Daily WHUFC News - 8th August 2014

Sullivan: Bids tabled for three strikers
WHUFC.com
West Ham United Joint-Chairman David Sullivan says the Club's pursuit of
striking targets is gathering pace
07.08.2014

West Ham United have tabled bids for three strikers, as Joint-Chairman David
Sullivan continues the pursuit of a prolific forward to provide more
firepower for his side. With Andy Carroll sidelined for four months due to
an ankle injury, Mr Sullivan's focus has been on signing another striker to
provide manager Sam Allardyce with more options. The Hammers have already
added six new faces to their squad, with a raft of hungry, young players
joining the Club this summer, and Mr Sullivan is hopeful that the chase for
the final piece of the jigsaw could soon bear fruit. He exclusively told
whufc.com: "We've got offers in for three or four strikers - one in England,
three abroad - and we just hope to land one of them. We do need to sign
another player. "We have worked 24/7 all summer and we still want to get at
least one more striker in. It's been very, very tough but we're pleased with
what we've got - there are players with massive potential for the future but
we know there isn't enough goals in the team at the moment."

The targeted new arrival will join Enner Valencia and Mauro Zarate in
supplementing the Hammers' frontline in 2014/15 and Mr Sullivan believes
both will have a positive impact in east London. He continued: "The player
we've spent the most money on, Enner Valencia, is our big summer signing and
he is about two or three weeks away from being able to play, because he was
at the World Cup. "He's now in full training but I think the earliest he'll
play is in the Capital One Cup match, so it'll be exciting for people to see
him make his debut in that match. "We were looking at Enner from before the
World Cup, when Ecuador played Australia at Crystal Palace and he was the
leading goalscorer in Mexico. "Goalscorers are goalscorers and his goals per
game for Ecuador since he's been playing centre forward is very high. He
scored more goals at the World Cup than the England football team, he was in
the top ten goalscorers of the tournament, even though his team got
eliminated at the second stage, so he's a player with potential. "He might
be in the top five scorers in the Premier League next season, he might take
time to adjust, you just don't know with foreign players, but potentially
he's a top, top player. "If Zarate gets the supply he will score goals. He
probably needs to play off a big centre forward but at least we now have a
plan B. If we're losing in a game we have someone who can go on and change
things."

The Hammers also signed two young English players of real potential in Aaron
Cresswell and Diego Poyet and Mr Sullivan is excited by both. He added:
"Poyet could be a world-class player within 12 or 18 months. Whether he's
ready now or needs six months, I don't know. People at Charlton tell me he's
their best young player in the history of Charlton. "Cresswell is the
left-back of the season in the Championship and may need time to adjust to
the Premier League, but you don't know. Potentially they are both very good
players. We needed some younger legs in the side and that's what we've tried
to bring in."

Taking the pre-season as a whole, Mr Sullivan would have hoped for a
smoother ride but believes the Hammers can overcome the obstacles laid in
their path to make a positive start of the campaign. He said: "The
pre-season hasn't gone quite as planned - the worst thing is that we picked
up injuries and in particular Andy Carroll, who is out for four months and
makes a huge difference to us. "We've got to overcome these things and if
you look at the history of football, often people with a good pre-season
have a terrible season, and people who have a bad pre-season have a good
season. "I'm hoping on Saturday that we may see a little taste of what we're
going to see against Tottenham, but Tottenham is the key game. We want to
make it four in a row, but they're about even money with the bookies and
we're about 2/1 to win, so we're not the favourites. If the crowd can get
behind the team it really does make a huge difference. We just need a little
bit of luck on the day. "Like everybody we're looking forward to the season
with a little bit of nervousness. It's what happens in those first three or
four league games that matters, not what happens in pre-season."

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Enner excited by 'dream' switch
WHUFc.com
Summer recruit Enner Valencia has grand plans for his future at West Ham
United
07.08.2014

West Ham United new boy Enner Valencia says it would be a dream come true to
fire the Hammers into Europe come the Club's move to the former Olympic
Stadium in 2016. Fresh from his goalscoring exploits at the FIFA World Cup
with Ecuador, the 24-year-old is now determined to repay the faith shown in
him by West Ham. Valencia thanked the Hammers fans for their warm welcome
and insists it will not be long before he is pulling on the Claret and Blue.
Speaking at Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park on Thursday, he said: "Being so
close to the Stadium I just want to go inside and start playing. "I'm very
happy to be part of this great Club and I'm hoping to do well. I'm going try
to do my best. "I'm training normally at the moment. I'm training very hard
and trying to get match fit. I could be OK for the first or second game. I'm
not quite sure yet, that's up to the manager."

Having bagged all three of Ecuador's goals in Brazil this summer, Valencia
was hardly short of prospective suitors, but feels sure that he has made the
right move. "It was a dream come true to score three goals at a World Cup,"
he added. "It's not something that happens every day. It was massive for my
career and after that a lot of Clubs showed an interest in me. But thanks to
West Ham, it happened. "I want to repay the investment the Club have made in
me. I appreciate the welcome that all the West Ham fans have shown me and
hopefully I'll produce my best."

Valencia explained that the prospect of running out at the former Olympic
Stadium played a massive part in his decision and believes there is every
chance of bringing European football to Stratford. "I saw the Olympics on
television, but I never dreamed of standing here and one day I'm looking
forward to playing in this great Stadium," he confirmed. "It played a big
part of me coming to West Ham. "It would be fantastic [to be in Europe] and
a dream to come true. Hopefully we can make it happen in a couple of years."
Known as Superman, a nickname bestowed on him by the Spanish press, Valencia
is not ruling out a comic-inspired celebration when he first fires for the
Hammers. "I've not done the Superman celebration just yet, but let's see how
it goes!"

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham's George Moncur joins Colchester United on loan
BBC.co.uk

Colchester United have signed midfielder George Moncur on loan from West Ham
until January. The 20-year-old, who is the son of former Hammers player John
Moncur, has already spent pre-season on loan with the U's. He has made two
first-team appearances for West Ham and has had loan spells at AFC Wimbledon
and Partick "Having George here for the whole of pre-season, he knows how we
work," U's boss Joe Dunne told BBC Essex. "George could have easily stayed
at West Ham during pre-season and hoped for the best. "My trademark is
finding those players who need that moment to move into league games and
we'll hopefully progress him."

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham's Ravel Morrison's 'acid threats' to ex-girlfriend
BBC.co.uk

West Ham footballer Ravel Morrison threatened to throw acid in the face of
his ex-girlfriend and have her killed, a court has heard. He is accused of
threatening to blow up Reah Mansoor's house in a four-year campaign of
harassment against his ex-girlfriend, Manchester Magistrates' Court heard. A
harassment charge against him was added to two counts of common assault. Mr
Morrison, 21, was bailed to appear at Manchester Crown Court on 28 August.

'Fear of violence'
The footballer was initially arrested and charged with two counts of common
assault after allegedly punching and slapping Miss Mansoor, 19, and her
mother Parveen Mansoor, 39, in the early hours of 27 July. The court heard
the additional charge of causing his ex-girlfriend fear of violence from
him, spanned from January 2010 to 20 July. The prosecution alleges he
threatened to throw acid in her face, blow up her house and have her killed,
as well as other threats of violence. His bail conditions state he cannot
contact Reah and Parveen Mansoor, he cannot go on to the street where they
live and cannot enter the Greater Manchester area except for a court
appearance, to see his lawyers or for a West Ham game in the area. He must
then immediately return to London after the match. David Fish QC,
representing Mr Morrison, indicated the defendant would plead not guilty to
the charges. Mr Morrison started his career with Manchester United's youth
teams before he was sold to West Ham in 2012. The midfielder, who has also
played on loan for QPR and Birmingham City, has four England Under-21 caps.

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham boss Sam Allardyce steps up striker search
BBC.co.uk

West Ham have made bids for four strikers in an effort to bolster manager
Sam Allardyce's squad. Andy Carroll could be out until November following
ankle surgery, while £12m summer signing Enner Valencia will also miss the
start of the season. "We've got offers in for one striker in England and
three abroad - and we just hope to land one of them," co-owner David
Sullivan told the club website. "We have worked 24/7 all summer and want at
least one more striker."
Allardyce has been linked with moves for Stoke's Peter Crouch, Arsenal's
Joel Campbell and unattached Portugal international Hugo Almeida. West Ham
have signed six players already this summer, including Mauro Zarate and
Ecuador World Cup star Valencia. "Enner is now in full training but I think
the earliest he'll play is in the Capital One Cup match (on 26-27 August),"
said Sullivan. "He might be in the top five scorers in the Premier League
next season, he might take time to adjust, you just don't know with foreign
players, but potentially he's a top, top player."

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Mauve-ing on up
KUMB.com
Filed: Thursday, 7th August 2014
By: Staff Writer

West Ham United have revealed their new third kit - an unusual mix of mauve
and gold. Mauro Zarate was pictured wearing the club's new third kit at a
meet-and-greet session in the club's Romford shop this afternoon, at which
he was joined by fellow new signings Diego Poyet and Cheikhou Kouyate. But
Zarate was the talk of the town due to the new shirt, which was unveiled for
the first today and goes on sale from this weekend.

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Ravel Morrison case goes to Crown Court
KUMB.com
Filed: Thursday, 7th August 2014
By: Staff Writer

Ravel Morrison's assault case will be heard in a Crown Court, it was
announced today. The West Ham midfielder will now face a total of three
charges when he appears in Manchester later this month, after a third charge
of harassment was added to his charge sheet. Morrison arrived at court this
morning dressed in an open shirt, jeans and trainers. The court were told
that the 21-year-old midfielder threatened to throw acid into the face of
former girlfriend Real Masoor's, blow up her house and "have her killed".

Today's brief hearing saw the England under 21 international confirm his
address as Canary Wharf, London, unlike at last week's initial court
appearance when he gave an address in Urmston, Manchester. Morrison was
bailed until August 28 when he will appear at Manchester Crown Court. One of
the conditions of bail is that he return to London immediately. QC David
Fish suggested that Morrison would plead not guilty to all charges. Morrison
was arrested after Police were called to an address in Peel Green, Salford
in the early hours of Sunday, 27 July to respond to an accusation of
assault. Charged with common assault, Morrison was remanded in custody upon
his arrest but bailed on Monday.

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Sullivan reveals scattergun approach
KUMB.com
Filed: Thursday, 7th August 2014
By: Staff Writer

West Ham co-owner David Sullivan says West Ham have placed four bids for
strikers in the past few days. With Andy Carroll injured until November, at
the earliest, and new signing Enner Valencia not fit until mid-August, West
Ham's search for a new goalscorer has intensified. And this morning Sullivan
told whufc.com that he has made a number of enquires and firm offers in the
past few days. "We've got offers in for three or four strikers - one in
England, three abroad - and we just hope to land one of them," he said. "We
do need to sign another player. "We have worked 24/7 all summer and we still
want to get at least one more striker in. It's been very, very tough but
we're pleased with what we've got - there are players with massive potential
for the future but we know there isn't enough goals in the team at the
moment. "The player we've spent the most money on, Enner Valencia, is our
big summer signing and he is about two or three weeks away from being able
to play, because he was at the World Cup. "He's now in full training but I
think the earliest he'll play is in the Capital One Cup match, so it'll be
exciting for people to see him make his debut in that match. "He's a player
with potential. He might be in the top five scorers in the Premier League
next season, he might take time to adjust, you just don't know with foreign
players, but potentially he's a top, top player. Sullivan, who was largely
behind the capture of the South American also played a major part in
bringing Mauro Zarate - who played for Birmingham when Sullivan and partner
David Gold owned the club - to east London this summer. And although little
has been seen of the Argentine in pre-season, Sullivan maintains that he can
have an influence this season - IF played alongside a fellow striker. "If
Zarate gets the supply he will score goals," he added. "He probably needs to
play off a big centre forward but at least we now have a plan B. If we're
losing in a game we have someone who can go on and change things."

One of the players West Ham have bid for is understood to be Stoke City's
giant striker Peter Crouch. The Hammers are reported to have offered circa
£1million for the 33-year-old, but the Potters are holding out for around
£3million.

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham joint-chairman says he has bid for several strikers
Last Updated: 07/08/14 2:37pm
SSN

West Ham United joint-chairman David Sullivan has revealed that the club has
tabled bids for several strikers, including one in England. With Andy
Carroll sidelined for four months due to an ankle injury, Sullivan is
looking to bring in another striker to provide manager Sam Allardyce with
more options. The Hammers have already made six signings this window, but
are looking to further add to their squad. Sullivan told the club's website:
"We've got offers in for three or four strikers - one in England, three
abroad - and we just hope to land one of them. We do need to sign another
player. "We've got offers in for three or four strikers - one in England,
three abroad - and we just hope to land one of them. We do need to sign
another player." "We have worked 24/7 all summer and we still want to get at
least one more striker in. It's been very, very tough but we're pleased with
what we've got - there are players with massive potential for the future but
we know there isn't enough goals in the team at the moment."

West Ham are looking to bring in one more striker to join Enner Valencia and
Mauro Zarate in supplementing the Hammers' frontline for the new season -
but Sullivan believes both players will have a positive impact. "The player
we've spent the most money on, Enner Valencia, is our big summer signing and
he is about two or three weeks away from being able to play, because he was
at the World Cup," he added. "He's now in full training but I think the
earliest he'll play is in the Capital One Cup match, so it'll be exciting
for people to see him make his debut in that match. "We were looking at
Enner from before the World Cup, when Ecuador played Australia at Crystal
Palace and he was the leading goalscorer in Mexico. "Goalscorers are
goalscorers and his goals per game for Ecuador since he's been playing
centre forward is very high. He scored more goals at the World Cup than the
England football team, he was in the top ten goalscorers of the tournament,
even though his team got eliminated at the second stage, so he's a player
with potential. "He might be in the top five scorers in the Premier League
next season, he might take time to adjust, you just don't know with foreign
players, but potentially he's a top, top player. "If Zarate gets the supply
he will score goals. He probably needs to play off a big centre forward but
at least we now have a plan B. If we're losing in a game we have someone who
can go on and change things."

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
SUMMERTIME SADNESS
By Iain Dale 7 Aug 2014 at 20:00
West Ham Till I Die
Guest Post by Adam Darlington

I think we all must be suffering from a case of déjà vu this summer. Ravel
Morrison made headlines for more off field activity, Andy Carroll has a long
term injury and if David Gold's twitter blunder is anything to go by,
there's still a very prominent discontent between the board and manager.
It's a shame really, as I think a majority of us were feeling very
optimistic about the new season, certainly the early transfer activity was a
refreshing change and the quality of signings such as Mauro Zárate, Cheikhou
Kouyaté, Aaron Cresswell, Diego Poyet, Enner Valencia and Carl Jenkinson
undoubtedly show the right sort of intent from the club to go on and improve
from last season. That, plus the welcome return of Teddy Sheringham to the
club as 'attacking coach' (whether or not that role holds any real meaning,
time will tell) certainly meant the early signs were positive.

Admittedly the pre-season games have yet to produce the kind of results, or
more importantly, the performances we'd all like to see (I can't imagine our
shirt sales in New Zealand would of gained a significant boost) but I think
it's important to bear in mind that, realistically, you can't read too much
into these games; I've seen it quoted a couple of times, but it is worth
remembering that Avram Grant went undefeated in pre-season and we all know
what happened after that.

However the things that are more concerning include the ongoing circus
regarding Sam Allardyce's future, in reality I don't think anyone believes
it is a future as such, more a stay of execution. As has been well
documented, the David's have now instructed him to a deliver a more
attacking, entertaining brand of football to try and improve what is frankly
a hostile relationship with the fans, but history suggests Big Sam playing
attacking football is about as likely to succeed as asking Harry Redknapp to
not go over the wage cap. I hope I'm wrong, but I just can't see Sam
deviating from the tactics he's been, unfairly or not, pigeon holed with his
whole managerial career. Some things are a cliché for a reason, and the
'long ball' tag is justified more times than not when it comes to watching
West Ham nowadays.

Things took a turn for the worst with the 'Jet lagged' cringe inducing
antics from David Gold who by favouring a tweet calling for Big Sam to be
sacked, further increased the pressure for the team to get off to a good
start, otherwise it's nailed on Big Sam will be the first managerial
casualty of the new season. At the very least, David Gold's exploits on
twitter made Jack Sullivan the second most embarrassing West Ham presence on
social media. I still don't think having the chairmen's son relay transfer
activity and personal opinion on players is healthy for any club; even if,
credit where it's due, he turned out to be spot on about Marouane Chamakh's
fledgling West Ham career.

If there is one player who underlines the seemingly ongoing power struggle
between the board and manager, it would have to be Mauro Zárate, you would
imagine given the Birmingham connection this was a signing very much pushed
through by the David's, yet you get the feeling he's not an atypical 'Big
Sam' player and given the choice between him and a certain C.Cole, then
it'll be Carlton starting against Tottenham on the 16th August. Zarate is
clearly Sam's equivalent of the Christmas/Birthday present you were given
that you never wanted, and then went on to never use (Personally for me it
was a pair of 'Planet of the ape socks' aged 9; even though I'd expressed no
interest in socks or the film)

All this plus the now seemingly mandatory problem regarding injury's and
player's fitness; is the only way you can fail a West Ham medical not to
turn up? Considering that Andy Carroll was actually injured at the time of
when we signed him on a six year contract, the answer to that question is
probably a depressing one. As much of a blow as it is, nobody can be truly
surprised by another long term lay off for AC but what is surprising is that
Enner Valencia is deemed three weeks away from 'full fitness', even though
to the eyes of the world he looked in pretty decent shape when he scored
three goals for Ecuador at this summer's world cup. To add to this, Carl
Jenkinson suffered a hamstring injury in his first pre-season game for the
club and now looks likely to miss the start of the season. Considering our
seemingly moth to light like fixation with acquiring injured personal, I'm
amazed we haven't signed the England Physio; Gary Lewin for the forthcoming
season.

But despite all the above, I am trying to stay optimistic (or as Big Sam
himself would label me 'delusional') for the coming season, I notice that
Ravel was released on bail this week, which I'm counting as crumb of good
news and if worst comes to worst and we continue to have an injury raved
forward line come August the 16th and are left with only Maiga (who I've
checked and amazingly is still on the books), I'm sure we could do a lot
worse than get Teddy to strap on his boots! Whatever happens this season,
life at E13 is never dull.

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
WOULD A FEMALE FOOTBALL MANAGER EVERY BE ACCEPTED AT WEST HAM?
By Iain Dale 7 Aug 2014 at 16:00
West Ham Till I Die

Guest Post by Russ

All the talk on this site at the moment revolves around Sam, should he be
sacked now, should he be given till the end of the season etc etc, they are
all basically the same subject. I wanted to start people thinking
about/discussing something a bit more challenging: Would a Female manager
ever be accepted at West Ham? Recently Emma Hayes (Chelsea ladies manager)
stated that she would one day like to manage a male league team, Corrine
Diacre is manager of a male team in the French leagues, Helena Costa managed
in Portugal so it can only be a matter of time until the question seriously
starts to be asked in this country. Could it be possible at the highest
level and if not why not? If they have the correct qualifications and spend
time managing a male league team lets say in division 1, could they move up
to the premier league or is it a closed shop? As Karren Brady is such a
torch bearer for womens equality in the workplace, would we be the likely
destination if it were to happen? I dont want to see loads of chauvenistic
insults about women managing mens teams just a sensible debate.

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
SHOULD THE NUMBER SIX SHIRT COME OUT OF RETIREMENT?
By Iain Dale 7 Aug 2014 at 12:00
West Ham Till I Die

Guest Post by Bubbles

Here is a great OT debate to have. There is no right or wrong so we don't
need to fall out and no one needs to blame Sam or the skipper! In fact this
could be the first Sam free thread. (Apart from me mentioning him twice in
the first paragraph, sorry!)

I noticed a debate going down elsewhere regarding the suggestion to
"un-retire" and I'm not sure there is such a word, probably the correct term
is " to bring out of retirement, but stay with me, Bobby Moore's No. 6
shirt.

This needs a little more thought before fans throw their hands up in horror
at the very thought.

This could be done to recognise the end of the Upton Park era and the
beginning of the OS era, so would not happen until the end of next season.
It would be done as a fitting tribute to the great man and fans could have a
vote on who wears the shirt at the OS. Of course we know who that will be
now it will be our captain at the OS – step forward Mark Noble.

My initial thought was that won't happen but the more I think about it the
more I like the idea. It would bring Bobby Moore back into the limelight
once again and it would be entirely appropriate in marking the UP to OS
transmission.

What do you think?

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
IS MARCO STRELLER THE LATEST STRIKER TO BE TARGETED?
By S J Chandos 7 Aug 2014 at 08:00
West Ham Till I Die

A number of sources have reported that West Ham have made a move for Basel
centre forward, Marco Streller. The player's legal representative, Marco
Balmelli, has been quoted as stating that:

"It is true that West Ham have approached us. Maybe Marco needs a new
challenge again after seven years at FC Basel. It would be like a World Cup
final for him."

The reports suggest that West Ham are prepared to offer the 33 year old,
6ft. 5in, former Swiss international striker, a two year contract, with the
option of a third year. And that is where the reports appear slightly
suspect. Would the club offer, what is effectively, a three year deal to a
33 year old? Also there is no indication of the size of the salary package
in the contract allegedly on offer. Is this another case of a player's
agent/representative publicly declaring a transfer approach by West Ham Utd
in order to generate wider interest? Or is there genuine interest in
acquiring the veteran Swiss centre forward to cover Andy Carroll's injury
absence?

Since 2007 (his second stint at FC Basel), Marco Streller has scored 86
goals in 189 matches for his current club. Prior to that, Streller played
for VfB Stuttgart (2004-07) scoring 9 goals in 55 matches, FC Thurn (loan –
2002-03) 8 goals in 16 matches, Concordia Basel (loan 2001-02) 16 goals in
30 matches and FC Basel (2000-04 – his first period at the club) 13 goals in
20 matches. At full international level, between 2003-11, he chalked up 12
goals in 37 senior matches for Switzerland.

So, it appears the player has a half-way decent goal scoring record in the
Swiss Super League. But is it significant that he only managed 9 goals in 55
matches in Germany, which is undoubtedly the strongest league he has played
in to date? Is there anything to indicate that Streller would perform any
better in the more competitive English Premier League? And at 33 years of
age he is not likely to improve on past achievements, is he? Similiarly,
Streller's goal scoring record for Switzerland is just under a 1 in 3 ratio
and that is at best respectable.

With the club being linked to the likes of Almeida, Crouch and now Streller
it looks increasingly as if we are actively pursuing the 'jouneyman option'
to acquire extra striker cover. Of the centre forwards referred to above,
Almeida is probably the best option. In fact, with Stoke City allegedly
demanding a £3m fee for Crouch (and the player's personal terms likely to
take the total cost of the deal to c.£7m) and counter-reports now emerging
that Streller has confirmed his intention to stay at FC Basel, Almeida may
well prove to be the only viable option remaining out of the three targets!

SJ. Chandos.

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
TWO STRIKERS AND 54 GOALS IN A SEASON - REMEMBERING 1986
By Iain Dale 6 Aug 2014 at 21:36
West ham till I Die

Guest Post by Julian

Over the past few weeks the optimism of a potential new approach to how we
play coupled with some exciting signings has turned in to fear and
trepidation at what the pre-season performances mean for the upcoming
season, so I thought I would take a trip down memory lane and look back at
our best ever season of 1986.

I was 20, had been released by Southampton due to a triple leg break in a
reserves match against Chelsea ending a promising career, and had decided to
go and work on a campsite in Southern Germany. Now that is an interesting
story but not for this article, so back to our best ever finish.

How many of you who followed the fortunes of the team that year remember
that we only won 1 of our first 5 games, a 3-1 home win against QPR that
witnessed the first two ever goals for the club by one Frank McAvennie. He
wasn't even our first choice strike partner for TC but was played initially
in midfield and only moved up top alongside Tony when Paul Goddard became
injured; but, as they say, the rest is history.

By the end of September we were in 13th place, however come the end of Dec
were had turned our increasingly impressive performances in to third place
having won all of our games in September and November with Franky Boy the
league's stop scorer with 17. The style of play was the very antithesis of
what we are having to suffer under Allardyce; no matter how many the
opposition could score we could score more; we had Cottee and McAvennie, who
just needed to poke the ball in the direction of the goal and it would fly
in!

By the end of March we had put Manchester United out of the FA Cup, were
fifth in the league, 10 points behind leaders Liverpool but with 5 games in
hand.

However it was April that will go down in the annals of West Ham as one of
the club's most memorable months ever. It started with a 2-1 loss to
Nottingham Forest but that was it, thereafter we went on an 8 match winning
streak that included the memorable demolition of Newcastle 8-1, which even
witnessed a hat-trick by one Alvin Martin, one of a small group of defenders
to have scored a hat-trick in the top flight of English football. We were
back up to third, 4 points behind Liverpool but with 1 game in hand; it was
still all to be played for, but we needed Liverpool with one Ian Rush up
front to mess up.

On the final Saturday of the season we went to the Black Country and put
West Brom to the sword 2-3 but those party poopers in the North West just
had to go and win their final game which left us having to beat Everton in a
rearranged game to finish in second 1 point behind Liverpool. Unfortunately
we went down 3-1 leaving us finishing in third, but what a glorious and
exciting third it was, filled with performances, creativity throughout the
team that we can only dream about under Allardyce.

Liniker finished as league's top scorer with 30, with Frank not far behind
on 28 and Tony with 26;since when have we ever seen anything like that from
our strikers in the intervening 28 years. A strike force that scored 54
goals between them just blows the mind and has you weeping with the majority
we have had to endure ever since.

For Hammers fans who weren't either alive in 1986, I am sure you have grown
up with not only the traditions of our beloved Bobby et al but of the boys
of 1986, a West Ham team to be truly proud of, including 3 players who came
up from the Academy in Cottee, Orr and Martin.

We won 26 of our 42 games, 81% win ratio at home and 43% away, losing only
10% of our home games and 38% of our away ones,finishing with 84 points and
scoring 34 more goals than we conceded; oh for these to be the stats we look
back on at the end of the upcoming season.

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Ravel Morrison poses in ARSENAL shirt in his Ferrari hours after being in
court
Aug 07, 2014 20:50 By Alex Richards
The four-cap England under-21 international is in hot water away from the
pitch - and his latest picture will only earn him more ire from West Ham
fans
The Mirror

West Ham United midfielder Ravel Morrison has uploaded an Instagram photo of
himself in a Ferrari wearing the shirt of London rivals Arsenal - just hours
after being in court. Manchester Magistrates' Court heard on Thursday how
the 21-year-old threatened to throw acid in the face of his ex-girlfriend
following his arrest and subsequent charging on two counts of common
assault. It is alleged that Morrison punched and slapped both Reah Mansoor,
19, and her mother Parveen Mansoor, 39, in the early hours of July 27 in
Salford. Morrison, who spoke only to confirm his name, age and address, sat
in the dock at the court for the brief hearing as the harassment allegation
was also added to the charges. The court heard the additional charge of
causing his ex-girlfriend to fear violence would be used against her spanned
the period from January 1 2010 to July 20 this year. But just hours after
his appearance in the dock, the former Manchester United starlet - who spent
time on loan with QPR last season - posted a picture of himself, posing in
his Ferrari. It led to an outcry from Hammers supporters on social media,
with many questioning whether he should have a future at the club.

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham close to sealing £3.5million deal for Metz striker Diafra Sakho
Aug 07, 2014 17:24 By Alan Nixon
The Hammers board are hoping that the Senegalese striker will fill the boots
left by injured club-record signing Andy Carroll
The Mirror

West Ham have agreed a shock £3.5million deal for Metz's Senegalese striker
Diafra Sakho. Supremo David Sullivan has been chasing a new hit man to fill
Andy Carroll's boots and has gone in for the powerful 24-year-old. Sakho had
a prolific season with Metz in the French second tier and his cost and
availability have been in his favour. The Hammers were looking for one or
two strikers, including experienced Peter Crouch, with Sullivan confessing
they had a short list of six. Sakho is keen to come and is expected to be on
his way from France immediately for talks and a medical. Boss Sam Allardyce
has taken a back seat in the chase as Sullivan and his advisers try to find
the missing link. Sakho has scored 19 and 20 goals in the last two seasons,
an excellent average even if the opposition is not top flight.

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Irons: "can't agree terms" with French striker
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on August 7, 2014 in Whispers
Claret & Hugh

Metz striker Diafra Sakho is still some way from becoming a Hammer despite
widespread reports tonight that he's on his way to the club. Both the Mirror
and Mail have claimed tonight the player is close to signing for the club
from the French second division outfit. But within the last few minutes
Claretandhugh has learned that whilst there's an agreement in place with the
club, the player's terms are proving difficult to agree. A source told us:
"It's true we are talking but at this stage we can't agree a deal with the
player at the moment and he'd be a big gamble." The 24 year old has a decent
goals record over the last few years but the Hammers are aware that it's a
big step up from where he is now to the Premier League even if it as a cover
striker. "The source said: "We'll keep talking but at this moment there's
not a deal in prospect. However, that can change quite quickly."

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Now it's Gooner Morrison (oh dear)
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on August 7, 2014 in Whispers
Claret & Hugh

Daily Mail journo and friend of ClaretandHugh Matty Lawless has hit the nail
on the head as a picture emerges of Ravel Morrison in an Arsenal shirt. The
21 year old – currently involved in a Manchester court case which saw him
make an appearance today – has plenty of form for attracting attention. But
on a day like today this picture may just be a step too far after he
appeared to be pictured in a Chelsea shirt on Twitter a few weeks ago. Matt
tweeted: "Ravel Morrison has admitted before that he is an Arsenal fan. But
not sure now is the right time to wear their shirt." To be honest this Ravel
stuff really is becoming more than a little tedious.

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Cottee: Injury excuses don't wash anymore
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on August 7, 2014 in Whispers
Claret & Hugh

Tony Cottee believes he is speaking for all Hammers fans when he says:
"Let's hear no more moaning and groaning about injuries." The former striker
has been discussing the upcoming season with Claretandhugh during this week
and has covered the two-up system he wants to see and the pre-season so far.
He believes that once he has everyone fit – ahead of Andy Carroll's return –
the front line will see Enner Valencia playing off Carlton Cole. And he
believes that can be effective with Mauro Zarate appearing as an impact sub
when things need to be changed. But he believes the fans have tired – as he
has – of the injuries excuse which has been a feature of Upton Park life
last season and this so far. He said It's ridiculous to keep on about
it…injuries have been part of the game to 50 to 100 years – you deal with
it. It's as simple as that. "Too often we have heard it trotted out and it's
just not good enough – nor can it be used an excuse. "That's why you have a
squad of 25 players. We accept it's disappointing but it's not on to keep
using it as an excuse for failure."

He believes the pressure is now on every pressure position – including the
captain's. He said: "Kev is a good skipper on and off the pitch but his game
has to be more consistent and he has to be scoring goals. "If that's not
happening many will be wondering how he can keep his place with Zarate in
the squad given his game is so similar."

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham agree £3.5million fee to sign Metz striker Diafra Sakho
Frontman named best player in Ligue 2 last season
By SIMON JONES
PUBLISHED: 21:58, 7 August 2014 | UPDATED: 22:02, 7 August 2014
Daily Mail

West Ham have agreed a surprise £3.5million deal for Metz's Senegalese
striker Diafra Sakho. Newcastle and Wigan had also been watching the
24-year-old who helped Metz gain promotion last season before declaring his
intent to leave. Sakho has scored 19 and 20 goals in the last two seasons
with Metz in the French second division. Sakho was also named the best
player in the French Ligue 2 last season. Agent Willie Mckay said: 'The fee
is agreed between the clubs but Diafra is yet to agree personal terms. He is
keen to come to England.' The move comes as a boost for the Hammers with
record signing Andy Carroll out of action for four months following surgery
on his ankle.

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Ravel Morrison pictured wearing Arsenal shirt - but West Ham midfielder is
quick to reiterate his love for the Hammers with a message on Twitter
The 21-year-old admitted he is an Arsenal fan ahead of a West Ham match
against their rivals Tottenham last year
West Ham midfielder posted an Instagram picture of him in the Gunners' new
Puma home shirt, with the Premier League season just over a week away
Morrison quickly tweeted a message afterwards saying he loved West Ham and
the way they have stood by him
Hammers kick off their league campaign against Tottenham on August 16
Sam Allardyce's side face Arsenal midway through season on December 28
Morrison was granted bail this week ahead of an appearance at Manchester
Crown Court for an alleged assault of his ex-girlfriend and her mother
By CHARLIE SCOTT
PUBLISHED: 21:59, 7 August 2014 | UPDATED: 22:05, 7 August 2014
Daily Mail

Ravel Morrison has risked the wrath of West Ham supporters after the
controversial midfielder posted a picture of himself on Instagram wearing an
Arsenal shirt. But he was quick to tweet a message to calm any irate Hammers
fans, insisting he loves his current club and the manner in which they have
stood by him. He wrote: 'West Ham is I'm [sic] my (heart) Love the Club and
the way the have stood by me.' The 21-year-old was in Manchester Magistrates
Court on Thursday where he was facing charges for two counts of common
assault after allegedly attacking his former girlfriend. The court heard
that the England Under 21 international threatened to throw acid in Reah
Mansoor's face and blow up her house in a course of harassment. Morrison,
who spoke only to confirm his name, age and address, sat in the dock at the
court for the brief hearing as the harassment allegation was also added to
the charges. District Judge Khalid Qureshi bailed Morrison to appear at
Manchester Crown Court for a preliminary hearing on August 28. His bail
conditions are that he lives in Canary Wharf, London, does not contact
directly or indirectly the two women complainants, does not go on to the
street where they live, and does not enter the Greater Manchester area
except for a court appearance, to see his lawyers or to visit for a West Ham
game in the area and to return to London immediately after the match. But
hours after his court appearance, Morrison uploaded an image on the social
media site wearing the kit of the Hammers London rivals seating in the
driver's seat of a Ferrari sports car. Morrison, who joined West Ham from
Manchester United for £650,000 in January 2012, has admitted before that he
is a Gunners supporter. But with his future at Upton Park uncertain, Hammers
fans are unlikely to favour his choice of clothing ahead of the start of the
new season. The Hammers face Arsenal later this season on December 28. But
Morrison, who underwent minor groin surgery last month, is unlikely to
feature at all in West Ham's first Premier League match of the season is
against Tottenham on August 16.

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
.

http://vyperz.blogspot.com



---
This email is free from viruses and malware because avast! Antivirus protection is active.
http://www.avast.com