Daily WHUFC News - 18th November 2014

Loan round up
WHUFC.com
Three West Ham United players were in Football League action this weekend
17.11.2014

West Ham United's George Moncur played the full 90 minutes as Colchester United lost 3-2 away to Barnsley at Oakwell. Sam Winnall opened the scoring for the hosts after just four minutes before Sanchez Watt equalised.

Second half goals from Conor Hourihane and Peter Ramage were enough to seal the points despite Freddie Sears scoring a consolation goal - his twelfth of the season. Northern Irishman Jamie Harney, who recently joined the U's on loan from West Ham, was an unused substitute.

Sean Maguire played the full game in Accrington Stanley's 1-0 defeat by Carlisle United. Derek Asamoah scored the only goal of the game, leaving Stanley in 15th. Maguire almost equalised late on with a powerful header that was saved by goalkeeper Dan Hanford.

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International round-up
WHUFC.com
Carl Jenkinson earned his second cap of the week as England U21s were defeated by France on Monday
14.11.2014

Carl Jenkinson earned his second England U21 cap of the week as Gareth Southgate's men were edged out 3-2 by France in an international friendly on Monday night. Jenkinson came off the bench late in the first half, following an injury to Ben Gibson, and although Tottenham Hotspur's Harry Kane scored twice, France came roaring back to win. On Thursday, Jenkinson scored in England U21s international friendly victory against Portugal. After Burnley striker Danny Ings opened the scoring in front of his home fans at Turf Moor, Jenkinson doubled the advantage shortly before the interval with a cool finish following Will Hughes' cross. It was the 22-year-old's second goal at U21 level for the Three Lions and gave Gareth Southgate's men a cushion before Bernando Wilson halved the deficit on 48 minutes. However, Ings' second of the game just before the hour restored the two-goal advantage, which England held to the end of the game.

Stewart Downing will hope to win his 35th England cap when Roy Hodgson's side take on Scotland in a friendly in Glasgow on Tuesday. He was an unused substitute as the Three Lions continued their perfect start to UEFA Euro 2016 qualifying with a 3-1 win over Slovenia at Wembley on Saturday.

Cheikhou Kouyate started for Senegal in their 1-0 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying win over Egypt in Cairo on Saturday - a result which confirms the Lions of Teranga's place at the 2015 finals, which will take place in Equatorial Guinea between 17 January-8 February. Diafra Sakho replaced goalscorer Mame Biram Diouf with around ten minutes remaining.

James Collins was an unused substitute as Wales drew 0-0 with Belgium to extend their unbeaten start to their UEFA Euro 2016 qualifying.
Meanwhile, at age group level, Kieran Sadlier's Ireland U21 were beaten 1-0 USA in Marbella, Spain on Saturday, but bounced back by drawing 2-2 with Russia at the same venue on Monday. Goalkeeper Sam Howes was an unused sub as England U18 won 3-2 in Poland in a friendly match on Saturday, before starting in their 4-1 victory against the same opposition on Monday.

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Hodgson: 'I would like to see Downing'
WHUFC.com
England manager Roy Hodgson has hinted strongly that Stewart Downing could feature against Scotland
17.11.2014

Roy Hodgson has confirmed that, fitness allowing, Stewart Downing will make his England comeback against Scotland on Tuesday evening.
Speaking after Saturday's Euro 2016 qualifying win over Slovenia at Wembley, the Three Lions manager said Downing had missed that game after suffering a minor knee injury in training with the national side. The West Ham United star was named among the substitutes for the 3-1 success which keeps England on course for qualification, but was not called upon by Hodgson. However, Tuesday's Celtic Park fixture will give the manager a chance to run the rule over as many as 17 players, with Downing set to be among them. "You have six substitutes and that is a great advantage for a coach," said Hodgson, when asked about his squad options for the Scotland match. "Stewart Downing injured his knee slightly in a training accident on Thursday. We thought, and he thought, he was going to be OK on Saturday but when he started the warm-up he still felt it. "I believe he'll be available against Scotland and that's good news because I would like to see him at some stage during the game."

Downing has been in electric form for West Ham so far this season, scoring twice and assisting four times as the Hammers have climbed to fourth in the Barclays Premier League table. The 30-year-old's outstanding displays have been put down to a change in position to a more central role at the tip of a midfield diamond, enabling him to become more involved in the game. Downing has created more chances (28) than any other English player in the Barclays Premier League this season, and is second overall to Chelsea's Spain midfielder Cesc Fabregas in that category. A versatile performer, the Middlesbrough-born player is also able to operate in a wide role and has provided 52 crosses in his eleven league appearances, including the one which led to a vital goal from Enner Valencia at Stoke City recently. Downing will now hope to be given the chance to replicate that level of performance at international level, two-and-a-half years after earning the most-recent of his 34 caps against Norway in May 2012. Should he appear in Glasgow, Downing will become the first West Ham player to represent England since Andy Carroll appeared against San Marino in October 2012 - and the 39th Hammer to pull on the Three Lions shirt.
At club level, the midfielder began his career with his hometown side, Middlesbrough, winning the League Cup in 2004 and twice being voted Player of the Year before moving to Aston Villa in 2009. There, he appeared in another League Cup final and was voted the club's Player of the Year. Downing moved to Liverpool in 2011, winning the Man of the Match award in the final as the Reds won the League Cup in 2012.
He joined West Ham in the summer of 2013, making 37 appearances in his debut season in Claret and Blue, and has missed just one minute of the Hammers' current campaign.

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Hammers herd Cowboys
WHUFc.com
West Ham United welcomed four Dallas Cowboys players to the Boleyn Ground
17.11.2014

America's Team and one of England's most historic football clubs came together recently as four members of the NFL's Dallas Cowboys visited West Ham United. Safety Jeff Heath, place kicker Dan Bailey tight end Gavin Escobar and cornerback Micah Pellerin attended the Hammers' Barclays Premier League fixture with Aston Villa during their visit to London for the NFL's International Series. The day after taking in an exciting but ultimately goalless draw at the Boleyn Ground, the Cowboys overcame the Jacksonville Jaguars 31-17 at Wembley Stadium in the third and final London game for 2014. During their visit to east London the players, who travelled to the match by Tube, spoke to West Ham TV and revealed their love for the sport Americans call soccer. "This is my first soccer game in the UK," said Michigan native Heath, who joined the Cowboys in 2013. "I actually saw Aston Villa play five years ago in Columbus, Ohio when they did a US tour, but this is my first time in London at a game. "The atmosphere is awesome. The fans are right on top of the field and everyone is going crazy through the whole game. I expected it to be crazy, but this exceeded my expectations."

While most NFL players make a living either throwing or catching a ball - or stopping their opponents from getting a hand on it - Bailey makes his by kicking it. A schoolboy soccer player, the 26-year-old was drafted out of Oklahoma State University in 2011 and has gone on to become one of the most-accurate kickers in NFL history - an achievement he puts down to his experience of playing the beautiful game.
"I grew up playing soccer and I followed specific players and I was a big Gareth Barry fan," Bailey explained. "He had a pretty good career with Villa, so I adopted the team and have followed the guys coming through there and have been a Villa fan since then. "No question playing soccer as a child has helped me with my career in American football. I played soccer until I was about 16, then I moved over to American football, and there is no question that it paved the way for me to take my career in this direction. I lacked the skill to become a professional soccer player, as I played in defence mostly, but I felt I could have held my own!"

While Bailey's interest in football comes from his own playing career, Pellerin and Escobar fell in love with the game for different reasons. "I am a huge FIFA fan and play it all the time," said Pellerin. "Literally before we came to the game I was talking about the Aston Villa centre-back Jores Okore and showing the guys that he was pretty good, then when we went to the pitch I met him, which was pretty crazy and surreal! "I have played as West Ham a couple of times, too. I'm a big soccer fan. I played a little bit before I started playing American football and have watched the game on TV a lot, particularly during the World Cup." "For me, my love for the game came from my girlfriend, as she has played her whole life and we met in college, where I watched all her games," revealed Escobar, who hails from California. "I also play FIFA too, which helped a little bit, but going to all my girlfriend's games made me appreciate the sport more."

The Cowboys players relished the opportunity to show their own sporting prowess at the Home of Football, where they romped to a convincing victory over the Jaguars in front of 86,000 fans. The Cowboys have long been one of the most popular NFL teams in the UK and that certainly proved to be the case during their visit. With rumours of a London-based franchise being established in the future, American football continues to grow in popularity on this side of the Atlantic Ocean. "We had a fan appreciation event in London and probably 90 per cent of the people there were Cowboys fans, which shows we are a worldwide team," said Heath. "Everybody recognises our logo and I was excited to play in front of a packed Wembley Stadium. "The fans here are great and I feel, if they had a team in London, it would make football that much more popular. That would be something great."

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Adrian speaking the right language
WHUFC.com
Adrian visited Coventry University to speak to students about the benefits of learning a new language
17.11.2014

It is easy to forget but for a foreign player arriving in the Premier League, it is not just a different brand of football that they must adapt to. Adrian gave an insight into the cultural and linguistic differences they must also overcome when he visited Coventry University on 29 October to talk to students about the experience of life in English football for a player from Spain. The goalkeeper, speaking at a special Q&A event to promote language learning, explained that communicating with his defenders did not come easy at first - in fact, as he confessed, on his first friendly appearance for West Ham United, he began issuing instructions in his native Spanish. "My first reaction was to shout in Spanish until I got used to it," he told the students from the university's English and Languages department. "The first time, the words were coming out in Spanish - 'lo tienes a espalda', which means 'you've got a man on your shoulder'."

Adrian spoke about getting used to the different accents in a dressing room featuring everything from Joey O'Brien's Irish to Kevin Nolan's Scouse via Andy Carroll's Geordie, and shed light on the tools used to make life easier for the club's non-native speakers.
"Almost all the explanations are done by Powerpoint and visual tools," he said, adding that club staff are having lessons in Spanish and French also to facilitate communication. As for the worst English learner he has encountered at Chadwell Heath, that was Pablo Armero, the club's former Colombian defender, who, he revealed, spoke less of the language than his four-year-old son. Adrian's wide-ranging talk also touched on football matters, including his admiration for the West Ham supporters - and fan culture in general in the English game. "Our stadium is always full," he told the students. "Any game in the Premier League is important - it's not just against the top teams as the fans still come and fill the ground against the bottom teams too. This is an impressive part of supporter culture here."

As for his favourite save that was his injury-time stop from Frank Lampard in last season's 0-0 draw at Chelsea - "I enjoyed this save so much" - and he also gave his thoughts on the belief running through Sam Allardyce's team this season. "The big difference is the signings who've come in and brought a lot of quality to the team," he said. "We know what we're doing and we can play against any team - we've beaten Liverpool and Man City so we know whoever we face, if we play our best we can beat them."

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Cole glad to see AC back
WHUFC.com
Carlton Cole said he enjoyed playing alongside Andy Carroll on Thursday
16.11.2014

West Ham United striker Carlton Cole played the full 90 minutes alongside Andy Carroll as the Hammers drew 3-3 with Fulham in a behind- closed-doors friendly at the Boleyn Ground on Thursday afternoon. Cole has been used as an effective impact substitute so far this season, scoring important goals against Crystal Palace and Burnley. Speaking after the 3-3 draw with the Cottagers, the 31-year-old said: "I felt good out there, it was good playing up front with the big man AC. "I was playing in the hole and pulling a few strings. It was good to see AC get back on the scoresheet and also set up one for Nolan. If you were watching from a neutral point of view, I think it was a good game."
With new strikers Enner Valencia and Diafra Sakho making an instant impact, Cole has been an effective substitute, and gives manager Sam Allardyce a different type of striker to call upon. "It's hard to find form when you're not starting but everyone who knows me knows I always give 100% every game. "Our next game is Everton away which is always a tough game. We've got the personnel and good strength in depth to make a difference. We're confident at the moment and I think we can go there and get a result."

Cole continued to say he believes the international break has come at a good time for the Hammers as it gives the squad a chance to get to full fitness ahead of a busy schedule running up to Christmas. "We've picked up a few injuries so that gives them time to get back to fitness. We've got a few players out on international duty so with any luck they'll come back and we'll be ready for next weekend."

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BETWEEN THE STICKS TWICE IN 24 HOURS FOR FORMER HAMMER
By Sean Whetstone 17 Nov 2014 at 08:30
West ham Till I Die

Former West Ham goalkeeper Roy Carroll is 37 years of age and might be considered by many to be past his best. However, over the weekend Carroll did something quite extraordinary which showed up youngsters half his age that determination can overcome 'tiredness' in modern football.On Friday, Carroll featured for Northern Ireland against Romania away from home in a Euro 2016 Group F clash. The ex-Hammers goalkeeper then took the first 5am flight out of Romania on Saturday morning and drove himself to the Ricoh Arena, where his domestic club team Notts County were to take on Coventry City in league one, a trip of over 1700 miles. "For me, playing for Notts County back in the English league is fantastic,In the summer nobody was interested in me and Shaun Derry gave me a chance to come back to England and it's a great pleasure for me to come back here and play for Notts County.I think I had about two or three hours sleep but for me it's always the next day, two days after the game, and I think I'm going to feel it for the next two days so I'll probably sleep for the next two days!" said Carroll

West Ham signed Carroll in 2005, three weeks after being released by Manchester United, he enjoyed a successful start to his West Ham career, making 19 appearances until a back injury sustained in a game against Fulham on 23rd January 2006 left him needing surgery. His final game for the Hammers took place on 3rd February 2007 against Aston Villa but in May 2007, West Ham stated that he had been released after asking for a transfer to achieve regular first team football.

In his 2010 autobiography Carroll remembers the long months spent lying on his injured back in the lounge of his London home, he tells of depression over the injury led to drink. Carroll's drink problem was so acute that at one stage he checked himself in for rehabilitation at Marylebone's Capio Nightingale Hospital, under the name of Jonathon Walker. There was speculation that he fell victim to a perceived gambling culture at West Ham that left him owing one team-mate £30,000 although he says those tales was ''widely exaggerated'.

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Time to get in step with Irons revolution
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on November 17, 2014 in Whispers
Claret & Hugh

A few weeks ago on one of my increasing infrequent Twitter sessions I recall reading that with Diafra Sakho and Enner Valencia in such outstanding form we could ditch the club's record signing Andy Carroll. "Get rid now" and "taxi for Carroll" were two of the kinder comments as the keyboard warriors made their points, perhaps in the hope they would make their own names at the same time. Oddly, the same recommendations weren't made on behalf of Carlton Cole but we'll let that pass. Kevin Nolan of course has his share of knockers along at times, surprisingly, with Mark Noble who has occasionally been told that he may not be strong good to hold down a first team place. And there's a group who seem to believe that when a player can't make the starting line-up that automatically means – as is the argument with AC – that we might as well get rid. Now this isn't going to be the most insightful thing I ever write, but it seems to me that after the lack of player resources at the club last season, a "starting" mindset has fixed itself in the psyche of some. That's not the way big clubs – and that's what we are becoming – think. We need as many good players in the West Ham squad as we can get and rotate them without there being any immediate weaknesses becoming apparent. Up front and across the middle we are there and as I've written before it's at the back where we need a couple of decent signings, But when we get them as I believe we will next summer, let's not start suggesting that one or the other of those on the books can be flogged when they fail to make the team for four or five weeks.
We need to fix one thing very firmly in our minds: It's a squad game and West Ham are no longer a selling club thank God. This season is the start of something very big at the club. It almost feels like a revolution at times. Yes, there's some dead wood that needs to be cleared out but once it is, we will be well and truly on our way to the big time.

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Carroll set for Goodison 'level three' step up
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on November 17, 2014 in Whispers
Claret & Hugh

Andy Carroll enters level three of his comeback from injury at the weekend when he heads for Everton with the Irons squad. And in line with Sam Allardyce's programme he is likely to make more than the five minute cameo performance he was allowed against Aston Villa.
Since then he's featured in a behind closed doors match against Fulham, scoring one and setting up best mate Kevin Nolan for another!
Word from the training ground is that he's looking particularly good and that he could get half an hour in his next run-out if game conditions demand at the weekend. Allardyce has claimed the striker will need six games to complete what he called his "pre-season" and the weekend game could provide more clues as to who the manager sees as his most likely 'partner' when he gets the call. A source told
ClaretandHugh: "Andy's looking bis, strong and up for it. He's very likely to make another big step down the road at the weekend."

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Gold: "We want honesty and integrity"
Posted by Sean Whetstone on November 17, 2014 in Whispers
Claret & Hugh

West Ham chairman David Gold – asked whether the Football Association should quit FIFA - and whether Premier League chairmen should push for that has declared: "We want honesty, leadership and integrity. dg" The question follows a damned FIFA document, published last Thursday which was put together by German judge Hans-Joachim Eckert based his findings on the work of American lawyer Michael Garcia and Gold took to Twitter to give his response. But less than four hours after publication Garcia, who spent two years investigating claims of corruption for world governing body Fifa, issued a statement questioning the report. He said Eckert's findings contained "numerous materially incomplete and erroneous representations".

FA Chairman Greg Dyke said he could not "take the report seriously". And he added: "The whole of the way football operates at that sort of level is suspect and has been for many years. I don't think Fifa is a straight organisation and hasn't been for many years." said Dyke

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Kouyate makes a big defensive point
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on November 17, 2014 in Whispers
Claret & Hugh

Chiekhou Kouyate this weekend demonstrated admirably the strength in depth available to the Irons this season. The Senegal international was employed at the centre of defence in the team's 1-0 victory over Egyptwhich saw them qualify for the African Nations Cup Finals.
Both his general performance and the clean sheet against good opposition shows he is an excellent performer in that position and that if required he will be more than useful if the Hammers need to employ him at the back. Defensive issues and the contractual situation surrounding Winston Reid have caused some concern over the past few weeks. But ClaretandHugh has been constantly assured by decent judges, including David Gold, that Kouyate is an excellent performer in the position. Whilst many believe the player is instrumental to the midfield operation. it was shown during his absence that we are well served in that area and that he can be used confidently at the back should the need arise.

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Irons pair could miss four games
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on November 17, 2014 in Whispers
Claret & Hugh

Diafra Sakho and Chiekhou Kouyate will leave for the African Nations Cup ahead of the game against Swansea on the 10th of January next year….if selected by Senegal. Although the competition doesn't start until the following weekend, ClaretandHugh has learned that the Irons will wave goodbye to the pair, should they be included in the squad, as they head for the Senegal training camp ahead of the clash in Wales. The pair – who were both involved in the weekend qualification victory over Egypt in Cairo – are expected to be included in the squad which will see them head for the Equatorial African training camp during the first week of January 2015. However, word is that Alex Song is unlikely to be in the Cameroon party which makes its 17th appearance in the Finals with the Senegalese appearing for the 13th time.

A Hammers source said: "Diafra and Cheik look certain starters so there's mixed emotions as far as we are concerned. It's good to have top internationals in the club but of course there's a price to be paid! "They will leave before the Swansea game and return after elimination although at worst they could miss four games against the Swans, Hull, Liverpool and Manchester United (should they make the Final)."

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West Ham striker Carlton Cole enjoys new role in friendly
HITC
John Verrall

West Ham United's Carlton Cole was utilised in a deeper role during the club's friendly against Fulham last week. Carlton Cole may not have managed to earn himself as many first-team chances as he was hoping for so far this season at West Ham United, but he may have found a way to force his way into the team. The target man centre-forward has found his chances limited, making just eight appearances, due to the form of Diafra Sakho and Enner Valencia up front, but he was tested out in a new role in the club's most recent friendly match. Cole played as a deep-lying striker in the Hammers' 3-3 draw with Fulham in midweek and he says that he enjoyed playing in the unfamiliar position, alongside Andy Carroll. "I felt good out there, it was good playing up front with the big man, Carroll," he told the club's official site. "I was playing in the hole and pulling a few strings. It was good to see AC get back on the scoresheet and also set up one for [Kevin] Nolan. " "If you were watching from a neutral point of view, I think it was a good game." Cole has generally played as a battering-ram centre-forward for his career so far, but his showing last week highlighted another side to his game. Although the 31-year-old may never be the most graceful of forwards, he proved that he could have an impact on a game, even as a less advanced forward.
Cole will be hoping that Sam Allardyce was impressed by his performance and now trusts him to perform a similar function in the Premier League. The Hammers boss has already shown his ability to spot a potential playmaker, by moving Stewart Downing into a more central role with great effect, and Cole could be hoping to be the next player to benefit from this foresight. With Carroll coming back, though, he is more likely to have even more of a backseat role if the side continue their good form. SEE ALSO: Controversial West Ham youngster at career crossroads after criticism from loan boss Cole is likely to drop even further down the pecking order at the Boleyn Ground now and only a serious downturn in results or a succession of injuries would create the opportunity for him to start as an out-and-out striker.
West Ham are currently in the top four and they will be looking to consolidate their lofty position after the international break.

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West Ham to make €10 million January bid for Demba Ba
Posted by: Eren Sarigul November 17, 2014 in News
Turkish Football.com

West Ham have set aside €10 million for Besiktas's Senagalise striker Demba Ba. Ba has been in great form this season having scored ten goals in 14 appearances for Besiktas. According to the British newspaper the Daily Star, West ham have already begun negotiations with the Istanbul based side over a €10 million January transfer. West Ham sit forth in the Premier League following an impressive start to the season. The report goes on to say the West Ham manager Sam Allardyce is on the hunt for a new striker in January in order to bolster attacking options of his side. Former manager Tim Sherwood Tim Sherwood tried to sign him from Chelsea and said : "He should be at Tottenham. He would have been a great signing." Liverpool and Newcastle have also been linked with a move for the 29-year-old striker.
Ba moved to Besiktas from Chelsea for £6 million during the summer transfer window.

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FRANKFURT'S PERUVIAN ROCK A POSSIBLE REID REPLACEMENT AT WEST HAM
News.ladbrokes.com
As contract saga goes on we look at four players who could be ready-made replacements for the New Zealand international
17 November 2014

The longer things go on, the more West Ham fans may start to feel resigned to losing Winston Reid, be it in January or on a free at the end of the season. And with the centre back still not signing on the dotted line to put to bed any speculation regarding a potential exit, the Hammers should be on the lookout for possible replacements. Just to help Big Sam out, we've pinpointed a quartet that could fill the void left by the Kiwi.The former Schalke man made a centre back slot his own during his first season in Frankfurt and has been likened to ex-Inter powerhouse Lucio due to his style of play. With his contract up in the summer, a cut price fee of around €3.5m could be enough to secure his signature, especially with the Peruvian international stalling signing an extension when Premier League interest was reported back in January. Currently sidelined with a knee injury, West Ham would have to keep an eye on his recovery before making their move. Sam Allardyce's sacking when the pair were together at Blackburn was enough for the Congolese defender to speak out against the then new owners, the Venky's.

The regard he holds his former boss in is easy to see, and with his family still reportedly living in England, the foundations could be in place for another crack at the Premier League. His contract in Russia runs out in the summer, and with his time spent their fraught with racial abuse, may be keen to call time on his Baltic adventure. But with Samba reportedly on £100,000 a week when at QPR, wages may be a problem if he is in equally demanding mood this time round. A fall out with Rennes boss Philippe Montanier saw the big centre back train with the Hammers over the summer, with a fee of around £1.5m rumoured. Alas, nothing came of that trial, but with the Cameroon international still holding a grudge over his current gaffer, a move could still be on the cards. And after their bargain swoop of the French league for Diafra Sakho came off, the east London side may be more inclined to take a gamble, and they will need to be, with Betis also interested.

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Should Sheffield Wednesday sign West Ham's Carlton Cole on loan to solve their goalscoring problems?
HITC
John Verrall

Sheffield Wednesday should consider the possibility of signing West Ham United's Carlton Cole on loan. Just a brief glance at the Championship table will give an idea of where Sheffield Wednesday's problems lie. The Owls are currently occupying a mid-table spot, although they are falling at an alarming rate due to some poor form, but their deficiency is obvious. Wednesday have scored just 12 goals in their 17 games so far, which is worse than every other club in the division, with the exception of the doomed Blackpool. It has undone much of their good form defensively and it means they are struggling to pick up enough points to move up the table. The Owls actually made a good start to the season, but their form has dropped off since and they are now winless in ten games across all competitions.
The pressure is starting to rise on manager Stuart Gray and unless he can start offering them more threat going forward then their problems are likely to persist. Gray has already acted by bringing in Gary Taylor-Fletcher on loan from Leicester City, but he may also want to consider the possibility of more temporary fixes to fire in the goals needed. One of these could come in the form of Carlton Cole, who has fallen out of favour at West Ham United. The centre-forward is way down the pecking order at the Boleyn Ground and he is likely to find his chances of first-team action even more limited now Andy Carroll has returned to fitness. Gray likes to play with a 'big-man, little-man' combination up-front and having someone of Cole's experience alongside Stevie May could benefit the team. The 31-year-old already has two goals to his name at the top-level this season and he would surely pose more of a threat than Atdhe Nuhiu, the man he would likely replace in the Owls' starting line-up, currently is. The only issue could be over his wage-demands, but with his chances limited in London, Cole may be keen on a move and a switch to Hillsborough should be considered a possibility.

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