Daily WHUFC News - 29th April 2014

Hammers say goodbye to Dylan
WHUFC.com
West Ham United held a moving Memorial Service for Dylan Tombides on Monday
28.04.2014

West Ham United said an emotional goodbye to Dylan Tombides at a moving Memorial Service on Monday afternoon. More than 200 mourners, led by the late striker's parents Tracylee and Jim and brother Taylor, attended the service at St Paul's Church in Woodford Bridge. Joint-Chairman David Gold and Vice-Chairman Karren Brady represented the Board, while manager Sam Allardyce, his staff, the first-team squad, Development Squad and Academy scholars all turned out to pay their respects to Dylan, who passed away on Good Friday following a three-year battle with cancer. Club chaplain Rev Alan Bolding led proceedings, telling Dylan's family, friends, current and former team-mates and colleagues about a 'talented footballer, loveable, fun-loving and courageous boy'.
Academy Director Tony Carr MBE, who coached the Australia U22 international throughout his first three seasons at the Academy, spoke glowingly of a player who shone brightly throughout his five years with the Club. "Dylan flourished in the environment of football," said Carr. "It was never a problem and he grasped his opportunity enthusiastically. He literally lived for football. "He was always a popular member of the youth squad, scored lots of goals and had a great sense of humour. He always had a positive attitude to everything. As a testament to his growing reputation as a player, he earned the Academy Player of the Year award in 2011. "To lose Dylan so young just seems so unfair. There are no words to describe this tragic loss. We will all miss you Dylan, and you will forever be in all of our thoughts."

The forward's former U16s, U18s and current Development Squad manager Nick Haycock talked of the No38's outstanding all-round talent on the pitch and inspiring approach to life off it.

Club Medical Officer Dr Richard Weiler and physiotherapist Jon Urwin, who both became close to Dylan during his treatment, spoke warmly of his relentlessly positive attitude, love of life, rare sense of humour and unique dress sense.

It was then the turn of the team-mates Dylan grew up with at West Ham, a number of whom acted as pall-bearers, to speak with respect and love for their late friend in a series of moving video messages.

To complete a service that gave Dylan the send-off he so richly deserved, the mourners also listened intently to poignant songs chosen by his family before singing the traditional football hymn 'Abide with me' and a specially-adapted version of 'Bubbles'. Outside the packed church, a group of around 50 supporters formed to listen to the service on speakers. Following the service, a wake was held at the Boleyn Ground, where the 20-year-old made his first-team debut for West Ham in September 2012. The thoughts and sincere condolences of everyone associated with West Ham United remain with Dylan's family and friends at this sad time.

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Loan round-up
WHUFC.com
A number of West Ham United loanees were in action across the Football League at the weekend
28.04.2014

As the football season draws to a close, a number of West Ham United loanees were in action across the Football League at the weekend. Ravel Morrison and his QPR teammates were left frustrated on Saturday afternoon after the R's conceded a last minute leveller in their Sky Bet Championship clash against Millwall at Loftus Road. Harry Redknapp's side took the lead with just eleven minutes left when Charlie Austin buried a penalty, but the Londoners could not hold out and a Rob Green mistake handed Scott Malone a 90th minute equaliser. Modibo Maiga didn't feature for Rangers, who are now secure in fourth spot as they turn their attentions to the Play-Offs.

Jack Collison is also likely to feature in the end of season Play-Offs with Wigan Athletic, although the midfielder was an unused substitute as the Latics went down 2-0 at home to Blackpool on Saturday.

In Sky Bet League One, Jordan Spence played the whole match as MK Dons surrendered a two goal lead against Rotherham in a 2-2 draw. The Dons led thanks to goals from Matthew Kennedy and Izale McLeod, but found themselves pegged back by Michael O'Connor and then Alex Revell's last minute strike.

Blair Turgott came on for the final few minutes as Dagenham & Redbridge suffered a 3-0 home defeat against Northampton in Sky Bet League Two. The winger had little time to affect the game as the Daggers went down to goals from Ian Morris and an Ivan Toney double.

North of the border, George Moncur (Partick Thistle) and Paul McCallum (Heart of Midlothian) were both unused subs in a 1-1 draw and 2-1 win for their teams respectively.

In Republic of Ireland, Sean Maguire watched on as Sligo Rovers earned a 3-0 win against Limerick in the SSE Airtricity League.

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'I could not fault my players' efforts'
WHUFC.com
U18s manager Steve Potts said his team did West Ham United proud with their display against Bolton Wanderers
28.04.2014

West Ham United U18s boss Steve Potts and his players went through the full range of emotions before, during and after his side's 2-2 draw with Bolton Wanderers on Saturday. Before kick-off at Little Heath, a ceremony was held in memory of Dylan Tombides, who passed away recently following a three-year battle with cancer. A minute's silence was held and captain Kieran Bywater laid a wreath on the centre spot. Potts watched Tombides throughout his time with the Academy. The striker was a close friend of his son and fellow graduate Dan, who came through the ranks in the same year-group. "As a player, and I don't say it lightly, Dylan had everything," said Potts. "I remember him having a fantastic season in the U16 group. He had two good feet, could hold the ball up, was good in the air, had great awareness and could finish as well as any youngster I have seen. "As a player, Dylan just had huge potential. Unfortunately he is never going to realise that potential and that is heart-breaking. "I know his parents Jim and Tracylee very well because I used to travel to games with them as my Dan was in the same team as Dylan. They are real down to earth parents and I cannot speak highly enough of them. They are parents who said it exactly how it was because if Dylan or his younger brother Taylor, who is in my group at the moment, weren't doing what they were meant to, then they would've been the first to sort it out themselves. "The thing that I will remember most about Dylan is Dylan the person. After everything that he went through, whenever I saw him at the training ground, he always had a smile on his face and wanted to get on with his training. "Everyone knows what he has been through and some of the treatments he has had, which were horrible for him, but he kept fighting it and coming back to work hard because he just wanted to be a professional footballer. It's heart-breaking for me that he hasn't been given the chance to fulfil his dreams. "I'm just so gutted and the whole Club is in shock really because he was just a great example to everyone. "There was an element of real sadness around the place when everyone turned up for the game. "I knew we were going to hold a minute's silence and have the wreath on the centre of the pitch but what I didn't realise was that Dylan's parents and Taylor were going to be there. It was just heart-breaking to see them and I feel so sorry for them. "Taylor has had terrible luck with injuries which has prevented him training and playing much this year. I often think that footballers find a release on the pitch during adversity but Taylor has not even had that luxury. I know he was very close to his brother."

As for the match itself, West Ham took an early lead through Jordan Brown before Bolton pair Carl Kennedy and William Abbotts netted either side of half-time to put the visitors in front. Brown levelled with 13 minutes remaining to secure a share of the spoils. Potts paid tribute to the professionalism of his players in the light of the recent loss of someone all of them liked and respected. "I could not fault the efforts of my players. I could see the shock and sadness in their eyes before the game so to produce a performance which warranted a win was fantastic. "We had some really good chances, but Bolton played very well and got lucky along the way with ricochets which took our efforts away from goal when, on another day, they would've hit the back of the net. "Fair play to Bolton for that because you are always going to come up against opposition that are going to defend for their lives. It was up to us to open them up and punish them."
West Ham have one regular season fixture remaining, with Arsenal visiting Little Heath on Friday afternoon. Victory then would firm up the Hammers' place in the Play-Offs. "It will be a fantastic game for the boys to play in against Arsenal. They are a good team and it's our final game this season at home so you couldn't ask for much better opposition because you already know that it's going to be a tough test for us. "That's all you really want from the season - that the boys are going to be tested as much as they can be and hopefully we can end the season on a high note."

Parking and admission for Friday's 1pm kick-off are both free of charge.

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Carr: he lived for football
KUMB.com
Filed: Monday, 28th April 2014
By: Staff Writer

Family and friends of West Ham United's Dylan Tombides said goodbye to the young footballer today at a memorial service held in St Paul's Church, Woodford Bridge. A host of mourners - said to number in excess of 200 - attended the ceremony including Dylan's close family which also saw a small group of well-wishers gather outside the church where the service, conducted by West Ham's current chaplain Reverend Alan Bolding, was relayed on speakers. Tony Carr, who worked alongside Dylan for a number of years at the club's Academy led the way with a moving eulogy about Tombides, who died two weeks ago from cancer. Dylan flourished in the environment of football," he said. "It was never a problem and he grasped his opportunity enthusiastically. He literally lived for football. He was always a popular member of the youth squad, scored lots of goals and had a great sense of humour. "He always had a positive attitude to everything. As a testament to his growing reputation as a player he earned the Academy Player of the Year award in 2011. To lose Dylan so young just seems so unfair. There are no words to describe this tragic loss. "We will all miss you Dylan, and you will forever be in all of our thoughts."

Gunna miss you so much my brother! I know you'll be looking down on us! Rest In Paradise Dyl, sleep tight bro 😢😓🌹❤️
— Elliot Lee (@ElliotLee9) April 28, 2014

Very emotional day but a great send off for Dylan, just how he would've wanted it. Forever with me on and off the pitch! Rest in peace Bro❤️
— Blair Turgott (@blairturgott) April 28, 2014

Tough, tough day but a service you deserved mate. Really put life into perspective. Rest well Dyl, never forgotten 🙏❤️
— Dan Potts (@DanPotts03) April 28, 2014

Just returning home from Dylan Tombides Memorial Service. What a sad day for the friends and family of this fine young man. I will miss him
— David Gold (@davidgold) April 28, 2014

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Sayonara Sam?
KUMB.com
Filed: Monday, 28th April 2014
By: Staff Writer

The largest independent online poll of West Ham United supporters ever conducted has resulted in more than three quarters of voters failing to back Sam Allardyce. More than 12,500 people took part in the survey that was the result of a collaboration between 16 West Ham websites, blogs and forums. And after four days of voting, 77.95% expressed the view that Sam Allardyce should not be retained as West Ham manager next season with the remaining 22.05% opting to retain his services beyond the summer. The survey ran from Thursday until 7pm last night (Sunday). It is thought to be the largest opinion poll ever undertaken of the club's supporters. Of those who voted, 27 per cent said they were season ticket holders, with a further nine per cent attending more than half of each season's matches. However 65 per cent of those voting admiited to attending less than half of West Ham's matches, with 25 per cent never attending matches live, for varying reasons (but watching instead via TV/internet). 28 per cent of those who voted live in London, 26 per cent in the South East and 12 per cent in East Anglia. 14 per cent of voters are based overseas. Most respondents were in the 36-45 age bracket, closely followed by those aged from 46-55. Nearly one in three voters - some 4,850 in total - left comments.

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Matt Jarvis wants to see 'character' at West Ham
Last Updated: 28/04/14 10:22am
SSN

Matt Jarvis has called for a show of 'character' as the West Ham United players look to end the season on a positive note. Manager Sam Allardyce could also do with an upturn in fortune before the campaign comes to a close, with supporters targeting him again during a 1-0 reversal at West Bromwich Albion on Saturday. It is, however, those on the field who will ultimately decide whether West Ham finish with a flourish or a whimper. Four straight defeats has them heading towards the latter, with Premier League safety not secured as yet. One more point would be enough to get them over that particular line, but Jarvis says an under-performing squad should be looking for more than that from testing fixtures against Tottenham Hotspur and Manchester City. The England winger said: "We feel strongly that we want to get another point - it's not about if we need another point. "We have to pick up points for ourselves and the fans. "We feel their frustration. It's a matter of us taking that into a massive game against Spurs. It's part and parcel of the game. "You have to take the good with the bad. We just need to get a result. We have to show character from everybody in the squad."

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The 10 possible replacements if under-pressure Sam Allardyce departs West Ham this summer
Apr 28, 2014 08:05 By Bruce Archer
The Mirror

Sam Allardyce's relationship with the West Ham faithful appears to be reaching melting point. Allardyce has just about guided the Hammers to safety, as they sit five points above the drop zone with two games to go, but his style of play has been heavily scrutinised. And the former Bolton boss has done himself no favours in recent weeks with damning comments towards his own supporters. They responded with a series of negative chants during Saturday's defeat to West Brom and it looks as if he could be on his way this summer. But who could replace him? Here's our shortlist of Allardyce's potential replacement at Upton Park.

Malky Mackay

Dismissed by Cardiff in December, Malky Mackay is available and the favourite to take over if Allardyce is removed by the Hammers' hierachy. The 42-year-old Scot has a lot of fans following his work in Wales, having taken the Bluebirds into the top flight and remained dignified in difficult circumstances - specifically having to work alongside Vincent Tan! Still only half a season of Premier League experience, but highly thought of.

Harry Redknapp

Harry Redknapp remains well-liked in some parts of east London and may be tempted to head back to Upton Park, particularly if QPR fail to win promotion through the Championship play-offs. The 67-year-old was in charge of the club for seven years before departing in 2001 and wants another crack at the top-flight. Redknapp would be keen to play a more attractive style than Allardyce but would certainly demand a bigger transfer budget to work with.

Glenn Hoddle

The former England boss is in the running if Big Sam gets the chop, even though he hasn't been involved in management since stepping down from Wolves in 2006. He was recently linked with the job at Spurs - if only by himself - and is now in the hat for most managerial vacancies. In reality, Hoddle has probably been out the game too long to be a genuine contender.

David Moyes

Sacked after just 10 months in charge at Old Trafford, David Moyes' reputation has taken a major dent. But the Scot's work at Everton shouldn't be forgotten and a number of clubs would welcome him with open arms. A move to Upton Park may be seen as a step down for Moyes, but he will want to improve his image as soon as possible.

Alan Pardew

With Newcastle dropping like flies, Alan Pardew may not be at St James' Park much longer and a move back to east London is a possibility for the 52 year-old.
He was sacked by the club in 2006 - when run by Icelandic Eggert Magnusson - and replaced by Alan Curbishley, who secured survival. Pardew is never far from the headlines, or touchline confrontations, so whether the fans would be keen on his return remains uncertain.

Slaven Bilic

Former Hammer Slaven Bilic was rumoured to be in the running for the job in the past while in charge of Croatia. Current side Besiktas are third in the Turkish league table and while he would need to be bought out of his contract, the 45-year-old may find the emotional pull too much to turn down.

Paolo Di Canio

Club legend Paulo Di Canio would certainly be interested in the role but whether his antics at Sunderland have put off Sullivan and Gold remains to be seen.
He played over 100 times for the club between 1999 and 2003 and is still loved by fans at Upton Park.

Neil Lennon

The Celtic boss is expected to leave Glasgow to give the Premier League a go at some point and has been heavily linked to the Norwich post. However, with the Canaries in the thick of the relegation battle, West Ham may be a more attractive proposition for the Northern Irishman. His former club Leicester will play Premier League football next season so he may have an eye on Nigel Pearson's role if the Foxes struggle early on.

Steve Clarke

The former West Brom boss worked at Upton Park under Gianfranco Zola and is available for a return after being sacked by the Midlands club earlier this season. Clarke built a strong reputation - guiding the Baggies to an eighth-place finish last season - before his surprise dismissal and encourages a brand of football that West Ham fans would appreciate.

Chris Hughton

The nice man of football Chris Hughton is back on the job hunt after being let go by Norwich. But his Canaries side didn't exactly set the world alight so his appointment would be met indifferently - particularly with his Tottenham links.

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