her partner in the days before her death
The Mirror
A rising star of women's football was found hanging days after a row over
her girlfriend's refusal to tell her parents about their relationship, an
inquest heard. Katie Sheppard, 20, who played for West Ham Ladies, sent
angry text messages 'shouting' at her partner Nancy Richardson. The
promising midfielder was discovered dead on July 2nd this year just hours
before she was due to begin pre-season training at the club. Her body was
found by Nathaniel Hall, her mother's partner, at her home in Sidcup, Kent.
Yesterday an inquest at Croydon Coroner's Court heard how officers were
concerned the couple may have planned a suicide pact. PC Alex Giacomazzi
said he rushed to Nancy's home after speaking to Ms Sheppard's brother,
Christopher, soon after her body was discovered. He told the inquest: "I
learned that Katie was openly homosexual and her family and friends had
accepted that. "I found out she had a girlfriend called Nancy Richardson, I
was worried that there may have been some sort of pact and they did it
together."
But when he turned up at Ms Richardson's home he had to break the news to
her in front of her parents. Ms Richardson revealed communication between
the two had been difficult in the days before, the court heard. PC
Giacomazzi told coroner Dr Adela Williams he had gone through Nancy's phone
and the tone of the messages from Katie had changed in the days leading up
to her death. He said: "It had suddenly changed very dramatically and Katie
started 'shouting' over text message, using capitals, because Nancy wasn't
telling her parents about the relationship." At 10.29am on the day of her
death Katie sent a chilling message to Nancy saying: "Don't look at your
phone or you might turn up here and I can't physically answer." A diary
found in her bedroom contained a hand written suicide note with the message:
"God forgive me, I sacrifice myself to you and to your kingdom." Beside the
message was a picture of a coffin with the letter 'K' on it, the inquest
heard. Doctors records showed Ms Sheppard had been prescribed
antidepressants the year before her death, although none were found at her
home. A police investigation and postmortem ruled out foul play and gave the
cause of death as asphyxia by hanging.
Recording an open verdict coroner Dr Williams said: "We are left with a
situation where there's really no explanation for why Katie died.
"We are left with a young girl who had a really major shift in her life,
going to university is a major event in a young girl's life.
"I don't think we know if she intended to do it as a call for help. "I don't
find the note itself as evidence that she intended to do it, although I
appreciate that's not satisfactory for the family to hear She added: "I'm
desperately sorry and I would like to give my sincerest condolences to
Katie's family."
The former Charlton Athletic junior player had recently returned home for
the summer from Kent University. The sports therapy student had played for
West Ham ladies for two years, making four first team appearances in
2012/13. She hoped to go on to play for a US team. She said she aspired to
be like hero football Scott Parker, but said her dad was her biggest
inspiration. In a questionnaire published on the Charlton Athletic website
she said:"He is the one who takes me to and from games and will always be
honest in telling me about how I played and how to progress." Miss
Sheppard's family declined to comment as they left the inquest.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham win over Man City earns boss Allardyce a 'Thank you' text from
Chelsea's Mourinho
Oct 25, 2014 23:00 By Tom Hopkinson
The Special One's league leaders can now go EIGHT points clear of the
champions by capitalising on their Upton Park defeat on Sunday trip to Man
United
The Mirror
Sam Allardyce received a 'thank you' text for beating Manchester City from
Jose Mourinho – the man who last season accused the West Ham boss of
playing "19th century football" writes Tom Hopkinson in the Sunday People.
Chelsea could only fire blanks when Allardyce's Hammers earned a point at
Stanford Bridge in January – prompting Mourinho's jibe and Big Sam's
response that he "out-tacticed" the Special One. But the Blues boss was far
more complimentary this time after the Hammers did him a massive favour in
the race for the title by beating City 2-1. Morgan Amalfitano put West Ham
ahead with a simple finish at the end of a lovely move and Diafra Sakho
headed home his sixth goal in as many games from Aaron Cresswell's cross.
David Silva pulled one back for City, who also hit the woodwork through
Sergio Aguero and Yaya Toure, but West Ham held on to put the cat among the
pigeons in the title race even at this stage. Chelsea will move eight points
ahead of City if they beat Manchester United at Old Trafford on Sunday.
And speaking to broadcasters beIN Sport, Allardyce said: "Jose has just
texted me to say 'Well done big man'. This shows how important it was for
him, never mind for us. "He goes to Manchester United knowing his team will
go and perform at their best and if they win it makes the gap even bigger.
The result wasn't for him. It was for us and everyone at West Ham. It will
benefit him if they go and get a result at Manchester United."
West Ham are flying in fourth place, and their manager claimed this win was
even better than the 3-1 victory over Liverpool last month.
Allardyce – who was stunned afterwards when celebrity Hammers fan Russell
Brand burst in on a BBC Match of the Day interview and gave him a kiss –
said: "Perhaps this victory is better because they've got two of the most
dangerous goalscorers in Europe with Edin Dzeko and Sergio Aguero. "We had a
terrific performance, that's the big thing for me. It wasn't a lucky
victory. We made some outstanding chances. We took City's back four to task
and in my opinion they didn't hold up. "I think they didn't hold up because
of the quality of our play. That's why we won the game. The performance had
everything – grit, determination, quality, desire."
While Amalfitano and Sakho scored the goals, Alex Song was the best player
on the pitch and Allardyce reckons he is among his finest signings. He said:
"Songy has been in the shadow a little bit because of Enner Valencia and
Sakho but this lad has outstanding quality. He goes along the style of
Fernando Hierro and Jay-Jay Okocha who I had in my teams. "His promoting and
passing and also his protection of the back players is excellent. He led us
as a team and the rest of the lads have responded. And I don't think
Valencia and Sakho really know what they have done yet. "They've just come
here, they want to play football and I don't think they realise what a big
impact they have made." The only downside was a shoulder injury to Sakho.
Meanwhile, City boss Manuel Pellegrini refused to be too downbeat by the
result. He said: "I don't think this game was affected by our Champions
League game in Russia last Tuesday. I don't think we deserved to lose. We
had a lot of chances to draw or win this game. "I am only concerned about my
team. We will see what Chelsea can do."
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After years of functional fare, West Ham are finally getting results with
daring, attacking football
Oct 29, 2014 10:37
OPINION BY STEVESTAMMERS
Steve Stammers reflects on the Hammers' latest victory – over champions Man
City – which kept up a superb start to the season
The Mirror
On November 3, 2012 the West Ham team left the field at Upton Park to
rapturous applause from an appreciative audience. Manchester City - the
all-star Manchester City who were defending Premier League champions - were
held to a goal-less draw. It was a result achieved with sweat and endeavour.
Heroic defending and immense application. It was worth a win given the
financial gulf between the clubs and the West Ham fans did not disguise
their satisfaction.
Almost two years to the day, and rather than applause, there was a roar at
Upton Park when referee Martin Atkinson blew his whistle for the final time
in what had been an enthralling match. West Ham had won 2-1 - and deservedly
so. True, they were hanging on for the last 15 minutes but given the talent
available to Manuel Pellegrini, City should pose a massive threat to anyone
they play. Sergio Aguero is world class and David Silva is not far behind.
But the Hammers beat them. And it is evidence of the evolution of the team
under Sam Allardyce.
Last season was a strange one. Jeers after a win against Hull was the low
point. Allardyce stood firm. He insisted that, given the tools, he would
give the dubious section of fans the kind of football they wanted. This
season, he has been proved right.
Re-inforcements have come in - Cheikhou Kouyate, Alex Song, Diafra Sakho,
Enner Valencia among them. And the experience and guile of Teddy Sheringham
- who might just know a thing or two about scoring goals - has been an
invaluable addition to the back-room staff.
Action ImagesDiafra SakhoHuge impact: Diafra Sakho has scored in every game
The result - West Ham look the part. They may be separated from Manchester
City by 230 miles and several million pounds but West Ham managed to bridge
that gap.
And it was not smash and grab. Allardyce may have a fixation with statistics
but the one stat that concerns the fans is the scoreline. And it makes
pretty good reading at the moment. There was a predictability about West
Ham's play - two wingers crossing for a striker to contest possession
against the opposing centre-backs. Not really a Plan B with that tactic and
the available personnel at the club.
Now it has changed. Now it has evolved. It was a master-stroke to give
Stewart Downing a free role and move him from his wide berth. On the wing,
Downing was totally reliant on service. Now he can use his touch and control
to more consistent use.
It is paying off. If there is one statistic that never lies it is the league
table. At the moment, it is looking good.
Of course City will finish above West Ham. Sheer financial muscle dictates
that. But it may just be the season that West Ham belie their anthem - maybe
the dreams won't just fade and die this time around.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
France and Senegal in race to secure services of West Ham striker Diafra
Sakho
Diafra Sakho has seven goals in seven starts for West Ham this season
The striker could play for either France or Senegal
His recent performances have caught the attention of Didier Deschamps
Sakho has played twice for Senegal but only in friendly matches
Senegal may call up Sakho for their upcoming match against Egypt
By SAMI MOKBEL FOR MAILONLINE
PUBLISHED: 14:15, 29 October 2014 | UPDATED: 15:19, 29 October 2014
DailY Mail
Senegal are determined to keep hold of West Ham striker Diafra Sakho in the
face of competition from France. Sakho has enjoyed a sensational start to
his career in England, scoring seven goals in as many starts since arriving
from Metz. The 24-year-old has played twice for Senegal but is yet to
feature in a competitive fixture for the African nation meaning he is still
eligible to switch Sakho qualifies for Les Bleus as he was a French resident
from 2007 following his move to Metz ahead of joining the Hammers. His
performances for West Ham have alerted France manager Didier Deschamps. But
Senegal manager Alain Giresse, having handed the forward his international
debut in a friendly against Burkina Faso in May, wants to keep Sakho from
France's clutches. And Giresse is considering handing Sakho, provided he
overcomes a shoulder injury in time, his first ever competitive appearance
in the forthcoming Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers against Egypt and
Botswana in an attempt to secure his long-term international future.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Gold: "All Sakho wants to do is play!"
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on October 29, 2014 in Whispers
Claret & Hugh
Diafra Sakho was in training today and once again winning everybody's heart
with an amazing work ethic. Everybody in the club has been inspired by the
striker who almost failed to make it into the club until David Sullivan
stepped in and rescued a deal that looked lost.
Now Sakho has become not only the man of the moment but almost a symbol of a
Hammers season which just gets better and better thanks to his goals. And in
a glowing tribute to the front man David Gold – speaking exclusively to
ClaretandHugh – said: "This kid is an absolute breath of fresh air – all he
wants to do is play. "He doesn't appear to have given his injury a second
thought. He just wants to be out there playing – it's brilliant and
inspiring ." Gold added that over 20 years in the game he had seen those
players who make "rather a lot of their injuries" but likened Sakho to
youngsters in the park who play for the joy of it. He said: "It really is so
refreshing to find a player like this. He has settled brilliantly and
everybody is affected by his great attitude. He is a joy to be around. "And
to score in seven consecutive games is a near unheard of achievement. To
manage that whilst still settling into a new country and culture is
extraordinary. How much better can he get – we've struck gold."
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Olympic Stadium on fire!
Posted by Sean Whetstone on October 29, 2014 in Whispers
Clart & Hugh
OSA fire at the Olympic stadium sent smoke over the Queen Elizabeth park
early on Wednesday morning. London Fire crews were called after a van inside
the stadium caught alight "We were called at 7.03am to reports of a van on
fire in the stadium. Security called us and there were no injuries.There was
a fire in a van" a Fire Brigade spokeswoman confirmed. One London Fire
Engine was dispatched and able to tackle the blaze without further
assistance. Although the Stadium was fully evacuated the fire is not thought
to have caused any damage or further delays to the rebuild project which has
been dogged in recent months with problems with steel strengthening and
increased costs over complications with the roof. Pictures of smoke from the
stadium were also quick to circulate on social media this morning prompting
fears of a more serious blaze inside the stadium.
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Irons cool on Townsend link
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on October 29, 2014 in Whispers
Claret & Hugh
West Ham today were cool on reports linking the club with a move for
Tottenham Hotspur's out of favour winger Andros Townsend. He has played only
90 Premier League minutes this season, stretched out over three appearances
and there is now increasing speculation he could be sold in January. The
Telegraph report West Ham are interested, and could buy him to replace Matt
Jarvis. However, Spurs are always a notoriously difficult club with which to
do business and a source told ClaretandHugh: "It sounds very much as though
we have an agent trying to talk up a deal. "As things stand we are not
planning a lot of activity in January and Matt remains very much a part of
the first team plans."
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WHUFC.com
Andy Carroll cannot wait to return to action as quickly as possible
28.10.2014
Andy Carroll is excited by the prospect of returning to a winning West Ham
United side in the near future. The former Liverpool striker has missed the
whole of the season to date after suffering an ankle injury in the summer,
but is now back in training and itching to be involved in Barclays Premier
League action again. whufc.com caught up with the No9 for this week's Big
Interview.
Andy, you're back in training now. How good does that feel?
AC: "It's unbelievable. I've been out for so long that to be back training
with the lads again is a fantastic feeling. It has been a difficult few
months, being in a dark gym by myself training every day. Seeing the lads go
out and having the banter and not being as much a part of it that you want
to be [is hard], but it's getting closer now and it feels a lot better.
"Just putting the boots on again for the first time is a real lift. That's
what you're a footballer for, to go out on the grass and play football.
That's where I am now and hopefully I'll be back in the squad soon."
Looking at the way the team's played, you must be itching to get out there
and amongst it?
AC: "We're playing fantastically. The gaffer has signed some great players
and we're showing the quality we've got with the goals we're scoring. That's
why we are where we are in the league, so for me to be a part of that - I
cannot wait."
Does it feel like the team has evolved over the time you've been at the
Club, with the players who joined with you having been added to over the
summer?
AC: "Since West Ham were promoted, it's only gone up really, and it's going
to continue to go up too with the New Stadium and where we are in the
league. With the players we've signed, we've turned it around completely."
We're scoring goals and creating chances - how much do you want to be a part
of that?
AC: "We scored three headers at Burnley, and another on Saturday with
Cresswell crossing the ball in. He whips them in and puts them on a plate,
so I can't wait to be involved with that."
That kind of delivery is just what you want, isn't it?
AC: Yes, the service that everyone is putting in the box to create chances
has been great. That's what I thrive on."
How far do you think this team can go this season?
AC: "I think we can push right on for Europe. I don't see why not - I think
all the lads are positive about that and I know the gaffer is too."
I know you were there on Saturday, and you experienced the atmosphere
against Manchester City. That was special, wasn't it?
AC: "It's great, I'm sitting there with my friends and family watching and
everyone's talking about how great the fans are. It shows when the fans get
behind you how well you can play. That's exactly what they're doing and it
feels like we've got 12 men on the pitch."
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Hammers sign up ICU Label
WHUFC.com
ICU Label are to become West Ham United's official Club record label
29.10.2014
West Ham United are delighted to announce a new partnership with ICU Label,
the Club's very own official record label. Founded by 25-year-old Elliott
Govinden, ICU seek potential in aspiring artists and work with them to
develop their talent. To further enhance the West Ham matchday experience,
ICU artist Harper will be performing live throughout the season at the
Boleyn Ground and both her and the label plan to engage with the Hammers
fanbase across the Club's many digital platforms. Having established a
network that stretches from London to New York and beyond, ICU have an
enjoyed an exceptional first year and expect their star to continue in rise,
now that they have joined forces with the Hammers. "We're thrilled to be
working with West Ham United and hope that this will raise our growing
profile yet further," Elliott confirmed. "We've got some great talent on our
books and I'm sure the fans will enjoy listening to them at the Boleyn
Ground."
West Ham United Commercial Director Felicity Croft added: "Music is a huge
part of the West Ham matchday and this collaboration will add to the
atmosphere at the Boleyn Ground. ICU Label are an ambitious outfit and we
look forward to working with them."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Andy Carroll says club can 'push for Europe'
BBC.co.uk
West Ham striker Andy Carroll believes the east London club can qualify for
European competition this season. The Hammers have won their past three
games and are fourth in the Premier League after Saturday's 2-1 win over
Manchester City. Carroll has been out all season with an ankle injury but is
back in training. "I think we can push for Europe. We're playing
fantastically and I cannot wait to be a part of that," the 25-year-old told
the club website. "I think all the lads are positive about that and I know
the gaffer is too. "The gaffer has signed some great players and we're
showing the quality we've got with the goals we're scoring - that's why we
are where we are in the league." Meanwhile, West Ham's top scorer Diafra
Sakho, who has scored seven goals in seven games, could face up to four
weeks out after sustaining a shoulder injury in the Upton Park side's
triumph over the Premier League champions at the weekend. West Ham travel to
Stoke in their next Premier League game on Saturday.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Morgan Amalfitano eager to stay on at West Ham
Last Updated: 29/10/14 3:19pm
SSN
Morgan Amalfitano is hoping to earn an extended stay at West Ham United past
the end of his initial one-year contract. The French midfielder returned to
England over the summer having spent the 2013/14 campaign on loan at West
Bromwich Albion. It was during his time at The Hawthorns that he came to the
attention of other Premier League bosses, with the 29-year-old settling
quickly in new surroundings.
West Ham were, however, only prepared to offer a 12-month deal upon signing
Amalfitano from Marseille. There was always the opportunity for the one-cap
France international to prove that he was deserving of a prolonged stay and,
after netting his second West Ham goal in Saturday's impressive 2-1 victory
over Manchester City, he hopes terms will be tabled at some stage.
Amalfitano told RMC: "I hope to contribute and to stay here. I never had any
doubts about making this choice. "I just had to prepare myself physically in
line with what I did with Marseille. Then I could get back to my best. "I'm
adapting well and I hope it carries on this way in the future. But we can't
rest because there is still a long road ahead."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Andy Carroll praises performances of West Ham colleague Aaron Cresswell
Last Updated: 29/10/14 3:01pm
SSN
Andy Carroll says he cannot wait to get back into the first team at West Ham
and believes he could thrive on the service provided by full-back Aaron
Cresswell. Carroll has not played for the Hammers this season because of an
ankle injury but his manager Sam Allardyce said recently that the
25-year-old striker could be back in action during the next few weeks. The
east London club are currently fourth in the table and last Saturday beat
reigning Premier League champions Manchester City 2-1 at Upton Park. They
have also beaten last year's runners-up Liverpool and Carroll has praised
the recent performances of Cresswell. He told the West Ham website: "We
scored three headers at Burnley, and another on Saturday against City with
Cresswell crossing the ball in. He whips them in and puts them on a plate.
"The service that everyone is putting in the box to create chances has been
great. That's what I thrive on. I can't wait to be involved with that."
As for their great start to the campaign, Carroll added: "I think we can
push right on for Europe. We're playing fantastically. "The gaffer has
signed some great players and we're showing the quality we've got with the
goals we're scoring. That's why we are where we are in the league."
Regarding the return of Carroll, Allardyce said recently: "We'll try to get
him through three or four behind-closed-doors games and if that goes all
right then we would hope to have him back. "It's been a long, hard road
again for Andy and one he's been too familiar with recently, sadly.
Hopefully he'll have a major impact when he comes back again."
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Alex Song hopes to remain in Premier League after loan spell at West Ham
Last Updated: 29/10/14 12:46pm
SSN
On-loan midfielder Alex Song hopes to stay in England after making an
impressive start to his spell at West Ham. Manager Sam Allardyce pulled off
one of the transfer coups of the summer when he persuaded the Cameroon
international to join the Hammers from Barcelona on a season-long spell.
Song has lived up to his billing, producing some assured displays in the
heart of the midfield and was a stand-out performer in Saturday's 2-1
Premier League win over Manchester City. The 27-year-old is likely to have
plenty of options at the end of the campaign if he maintains his form, but
would rather stay in this country than return to Barcelona. "I've always
said if I move from Barcelona, I'll come to England and my future is here
anyway."
Song, who spent seven years at Arsenal before heading to Spain, told Sky
Sports News HQ: "No, I think my future will be here. "My family, everyone is
happy here. I'm very happy to come back to England. "I've always said if I
move from Barcelona, I'll come to England and my future is here anyway. I
just want to enjoy playing at the moment and we'll see what is happening at
the end of the season." The Hammers have moved up to fourth in the Premier
League after last weekend's surprise victory over the reigning champions.
Defender James Collins hopes the side can extend their winning run to four
games when they travel to Stoke. "The confidence was obviously high
beforehand, but obviously beating the champions at home - in front of our
home fans - it breeds confidence throughout the whole club," said Collins.
Not just with us, all the fans as well. "Long may it continue and we look
forward to Stoke on Saturday."
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HAMMERS TO REPLACE ADIDAS WITH UMBRO
By Sean Whetstone 29 Oct 2014 at 13:00
West Ham Till I Die
A post in a KUMB.com forum on Monday suggests Umbro will take over as West
Ham's Official technical supplier when the Adidas contract finishes at the
end of the current season. The forum post reports that Umbro outbid Adidas,
Nike and Puma to land a lucrative five year commercial partnership with West
Ham United.
Umbro was sold by Nike in 2012 to the Iconix Brand Group for £140m and in
February this year Umbro announced Everton as their first new Premier League
club to start from the beginning of the 2014/15 football season. This was
followed by the announcement of similar deals with French clubs Lens and FC
Nantes and Derby County.
Andy Carroll is also on the books of Umbro, he signed a deal back in 2011
while still playing for Newcastle.
And it hasn't taken long for one enterprising KUMB forum user to mock up
what the shirts might look like with the Umbro logo and new club crest. The
designs are based on a Everton template. Many fans will be sorry to see
Adidas finish their partnership with us but it is has been speculated Umbro
may be a better fit for our club.
The club has refused to comment on the existence of a commercial agreement
with the Hammers and Umbro but a source close to the club claims the deal
was concluded last summer.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
ADRIAN'S WALL - WILL IT STAND OR FALL ?
By HamburgHammer 29 Oct 2014 at 08:00
West Ham till I Die
Goalkeepers are a funny bunch. It's not necessary for a goalkeeper to be a
lunatic, a nutter, a headjob, but several examples of great goalkeepers seem
to suggest that it helps. Schmeichel, Higuain, Chilavert, Lehmann, Kahn to
name but a few were certainly characters to put it mildly. We've seen
goalkeepers trying to bite opponents in the neck, saving shots by doing a
scorpion kick on the goalline, spitting at opponents, being prone to sudden
bursts of outrage or hair-raising blackouts resulting in embarrassing goals
from throw ins, back passes or harmless shots slowly rolling through arms
and legs turning a routine save into a scene repeated over and over again in
football shows presenting football bloopers. It's not easy being a
goalkeeper.
With Adrian San Miguel del Castillo, or short Adrian for his friends, family
and fans, we have a curious case, a late starter at his only club played at
before West Ham, Betis Seville. He only made his first team debut two years
ago at the ripe old age of 25 years. He had to come on because the starting
goalie got himself sent off early on, the end result was a 0:4 loss. Two
months later though came his Man of the Match performance against Real
Madrid in a 1:0 win at which stage he had established himself as Betis
Seville's new number one. He kept eleven clean sheets to help his team
qualify for the Europa League by finishing in seventh place, not a bad feat
for a late bloomer. West Ham then managed to sign him up without having to
pay a transfer fee to Betis. Adrian was merely supposed to be the understudy
to Jaaskelainen, but again managed to make the number one, or rather number
13, shirt his own, wrestling the starting job away from the Finnish
shotstopper.
With our team playing so well I've still read and heard in recent weeks and
days even that Adrian was our weakest link, the one player potentially
holding us back from challenging near the top of the league and maintaining
that challenge for years to come. I have to disagree. Some were for instance
unhappy with his performance against Liverpool where hot headed Adrian
nearly managed to get himself sent off twice, first getting into a scrap
with Balotelli and in the second half making a save by sliding with studs
showing into Borini, catching the player in the stomach.
People also obviously were unhappy with Adrian flapping about with a Burnley
corner, allowing them to score at a vital time in the match to keep things
interesting.
Let me spell it out at this point: Adrian is not perfect in his performances
at this stage, very few goalkeepers in the world are and if he was he
wouldn't be playing at West Ham at this stage of his career. But surely he
has also shown us enough fantastic saves and blocks already, only as
recently as the famous home win against Man City, to merit a lot of credit
and praise. Add to that the fact how Adrian made all the right noises when
he arrived, mentioning the tradition and history of our club, immediately
striking up a relationship with the fans, praising them via his social media
account time and time again, bringing over his dad and granddad for a game
recently and you can see the man fitting right in at our cosy little family
club.
I have to say that Adrian and his goalkeeping fill me with a lot of
confidence in most situations on the pitch, including crosses, freekicks or
cornerkicks. He fills me with more confidence actually than any other
goalkeeper I've seen at West Ham so far, including players like Miklosko,
Hislop, Walker, Green or Jaaskelainen.
I love his interaction with fans and obvious passion for the club and the
game even if that may result in the odd sending off for him. The man cares.
And the player Adrian will still only get better with more experience, he's
only 27 which is still infancy status for a goalkeeper, his peak should
happen a few years from now, hopefully still at West Ham.
As I said he's been at Betis before, now West Ham – and he strikes me as the
loyal type so Adrian could end up being a two-club man if things keep going
well.
Of course we need to replace Jussi and bring in a goalkeeper that will
really challenge Adrian in training, day in day out. May I kindly point our
club scouts towards Germany which has a history of producing great
custodians between the sticks on a regular basis, up and down the country,
even in Bundesliga 2. Competition for places is needed at every position at
West Ham. What I don't want to see happen is us bringing in an aging,
already established goalkeeper to challenge Adrian.
West Ham simply don't buy star players, we try to make them, develop them
and I hope that's exactly what we will do with a second goalkeeper.
As for Adrian I hope he is here for years to come, a West Ham legend in the
making. For those who are still being critical towards Adrian's overall
quality let me finish with telling you about Walter Junghans, a name
certainly unknown to most of you. He developed into a bit of a cult hero,
hailing from Hamburg, later playing for Bayern Munich, Schalke and Hertha
Berlin. This guy was Jekyll and Hyde with gloves. On any given day he would
tip certain goals over the crossbar with his fingertips, making saves worthy
of a World Cup Man of the Match award. The next week he would try to clear a
back pass only to hit grass and air and concede a goal that would make a
slighty overweight Sunday League goalie shudder with horror and
embarrassment.
Yet said Walter Junghans had a 20 year long career, winning the European
Championship in 1980 plus two Bundesliga titles with Bayern Munich in 1980
and 1981 plus a German Cup in 1982. You don't need a perfect goalkeeper to
be successful, but one that fits into your team, gets on well with his
teammates and is respected in the dressing room and in the stands at the
same time.
As far as I can see Adrian ticks all those boxes. Adrian's Wall should be a
feature for the Hammers for the foreseeable future.
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Female football star found dead after row with girlfriend over telling her
family about them
Oct 29, 2014 19:48 By Nina Massey
Katie Sheppard, 20, who played for West Ham Ladies, had sent angry texts to
her partner in the days before her death
The Mirror
A rising star of women's football was found hanging days after a row over
her girlfriend's refusal to tell her parents about their relationship, an
inquest heard. Katie Sheppard, 20, who played for West Ham Ladies, sent
angry text messages 'shouting' at her partner Nancy Richardson. The
promising midfielder was discovered dead on July 2nd this year just hours
before she was due to begin pre-season training at the club. Her body was
found by Nathaniel Hall, her mother's partner, at her home in Sidcup, Kent.
Yesterday an inquest at Croydon Coroner's Court heard how officers were
concerned the couple may have planned a suicide pact. PC Alex Giacomazzi
said he rushed to Nancy's home after speaking to Ms Sheppard's brother,
Christopher, soon after her body was discovered. He told the inquest: "I
learned that Katie was openly homosexual and her family and friends had
accepted that. "I found out she had a girlfriend called Nancy Richardson, I
was worried that there may have been some sort of pact and they did it
together."
But when he turned up at Ms Richardson's home he had to break the news to
her in front of her parents. Ms Richardson revealed communication between
the two had been difficult in the days before, the court heard. PC
Giacomazzi told coroner Dr Adela Williams he had gone through Nancy's phone
and the tone of the messages from Katie had changed in the days leading up
to her death. He said: "It had suddenly changed very dramatically and Katie
started 'shouting' over text message, using capitals, because Nancy wasn't
telling her parents about the relationship." At 10.29am on the day of her
death Katie sent a chilling message to Nancy saying: "Don't look at your
phone or you might turn up here and I can't physically answer." A diary
found in her bedroom contained a hand written suicide note with the message:
"God forgive me, I sacrifice myself to you and to your kingdom." Beside the
message was a picture of a coffin with the letter 'K' on it, the inquest
heard. Doctors records showed Ms Sheppard had been prescribed
antidepressants the year before her death, although none were found at her
home. A police investigation and postmortem ruled out foul play and gave the
cause of death as asphyxia by hanging.
Recording an open verdict coroner Dr Williams said: "We are left with a
situation where there's really no explanation for why Katie died.
"We are left with a young girl who had a really major shift in her life,
going to university is a major event in a young girl's life.
"I don't think we know if she intended to do it as a call for help. "I don't
find the note itself as evidence that she intended to do it, although I
appreciate that's not satisfactory for the family to hear She added: "I'm
desperately sorry and I would like to give my sincerest condolences to
Katie's family."
The former Charlton Athletic junior player had recently returned home for
the summer from Kent University. The sports therapy student had played for
West Ham ladies for two years, making four first team appearances in
2012/13. She hoped to go on to play for a US team. She said she aspired to
be like hero football Scott Parker, but said her dad was her biggest
inspiration. In a questionnaire published on the Charlton Athletic website
she said:"He is the one who takes me to and from games and will always be
honest in telling me about how I played and how to progress." Miss
Sheppard's family declined to comment as they left the inquest.
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West Ham win over Man City earns boss Allardyce a 'Thank you' text from
Chelsea's Mourinho
Oct 25, 2014 23:00 By Tom Hopkinson
The Special One's league leaders can now go EIGHT points clear of the
champions by capitalising on their Upton Park defeat on Sunday trip to Man
United
The Mirror
Sam Allardyce received a 'thank you' text for beating Manchester City from
Jose Mourinho – the man who last season accused the West Ham boss of
playing "19th century football" writes Tom Hopkinson in the Sunday People.
Chelsea could only fire blanks when Allardyce's Hammers earned a point at
Stanford Bridge in January – prompting Mourinho's jibe and Big Sam's
response that he "out-tacticed" the Special One. But the Blues boss was far
more complimentary this time after the Hammers did him a massive favour in
the race for the title by beating City 2-1. Morgan Amalfitano put West Ham
ahead with a simple finish at the end of a lovely move and Diafra Sakho
headed home his sixth goal in as many games from Aaron Cresswell's cross.
David Silva pulled one back for City, who also hit the woodwork through
Sergio Aguero and Yaya Toure, but West Ham held on to put the cat among the
pigeons in the title race even at this stage. Chelsea will move eight points
ahead of City if they beat Manchester United at Old Trafford on Sunday.
And speaking to broadcasters beIN Sport, Allardyce said: "Jose has just
texted me to say 'Well done big man'. This shows how important it was for
him, never mind for us. "He goes to Manchester United knowing his team will
go and perform at their best and if they win it makes the gap even bigger.
The result wasn't for him. It was for us and everyone at West Ham. It will
benefit him if they go and get a result at Manchester United."
West Ham are flying in fourth place, and their manager claimed this win was
even better than the 3-1 victory over Liverpool last month.
Allardyce – who was stunned afterwards when celebrity Hammers fan Russell
Brand burst in on a BBC Match of the Day interview and gave him a kiss –
said: "Perhaps this victory is better because they've got two of the most
dangerous goalscorers in Europe with Edin Dzeko and Sergio Aguero. "We had a
terrific performance, that's the big thing for me. It wasn't a lucky
victory. We made some outstanding chances. We took City's back four to task
and in my opinion they didn't hold up. "I think they didn't hold up because
of the quality of our play. That's why we won the game. The performance had
everything – grit, determination, quality, desire."
While Amalfitano and Sakho scored the goals, Alex Song was the best player
on the pitch and Allardyce reckons he is among his finest signings. He said:
"Songy has been in the shadow a little bit because of Enner Valencia and
Sakho but this lad has outstanding quality. He goes along the style of
Fernando Hierro and Jay-Jay Okocha who I had in my teams. "His promoting and
passing and also his protection of the back players is excellent. He led us
as a team and the rest of the lads have responded. And I don't think
Valencia and Sakho really know what they have done yet. "They've just come
here, they want to play football and I don't think they realise what a big
impact they have made." The only downside was a shoulder injury to Sakho.
Meanwhile, City boss Manuel Pellegrini refused to be too downbeat by the
result. He said: "I don't think this game was affected by our Champions
League game in Russia last Tuesday. I don't think we deserved to lose. We
had a lot of chances to draw or win this game. "I am only concerned about my
team. We will see what Chelsea can do."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
After years of functional fare, West Ham are finally getting results with
daring, attacking football
Oct 29, 2014 10:37
OPINION BY STEVESTAMMERS
Steve Stammers reflects on the Hammers' latest victory – over champions Man
City – which kept up a superb start to the season
The Mirror
On November 3, 2012 the West Ham team left the field at Upton Park to
rapturous applause from an appreciative audience. Manchester City - the
all-star Manchester City who were defending Premier League champions - were
held to a goal-less draw. It was a result achieved with sweat and endeavour.
Heroic defending and immense application. It was worth a win given the
financial gulf between the clubs and the West Ham fans did not disguise
their satisfaction.
Almost two years to the day, and rather than applause, there was a roar at
Upton Park when referee Martin Atkinson blew his whistle for the final time
in what had been an enthralling match. West Ham had won 2-1 - and deservedly
so. True, they were hanging on for the last 15 minutes but given the talent
available to Manuel Pellegrini, City should pose a massive threat to anyone
they play. Sergio Aguero is world class and David Silva is not far behind.
But the Hammers beat them. And it is evidence of the evolution of the team
under Sam Allardyce.
Last season was a strange one. Jeers after a win against Hull was the low
point. Allardyce stood firm. He insisted that, given the tools, he would
give the dubious section of fans the kind of football they wanted. This
season, he has been proved right.
Re-inforcements have come in - Cheikhou Kouyate, Alex Song, Diafra Sakho,
Enner Valencia among them. And the experience and guile of Teddy Sheringham
- who might just know a thing or two about scoring goals - has been an
invaluable addition to the back-room staff.
Action ImagesDiafra SakhoHuge impact: Diafra Sakho has scored in every game
The result - West Ham look the part. They may be separated from Manchester
City by 230 miles and several million pounds but West Ham managed to bridge
that gap.
And it was not smash and grab. Allardyce may have a fixation with statistics
but the one stat that concerns the fans is the scoreline. And it makes
pretty good reading at the moment. There was a predictability about West
Ham's play - two wingers crossing for a striker to contest possession
against the opposing centre-backs. Not really a Plan B with that tactic and
the available personnel at the club.
Now it has changed. Now it has evolved. It was a master-stroke to give
Stewart Downing a free role and move him from his wide berth. On the wing,
Downing was totally reliant on service. Now he can use his touch and control
to more consistent use.
It is paying off. If there is one statistic that never lies it is the league
table. At the moment, it is looking good.
Of course City will finish above West Ham. Sheer financial muscle dictates
that. But it may just be the season that West Ham belie their anthem - maybe
the dreams won't just fade and die this time around.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
France and Senegal in race to secure services of West Ham striker Diafra
Sakho
Diafra Sakho has seven goals in seven starts for West Ham this season
The striker could play for either France or Senegal
His recent performances have caught the attention of Didier Deschamps
Sakho has played twice for Senegal but only in friendly matches
Senegal may call up Sakho for their upcoming match against Egypt
By SAMI MOKBEL FOR MAILONLINE
PUBLISHED: 14:15, 29 October 2014 | UPDATED: 15:19, 29 October 2014
DailY Mail
Senegal are determined to keep hold of West Ham striker Diafra Sakho in the
face of competition from France. Sakho has enjoyed a sensational start to
his career in England, scoring seven goals in as many starts since arriving
from Metz. The 24-year-old has played twice for Senegal but is yet to
feature in a competitive fixture for the African nation meaning he is still
eligible to switch Sakho qualifies for Les Bleus as he was a French resident
from 2007 following his move to Metz ahead of joining the Hammers. His
performances for West Ham have alerted France manager Didier Deschamps. But
Senegal manager Alain Giresse, having handed the forward his international
debut in a friendly against Burkina Faso in May, wants to keep Sakho from
France's clutches. And Giresse is considering handing Sakho, provided he
overcomes a shoulder injury in time, his first ever competitive appearance
in the forthcoming Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers against Egypt and
Botswana in an attempt to secure his long-term international future.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Gold: "All Sakho wants to do is play!"
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on October 29, 2014 in Whispers
Claret & Hugh
Diafra Sakho was in training today and once again winning everybody's heart
with an amazing work ethic. Everybody in the club has been inspired by the
striker who almost failed to make it into the club until David Sullivan
stepped in and rescued a deal that looked lost.
Now Sakho has become not only the man of the moment but almost a symbol of a
Hammers season which just gets better and better thanks to his goals. And in
a glowing tribute to the front man David Gold – speaking exclusively to
ClaretandHugh – said: "This kid is an absolute breath of fresh air – all he
wants to do is play. "He doesn't appear to have given his injury a second
thought. He just wants to be out there playing – it's brilliant and
inspiring ." Gold added that over 20 years in the game he had seen those
players who make "rather a lot of their injuries" but likened Sakho to
youngsters in the park who play for the joy of it. He said: "It really is so
refreshing to find a player like this. He has settled brilliantly and
everybody is affected by his great attitude. He is a joy to be around. "And
to score in seven consecutive games is a near unheard of achievement. To
manage that whilst still settling into a new country and culture is
extraordinary. How much better can he get – we've struck gold."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Olympic Stadium on fire!
Posted by Sean Whetstone on October 29, 2014 in Whispers
Clart & Hugh
OSA fire at the Olympic stadium sent smoke over the Queen Elizabeth park
early on Wednesday morning. London Fire crews were called after a van inside
the stadium caught alight "We were called at 7.03am to reports of a van on
fire in the stadium. Security called us and there were no injuries.There was
a fire in a van" a Fire Brigade spokeswoman confirmed. One London Fire
Engine was dispatched and able to tackle the blaze without further
assistance. Although the Stadium was fully evacuated the fire is not thought
to have caused any damage or further delays to the rebuild project which has
been dogged in recent months with problems with steel strengthening and
increased costs over complications with the roof. Pictures of smoke from the
stadium were also quick to circulate on social media this morning prompting
fears of a more serious blaze inside the stadium.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Irons cool on Townsend link
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on October 29, 2014 in Whispers
Claret & Hugh
West Ham today were cool on reports linking the club with a move for
Tottenham Hotspur's out of favour winger Andros Townsend. He has played only
90 Premier League minutes this season, stretched out over three appearances
and there is now increasing speculation he could be sold in January. The
Telegraph report West Ham are interested, and could buy him to replace Matt
Jarvis. However, Spurs are always a notoriously difficult club with which to
do business and a source told ClaretandHugh: "It sounds very much as though
we have an agent trying to talk up a deal. "As things stand we are not
planning a lot of activity in January and Matt remains very much a part of
the first team plans."
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Wednesday, October 29
Daily WHUFC News - 29th October 2014
Diafra's dreaming big
WHUFC.com
Diafra Sakho says West Ham United are going flat out to prolong their rich
vein of league form
27.10.2014
Diafra Sakho is scoring goals for fun right now but reckons it should come
as no surprise, given the quality that surrounds him at West Ham United. A
second-half header, the winner as it turned out, against Manchester City on
Saturday extended his goalscoring streak to seven goals in seven starts, but
the 24-year-old has no plans to let it end there. While Barclays Premier
League points remain his prime concern, Sakho is keen to hear rather more of
his new song, even if 'he scores when he wants' poses a linguistic problem
or two.
Diafra Sakho cele v Manchester City "I didn't understand it at the
beginning, but I asked Ricardo Vaz Te and he translated it for me," Sakho
explained. "I'm really touched by them saying that all the time. It makes me
happy to hear that and gives me even more motivation to score. I'll always
try to give them that, if I can."
Not that Sakho is short of motivation at present, nor of goals, for that
matter. His supreme form has, in part, fired the Hammers to four wins in
five and the Senegal striker wants the Club to make the absolute most of
their purple patch. "The run goes on for all of us, the whole team," he
added. "We know that after Saturday there's still a long, long way to go -
as I always say - but we're trying to bag all the points that we can. "We're
trying to keep it going and that's really pleasing. My teammates on Saturday
inspired me and so I dream big. When it ends, I'll accept that. But we're
going to slog away to continue it. "Saturday was great. To play at home in
front of our fans, that spurs us all on to aim high and we'll carry on right
until the end so that it will be the stuff of dreams for all the fans who
came to watch us every week."
Compatriot and fellow summer signing Cheikhou Kouyate - himself just back
from injury - is revelling in Sakho's success and gladly gatecrashed the
interview to shower praise on the No15. "I feel good, that's a big win and
my man, who can't stop scoring and continues to make us happy," Kouyate
confirmed. "I am really happy for him and I hope, for him, that he's going
to continue like that. We owe Diafra a thank you! It's a great win and we
mustn't forget also to thank the fans, what we've done on Saturday is thanks
to them too. "Diafra's unreal, that's his level. He continues to surprise me
and surprise everyone. I know very well that he can do better still and he's
going to carry on scoring!"
Modest as ever, Sakho shrugged off the plaudits and instead claimed the
goals are par for the course in such talented company. Ironically, the
Senegalese duo so nearly combined to lethal effect, with Sakho curling
Kouyate's lay-off just over the angle of post and bar. The one that got
away, said Sakho, though he is vowing to stick it away next time and on this
form, he probably will. "When you play with great players that's what
happens - you have to score goals. That's normal. "The one I really wanted
to score was from the pass that Cheikhou gave me. That would have been the
one people would have been talking about all week long. Next time, for
sure!"
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Hammers to host international clash
WHUFC.com
Lionel Messi's Argentina will take on Croatia at the Boleyn Ground on
Wednesday 12 November
27.10.2014
West Ham United are set to play host to Lionel Messi, Carlos Tevez and
company when Argentina face Croatia in a prestige international friendly on
Wednesday 12 November. In what is likely to be his only appearance at the
Boleyn Ground, Messi and his Argentina team-mates will take on their fellow
2014 FIFA World Cup qualifiers in what promises to be a hugely entertaining
clash. The 7.45pm kick-off could also see Argentina's former Hammers
midfielder Javier Mascherano return to east London, while ex-West Ham
striker Davor Suker is now President of the Croatian Football Federation.
Messi could be just one of a host of household names on show for La
Albiceleste, with Barclays Premier League stars Sergio Aguero, Angel di
Maria and Pablo Zabaleta and Napoli striker Gonzalo Higuain also set to be
involved.
Croatia also possess a strong group of players, with Real Madrid playmaker
Luka Modric, Atletico Madrid striker Mario Mandzukic and Messi's Barcelona
team-mate Ivan Rakitic all expected to be involved.
The two nations have met three times previously, with each recording one
victory. The most-recent meeting took place in Switzerland in March 2006,
when Messi and former Hammers striker Tevez were on target, but Croatia won
3-2. Argentina will be playing in London for the first time since September
2006, when they took on South American rivals Brazil at Arsenal, losing 2-0.
Croatia's most-recent visit to London was also an unhappy one, with England
running out 5-1 winners in a FIFA World Cup qualifier at Wembley in
September 2009.
Tickets for the match are on General Sale now and are available directly
from West Ham United.
Standard Ticket prices start from £25 for Adults and £15 for Over-65s and
Under-16s. Disabled Ticket prices are the same, including a complimentary
carer. Family Tickets priced at £60 for two Adults and two Under-16s are
also available in the Sir Trevor Brooking Stand Upper.
Demand for tickets for this exciting fixture is expected to be high, so fans
are urged to book early to avoid disappointment.
To make sure of your seat now, click here, call 0871 529 1966 (calls cost
10p/min plus network extras) or buy in person at the Alpari Stand Ticket
Office.
Corporate hospitality packages are also available, with Executive Boxes
available for just £1,250 plus VAT and lounge packages starting from only
£60 per person plus VAT. To book a package now, please 0871 091 1911 (calls
cost 10p/min plus network extras).
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Mediawatch - 28 October
WHUFC.com
Our daily look at West Ham United in the news
28.10.2014
In the Daily Mirror, Alex Song talks about an upwardly mobile West Ham, who
he believes can be 'one of the best clubs in England'.
The Evening Standard report that West Ham will learn the extent of Diafra
Sakho's shoulder injury within the next 48 hours.
Sun (£) columnist Ian Wright says that Sam Allardyce is his manager of the
week after guiding the Hammers to a memorable victory over Manchester City.
A comment piece in the Daily Express argues that West Ham and Southampton
could gatecrash the Barclays Premier League's top four.
The Mail Online carries coverage of Andy Carroll's fashion shoot for H&M and
his return to training.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Messi and Tevez at the Boleyn: get your tickets now
KUMB.com
Filed: Tuesday, 28th October 2014
By: Staff Writer
Tickets are now available for the Argentina vs Croatia friendly that will be
hosted at the Boleyn Ground on 12 November. KUMB revealed last week that the
home of West Ham had been selected as the venue for the prestige friendly,
which will see Carlos Tevez and Javier Mascherano return to their former
home for one night. Supporters wishing to attend the game may now purchase
tickets directly from the West Ham ticket office by calling 0871 529 1966
(calls cost 10p/m plus network extras) or buy in person at the Alpari Stand
Ticket Office.
Corporate hospitality and lounge packages are also available; call the
number above for more details.
Also included in the 25-man Argentina squad to face Croatia is Barcelona
star Lionel Messi. The full squad is as follows:
Goalkeepers: Sergio Romero (Sampdoria), Willy Caballero (Manchester City),
Nahuel Guzman (Tigres)
Defenders: Nicolas Otamendi (Valencia), Cristian Ansaldi (Atletico Madrid),
Facundo Roncaglia (Fiorentina), Marcos Rojo (Manchester United), Martin
Demichelis (Manchester City), Pablo Zabaleta (Manchester City), Federico
Fazio (Tottenham), Federico Fernandez (Swansea), Ezequiel Garay (Zenit)
Midfielders: Javier Mascherano (Barcelona), Roberto Pereyra (Juventus),
Lucas Biglia (Lazio), Angel Di Maria (Manchester United), Erik Lamela
(Tottenham), Javier Pastore (PSG), Enzo Perez (Benfica), Nicolas Gaitan
(Benfica)
Forwards: Lionel Messi (Barcelona), Carlos Tevez (Juventus), Gonzalo Higuain
(Napoli), Sergio Aguero (Manchester City).
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
LET ME THROUGH, I CAN EXPLAIN THE WEST HAM WAY
By Brian Williams 28 Oct 2014 at 08:00
West Ham Till I Die
I had no idea the economic plight of this once proud nation's senior
citizens had become so dire until I heard the heart-rending story of the
poor old soul from the frozen north who has had to eke out the miserly state
pension by selling his credibility.
It would be wrong to name this rather sad and confused gentleman – a man his
age should not be subjected to the harsh glare of publicity. Let's just say
he is of advanced years, having worked all his life in the hairdryer
business, and then – like so many of his generation – he found himself on
the human scrapheap of retirement. They say times were so hard that, at one
stage, he was down to his last case of Chateauneuf-du-Pape.
Having been eased out of his Saturday job, he hoped to find financial
salvation as a writer – but, sadly, his magnum opus did not sell as well as
had been hoped. He resigned himself to the idea of augmenting his winter
fuel allowance by burning unsold copies on the pitiful fire in his tiny
garret, and then someone suggested he might be rekindle the public's
interest by rewriting his book to include a few controversial lines that
would excite literary circles throughout the land.
What makes this story so poignant is that the piece of fiction he came up
with was not his own – he "borrowed" it from a friend (plagiarism is such an
ugly word). And the gist of his tale? It is that what the likes of me and
you know to be the West Ham Way is nothing more than a myth.
The "friend" – we shall call him Stout Sam – first put forward this fanciful
idea after a trip to the picturesque cathedral city of Peterborough. Having
been offered some helpful and constructive criticism by 6,000 pilgrims who'd
made the journey as well, he responded by saying: "There has never been a
West Ham Way shown to me. I've spoken to a lot of people at the club and no
one can tell me what it is." Apparently, those of us who believe there is
such a thing are "deluded".
Two years later, after Sam himself appears to have seen the error of his
ways, his friend has now said: "I hope that, before I die, someone can
explain the West Ham Way." Well, if the crowd of care workers and nursing
staff who are doing such wonderful work trying to cope with his dementia
would care to let me through for a minute or two, I'll do my best. You see,
WE ARE THE FAMOUS, THE FAMOUS WEST HAM! And we're famous because of a
football genius who laid down a claret and blue print for the club that has
become an indelible trademark. His successors ignore it at their peril.
Ron Greenwood was not a man to go out of his way to win friends. He didn't
get on terribly well with his own captain (a certain Robert Frederick
Chelsea Moore). He didn't have much time for West Ham supporters. In fact,
he didn't care for the East End as a whole. The problem, according to
Greenwood, is that we "don't understand sincerity and intelligence."
Maybe not. But we do know a thing or two about football, and we came to
appreciate the way he believed the game should be played.
Greenwood joined West Ham from Arsenal in April 1961 – the same month that
Yuri Gagarin became the first man in space (personally, I'm in no doubt
which was the more important event). His footballing philosophy can be
traced back to the day he saw the brilliant Hungarian team of the
mid-fifties trounce England 6-3 at Wembley – the first time England had ever
lost at home – with a performance that revolutionised the way the young
Greenwood thought about the game and convinced him he wanted to become a
coach when his playing days as a centre half were over.
He said later: "I knew then for sure that football was a combination of
thought and intelligence, and fun and concentration, and vim and vigour, and
everything if you like, even art if you want to call it that."
In short, Greenwood's way – the West Ham Way – is about playing open,
attacking football by passing the ball quickly and accurately, based on the
concept that it is more important to score goals than it is to prevent them.
That's not to say defence isn't important ¬– Greenwood built his team around
the best defender the world has ever seen. But the main object of the game,
in the gospel according to Ron, is to break down the opposition using skill
plus intelligence and put the ball in the back of their net more often than
they put it in yours.
To attack effectively, a team needs options – which generally means
employing more than one striker at any given time. Supporters who believe in
the West Ham Way have been calling for two up front ever since we dragged
ourselves out of the Championship. By all means tinker with the midfield
¬set-up – the diamond has clearly become far more fashionable than the flat
line of four my generation grew up with – but the key element is what those
midfielders and their team-mates at the back are looking at ahead of them
when they've got the ball.
We have a proud tradition of striking partnerships. Geoff Hurst and Pop
Robson are my all-time favourites, but Frank McAvennie and Tony Cottee run
them a close second. Then there was Paul Kitson and John Hartson, who
famously got us the "snookers" Harry Redknapp said we needed to avoid
relegation. And who could forget David Kelly and Leroy Rosenior? (No matter
how hard I try, I can't seem to be able to forget Kelly and Leroy.) Now, in
Diafra Sakho and Enner Valencia, we have a pairing that could turn out to be
as good as anything we've ever had.
Of course there are times when you have to adopt a different formation. One
of our greatest ever triumphs – the 1980 FA Cup final victory against
Arsenal – was achieved by playing just one out-and-out striker. The Gooners
simply never got to grips with our unexpected line-up, in which David Cross
battled manfully on his own up front while Stuart Pearson dropped back to
help out in midfield. Sir Trev's headed goal plus stellar performances at
the back from Billy Bonds and Alvin Martin did the rest.
The man who came up with that tactical masterstroke was Greenwood's chief
disciple, John Lyall – who, many years after his mentor had left the club,
came within a whisker of winning the league playing the West Ham Way.
Lyall is, arguably, the most successful manager in West Ham's history. He
won us two FA Cups, brought us some fabulous nights of European football,
masterminded our highest ever league finish and got his teams to produce
some breathtaking football. Best of all: he took the time and trouble to
write to my wife and me with some very kind words when we got married, even
though he'd never met us. (But that's another story.)
The man now sitting in the office once occupied by Greenwood and Lyall has
taken some while to come round to our way of thinking, but he seems to have
finally started to understand what we are looking for in teams that turn out
in claret and blue. So why the change of heart?
The Labour party has suggested that if it wins the next election it will
introduce legislation requiring football clubs to give supporters a 10%
stake and representation in the boardroom. It's an interesting idea
(although personally I'd prefer a new Labour government to set about
repairing the National Health Service and renationalising the railways
before it starts restructuring my football club). More institutionalised
democracy has to be a good thing, but at West Ham I think we have
demonstrated that supporters can get their message across in a number of
ways.
In the past couple of seasons, many have been voting with their feet. You
know that people have got the ache when it's still possible to get a ticket
for a home game against Spurs or Man U two days beforehand. Others, as we
are all aware, have protested more vociferously. Some of the anti-Allardyce
protests were nasty, personal and ugly. No one condones those. But we are
West Ham United; we do play on the floor; and we are well within our rights
to remind the manager of that occasionally.
It's been a difficult journey with Stout Sam at times, but the important
thing is that we have finally got to a point where we, the supporters, feel
the team he puts out wearing our shirts and carrying our hopes are playing
the sort of football we believe in.
We're now fourth in the table after beating the defending champions plus
last season's runners up, and we're doing it our way. The West Ham Way.
Perhaps you could mention that to the man with the red face and Scottish
accent the next time you see him shouting at pigeons in the park.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
TONY GALE V KEITH HACKETT: THE REMATCH
By Iain Dale 28 Oct 2014 at 14:22
West Ham till I Die
It went down in football history as one of the most infamous sending-off
incidents the game has ever seen – and it's still sung about in the stands
at West Ham today.
Keith Hackett caused a storm that continues to haunt modern football when he
sent defender Tony Gale for an early bath in the 1991 FA Cup semi-final v
Nottingham Forest for bringing down Gary Crosby. Gale became the first ever
footballer to be instantly dismissed for what is now known as the DOGSO rule
(Denial Of Goal-Scoring Opportunity) – but he has protested his innocence
ever since. Now Hackett and Gale have been reunited for the first time in a
video for you-are-the-ref.com – the website for all matters connected to
refereeing at all levels. Thanks to YouAreTheRef we can reprint the
exchanges between the two sworn enemies below.
Alan: Hello welcome to a very special edition of The Ref Show. It's one of
the most infamous incidents in the history of modern football. It goes back
some 23 years ago now but to this day, referees who have the misfortune to
make more than the odd mistake at Upton Park home of West Ham United are
serenaded to the tune of 'Are you Hackett in disguise?' Yes, that is our
Keith Hackett, You Are The Ref's Keith Hackett, whose here to face some
music now, because in an FA Cup semi-final in 1991 he did this. This was at
Villa Park an FA cup semi-final between Nottingham Forest and West Ham
United. Hammers, Tony Gale was the man very controversially sent off there.
The score at the time mid-way through the first half was nil – nil.
Nottingham Forest, under Brian Clough went on to win four – nil. That's how
important that particular incident was and now for the very first time
since, Tony Gale and Keith Hackett are together in the same room. This room,
Gale has said over the years that he can never forgive Hackett for that
incident but this is the first time they've ever talked about it. Talked
about this lets remind ourselves again mid-way through the first half FA cup
semi-final 1991. Tony, Keith a very warm welcome. Tony thanks ever so much
for travelling up to London, from London to Keith's home ground here in
Sheffield, his home ground in more than one sense because he's a Sheffield
Wednesday supporter and here we are by chance at Hillsborough. Now gentlemen
are we going to have a handshake before we start or are you saving that
until the end?
Gale: We'll do it at the end, but I only came up here because Keith's not
allowed down in London.
Alan: We weren't going to mention that, and you've come all this way because
you're really relishing this, now,Tony what happened there?
Gale: What happened there was obviously I got sent off Alan and Keith made
the decision at the time but bearing in mind the kind of player that I was
and I think everyone in football will agree that I was more of an
interceptor as a player, a central defender I had a disciplinary record that
was second to none. I played 700 games for my clubs over the years. I was
only booked seven times and two of those was for coming out of a wall at the
wrong time. So probably 5 bookings and that was the only blot on my copybook
and probably made me infamous. It might of made Keith famous but it made me
infamous at the time and it was something that I thought was unforgivable.
Alan: And you still can't forgive Keith for it?
Gale: Not for the decision no. Obviously, we're human beings and you have to
forgive and forget but maybe forget for me but not forgive because what
happened was the decision which I thought was wrong which was my first FA
cup Semi-final, I had been in 2 league cup semi-finals but not a FA cup
semifinal and probably ruined the day of not only myself and probably family
totalling 50 that went up there but also fans totalling probably 30 thousand
of the 45 in there of West Ham fans and probably ruined the day which I
thought could of been a far better game as well, and since I've gone on and
become a pundit and worked for Sky and everything, I still look at the
decision then and still think it was wrong.
Alan: You were going away from goal unmistakeably heading towards the corner
flag. I'm going to ask you, whether you think was it actually a foul in a
moment but that was Keith Hackett's verdict. Keith do you look back on that
now and wince?
Keith: Absolutely, for many reasons. As a referee I wasn't one that sent
players off willy-nilly. But I feel that even today I'maggrieved by the fact
that I was exposed as a referee by the FA. If this incident happened a week
before, Tony wouldn't have received a yellow card never mind a red.
Alan: So what happened in between then?
Keith: On the Thursday Ken Ridden at the FA called all referees in, to
discuss this particular type of incident.Up to that particular point we'd
worked on the premise in the Courtney final, where William brought Alan
down, it was cynical and we believed that this challenge had to by cynical.
There wasn't the DOGSO offence that we talk about now.
Alan: It's Denial Of a Goal Scoring Opportunity.
Keith: Correct. This was like it was almost last line of defence and there
wasn't the criterionto say moving towards goal all those sort of scenarios.
It was last man, foul, whatever and therefore the exposure was Tony, the
managers, even the referees below football league level at that particular
time were not aware of this interpretation.
Alan: Were you aware of it?
Gale: I think we were aware Billy Bonds, our manager at the time told us
about it but obviously it's difficult to change the way you play within a
short space of time, you know, and even the way that the game's evolved and
you see decisions now and probably denying a goal scoring opportunity or
whatever, I still probably think I wouldn't of got sent off nowadays and I
still question the decision, did I actually foul Gary Crosby? Because we
both got up in a heap and I wasn't quite sure what way the foul was going to
go so when Keith came up and done it then I thought, Oh
Alan: Your face was a picture; tell us what you were thinking?
Gale: A picture. Well I just couldn't believe it, you know. I couldn't
believe it would be someone like me getting in this kind of situation. I
wouldn't of said I was one of the world's most aggressive defenders, we did
have players of that ilk in the West Ham teams that I played in but, I think
if you asked any of the West Ham players who was the least likely to get
sent off, it probably would of been me. That probably might be a little bit
of a dent on my reputation as a defender but I wasn't that type of defender,
I was, what I had deemed was a footballing central defender, so,it was a… I
thought it was a poor decision and at the time what I did think because it
was the first decision from the Thursday to the Sunday, I thought it was a
bit on an egotistical one at the time in that Keith wanted to be the first
one to make that decision.
Alan: Keith?
Gale: Which is what I thought at the time.
Keith: Yeah apart from that, it wasn't that at all. I mean I concurred it
when I was running and knowing that I'd got to make a red card decision at
what I saw was a foul.I'm regretting it before I've got to do it and then
when … Alan: You appear not to show a lot of sympathy actually.
Keith: Well, I mean, because, well that's part of refereeing. You can't be a
shrinking violet in a corner, you've got a big decision you've made it and
you'vegot to carry it through. The reality is that if you look at the faces
of Tony, his colleagues and there after, the comments the Nottingham Forest
players themselves because as I'm actually coming away from it, there
actually saying Keith that's harsh, that really is harsh and I'm just sort
ofthen spend the next ten minutes in a daze. The reality was there was no
question, if you look at the game as a whole, it absolutely ruined the game.
It ruined it for the spectators and dare I say that I wasn't happy myself,
and the culmination was I came into the car park after the game, really
unhappy, very unhappy in this particular decision.
Alan: Have you got any sympathy Tony?
Gale: Not yet.
Keith: And I threw my bag into the car and there was an F A guy there whose
name will remain anonymous at this stage, and he just said to me, he tapped
me on the shoulder and just said well done. If you hadn't have sent him
you'd have been suspended, I always remember that because I then had some
choice words for him, because for me then set a scene that, in whatever I
did from that day on, it had to be you've got to inform players, you've got
to inform the public and everybody has a right to know what referees and how
they're going to interpret the laws and you should never change the
interpretation of the law during the course of the season.
Alan: Now you were a top referee, you refereed the FA Cup Final, you were a
FIFA International Referee and yet now,you're defined by this one incident,
Tonys' hearts bleeding about this, but you're defined by that one incident,
West Ham supporters are not slow to …
Keith: Well, I mean in the days after following that, I had the death
threats, which were taking quite seriously. Err, you know the fans have a
passion and this is, you know, we're talking about the semi finals here.
Gale: That was only me mum.
Keith: We're talking about semi finals here and you know there are lots of
players that never get to an FA Cup Final and you've actually had a part in
taking that away from them. The impact is enormous on the referee. I think
what most people don't understand that, you know, we're the first to admit
when we've made an error but here I'm unable to make an admission of an
error because I've done what the FA expected me to do.
Alan: Did you speak to him after, attempt to speak to him after, did Billy
Bonds, the manager attempt to speak to him after?
Gale: No I don't think Billy went in there, Billy was one of those players
who was a hard man both on and off the pitch and whatever the referees
decision was, then he'd abide by it and that was it and basically we had to
get on with the game. There was no point in me slamming down doors trying to
get at Keith and whatever, but I remember when Keith sent me off and I asked
what for? I wasn't sure whether I'd fouled GaryCrosby; I wasn't sure whether
I was last man, professional foul. If I had but what Keith was just saying
off and really there was no kind of explanation for it at all, not that a
referee's has to give an explanation, well you tapped him from behind or you
pushed in on the shoulder or whatever. But at best I thought it was clumsy.
At worst did I think it was a goal scoring opportunity or whatever the rules
are, now it's all changed, but no, I didn't it was going towards the corner
flag and Gary Crosby was going towards his left side and he's a right sided
player, so everything in my mind because I was that type of a player who had
a footballing brainwas, how have I got sent off and I couldn't get to the
reality of it when I was in the dressing room.
Alan: And the fall out meant is that I don't think you refereed at the Upton
Park again did you?
Keith: No that's right and rightly so probably
Alan: Cos you made the request..
Keith: No I didn't make the request but I was thankful that they didn't send
me. But the reality of all this is that since, that particular decision, the
law its self has been, err, the criteria's changed. It's more defined, but
let me make it quite clear from a refereeingperspective; I still think that
denial an obvious goal scoring opportunity is a bad law.It's a bad law for
the playing side because it really has no sympathetic overview of the
actions of a player. A player can make a mistake, he can make a careless
challenge and in the case of a defence inside the penalty area, you know,
that denial of the goal is replaced by the penalty kick. So it's an offence
where the punishment is a triple jeopardy, it's a dismissal, it's a penalty
and it's a suspension and that can't be right.
Alan: It's certainly a modern day issue but just going back to this Villa
Park incident and the intervening years I think you actually only met once
didn't you on the football pitch after that?
Gale: Yeah we played, it was funny the club I ended up with Blackburn
Rovers,it was the year before I went to Rovers, West Ham played Blackburn
Rovers at Ewood Park. Low and behold, the referee was Keith!
Alan: And he attempted some reconciliationdidn't he?
Gale: Well he did, I did, err, clatter into the back of Alan Shearer and got
away with the foul.
Alan: And according to you, he said something to you like, are you alright
big man?
Gale: Yeah he said are you alright big man, no hard feelings
Alan: You said?
Keith: Yes I can remember that
Gale: I think I know what I said in the East End, yeah.
Alan: Now then, we've wrapped this up, we could talk all day.
Gale: It was a little bit of a double whammythere Al and we were
speakingabout it afterwards aswell and Keith cleared it up, which he could
clear up again on camera was we tried to appeal against this because we
thought it was the wrong decision, still think it was the wrong decision,
because we were going for the second division championship at the time. The
FA said to us the referee doesn't want to look at the video because he feels
he's made the right decision. I missed the last three games. We were without
a recognised centre back West Ham and we lost out on a championship winning
medal because we would of won it, no doubt, and Keith has explained what
really did happen.
Keith: Well I mean quite clearly,I'll tell you that no one approached me to
have a look at that video, well you know at the end of the day were cannon
fodder at times.
Alan: Well Keiththere's no hiding from you today, thank you for facing that.
Tony, are we going to get that handshake?
Gale: Can I do it off air other wise the West Ham fans might ……
Alan: I'll tell you what will give you the pleasure off 'Are you Hackett in
disguise?'
Gale: Are you Hackett in disguise? And he is, but I mean it was a sad sad
day unfortunately but I'll tell you what the West Ham fans came out with it,
not for the things that were said about Keith but with so much credit
because they sang for the remainder of that game and they were a credit to
West Ham and to me and I'd just like to thank them all on film because they
made it such a good, I'll shake through you.
Alan: Thank you; I can feel the electricity, look at the distance, come on,
thank you both.
Tony: It's been great to get an explanation of it from the other side as
well.
Alan: Ok Tony thanks ever so much and Keith, and were back with another ref
show next week, it won't be as good as this one I can promise you that
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham midfielder Alex Song eyes European place for upwardly mobile
Hammers
Oct 27, 2014 22:30 By Darren Lewis
The revitalised Irons stunned Manchester City on Saturday and the Barca
loanee reckons the Hammers are capable of springing more surprises
The Mirror
Having seen off the defending champions and with superlatives still ringing
in his ears Alex Song has Europe on his mind. The ex-Arsenal star's Man of
the Match display to sink Manchester City on Saturday left some Gunners fans
wondering why Arsene Wenger did not take him back on loan from Barcelona.
West Ham fans, however, are delighted that he chose Upton Park - while Song
believes the east London club are on the verge of a fantastic new era. The
27-year-old said: "The future of the club is very good. That's why I chose
to come here. In Spain nobody was expecting anything from Atletico Madrid
and look at how well they are doing. "You have to look at examples like
that. The way that West Ham are looking now, in the next five years they
will be one of the best clubs in England. "When I see the way that we play
and where we are at the moment I know that I made a very good choice."
Fresh from playing alongside the likes of Messi and Iniesta at the Camp Nou,
Song believes even more top players could follow his lead if West Ham make
it into Europe ahead of their move to the Olympic Stadium. "If everything
goes well by the end of the season, the club will attract more players." he
said, "When the new stadium comes in everyone will start to look here
because we will be a different club.
When they move into the new stadium it will be fantastic. That's why I think
this year we have to do something very well together."
Even before Tata Martino had been replaced at Barcelona by Luis Enrique back
in May, Song had already decided he did not want another season sitting on a
bench. A few Premier League bosses, however, will be kicking themselves at
not moving in for his services before the Hammers snapped him up two days
before the summer transfer deadline. He explained: "It wasn't that I was not
playing at Barca because I am a bad player. I wasn't playing because they
have the best players in the world. "To be part of that team was a
privilege. You train with them then, at the end of the day, the manager has
to choose 11 to play. The players that were playing there won everything.
"For me it was difficult because I was playing every week at Arsenal so to
be on the bench was difficult. "So I decided that I didn't want to be in
that position for a third year. That would have been too long for me. That's
why I decided to move. I have to play. Once I get my fitness back I know
that I can show the people what I can do. "At the moment I am focused and
very happy with the way we are going. You never know what will happen but
everyone gives me the love that I need to perform. "I remember the last day
before I was due to come back here. There was a guy from Barcelona who said:
"No! Why? That's not you. You don't have to choose this way. But I said to
him: 'That's my opinion. Its a good challenge. I know I can do it.'"
Song and strikers Enner Valencia and Diafra Sakho were key to Saturday's win
over City. The three points mean West Ham have scored in each of their last
eight games, their best run for five years. It also means West Ham are
enjoying their best start to a season since 1990. At £4.7m Sakho - only the
second man in Premier League history to score in each of his first six
appearances - is now one of the bargains of the summer. Song, however,
believes the former Metz marksman would be receiving far more plaudits if
his seven goals in seven games had come in the shirt of a Champions League
team. "When you look at the way that he has started it's amazing. He doesn't
get the credit he deserves but he has proved his quality in every single
game. He is a young player, he is in a new country and he is playing a new
style of football so to do what he has done is fantastic. "This guy, he
scores goals, he tackles. He is just trying to find his way. But he has the
chance to be one of the best players in the future."
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WHUFC.com
Diafra Sakho says West Ham United are going flat out to prolong their rich
vein of league form
27.10.2014
Diafra Sakho is scoring goals for fun right now but reckons it should come
as no surprise, given the quality that surrounds him at West Ham United. A
second-half header, the winner as it turned out, against Manchester City on
Saturday extended his goalscoring streak to seven goals in seven starts, but
the 24-year-old has no plans to let it end there. While Barclays Premier
League points remain his prime concern, Sakho is keen to hear rather more of
his new song, even if 'he scores when he wants' poses a linguistic problem
or two.
Diafra Sakho cele v Manchester City "I didn't understand it at the
beginning, but I asked Ricardo Vaz Te and he translated it for me," Sakho
explained. "I'm really touched by them saying that all the time. It makes me
happy to hear that and gives me even more motivation to score. I'll always
try to give them that, if I can."
Not that Sakho is short of motivation at present, nor of goals, for that
matter. His supreme form has, in part, fired the Hammers to four wins in
five and the Senegal striker wants the Club to make the absolute most of
their purple patch. "The run goes on for all of us, the whole team," he
added. "We know that after Saturday there's still a long, long way to go -
as I always say - but we're trying to bag all the points that we can. "We're
trying to keep it going and that's really pleasing. My teammates on Saturday
inspired me and so I dream big. When it ends, I'll accept that. But we're
going to slog away to continue it. "Saturday was great. To play at home in
front of our fans, that spurs us all on to aim high and we'll carry on right
until the end so that it will be the stuff of dreams for all the fans who
came to watch us every week."
Compatriot and fellow summer signing Cheikhou Kouyate - himself just back
from injury - is revelling in Sakho's success and gladly gatecrashed the
interview to shower praise on the No15. "I feel good, that's a big win and
my man, who can't stop scoring and continues to make us happy," Kouyate
confirmed. "I am really happy for him and I hope, for him, that he's going
to continue like that. We owe Diafra a thank you! It's a great win and we
mustn't forget also to thank the fans, what we've done on Saturday is thanks
to them too. "Diafra's unreal, that's his level. He continues to surprise me
and surprise everyone. I know very well that he can do better still and he's
going to carry on scoring!"
Modest as ever, Sakho shrugged off the plaudits and instead claimed the
goals are par for the course in such talented company. Ironically, the
Senegalese duo so nearly combined to lethal effect, with Sakho curling
Kouyate's lay-off just over the angle of post and bar. The one that got
away, said Sakho, though he is vowing to stick it away next time and on this
form, he probably will. "When you play with great players that's what
happens - you have to score goals. That's normal. "The one I really wanted
to score was from the pass that Cheikhou gave me. That would have been the
one people would have been talking about all week long. Next time, for
sure!"
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Hammers to host international clash
WHUFC.com
Lionel Messi's Argentina will take on Croatia at the Boleyn Ground on
Wednesday 12 November
27.10.2014
West Ham United are set to play host to Lionel Messi, Carlos Tevez and
company when Argentina face Croatia in a prestige international friendly on
Wednesday 12 November. In what is likely to be his only appearance at the
Boleyn Ground, Messi and his Argentina team-mates will take on their fellow
2014 FIFA World Cup qualifiers in what promises to be a hugely entertaining
clash. The 7.45pm kick-off could also see Argentina's former Hammers
midfielder Javier Mascherano return to east London, while ex-West Ham
striker Davor Suker is now President of the Croatian Football Federation.
Messi could be just one of a host of household names on show for La
Albiceleste, with Barclays Premier League stars Sergio Aguero, Angel di
Maria and Pablo Zabaleta and Napoli striker Gonzalo Higuain also set to be
involved.
Croatia also possess a strong group of players, with Real Madrid playmaker
Luka Modric, Atletico Madrid striker Mario Mandzukic and Messi's Barcelona
team-mate Ivan Rakitic all expected to be involved.
The two nations have met three times previously, with each recording one
victory. The most-recent meeting took place in Switzerland in March 2006,
when Messi and former Hammers striker Tevez were on target, but Croatia won
3-2. Argentina will be playing in London for the first time since September
2006, when they took on South American rivals Brazil at Arsenal, losing 2-0.
Croatia's most-recent visit to London was also an unhappy one, with England
running out 5-1 winners in a FIFA World Cup qualifier at Wembley in
September 2009.
Tickets for the match are on General Sale now and are available directly
from West Ham United.
Standard Ticket prices start from £25 for Adults and £15 for Over-65s and
Under-16s. Disabled Ticket prices are the same, including a complimentary
carer. Family Tickets priced at £60 for two Adults and two Under-16s are
also available in the Sir Trevor Brooking Stand Upper.
Demand for tickets for this exciting fixture is expected to be high, so fans
are urged to book early to avoid disappointment.
To make sure of your seat now, click here, call 0871 529 1966 (calls cost
10p/min plus network extras) or buy in person at the Alpari Stand Ticket
Office.
Corporate hospitality packages are also available, with Executive Boxes
available for just £1,250 plus VAT and lounge packages starting from only
£60 per person plus VAT. To book a package now, please 0871 091 1911 (calls
cost 10p/min plus network extras).
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Mediawatch - 28 October
WHUFC.com
Our daily look at West Ham United in the news
28.10.2014
In the Daily Mirror, Alex Song talks about an upwardly mobile West Ham, who
he believes can be 'one of the best clubs in England'.
The Evening Standard report that West Ham will learn the extent of Diafra
Sakho's shoulder injury within the next 48 hours.
Sun (£) columnist Ian Wright says that Sam Allardyce is his manager of the
week after guiding the Hammers to a memorable victory over Manchester City.
A comment piece in the Daily Express argues that West Ham and Southampton
could gatecrash the Barclays Premier League's top four.
The Mail Online carries coverage of Andy Carroll's fashion shoot for H&M and
his return to training.
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Messi and Tevez at the Boleyn: get your tickets now
KUMB.com
Filed: Tuesday, 28th October 2014
By: Staff Writer
Tickets are now available for the Argentina vs Croatia friendly that will be
hosted at the Boleyn Ground on 12 November. KUMB revealed last week that the
home of West Ham had been selected as the venue for the prestige friendly,
which will see Carlos Tevez and Javier Mascherano return to their former
home for one night. Supporters wishing to attend the game may now purchase
tickets directly from the West Ham ticket office by calling 0871 529 1966
(calls cost 10p/m plus network extras) or buy in person at the Alpari Stand
Ticket Office.
Corporate hospitality and lounge packages are also available; call the
number above for more details.
Also included in the 25-man Argentina squad to face Croatia is Barcelona
star Lionel Messi. The full squad is as follows:
Goalkeepers: Sergio Romero (Sampdoria), Willy Caballero (Manchester City),
Nahuel Guzman (Tigres)
Defenders: Nicolas Otamendi (Valencia), Cristian Ansaldi (Atletico Madrid),
Facundo Roncaglia (Fiorentina), Marcos Rojo (Manchester United), Martin
Demichelis (Manchester City), Pablo Zabaleta (Manchester City), Federico
Fazio (Tottenham), Federico Fernandez (Swansea), Ezequiel Garay (Zenit)
Midfielders: Javier Mascherano (Barcelona), Roberto Pereyra (Juventus),
Lucas Biglia (Lazio), Angel Di Maria (Manchester United), Erik Lamela
(Tottenham), Javier Pastore (PSG), Enzo Perez (Benfica), Nicolas Gaitan
(Benfica)
Forwards: Lionel Messi (Barcelona), Carlos Tevez (Juventus), Gonzalo Higuain
(Napoli), Sergio Aguero (Manchester City).
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LET ME THROUGH, I CAN EXPLAIN THE WEST HAM WAY
By Brian Williams 28 Oct 2014 at 08:00
West Ham Till I Die
I had no idea the economic plight of this once proud nation's senior
citizens had become so dire until I heard the heart-rending story of the
poor old soul from the frozen north who has had to eke out the miserly state
pension by selling his credibility.
It would be wrong to name this rather sad and confused gentleman – a man his
age should not be subjected to the harsh glare of publicity. Let's just say
he is of advanced years, having worked all his life in the hairdryer
business, and then – like so many of his generation – he found himself on
the human scrapheap of retirement. They say times were so hard that, at one
stage, he was down to his last case of Chateauneuf-du-Pape.
Having been eased out of his Saturday job, he hoped to find financial
salvation as a writer – but, sadly, his magnum opus did not sell as well as
had been hoped. He resigned himself to the idea of augmenting his winter
fuel allowance by burning unsold copies on the pitiful fire in his tiny
garret, and then someone suggested he might be rekindle the public's
interest by rewriting his book to include a few controversial lines that
would excite literary circles throughout the land.
What makes this story so poignant is that the piece of fiction he came up
with was not his own – he "borrowed" it from a friend (plagiarism is such an
ugly word). And the gist of his tale? It is that what the likes of me and
you know to be the West Ham Way is nothing more than a myth.
The "friend" – we shall call him Stout Sam – first put forward this fanciful
idea after a trip to the picturesque cathedral city of Peterborough. Having
been offered some helpful and constructive criticism by 6,000 pilgrims who'd
made the journey as well, he responded by saying: "There has never been a
West Ham Way shown to me. I've spoken to a lot of people at the club and no
one can tell me what it is." Apparently, those of us who believe there is
such a thing are "deluded".
Two years later, after Sam himself appears to have seen the error of his
ways, his friend has now said: "I hope that, before I die, someone can
explain the West Ham Way." Well, if the crowd of care workers and nursing
staff who are doing such wonderful work trying to cope with his dementia
would care to let me through for a minute or two, I'll do my best. You see,
WE ARE THE FAMOUS, THE FAMOUS WEST HAM! And we're famous because of a
football genius who laid down a claret and blue print for the club that has
become an indelible trademark. His successors ignore it at their peril.
Ron Greenwood was not a man to go out of his way to win friends. He didn't
get on terribly well with his own captain (a certain Robert Frederick
Chelsea Moore). He didn't have much time for West Ham supporters. In fact,
he didn't care for the East End as a whole. The problem, according to
Greenwood, is that we "don't understand sincerity and intelligence."
Maybe not. But we do know a thing or two about football, and we came to
appreciate the way he believed the game should be played.
Greenwood joined West Ham from Arsenal in April 1961 – the same month that
Yuri Gagarin became the first man in space (personally, I'm in no doubt
which was the more important event). His footballing philosophy can be
traced back to the day he saw the brilliant Hungarian team of the
mid-fifties trounce England 6-3 at Wembley – the first time England had ever
lost at home – with a performance that revolutionised the way the young
Greenwood thought about the game and convinced him he wanted to become a
coach when his playing days as a centre half were over.
He said later: "I knew then for sure that football was a combination of
thought and intelligence, and fun and concentration, and vim and vigour, and
everything if you like, even art if you want to call it that."
In short, Greenwood's way – the West Ham Way – is about playing open,
attacking football by passing the ball quickly and accurately, based on the
concept that it is more important to score goals than it is to prevent them.
That's not to say defence isn't important ¬– Greenwood built his team around
the best defender the world has ever seen. But the main object of the game,
in the gospel according to Ron, is to break down the opposition using skill
plus intelligence and put the ball in the back of their net more often than
they put it in yours.
To attack effectively, a team needs options – which generally means
employing more than one striker at any given time. Supporters who believe in
the West Ham Way have been calling for two up front ever since we dragged
ourselves out of the Championship. By all means tinker with the midfield
¬set-up – the diamond has clearly become far more fashionable than the flat
line of four my generation grew up with – but the key element is what those
midfielders and their team-mates at the back are looking at ahead of them
when they've got the ball.
We have a proud tradition of striking partnerships. Geoff Hurst and Pop
Robson are my all-time favourites, but Frank McAvennie and Tony Cottee run
them a close second. Then there was Paul Kitson and John Hartson, who
famously got us the "snookers" Harry Redknapp said we needed to avoid
relegation. And who could forget David Kelly and Leroy Rosenior? (No matter
how hard I try, I can't seem to be able to forget Kelly and Leroy.) Now, in
Diafra Sakho and Enner Valencia, we have a pairing that could turn out to be
as good as anything we've ever had.
Of course there are times when you have to adopt a different formation. One
of our greatest ever triumphs – the 1980 FA Cup final victory against
Arsenal – was achieved by playing just one out-and-out striker. The Gooners
simply never got to grips with our unexpected line-up, in which David Cross
battled manfully on his own up front while Stuart Pearson dropped back to
help out in midfield. Sir Trev's headed goal plus stellar performances at
the back from Billy Bonds and Alvin Martin did the rest.
The man who came up with that tactical masterstroke was Greenwood's chief
disciple, John Lyall – who, many years after his mentor had left the club,
came within a whisker of winning the league playing the West Ham Way.
Lyall is, arguably, the most successful manager in West Ham's history. He
won us two FA Cups, brought us some fabulous nights of European football,
masterminded our highest ever league finish and got his teams to produce
some breathtaking football. Best of all: he took the time and trouble to
write to my wife and me with some very kind words when we got married, even
though he'd never met us. (But that's another story.)
The man now sitting in the office once occupied by Greenwood and Lyall has
taken some while to come round to our way of thinking, but he seems to have
finally started to understand what we are looking for in teams that turn out
in claret and blue. So why the change of heart?
The Labour party has suggested that if it wins the next election it will
introduce legislation requiring football clubs to give supporters a 10%
stake and representation in the boardroom. It's an interesting idea
(although personally I'd prefer a new Labour government to set about
repairing the National Health Service and renationalising the railways
before it starts restructuring my football club). More institutionalised
democracy has to be a good thing, but at West Ham I think we have
demonstrated that supporters can get their message across in a number of
ways.
In the past couple of seasons, many have been voting with their feet. You
know that people have got the ache when it's still possible to get a ticket
for a home game against Spurs or Man U two days beforehand. Others, as we
are all aware, have protested more vociferously. Some of the anti-Allardyce
protests were nasty, personal and ugly. No one condones those. But we are
West Ham United; we do play on the floor; and we are well within our rights
to remind the manager of that occasionally.
It's been a difficult journey with Stout Sam at times, but the important
thing is that we have finally got to a point where we, the supporters, feel
the team he puts out wearing our shirts and carrying our hopes are playing
the sort of football we believe in.
We're now fourth in the table after beating the defending champions plus
last season's runners up, and we're doing it our way. The West Ham Way.
Perhaps you could mention that to the man with the red face and Scottish
accent the next time you see him shouting at pigeons in the park.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
TONY GALE V KEITH HACKETT: THE REMATCH
By Iain Dale 28 Oct 2014 at 14:22
West Ham till I Die
It went down in football history as one of the most infamous sending-off
incidents the game has ever seen – and it's still sung about in the stands
at West Ham today.
Keith Hackett caused a storm that continues to haunt modern football when he
sent defender Tony Gale for an early bath in the 1991 FA Cup semi-final v
Nottingham Forest for bringing down Gary Crosby. Gale became the first ever
footballer to be instantly dismissed for what is now known as the DOGSO rule
(Denial Of Goal-Scoring Opportunity) – but he has protested his innocence
ever since. Now Hackett and Gale have been reunited for the first time in a
video for you-are-the-ref.com – the website for all matters connected to
refereeing at all levels. Thanks to YouAreTheRef we can reprint the
exchanges between the two sworn enemies below.
Alan: Hello welcome to a very special edition of The Ref Show. It's one of
the most infamous incidents in the history of modern football. It goes back
some 23 years ago now but to this day, referees who have the misfortune to
make more than the odd mistake at Upton Park home of West Ham United are
serenaded to the tune of 'Are you Hackett in disguise?' Yes, that is our
Keith Hackett, You Are The Ref's Keith Hackett, whose here to face some
music now, because in an FA Cup semi-final in 1991 he did this. This was at
Villa Park an FA cup semi-final between Nottingham Forest and West Ham
United. Hammers, Tony Gale was the man very controversially sent off there.
The score at the time mid-way through the first half was nil – nil.
Nottingham Forest, under Brian Clough went on to win four – nil. That's how
important that particular incident was and now for the very first time
since, Tony Gale and Keith Hackett are together in the same room. This room,
Gale has said over the years that he can never forgive Hackett for that
incident but this is the first time they've ever talked about it. Talked
about this lets remind ourselves again mid-way through the first half FA cup
semi-final 1991. Tony, Keith a very warm welcome. Tony thanks ever so much
for travelling up to London, from London to Keith's home ground here in
Sheffield, his home ground in more than one sense because he's a Sheffield
Wednesday supporter and here we are by chance at Hillsborough. Now gentlemen
are we going to have a handshake before we start or are you saving that
until the end?
Gale: We'll do it at the end, but I only came up here because Keith's not
allowed down in London.
Alan: We weren't going to mention that, and you've come all this way because
you're really relishing this, now,Tony what happened there?
Gale: What happened there was obviously I got sent off Alan and Keith made
the decision at the time but bearing in mind the kind of player that I was
and I think everyone in football will agree that I was more of an
interceptor as a player, a central defender I had a disciplinary record that
was second to none. I played 700 games for my clubs over the years. I was
only booked seven times and two of those was for coming out of a wall at the
wrong time. So probably 5 bookings and that was the only blot on my copybook
and probably made me infamous. It might of made Keith famous but it made me
infamous at the time and it was something that I thought was unforgivable.
Alan: And you still can't forgive Keith for it?
Gale: Not for the decision no. Obviously, we're human beings and you have to
forgive and forget but maybe forget for me but not forgive because what
happened was the decision which I thought was wrong which was my first FA
cup Semi-final, I had been in 2 league cup semi-finals but not a FA cup
semifinal and probably ruined the day of not only myself and probably family
totalling 50 that went up there but also fans totalling probably 30 thousand
of the 45 in there of West Ham fans and probably ruined the day which I
thought could of been a far better game as well, and since I've gone on and
become a pundit and worked for Sky and everything, I still look at the
decision then and still think it was wrong.
Alan: You were going away from goal unmistakeably heading towards the corner
flag. I'm going to ask you, whether you think was it actually a foul in a
moment but that was Keith Hackett's verdict. Keith do you look back on that
now and wince?
Keith: Absolutely, for many reasons. As a referee I wasn't one that sent
players off willy-nilly. But I feel that even today I'maggrieved by the fact
that I was exposed as a referee by the FA. If this incident happened a week
before, Tony wouldn't have received a yellow card never mind a red.
Alan: So what happened in between then?
Keith: On the Thursday Ken Ridden at the FA called all referees in, to
discuss this particular type of incident.Up to that particular point we'd
worked on the premise in the Courtney final, where William brought Alan
down, it was cynical and we believed that this challenge had to by cynical.
There wasn't the DOGSO offence that we talk about now.
Alan: It's Denial Of a Goal Scoring Opportunity.
Keith: Correct. This was like it was almost last line of defence and there
wasn't the criterionto say moving towards goal all those sort of scenarios.
It was last man, foul, whatever and therefore the exposure was Tony, the
managers, even the referees below football league level at that particular
time were not aware of this interpretation.
Alan: Were you aware of it?
Gale: I think we were aware Billy Bonds, our manager at the time told us
about it but obviously it's difficult to change the way you play within a
short space of time, you know, and even the way that the game's evolved and
you see decisions now and probably denying a goal scoring opportunity or
whatever, I still probably think I wouldn't of got sent off nowadays and I
still question the decision, did I actually foul Gary Crosby? Because we
both got up in a heap and I wasn't quite sure what way the foul was going to
go so when Keith came up and done it then I thought, Oh
Alan: Your face was a picture; tell us what you were thinking?
Gale: A picture. Well I just couldn't believe it, you know. I couldn't
believe it would be someone like me getting in this kind of situation. I
wouldn't of said I was one of the world's most aggressive defenders, we did
have players of that ilk in the West Ham teams that I played in but, I think
if you asked any of the West Ham players who was the least likely to get
sent off, it probably would of been me. That probably might be a little bit
of a dent on my reputation as a defender but I wasn't that type of defender,
I was, what I had deemed was a footballing central defender, so,it was a… I
thought it was a poor decision and at the time what I did think because it
was the first decision from the Thursday to the Sunday, I thought it was a
bit on an egotistical one at the time in that Keith wanted to be the first
one to make that decision.
Alan: Keith?
Gale: Which is what I thought at the time.
Keith: Yeah apart from that, it wasn't that at all. I mean I concurred it
when I was running and knowing that I'd got to make a red card decision at
what I saw was a foul.I'm regretting it before I've got to do it and then
when … Alan: You appear not to show a lot of sympathy actually.
Keith: Well, I mean, because, well that's part of refereeing. You can't be a
shrinking violet in a corner, you've got a big decision you've made it and
you'vegot to carry it through. The reality is that if you look at the faces
of Tony, his colleagues and there after, the comments the Nottingham Forest
players themselves because as I'm actually coming away from it, there
actually saying Keith that's harsh, that really is harsh and I'm just sort
ofthen spend the next ten minutes in a daze. The reality was there was no
question, if you look at the game as a whole, it absolutely ruined the game.
It ruined it for the spectators and dare I say that I wasn't happy myself,
and the culmination was I came into the car park after the game, really
unhappy, very unhappy in this particular decision.
Alan: Have you got any sympathy Tony?
Gale: Not yet.
Keith: And I threw my bag into the car and there was an F A guy there whose
name will remain anonymous at this stage, and he just said to me, he tapped
me on the shoulder and just said well done. If you hadn't have sent him
you'd have been suspended, I always remember that because I then had some
choice words for him, because for me then set a scene that, in whatever I
did from that day on, it had to be you've got to inform players, you've got
to inform the public and everybody has a right to know what referees and how
they're going to interpret the laws and you should never change the
interpretation of the law during the course of the season.
Alan: Now you were a top referee, you refereed the FA Cup Final, you were a
FIFA International Referee and yet now,you're defined by this one incident,
Tonys' hearts bleeding about this, but you're defined by that one incident,
West Ham supporters are not slow to …
Keith: Well, I mean in the days after following that, I had the death
threats, which were taking quite seriously. Err, you know the fans have a
passion and this is, you know, we're talking about the semi finals here.
Gale: That was only me mum.
Keith: We're talking about semi finals here and you know there are lots of
players that never get to an FA Cup Final and you've actually had a part in
taking that away from them. The impact is enormous on the referee. I think
what most people don't understand that, you know, we're the first to admit
when we've made an error but here I'm unable to make an admission of an
error because I've done what the FA expected me to do.
Alan: Did you speak to him after, attempt to speak to him after, did Billy
Bonds, the manager attempt to speak to him after?
Gale: No I don't think Billy went in there, Billy was one of those players
who was a hard man both on and off the pitch and whatever the referees
decision was, then he'd abide by it and that was it and basically we had to
get on with the game. There was no point in me slamming down doors trying to
get at Keith and whatever, but I remember when Keith sent me off and I asked
what for? I wasn't sure whether I'd fouled GaryCrosby; I wasn't sure whether
I was last man, professional foul. If I had but what Keith was just saying
off and really there was no kind of explanation for it at all, not that a
referee's has to give an explanation, well you tapped him from behind or you
pushed in on the shoulder or whatever. But at best I thought it was clumsy.
At worst did I think it was a goal scoring opportunity or whatever the rules
are, now it's all changed, but no, I didn't it was going towards the corner
flag and Gary Crosby was going towards his left side and he's a right sided
player, so everything in my mind because I was that type of a player who had
a footballing brainwas, how have I got sent off and I couldn't get to the
reality of it when I was in the dressing room.
Alan: And the fall out meant is that I don't think you refereed at the Upton
Park again did you?
Keith: No that's right and rightly so probably
Alan: Cos you made the request..
Keith: No I didn't make the request but I was thankful that they didn't send
me. But the reality of all this is that since, that particular decision, the
law its self has been, err, the criteria's changed. It's more defined, but
let me make it quite clear from a refereeingperspective; I still think that
denial an obvious goal scoring opportunity is a bad law.It's a bad law for
the playing side because it really has no sympathetic overview of the
actions of a player. A player can make a mistake, he can make a careless
challenge and in the case of a defence inside the penalty area, you know,
that denial of the goal is replaced by the penalty kick. So it's an offence
where the punishment is a triple jeopardy, it's a dismissal, it's a penalty
and it's a suspension and that can't be right.
Alan: It's certainly a modern day issue but just going back to this Villa
Park incident and the intervening years I think you actually only met once
didn't you on the football pitch after that?
Gale: Yeah we played, it was funny the club I ended up with Blackburn
Rovers,it was the year before I went to Rovers, West Ham played Blackburn
Rovers at Ewood Park. Low and behold, the referee was Keith!
Alan: And he attempted some reconciliationdidn't he?
Gale: Well he did, I did, err, clatter into the back of Alan Shearer and got
away with the foul.
Alan: And according to you, he said something to you like, are you alright
big man?
Gale: Yeah he said are you alright big man, no hard feelings
Alan: You said?
Keith: Yes I can remember that
Gale: I think I know what I said in the East End, yeah.
Alan: Now then, we've wrapped this up, we could talk all day.
Gale: It was a little bit of a double whammythere Al and we were
speakingabout it afterwards aswell and Keith cleared it up, which he could
clear up again on camera was we tried to appeal against this because we
thought it was the wrong decision, still think it was the wrong decision,
because we were going for the second division championship at the time. The
FA said to us the referee doesn't want to look at the video because he feels
he's made the right decision. I missed the last three games. We were without
a recognised centre back West Ham and we lost out on a championship winning
medal because we would of won it, no doubt, and Keith has explained what
really did happen.
Keith: Well I mean quite clearly,I'll tell you that no one approached me to
have a look at that video, well you know at the end of the day were cannon
fodder at times.
Alan: Well Keiththere's no hiding from you today, thank you for facing that.
Tony, are we going to get that handshake?
Gale: Can I do it off air other wise the West Ham fans might ……
Alan: I'll tell you what will give you the pleasure off 'Are you Hackett in
disguise?'
Gale: Are you Hackett in disguise? And he is, but I mean it was a sad sad
day unfortunately but I'll tell you what the West Ham fans came out with it,
not for the things that were said about Keith but with so much credit
because they sang for the remainder of that game and they were a credit to
West Ham and to me and I'd just like to thank them all on film because they
made it such a good, I'll shake through you.
Alan: Thank you; I can feel the electricity, look at the distance, come on,
thank you both.
Tony: It's been great to get an explanation of it from the other side as
well.
Alan: Ok Tony thanks ever so much and Keith, and were back with another ref
show next week, it won't be as good as this one I can promise you that
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham midfielder Alex Song eyes European place for upwardly mobile
Hammers
Oct 27, 2014 22:30 By Darren Lewis
The revitalised Irons stunned Manchester City on Saturday and the Barca
loanee reckons the Hammers are capable of springing more surprises
The Mirror
Having seen off the defending champions and with superlatives still ringing
in his ears Alex Song has Europe on his mind. The ex-Arsenal star's Man of
the Match display to sink Manchester City on Saturday left some Gunners fans
wondering why Arsene Wenger did not take him back on loan from Barcelona.
West Ham fans, however, are delighted that he chose Upton Park - while Song
believes the east London club are on the verge of a fantastic new era. The
27-year-old said: "The future of the club is very good. That's why I chose
to come here. In Spain nobody was expecting anything from Atletico Madrid
and look at how well they are doing. "You have to look at examples like
that. The way that West Ham are looking now, in the next five years they
will be one of the best clubs in England. "When I see the way that we play
and where we are at the moment I know that I made a very good choice."
Fresh from playing alongside the likes of Messi and Iniesta at the Camp Nou,
Song believes even more top players could follow his lead if West Ham make
it into Europe ahead of their move to the Olympic Stadium. "If everything
goes well by the end of the season, the club will attract more players." he
said, "When the new stadium comes in everyone will start to look here
because we will be a different club.
When they move into the new stadium it will be fantastic. That's why I think
this year we have to do something very well together."
Even before Tata Martino had been replaced at Barcelona by Luis Enrique back
in May, Song had already decided he did not want another season sitting on a
bench. A few Premier League bosses, however, will be kicking themselves at
not moving in for his services before the Hammers snapped him up two days
before the summer transfer deadline. He explained: "It wasn't that I was not
playing at Barca because I am a bad player. I wasn't playing because they
have the best players in the world. "To be part of that team was a
privilege. You train with them then, at the end of the day, the manager has
to choose 11 to play. The players that were playing there won everything.
"For me it was difficult because I was playing every week at Arsenal so to
be on the bench was difficult. "So I decided that I didn't want to be in
that position for a third year. That would have been too long for me. That's
why I decided to move. I have to play. Once I get my fitness back I know
that I can show the people what I can do. "At the moment I am focused and
very happy with the way we are going. You never know what will happen but
everyone gives me the love that I need to perform. "I remember the last day
before I was due to come back here. There was a guy from Barcelona who said:
"No! Why? That's not you. You don't have to choose this way. But I said to
him: 'That's my opinion. Its a good challenge. I know I can do it.'"
Song and strikers Enner Valencia and Diafra Sakho were key to Saturday's win
over City. The three points mean West Ham have scored in each of their last
eight games, their best run for five years. It also means West Ham are
enjoying their best start to a season since 1990. At £4.7m Sakho - only the
second man in Premier League history to score in each of his first six
appearances - is now one of the bargains of the summer. Song, however,
believes the former Metz marksman would be receiving far more plaudits if
his seven goals in seven games had come in the shirt of a Champions League
team. "When you look at the way that he has started it's amazing. He doesn't
get the credit he deserves but he has proved his quality in every single
game. He is a young player, he is in a new country and he is playing a new
style of football so to do what he has done is fantastic. "This guy, he
scores goals, he tackles. He is just trying to find his way. But he has the
chance to be one of the best players in the future."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
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