Daily WHUFC News - 23rd August 2014

Preview - Crystal Palace
WHUFC.com
All the key pre-match information, stats and facts ahead of Saturday's game at Crystal Palace
22.08.2014


CRYSTAL PALACE v WEST HAM UNITED
BARCLAYS PREMIER LEAGUE
SELHURST PARK
SATURDAY 23 AUGUST 2014
KICK-OFF: 3PM
REFEREE: MARK CLATTENBURG
West Ham United App West Ham TV

In brief
The Hammers face their second London derby of the season on Saturday when they make the short journey to Crystal Palace.
West Ham will be looking for their first points of the new campaign after suffering a late defeat to Tottenham Hotspur last weekend, when Eric Dier's injury time goal proved enough to give the visitors a 1-0 victory.
Palace also go into the game pointless, having fallen victim to an injury time goal themselves. Arsenal were their conquerors, Aaron Ramsey notching at the death after Laurent Koscielny cancelled out Brede Hangeland's first half opener.
The Eagies find themselves without a manager, after Tony Pulis departed on the eve of the campaign. Caretaker Keith Millen remains in temporary charge.

Who are they?
The Eagles were founded as The Crystal Palace in 1905 to introduce a team to the local area, whose people regularly supported the FA Cup final in numbers when it was played in the Crystal Palace Park.
They initially joined the Southern League before before becoming members of the Football League Third Division in 1920. Palace reached the top flight for the first time in 1969 and were FA Cup runners-up in 1990.
Although they have spent more time in the second tier in recent years, they won promotion to the Barclays Premier League via the play-offs in 2013 and enjoyed a successful return to the highest level, finishing eleventh last term.

Team news
West Ham United
The Hammers will be without centre back James Collins, who is suspended after picking up a red card in last weekend's defeat to Tottenham Hotspur.
Fellow defender James Tomkins remains doubtful with a hamstring problem, while Matt Jarvis could also miss out, along with Carl Jenkinson (hamstring).

Crystal Palace
Defender Scott Dann has an outside chance of being involved as he battles to beat a hip strain.
Adrian Mariappa, Jonny Williams and Jerome Thomas have all returned to training, but Jason Puncheon is suspended.

Referee
Saturday's referee is Mark Clattenburg, whose last West Ham United game was the 3-1 victory over Southampton in February. Clattenburg was the man with the whistle for the stunning 4-0 win against Manchester United in the League Cup fifth round back in November 2010
The 38-year-old was the man in the middle for the Championship Play-Off semi-final first leg in May 2004 when Ipswich Town won 1-0 against the visiting
West Ham.
Clattenburg has been on the Select List since 2004, the same year he took charge of the Division Three Play-Off final between Mansfield Town and Huddersfield Town at the Millennium Stadium in Cardiff. After becoming a FIFA official in 2006 at the age of 31, Clattenburg has taken control of a number of international and UEFA Champions League matches.

One to watch
Crystal Palace
Palace skipper Crystal Palace Mile Jedinak is an eye-catching presence in the Eagles' midfield. The 30-year-old featured for Australia in the FIFA World Cup in Brazil, scoring from the spot in their 3-2 defeat to the Netherlands.
A defensive midfield player, Jedinak's sole goal last season came against the Hammers, as he converted a penalty at the Boleyn Ground to win the game for his side.
He has been with the Eagles since 2011, playing 111 league games to add to the experience gained at spells with Sydney United, Croatian side Varteks, Central Coast Mariners and Turkish duo Genclerbirligi and Antalyaspor

West Ham United
Stewart Downing will be hoping to make a flying start to the season as the Hammers travel to Crystal Palace.
The 30-year-old winger, who is now in his second second as a Hammer, was only denied an opening day goal last weekend by a superb save from Spurs keeper Hugo Lloris.
Having opened his West Ham account against the same opposition towards the end of last season, the former Middlesbrough man will look for more goals this term.

Tickets
West Ham's allocation of tickets for this game has sold out.
Travel
Due to planned Network Rail engineering work, there will be no Southern or First Capital Connect train services to or from London Bridge station this Saturday.
As a result, there will be no trains between London Bridge and Norwood Junction. Instead, use Southern services from London Victoria to Selhurst. From there, it is approximately a ten minute walk to the stadium.

Weather
Sunny intervals are predicted for kick-off time on Saturday, with temperatures of 17C (63F)
Television coverage
To find out which broadcaster is showing the game in your country, click here.

Last meeting
West Ham fell victim to a brace of 1-0 defeats at Crystal Palace's hands last season, with the most recent meeting being settled by a Mile Jedinak penalty following Pablo Armero's foul on Cameron Jerome.

West Ham United 0-1 Crystal Palace
Barclays Premier League
19 April 2014
West Ham United: Adrian, McCartney, Tomkins, Reid, Armero, Noble, Diame, Jarvis (C.Cole 70), Nolan (Nocerino 85), Downing (J.Cole 78), Carroll
Subs: Taylor, O'Brien, Jaaskelainen, Johnson
Crystal Palace: Speroni, Mariappa, Ward, Dikgacoi, Dann, Delaney, Puncheon (Gabbidon 87), Jedinak, Jerome (Murray 82), Ledley, Bolasie (Parr 90)
Subs: Ince, Gayle, Murray, Hennessey, Guedioura
Goal: Jedinak pen 59

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Chadwell Chatter
WHUFC.com
Joey O'Brien blogs for whufc.com on the season opener, Crystal Palace, the ALS Ice Bucket Challenge and more
22.08.2014

Hello everyone,
It's Crystal Palace on Saturday and everybody is looking forward to the game. After losing last week we're looking to get back on the pitch and get our first three points of the season. To start with a couple of derbies has been great. The place was rocking against Spurs and the lads buzzed off that - we showed great energy levels on the pitch and we need the win on Saturday, so the fans will definitely help. It was disappointing not to get anything from the match last week, because looking at how it went I thought there was only going to be one winner. To lose it the way we did was hard to take, but it's gone now and we're fully focused on getting three points on Saturday. Palace did a number on us twice last year, so we want to get one back. In that first year in the Premier League you might wonder what to expect from them, but now everyone knows their players and the situations they create. We know what to expect this year.
I don't know whether the managerial situation there will affect the players. I watched their game against Arsenal last week and they played really well - they were unlucky to lose the game, so it's a home game for them, their fans will be up for the first home game of the season and we'll have to play at our best.
For me, I dislocated my shoulder in January and came back in the last game of the season at Manchester City. It was nice to play there, and when you've been injured it's nice to come back and get back into the team. That's why you do the hard work and the hours in the gym.

Starting on Saturday was nice, after six or seven weeks of pre-season the aim is always to start that first game. Thankfully for me the manager gave me the shout so hopefully I can stay fit and put in a few performances for the team. Lastly, the gaffer, Carlton and Cheikhou accepted their nominations to do the ALS Ice Bucket Challenge on Thursday (watch here). The lads were talking about it in the dressing room and they got drenched. As long as I don't get mentioned though that'll be good for me!

Joey

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Crystal Palace v West Ham
KO 15:00
22 August 2014
Last updated at 13:10
BBC.co.uk
By Barry Davies
BBC Match of the Day commentator

BARCLAYS PREMIER LEAGUE
Venue: Selhurst Park Date: Saturday, 23 August

TEAM NEWS

Crystal Palace defender Scott Dann only has an "outside chance" of overcoming a hip strain to face West Ham, according to caretaker manager Keith Millen.
Jason Puncheon is suspended, but Adrian Mariappa returned to training this week after a rib problem and Jonny Williams and Jerome Thomas are also fit again.

West Ham are without the suspended James Collins, while fellow defenders Joey O'Brien, James Tomkins and Carl Jenkinson are fitness doubts.
Matt Jarvis is fit after injury.

MATCH PREVIEW

I was delighted to receive an invite last week to return to join the Match of the Day commentary team to celebrate the programme turning 50. It's a huge honour and a real privilege to be able to pick up the microphone again on what is such an iconic show. My first commentary on Match of the Day was way back in August 1969 and coincidentally it was at Selhurst Park, the venue for this fixture between Crystal Palace and West Ham. Back then, Palace had just been promoted and had to face the might of Manchester United but held them to an entertaining 2-2 draw. So onto this match, which pits two teams who would consider themselves unlucky to have been beaten on the opening day, but they both contrived to bring about their own downfall. "Even with Tony Pulis gone, Palace will play like one of his teams and, especially at Selhurst Park, West Ham can expect to face some high-tempo, in-your-face football."

Against Arsenal, Crystal Palace did something that was quite unheard of under Tony Pulis last season and conceded from set pieces. Emerging from the Emirates with a point would have been an excellent achievement given the turmoil at the club but they just couldn't quite hold on. Everything that has been going on behind the scenes over the last fortnight has to have affected the players. The hunt for Tony Pulis' successor looked over as a deal for Malky Mackay looked signed, sealed and delivered until the furore over his "disrespectful" text messages broke, meaning they are back to square one and Keith Millen remains in charge.

As for West Ham, their Achilles heel from last season, namely the failure to score goals, returned to haunt them against Tottenham. They had 18 shots but somehow contrived to fail to hit the back of the net. However, new £12m signing Enner Valencia looked sharp when he came on and a lot of hope will rest with him. Hammers manager Sam Allardyce would say there wasn't much wrong with their performance - and there wasn't. But being West Ham boss is a tough job. He is having to manage in the midst of people telling him he is going to lose his job and not only does he have to win, he has to win well. I see no cause for concern or panic now, but two defeats from two would be the last thing he needs.

MATCH FACTS
Head-to-head
Crystal Palace won both fixtures between these sides last season by 1-0.
In fact, three of the last five Premier League meetings between Palace and West Ham have ended as 1-0 wins for the Eagles.
West Ham's last win at Selhurst Park came back in 1991.
Crystal Palace
Crystal Palace conceded two goals from set-pieces against Arsenal, which is twice as many as they did under Tony Pulis in the league last season (excluding penalties).
They had just two shots against Arsenal - fewer than any other team in the top flight last weekend.
Palace lost just one of their last eight matches last season.
Marouane Chamakh conceded 11 fouls on the opening weekend of the season, more than 10 of the 20 Premier League teams did in total.
Keith Millen has taken only four points in five games as temporary manager of Palace in the Premier League.
West Ham United
They haven't lost their opening two Premier League games since 2010-11, a season in which they were relegated from the division.
West Ham have gone six league games without a clean sheet away from home - their last came against Aston Villa on 8 February.
They claimed one win from five London derbies away from home last season (D1, L3).
Mark Noble had scored his last 10 Premier League penalties before his miss against Tottenham.
The Hammers had 18 attempts on goal against Spurs, but only four on target.
Last season, strikers contributed just 11 Premier League goals between them for West Ham: Carlton Cole 6, Ricardo Vaz Te 2, Andy Carroll 2, Modibo Maiga 1.

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Diame in Everton link
KUMB.com
Filed: Friday, 22nd August 2014
By: Staff Writer

West Ham United midfielder Mo Diame is being linked with a move to Everton. It has been suggested this afternoon (goal.com) that the Senegal international has agreed personal terms with the Blues and is set to complete a £3.5million switch to Goodison Park "before the end of the month". Diame, whose contract is believed to include a release clause equivalent to that figure previously revealed how he would only consider leaving West Ham for "a top six club". And it looks as if the French-born midfielder - who was set to join Everton's rivals Liverpool two years ago - may have finally found his match, should reports prove to be correct. "I am very happy with everything that happens to me and everything that has happened in my life, but I want more," he told French journalist Romain Molina back in May. "I do not want to leave West Ham to go to a club that plays in the middle of the table. If I leave West Ham it'll be to join a top six team in England. My priority is to join a major English club and to stay here."

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Kouyate like Vieira, says Big Sam
KUMB.com
Filed: Friday, 22nd August 2014
By: Staff Writer

West Ham manager Sam Allardyce has likened new signing Cheikhou Kouyate to former Arsenal midfielder Patrick Vieira. Now 38, the Senegal-born midfielder won the World Cup in 1998 and European Championship in 2000 with France, having made more than 300 Premier League appearances for Arsenal and Manchester City. And speaking to the Evening Standard for his weekly column, Allardyce admitted that he understood why comparisons between the two players were being made - despite Kouyate having made just one competitive appearance for the Hammers so far. "Just look at his size and the way he moves," said Big Sam. "I, for one, would be delighted if he came close to emulating Patrick's consistent level of performance. "I thought he was our man-of-the-match against Tottenham last week. It was a brilliant debut and one which you don't see too often in the Premier League. Normally, when players first come here from abroad, they struggle to cope with the sheer intensity of our game. "Apart from right at the end against Spurs, when he did go down for a rest after yet another run, his fitness was superb - and infectious because the rest of the players will be saying to themselves: 'Come on, I've got to get up there with him'. "They're not going to want to be shown up by the new kid on the block and that's very encouraging for me, not only from his point of view but because of what he will drag out of the rest of the players."

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Gale: Hammers face 'difficult' test
KUMB.com
Filed: Friday, 22nd August 2014
By: Staff Writer

Ex-Hammer Tony Gale believes that West Ham face a difficult test tomorrow against Crystal Palace - but insists they can come away with a positive result.
Gale, speaking on SSN this morning believes that a first three points of the season is within range - but only if the Hammers improve greatly on last season's corresponding performance. "For Sam I think it's a very difficult game, said Gale. "I went to the game at Selhurst Park last season, West Ham didn't play very well and Palace got a 1-0 [win]. But I think it's a good chance for West Ham tomorrow." And Gale's view was backed up by fellow former Hammer Dean Ashton, also appearing in the studio. "Playing against a team without a recognised manager you would fancy your chances," he added. "If West Ham can get an early goal and quieten the crowd that's when you can take your chances. "That's what I'd be thinking if I was West Ham and I'm sure Sam's trying to say that to his players."

Key to a West Ham win, according to the former striker is how Big Sam's team perform in the final third. Last Saturday's 1-0 defeat against Tottenham was a familiar tale of missed opportunities - chances that Allardyce's new strike force need to start taking, says Ashton. "I spoke to Sam before the game and he was saying how they'd done well in the transfer market, but it's all about scoring goals for West Ham." he said. "It was the same on Saturday against Tottenham; they had plenty of chances against ten men but didn't take them - and in the end they suffered because of it and lost the game."

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No excuses, says Millen
KUMB.com
Filed: Friday, 22nd August 2014
By: Staff Writer

Temporary Crystal Palace manager Keith Millen says there will be no excuses should his side lose to West Ham at Selhurst Park this weekend. It's been a week of turmoil in South London. Following the recent departure of Tony Pulis, Malky Mackay looked set to succeed the former Stoke manager before private texts of a racist and homophobic nature sent by Mackay were leaked to the press, leading to him being ruled out of the job. That means that Millen will remain in charge of the team when West Ham visit Selhurst Park tomorrow. However the temporary boss insists that recent events at the club will not be allowed to cover for or excuse any poor performances. "Each day something's unfolded and stories have come out, so it's been difficult," he said. "Wednesday was a day off for the players so we've been away from it. I've had a brief chat with them about staying focused on the game on Saturday, because it's a huge game against West Ham. It's our first home game. "The lads have been fine. They're a resilient group. They've been through some [tough] times together over the last year-and-a-half so they'll be fine come Saturday. I don't think what's happened has weakened us. We've got the same group of players, they trust me and they know that we'll be organised and set up. We'll do our homework on West Ham, which we know will be a tough game so there's no excuses. "We said it before the Arsenal game, we can't use what's happened as an excuse for a poor performance. Hopefully it'll be the same on Saturday."

And Hammers boss Sam Allardyce is certainly taking nothing for granted. "Look at the way they played against Arsenal - they were thoroughly professional and in many ways were very unfortunate to lose the game away from home at the Emirates," he said. "We expect them to be difficult to break down again on Saturday and very dangerous on the break."

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Reid rumours persist
KUMb.com
Filed: Friday, 22nd August 2014
By: Staff Writer

It's the rumour that won't go away... Arsenal are once again being linked with a move for West Ham's central defender Winston Reid. Throughout the summer Arsene Wenger's Gunners have been cited as a potential destination for the New Zealand international, who has less than a year of his current contract with West Ham left to run. And with Reid still yet to agree terms over a new deal with West Ham, fears remain that the 26-year-old will hold out for a firm offer from Arsenal who remain in the market for a central defender following the recent departure of Thomas Vermaelen to Barcelona. The North London club appeared close to signing £6.5million-rated Olympiacos defender Kostas Manolas last weekend although there has been no movement on that front since the weekend, despite suggestions that a medical took place yesterday. Reid is understood to have been made two revised offers by West Ham this summer, both of which have been rejected. Wenger has been a long-term admirer of the defender, who signed for West Ham three years ago in a £4million switch from FC Midtjylland.

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Maiga movement imminent
KUMB.com
Filed: Friday, 22nd August 2014
By: Staff Writer

Out-of-favour striker Modibo Maiga is on the verge of returning to France. The former Sochaux forward has been training with West Ham United's development squad during pre-season as he searches for a new club, having been told that he is surplus to requirements at the Boleyn. And according to reports emanating from France overnight, the 26-year-old Mali international is poised to complete a move to Ligue 1 new boys Metz. GFF say that Maiga is set to join Les Grenats on loan for the remainder of the 2014/15 season with view to a permanent €3million switch next summer. That figure represents little more than half the £5million West Ham paid for the striker just over two years ago. If the deal goes ahead it will be the second occasion on which the two teams have done business this summer, following the arrival of Diafra Sakho from Metz earlier this month.

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Managerless Crystal Palace play host to West Ham
Last Updated: 22/08/14 11:02am
SSN

It has been another testing week for Crystal Palace, but they will look to put that behind them when they play host to West Ham United. Palace are still without a manager following the pre-season departure of Tony Pulis, meaning caretaker coach Keith Millen remains at the helm. Malky Mackay was considered to be a leading contender for the post, but has dropped out of the running amid a Football Association investigation into text messages he sent during his time in charge of Cardiff City.

Opta stats

West Ham claimed one win from five London derbies away from home last season (D1 L3). Palace conceded twice from set-pieces in their opening game, one more than they did in the whole of Tony Pulis' regime (excludes penalties). West Ham haven't lost their opening two Premier League games since 2010/11, a season in which they were relegated from the division. Former Tottenham Hotspur boss Tim Sherwood was also widely tipped to take the role, but he ruled himself out on Thursday – claiming it is 'not the right time' for him.

Uncertainty continues to reign at Selhurst Park as a result, with Millen now left to take control of transfer matters late in the summer window and a second derby date in as many weekends.

West Ham will hope that the problems in south London play into their hands, as they look to follow the lead of capital rivals Arsenal in taking maximum points off Palace. Sam Allardyce could do with a welcome win on the road as he too prepares his troops for a second all-capital clash of the season. A dramatic opening weekend defeat by Tottenham Hotspur, which saw both sides finish with 10 men, has done little to lift the mood around Upton Park or enhance Allardyce's standing in the eyes of certain sections of the club's support. He will, however, get the opportunity to put things right on Saturday and open the Hammers' account for the campaign.

Team news

Crystal Palace will be without the suspended Jason Puncheon following his sending off at Arsenal but are planning to hand late fitness tests to those carrying slight knocks. Scott Dann was forced off at the Emirates but should come into contention, while Adrian Mariappa and Jerome Thomas will be pushing for starting berths. Millen has revealed that Jonny Williams will also be included in the matchday squad as he prepares to freshen up his midfield.

West Ham boss Allardyce is short of defensive options as he goes in search of a first success of the season. After an eventful few days at Selhurst Park, Crystal Palace caretaker manager has urged the players to remain focussed ahead of their first home game of thames Collins is suspended after his red card in the defeat by Tottenham, with Joey O'Brien (knee), James Tomkins and Carl Jenkinson (both hamstring) all struggling for fitness. Matt Jarvis could be involved following a thigh injury but Ravel Morrison (groin) is not ready to return. Andy Carroll (ankle) is a long-term absentee, with Allardyce hopeful that either Enner Valencia or Diafra Sakho will be fit enough to start in attack.

Paul Merson's prediction

The team I was most worried about last weekend was West Ham. I looked at their team and I didn't even realise some of those players were there, never mind playing in the first team. They have no real forward and while I think Enner Valencia is a decent player, he is a big gamble because they need him to hit the ground running; I don't think he's got weeks to settle in. Crystal Palace were unlucky against Arsenal and, despite all the problems off the pitch, Keith Millen knows how hard they worked under Tony Pulis and he won't let that drop. The players won't be able to sit back with him around and they worked their socks off at Arsenal.

PAUL PREDICTS: 2-1

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Paolo Guerrero remains keen on move
By Paulo Freitas | Last Updated: 22/08/14 10:12am
SSN

Corinthians striker Paolo Guerrero admits he is still hoping to move back to Europe before the transfer window closes next month. Guerrero has reportedly been the subject of a loan bid from West Ham, while Sunderland are also said to be keen to land the former Bayern Munich forward. Speaking after scoring for Corinthians on Thursday evening in their 5-2 win over GOIAS, he told Globe Esporte that he is still hopeful of returning to Europe. "Which player doesn't want to return to Europe? They all do. But I remain focused, we have the objective of being champions, so I can't talk about anything else," he said. He was asked about the interest of West Ham and Sunderland, and added: "I know there was interest from West Ham, I think they contacted Corinthians. I am aware of those two clubs. "But I can't say more because I don't know the details." Guerrero is contracted to Corinthians until 2015, who are keen to keep hold of the 30-
year-old.

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HOW SHOULD WEST HAM RESPOND TO A BID FOR WINSTON REID?
By S J Chandos 22 Aug 2014 at 16:30
West Ham Till I Die

There is mounting speculation that Arsenal are considering a move for Winston Reid. Reports are suggesting that Wenger has identified Reid as a possible addition and he is currently considering whether to give the green light for a summer bid. The alternative, I suppose, is to pick him up on a Bosman next summer, which is financially attractive. Really, it all depends on the imperative to get defensive cover in place early in their present Premier League and Champions League campaigns? Regardless, any bid is likely to be short of Reid's true market value, due to the nature of his contract situation.

Any bid would put West Ham in a difficult position, should they 'dig in' (a bit like Sunderland with respect to Connor Wickham) and make the player see out the final year of his contract, with the hope that another can be agreed in the course of the coming season? Or should the club get as much as they can for Reid this summer and compensate by bringing in a quality replacement? We have been linked with Toby Alderweireld of Athletico Madrid, Micah Richards of Man City and Facundo Roncaglia of Fiorentina; these enquiries could possibly be interpreted as attempts to secure a permanent replacement for Reid.

At the end of the day, it all depends whether the club are prepared to see Reid potentially exit on a Bosman next summer. If they are prepared to assimulate that loss, then the safest option is probably to retain him this season and hope that a contract extension can be agreed. If the club are not prepared to run that risk, then they need to secure a top quality defender like Alderweireld and negoiate the best possible deal for Reid before the transfer window closes.

Reid has developed in to a very good player for West Ham, but it could reasonably be argued that acquiring Alderweireld is an upgrade on him in terms of class. I like Reid as a defender, but if he does not want to be here in the longer-term, then we must look to get the best possible deal and, crucially, secure a quality replacement that will allow us to progress 'upwards and onwards!' That is the key thing, progression and continually improving the quality of the squad. If a key player wants to leave, then look to bring in a better replacement. That is the way to systematically move forward as a club.

Indeed, if we could sign Alderweireld, and get Richards in on loan, then it could be argued that we would be stronger defensively than we are now.

SJ. Chandos.

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MAIGA TO METZ, BUT WILL IT HELP THE WAGE BILL?
By S J Chandos 22 Aug 2014 at 12:30
West Ham Till I Die

There were a number of reports yesterday evening that negotiations have opened with Metz on the terms of a season long loan deal for Modibo Maiga, with the possibility of a permanent £3m move next summer. These reports are to be welcomed, from both the perspective of West Ham and the player. It is clear that the move has not worked out, not only in terms of Maiga's time at West Ham, but also his suitability for English football. You can have the debate whether the way that he was utilised by Sam Allardyce was the best use of his talents. There is considerable merit in the argument that he is best deployed as a second striker, rather than expecting him to lead the line like Andy Carroll. Unfortunately, it has got beyond that now, and a parting of the ways is probably in the best interests of both parties.

However, there are some concurrent reports that Metz are only prepated to contribute 20% of his salary costs as part of any loan deal. It sounds a bit of an hardcore position for Metz to adopt, but if true it means that the club could potentially still have to carry 80% of his salary costs this season. Lets hope that this is inaccurate and his departure brings some relief to the FFP constricted player salary bill. If Metz are taking a hard opening line, we should persevere and try to get agreement on at least a 50-50 salary split.

And then the club should prioritise a move for Ricardo Vaz Te. Hopefully, moving both Maiga and Vaz Te on will free up enough in the player salary bill to allow to the club to finish their summer transfer business with another couple of incoming deals. We live in hope!

SJ. Chandos.

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Adrian scores again for the U21′s
Posted by Sean Whetstone on August 22, 2014 in Whispers
Claret & Hugh

Adrian Wojcik Kosela scored the only the West Ham goal at the Boleyn Ground for the Hammers Development team second league game of the season on Friday night. Danny Potts and Reece Burke were left out of the development team squad to be included in the first team squad tomorrow at Selhurst park. Wojcik Kosela came on as a substitute in 63rd minute and scored in his proper debut for the development squad. He scored late in injury time just before the final whistle was blown. The game which was lost 2-1 is the second defeat of the season for the Under 21 boys after a successful pre season in which Elliot Lee scored 9 goals.

Adrian Wojcik Kosela previously scored in a West Ham shirt as an unnamed trialist against Sutton United at Gander Green Lane back in July in a pre season friendly.

The 20-year-old who qualifies for Poland through his mother despite being born in Spain. The 6 foot striker previously played for Sevilla's B and C teams plus Real Betis' reserves. On social media he said "Happy for my first call with the team! Tomorrow at 7 pm match against Southampton at the stadium."Post match he said "1-2 defeat to Southampton! To keep improving and working! Happy for my first goal! Thank you all for the comments! Good night!"

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Sam Allardyce says West Ham are ready establish themselves in Premier League top ten
Aug 22, 2014 22:30 By Declan Taylor
The regularly-criticised boss believes that most teams finish where finances say they should, but he is ready to push the Hammers to the next level
The Mirror

Sam Allardyce reckons guiding West Ham to a top-10 finish in their first season back in the Premier League has proved a blessing and a curse. The Hammers won the play-offs in 2012 and upset the odds by racking up 46 points and finishing 10th the following year. But it has not been plain sailing since, with Allardyce's side battling against relegation for most of last season before ­eventually turning it around. West Ham kicked off this term with a 1-0 defeat at home to bitter rivals Spurs, and travel to crisis-club Crystal Palace today. Big Sam said: "Let's not forget that year one was a massive overachievement which built expectation for us. "Finishing 10th in your first year is a major success, and there's a backlash to that success always in the game. Action ImagesWest Ham's Mark Noble misses a penaltyMissed opportunity: Mark Noble's opening day penalty against Tottenham goes wide "Do fans think you should finish 11th? No – they think you should finish ninth, eighth or seventh. They think you should get into Europe."

In a statement released back in May, the club's owners David Gold and David Sullivan said that they expect "at least a top-10 finish" this term. Allardyce is ready for that challenge but says anything above that will be an ­overachievement given their wage budget. He added: "If you look at the numbers, most teams finish around where their budget is. "We'll be around 10th, 11th, I think. That's somewhere we want to try and achieve. It's year three for us so we should be looking more to ­ establish ourselves rather than worrying about relegation. "In terms of what the chairmen and the fans expect – all of that's fine.
"We can all say that I want the same, but the reality is we know how to get there."

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Hammers speak on "Diame for Everton"
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on August 22, 2014 in Whispers
Claret & Hugh

West Ham have this afternoon insisted no offer or inquiry has been received from Everton for Mo Diame. And a highly placed Boleyn source told ClaretandHugh exclusively: "I wonder whether this rumour will ever stop doing the rounds. "It's such an old story I am surprised anyone pays any attention to it. Clearly it's a slow news day!" The 'story' broke today on www.goal.com who claimed the midfielder has agreed personal terms with the Blues and is ready to complete a £3.5million switch to Goodison Park "before the end of the month". Diame is believes to have the £3.5m escape clause in his contract and has been linked with a move to The Toffees on several occasions in the past when a move would have given the merseysiders more value from his services. Our source said: "We have had no contact at all with Everton or anyone else. I suppose it could happen but we'd have expected it to do so before now if it was going to.

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Sam Allardyce plays down expectations at West Ham
Last Updated: 22/08/14 11:38pm
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Sam Allardyce has admitted West Ham will need to produce something special if they are to finish any higher than 10th in the Premier League. The Hammers endured an inconsistent 2013-14 campaign as they laboured to 13th, but co-chairmen David Sullivan and David Gold believe Allardyce is the right man to have them challenging for European football this season. Sullivan has lofty ambitions for the club, insisting they should be aiming for the top six rather than a solid mid-table finish. Back in May, he said: "I don't want to just aim for the top 10. We should be aiming for the top six. I want to be looking down the table not up it next season."

But Allardyce has tempered expectations of a first top-six finish since 1999, and he believes repeating of their top-half finish two years ago is the limit of what the club can hope for. "We're trying to build a team that gets where we want to go," he said. "Let's not forget that year one was a massive overachievement which built expectation. Finishing 10th in your first year (after promotion) is a major success, and there's a backlash to that success always in the game - not just at West Ham, but wherever you are. "Do fans think you should finish 11th? No, they think you should finish ninth, eighth or seventh. You've always got to live with the expectation but we have to stay real and say that if we have a very good season, we can finish better than 10th. "We'll be around 10th or 11th in the Premier League I think. That's somewhere we want to try and achieve; it's year three for us - it's not year one or two - we should be looking more to establish ourselves rather than hopefully worrying about relegation."

Allardyce has been backed in the transfer market this summer and has brought in seven new faces, including big deals for Enner Valencia and Cheikhou Kouyate. But the 59-year-old reckons budget and financial clout are the main factors as to what a club can realistically aim to achieve. 'Across the board, you generally finish around where your wage budget lies," he said. "If you've got the biggest wage budget then you're more than likely to finish in and around the top four, generally. And then you've got your 10th or above, then you've got below 10th and then you've got the bottom end. "Over the last five or 10 years, most teams finish around where their wage budget is. There are obviously some anomalies in that - some teams one season can have a particularly good season and some teams have a particularly poor season."

Sullivan's statement could be seen to put pressure on Allardyce's position if the Hammers do not make an early impression, but Allardyce added: "In terms of what the chairmen and the fans expect, all that's fine. "We can all say that and I want the same, but the reality is we know how to get there - whether we'll get there is another factor on various anomalies as we go through the season. "For instance, this week - and it's only game two - we may only have one centre-half fit and that's the last thing you want when you're going into a new season when you're talking about the same problems you had last December. Already we're feeling the pinches on the value of the team and the selection process that make or break your season."

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