Loan round-up
WHUFC.com
Catch up with how the Hammers on loan fared this weekend
13.10.2014
Sean Maguire continued his good run of form for Accrington Stanley as he
opened the scoring in their 2-1 home defeat to Dagenham & Redbridge on
Saturday. The Irishman scored after 39 minutes of play as he pounced on Kal
Naismith's mishit. Stanley are currently in 16th position in Sky Bet League
Two.
Colchester United's George Moncur played 85 minutes of the U's 2-1 win over
Fleetwood Town. The midfielder has been in fine form since going out on
loan, while ex-West Ham United striker Freddie Sears set up Gavin Massey's
second goal of the afternoon.
Due to the international break Ravel Morrison and Modibo Maiga did not play.
Morrison's Cardiff City host Nottingham Forest on Saturday 18 October in the
Championship's lunchtime kick-off. Meanwhile, Maiga's highflying FC Metz
host Rennes this Saturday.
Meanwhile, Hammers youngsters Tim Brown and Ben Marlow helped Canvey Island
defeat Barton Rovers 1-0 in the FA Cup Third Qualifying Round. They will now
face Havant & Waterlooville for a spot in the competition proper.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Dev Squad ready for Bilbao bout
WHUFC.com
The Development Squad open their European campaign against Athletic Bilbao
on Wednesday
13.10.2014
West Ham United Development coach manager Nick Haycock is looking forward to
hosting Athletic Bilbao this Wednesday in the newly created Barclays Premier
League International Cup. This is the first year of the tournament after the
restructuring of the Barclays U21 Premier League format last season. Aside
from facing the Basque giants, the Dev Squad will also play PSV Eindhoven
and Fulham in the group stage.
Nick Haycock is excited about Wednesday's fixture, as it provides a new
challenge and a different type of opposition: "Bilbao are a technical team.
I've been out to Bilbao on a study visit so I know a little bit about them.
"They're a fantastic football team, they've got a good reputation in Spain,
a great history and a tradition of producing Basque players. They only sign
Basque players which is a brave philosophy but it works. They work hard for
the shirt, so it'll be a tough test but one we are looking for."
Speaking about the unique opportunities this tournament provides, Haycock
hopes the tournament will be a success. "It's a good idea from the Premier
League. They've worked hard to deliver the tournament. There was a slight
disappointment when it looked like it was off but they've changed it so all
the games will be played in England. "If you look at the Premier League now
I think it's about 60% foreign players now so to play more foreign sides on
a more regular basis is an excellent idea and something we are looking
forward too. "More important to me is the fact that we qualified for it, we
deserve to be in it. It's a nice thing for the players to be involved in.
It's also good for the fans and something slightly different to watch."
The Development Squad face Athletic Bilbao on Wednesday 15 October at the
Boleyn Ground, with kick-off at 7pm. Tickets are available on the door,
priced at £3 for adults and £1 for U16s. Admission is FREE for Season Ticket
Holders.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Skipper Nolan thrilled to be back
WHUFC.com
Kevin Nolan has been delighted to return from a shoulder injury ahead of
schedule
12.10.2014
With two substitute appearances and two 90 minute run-outs for the
Development Squad under his belt since returning from a fractured shoulder,
West Ham United skipper Kevin Nolan is already well ahead of schedule. When
he suffered the injury in training in mid-August, he was told to expect at
least a six week spell before being able to return. But having already
featured in two Barclays Premier League matches, his hard work has been
rewarded and now he is looking forward to being able to contribute more. He
told whufc.com: "When I first suffered the injury, the timeframe was six to
eight weeks before I could get on the pitch and do anything, so I'm three or
four weeks ahead of it in that respect. "At the end of the day I've got
every confidence in myself - I work hard at everything I do and I've got a
great team around me in the physios and coaching staff who have supported
me. "That makes it easier, with the boys' support too, and it makes you want
to be back as quickly as possible and I'm delighted to be back amongst it."
With no first team game at the weekend owing to the international break,
Nolan has been glad of the opportunity to get the other injured players,
such at Matt Jarvis, up to speed ahead of the 18 October trip to Burnley. He
added: "The international break was timed well for us, especially after the
result we got last weekend. Coming into Burnley next week we're going to
have virtually everybody training.
"That's fantastic and it's going to raise everything for us, so the future's
looking good."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
New Stadium Newsletter - No.3
WHUFC.com
Edition three of West Ham United's Stadium newsletter
13.10.2014
Club London Calling
West Ham United fans have been racing to secure their place in Club London,
the world-class hospitality facilities that will sit within the West Stand
of the newly-reconfigured Stadium.
The invite only BM6 lounge is already over-subscribed and, after a rush of
enquiries, we expect to sell the last six remaining Executive Boxes soon.
There has also been a big response from new supporters, with well over a
thousand fans now registered on the Club London waiting list.
The Club London launch event was held at the Club's bespoke Reservation
Centre in Westfield Stratford City, just a short walk from the new Stadium,
where - over the coming months - every Season Ticket Holder will be offered
a dedicated appointment with an advisor to help them choose the right seat
for their needs and budget.
Speaking at the launch, West Ham United Vice-Chairman Karren Brady explained
how the Club have employed an innovative piece of technology never seen
before in this country to aid the seat selection process.
"The new CGI system, which is the first of its kind in the UK, has been
invested in so that every single fan can see exactly the view they can
expect from their seat, and see what will be around them. They will then be
able to hand-pick their seat and look forward to being in the new Stadium in
2016," the Vice-Chairman said.
"The launch of Club London shows supporters that we hope to exceed their
expectations in all the things that we do at our new home."
SIGN UP TO THE STADIUM NEWSLETTER HERE
Sir Trevor Brooking joined the Board and first-team players at the launch
and shared his optimism about the future move.
He said: "When the opportunity arose of moving to the Olympic Stadium, I
don't think there would have been many in the Board's position who would
have said it wasn't the right move.
"With almost 4,000 corporate seats, and with Canary Wharf and the city so
accessible, people can come regularly to the Olympic Stadium and host
clients.
"And with a total capacity of 54,000, it gives the Club the opportunity to
offer a really good pricing structure and flexibility."
Each of Club London's restaurants, lounges and bars has been refined with
bespoke interiors inspired by West Ham's rich heritage along with the
triumphs that have taken place in the East of London.
While space within Club London is limited, existing Season Ticket Holders
wishing to apply for membership can join the waiting list for free by
calling the Ticket Office on 0871 529 1966 and selecting option three.
Other supporters can join for a £10 registration fee, redeemable against
purchase, either by visiting www.whufcboxoffice.com or by calling the Ticket
Office.
Construction update
Construction work at Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park continues apace, and the
latest stage in the redevelopment has begun with the installation of the
Stadium's magnificent new roof.
After extensive reinforcement to the structure of the stadium 11,500 metres
of steel cabling has been raised to form the inner face of the roof. Over
the coming months steel cladding will be added to the inner section with
translucent cladding in the outer section allowing natural and flood
lighting through.
When complete this cutting-edge tensile roof will lock in the matchday
atmosphere creating a cauldron of noise for Hammers home games.
Don't forget, you can follow the progress of the roof and the general
transformation of the Stadium by following our special time-lapse camera
feed.
Supporters are already jumping at the chance to book their spot for the
final farewell to our home of 110 years, with thousands having put their
name down on the Final Season waiting list.
The 2015/16 season will be like no other. Our plans are beginning to take
shape and we intend to make sure that the Boleyn bows out in style. This is
history in the making and you have a unique chance to be a part of it. A
Season Ticket is the one and only way to guarantee a seat for the entirety
of the campaign, including the last ever game at the Boleyn Ground and a
suitably spectacular closing ceremony.
Crucially, 2015/16 Season Ticket Holders will be our priority when it comes
to seats in the new Stadium. So this is the one and only way to experience a
brilliant Boleyn send-off, before taking your seat in our stunning new
Stratford home. Two seasons that no West Ham fan will want to miss!
For those wishing to join, a £10 registration fee is payable, which is then
redeemable against your Season Ticket purchase. (Supporters should note that
existing Season Ticket Holders will naturally retain priority and do not,
therefore, need to join the waiting list).
To book your place in history, join the waiting list here.
Your Stadium Questions
Thanks to the many hundreds of you who have been responding to our
invitation to send in questions about the new stadium. Unsurprisingly, a
frequent topic this month has been the launch of Club London and the new
Stadium's hospitality facilities. The four most frequently asked are:
Q: When will I get my appointment at the Reservation Centre?
A: The Club can confirm that by April 2015, all Season Ticket Holders will
have been contacted with details of their individual appointment, during
which dedicated advisors will help them select the optimum seat at the new
Stadium.
Any fan interested in looking at the exclusive options in Club London can
join the waiting list either by visiting www.whufcboxoffice.com or by
calling the Ticket Office.
Q. What happens if I can't make my appointment at the Reservation Centre?
A: With over 40,000 supporters expected through the Reservation Centre
doors, the logistics are naturally finely balanced and so it is really
important that you try to stick to your allocated time slot to avoid losing
your priority place.
In the event that you are unable to make your appointment, we ask that you
contact the Reservation Centre in good time. The contact details will be
included in your appointment notification.
While we will be doing our utmost to accommodate each individual and group
appointment, last-minute cancellations or missed appointments will likely
result in them being rescheduled at a later priority window.
Q. Is the whole West Stand being turned over to hospitality?
A: Club London does not account for the whole West Stand, far from it, in
fact. There will still be many thousands of seats available for general
admission. However, the best seats on the halfway line are being allocated
for Club London members so if you want to secure the best views from the
West Stand a Club London seat is the one for you.
More importantly, situating our hospitality together on one side of the
Stadium has enabled us to create the East Stand 'Kop' on the other side,
which is so crucial to our general admission Season Ticket Holders and
supporters, whose needs are also paramount.
Q. Are corporate Season Tickets Holders going to get all the best seats?
A: As we have always promised, our existing Season Ticket Holders and
Corporate Seasonal Members will be given priority when it comes to choosing
the best seats. Therefore, to ensure that every Season Ticket Holder is
given the opportunity to upgrade their existing seat if they wish to do so,
we have start with sales of the premium packages to enable the widest
selection of seats available.
As we work through the migration process every Season Ticket Holder will
receive their own appointment to select their seat.
Please keep your questions coming by emailing
newstadium@westhamunited.co.uk. We'll answer more of the most popular
questions in the next newsletter.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Valencia to make history
KUMB.com
Filed: Monday, 13th October 2014
By: Staff Writer
Enner Valencia will play a part in football history tomorrow when Ecuador
face El Salvador in New Jersey. Team mate Ivan Hurtado, who last featured
for Ecuador in 2010 will make an emotional return to the team to win his
168th and last international cap - the fifth highest total in the history of
football.
The 40-year-old, who has declared his intention to retire from football will
end a 22-year professional career against El Salvador, where he will line up
alongside West Ham's Valencia at the Red Bull Arena, Harrison NJ.
"I could not have imagined a better chance like this and I think I've been
blessed with everything football has given to me, to be at the door and
experience a moment like this and feel really happy for this opportunity,"
Hurtado told a pre-match press briefing.
"On October 14th I will have the opportunity to suit up for the last time to
play for my national team, in an official manner, and I really appreciate
them for giving me this opportunity."
Only four players in history have bettered Hurtado's number of international
appearances; Egypt's Hossam Hassan (169 caps), Claudio Suarez (Mexico, 177),
Mohamed Al-Deayea (Saudi Arabia, 168) and Ahmed Hassan (Egyot), who holds
the record with 184 won between 1995 and 2012.
The highest-capped European player is Latvian midfielder Vitalijs Astafjevs
with 165 caps. Goalkeeper Peter Shilton is England's most-capped player with
125 - 17 more than West Ham's Bobby Moore, the long-time record-holder who
now lies fourth in the record books behind David Beckham and Steven Gerrard.
West Ham's recent signing will be hoping to repeat his heroics of Friday
night, when he scored an incredible swerving effort in the closing stages of
the friendly with the United States
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Faubert on target again as Martinique qualify for Finals
KUMB.com
Filed: Monday, 13th October 2014
By: Staff Writer
Julien Faubert continued his prolific run of goalscoring for his new country
Martinique over the weekend. Last week KUMB revealed how the former Hammer,
who spent five years at the Boelyn Ground has become one of a select group
of professional players to represent two countries (or more) at
international level when he made his debut for Martinique in a 1-1 draw with
Curacao. And over the weekend Faubert increased his tally for his new
country with a brace in Martinique's 2-1 win over Guadeloupe. The winger
opened the scoring in Abymes on Friday after just four minutes, before
adding his second of the night with 66 minutes on the clock (see highlights
below). Last night, Martinique secured a third win in seven days with a 4-3
win over St Vincent & The Grenadines, meaning they qualify for November's
Caribbean Cup Finals - which are being held in Jamaica next month - as
winners of Group 9 having taken maximum points form their three qualifying
matches. And Faubert added to his impressive three-goal haul from his first
two outings for Martinique with another brace against St Vincent, taking his
tally to five in three games. By contrast, during his five years at West Ham
he managed to score just twice...
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Friend or foe?
KUMB.com
Filed: Monday, 13th October 2014
By: Staff Writer
Kevin Friend has been named as referee for this weekend's trip to Premier
League newcomers Burnley. The Bristol-born official - now based in Leicester
- is yet to officiate a match involving West Ham United this season but took
control of three fixtures in 2013/14; the pre-season friendly against Pacos
de Ferreira (a 2-1 win) and the 1-0 and 3-1 defeats at Hull and Arsenal
respectively.
Although the Pacos and Arsenal games passed without major incident, KUMB
writer Trevor Twohig - reporting on the narrow defeat at the KC Stadium last
September - wrote of the penalty awarded to Hull by Friend: "I don't think I
have ever seen a softer penalty in my life".
Prior to that, you have to go back to the 2011/12 season for a Hammers
fixture involving the 43-year-old official; that being the 1-0 win at
Portsmouth in January 2012, a game won by a Mark Noble penalty that was
awarded when Tal Ben-Haim wrestled Winston Reid to the floor inside the
penalty area midway through the first half.
The home side also ended with only ten men that day after David Norris was
issued an instant red card on 57 minutes for an ugly challenge on the
unfortunate Kiwi.
Goals in matches refereed by Mr Friend proved as difficult to come by for
West Ham in the previous season (2010/11), with the home encounters with
Deportivo and Blackpool ending goalless.
Once again contentious penalty decisions had a major part to play, with
KUMB's Gordon Thrower accusing the referee of failing two award either of
two blatant fouls committed by the Seasiders.
Kevin Friend: Season Stats
2009/10
Games: 34
Average Yellow Cards Per Games: 3.91
Average Red Cards Per Games: 0.21
2010/11
Games: 33
Average Yellow Cards Per Games: 3.52
Average Red Cards Per Games: 0.21
2011/12
Games: 33
Average Yellow Cards Per Games: 3.64
Average Red Cards Per Games: 0.09
2012/13
Games: 34
Average Yellow Cards Per Games: 3.53
Average Red Cards Per Games: 0.09
2013/14
Games: 18
Average Yellow Cards Per Games: 3.28
Average Red Cards Per Games: 0.11
2014/15
Games: 4
Average Yellow Cards Per Games: 3.75
Average Red Cards Per Games: 0.00
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham eye young 'Boro star
KUMB.com
Filed: Monday, 13th October 2014
By: Staff Writer
West Ham United are understood to be keeping an eye on Middlesbrough's
exciting young winger, Adam Reach. The Hammers are one of a number of clubs
to have recently sent scouts to keep tabs on the 21-year-old England youth
international, who has represented his country at both Under 19 and Under 20
level. Reach, a left-sided player who can also operate at full back made his
debut for Middlesbrough on the final day of the 2010/11 season in a 3-0 win
over Doncaster (in which he scored the third and final goal). However it
wasn't until the start of the current season - following spells on loan at
Darlington, Shrewsbury and Bradford - that he became an integral part of
Middlesbrough's first team.
Thus far, Reach - who scored in the epic 14-13 Capital One Cup penalty
shoot-out defeat at Liverpool last month - has featured in all 11 of 'Boro's
Championship fixtures. His considerable input has helped the club rise to
fifth place in the table, making them an early contender for a play-off
spot. Fellow Premier League clubs Manchester City, Queens Park Rangers and
Stoke are amongst others to have shown an interest in the player, who has
received rave reviews for his performances this season.
* Representatives of West Ham are also reported to have been present at last
weekend's Modena v Brescia Serie B encounter. The match, hosted at Stadio
Alberto Braglia ended in a 1-1 draw.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Busy bee Brady
KUMB.com
Filed: Monday, 13th October 2014
By: Staff Writer
West Ham vice chair Karren Brady's burgeoning personal portfolio continues
to grow with the news that she has been hired as a non-executive director by
entertainment company SyCo. Brady, who was awarded a CBE for 'services to
entrepreneurship and women in business' in the 2014 New Year Honours list
already has a number of business interests outside of West Ham United, where
she has been vice chair since David Sullivan and David Gold purchased the
club in January 2010. Last weekend it was revealed that Ms Brady, who is
also the Government's Small Business Ambassador has taken on the additional
role with TV tycoon Simon Cowell's company in order to advise on strategy.
SyCo, a joint venture between Cowell and publishing giant Sony Entertainment
are behind two of the world's most popular light entertainment franchises,
the TV series' The X Factor and ...Got Talent. The former chairman of
Birmingham City also returns to our TV screens later this month as sidekick
to Alan Sugar in long-running TV series the Apprentice. Later this year, the
Conservative Party Life Peer is set to be inducted into the House of Lords
as Baroness Brady.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Former owner facing fraud charge
KUMB.com
Filed: Monday, 13th October 2014
By: Staff Writer
The former owner of West Ham United, Bjorgolfur Gudmundsson, is one of ten
people being investigated by a French court for fraud. The 74-year-old
former banker, who lost his entire fortune in the world banking collapse of
2008 has been indicted by judge Renaud van Ruymbeke with regard to mortgages
granted by Landsbanki, then Iceland's second-largest bank, before the market
collapsed six years ago. It is claimed that between 2006 and 2008 Landsbanki
mortgaged hundreds of homes and businesses in exchange for cheap loans.
However those individuals who took up the bank's generous offer were left
high and dry in 2008 when Landsbanki went bust, leaving them out of pocket -
and many "financially ruined". Consequently, Gudmundsson and several other
partners involved in Landsbanki at the time are being investigated for
potential fraud - a charge that Gudmundsson's lawyer, Felix de Belloy,
rejects. "Nothing in the records suggests that the parent company was
following this type of financial product sold by the Luxembourg subsidiary,"
he said.
Gudmundsson - along with partner Eggert Magnusson - purchased West Ham
United FC from former main shareholder Terrence Brown in December 2006. They
promptly fired present managerial incumbent Alan Pardew, replacing him with
Alan Curbishley who kept the club in the Premier League by virtue of 'the
Great Escape'.
Gudmundsson was forced to relinquish control of the club in June 2009 when
he handed control to Straumur-Burdaras, who promptly appointed former Legal
Director Scott Duxbury at West Ham United's CEO.
Gudmundsson was previously found guilty of five fraud-related offences back
in the 1980s when chief executive of Icelandic shipping line Hafskip.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Neil McDonald says he's working with best West Ham squad
Last Updated: 13/10/14 6:08pm
SSN
The Upton Park outfit have invested steadily since Allardyce inherited the
managerial reins in the summer of 2011. Those funds have been put to good
use, with further quality additions made during the recent transfer window.
The likes of Enner Valencia, Aaron Cresswell, Alex Song, Cheikhou Kouyate
and Diafra Sakho were added to the ranks, and they have helped to raise the
bar another notch in east London.
"I think this is our best squad. We have been here three years and in the
third year your team should be a lot stronger and I think that is proving to
be right at the moment."
McDonald said in the Newham Recorder: "The new players have come in and
settled well which is a real bonus. "I think this is our best squad. We have
been here three years and in the third year your team should be a lot
stronger and I think that is proving to be right at the moment. "We have
great competition for places. Whoever the manager picks, it is going to be a
good team and if a player gets in, he will keep his place if he is playing
well." He added: "It creates good problems because everyone has to play
well and consistently to keep hold of the shirt. "If they don't, it is not a
question of them thinking a young kid is not going to take their place,
behind them are experienced professionals. "Mark Noble has dropped out
because he has a calf injury and Alex Song has come in and Mark must be
thinking 'am I going to get my position back?'
"Cheikhou Kouyate took the place by storm when he first came, now he has
dropped out through injury, is he going to get his place back?
"It is a fantastic situation to be in. It does create problems in trying to
keep everybody happy. That is a situation we have dealt with in the past
wherever me and Sam have been. "It is a lovely problem to have rather than
last season when we struggled because we didn't have enough players."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
ANDY CARROLL - WE WANT YOU TO PLAY
By HamburgHammer 13 Oct 2014 at 08:00
West Ham till I Die
It is strange for a club record signing to simply fall off the radar of a
football club, but this is exactly what happened to our favourite ponytailed
Geordie at West Ham.
Funny what a few goals and solid performances from some recently acquired
healthy strikers can do in that respect.
The Chronicle, apparently on the pulse of all news concerning England's
North East, are running a story that West Ham will be looking to cut their
losses and offer Carroll back to his hometown club Newcastle in January,
presumably for a bargain transfer fee provided that Newcastle take Carroll's
90K a week wages away from our wage bill.
Hugh Southon again claims that it will be difficult for West Ham to find a
role for Carroll when he's back from injury, due to Sakho and Valencia
playing so well together, all this according to assistant manager Neil
McDonald. All this makes a lot of sense when you read and hear it like that.
But at this point in time it is all academical as Carroll is not even back
from injury. Optimistic estimations put his return date at the end of
November, but we all know it takes players a while to get themselves match
fit and in top condition, especially 'wor' (Geordie slang for 'our') Andy.
We've heard all the unhealthy rumours of clubbing, boozing, falling off
table tennis tables while under the influence, about bones made of porcelain
and tissue made of pudding. While also hearing from the West Ham board that
this time finally they are confident that Carroll's injury problems will be
under control and he should be able to have a lengthy injury-free spell on
the pitch soon.
I've been a fierce critic on here in the past, admittedly only feeding off
rumours and having to witness like the rest of you Carroll being out for the
majority of his reign at West Ham. It's frustrating to see your club record
signing out injured all the time and the frustration doubles when you choose
to believe rumours of Carroll leading an unhealthy lifestyle not expected of
a professional athlete. On top of all that Carroll isn't even what you could
call a prolific goalscorer (except during his spell at Newcastle where he
scored 31 from 80 appearances), at West Ham he has scored a measly nine
goals in just 39 appearances spanning two seasons. Which about equals the
goal ratio of a certain often ridiculed Carlton Cole. Putting all of this
together I should be happy about rumours indicating an impending transfer to
Newcastle.
The truth is: I want Carroll to stay, I want him to play and I want him to
turn his career at West Ham on its head and start afresh. A healthy Carroll,
fingers crossed, knock on wood, all rabbits' feet over here now please, is
still undoubtedly one of the best British strikers. Period. He is 6ft 4in of
concentrated power and strength. It's hard for defenders to win a header
against Carroll without fouling him. Defenders all around the league hate
playing against him. Carroll makes every teammate playing with him better,
everybody seems to run a little bit faster, try that little bit harder to
win the ball and if defenders employ two players to deal with Carroll it
creates space for other West Ham teammates to exploit and cause havoc. I'm
100% positive that Carroll will thrive playing within our current setup,
with guys like Sakho, Zarate, Valencia, Downing, Jarvis.
Having so many other weapons out there will make Carroll's threat only that
much more lethal.
I've even heard rumours Carroll might probably play in some kind of
formation with Sakho and Valencia on the pitch at the SAME time. I'm not
sure it would work, but I'm itching to find out. A healthy Carroll with even
slightly above average form is almost unplayable.
It's time that Carroll paid West Ham back for the patience shown by the club
so far. Let's not get impatient now. With this squad Carroll no longer has
to carry the burden of being our saviour on the pitch – instead he is just
another very nasty weapon the opposition can NOT look forward to facing. We
can afford to show some more patience, bed Carroll in slowly, give him
playing time from the bench, try him out with different players alongside
him and see what works best.
Either way selling him in January would be sheer stupidity. Why should we
buy high and sell low ? Have we learned nothing from Liverpool ?
It's a bit of a gamble, but it should be well worth it. I still think it is
entirely possible that Carroll turns his career around at West Ham.
If we have to eventually sell him we should increase his market value first.
And that can only happen if we still find a playing role for him that allows
him to score goals and create goals for us.
Competition for places at West Ham is the best thing that could ever have
happened for Carroll. It should bring out the best in him. It should make
our team even better.
And it may ultimately help us to attract more good players coming to West
Ham next summer. I am confident that our Christmas Carroll will make sure
that West Ham finally won't come down with the christmas decorations again.
Another change at West Ham I'd love to see happening.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham won't improve Winston Reid offer
DUNCAN JOHNSTONE
Last updated 07:34 14/10/2014
Stuff.co.nz
West Ham United aren't getting into a bidding war over All Whites defender
Winston Reid with the latest reports in Britain suggesting the London club
won't improve their current "outstanding" over. Reid's future continues to
grab constant headlines in the UK with glamour clubs Liverpool, Manchester
United and Arsenal sniffing around the 26-year-old who comes off contract at
the Hammers at the end of the season. One report last week suggested Reid's
preference was Liverpool in a deal as high as $30 million. The latest
developments see West Ham and Reid's agents in a standoff. Specialist
football website Goal.com reported West Ham's owners were standing firm in
their contract negotiations with Reid. In a report, widely followed by major
news agencies there, they said West Ham "consider the offer 'outstanding'
and will not be increasing terms should Reid continue to play hardball".
It's believed the offer would make Reid, West Ham's player of the year in
2013, one of the club's highest paid players. Reid can walk away at the end
of the season as a free agent. He could also be snapped up in January's
transfer window if West Ham decide to try to make some money off him. But
the report said the Hammers "would only consider a January sale if the offer
is too good to refuse". West Ham manager Sam Allardyce doesn't want to sell
Reid cheaply given his strength to the club over the back half of the
season. West Ham are currently seventh in the English premier League with
three wins, a draw and three losses.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Andy Carroll not interested in playing for Newcastle United
Oct 13, 2014 14:00 By Lee Ryder
Former Newcastle United number 9 Andy Carroll rules out January move - even
if West Ham try to offload him
The chronicle
Andy Carroll will not return to Newcastle United to play under Alan Pardew.
The former Magpies striker has been linked with a January move from West Ham
United but has told close pals he has no intention of quitting the Hammers -
even if they did make him available for transfer in January. Carroll is
pencilled in for a return to first team action on the day Newcastle visit
Upton Park at the end of November. And he has told close pals that he wants
to give everything for West Ham after sustaining an ankle injury in
pre-season in order to repay Sam Allardyce for his support during tough
times. His agent Mark Curtis has also played down any talk of a return to
Newcastle and when asked about the possibility of a move he said: "Not a
chance." Instead Carroll, 25, wants to get back in form with West Ham and
reclaim his England place.
A source close to Carroll also said: "Andy is really happy in London. "He's
settled and he just wants to get back to scoring goals for West Ham. "He's
working very hard on fitness and hopes to be back on the pitch soon."
Allardyce said earlier this year: "He's got a partner and they have decided
to buy a house close to the training ground. "The big disappointment for me
and the sad thing for Andy is how depressed he's going to feel about his
injury." Carroll is currently in relationship with former TOWIE star Billi
Mucklow and has told friends how content he is in London. Carroll is
contracted to stay at West Ham until 2019.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Sakho…Valencia AND Carroll? YES PLEASE
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on October 13, 2014 in Whispers
Claret & Hugh
The name provokes extreme reactions and the Twitter keyboard warriors in
particular have posted some pretty shameful stuff about the lad since his
West Ham arrival. So let me say this straightaway: I don't give a toss about
scurrilous rumour-mongering, only what happens when he's on the pitch. And
yes I am aware of the charges touched on in the media and answered by the
player that his lifestyle doesn't affect his attitude or physical
attributes. The latest round of rumours – denied hotly by insiders to this
site – are that the Davids are ready to sell him at up to a £12 million loss
to Newcastle. Nonsense of course! But the purpose of this article is to
study why the player wasn't too effective last season and why he may be a
200 per cent better striker when he returns. Let's start by reminding
ourselves that football in the 21st century is a SQUAD game and those who
claim that because Enner Valencia and Diafra Sakho have started the season
so well we can wave goodbye to AC are, in my view talking rubbish.
Suspension, injury, loss of form will come into the equation eventually but
there's another top reason for keeping Carroll and it is this: When he was
used in the one up system last season – the big lump providing knock downs
and flick-ons – there was absolutely nobody following up!
Indeed he spent most of his time chasing them himself at times resembling
the headless chicken and thus reducing his effectiveness by around 50 per
cent minimum. Imagine the ammunition he may provide for either of the other
two strikers or both because let's not rule out playing three strikers.
Don't listen to me on that. Here's what Neil McDonald says: "When he does
become fit, will we keep the same formation? We'll wait and see, but it
would be interesting to play two up top with Andy." So the idea of getting
rid is a non starter at both financial and playing levels. I'm with the
assistant manager on this and looking forward to an even more attacking and
potent Irons when AC is fit again.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Jenkinson injury poses big question
Posted by Sean Whetstone on October 13, 2014 in Whispers
Clart & Hugh
It really is quite worrying that Carl Jenkinson was sent home by England
under 21 coach Gareth Southgate last week. And it certainly leaves some
possibly awkward questions to be answered as the 'injury was simply a
re0ccurence of the hamstring injury which has blighted his season so far..
The on loan right back from Arsenal missed the start of the season after
suffering a hamstring injury on his debut in a pre season friendly Germany.
After a lengthy lay-off he appeared in the QPR game and all looked well
until Southgate announced:"Carl has gone back to West Ham "He had had a
hamstring injury before last weekend and after the game against Queens Park
Rangers it had not quite settled down – he has not been able to train with
us this week." If Southgate and his medical team's view is correct it's
worrying that he appeared in the QPR game before being allowed to join up
with England in the first place. Let's hope we are returning to the old days
where injuries blight our season.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Irons eye Lazio defender
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on October 13, 2014 in Whispers
Claret & Hugh
The Irons are today being linked with a January move for Lazio right back
Abdoulaye Konko Faye. The 30 year old Frenchman is an attacking right back
of Senegalese and Moroccan descent and is believed to be on the wanted list
as a long term replacement for Guy Demel. Although the Hammers have on loan
Carl Jenkinson in place for this season, the club is covering its back
should Arsenal refuse to do business on a permanent basis. Konko signed a
five year deal with Lazio in 2011 at a fee of four million euros anc could
be available for around half that should the Italian decide to sell.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Irons join Man City…WBA on Babacar trail
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on October 13, 2014 in Whispers
Claret & Hugh
West Ham were among three clubs who sent a scout to watch Modena 20-goal top
scorer Khouma Babacar at the weekend. The player has now returned to his
club Fiorentina since but Irons scout George Dixon was inside the stadium to
watch the player. Also in attendance was Manchester City's Roberto Fattori
and West Bromwich Albion's Leonardo Masieri. The three watched the Serie B
game end in a 1-1 draw before the Modena club twitter account alerted the
world the trio were at the game! Babacar has spent the last two seasons out
on loan first with Padova in 2012/13 when he scored just one goal from 16
appearances before bursting into life at Modena last term with 20 goals from
41.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Julien Faubert makes history
Posted by Sean Whetstone on October 13, 2014 in Whispers
Claret & Hugh
Former Hammer Julien Faubert, who now plays for Bordeaux has used a legal
loophole to make his Martinique debut despite having previously represented
France. Faubert will now feature in football's history books and the odd pub
quiz. This is because he has joined the select group of players to have
turned out for two or more international teams. Faubert, born in Le Havre
but of Martinican descent, scored on second international debut, scoring the
equaliser in a 1-1 draw with Curaçao. He enjoyed a similar debut on his one
and only France cap (against Bosnia in August 2006), marking the occasion by
scoring the winner. The Martinican Football Association is not a FIFA member
thus allowing him to play for a second national team.
Faubert was signed by West Ham for £6.1 million on a five-year contract in
2007. He suffered a ruptured achilles tendon during a pre-season friendly
against Czech Republic side Sigma Olomouc, which was expected to take six
months to heal. In 2009 he entered the West Ham hall of fame when he went
on loan to Real Madrid for £1.5m loan fee. TV cameras caught him napping on
the subs bench and he returned in at the end of the loan period after making
2 sub appearances in a white shirt. He was released in May 2012 at the end
of his contract. He made 100 appearances scoring two goals.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
http://vyperz.blogspot.com
---
This email is free from viruses and malware because avast! Antivirus protection is active.
http://www.avast.com
Tuesday, October 14
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
Posts
