Daily WHUFC News - 30th August 2014

Preview - Southampton
WHUFC.com
All the key information ahead of Saturday's visit of the Saints
29.08.2014

WEST HAM UNITED v SOUTHAMPTON
BARCLAYS PREMIER LEAGUE
BOLEYN GROUND
SATURDAY 30 AUGUST 2014
KICK-OFF: 3PM
REFEREE: MIKE DEAN

West Ham United App West Ham TV

In brief
West Ham United return to Barclays Premier League action on Saturday when
they welcome Southampton to the Boleyn Ground. Having suffered a penalty
shootout defeat to Sheffield United in the Capital One Cup, Sam Allardyce's
men will look to return to their winning league form from last weekend and
go into the international break on a high. The Hammers have not lost to the
Saints since they were promoted to the top flight together in 2012, winning
both Boleyn Ground contests and scoring seven goals in the process.
Southampton come into Saturday's game having drawn against West Bromwich
Albion and lost to Liverpool in their opening fixtures. The Capital One Cup
brought a win over Millwall in midweek, giving Koeman his first victory
since taking the reins in the summer.

Who are they?
Southampton were formed in 1885 and have been known as the Saints ever since
due to their history as a church side, being known as St Mary's YMA in their
early days.
Their high point was winning the FA Cup in 1976, famously beating Manchester
United in the final, while they also reached the final in 1900, 1902 and
2003 - when they were defeated by Arsenal.
The Saints' highest ever league finish is second in 1983/84 and, like the
Hammers, they are in their third season back in the top flight after being
promoted from the Championship in 2012.
Other honours include the Football League Trophy, which they won at Wembley
in 2010, and the Southern League - which they won six times around the turn
of the 20th century prior to becoming a Football League club.

Team news

West Ham United
The Hammers will take a late check on Diafra Sakho's fitness after he
tweaked his back in Tuesday's Capital One Cup defeat by Sheffield United.
Definitely out are Kevin Nolan (shoulder), Carl Jenkinson and James Collins
(both hamstring), Matt Jarvis (thigh) and Andy Carroll (ankle).

Southampton
Uruguayan midfielder Gaston Ramirez could come into Ronald Koeman's thoughts
after being given a late run-out at Millwall in midweek on his return to
fitness.

Meanwhile, strikers Sam Gallagher and Jay Rodriguez (both knee) are
sidelined, and Lloyd Isgrove is out after limping out of the action at The
Den.

Referee
The man in the middle for Saturday's fixture is Mike Dean. Dean last
refereed the Hammers in their 1-0 defeat to West Bromwich Albion at the end
of last season and he has taken charge of 38 West Ham games, with the
Hammers winning 14, losing eleven and drawing 13 of those matches.
The 45-year-old began refereeing in 1985, starting out his career in senior
football in the Northern Premier League. In 2004, Dean took charge of his
first international match, a friendly between the Netherlands and Republic
of Ireland at Amsterdam ArenA. That same year, he took control of the FA
Community Shield between Arsenal and Manchester United.
In May 2006, he refereed the Championship play-off final between Leeds
United and Watford at the Millennium Stadium. In 2008, he was the
man-in-the-middle for the FA Cup final between Portsmouth and Cardiff City
at Wembley Stadium.

One to watch
West Ham United
Mauro Zarate opened his Hammers account in last weekend's victory at Crystal
Palace and will be looking for more against the Saints.
The 27-year-old Argentine forward top scored in his home country for Velez
Sarsfield last term, and his Selhurst Park strike was his first in English
football since a loan spell with Birmingham City six years ago.
He looked lively in his No10 role behind Carlton Cole, linking play between
midfield and attack effectively and is sure to play a big part in the
Hammers' plans on Saturday.

Southampton
New boy Dusan Tadic has made an instant impact since signing for Southampton
and looks to have settled in quickly.
The 25-year-old Serbian international was a summer arrival from Dutch side
Twente, so is well known to new Saints boss Ronald Koeman and has featued in
both Barclays Premier League games so far.
An attacking midfielder with a real eye for goal, West Ham will have to
watch him closely on Saturday.

Tickets
A handful of tickets remain for this fixture, with prices starting at £43
for adults. Kids' tickets are just £1. Click here to buy now.

Travel
The District and Hammersmith & City lines are both scheduled to run a full
service on Saturday. Click here for the latest updates on the Tube network
and here for National Rail.

Weather
Saturday is set to by a dry, if cloudy, day, with temperatures at kick-off
of 19C (66F).

Last meeting
West Ham United 3-1 Southampton
Barclays Premier League
22 February 2014
West Ham United: Adrian, McCartney, Tomkins, Collins, Demel, Nolan (Reid
73), Jarvis (Diame 57), Taylor, Noble, Downing, C.Cole
Subs: Jaaskelainen, Armero, Colliso, J.Cole, Nocerino
Goals: Jarvis 20, C.Cole 23, Nolan, 71
Southampton: Boruc, Yoshida, Fonte, Chambers, Shaw, Schneiderlin, S.Davis
(Ward-Prowse 78), Cork (Ramirez 68), Lallana, Lambert (Gallagher 78),
Rodriguez
Subs: K.Davis, Clyne, Lovren, Do Prado
Goal: Yoshida 8

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Six of the best: Southampton
WHUFC.com
A look back at six home wins against Saturday's opponents Southampton
29.08.2014

When West Ham United take to the Boleyn Ground pitch on Saturday afternoon
the men in Claret and Blue will be looking for their second consecutive win
in the Barclays Premier League. Here, whufc.com takes a look at six
memorable home wins against the Saints.

West Ham United 4-1 Southampton
Premier League
20 October 2012
Mark Noble scored twice to continue the Hammers' fine start to life back in
the Premier League against fellow new boys Southampton. After a forgettable
45 minutes, the home side sprung into life early in the second with goals
from Noble and captain Kevin Nolan putting them two goals to the good with
just three minutes of the second period played. Adam Lallana pulled one back
for the visitors with a superb half-volley but the hosts pulled clear
through a Noble penalty and Modibo Maiga's fine solo effort.

West Ham United 3-0 Southampton
Premier League
5 May 2001
The Hammers made sure of their Premier League status with a comfortable win
over the top-ten Saints at the Boleyn Ground in 2001. In the penultimate
game of the season it was goals from Joe Cole, Frederic Kanoute and Paolo Di
Canio that propelled the home team to three points. West Ham rounded off the
season with an away defeat to Middlesbrough meaning they finished the season
in 15th place in the table.

West Ham United 2-0 Southampton
Premier League
8 March 2000
West Ham and Southampton met at the Boleyn Ground only four games after the
Saints had recorded a 2-1 triumph in the reverse fixture at St Mary's. Frank
Lampard had netted in that defeat, but on this occasion Trevor Sinclair and
Paulo Wanchope stepped up with the telling contributions in a solid home
win.
The result took the Hammers up to ninth, the position they would end the
season in, six places above the Saints.

West Ham United 3-1 Southampton
Division One
6 December 1986
A 4-0 defeat to Newcastle United seven days earlier had put a dampener on
the Hammers' fine start to the season, but they were soon back to winning
ways against Southampton. The Hammers moved up to fifth with this win which
came courtesy of Alan Devonshire, Paul Ince and a Tony Cottee penalty in
front of just over 18,000 fans in east London. This success turned out to be
the last of the year and West Ham faded somewhat in 1987, going onto finish
the season in 15th place, three places below the south coast outfit.

West Ham United 4-2 Southampton
First Division
22 September 1981
The Hammers extended their superb unbeaten start to the 1981/82 season to
six games after edging a six-goal thriller against the Saints. Paul Goddard
stole the show with a superb hat-trick while Geoff Pike bagged the other as
a confident performance ensured victory was had at the Boleyn Ground. John
Lyall's team went on to stretch their unbeaten run to nine games, before
eventually suffering a 3-2 defeat to Aston Villa.

West Ham United 4-1 Southampton
First Division
12 April 1974
This meeting between the two sides was significant in deciding which of them
would face relegation from Division One. It what was expected to be a tight
affair, the Hammers threw caution to the wind and racked up four goals
thanks to a brace each from Clyde Best and Bryan Robson. The Saints ended up
occupying the final relegation place at seasons end having accumulated 36
points, just one less than the Hammers in 18th had accrued.

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O'Brien ready for Saints test
WHUFC.com
Joey O'Brien is eyeing another three points against Southampton on Saturday
30.08.2014

Joey O'Brien wants more of the same from the Hammers when they take on
Southampton at the Boleyn Ground on Saturday. West Ham United followed a
promising performance against Tottenham by ruthlessly defeating Crystal
Palace 3-1 last weekend and O'Brien believes a similar performance would
yield another three points. He said: "The defeat to Spurs in the first game
was hard to take as they're a local rival. In the game we played pretty well
and if anyone was going to win it I thought it was going to be us. "We
bounced back well against Crystal Palace so we're looking forward to
Southampton and if we get three points we would have taken six from the
nine. "Mauro came into the game and scored the first goal. First goals in
Premier League games are always vital - that put us on the front foot and we
never looked back from there."

O'Brien has been impressed with how the new signings have bedded into life
with the Hammers so quickly - but hopes the same is not the case for
Southampton's new boys. He added: "It does take time for most players to
adapt, but you get some like Cheikhou who has come in and been brilliant in
the first couple of games. "He looks made for the Premier League and when
those players join you it's great for the team and great for the manager.
"For Mauro too, he'll look at himself as a goalscorer - it was a special
goal against Palace and that'll give him confidence. "Southampton have
brought some top players in. On one side of things you hope that they
haven't really settled in yet, but on the other side they are top players
and can hurt you. "The manager has talked us through how they play and
hopefully we'll get a good win on Saturday."

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Adrian eyes back-to-back wins
WHUFC.com
Adrian wants West Ham United to follow up victory over Crystal Palace with a
win over Southampton
29.08.2014

Adrian wants West Ham United to follow up victory over Crystal Palace with a
win over Southampton on Saturday. The goalkeeper was in fine form as the
Hammers scored a 3-1 Barclays Premier League success at Selhurst Park last
weekend. With the Saints visiting the Boleyn Ground, the No13 is determined
to help his team achieve back-to-back wins for the first time since late
March, when they defeated Hull City and Sunderland. "This is a very
important match for us because we need to keep the same level of performance
which we used to win against Crystal Palace," said Adrian. "In the first
game against Tottenham we also made a good performance but were unlucky with
the result in the end. "The last game against Crystal Palace was a very,
very hard place to go against a tough team, but we showed very well. We need
to keep going at this level and win our first three points at home. "The
Capital One Cup game against Sheffield United was very unlucky, I think,
because we played so well and kept the ball and had some chances, but the
other goalkeeper performed very well. Penalties are a lottery, because
either you win or the other team wins. "We need to keep getting better,
little by little."

Saturday's opponents Southampton have undergone major changes this summer,
with a new manager in Ronald Koeman and a host of players leaving and
arriving at St Mary's Stadium. Whoever lines up in red and white stripes,
Adrian knows he will not have an easy afternoon against the Saints. "I don't
know if anything is good for us or bad for us, because a lot of players have
left and they have a new manager, but the most important thing is us," he
continued. "We need to give a good performance and feel comfortable in Upton
Park and win the three points. After this game, we have the international
break, so it's very important for us. "Last season Southampton were very
strong under Mauricio Pochettino. This season they have a new manager and a
new system, but I repeat that we should only focus on what we can do as a
team and our own performance, and hopefully we can win."

Adrian has also lined-up alongside a number of new colleagues in the West
Ham side this season, including fellow Spanish speakers Mauro Zarate, Diego
Poyet and Enner Valencia and Senegal pair Cheikhou Kouyate and Diafra Sakho.
The goalkeeper believes the new boys have strengthened the squad for the
2014/15 campaign. "I think this season the squad is very competitive because
have very good players in every position," he observed. "We have more
forwards with Enner, Mauro and Sakho, which gives us very good options in
attack. I think Cheikhou and Poyet can also help us."

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On this day - 30 August
WHUFC.com
West Ham United enjoyed a feast of goals on this day 56 years ago
30.08.2014

Classic match
West Ham United 7-2 Aston Villa
Division One
30 August 1958
West Ham United went goal crazy on this day 56 years ago, with Aston Villa
their victims in an early-season Division One fixture. Ernie Gregory's goal
was breached twice, but it was not to matter as the Hammers stuck seven in
Nigel Sims' net at the other end. Three home players notched braces - Vic
Keeble, Malcolm Musgrove and John Dick - with Billy Lansdowne also on
target. The Hammers were second in the table following this win, their third
in a row, as they returned to top division football in creditable style with
a sixth place finish.

Complete record - 30 August
2008 West Ham United 4-1 Blackburn Rovers (Premier League)
2004 Coventry City 2-1 West Ham United (Championship)
2003 Ipswich Town 1-2 West Ham United (Division One)
1997 West Ham United 3-1 Wimbledon (Premier League)
1995 West Ham United 1-1 Tottenham Hotspur (Premier League)
1986 Oxford United 0-0 West Ham United (Division One)
1980 West Ham United 4-0 Notts County (Division Two)
1975 Queens Park Rangers 1-1 West Ham United (Division One)
1971 West Ham United 4-0 Coventry City (Division One)
1969 Nottingham Forest 1-0 West Ham United (Division One)
1963 Ipswich Town 2-2 West Ham United (Division One)
1958 West Ham United 7-2 Aston Villa (Division One)
1954 West Ham United 2-5 Blackburn Rovers (Division Two)
1952 Bury 1-1 West Ham United (Division Two)
1950 Luton Town 1-1 West Ham United (Division Two)
1948 West Ham United 2-2 Sheffield Wednesday (Division Two)
1947 West Ham United 2-1 Nottingham Forest (Division Two)
1937 West Ham United 2-1 Swansea Town (Division Two)
1933 Plymouth Argyle 4-4 West Ham United (Division Two)
1930 West Ham United 2-1 Huddersfield Town (Division Two)
1924 West Ham United 1-0 Preston North End (Division One)
1920 Wolverhampton Wanderers 1-2 West Ham United (Division Two)
1919 West Ham United 1-1 Lincoln City (Division Two)
Played 23, Won 11, Drawn 9, Lost 3, Scored 49, Conceded 30

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U18s prepared for London derby
WHUFC.com
The Under-18s take on Tottenham Hotspur at LIttle Heath on Saturday
29.08.2014

West Ham United Under-18s will look to extend their unbeaten start to the
Barclays U18 Premier League season when they host Tottenham Hotspur at
Little Heath on Saturday morning. The Hammers have four points from their
opening two games, having defeated Leicester City 3-1 and drawn 0-0 with
West Bromwich Albion. Now, they face their first London opposition of the
season, with Spurs coming to east London and Steve Potts' men will be
confident of maintaining their solid start. Tottenham also have four points
to their name, and they drew with Southampton last week after beating
Norwich City 4-2 in their opener.

Kick-off at Little Heath is at 11am, with admission and parking free of
charge.

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West Ham v Southampton
KO 15:00
29 August 2014
Last updated at 12:19
By John Motson
BBC Match of the Day commentator
BARCLAYS PREMIER LEAGUE
Venue: Upton Park Date: Saturday, 30 August

West Ham could be without six first-team players, with midweek goalscorer
Diafra Sakho potentially among them because of a back complaint. Matt
Jarvis, Carl Jenkinson and James Collins have all joined long-term injury
absentees Andy Carroll and Kevin Nolan.

Southampton manager Ronald Koeman has a near fully fit squad available to
him. The only likely absentee is midfielder Lloyd Isgrove, who lasted just
30 minutes against Millwall on Tuesday.

MATCH PREVIEW

The manner of West Ham's victory over Crystal Palace quite rightly won them
plenty of plaudits, but I can't help but think Sam Allardyce needs a
similarly impressive home victory this weekend. "I think West Ham look a
better side without big target-man Andy Carroll - they try to play a bit
more. "And both new forward signings, Mauro Zarate and Enner Valencia, are
ball players."

Big Sam had a frosty relationship - to put it mildly - with the home crowd
last season at times, even getting booed after a victory at one stage.
Nearly 30,000 fans saw them get knocked out of the League Cup this week on
home turf by League One Sheffield United. With that in mind I think the
Upton Park faithful will still need a bit of convincing that their stylish
victory at Palace wasn't a one-off. Whether the passing style they showed at
Selhurst Park is a result of absentee Andy Carroll - whose presence lends
itself to a longer-ball approach - remains to be seen. But with the likes of
the impressive fresh face Mauro Zarate there did seem to be a change in
attitude in how they passed the ball. Earlier this summer, Southampton
looked like relegation contenders. The pillaging of last season's standout
names such as Adam Lallana and Luke Shaw - plus the departure of manager
Mauricio Pochettino - looked ominous. While they haven't secured a Premier
League victory yet, in contrast to the Hammers they won comfortably in the
League Cup this week at Millwall. Ronald Koeman has certainly slowed the
panic down and looks to have spent wisely. Dusan Tadic can come in off the
line in the style of the departed Lallana. And in Shane Long, they have got
a player who can produce 10-12 goals a season. It wouldn't surprise me in
the long run if he and Graziano Pelle make a pair up front. I think their
different styles mesh well. Koeman doesn't strike me as a man with a
defeatist look on his face. Despite the difficult summer that Saints have
had, they might well surprise a few people this season. Big Sam- and the
Hammers fans - will be hoping it's not them this weekend.

MATCH FACTS

Head-to-head
West Ham are unbeaten in their last five Premier League matches against
Southampton (W2, D3).
The Hammers have won 4-1 and 3-1 in the last two meetings at Upton Park.

West Ham
West Ham have lost three of their last four Premier League games at home.
The Hammers have conceded just eight goals in their last nine league
fixtures at Upton Park.
It is 17 Premier League games since West Ham featured in a draw (W8, L9).
Stewart Downing has scored two goals in his last five games after failing to
score in his previous 44 league and cup matches.
Carlton Cole has scored four goals in five Premier League games against
Southampton.

Southampton
Ronald Koeman has yet to win a Premier League game in charge of Southampton,
but he did get off the mark with a 2-0 midweek League Cup win over Millwall.
Saints have only lost one of their last six league matches (W2, D3).
Twelve of their 15 league wins last season came against bottom-half
opposition.
Shane Long has scored only two goals in his last 14 Premier League
appearances.

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Song on course, Diame bid denied
KUMB.com
Filed: Friday, 29th August 2014
By: Staff Writer

West Ham continue to be linked with a move for Barcelona's Alex Song, as the
transfer deadline draws ever closer. Cameroon international Song is surplus
to requirements at Nou Camp and has been linked with a move to London, with
Tottenham also cited as a potential destination for the 26-year-old
defensive ex-Arsenal midfielder who can also operate at centre half. Song
joined the Spanish giants in a £15million deal in the summer of 2012,
following six years at Highbury/The Emirates. Arsenal had previously signed
the combative midfielder from French club Bastia for just £1million in 2006.
Liverpool and AC Milan are also understood to be interested in signing the
player, although West Ham are currently considered favourites to land the
cousin of former Hammer Rigobert Song.

* In other news, Hull City boss Steve Bruce has denied reports that he had
made a bid for West Ham midfielder Mo Diame. The Tigers were linked with a
move for the Senegal international but Bruce has told the Hull Mail that
rumours of a bid being made were wide of the mark.

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Noble considering switch
KUMB.com
Filed: Friday, 29th August 2014
By: Staff Writer

West Ham United's Mark Noble is once again considering defecting to the
Republic of Ireland after being overlooked for the latest England squad. The
27-year-old midfielder is said to be considering giving up the chance to
feature for England - whom he has previously captained at under 21 level on
20 occasions - in order to play for the Irish, according to the Mail.
Canning Town-born Noble qualifies to play for Ireland via one of his
grandparents and is able to do so since a 2009 FIFA ruling declared players
who have represented one country at youth and under-21 level can change
their allegiance. He first considered representing the Irish four years ago
when still only 23-years-old, but decided against making himself available
at that time. Noble - who made his final appearance for England's under 21s
at the 2009 European Championships, in which he captained the side beaten in
the final by Germany - has never been picked at senior level for England.
Despite the careers of regular central midfielders such as Frank Lampard and
Steven Gerrard having come to an end, Noble was this week overlooked by Roy
Hodgson in favour of players such as Newcastle's Jack Colback and Fabian
Delph of Aston Villa.

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January date for Morrison
KUMB.com
Filed: Friday, 29th August 2014
By: Staff Writer

Ravel Morrison has been bailed until January after he entered not guilty
pleas to a string of charges relating to an incident that occurred in
Manchester in July.
The 21-year-old midfielder denied charges relating to assault and actual
bodily harm at a preliminary hearing at Manchester Crown Court on Thursday.
And he was ordered to return for trial early 2015, with a provisional trial
date of 26 January set by Judge David Stockdale QC during the short hearing.
Conditional to the bail agreement is that the England under 21 international
refrains from returning to Manchester unless on club duty or under order of
the court. Morrison, who made his first appearance of the season in the
Capital One Cup penalty shoot-out defeat to Sheffield United on Tuesday was
arrested on 27 July and remanded in custody for a week. However he was
released on bail just four days later.

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Sam Allardyce pleased to have Carlton Cole at West Ham
Last Updated: 29/08/14 8:48pm
SSN

Sam Allardyce is pleased to have seen interest in Carlton Cole come to
nothing, freeing him to remain at West Ham United. The experienced frontman
was reported to have been the subject of a bid from Sky Bet Championship
side Bournemouth. No deal was agreed, though, and Cole remains at Upton
Park.
"I think all the managers have the TV on for the countdown to the end of the
window, but what I am hoping is that I am just sat there watching because
all my business is done."

Allardyce is now expecting the 30-year-old to stay put, with the summer
transfer window set to close at 11pm on Monday. He said: "Carlton is not
going out. I thought the prospect was there, but it wasn't. "I didn't
particularly want him to go, but there is a price for everybody and if there
is an offer that everyone considers to be the right one, then the business
is done, but he is still here I am glad to say."

Allardyce has also revealed that he intends to keep combative midfielder
Mohamed Diame in east London, adding: "I expect both of them to be here next
week and beyond."

The West Ham boss claims he would be happy to see the deadline pass with no
more business done, with his squad in good shape. He said: "I think all the
managers have the TV on for the countdown to the end of the window, but what
I am hoping is that I am just sat there watching because all my business is
done. "I don't want to be the one of the phone at the last minute trying to
make a signing, or the one losing a player I don't want to lose, because at
that stage there is no time to find a replacement."

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West Ham in talks to sign Alex Song from Barcelona
Last Updated: 29/08/14 11:04pm
SSN

West Ham are closing on a loan deal for Alex Song, according to Sky sources.
The Barcelona midfielder has been linked with Tottenham and Liverpool this
summer, but West Ham are now clear favourites for his signature. And the
former Arsenal man is expected to return to the Premier League before the
end of the weekend. Under the terms of the proposed deal Barca would
continue to pay a portion of Song's wages.

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West Ham host Southampton at Upton Park
Last Updated: 29/08/14 8:31pm
SSN

West Ham host Southampton at Upton Park as they look to bounce back from
their midweek Capital One Cup exit at the hands of League One side Sheffield
United. Sam Allardyce's men were held to a 1-1 draw after extra-time but
crashed out on penalties as summer signing Enner Valencia missed the
decisive spot-kick. However, Allardyce made it clear his priorities lie with
league matters as he made nine changes from the side that recorded an
emphatic 3-1 win at Crystal Palace last weekend.

Opta stats:

Saints have scored exactly one goal in five of their last six Premier League
games against West Ham.
Last weekend, Carlton Cole scored in his 12th separate Premier League
campaign.
Southampton have used only 14 players so far this season; only Swansea have
used as few.

Southampton enjoyed better fortunes against lower league opposition during
the week as Jack Cork and Graziano Pelle were on target in a 2-0 win at
Millwall.
Ronald Koeman's side are still searching for their first Premier League
victory, though, having suffered defeat in their opening game at Liverpool
before drawing with West Brom last weekend. Their recent record against the
Hammers will hardly fill them with confidence either having failed to
collect three points in any of their last five meetings. The Saints' most
recent win over West Ham came in the Championship as Jos Hooiveld scored the
only goal in 2011, while their last win at Upton Park was back in December
2002 courtesy of a last minute James Beattie strike. West Ham also had the
better of last season's meetings as they were 3-1 winners in this fixture
after drawing 0-0 at St Mary's.

Team News

Allardyce has a number of injuries to contend with and is expected to make
wholesale changes from Tuesday night's team. Captain Kevin Nolan (shoulder)
has been ruled out for up to six weeks, defender James Collins (hamstring)
also misses out, as does winger Matt Jarvis (thigh). Diafra Sakho (back) is
a doubt.
Carl Jenkinson (hamstring) is still a few weeks away from his return to
fitness, while striker Andy Carroll (ankle) remains out of action.

Southampton boss Ronald Koeman feels it will be difficult to bring in Andros
Townsend before the end of the transfer window Koeman revealed midfielder
Lloyd Isgrove is "not in a good physical way" after coming off during the
first half at Millwall with a knee injury. Sam Gallagher (knee) is still
recovering from injury and this game may come too soon for his return, while
fellow striker Jay Rodriguez (also knee) remains sidelined. Otherwise,
Southampton have no fresh injury concerns.

Paul Merson's prediction:

I watched the Harlem Globetrotters last week and they were wearing a West
Ham kit. I thought they were very good in the way they passed and moved
against Crystal Palace and they mixed up their play nicely; I was very
impressed. Southampton had a free swing against Liverpool and did very well,
but when they were expected to win at home against West Brom, things weren't
very good. I expect West Ham to win this game fairly comfortably.

PAUL PREDICTS: 2-0

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SOUTHAMPTON MATCH PREVIEW
By Dan Coker 29 Aug 2014 at 12:00
West Ham Till I Die

Blast from the past

Allow me to take you back forty-one years, to Good Friday, 20th April 1973.
Edward Heath was Prime Minister and 'Tie A Yellow Ribbon Round The Ole Oak
Tree' was number one. An 11am kick-off saw West Ham United take on
Southampton in front of 33,039 at The Boleyn Ground – it was to be a
particularly good Friday for the Hammers and a great one for Bryan 'Pop'
Robson as the Sunderland-born striker netted a hat-trick to lead West Ham to
a 4-3 win over the Saints in the old First Division.


Two goals in four minutes early on from Robson put the Hammers in a
commanding position but, rather typically, the lead had been thrown away by
half-time as Paul Gilchrist scored a brace of his own to level the match.
Robson completed his hat-trick in the 66th minute, leaping high to head in a
Trevor Brooking cross and restore the hosts' lead. Brooking turned from
goal-maker to goal-taker to effectively clinch the game for the Irons in the
83rd minute, but there was still time for Mick Channon to net a further
consolation for the visitors in this seven-goal thriller.

The win put West Ham level with Ipswich in joint-fourth place, with three
matches to play. It was to prove the Hammers' final victory of 1972/73
however, as we closed the campaign with two draws and a defeat. In doing so,
West Ham equalled their (at the time) highest-ever position of sixth in a
campaign that saw Bobby Moore overtake Jimmy Ruffell's record number of
league appearances for the club, a record that had stood unbeaten since
1936.


'Pop' Robson, the hat-trick hero against the Saints (pictured with the
matchball from the game), finished 1972/73 as the leading goal-scorer in
England's top four divisions, with twenty-eight goals from forty-two
appearances, winning him the Adidas-sponsored Golden Boot award. Twenty-six
of these goals were from open play, with only two from the penalty spot. He
was also, unsurprisingly, that season's recipient of the Hammer of the Year
award.

West Ham United: Peter Grotier, John McDowell (Bertie Lutton), Kevin Lock,
Bobby Moore, Frank Lampard, Billy Bonds, Pat Holland, Trevor Brooking, Clyde
Best, Bryan Robson, Ted McDougall.

Southampton: Eric Martin, Jim Steele (Billy Beaney), Dave Walker, Paul
Bennett, Joe Kirkup, Brian O'Neil, Wayne Talkes, Hugh Fisher, Terry Paine,
Mick Channon, Paul Gilchrist.

Club Connections

An array of West Ham United's good, bad and ugly have also turned out for
Southampton: Vic Watson, Paul Allen, Richard Hall, Joe Kirkup, Wayne Bridge,
Justin Fashanu, Nigel Quashie, Christian Dailly, David Speedie, Iain Dowie,
Eyal Berkovic, Richard Wright, Neil Ruddock and Robbie Slater have all
appeared for both clubs. In addition, Harry Redknapp and Alan Pardew have
managed both the Hammers and the Saints.


While we're on the subject of diminutive goalscorers though, today's focus
will fall on David Connolly. The "angry ant", as Glenn Roeder tagged him,
signed for the Hammers for a bargain £285,000 in the aftermath of relegation
from the Premier League in August 2003. Following spells with Watford and
Feyenoord, along with loan stints at Wolves and Excelsior, West Ham United
signed Connolly from Wimbledon, for whom he had bagged an impressive
forty-two goals in sixty-three appearances over two seasons.

Connolly was controversially left out of the starting line-up for the
season-opener at Preston North End after the West Ham team coach had
collected loan signing Neil Mellor at a service station the day before the
game. Connolly came off the bench to strike the winner on his debut in a 2-1
victory before threatening to leave the club following his omission from the
XI. He stayed and went on to score fourteen goals for the Hammers in
forty-eight appearances in all competitions. After a single season in east
London had ended in play-off final defeat, Connolly left for Leicester in a
£500,000 deal.


Connolly had spells in the Premier League at both Wigan and Sunderland
before signing for his former West Ham manager Alan Pardew at League One
Southampton in October 2009. Connolly's career with the Saints began in the
same fashion as it did with the Hammers, with a debut goal after appearing
from the bench – this time in a 3-1 win at Oldham in a Southampton side
containing Morgan Schneiderlin, Adam Lallana and Rickie Lambert. The
Republic of Ireland international was to stay at St Mary's for three
seasons, which included a promotion to the Championship, scoring seventeen
goals in sixty-seven appearances in all competitions. He signed for Saints'
local rivals Portsmouth in December 2012 and remains part of their squad
today, although he is yet to appear for the club in 2014/15. He enjoyed a
successful loan spell at Oxford United last season.

Referee


Saturday's referee will be Mike Dean; 2014/15 is Dean's fifteenth as a
Premier League referee. Since West Ham United achieved promotion back to the
top flight in 2012 Dean has refereed eight of our league matches,
officiating in five wins for the Hammers, two draws and just the one defeat.
Dean was the man in the middle for an away victory for Swansea at Old
Trafford on the opening day of this season and a draw at Villa Park between
Aston Villa and Newcastle last weekend – let's hope he completes the set of
results with a home win this weekend!

Possible line-ups

Sam Allardyce is unlikely to make many changes from the side that played so
well in earning victory at Selhurst Park last Saturday. Ricardo Vaz Te has
struggled in the opening fixtures, while Matt Jarvis, according to the
manager, remains unavailable. As a result, I would not be surprised to see
Mo Diame played out of position on the left flank. Enner Valencia would
perhaps have been in line for a starting spot this weekend if he had not
been involved in an unplanned 120 minutes against Sheffield United in
midweek following the withdrawal of Diafra Sakho through injury. Carlton
Cole, fresh from his first goal of the season against Crystal Palace, may
therefore start again but I would expect to see Valencia given at least
thirty minutes from the bench.

Southampton could name an unchanged starting XI from their goalless home
draw with West Brom last Saturday. Wales Under-21 midfielder Lloyd Isgrove,
who was an unnamed substitute for that game, has picked up a knee injury and
will miss out, alongside long-term injury victim Jay Rodriguez. The Saints
are likely to line up in a 4-2-3-1 formation.

Possible West Ham United XI: Adrian; O'Brien, Tomkins, Reid, Cresswell;
Kouyate, Noble; Downing, Zarate, Diame; Cole.

Possible Southampton XI: Forster; Clyne, Yoshida, Fonte, Bertrand; Wanyama,
Schneiderlin; Davis, Ward-Prowse, Tadic; Pelle.

Enjoy the game – Come On You Irons!

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham practising shooting TOO MUCH under attacking coach Teddy
Sheringham, say club scientists
Aug 29, 2014 22:30 By Neil McLeman
Despite an impressive three-goal haul at struggling Crystal Palace last
week, some at the club think too much target practice could cause injuries
The Mirror

West Ham's sports scientists have complained the forwards are doing too much
shooting under new attacking coach Teddy Sheringham. Boss Sam Allardyce said
the former England star had been brought in this summer to teach the
forwards the art of finishing. And new signing Mauro Zarate said extra
training sessions with Sheringham led to his stunning volley against Crystal
Palace last weekend. Before hosting ­Southampton tomorrow, Allardyce said:
"He is a different voice. He can talk more about the thought- process about
where to run and how to run, what do you feel, how do you feel when you are
striking a ball. "The only thing is that the sports scientists are saying
they are doing too much kicking and getting tight thighs! "But we know when
you are a goalscorer, being calm is the ultimate in terms of getting the
technique right. "If you are a little tense or panicky, then you are more
likely to miss. You talk about all those things and do a little bit of
practice on ­technique and the goal and hopefully in the long term it will
help the players to score more goals. "It is more about the ­information and
what he has done in his life, how he has found himself in the positions to
score goals."

This time last season, with Andy Carroll again out injured, the Hammers had
Modibo Maiga, Mladen Petric and an unfit Carlton Cole as forwards. They now
have new signings Zarate, Diafra Sakho and Enner Valencia along with Cole.
West Ham scored 40 goals in 38 Premier League matches last season and
Allardyce wants 50 to finish in the top 10. "Our options are pretty good,"
said the Upton Park boss. "We are a team that creates chances, we always
have been. And their ­responsibility is to score."

Allardyce has been given the remit of providing more entertaining football
this season – and that was achieved in the 3-1 win at Selhurst Park. "The
owners were pleased – there is no doubt about that," he said. "But we are
all in it together and our main focus has been on who is the next player we
are going to try and get in."

Sakho (back) is doubtful while Valencia is unlikely to feature after playing
120 minutes in his first game since the World Cup in the defeat to Sheffield
United.
The Hammers will today look for their first home win of the campaign at the
third attempt. "We're looking pretty good as a team in the way we're
playing," said Allardyce. "What we haven't done at home is turn the two good
performances into results and that's a little concern, because we need to be
more ruthless and finish teams off, as we did against Crystal Palace."

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Sam Allardyce only in for ''one quality player'' despite West Ham injury
crisis
Aug 28, 2014 12:06 By Neil McLeman
Andy Carroll, Kevin Nolan, Matt Jarvis, Carl Jenkinson and James Collins are
all out for the home clash against Southampton at the weekend
The Mirror

Sam Allardyce is in the market for "one quality player" before the transfer
window shuts on Monday. Before Saturday's home match with Southampton, the
Hammers already have a long injury list with Andy Carroll, Kevin Nolan, Matt
Jarvis, Carl Jenkinson and James Collins ruled out. And new signing Enner
Valencia is unlikely to feature after playing his first match since the
World Cup in the Capital One Cup defeat to Sheffield United on Tuesday
night. Allardyce said he has the money to strengthen his squad - and keep
all his current players. "It is not so much about the injuries but more the
budget I have left - that is the key," he said. "I have been speaking to the
chairman and bringing in one quality player before the window shuts is a
possibility. I can't see anyone going out the other way. I think one more
player in the squad and we will have a good squad this year."

Mo Diame and Carlton Cole have both been linked with moves away from Upton
Park this week. "At the moment I would expect both of them to be here next
week," Allardyce added. West Ham have lost their first two home matches this
season and the Irons boss said: "We have played well but need to be more
ruthless in front of goal."

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Hull transfer bid for West Ham midfielder Mo Diame rejected by the Hammers
Aug 28, 2014 22:30 By Darren Lewis
Steve Bruce's Tigers fail with move for the Senegal international but QPR
are also interested PLUS: Carlton Cole's future will be reviewed in the
winter window
The Mirror

Hull have had a £3million bid for West Ham midfielder Mo Diame rejected. The
Hammers are also set to review the future of striker Carlton Cole in
January.
Mirror Sport understands that, despite claiming Cole is an important member
of the side, manager Sam Allardyce told him last weekend that he was surplus
to requirements and that a bid had been accepted for him from Bournemouth.
Stunned Cole called the Championship club's boss Eddie Howe, only to be told
by the confused Cherries chief that he had not made a move for him. Cole
will now stay, but the future of Diame is now unclear with QPR also
interested.

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Bruce and Irons play cat and mouse on Diame
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on August 29, 2014 in Whispers
Claret & Hugh

Hull City boss Steve Bruce has this afternoon admitted for the first times
he is interested in signing West Ham's Mo Diame. However, in a typically
summer transfer window cat and mouse game, he declared that he has yet to
make a bid. West Ham sources have told ClaretandHugh that a bid of £3
million has been lodged which is £500,000 short of the trigger figure. And
another aspect to the clause says that Diame will need to be paid £50,000 a
week which represents a £10k rise on his current salary. Bruce declared:
""We haven't made a bid but we are interested and we will keep on
progressing. "We have one or two things in the pipeline and lets see if we
can push them over the line." However, at the Boleyn we were again told
there had in fact been a bid and that City were expected to make another.

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Irons Update: Cleverly link
Posted by Sean Whetstone on August 29, 2014 in Whispers
Claret & Hugh

Reports that the Hammers made a £8m bid Manchester United for Tom Cleverly
are simply not true. The chairman's son Jack Sullivan took to twitter to
confirm West Ham have not made a bid and Tom Cleverly will not be coming to
West ham. The rumour surfaced earlier this afternoon on the Internet after a
commercial sport radio station made the claim through one of their
reporters.

However young Sullivan did give hope to thousands of Hammers fans by adding
"We hope to have news of a top signing within 48 hours if not sooner" That
news is thought to be the announcement of agreement of a loan deal between
Barcelona and West Ham for for Alex Song who is rumoured to be traveling to
London for a medical. Song is said to be wanted by Spurs, Liverpool and AC
Milan but it is West Ham who have emerged the favourites to capture the loan
deal.

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Sam was on Song case weeks ago
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on August 29, 2014 in Whispers
Claret & Hugh

Sam Allardyce has been very much the prime mover in the bid to bring Alex
Song from Barcelona to Upton Park. ClaretandHugh has learned that whilst
David Sullivan has been heading up the vast majority of deals this summer,
Allardyce was the man who beavered away on the Song possibilities before
anyone else at the club knew a move was a possibility. A senior source at
Upton Park told us this evening the manager moved very quickly several weeks
ago "involving nobody else at the club" when he learned the player may be
available. We were told: "He was on the case about six weeks ago – he made
contact with the various parties and got the whole thing going. There have
been talks going on since then. "It became a team thing later but if the
club land Song, Sam can take enormous credit for his part in it."

The Hammers are hoping to tie up a year's loan deal for the former Arsenal
man tomorrow (Sat) but nobody is taking anything for granted. Our source
explained: "It could still go wrong. We are very hopeful and there's been a
huge amount of work gone in over the last few weeks. "We are also grateful
that we have managed to keep it under wraps until now!"

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Irons closing on Song…Richards a target too
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on August 29, 2014 in Whispers
Claret & Hugh

West Ham are in talks with both Alex Song and Micah Richards as they bid to
bring their summer transfer dealings to a fantastic climax. ClaretandHugh
has learned this evening that soonest talks with Song could be concluded
will be by tomorrow afternoon although a source said: "A lot can go wrong in
18 hours."
Meanwhile talks with Manchester City over Richards were going on all last
week but the champions want to sell the player rather than loan him.
However, Hammers insiders believe the champions could come back to us and
agree a loan deal if there is no buyer. A top Boleyn source told
ClaretandHugh: "All the balls are in the air. We could finish up with one,
both or neither. Neither is an unlikely scenario – an awful lot is going on
at the moment. We are hopeful."

In a perfect world the Irons would love to get the two but for that to
happen a player needs to leave Upton Park to ease the pressure on wages.
That could easily be Mohamed Diame whom the Hammers again confirmed this
evening has been the subject of a bid from Hull City. Our source said: "They
have been in and could be back again. We note that Steve Bruce has admitted
his interest publicly today. He added: "I Mo leaves that releases wages for
new players and that may see both Richards and Song arrive but we'd like to
think we will get one or the other regardless."

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Jarvis on road to recovery
Posted by Sean Whetstone on August 29, 2014 in Whispers
Claret & Hugh

Sam Allardyce has confirmed Matt Jarvis is on the road to recovery after
missing the start of the season with a thigh injury. The manager said: "I
would have though Matt will be with us to play some part after the
international break. "He may not be able to play in the Hull City game, but
certainly if he gets fit during the break and we can perhaps put on a couple
of small games on behind closed doors for him to catch up and get some match
practice, then we will be able to decide on whether he can come back into
the squad."

Although the 28-year-old winger has failed to live up to his £10.75million
price-tag since joining us from Wolves in 2012Allardyce has issued a
hands-off warning. After being linked with West Bromwich Albion earlier in
the transfer window Allardyce insisted "Matt Jarvis will not be leaving
us.'

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Matty continues to train with Hammers
Posted by Sean Whetstone on August 29, 2014 in Whispers
Claret & Hugh

David Gold has confirmed that former Hammer Matty Etherington continues to
train with West Ham. The 32-year-old was released by Stoke at the end of
last season and is now in the hunt for a new club. When asked about
Etherington, David Gold said yesterday "I saw him at the training ground
today" He is thought to be looking for a short term deal with the Hammers.

Etherington, played for the Hammers between 2003 and 2009. joining at the
beginning of our two-year spell in the second-tier of English football,
playing the final season of the first division and the first season of the
re-branded Championship.

Etherington was a fan's favourite, scoring several goals including a
hat-trick in a 5–0 win over Wimbledon. He won the "Hammer of the Year" award
in his first season at the club and played a huge part in helping the club
get to the 2004 Championship play-off final by scoring in the 2–0 win over
Ipswich Town in the play-off semi final second leg. He completed 195 games
for West Ham, in all competitions, scoring 18 goals, before being sold to
Stoke City for £2m in January 2009. Etherington later revealed to the press
he would get on the West Ham team coach for away games and by the journey's
end he would have gambled away that week's £20,000 wages. He revealed he
estimated he lost £1.5million on greyhounds, horses and poker through his
gambling addiction.

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