Daily WHUFC News - 14th May 2015

'We were solid and disciplined'
WHUFC.com
Matt Taylor took heart from a resilient West Ham United showing at the Etihad Stadium on Sunday
13.05.2014

Matt Taylor felt lesser sides would have crumbled in the face of a rampant Manchester City on Sunday. Though the Barclays Premier League champions prevailed 2-0, Taylor rightly took heart from the way West Ham United acquitted themselves. The Hammers midfielder maintained that there was no disgrace whatever in coming out second best to the Citizens, the best team in the land. "I thought we were solid and disciplined throughout the game," he told whufc.com. "Manchester City move the ball so well and it's difficult with the interchanging of positions to try and combat that. To be honest, I don't think we can be disappointed in the way that we played. "We've come to the winners of the Premier League, their home ground, and didn't in any way shape or form do ourselves any harm. "I believe, and it has shown over the season, that they're the best team. I think you'd have seen lesser teams, who probably didn't have a huge amount to play for other than pride, crumble. But we didn't do that, we stuck with it."

Philosophical in his assessment of Sunday, Taylor thought that Samir Nasri's strike was particularly harsh on the visitors. He continued: "It's difficult physically when the other team have the majority of possession, but you have to accept that you're coming to Manchester City. "The manager set us up in a way to combat that, but the first goal's from 25 yards and it's flown in. You'd argue that you'd rather he take a shot from there than inside of our box, but it was difficult to get close to them, because their movement is just exceptional and their one and two-touch passing is great. "You understand that the atmosphere is always going to be intimidating. They win the game, they win the Premier League and it's arguably the best league in the world. You have to accept that as a player, you have to be brave and try to get on the ball, which I thought we did second half. But ultimately we just weren't good enough on the day." "We came here earlier in the season with a depleted team and got well and truly beaten. This time we gave a good account of ourselves."

Elsewhere, Taylor made sure to pay tribute to West Ham's travelling army, even though he was unable to do so at the final whistle. And with the season now over, the 32-year-old is looking forward to a rest, albeit a brief one. "One thing I must say is I was just a bit disappointed that we weren't able to go over and clap our fans for the support they've given us this season away from home, because of the pitch invasion," he explained. "Hopefully they'll appreciate that.
"It'll be nice to get a bit of rest, not too much, but let the body recharge for a couple of weeks and then get back to doing some exercise."

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Supporter of the Season
WHUFC.com
Supporter of the Season Danny Gray enjoyed a great night out at West Ham United's 2013/14 Player Awards
13.05.2014

West Ham United's Supporter of the Season Danny Gray enjoyed a fantastic night out at the Club's 2013/14 Player Awards in aid of the Academy. Gray has attended every home and away match since 1974, travelling overnight on coaches to and from games and impressing his fellow supporters with his commitment and loyalty to the Claret and Blue Army. The Supporter of the Season, sponsored by Alpari FX, was nominated for the award by fellow fan Michael Pocock, who met Gray at a pre-season friendly at Torquay United in 1996. Gray was naturally delighted to be recognised by his fellow fans and be invited to spend an evening in the company of the first-team squad at the Player Awards. "I feel very humble about it," he said. "I'm not really one who puts myself forward for things, or is comfortable in the limelight, as it were. West Ham is my life. I go to every game home and away, so when I heard that Michael had nominated me and that I was the successful candidate. It was fantastic and for the Player Awards, it was a great occasion. I'm just so pleased. "For league games, I haven't missed one home or away since 1976, which was Newcastle away in March. As for cup games, without being too boring with statistics, it's 1974 away to Tranmere Rovers or Hereford United. At home, it's 1970 against Hull City in the League Cup and 1972 against Luton Town in the FA Cup. The last home league game I missed was a 2-2 draw against Tottenham in 1972, so it goes back a long way. "I remember when I went to every game for five or ten years and it just keeps going, I don't know where the years have gone. Here I am in 2014 and I will still keep going. It's what I do, I couldn't envisage not being at West Ham when they play."

When asked to name the favourite game of his West Ham supporting career, Gray picked out the 3-1 European Cup Winners' Cup semi-final second leg win over Eintracht Frankfurt in April 1976. "Going back to the rare times we were in Europe, against Eintracht Frankfurt, the atmosphere that night at the Boleyn Ground, when we overturned a 2-1 first-leg deficit with a 3-1 victory, was absolutely unbelievable. So that's one that stands out. Obviously there were lots of games in the 1985/86 season, when we finished out highest position or third. "There have been lots of highs and lows, ups and downs, over the years, but that's what following a football team is all about really."

Friend and fellow fan Pocock was proud to see Gray recognised by the Club he has given so much to over the previous four decades. "I read it in the Programme that they were looking for nominees for a Supporter of the Season and I thought to myself, this man has not missed a game since 1976, so he needs to be recognised by the Club and by fellow fans as well. "I'm chuffed for Danny as well and I'm chuffed myself. It's nice to nominate someone and see them get the recognition that he deserves. "There are a lot of people like Danny, perhaps not with as good a record, I must admit, but he doesn't do it because it's a record, he does it because he wants to support the Club. There are a lot of fans out there and it's good that the Club appreciate what the fans do. "He's not Supporter of the Season, he's the Supporter of Four Decades. It's a phenomenal record. I nominated Danny because I know him really well and he's there every week. Wherever it is, it doesn't matter, Danny will get the time off work and make sure he's there. He's a true gent and a smashing bloke."

The Supporter of the Month and Supporter of the Season awards will be presented again in 2014/15. A winner for each month will be selected by random prize draw with the overall West Ham United Supporter of the Season, chosen by a notable panel, announced at the final home game of the season. The winner will be the supporter that the judges feel has best demonstrated amazing commitment to the Club. The monthly winners will be announced on the Official Website and will receive a special day with West Ham United, receiving two tickets to the Carlsberg Legends Lounge and meeting one of their favourite West Ham players.

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New Zealand tickets to go on sale
WHUFC.com
Tickets for West Ham United's Football United Tour of New Zealand are to go on sale soon!
13.05.2014

Tickets for West Ham United's Football United Tour of New Zealand will go on sale soon! The Football United Tour will see West Ham play two games in the Pacific Ocean nation against Hyundai A-League sides Wellington Phoenix and Sydney FC as part of a four-team tournament that also includes fellow Barclays Premier League side Newcastle United. The Hammers will face the Phoenix at Eden Park on Wednesday 23 July at 7.30pm, before they travel to Wellington for a fixture against Sydney FC at the 34,500-capacity Westpac Stadium on Saturday 26 July. The kick-off time for the second fixture has yet to be confirmed. The pre-season trip will be a special one for West Ham, who will join Newcastle in being the first leading English clubs to visit New Zealand since Everton in 1986, and in particular for the Hammers' New Zealand national team captain Winston Reid. Tickets for both fixtures will go on General Sale on Monday 19 May at 9am New Zealand time (10pm on Sunday 18 May UK time). Ticket prices start from $35 (£18) for Adults and $16 (£8.20) for Children for each fixture and will be available here.

A special pre-sale for West Ham supporters will begin on Friday 16 May (New Zealand time). Details of this pre-sale will be confirmed later this week.
For further information about the Football United Tour, please click here.

Wellington Phoenix
Founded: 2007
Best A-League finish: Third (2009/10)
Head coach: Ernie Merrick
Website: wellingtonphoenix.com

Who are they?
Founded in March 2007 following the dissolution of the New Zealand Knights, Wellington Phoenix entered the A-League later the same year, becoming the first expansion club in the league's history. The name for the new club was picked from a shortlist of six, picked from 250 names suggested by the public, and represents the 'fresh start' for football made in the city with the club's birth. In 2009/10, under the guidance of future New Zealand manager Ricki Herbert, Wellington Phoenix became the first ever New Zealand side to reach the A-League play-offs, defeating Perth Glory and Newcastle Jets to reach the Preliminary final, where they were beaten by Sydney FC. The Nix, as they are nicknamed, reached the play-offs again in 2011 and 2012. Wellington Phoenix also provided five members of New Zealand's 2010 FIFA World Cup squad - winger Leo Bertos, goalkeeper Mark Paston, defenders Ben Sigmund and Tony Lochhead and midfielder Tim Brown.

High profile players
Barbados international midfielder Paul Ifill was born in Brighton and played more than 350 career games for Millwall, Sheffield United and Crystal Palace. While he may not yet be known to West Ham supporters, Costa Rica winger Kenny Cunningham could line up against England at the 2014 FIFA World Cup finals in Brazil.

Sydney FC
Founded: 2004
Best A-League finish: Grand Finals winners (2005/06, 2009/10)
Manager: Graham Arnold
Website: sydneyfc.com.au

Who are they?
The A-League's inaugural champions in 2005/06, Sydney FC were one of the league's founder members and are considered to be one of its most successful clubs. Under the management of former Germany international Pierre Littbarski and with former Manchester United striker Dwight Yorke leading the attack, the Sky Blues defeated the Central Coast Mariners 1-0 in the Grand Final in 2006. That same season, Sydney FC were also crowned Oceania champions after beating Auckland City of New Zealand, AS Pirae of French Polynesia and AS Magenta of New Caledonia. Ex-Middlesbrough and Brazil star Juninho, former Sheffield Wednesday playmaker Benito Carbone and one-time Coventry City and Australia striker John Aloisi added star power during the seasons following Sydney's opening-year success, but the club would have to wait four years for a second title. That arrived in 2010, when they defeated Melbourne Victory 4-2 on penalties following a 1-1 draw in the Grand Final. In recent seasons, Sydney FC have failed to challenge for the title, but have continued to attract big crowds due in large part to the presence of former Juventus and Italy superstar Alessandro Del Piero in their squad.

High profile players
Australia midfielder Nick Carle played nearly 100 games for Bristol City and Crystal Palace between 2008 and 2010.
Midfielder Ali Abbas Al-Hilfi has been capped nine times by Iraq and was part of the squad which won the AFC Asian Cup in 2007.
Forward Ranko Despotovic has been capped four times at senior level by Serbia and has played professionally in Romania, Spain and Japan.

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Joey makes bittersweet return
WHUFC.com
Groom-to-be Joey O'Brien admitted to mixed emotions after making his return from injury at Manchester City
12.05.2014

Joey O'Brien will marry his fiancee in his home city of Dublin later this month, but before he makes his way up the aisle, the full-back made a welcome return to the West Ham United first team. The right-back was back in the starting XI for the 2-0 Barclays Premier League defeat at champions Manchester City, a little more than three months after he suffered a dislocated shoulder in the vital goalless draw at Chelsea. While the Irishman could not help the Hammers to keep another clean sheet against another of the country's top sides, he was pleased to make his comeback before the end of an ultimately satisfactory 2013/14 campaign. "It was good to come back into the team," O'Brien confirmed. "I dislocated my shoulder against Chelsea, so it was great to get a game before the end of the season. "I had done all the rehab so it was great to come back and play, but at the end of the day we lost and it's not about losing games because there is no sentiment in football. You want to win every game, so to end with a loss leaves a bad taste in the mouth. "Of course they were getting ready for a celebration but we had our own game to play and wanted to finish on a high and finish as high up the league as we could - that was the name of the day for us," said the No17. "The game plan was to keep it tight and get into half-time at nil-all. Then, as the game went on, they would have got more edgy and, if it had got to 70 minutes at nil-all, they would have not have been throwing people forwards here, there and everywhere and might have been worried that could have got one. "If that had been the case, we could have gone for the win and it could have been a different day."

As it was, West Ham were beaten at the Etihad Stadium, but they were far from disgraced by Manuel Pellegrini's title winners. Indeed, it took a long-range strike from Samir Nasri that snuck past Adrian and a scrambled goal from Vincent Kompany to end the Londoners' brave resistance. For O'Brien, the disappointment of a final-day defeat was tempered by the achievement of climbing out of a seemingly desolate position inside the relegation zone on New Year's Day, when West Ham had gathered just 15 points from their opening 20 fixtures. "Over the last couple of years we've been in the Premier League and last year we finshed tenth. This year, we've finished 13th and had some tough times as a team, but as a squad and coaching staff we stuck together and we won seven of our last 15 games, which is a good ratio. "In that sense, we finished on a high after having a bad time in December and January. I'm sure then, if you'd offered the fans playing Manchester City already being safe, they would have taken it."

Now a long and physically and mentally draining season is over, O'Brien and his team-mates have a few weeks to recharge their batteries before becoming the first Barclays Premier League club to return for pre-season training on 3 July. While his colleagues are spending time relaxing with their families at home and abroad, the popular full-back has no time to rest. Instead, he has a big job on his hands preparing for his wedding to his girlfriend of five years, Joanne Martin.
"Hopefully I'll have something to celebrate in a couple of weeks, as long as she turns up, at least!" laughed O'Brien, who will spend his stag weekend at the Barcelona versus Atletico Madrid Spanish title decider. "I'm getting married in a couple of weeks and, please God, it all goes well and we have a fantastic day."

Everyone at West Ham United would like to wish Joey and Joanne a very special wedding day and best wishes for their married lives together.

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Rav set for Wembley date
WHUFC.com
Ravel Morrison's loan club Queens Park Rangers have reached the Championship Play-Off Final
13.05.2014

Ravel Morrison took a step closer to promotion with his loan club Queens Park Rangers on Monday night as the west Londoners defeated Wigan Athletic in the Sky Bet Championship Play-Off semi-final. Following a 0-0 draw at the DW Stadium in the first leg, Wigan took an early lead through James Perch as they grasped the initiative at Loftus Road. But after Morrison was introduced in the 69th minute, the home side turned the game on its head to seal their Wembley place. Charlie Austin levelled matters up with a 73rd minute spot kick, before the same man earned a 2-1 aggregate victory with a winner in the sixth minute of extra time. Where there was joy for Morrison, there was only despair for another Hammers loanee, as Jack Collison was an unused substitute on the night for Wigan. Rangers will now face Derby County in the Play-Off final, with a place in the Barclays Premier League at stake.

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No sack for Sam - yet
KUMB.com
Filed: Tuesday, 13th May 2014
By: Staff Writer

Sam Allardyce will not be fired by West Ham United today, as widely reported elsewhere in recent days. A Board meeting is reported to have ended with plans to meet again in a fortnight's time in order to review the situation, although Allardyce's position is still believed to be in the balance. David Sullivan is thought to favour a change whilst Karren Brady and fellow co-owner David Gold continue to support the 59-year-old, who became the manager of West Ham United three years ago this month. We'll bring you more news on Big Sam's situation as it happens.

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Noble: Tomkins should have gone to Brazil
KUMB.com
Filed: Tuesday, 13th May 2014
By: Staff Writer

Mark Noble believes that team mate James Tomkins should have been selected in the 23-man England squad destined for the World Cup Finals in Brazil this summer. Noble, who many feel should have been involved with the travelling party himself following another excellent season at the heart of the Hammers midfield insisted than the Basildon-born defender would not have looked out of place in the tournament, which starts in a month's time. "I voted for Tonks [as Player of the Year] because he's had a solid season," said Noble during filming for tonight's KUMB Readers' Awards show. "I know there's a lot of stuff been said about the injuries for the centre half places but if it was down to me, he'd be my choice to go to the World Cup. "I think he's been brilliant this year and he was probably just behind me for the Hammer of the Year award. I think he's a top player."

Noble's nomination was echoed by Irish defender Joey O'Brien, who revealed that his Player of the Year vote also went to the 25-year-old defender. "Mark Noble's had a great season as well but Tonks got himself into the team and has been an outstanding performer," O'Brien told KUMB.

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Noble bang up for it
KUMB.com
Filed: Tuesday, 13th May 2014
By: Staff Writer

Ricardo Vaz Te was rudely interrupted by a team mate whilst making his nomination for KUMB Player of the Year last week. Vaz Te burst into a fit of giggles during filming when team mate Mark Noble - who the Portuguese forward had nominated as his Player of the Year - interrupted proceedings, as you can see in the video below. The 2013/14 KUMB Readers' Awards - featuring Frank McAvennie, Martin Allen, Jeremy Nicholas plus the KUMB Podcast team - take place at the East Ham Working Men's Club this evening. Limited tickets will be available on the door until 7:15pm; the show commences at 7:30pm.

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Curtis question key to Allardyce future
KUMB.com
Filed: Tuesday, 13th May 2014
By: Staff Writer

Sam Allardyce's continued involvement with controversial agent Mark Curtis is top of the agenda at today's board meeting, KUMB has learned. Whilst the team's style of football, Allardyce's distribution of available transfer funds and fan dissatisfaction are also points set to be raised at today's meeting between the Board and manager it is Curtis' association with the club that remains the Board's greatest concern. KUMB has learned that Curtis, a key ally of Allardyce's for several years recently informed a fellow agent that no transfers would take place at West Ham without being sanctioned by him first. Co-owner David Sullivan was subsequently informed of this conversation which is said to have led to him insisting on having personal involvement in any future transfers, as recently revealed in the wider press. Curtis, who you may read more about here now represents a number of players at West Ham including Kevin Nolan, James Tomkins and Allardyce himself.

And the agent's insistence that Ravel Morrison drop his current representative Nick Rubery in order to join his stable last Christmas led indirectly to the 21-year-old playmaker's half-season loan to Queens Park Rangers. Morrison, who is set to feature for the Rs at Wembley in the Championship play-off final next week is believed to have reacted angrily to the suggestion of replacing long-term representative and friend Rubery, which is said to have led to him falling out with Allardyce and leaving West Ham.

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Going for a Song
KUMB.com
Filed: Tuesday, 13th May 2014
By: Staff Writer

West Ham are hoping to persuade Barcelona midfielder Alex Song to trade in the Nou Camp for the Boleyn Ground. The 26-year-old is set to leave Barca this summer two years after moving from Arsenal in a £16million switch. And despite the likes of Manchester United and Tottenham having already been linked with the Cameroon international, the Hammers are hoping to bring Song to east London this summer. The 6'1" defensive midfielder - who, incidentally, has a son called 'Nolan' - started his career in France with Bastia, who he joined as a youth in 2001. Having been handed a pro contract in 2004 at the age of 16, Song secured a £1million move to Arsenal two seasons later having made just 32 appearances for the French club. After making his Premiership debut against Everton in September 2005, he went on to make 145 appearances for the Gunners before joining Spanish giants Barcelona in August 2012. During his first season at the Nou Camp, Song made 29 appearances, scoring just the once. This season he has featured on 22 occasions for Barca, including three Champions League starts. However when asked about his future in March, Song revealed that his preference would be a move back to the UK. "If I leave Barcelona it will be to return to the Premier League," he said. "I will return to England one day, that's for sure." Key to Song's arrival at West Ham could be the departure of Mo Diame, who continues to be linked with a move to Everton where Roberto Martinez - who worked alongside the West Ham midfielder at Wigan - is the current manager.

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Speculation about Sam Allardyce's future intensifies as he meets owners
Last Updated: 13/05/14 4:05pm
The Mirror

Sky Sports sources understand that Sam Allardyce is holding a meeting with West Ham's owners, amidst growing speculation about the manager's future.
Reports have suggested Allardyce is facing the sack after a difficult season, with the Hammers leaving it until the closing weeks to secure their Premier League status. Despite criticism from a section of the fans, Allardyce was satisfied with the club's 13th place finish, but it remains to be seen if owners David Gold and David Sullivan share this view. Allardyce took charge of the Hammers in 2011 and immediately steered them back to the top-flight, but supporters have not warmed to his playing style and jeered a home win over Hull City in March. The 59-year-old former Bolton boss responded defiantly to questions at the weekend, pointing to his long managerial record as proof of his success. "If you are a manager, this is the highest level in the world," he said. "I have competed at this level for many, many years. There's only Arsene Wenger has competed at this level longer than me. "I know how to manage in this league and I know how to turn teams into better teams than when you first take them over, so there you go."

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Sam Allardyce avoids West Ham sack for now, but could yet depart this summer
May 13, 2014 15:34 By Darren Lewis
The Mirror

Sam Allardyce will NOT be sacked today by West Ham. The under-fire Upton Park boss instead faces an agonising wait of up to ten days to learn his fate.
The Hammers will then hold another board meeting to inform Allardyce of their final decision. The club's top brass are undecided on his future. They believe it is too big a call to make too quickly and want to ensure they are making the right move. Allardyce held talks with the club's owners, David Gold and David Sullivan, today in the wake of a disappointing season. At that meeting, the 59-year-old - who has a year left on his contract - put forward his case to keep his job. Fans want Allardyce out after a season of what they describe as poor football and negative tactics. But the board - who understand the supporters' position - also appreciate the fact that Allardyce has led them up into the top flight and kept them there for two seasons.

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Mark Noble named KUMB.com Player of the Year
KUMB.com
Filed: Tuesday, 13th May 2014
By: Staff Writer

Mark Noble was the biggest winner on a busy night as the KUMB Awards went live for the first time at East Ham Working Men's Club tonight.

Noble, who was named as Hammer of the Year earlier in the month was voted as the KUMB readers' Player of the Year - just one of 12 winners on a night which also featured Frank McAvennie, Martin Allen - and his dog - and Jeremy Nicholas.

Spanish goalkeeper Adrian was named Signing of the Season, whilst Ravel Morrison took the award for Goal of the Season for his wonderful solo effort at White Hart Lane in the 3-0 win over Tottenham.

Dylan Tombides earned the biggest cheers of the night for winning the Young Player of the Year and Most Missed awards, and Matt Taylor was a popular winner in the Most Improved Player category.

You voted the 3-0 win at Tottenham as your Most Memorable Match of the season whilst cheating Chico Flores was a clear winner as Hackett of the Year.

Our style of football narrowly topped the Greatest Disappointment category; Alou Diarra took the Worst Player gong and Mladen Petric Worst Signing.

Finally, Ian Bishop was named as the KUMB Podcast Guest of the Year - you may listen to his winning performance from one of our February shows here.

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Joe Cole has left West Ham and plans to find new club
Last Updated: 14/05/14 12:00am
SSN

Former England midfielder Joe Cole has confirmed that he has left West Ham following the expiration of his contract. The 32-year-old was given an 18-month deal in January of last year but he has not featured much during the 2013/14 campaign. Cole scored in a 3-3 draw against West Brom in December but that was the last Premier League match he started. However, he plans to continue playing and told talkSPORT: "I'm a free agent now and I'm looking for a new club. "My relationship with West Ham is great, but obviously it didn't work towards the end of this season and I didn't play enough. "So, I'm just going to take my time over the summer and find the right fit. "At this stage of my career, finances are not important for me. I want to enjoy my football, I want to compete and I just want to play more." Cole is a graduate of the West Ham academy and is considered one of the most talented players of his generation. He joined Chelsea in 2003 and won three Premier League titles during a spell in which he became an England regular, and he has represented his country 56 times at senior level. Injuries led to him slipping down the pecking order at Stamford Bridge and a move to Liverpool in 2010 failed to re-ignite his career but he had a successful loan stint with Lille before re-joining the Hammers.

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Sam Allardyce waits to discover if he has West Ham future
Last Updated: 13/05/14 7:15pm
SSN

Sky sources understand Sam Allardyce's position as manager of West Ham United will be confirmed one way or the other by May 23. Allardyce was summoned to a meeting at West Ham co-owner David Sullivan's house in Essex on Tuesday where it is understood he was asked to put forward his case to remain in charge of the club next season. The meeting, which lasted approximately two hours, was also attended by the club's chief executive Karren Brady and co-owner David Gold. Allardyce's views were understood to have been noted by the West Ham owners, who will first convene a board meeting before deciding on whether he will remain in charge next season. "I have competed at this level for many, many years. There's only Arsene Wenger has competed at this level longer than me." That board meeting is expected to take place in the next seven to 10 days and the club are understood to have set a deadline of May 23 to decide on Allardyce's future. Reports had suggested the 59-year-old was facing the sack after a difficult season, with the Hammers leaving it until the closing weeks to secure their Premier League status. Despite criticism from a section of the fans, Allardyce was satisfied with the club's 13th place finish, but it remains to be seen if West Ham's board also share this view. Allardyce took charge of the Hammers in 2011 and immediately steered them back to the top-flight, but some supporters have never warmed to his playing style and jeered after their home win over 10-man Hull City in March. The former Bolton boss responded defiantly to questions at the weekend, pointing to his long managerial record as proof of his success. "If you are a manager, this is the highest level in the world," he said. "I have competed at this level for many, many years. There's only Arsene Wenger has competed at this level longer than me. "I know how to manage in this league and I know how to turn teams into better teams than when you first take them over, so there you go."

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JOINING UP THE DOTS...
By Iain Dale 13 May 2014 at 21:37
West Ham Till I Die

Ring ring, went the phone at the radio station. "Hi, it's xxxx xxxxxxxxxxx's office here. Just checking that Miss Brady can see xxxx next week as you suggested?" Somewhat mystified, the person who answered the phone asked: "Sorry, Miss Brady?" "Yes," came the reply. "At West Ham."

That conversation took place a couple of days ago between the secretary of a rather famous manager and someone who she thought was Karen Brady's assistant. It wasn't.

Now call me old fashioned but could this be the reason that we now have to wait ten days until Sam's fate is determined? Could it be that West Ham want a ready made replacement lined up, and the manager mentioned above could be it.

I'm not naming him because I don't want to jeopardise anything. I well remember that Martin O'Neill was named as a replacement for Avram Grant and it never happened because he was furious it had leaked out. Suffice to say, though, that if this particular manager was recruited, I doubt whether many West Ham fans would oppose it. He has a stellar track record in this country and overseas.

Yes, I know I'm a tease. But I've been called worse.

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SOME ALTERNATIVE TALKING POINTS ON D-DAY!
By S J Chandos 13 May 2014 at 12:30
West Ham Till I Die

We all know what the burning issue is today, the West Ham future (or otherwise) of Sam Allardyce. At the time of writing, it appears that the available indicators are ominious, but obviously we must await confirmation of the outcome of today's board meeting. I suppose It is not completely beyond the bounds of possibility that Mr Allardyce could be granted a reprieve if he reassures the board on certain key fundamental issues. Time, as always, is the ultimate determinant, but as Vico maintained, the basis of all truth is probability! On which side does the balance of probabilities lie in this instance?

If the axe falls, West Ham may very well not be the only club wielding it today. Apparently, there are also decisions imminent at Norwich City, Spurs and Sunderland. While, yersterday, the first close season managerial casualty was registered, with the quick fire demise of Pepe Mel at WBA. In Mel's case, one can only speculate on what the WBA board expected of him. He was brought in relatively late in the season, had to largely work with the existing squad, needed to quickly adjust to the very different demands of the PL and, yet, achieved his ultimate target of successfully staving off relegation. Yes, results were not great, but surely he should have been given the chance to bring in his own players and establish his own playing style and ideas. Only then could he be judged fairly. Now obviously, there may be issues of which I am unaware, but it does appear to be a harsh sacking. Patience seems to be an ever diminishing factor in PL football, as the dire consequences of relegation force clubs towards more desperate managerial solutions. Just look at the 'carry on' a Fulham this session, as they got through three managers in the course of the campaign. While Cardiff City were surely the architects of their own PL downfall in prematurely dispensing with Malky McKay's services. And was the decision to replace Chris Hughton with Norwich City's youth coach really a sensible decision?

So, Roy Hodgson's initial World Cup Squad has been announced and there was no surprise as far as Andy Carroll was concerned. With his season disrupted by injury, did he really stand much of a chance of inclusion in the 23 man squad? He is on standby, but all thing being equal his England focus must inevitably now shift to the 2016 European Championship qualifiers and Finals. Another Hammers player that I also feel sorry for, in respect of England non-selection, is Mark Noble. He has had an excellent season and yet was not included in any of last season's squads. Ok, Hodgson may ultimately decide that others better merit WC selection, but surely his fine form should earn him a chance at that level. Otherwise, the inescapable conclusion is that he will never be selected regardless of how well he plays for his club. Perhaps it is time for Noble to accept that it is not going to happen with England at full international level and instead opt for representing the Republic of Ireland, via his Irish grandparent(s). At least that way he would stand a far better chance of playing regular international football.

Finally, congratulations to Man City fans on clinching the PL title. I hope that they truly enjoy the success, after all they have endured some really dire times in the not too distant past. But they have always staunchly supported their club, even when playing in the lower tiers of English football. And that is admirable. On the subject of City, I do find recent reports interesting that they have breached the EUFA FFP rules and can expect to have action taken against them prior to next season's CL competition. If so, does that increase the probability that they will also eventually be in breach of the PL FFP rules as well in 2015? If they are, what might be the possible consequences of that?

SJ. Chandos.

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West Ham delay Allardyce sack decision - and make transfer bid for Stuttgart's Antonio Rudiger instead
May 13, 2014 22:30 By Darren Lewis
The Mirror

West Ham have made a £7million bid for powerful Stuttgart defender Antonio Rudiger – despite uncertainty over their own manager Sam Allardyce's future.
The Hammers want to beat teams such as Newcastle to the centre-back, who is regarded as one of the best young players in the Bundesliga. The bid breaks down to £5m plus £2m in bonuses, depending on performances. Rudiger, who turned 21 in March, has three years left on his contract but is understood to be keen to play in the Premier League. Whether that will be under Allardyce still remains to be seen. The 59-year-old received a ten-day stay of execution on Tuesday, with the club unwilling to rush into a decision over his future. They feel it is too big an issue for that, and want to work through it as thoroughly as possible before reaching a conclusion. Another board meeting will be held on Friday week - May 23 - at which Allardyce will finally learn his fate. Big Sam met with club chiefs on Tuesday to discuss a range of issues after a season in which fans have angrily called for his dismissal and hit out at what they describe as negative, one-dimensional football. Many supporters have threatened not to renew their season tickets if Allardyce stays. The club, however, appreciate the job he has done in leading West Ham to promotion and keeping the club in the top flight for the last two seasons. Among the issues discussed at the meeting was an attacking coach as the club look to improve the style of play next season.

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Angella wanted by West Ham and Southampton
BY BENJAMIN WILLS ⋅ MAY 14, 2014 ⋅
FootballLeagueWorld.co.uk

Watford defender Gabriele Angella is attracting the eye of Premier League sides West Ham United and Southampton. Italian Angella, 25, arrived at Vicarage Road in 2013 and was one of many to join the Hornets from Udinese – a club owned by the Pozzo family who bought Watford in 2012. The Florence born centre back only missed one game this season and has picked up a reputation as a goal scoring defender, having found the back of the net eight times for Guiseppe Sanino's side this campaign. Angella signed a lengthy five year deal last Summer but a move to the top flight may be too hard to turn down. He has played in Italy's top division, making 20 appearances for Udinese between 2010 and 2013, scoring four goals during that period, but in 2013 he found himself at Serie B side Reggina on loan where he played 19 matches, netting just the once. West Ham have had well documented defensive problems due to seemingly endless injuries, so much so that the club had to loan Roger Johnson from League 1 Wolverhampton Wanderers. While Southampton have highly rated full backs in Luke Shaw and Nathaniel Clyne, central defence is a problem with Jos Hooiveld scoring three own goals in the 2012/13 season.

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