Daily WHUFC News - 8th November 2014

Preview - Aston Villa
WHUFC.com
Everything you need to know about Saturday's game with Aston Villa
07.11.2014

WEST HAM UNITED v ASTON VILLA
BARCLAYS PREMIER LEAGUE
BOLEYN GROUND
SATURDAY 8 NOVEMBER 2014
KICK-OFF: 3PM
REFEREE: JONATHAN MOSS

Remembrance Day
West Ham United will be marking Remembrance Day and commemorating the
centenary of the outbreak of the First World War with a host of special
events at Saturday's game.

Soldiers from G Company 7 Rifles, based at the Army Reserve Centre in West
Ham, will form a guard of honour surrounding the Boleyn Ground pitch before
representatives from the Royal British Legion (East Ham Branch) are
presented to the crowd.

A wreath-laying ceremony will then take place in the centre circle led by
Joint-Chairman David Gold, Mayor of Newham Sir Robin Wales and Aston Villa
chief executive Tom Fox.

This will be followed by a minute's silence that will begin and end on the
sound of the referee's whistle.

West Ham's players will join those from their 19 fellow Barclays Premier
League clubs by wearing shirts emblazoned with the special 'Football
Remembers' poppy.

Prior to kick-off, representatives Diane Hannan and Bill Daly from bus
operators Stagecoach (London) will also present a cheque for in excess of
£5,000 to Ken Hill, secretary of the Royal British Legion (East Ham Branch).

The funds were raised by the sale of a special badge designed by a member of
staff at Plumstead Garage, which was then distributed and sold through the
nine garages that form Stagecoach (London).

The company provided the 'B' bus purchased by the War Office in 1914 and
used in France and Belgium throughout the Great War as a troop carrier. The
bus has recently been returned to its wartime livery and is taking part in
Remembrance ceremonies in Britain, France and Belgium.

Every year, the Hammers support the Royal British Legion's Poppy Appeal by
wearing match shirts with the official Poppy on them. For Remembrance Day
2014, the Royal British Legion has approved a one-off Poppy with the
citation '1914-2014 Football Remembers'.

The Royal British Legion is the UK's leading Service charity providing care
and support to serving members of the Armed Forces, veterans of all ages and
their families.

Fans can donate to the Poppy Appeal in a variety of ways:

• By phone on 0845 845 1945

• By mobile. To donate £3, text POPPY to 70020* (*Cost £3 plus standard
network charges - typically £2.97 goes to the Poppy Appeal). To donate £10,
text POPPY to 70111* (*Cost £10 plus standard network charges - typically
£9.92 goes to the Poppy Appeal).

• By post to The Royal British Legion, FREEPOST SN1457, Melksham SN12 7BR.
In brief

West Ham United host Aston Villa this Saturday as the Hammers look to extend
their unbeaten run of five games.

The Villans are currently 16th, having taken ten points from as many games.
Paul Lambert's side have struggled recently in losing their six league
games, scoring once in the process.

Sam Allardyce's team are eleven places ahead of Saturday's visitors, sitting
in fifth position after drawing 2-2 away at Stoke City having been 2-0 down.
Goals from new signing Enner Valencia and Stewart Downing, who has been
recalled by England manager Roy Hodgson, salvaged a point.
Last season the Hammers took four points from the Villans, drawing 0-0 at
home before securing a 2-0 away win with a brace from Kevin Nolan.
Related stories
Big Sam: On Aston Villa
Chadwell Chatter
Who are they?
Formed in 1874 from members of the Villa Cross Wesleyan Chapal cricket team
Aston Villa enjoyed a very succesful start to life winning the FA Cup in
1887, 1895 and 1897 as well as winning the First Division five times in the
1890s.

Aston Villa moved into their iconic Villa Park stadium in 1911, going on to
win another two FA Cups later that decade.

Villa's crowning glory came in 1982 when they won their first European Cup
final, beating Bayern Munich 1-0 in Rotterdam.

They have competed in the top flight of English football without relegation
since the 1988/89 season.

Team news
West Ham United
Diafra Sakho is back in contention for Saturday's game after overcoming a
shoulder injury, as is Winston Reid who could return after shaking off a
dead leg he suffered at Stoke City.
England striker Andy Carroll is also back in contention after he played in a
behind-closed-doors friendly during the week. Carroll could make his first
appearance of the season after recovering from ankle surgery.

Guy Demel is out with a thigh problem, however he should be back in the
squad after the international break.

Aston Villa

The visitors are missing some crucial squad memebers such as Fabian Delph
after he dislocated his shoulder in training.
They will also be without talismanic striker Christian Benteke following his
red card against Tottenham Hotspur last weekend.
Villa will give central defender Phillippe Senderos a late fitness test to
determine whether the Swiss international has overcome a thigh strain.
Referee
Saturday's referee will be Jonathan Moss, who was born in the North East.
The 44-year-old played for Sunderland and Millwall as a schoolboy.
Moss won a football scholarship at Central Connecticut State University in
the United States before completing a degree in teaching and physical
education at the University of Leeds.
After progressing through the Northern Counties East League and Northern
Premier League, Moss was promoted to the National Group of assistant
referees in 2003.
He refereed the 2005 Conference Play-Off final between Carlisle United and
Stevenage Borough before being promoted to the National Group of Referees
who officiate in the Football League the same year.
After seeing his first Premier League appointment - Wigan Athletic versus
today's visitors Aston Villa - postponed due to snow in December 2010, he
made his top-flight debut in Blackpool's home defeat by Birmingham City the
following month.
He was promoted to the Select Group of referees in June 2011.
Moss will be assisted by 2014 FIFA World Cup assistant referee Mike
Mullarkey and Derek Eaton, while the fourth official will be Mike Jones.

Statistics
(2014/15 season - Barclays Premier League only)
Matches refereed: 7
Yellow cards shown: 26
Red cards shown: 4
Penalties awarded: 4
One to watch
West Ham United
The in form Stewart Downing has been called up for England duty by Roy
Hodgson.
The midfielder has been in fine form this season, particularly when playing
at the tip of the midfield diamond. The 30-year-old will be looking to
continue his goalscoring form after netting the equaliser against Stoke City
last Saturday.
Aston Villa

American goalkeeper Brad Guzan is one of standout 'keepers in the league. He
is an integral part of the Villa defence having played every minute of every
league game this season.

If Guzan is on top form, the Hammers' strikeforce will have to be at their
best to get past him.

Tickets

Standard tickets for this game have now sold out. However, tickets may
become available online as Season Ticket Holders relist their seats.
Tickets for the Hammers next home game with Newcastle United are available
here.

Weather
Saturday is set to be an overcast day with rain forecast for the second
half. The predicted temperature at kick-off is 13C (55F)
Last home meeting
West Ham United 0-0 Aston Villa
Barclays Premier League
2 November 201
The Hammers picked up a valuable point in the same fixture last season,
ending a run of three straight home defeats.
The visitors had the better chances with Christian Benteke's header hitting
the post yet the Hammers clung on to their seventh clean sheet of the
season.
Aston Villa: Guzan, Vlaar, Baker, Clark, El Ahmadi, Westwood, Lowton,
Bacuna, Sylla, Benteke, Weimann (Kozak)
West Ham United: Jaaskelainen, Demel, Reid, Tomkins, Rat, Downing, Jarvis (J
Cole 62), Collison (C Cole 63), Morrison, Nolan
Subs: Adrian, O'Brien, Potts, Maiga

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Hammers scoop awards double
WHUFC.com
Sam Allardyce and Diafra Sakho have been honoured with Barclays monthly
awards for October
07.11.2014

West Ham United completed a win double as Sam Allardyce and Diafra Sakho
scooped the October Barclays Premier League Manager and Player of the Month
awards. Big Sam guided his side to a perfect October, with the Hammers
rising to fourth in the table courtesy of convincing home wins over Queens
Park Rangers and champions Manchester City and a stylish 3-1 victory at
Burnley.

The manager, who celebrated his 60th birthday on 19 October, wins the sixth
Premier League Manager of the Month award of his outstanding career, taking
him level with the late Sir Bobby Robson and Rafael Benitez in sixth on the
all-time list. Most recently, Big Sam was also presented with the award in
February 2014, when his West Ham team won all four matches to all but ensure
their Barclays Premier League future. He is one of four West Ham bosses to
have won the award, with the others being Harry Redknapp (November 1998),
Glenn Roeder (March 2003) and Alan Pardew (February 2006). "I was delighted
to be presented with the Barclays Manager of the Month award for October,"
said Big Sam. "It is an award I accepted gratefully on behalf of everybody
at West Ham, from the owners to the tea lady. "We all enjoy life more when
we're winning football matches and certainly life has become that little bit
easier for us all in recent weeks, with the reward being a very nice trophy.
"The pinnacle of October was obviously beating Manchester City, but the most
important thing was being able to put away two teams we were expected to
beat in QPR and Burnley. Because we did that, we had the platform to go into
the Man City game with confidence and the impetus to beat the champions.
"For me, it was a great month and the players have grown in confidence. The
performances have been there all season, bar the Southampton game, but in
October we got the results we deserved. We are undefeated in four games and
now the emphasis is on how long we can keep this run going and keep us where
we are in the table and, who knows, take us even higher."

Sakho continued his outstanding opening to life in Claret and Blue by
scoring in all three games - all three with his head - to take his overall
tally to seven goals in seven starts following his summer move from French
club Metz. He becomes just the fourth West Ham player to win the prestigious
award, following Stuart Pearce (February 2001), Anton Ferdinand (January
2006) and Scott Parker (February 2011).
The 24-year-old is the second Senegalese to be recognised in this way, with
Newcastle United's former West Ham striker Demba Ba scooping the award in
December 2011. It is not the first time Sakho's goalscoring prowess has been
recognised publicly. Last season, his 20 goals led Metz to promotion from
Ligue 2 and earned the striker the division's Player of the Year award.

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Poyet joins Huddersfield on loan
WHUFC.com
Diego Poyet has linked up with Sky Bet Championship side Huddersfield Town
07.11.2014

Diego Poyet has joined Sky Bet Championship side Huddersfield Town on a
month-long loan to run until 6 December. The 19-year-old midfielder, who has
appeared twice in the Barclays Premier League for West Ham United this term,
will link up with his former Charlton Athletic boss Chris Powell at the John
Smith's Stadium. Poyet's breakthrough came with the Addicks last season when
he lifted their Player of the Year award, and he will now build his
experience with the Yorkshire side. Huddersfield are currently 15th in the
Championship table, but have lost only one of their last eight league
fixtures. Poyet could make his Terriers debut at Fulham on Saturday, with
his loan spell also set to take in home fixtures against Sheffield Wednesday
and Brentford, as well as an away game at Bolton Wanderers.

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Kouyate's aiming high
WHUFC.com
The Hammers aren't finished yet according to Senegal midfielder Cheikhou
Kouyate
07.11.2014

Cheikhou Kouyate says West Ham United will remain grounded despite their
fine run of recent form. A perfect October saw manager Sam Allardyce and
striker Diafra Sakho pick up the Barclays Premier League Manager and Player
of the Month awards respectively. Kouyate feels that is just reward for a
fantastic month but believes there is more to come from the team still. He
said: "Beating top teams is great for our confidence but we also need to
keep our feet on the ground. As a team we haven't achieved anything yet and
there's still a long way to go. "All we want to do is reach our aims for the
season and to do that we have to keep working hard and produce on the pitch.
"Our aim is to do as the manager said and improve on last season. We want to
finish as high as possible in the top half, and play good football which the
fans enjoy."

Kouyate has taken to English football like a duck to water and he is keen to
build on his fine start. He added: "I'm very happy here and my first few
months have been great. I was well welcomed by everyone at the Club and it
has been a great start. "Everyone here has really helped the new players
settle in and we've done our best not to disappoint. We've done well for
ourselves and for the team and we want it to continue. "Anderlecht is a big
club in Belgium with fantastic supporters. Mo Diame told me before I came
here that the fans are amazing but I couldn't have expected them to be how
they are. "The atmosphere at the Boleyn Ground is wonderful and I get
goosebumps when I'm out on the pitch. It gives everyone here even more
enthusiasm and desire to perform in front of the supporters."

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Chadwell Chatter
WHUFC.com
Diafra Sakho pens an exclusive blog for whufc.com after being named Barclays
Premier League Player of the Month
07.11.2014

Hello everybody.

I was thrilled to be named as Barclays Premier League Player of the Month
for October on Friday. It's an award that's not just for me - it's for the
whole club. West Ham have welcomed me incredibly well since the very first
day and this is the best way for me to say thank you to the supporters.
There isn't really a secret as to how I've settled in. I've worked hard here
and I worked hard at my previous club, Metz. I didn't think the adaptation
process would be this fast, but I would also like to thank my old coaches at
Metz, who helped me progress, and I hope I can continue in the same vein of
form for the rest of the season.

Of course I'm very happy to be part of the history of this Club, by scoring
in six consecutive Premier League games. Scoring goals is very important but
the main thing is for the Club to reach its objectives. I'm ready to return
on Saturday. I've been ready since Monday and of course the final decision
is down to the manager whether I start the game or not, but I'm ready to
help the team again. Finally, I was delighted to be named in the Senegal
squad for their games next week against Botswana and Egypt. For all the
Senegalese people the dream is to win against Egypt and we will do our best
to achieve qualification for the Africa Cup of Nations and return a smile to
our people.

Come on you Irons!
Diafra

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Huddersfield Town sign West Ham United's Diego Poyet
BBC.co.uk

Huddersfield Town have signed West Ham United midfielder Diego Poyet on a
one-month loan deal. The 19-year-old, the son of Sunderland boss Gus Poyet,
joined the Hammers from Charlton in the summer. He has made three
appearances for Sam Allardyce's side, with his last coming in the 2-1 defeat
by Manchester United in September. Poyet could make his debut for Chris
Powell's Terriers in Saturday's trip to Fulham.

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Awards for Sam Allardyce & Diafra Sakho
BBC.co.uk

West Ham manager Sam Allardyce has been named the Barclays Premier League
manager of the month for October. Allardyce's side beat Queens Park Rangers,
Burnley and champions Manchester City as they recorded three wins out of
three in the month. Striker Diafra Sakho made it a double swoop for the
Hammers, collecting the player of the month award. The summer signing from
Metz scored in all three victories and has six goals from six starts. West
Ham lie in fifth place in the Premier League, level on points with Arsenal.
The award marks a change in fortunes for a manager who was under huge
pressure earlier this year following a poor run of results. Some fans have
cited a change in the style of play , following the arrival of Teddy
Sheringham as attacking coach, as a reason for the side's recent turnaround.
However, former Bolton Wanderers, Blackburn Rovers and Newcastle United boss
Allardyce said West Ham's best ever start to a Premier League season is not
down to any change in coaching style. "My philosophy has never changed,"
said Allardyce. "How the team plays best and how the best way of playing
suits the team individually and collectively, the goal is always to get
better and better, and always to play to win more games and be entertaining.
"It's never changed. So my philosophy is always about staying focused,
trying to make the team better."

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West Ham v Aston Villa
KO 15:00
7 November 2014
Last updated at 11:28
By John Motson
BBC Match of the Day commentator

BARCLAYS PREMIER LEAGUE
Venue: Upton Park Date: Saturday, 8 November

TEAM NEWS

West Ham will assess Winston Reid, who suffered a dead leg at Stoke, and
could welcome back Diafra Sakho, who missed that game with a shoulder
injury. Andy Carroll may be involved for the first time this season after
recovering from an ankle injury, but full-back Guy Demel is still out.
Aston Villa forward Christian Benteke begins a three-game ban following his
sending off against Tottenham. Philippe Senderos could return after three
games out with a thigh problem.

MATCH PREVIEW

Saturday's game at Upton Park brings together two Claret and Blue armies
marching in very different directions. The Hammers are riding high in fifth
place, having claimed 10 points from a possible 12. Villa, meanwhile, have
slumped to 16th after a run of six consecutive defeats - their worst run in
the top flight since 1964. It has been a pretty disastrous losing streak -
even if they have faced some of the Premier League's strongest teams. They
have scored just once and conceded 15 goals - a dramatic fall from grace for
a club that rose to second following victory at Liverpool two months ago.
Manager Paul Lambert has been hamstrung by the absence of keys players
recently, with Fabian Delph, Philippe Senderos and Alan Hutton all big
misses. Christian Benteke's three-game suspension - just as he appeared to
be getting back to his best following an Achilles injury - is another blow.
With few forward options, Villa have little choice but to restore Gabriel
Agbonlahor to a central striking role.

West Ham are a complete contrast. Diafra Sakho and Enner Valencia are both
in fine goalscoring form, and with record signing Andy Carroll nearing a
comeback, boss Sam Allardyce could have a pleasant selection headache on
his hands before too long.
Lawro's prediction : "This Hammers team look a completely different
proposition to last season, partly helped by how much confidence they have
throughout their team at the moment. "Last weekend, they were poor for an
hour against Stoke, but their comeback showed they now have the strength and
quality in their squad to change games." The Hammers have scored 19 goals in
their opening 10 games - which is their best start to a top-flight campaign,
in terms of goalscoring, for 28 years. With Lionel Messi's Argentina due to
play Croatia in a friendly at the Boleyn Ground on Wednesday , the home
faithful are being spoilt for entertainment this season. Whilst goalscorers
invariably grab the headlines, it is worth noting that one of West Ham's
unsung heroes, midfielder Mark Noble, is nearing a landmark. Saturday will
be his 203rd Premier League appearance - leaving him one short of the West
Ham club record, set by Steve Potts.

MATCH FACTS

Head-to-head
The Hammers have kept clean sheets in three of their last four games against
Villa, including both of last season's meetings.
Villa have won just two of their last 14 top-flight games at Upton Park,
although eight of those matches ended in draws.
West Ham United
The Hammers have scored in nine successive Premier League games - their best
run since a 10-match streak between September and November 2009.
West Ham have scored eight headed goals in this season's Premier League -
more than any other side prior to this weekend.
Stewart Downing already has twice as many goals (two) and twice as many
assists (four) this season as he managed in 32 Premier League games for West
Ham in 2013-14.
Aston Villa
Villa have lost their last six games - their worst run in the top flight
since a similar sequence between April and August 1964.
The only time they have endured a longer losing run in the top flight was
between March and May 1963, when they suffered 11 consecutive league
defeats.
Andreas Weimann has scored or assisted all but one of Villa's five league
goals this season (three goals, one assist).
Villa have lost 11 of their last 12 Premier League games against London
sides. Their only win in that sequence was March's 1-0 victory against
Chelsea.

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Sam Allardyce welcomes striker's engagement
BBC.co.uk

During his career West Ham forward Andy Carroll has often been deployed as a
lone striker. But Hammers manager Sam Allardyce, 60, believes it could take
a partnership to bring out the best in the 25-year-old - namely his
off-field coupling with reality TV star Billi Mucklow.
Allardyce has backed the pair's recent engagement, saying: "Andy has now
got a different life - romance has blossomed. "It can be very good for a
footballer when they settle down off the field." Andy Carroll asked The Only
Way Is Essex star Billi Mucklow to marry him in Rome England international
Carroll is closing in on a return from ankle surgery and could come into
contention for Saturday's Premier League match at home to Aston Villa. And
Allardyce believes Carroll can come back better than ever. "When you have a
relationship, you start building on that relationship by the fondness you
have for each other," he said. "I think that can only be good for Andy and
his football."

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In-form West Ham host free-falling Aston Villa at Upton Park
Last Updated: 07/11/14 1:27pm
SSN

Aston Villa will be desperate to address their Premier League descent when
they visit West Ham United on Saturday afternoon. Paul Lambert's squad have
lost six successive matches, setting club records in the process, in a
dreadful run of form which has seen them sink to 16th position. Villa, who
most recently suffered a bad-tempered, late defeat by Tottenham Hotspur in
which Christian Benteke was sent off, are also only one point above the
relegation zone. And, to make matters worse, they could drop into the bottom
three if results do not go their way at the weekend.

In contrast, West Ham are flying high and making a mockery of their critics
as Manager of the Month Sam Allardyce's team could move into the top four if
they get the results they require. A West Ham side full of pace and goals
have lost just once in their last seven games and they upset Stoke City last
weekend by fighting back from two down for a draw. Stewart Downing inspired
that recovery and the former Villa winger's current form has led to his
England recall after more than two years in the international wilderness.

Team news

West Ham striker Diafra Sakho is expected to return from a shoulder injury
and Andy Carroll could be in the squad for the first time this season
following an ankle problem. Sam Allardyce and Diafra Sakho picked up the
awards for Premier League manager and player of the month
Defender Winston Reid will be assessed after suffering a dead leg during the
draw at Stoke but Guy Demel (thigh) remains sidelined.

Villa will have to deal with the major absence of star striker Benteke as
the Belgium international starts a three-match suspension for his dismissal
against Tottenham. But Villa could welcome Philippe Senderos back from a
thigh injury, although another defender, Alan Hutton, is still unavailable
due to an ankle problem. Joe Cole is in contention to face his boyhood club,
West Ham, on the day he will be celebrating his 33rd birthday.

Paul Merson's prediction

I don't know where Villa are going to go without Christian Benteke. Things
were better against Tottenham but their confidence will be low and I can't
see a worse place to go at the moment. West Ham are scoring goals and have
pace. They are my banker of the weekend.

PAUL PREDICTS: 2-0

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Sam Allardyce refusing to get carried away with West Ham's position
Last Updated: 07/11/14 4:08pm
SSN

Sam Allardyce insists he is not getting carried away by West Ham's
impressive league form. The Hammers have won four of their last six games to
move into a Europa League place. But Allardyce, whose side face Aston Villa
on Saturday, has pointed to the form of this weekend's riva.s as evidence of
how quickly things can go wrong. Paul Lambert's side have lost six in a row
since their victory at Liverpool on September 13 took their points tally to
10 from their opening four matches. Allardyce, who was named manager of the
month for October, said: "It is only 10 games, it is far too early. "Look at
Aston Villa's start: everyone was going on what a fantastic start they had,
with 10 points in the first four or five games. Look at how quickly it can
turn. "Our big test comes in the end of November and December when all the
games come thick and fast. "So until we get to the end of this year, I am
not going to change any areas of the targets we are trying to hit." The
hosts are set to welcome back striker Diafra Sakho from a shoulder injury,
having scored in six consecutive league games. And following the draw 2-2
draw with Stoke last weekend, where the Londoners rallied from two goals
down, Allardyce said his side cannot afford to be complacent. "It is a
difficult one, the players in our team and squad have to maintain 100 per
cent a physical, mental, technical and tactical attitude to every game.
"They have to be on top form to have a chance of winning every game they
play. "Anything less than that then the opposition in the Premier League is
so strong, whether you play the bottom or top team."

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West Ham star Diafra Sakho in line for new £10million deal – but only after
12 more games
Nov 07, 2014 22:30 By Darren Lewis
The 24-year-old has been sensational since arriving from Metz, netting in
each of his first six starts for the Londoners
The Mirror

Diafra Sakho will have to play another 12 games before he picks up his new
£10million deal at West Ham The 24-year-old marksman, who cost just
£4.7million, has been linked with a lucrative reward already after his
record-equalling six goals in his first six starts for the club . But Sakho
has a clause in his contract which states it is reviewed after 20 games if
he produces the kind of goalscoring form that earned him the Player of the
Year award at French club Metz last season. Sakho hit 20 goals in 36
appearances as Metz won promotion to Ligue 1 His fine form at Upton Park
this season has also earned him a recall to the Senegal squad for this
month's Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers. He also picked up the Premier
League player of the month gong on Friday.

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Sam Allardyce backs Carl Jenkinson to follow Stewart Downing into the
England set-up
Nov 07, 2014 22:30 By Neil McLeman
The young right-back has impressed the Hammers boss in their short time
together and he thinks he could make it into Roy Hodgson's plans
The Mirror

Carl Jenkinson could be the next West Ham star called up by England,
according to Sam Allardyce. Stewart Downing has been rewarded for his fine
start to the season by Roy Hodgson. And with the Hammers up in fifth place,
Allardyce reckons the on-loan Arsenal defender is an answer to England's
right-back "problem". Glen Johnson has been dropped with the uncapped
Nathaniel Clyne and Calum Chambers included for the games against Slovenia
and Scotland. Allardyce, who also named Mark Noble as an England candidate,
said: "There seems to be a particular problem at right-back at the minute
and I think he's got the potential, based on my short time with him, of
getting a chance.
"He's been at Charlton, then Arsenal and he's now playing regularly for us.
It just seems that Kyle Walker has been out for a long time and Glen Johnson
at Liverpool seems to get the odd injury here and there. Right back has
become a bit of a challenge for Roy - who are they? Where are they? And how
good are they?"

Allardyce said Aston Villa, who were up in the Champions League places after
the first four games, were a warning how quickly a season can turn. Paul
Lambert's side have lost six consecutive matches to slide to one point above
the drop zone. But he does not blame the Villa manager. "There is a huge
pressure which comes upon you when you lose so many games on the trot," said
the Irons boss. "He must be wondering what he is doing wrong. I think if he
had as much money to spend as Martin O'Neill he would be very very happy and
you would expect he wouldn't be in this position. "There was a change of
financial policy at Aston Villa and when he eventually took over it was
about reduction of wages rather than increase of wages. "When you've had to
manage that period and that level it would be the biggest learning
experience as a manager that he's every experienced. "It's a very difficult
period to manage in and then continue to focus and get results and keep the
club around the expectations that Villa fans expect them to be. I think
where they are at the minute is a very bad position."

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Bumper Noble deal in pipeline
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on November 7, 2014 in Whispers
Claret & Hugh

West Ham will take up the two year option on Mark Noble's current contract
at the end of the season whilst preparing a bumper new deal for the loyal
midfielder. The Hammers board are entirely relaxed about the position with
the midfield ace but are keen to ensure that his value as a player and
loyalty are rewarded. They may have their problems convincing Winston Reid
he can achieve all his aims at the club, but negotiations with Noble are
expected to prove much more straightforward. We were told today: "We have no
worries on Mark as we hold a good option on him and we intend to offer him
an improved contract at the end of the season. "We would hope that will tie
him to the club for several years to come – maybe even to the end of his
playing days. We are preparing the deal and would expect him to sign."

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http://vyperz.blogspot.com



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