Daily WHUFC News - 18th December 2014

Noble targets successful Christmas
WHUFC.com
West Ham United midfielder Mark Noble is looking to overcome his Achilles injury in time for Christmas
16.12.2014

Mark Noble is looking forward to the hectic Christmas football programme. With Saturday's visit of Leicester City kicking off a vital period of five games in 18 days, Noble knows this spell could go a long way to shaping the Hammers' season. West Ham United have taken 28 points from their opening 16 Barclays Premier League fixtures, propelling them into the top four and giving them hopes of a lofty finish.
But Noble is keen to take it game-by-game, starting with Saturday's Boleyn Ground clash with Leicester, who are without a win in their last eleven. Speaking as the Hammers paid a Christmas visit to Richard House Children's Hospice in Beckton, Noble said he hoped to be back from an Achilles injury soon.

Mark, you're a patron of Richard House. You must be honoured?

MN: "Yes. I have been a patron of Richard House for a few years now. I lived in Beckton for many years myself so to come back every year as I do, give some presents out and see the kids is an honour for me."

How important is it that the Club does this?

MN: "To look after local places like this, and support the phenomenal job the carers and staff do needs to be honoured and I'm glad that we do in this way."

Looking at Saturday's game against Leicester, what are your hopes for the boys?

MN: "Another three points. We want to keep striving to be better. Obviously I'm just getting over a little injury myself, so whether I get back for Leicester or not I don't know yet. I'm hopeful we can get another set of points on the board."

It's a busy time over Christmas. Do you look forward to it?

MN: "I enjoy the Christmas time. Obviously it's hard sometimes when everyone's really enjoying themselves and eating what they want! But there are pros and cons and we're honoured to go out there. We're going to need to use the squad and hopefully pick up points over the Christmas period."

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Hammers host Bobby book launch
WHUFC.com
Bobby Moore's former team-mates returned to launch a new book recalling their careers together
17.12.2014

More than 25 West Ham United favourites of years gone by returned to the Boleyn Ground to celebrate the career of the great Bobby Moore.
Moore's long-time defensive partner and friend Ken Brown, fellow 1966 FIFA World Cup hero Martin Peters, 1965 European Cup Winners' Cup winner Brian Dear, 1964 FA Cup winners Peter Brabrook and Eddie Bovington and many more were back in east London for the launch of a new book chronicling the Hammers career of Moore.

Author Tim Crane has spoken to more than 60 of the 89 players who lined up alongside the legendary captain during his 17 seasons in the West Ham starting XI, compiling a unique book entitled 'They Play With Bobby Moore - The West Ham Years'.
Crane, who also edits the popular Ex-Hammers magazine, was honoured to be joined at the launch by so many of the players he revered as a youngster. "It's been quite an adventure," he confirmed. "It has taken me 18 months to track them all down. I knew they were out there somewhere, but they were spread across four continents. Sixty-three of them are still with us. Sadly we have lost a few but I spoke to the families of the deceased Hammers, and those interviews are just as important. "I have been into every attic and every shoebox and suitcase and found glories and riches above any West Ham supporter's imagination. I'm really pleased that I've been able to showcase all that in this book for supporters of West Ham. "It was a labour of love, but it's not about me. It's very important that these memories are preserved for future generations. There are so many rich, funny, emotional and sad stories in this book that it would be a travesty if they went to the grave. They haven't, so they are out there for everyone to enjoy them."

Brown was Moore's partner when the 17-year-old made his debut against Manchester United in September 1958, before going on to play 274 more times alongside the great defender. "I'll never forget my time with him because he was superb," said Brown, now 80. "You can't describe how perfect he was. I lost count of the number of times I went around the back thinking he was going to miss the ball, but he never did! He was an unbelievable player who got better and better with each game. "It's terrific meeting everybody again! It's tremendous and always nice to come back here."

For winger Brabrook, spending time in the company of so many of his old friends and colleagues, reminiscing about old times, was a fitting way to launch a book with such illustrious subject matter. "It was a fantastic time and I think we all enjoyed it, as I certainly did. There are quite a few I haven't seen for years, and some I didn't know at all because they joined after I had left, but it's great to see them all. "It is great to hold such an event for Bobby and I hope he is up there looking down and knows we are having a go at trying to support all that he believed in. I have fantastic memories. You are going back a long while but they are great memories of things we won, things we got close to winning and a decent side as well."

*To purchase a copy of 'They Play With Bobby Moore - The West Ham Years', please visit www.bobbymoore89.co.uk.

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Song pays tribute to 'The King' Henry
WHUFC.com
West Ham United's Alex Song has paid tribute to retiring former Arsenal team-mate Thierry Henry
17.12.2014

Alex Song has paid tribute to 'The King' Thierry Henry following the retirement of the former Arsenal and France forward. The West Ham United midfielder was a promising teenager when he played alongside Henry for two seasons in north London and admits he learnt a huge amount about the game from the great No14. Song followed in the 37-year-old's footsteps by joining Spanish giants Barcelona before linking up with the Hammers on loan in the summer, and paid tribute to the influence Henry has had on his own career. "For me, I call him 'The King' because he was unbelievable," Song confirmed. "He was an amazing player and a great man. I know him from when I came to Arsenal when I was 17 and I learned a lot from him. "Now, when I see him, he says 'You have to do this' and you need someone like this who is a big champion and gives you advice. He helps the young players and today we miss a very big man and a very big player. "We know what he achieved in England and all over the world people know his face. They know what he did for football, which was good. "At the end of the day, he has retired, so I would like to say thank you to him for everything. I learned a lot from him and he will always be a good friend. I am happy for him and I want to say to him 'All the best for the future'."

Henry played against West Ham nine times during his eight seasons with Arsenal, scoring five goals. His time with the Gunners included 226 goals in 369 appearances, two Premier League titles and three FA Cups, while he also won two La Liga titles, the FIFA Club World Cup and the UEFA Champions League with Barcelona.

At international level, he netted 51 goals in 123 games for France, winning the 1998 FIFA World Cup and UEFA Euro 2000. "He should be remembered as one of the all-time greats, not just in the Premier League but in football," Song continued. "He achieved a lot of things. He was an amazing player and everyone knows him. "If you want to see one of the best strikers in the history of the English league, then you have Thierry. "He is The King because he achieved a lot of things and every young player wants to be like him and achieve what he did in the past, because it's very important."

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Maiga Suspended
KUMB.com
Filed: Wednesday, 17th December 2014
By: Staff Writer

Modibo Maiga has been suspended by Metz for walking out on his team ahead of their trip to Marseille earlier this month. KUMB revealed how Maiga threw a tantrum after being told he was being dropped by coach Albert Cartier for the away trip to Ligue 1 leaders Marseille, which led to him missing the trip. Metz went on to lose the game 3-1, and although Cartier and the on-loan striker were said to have cleared the air, it has been revealed that Maiga has been hit with a 48-hour suspension.

A statement released by Metz said: "Modibo Maiga did not appear at the airport on the day of travel to Marseille. He was punished with a two-day suspension by the club's disciplinary committee. "In accordance with the provisions of the ban he will therefore be able to return to training on Friday 19 December."

Signed by Sam Allardyce in July 2012 on a four-year contract (with an option for an additional two years), the £5million striker failed to settle in England and made just 19 starts for the Hammers during his stay at the club. Maiga's tally of just six goals for West Ham consisted of three in the early rounds of the Carling/Capital One Cup and three more in the Premier League - against Southampton (October 2012), Chelsea (December 2012) and against West Brom (December 2013). However it will be for his winning goal at White Hart Lane in the 2-1 Capital Cup win over Tottenham last season for which he is most fondly remembered by West Ham fans.

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Gold denies 'sack Sam' rumours
KUMB.com
Filed: Wednesday, 17th December 2014
By: Staff Writer

David Gold has denied reports that West Ham are preparing to part company with Sam Allardyce at the end of the season. The manager's contract expires this summer and on several occasions he has reiterated that no talks will take place until the end of the season - as was the case back in 2013.

It is a position that is shared by the board. However that didn't prevent one particular tabloid claiming last night that West Ham were already preparing to part company with Big Sam and his coaching team, who the article claimed "are certain the axe is coming for them".

Most supporters responding on the KUMB Forum agreed that the report should be treated with a certain degree of caution; the lack of any genuine source helping to add to the air of suspicion.

And this morning co-owner David Gold confirmed that fans were right to treat the story with scepticism when he referred to it as "pure speculation", having been pressed to respond by a supporter on Twitter.

David Gold ✔ @davidgold
"@prideofeastldn: The Daily Star reports that Allardyce won't be offered a new contract? dg true or not?
This is pure speculation. dg

Allardyce joined West Ham in May 2011 on a two-year contract, having rejected the opportunity to work in Abu Dhabi. That contract was extended by a further two years in May 2013.

Gold, speaking at the time said: "Sam has made a hugely positive impact since joining the club nearly two years ago. We chose to recruit Sam as we knew he would bring discipline, determination, passion and respect to Chadwell Heath - and he has delivered on all fronts."

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On Goals on Sunday... Sam Allardyce joins Ben and Kammy
Last Updated: 17/12/14 5:49pm
SSN

Sam Allardyce will be in the Goals on Sunday studio this week to look through Saturday's goals and reflect on West Ham's season so far.
Allardyce heads towards the winter period with his West Ham side in superb form, surprising even their most optimistic supporters after a difficult campaign last term. Allardyce will be talking to Ben and Kammy on the sofa the day after the Hammers face Leicester at Upton Park looking to extend their run of just one defeat in 10 games, which has seen them rise to fourth in the Premier League table. West Ham then travel to Chelsea on Boxing Day before hosting Arsenal two days later, then face West Brom on New Year's Day at Upton Park. Ben and Kammy will also be looking at Manchester United's trip to Aston Villa, Manchester City v Crystal Palace and Tottenham v Burnley, as well as the three other Premier league games and what is making the back pages on Sunday.

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SAM CONTRACT POPPYCOCK
By Sean Whetstone 17 Dec 2014 at 19:07
West Ham till I Die

Poppycock, nonsense, hogwash, balderdash, baloney, piffle and twaddle are words that could all be used to describe the Daily Star's headline this morning claiming a world Exclusive that "West Ham still planning to part with Big Sam despite player support"

The article claims that there remains no plans to offer Allardyce a new deal despite the big improvement he has overseen members of his coaching team are certain the axe is coming for them and Allardyce at the end of the season.

I am sorry but David Sullivan and David Gold have constantly said they will review the position of their manager towards the end of the season and the decision will based on whether to offer him a new contract over 38 games rather than the first sixteen. They are also assuming Sam Allardyce wants to stay at the club at end of his contract, maybe he has other thoughts or ambitions on his mind, maybe even retirement or a break from football.

The other factor will be the length of new contract and the amount it might take to secure his managerial services for another three or five years. Sam Allardyce is represented by agent Mark Curtis. you can be certain Mr Curtis will be looking at an improved offer his client on a long term contract.

In 2013 its was claimed that Allardyce is bringing home a wage of just under £3million at West Ham placing him at No.13 in the world in terms of the highest-earning football managers, as revealed in a study by Brazilian sports economics firm Pluri Consultoria.
I wouldn't usually mention a Daily Star story but several non West Ham friends of mine contacted me this morning to say I hear you sacking Sam at the end of the season.

David Gold took to twitter this afternoon to also debunk the story saying "This is pure speculation. dg" OK so maybe not a denial but the truth is he doesn't know yet and they will continue with their strategy of making a decision at the end of the season.

If Sam has a good season over 38 games I am sure the board will have little choice but to reward him with a new multi million pound contract.

Don't believe the hype!

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SUPER SAKHO SIGNS NEW DEAL
By Sean Whetstone 17 Dec 2014 at 13:49
West Ham till I Die

Christmas has come early for Diafra Sakho after he concluded negotiations on a new deal which more than triples his basic weekly wage from £7,500 per week to £25,000.

The inform striker who has scored eight goals in league and cup games was thought to have signed an initial contract of just £15,000 per week with as much of half that amount based on first team appearances. That contract allowed a review after 25 games but after just 9 appearances and two substitute games his review was bought forward to reward the player ahead of the January transfer window. West Ham paid an initial £3.5m pounds to Metz which could eventually rise to a maximum £7m after 140 appearances in a Claret and Blue shirt. Crucially the contract is thought to be devoid of buy out or release clauses.

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Is Ravel Morrison worth taking a risk on?
HITC
Josh McLoughlin

Ravel Morrison returned to West Ham United earlier this week after a disappointing loan spell at Cardiff City and his next move is unknown. Ravel Morrison has had a stop-start career to say the least with plenty of troubles off the pitch shadowing a talented footballer. A strong few games with West Ham United last season saw comparisons made with Paul Gascoigne and at one point he was even tipped to make the England World Cup squad.

That all seems so very far away now and reports suggest that West Ham have had enough and are ready to terminate the 21-year-old's contract. The Hammers signed Morrison from Manchester United in January 2012 for a fee around the £600,000 mark. The boy had obvious potential then and it just had to be handled in the right way. Loan spells at Birmingham City, Queens Park Rangers and Cardiff City have followed. Whilst the first two were a success, the latter was not and Bluebirds manager Russell Slade said he had no future at the club.

His best spell came at the beginning of last season, when he scored goals against Everton and Tottenham Hotspur. Speaking of the goal against Spurs, manager Sam Allaryce said, "That's a genius goal for me. You'll struggle to see a better goal than that all season".

Whilst the comparison to 'Gazza' seemed a bit premature, the similarity to a current Liverpool player at the moment is obvious. Mario Balotelli has bags of talent but his problems on and off the pitch have stifled him. It looked as if Liverpool had pulled off the signing of the summer when they brought him in from AC Milan, however now it looks as if it has been a catalyst for a dreadful season so far.

Another comment from Sam Allardyce earlier this season summed up Morrison, and if he is willing to knuckle down and focus on his game then he can become a great player. "It's not that he has to impress me as a footballer, we know about his talent. It's about leading the talent and himself to a disciplined life in general, it's what needs to happen with Rav. If that happens we'd want him here.

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Brighton boss confirms former West Ham man is training with club
HITC
John Verrall

Alou Diarra, who left West Ham United this summer, has been in training with Brighton and Hove Albion as he searches for a new club.
Former West Ham United man Alou Diarra is training with Brighton and Hove Albion having been released by the Hammers this summer.
Diarra failed to make an impression at the Boleyn Ground during his two year stay, where he made just six appearances, but Brighton are set to offer him another chance to impress in English football. The Championship outfit have invited Diarra to train with the rest of the squad, with manager Sami Hyypia keen to add quality to his first-team. "He hasn't got a club at the moment and when I heard that I immediately invited him here," Hyypia is quoted as saying by Eurosport. "I gave him an opportunity to train with us and at the same time we can have a look at how he is. "He has trained with a personal trainer but training on your own is not the same as training with the team. He is with us this week as well and we will see what happens. "We need a midfield player. If he is the one, we shall see."

Hyypia and Diarra already have a relationship having played together at Liverpool back in the early 2000's. Back then Diarra was a powerful presence and Hyypia will be hoping that he has not lost too much of his prior ability despite his age. Brighton are in dire need of an injection of quality having slipped in the Championship's relegation zone and the Frenchman's experience could be crucial in seeing them to safety.

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West Ham's Diafra Sakho set for pay rise
Evening Standard
KEN DYER
Published: 17 December 2014 Updated: 13:10, 17 December 2014

Diafra Sakho is poised to agree a new improved deal with West Ham, even though he is just four months into the five-year contract he agreed when he joined the club. Sakho, signed from French club Metz for £3.5million in August, has proved to be an outstanding buy, scoring seven goals in his first 10 games for West Ham. Sakho originally signed a £15,000-a-week deal but the new offer, which will kick in after he makes 25 appearances for the club, is worth an extra £10,000 per week plus bonuses to the Senegal international. A happy Sakho posted a picture of himself and David Sullivan at the West Ham co-chairman's house earlier this week, where negotiations took place.

Sullivan was instrumental in the summer move for Sakho when it looked likely that a proposed deal would fall through. Manager Sam Allardyce's No1 target was Sunderland's Connor Wickham but when that deal didn't progress, Sullivan stepped in to seal the deal for Sakho. Meanwhile, long-serving midfielder Mark Noble is also in line for a new deal, with the club ready to take up a two-year option on his current contract and offering him three more years on improved terms. Noble remains a doubt for Saturday's home match against Leicester with an Achilles tendon injury.

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Former Fox Savage: "It has to be the Hammers"
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on December 17, 2014 in Whispers
Claret & Hugh

Former Leicester City midfielder Rob Savage can't see his old team reverse an historic trend by beating the Hammers at the weekend!
The Match of the Day pundit recalls scoring the Filbert Street winner against us in 2000 and was in the team which defeated us at home two seasons later when Darren Eadie's grabbed the winner – our only defeat by the Foxes at our place since 1966. Sav recalls his Filbert Street goal when he took a pass from Stefan Oakes and slid the winner under Shaka Hislop. East-ender and Irons fan Muzzy Izzet had equalised an early Frederick Kanoute goal as City scored a rare victory over us. Sav sees no repeats this weekend declaring: "City are all over the shop at the back – they just can't defend and I'll take the Hammers to win it 2-0.

Sav recalled the last victory at Upton Park too adding: "I remember the Darren Eadie match as well but it's always been hard work against the Irons. and downhill all the way against you after that as it had been before. "I celebrated mine at Filbert Street vy diving into the crowd – it was a speciasl win over a team we never got much from. I remember you had the likes of Michael Carrick, Frank Lampard and trevor sinclair in the team – it was a bit special. "But you will have too much for the Foxes this time. You are flying and have so much pace and power – I can't see City coping at all."

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Frankie Mac celebrates Sakho deal
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on December 17, 2014 in Whispers
Claret & Hugh

Hammers hero Frank Macavennie raised a glass in the Caribbean sun after hearing that Diafra has been offered a signed a new £25k a week West Ham United deal. ClaretandHugh broke the news to the legendary Irons striker who immediately declared: "Fantastic news and that he's been awarded it before it was due tells you everything. "He's the best thing to have happened to the club in years – he's totally changed the dynamic at Upton Park. "What I like about him so much is that he plays for the team – there's no pursuit of personal glory. It's the lads first and as a result all the accolades are coming his way. "That he has signed a new deal is tremendous news. He's great incredible goal instincts – knows where to run and is about as perfect a partner as you could get. "I love Andy Carroll too. That lad can create carnage among defenders and is perfect for a striker like Diafra. The Hammers are amazing to watch and those two can spearhead us into Europe with the Champions League a real possibility. "WHY NOT?"

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Should West Ham really dump Ravel Morrison?
Blowing Bubbles for Metro.co.ukWednesday 17 Dec 2014 1:34 pm
Metro.co.uk

According to the Daily Telegraph, West Ham are set to terminate midfielder Ravel Morrison's contract. If true, this would be sad but not unexpected. Morrison has returned to Upton Park after Cardiff City cut short his loan deal, sending him back to London due to 'personal issues'. Apparently the former Manchester United youngster, who has been training with the Under-21s, has been told he has no future with the Hammers after the board lost patience with the player who has had numerous off-field issues in his career. It's a shame that things have come to this but the player seems intent of wasting his natural talent and a growing number of fans accept it is now time for the club to wash their hands with him. Things have been going so well this season – without Morrison – and it would be foolish to allow him to upset the morale of the squad over the busy Christmas fixture list. Apart from a bright spell this time last year, when he scored a stunning solo goal against Tottenham, the 21-year-old has failed to establish himself in the Premier League and his contribution to the club may well not be worth the baggage. The club turned down a £4million bid from Fulham last January and I'm sure many of the board will regret not taking the cash when it was offered. Morrison was last month cleared of threatening to throw acid in the face of his ex-girlfriend and have her killed, but will stand trial at Manchester Crown Court on January 26 on three remaining charges of assault. The African Cup of Nations may well deplete the Hammers squad, but Morrison's own availability at this time will be uncertain and the club will need everyone pulling in the same direction if they are to maintain a push for Europe. It is such a shame that it has come to this. That a player with so much natural talent is effectively throwing his career down the drain. But Sir Alex Ferguson decided he wasn't worth the hassle and it seems West Ham are about to come to the same conclusion

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