Daily WHUFC News - 18th October 2014

Preview - Burnley
WHUFC.com
All the key information ahead of Saturday's Barclays Premier League visit to
Turf Moor
17.10.2014

BURNLEY v WEST HAM UNITED
BARCLAYS PREMIER LEAGUE
TURF MOOR
SATURDAY 18 OCTOBER 2014
KICK-OFF: 3PM
REFEREE: KEVIN FRIEND

West Ham United App West Ham TV
In brief

West Ham United travel to Turf Moor to play Burnley on Saturday as Sam
Allardyce's men look to extend their good run of form. Last time out the
Hammers secured a convincing 2-0 win over London rivals Queens Park Rangers.
The Hammers have started the season well with ten points from the opening
seven games and a win on Saturday could take them to fourth, yet there is a
feeling around the club that the level of performances deserve even more
points. Burnley, however, have had a tough start to life back in the Premier
League after a four year absence. The Clarets are still looking for their
first league win after seven attempts. They have four points, having picked
up draws against Leicester City, Sunderland, Crystal Palace and Manchester
United.


Who are they?
Formed in 1882, newly promoted Burnley have been tipped by many pundits to
go straight back down to the Championship. While they have struggled to get
going so far, they are a much better side than people have given them credit
for.
The Lancashire club have won the league title twice, in 1920/21 and 1959/60.
Their single domestic cup win came way back in 1914 when they won the FA
Cup, beating Liverpool 1-0.
Recently, Burnley have flourished under manager Sean Dyche, who took over
almost exactly two years ago. Having been sacked by Watford, Dyche is
proving to be one of the most talented young managers around.
In his first season, the Clarets finished eleventh, while they sealed
promotion last term, coming second with an impressive 93 points.

Team news
West Ham United
Mark Noble is back after returning to full fitness over the international
break. Also back in training are James Collins, Guy Demel and Joey O'Brien,
who are returning from injury. The Hammers could still be without midfield
engine Cheikhou Kouyate who picked up a groin injury against Liverpool. Also
on the sidelines is Andy Carroll (ankle), who has started light training.

Burnley
A sextet of Burnley players could return to face the Hammers. Kieran
Trippier (ankle), Danny Ings, Dean Marney (both hamstring) and David Jones
(thigh) may return, while on-loan England U21 internationals Nathaniel
Chalobah and Michael Keane have overcome throat and hamstring injuries
respectively. Ex-hammer Matty Taylor is out with an Achilles injury while
last season's goal machine Sam Vokes, who scored 21 goals, is out until late
November after surgery on a knee injury.

Referee
Kevin Friend will take charge of proceedings on Saturday. The referee has
overseen four league matches this season including West Bromwich Albion's
surprise 1-0 victory at Tottenham and Everton's 2-2 draw with Arsenal.
Last season, West Ham lost both matches Friend refereed. The Hammers lost
1-0 away to Hull City and 3-1 to Arsenal.
The assistant referees are Simon Beck and Adam Nunn, Lee Mason is the fourth
official.

One to watch
West Ham United
Fans' favourite Mark Noble is back in contention after overcoming his calf
injury. The midfielder started the season brightly with a goal against
Southampton and a typically energetic performance in the 3-1 win over
Liverpool as captain. At 27 years old he is set to make his 200th league
appearance, and it seems just a matter of games until he breaks Steve Potts'
204 Premier League appearance record. Noble could partner Alex Song as a
holding midfielder, or he could just as easily fit into a central midfield
role as part of the successful diamond formation.

Burnley

Danny Ings is back after a hamstring injury. The striker was in deadly form
last season netting 26 times in 45 appearances. Still only 22 years old, the
striker already has scored 40 goals however he is yet to find the net in the
Premier League. Should he regain last season's form Burnley could climb the
table. The tenacious striker is a real threat, one that the Hammers' defence
will have to deal with to ensure a successful afternoon.

Tickets
Tickets will be available from the Burnley Ticket Office on the day of the
game, priced at £35 Adults, £24 Over-65s/Under-22s and £17 Under-18s

Travel
By Car: Exit M6 at Junction 29 onto the M65. Exit the M65 at junction 10 and
follow signs for Towneley Hall. This road eventually goes past Turf Moor.

Train: The nearest station is Burnley Manchester Road. From here, exit the
station and walk down Centenary Way, from where Turf Moor is clearly
visible. When you reach the roundabout at the end of the road, turn right
onto Yorkshire Street, which becomes Harry Potts Way. The ground is on your
left hand side.
From Burnley Central, follow signs for the town centre and then head left
towards the Gala Bingo Hall. From here, walk down Yorkshire Street and use
instructions from above.
Bus Routes: The Bus Station is situated relatively close to the ground, just
off Centenary Way. Leave the station and head towards the Gala Bingo Hall
opposite. Use the
underground footpath and then head under the aqueduct onto Yorkshire Street
and follow the instructions from above.
Weather
Forecasts predict an overcast day in Lancashire with temperatures reaching
up to 17C

Last meeting
Burnley 0-2 West Ham United
Capital One Cup
29 October 2013
Two converted penalties gave the Hammers a 2-0 win over Burnley, then in the
Championship.
West Ham progressed to the semi-finals of the Capital One Cup where they
faced a strong Manchester City side.
Burnley: Heaton (Noble 90), Shackell, K. Long, Mee, Trippier, Edgar, Treacy,
Stock, Stanislas (Kightly 84), Ings, Vokes
Subs not used: Hewitt, Lafferty, Howieson, Liversedge, Duff
Sent-off: Treacy
West Ham United: Adrian, Ruddock, Potts, Tomkins (Nolan 71), Chambers,
O'Brien, J Cole, Diame (Collison 45), Taylor, C. Cole (Downing 60), Maiga.
Subs not used: D Tombides, Morrison, Fanimo, Spiegel
Goals: Taylor pen 76, Collison pen 90

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Chadwell Chatter
WHUFC.com
A positive Mark Noble is hoping to return to action at Burnley on Saturday
16.10.2014

Hello everyone,

I am pleased to report that I returned to training with the boys this week
and, all being well, I hope to be part of the action at Burnley on Saturday.
If I do get on the pitch, it will be my 200th Premier League appearance for
West Ham United - an achievement I would naturally be very proud of. As
someone who has been here for many years, I can say that the start of the
season has been one of my most enjoyable periods at West Ham United. The
brand of football we've played and the performances we have put in have made
it very enjoyable to be part of.

It was all well and good for the Joint-Chairman to say in the summer that he
wanted us to play more entertaining football, but he then went out and put
his hand in his pocket to bring good players into the squad. We're all
talking about going to the new Stadium and being in the top six in the
Barclays Premier League, but if you don't invest in the squad, that won't be
the case.

It is encouraging for everyone that we are doing that. We have brought in
some very good, hungry players who want to play, want to learn and want to
score goals, and it has boosted the whole place. I've said in the past that
it's important that we continually improve the squad and it seems like we
have done that.

With that in mind, we want to continue our promising start at Turf Moor,
pick up another three points and strengthen our position in the table. I
thought we were unlucky up at Manchester United and, with Wayne Rooney
getting sent-off, we should have got something out of the game, but it
didn't quite go for us.

Queens Park Rangers at home was another good performance from the boys. We
needed that win because we had been playing well but hadn't got
as many points as we should have got.

We go into the weekend on ten points and we are off to Burnley, which is a
tough place to go - we all know that.
That said, we have a near fully-fit squad now so the gaffer has got some
choices to make and I'm sure all the boys have been training as hard as they
can this week to try and get into the team.

There is a real belief in the squad at the moment. We played really well at
Crystal Palace and then we had a poor game at home against Southampton for a
few reasons.

We then went away to Hull and played Liverpool at home and they were massive
games for us, giving Diafra Sakho and Enner Valencia the confidence that
they can score goals in the Barclays Premier League.

We blew Liverpool away and the fans got really excited about that, as did we
as players. Hopefully we can carry that form on. Burnley will be a difficult
place to go, but if we can bring three points away from there, that will be
brilliant.

Have a great weekend!
Nobes

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Reid ready for Burnley
WHUFC.com
West Ham United's Winston Reid is relishing Saturday's game away at Turf
Moor.
17.10.2014

West Ham United defender Winston Reid has had a successful start to this
season, starting every one of the Hammers' games so far. Having overcome the
ankle injury that kept him out for a large chunk of of last season, Reid has
again become a mainstay of Sam Allardyce's backline. The Hammers now travel
to newly promoted Burnley and speaking ahead of the match at Turf Moor, Reid
said: "I think in a way it's tougher to go to teams who have just been
promoted. They've just come up from the Championship, which is a very tough
league as well.
"We have to be careful and make sure they don't get their first win of the
season against us on Saturday. "We'll approach the game in the same way we
do every game. We analyse our positions, the opposition and see what their
strengths and weaknesses are. "Like every team they'll areas we can exploit.
It'll be a tough game, they always are against newly promoted teams,
especially away but we're all looking forward to it after a long
international break."

Having kept their first clean sheet with a 2-0 win over Queens Park
Ranger's, Reid is hoping it proves to be the first of many: "As a defender
it's one of my main jobs to keep the ball out of the back of the net. It was
nice to get our first clean sheet against QPR. We got 14 clean sheets last
year so hopefully we can build on that."

The Kiwi is pleased with his run in the team and believes it has helped him
to play his best football. "I think continuity is important for all players.
Ultimately it's up to you to do well in training, force your way into the
team and then keep your position. We have a big squad now, so a lot of guys
are waiting to come into the side. If anyone does slip up I'm sure they'll
be ready to step in."

Reflecting on the Hammers' bright start the season, he continued: "The first
couple of games we didn't get the results we wanted but in September we've
done pretty well. We got some important wins, especially at home we're
starting to hit some form, so it's been good.
"I think the Liverpool game was a big turning point for us. With us being at
home and considering they had a fantastic season last year, that was a
fantastic win for us. It was good for our confidence as well."

Looking ahead to the rest of the season, Reid is confident the Hammers are
set for a successful year. "I think top ten is a reasonable aim, we've got
the squad to do that with the new players that have come in. It's really
depends on us, it's in our hands. "We need to keep getting points on the
board. Apart from that we need to stick to the basics that we've doing so
well. Keep improving as a team and individuals, and we'll do well."

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Teddy eyes Turf Moor triumph
WHUFC.com
2005 match-winner Teddy Sheringham would love to record another victory at
Burnley
17.10.2014

Ten seasons ago, West Ham United recorded their last league win at Burnley.
The Hammers' hero that day was none other than Teddy Sheringham, who
converted Marlon Harewood's 83rd-minute cross to give the visitors a 1-0
Championship victory. The success helped West Ham to maintain their fraught
challenge for a Play-Off position, which ultimately ended in a sixth-place
finish, victory over Preston North End and promotion to the Premier League.
"I remember I put it through the defender's [on-loan Bolton Wanderers player
and current England international Gary Cahill] legs on the line, which was a
bit cheeky really!" the 48-year-old correctly recalled. "It seemed at the
time it was the only place I could put the ball. "Going away to Burnley, it
was a tough game and it was great to get a result and obviously great to get
on the scoresheet again."

Nearly a decade later, attacking coach Sheringham and his colleagues will
return to Turf Moor for a Barclays Premier League meeting with the
newly-promoted Clarets. As it was a decade ago, a visit to Burnley's home
ground of 131 years offers a different type of challenge to that posed at
the giant modern stadia used by many of the Barclays Premier League's
biggest clubs. While the surroundings may be more traditional, Sheringham
said West Ham's players should concentrate fully on the job in hand -
winning the football match. "That is what has worked for them," he said. "I
know Sean Dyche, his assistant Ian Woan and first-team coach Tony Loughlan
up there and they are good lads and they will get that to work in their
favour. "They will tell their lads that we are southern softies who won't
want it and that we'll be coming up there to a small wooden dressing room
and all be moaning and getting on each other's nerves. "They use that to
their advantage but we've got to counter-act that, roll up our sleeves and
grind out a result. If we do that, then we've got a chance of coming away
with a win."

One further challenge that West Ham will have to overcome at Burnley is the
home side's returning striker Danny Ings, who is expected to return to
action after a hamstring injury. "His return is a massive boost for them,"
Sheringham confirmed, "but we all know what it is like when you come back
from injury and you've been out for a while - it takes time to get going and
let's hope it takes him time to get going and he comes good in a couple of
weeks, once this game is out of the way!"

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On this day - 18 October
WHUFC.com
West Ham United recorded a solid 3-0 win in a fiesty affair at the Boleyn
Ground in 1997
18.10.2014

Classic match
West Ham United 3-0 Bolton Wanderers
Premier League
18 October 1997

West Ham continued their fine home form with a comfortable win over the
Trotters which moved them up to eighth in the Premier League.
In a hard fought game it took 66 minutes before Eyal Berkovic broke the
deadlock and just moments later the visitors were down to ten men after
Gerry Taggart was sent-off for a foul on Craig Forrest. John Hartson doubled
the lead after 75 minutes and put the finishing touches to the win with his
second goal in injury time. The Hammers went onto finish eighth with a fine
home record which saw them lose only twice at the Boleyn Ground.

Complete record - 18 October
1919 West Ham United 1-0 Grimsby Town (Division Two)
1924 Nottingham Forest 2-1 West Ham United (Division One)
1930 West Ham United 4-3 Blackburn Rovers (Division One)
1947 West Ham United 0-0 Birmingham City (Division Two)
1952 West Ham United 3-2 Nottingham Forest (Division Two)
1958 West Bromwich Albion 2-1 West Ham United (Division One)
1969 Wolverhampton Wanderers 1-0 West Ham United (Division One)
1975 Middlesbrough 3-0 West Ham United (Division One)
1980 Oldham Athletic 0-0 West Ham United (Division Two)
1986 Norwich City 1-1 West Ham United (Division One)
1989 West Ham United 5-0 Sunderland (Division Two)
1997 West Ham United 3-0 Bolton Wanderers (Premier League)
2003 West Ham United 2-2 Burnley (Championship)
2011 Southampton 1-0 West Ham United (Championship)
Played 14, Won 5, Drawn 4, Lost 5, Scored 21, Conceded 18

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Pike targeting further success
WHUFC.com
Academy player Alex Pike is enjoying the U18s superb start to their league
campaign
17.10.2014

West Ham United U18s right-back Alex Pike has been in good form following
his return to the side after a lengthy knee injury. Steve Potts' U18 have
made a brilliant start to their season as they remain unbeaten after eight
league games. Speaking ahead of the U18s away fixture with Fulham this
Saturday, Pike enthused about being back in the team. "It's brilliant to be
playing week in, week out," he said. "It's good just to be back fit without
any problems lingering about. In every day training you pick up little
knocks, but all the problems I had at the start of the year seemed to have
disappeared which is good."

Alongside Pike, the Academy also have talented right-backs in Kyle Knoyle
and Joe Linley. Pike maintains that competition for places is a good thing,
for the players and the team. "It's brilliant as it spurs us all on. The end
result is that you get the best out of everyone. You keep on pushing for
your place. Some weeks you might not play but you have to use the negatives
to motivate you and to keep going."
Since coming back from injury, Pike has started five of the eight league
games as he returns to match fitness: "Out of the games I've played I think
I've done quite well. Some games were better than others, and I know I've
still got things to work on, but overall I'm pleased with how I've started
the season."

A further positive for Pike is that the U18s have kept three consecutive
clean sheets in games against Reading, Brighton and Arsenal.
"I must admit in recent games we've been very solid. I think the whole back
four have really grown as a unit. "Vashon Neufville is a very good player.
He's still an U16 but he's grown into U18s football. The whole back four
have done well, as well as the goalkeeper as have the two holding
midfielders. Defensively the whole team has improved massively."

When Pike originally joined the prestigious West Ham academy, he was a
midfielder, however over the years he was developed into a right-back.
However, Pike has not lost the desire to get forward and his exploits were
rewarded against Brighton. "Yeah I intercepted the pass, switched the play
and moved on up the field. I put the ball in a good area which then went in
the back of the net as an own goal. So I was pleased nonetheless."

Saturday's opponents are Fulham who have made an erratic start to their
season. Having taken ten points from the opening seven games, the Cottagers
lie in seventh. While they have only scored eight goals so far, Pike knows
the U18s are in for another tough test. "I expect a good game, as we always
do. I think we've prepared well for the game. We'll go into it same as the
other games. We won't be worried who we're facing, we just need to ready and
up for it. "We're expecting them to be threatening going forward. They're
wide men are usually very effective. The back four will have to be on form,
but ideally we should be able to keep another clean sheet."

West Ham United U18s play away at Fulham on Saturday, with kick-off at 11am.

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Burnley v West Ham
KO 15:00
17 October 2014
Last updated at 11:35
By Alan Green
BBC Match of the Day commentator

BARCLAYS PREMIER LEAGUE
Venue: Turf Moor Date: Saturday, 18 October

TEAM NEWS

Burnley manager Sean Dyche expects to have Danny Ings, Kieran Trippier,
David Jones, Nathaniel Chalobah and Michael Keane all available following
injuries. However, Dean Marney and Steven Reid are unlikely to feature,
while Matt Taylor needs an Achilles operation.
West Ham midfielder Mark Noble is expected to play after returning to
training following a calf injury. Striker Enner Valencia should also be
involved despite his long trip after playing for Ecuador in midweek.

MATCH PREVIEW

What is there not to like about Sean Dyche? There is no side to the Burnley
manager. Ask him a question and he delivers an honest answer.
Speaking at a sports conference last week, he was asked whether it was
Burnley's spirit that was the key to their success. "Don't be silly," he
responded with a look of complete seriousness. "It's all me." I can still
hear the laughter of the audience. "Burnley have got plenty of spirit but
they will need more than that." "They are getting to the stage where they
are desperate for a first victory, not just for the three points but more so
to prove to themselves that they can win in this division."
How can you crack jokes when your team hasn't won any of seven games since
being promoted to the Premier League? Well, you can when, like Dyche, you
keep everything in perspective. He knows football is "the maddest business"
in which "nonsensical decisions are made all the time". Dyche was sacked at
Watford because of a change of business plan. Daft. Burnley are sensibly
staying within their means. They and Dyche will do everything they can to
stay up but won't mortgage their future to do so - good on them. Dyche feels
no pressure.
Perhaps Sam Allardyce did. The West Ham boss was certainly targeted by a
substantial section of the club's support last season. Yes, they wanted to
stay up, and Allardyce doesn't need to remind anyone of his undoubted
ability in that regard, but did they have to endure that brand of football?
If they're still complaining, it's in far fewer numbers. The Hammers have
been a joy to watch recently and Allardyce deserves enormous credit. He has
given more scope to the likes of Stewart Downing, who has actually created
as many goalscoring chances in the Premier League this campaign as Chelsea's
Cesc Fabregas - who, rightly, has been praised to the skies. I love Sam's
new signings, especially Diafra Sakho and Enner Valencia. There are goals
aplenty. The same cannot be said for Burnley, who will hope the likes of
last season's top scorer Danny Ings and Dean Marney can be coaxed back from
injury quickly.

MATCH FACTS

Head-to-head
Burnley are unbeaten in their last three league meetings with West Ham (W2,
D1).
They have scored at least two goals in each of their last four league games
against the Hammers.
West Ham have failed to keep a clean sheet in their last 13 top-flight
meetings with Burnley.

Burnley
Burnley are still looking for their first Premier League win since May 2010.
Their previous two league games at Turf Moor have ended 0-0. They have never
had three consecutive goalless draws at home in the top flight.
Sean Dyche's team have only scored three goals in seven matches this season
- the lowest number in the league and they also have the lowest shot
conversion ratio (5%).
Burnley have used more English players in the Premier League this season
than any other side (13).

West Ham
West Ham have won three of their first seven Premier League games of 2014-15
- they won just three of their opening 20 league matches last season.
They are looking for consecutive league wins for the first time since March.
The Hammers have scored six goals from set-piece situations this season -
more than any other Premier League side.
No player has created more goalscoring chances in the Premier League this
season than Stewart Downing (22 - level with Cesc Fabregas).
If Diafra Sakho scores against Burnley, he will join Carlton Cole as the
only West Ham players to have scored in five successive Premier League
matches.
Mark Noble could make his 200th Premier League appearance for West Ham in
this match - only Steve Potts (203) has made more.

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Danny Gabbidon's world record equalled
KUMB.com
Filed: Friday, 17th October 2014
By: Staff Writer

Few if any of our readers will know much - if anything at all - about
Vancouver Whitecaps' Costa Rican defender, Kendall Waston. However the
26-year-old centre half now enjoys a tenuous link with West Ham United
having equalled a record previously held by former Irons defender Danny
Gabbidon, set in 2006. Since Opta began tracking statistics in European
football, Gabbidon - along with Palermo's Giuseppe Biava (in 2004) - holds
the record for number of defensive clearances in a single game, at 18. That
was a feat unmatched anywhere in the last eight years until the 6ft5in
Waston equalled the pair's record against Seattle Sounders last week in a
narrow 1-0 win for his Whitecaps team. In addition to the 18 clearances made
Waston, according to mlssoccer.com, produced "four interceptions, six
recoveries and three blocks in 90 minutes. "Those numbers do not compare to
anything we've seen in MLS since at least 2010, when Opta began tracking
every move of the players in the league and turned them into statistics." By
comparison, when Gabbidon equalled Biava's record in the 3-2 win at Arsenal
on 1 February 2006, he added seven interceptions, eight recoveries and three
blocks - whilst the Italian boasted four interceptions, seven recoveries and
four blocked shots. Which by our reckoning, means that West Ham's former
Welsh defender wins on a tie-break...

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Big Sam's unlikely ally
KUMb.com
Filed: Friday, 17th October 2014
By: Staff Writer

Sam Allardyce's pragmatic style, as witnessed for much of the last season at
the Boleyn Ground (less so this year) has long been a bone of contention
amongst some West Ham supporters. However he found himself an unlikely ally
today when Burnley boss Sean Dyche insisted that winning a game of football
was more important that the manner in which it is accomplished. "People talk
about brands but at the end of the day the best brand you'll ever have is
winning," said former Millwall defender Dyche, speaking to the (local)
Telegraph on the eve of West Ham's trip to Turf Moor. "That's the job and
that's what we're certainly trying to do. "If you can do it in beautiful,
glorious ways, fantastic. If you can't, you've still got to win. That's the
job, whatever you have to do."

The 43-year-old former centre half, who has been in charge of Burnley for
two years this month also revealed he met Allardyce earlier this week - a
fellow manager who, Dyche insists, he has the utmost respect for. "I was
with Sam on Tuesday night at a charity event down in London, and I had a
good chat with him," he said. "I have a lot of respect for him, as I have
for all of the managers. "His record speaks for itself throughout his career
and he's still working at the top level of football and doing a good job.
Sam has his beliefs for sure and his record backs up his beliefs. Whatever
the perception is, he gets the job done."

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Nolan appreciates fan support
KUMB.com
Filed: Friday, 17th October 2014
By: Staff Writer

Kevin Nolan had told West Ham's boo boys that criticism of his performances
is water off a duck's back. Nolan was criticised by a small section of
travelling fans at Manchester United upon making his comeback from injury
and then by a more sizeable minority when replacing Mauro Zarate against
Queens Park Rangers a fortnight ago this weekend. However the 32-year-old
says he is not fazed by the whiners and whingers, adding that he'll continue
to let his football do the talking." My dad and brother heard it and they
told me afterwards," Nolan told Ken Dyer (Standard). "At the end of the
day, if people want to boo men, that's up to them. I don't look at websites
so I don't read any of it but people have told me that many fans were not
happy with the negative reaction and I do appreciate that. "I'm part of a
fantastic squad, I'm trying to do my best, I always will. I will know when
it's time for me to go, or the gaffer or the chairman will. Until then, I
will continue to give one hundred per cent. "They [the boo boys] won't get a
reaction out of me - they might do out of my dad, though, because he wasn't
happy. To me, though, it was nothing because I know it wasn't deserved. I
know the negative supporter always shouts louder than the masses who are
there to support their team."

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West Ham boss Sam Allardyce keen to see Winston Reid sign new deal
Last Updated: 16/10/14 11:00pm
SSN

Sam Allardyce has admitted Winston Reid's contract situation is a concern
for everyone at West Ham as the New Zealand defender has yet to extend his
deal. The 26-year-old was named the Hammers' player of the year last season
and has developed into a highly-rated defender, reportedly drawing the
interests of Premier League rivals Arsenal and Liverpool. Having moved to
Upton Park from FC Midtjylland in 2008, Reid has made 100 league appearances
and has become a key member of Allardyce's backline. His current contract
expires next summer and, with Reid believed to be holding out for improved
terms, he has yet to pen an extension and will be able to enter negotiations
with other clubs in the new year. Allardyce, though, is keen to work on a
resolution, saying: "It is not only a concern for me, but it is a concern
for the owners. "There's been talk about Winston and his contract for a
pretty long period now which is obviously not my responsibility.
"But hopefully, sooner rather than later, that will come to a conclusion and
a positive one. I can only hope that is going to be a positive result in the
end. "It's not that he doesn't want to stay. It's about the financial
remuneration and whether they can come to the right level and right give or
take or negotiation that gets us to a point where he will say, 'Yes'. That's
always the hard bit today.
"If we could tie him up tomorrow then I think the owners, particularly, and
myself would like that and not have it lingering. It's always a difficult
negotiation."

West Ham go to Burnley on Saturday having collected their first clean sheet
of the season in the 2-0 win over QPR before the international break. Reid
has been an ever-present so far this season, with a number of his defensive
colleagues having already been forced to sit out some games through injury
and, although his future is likely to remain in some doubt in the coming
weeks, Allardyce has no qualms about keeping him in the heart of his
defence. "No, not really," Allardyce replied when asked if the contract
wrangles could affect Reid's performances. "Winston's had a long-term injury
last year and sometimes it can take time to get back to what he can be.
"Certainly now that the injury has fully recovered and he's back to his
defensive best, which is very important for us. "We got our first clean
sheet of the season against QPR, which gave us the platform to win that game
comfortably. I believe they have to go with the mentality to repeat that
against Burnley. "Winston is on top of his game. With the back four now
that's come together for the first time, we have looked pretty solid. "With
Carl (Jenkinson) playing, Aaron (Cresswell) feeling his way into the Premier
League and James Tomkins and Winston. It is a new back four. If he can
repeat what he did against QPR then it gives us a fantastic platform to try
and go and win."

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Burnley host West Ham at Turf Moor
Last Updated: 17/10/14 4:15pm
SSN

Burnley will be aiming to secure their first win of the season when they
host West Ham at Turf Moor on Saturday. The Clarets have yet to taste
victory since return to the top-flight this season, with their four points
all coming from draws. Chamberlin on Burnley v West Ham
This tally leaves them sandwiched between Newcastle and QPR - who have the
same number of points - in the bottom three, with only a superior goal
difference keeping them above the latter. However, all of their four draws
have come in the last five games, with their only defeat in that run being a
4-0 loss at West Brom at the end of September. In their last match, a
90th-minute goal from substitute Ross Wallace earned them a 2-2 draw at
fellow promoted side Leicester. West Ham have enjoyed a much better start to
the season, amassing 10 points from their seven games to leave them seventh
in the table.

Opta facts

Burnley are unbeaten in their last three league meetings with the Hammers
(W2 D1), scoring exactly twice in each encounter.
Diafra Sakho is the first West Ham player to score in four consecutive
Premier League games since Carlton Cole in the 2008/09 campaign. Cole scored
in five successive games on this run.
Burnley have scored a league-low three goals after seven matchdays and they
have the lowest shot conversion ratio (5%).
This includes a 3-1 victory over Liverpool and a 2-0 triumph over QPR in
their last game before the international break.

In Diafra Sakho they have one of the league's most in-form strikers, with
the Senegalese having scored in each of his last five games for the club.
The last time these two met at Turf Moor in the top-flight was in 2009/10,
when goals from David Nugent and Kevin McDonald were enough to give the home
side a 2-1 win.

Team news

Burnley's injury problems have eased ahead of the match at Turf Moor.
Striker Danny Ings (hamstring), midfielders Nathaniel Chalobah (throat) and
Dave Jones (thigh) and defenders Kieran Trippier (ankle) and Michael Keane
(hamstring) should all be fit enough to be included in the squad. Matthew
Taylor needs an Achilles operation and the game is also likely to come too
soon for fellow midfielders Dean Marney (hamstring) and Steven Reid (groin).

Hammers boss Sam Allardyce is hoping to have midfielder Mark Noble fit and
available for the game. The 27-year-old has been missing with a calf injury
but returned to training during the international break and could feature.
Hammers boss Allardyce will also be keen for Enner Valencia to be involved
despite travelling to play for Ecuador but the likes of Guy Demel (thigh),
Andy Carroll (ankle) Joey O'Brien (knee), Cheikhou Kouyate and James Collins
(both groin) all remain sidelined.

Paul Merson's prediction I don't see Burnley getting their first win here
and I think they're struggling, I really do. They pulled up trees to get
promotion last season, but now the two main players who got them up - Danny
Ings and Sam Vokes - are injured and you have to feel sorry for them. I hope
this season doesn't turn into a damp squib, but it's so hard with two
centre-forwards injured. I think West Ham are in their stride at the moment,
Diafra Sakho is scoring goals for fun and they are probably more of a threat
in their away games these days because of the pace they have. I think West
Ham will win. PAUL PREDICTS: 1-3

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West Ham starlet Diego Poyet wanted by both England and Uruguay in
international tug of war
Oct 16, 2014 22:30 By Simon Bird
The 19-year-old has impressed for the Hammers this season, and father Gus
Poyet has told him to make a decision soon on his international future
The Mirror

Diego Poyet is at the centre of an international tug of war. The West Ham
teenager is wanted by Uruguay and England, and father Gus Poyet has told him
to make his own mind up. The midfielder is catching the eye after breaking
into the Hammers first team this season, with England keen to get him into
the FA's system. But Sunderland boss Poyet senior said: "He has been called
up by Uruguay for some friendlies ahead of the Under-20s World Cup next
summer in New Zealand. "The qualification games are in South America in
January and February. He has also been called up for England and they want
to see if he is available for them. It is a little bit of a difficult
situation and I think he just needs some time to make up his own mind and
make a decision. "It is not fair to go for one country and then change to
another. When he made a decision to play for England it was as an Under-16
and he had no choice of going to Uruguay as he was still at school.
"His mother, my wife, and I decided you can't go to Uruguay for a month and
miss out on school - no chance. Now he is a professional football player and
he is free to travel any time. "It is a decision he has to make and it is
getting very close, but it is not easy because it is not simple for him. His
family is from Uruguay but he has lived for 15 years in England. It could go
either way. "My wife and I will put our thoughts to him but without too much
pressure. I have said to him 'you need to decide' because I don't want him
to do something, then five years later he comes up to me and says you made
me do that. "I want it to be his decision and he has got to make it pretty
soon. He is getting well known now in Uruguay because this is the first case
of its type, but I suppose it is a nice problem to have."

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham boss Sam Allardyce won't 'Do a Fergie' and keep managing into his
70s
Oct 17, 2014 22:30 By Phil Cadden
Big Sam still loves the game as he approaches 60 - but not that much. PLUS:
His view on his younger self being the spit of pop star Harry Styles
The Mirror

Sam Allardyce insists he will not copy Sir Alex Ferguson and manage into his
seventies. West Ham boss Big Sam is getting ready to celebrate his 60th
birthday and wants his players to deliver the perfect present on Saturday -
three points at Burnley. Allardyce insists there is plenty of life left in
him – a stark contrast to his mindset a decade ago when he took part in a TV
­documentary about the pressures of management and how the stresses can take
its toll on your health. Yet, when asked if he could surpass old friend and
legendary Manchester United manager Sir Alex, who retired at the age of 71
in May 2013, in terms of longevity, the answer was emphatic.
"No, I don't think so,' said Allardyce. "When it comes to the crunch, when
you get to your senior years, you judge each year as it goes on. "You don't
want to overstay your welcome. I don't want to fall into the trap of doing
it for the sake of it. You've always got to have that internal pride and
desire. I feel terrible I'm 60, but there's plenty of life left in me. I
can't believe I've got six-o next to my name! I don't know where it's all
gone, but, as everyone warns you, it goes quicker and quicker the older you
get. "When I wake up in the morning and think, 'I've got to get off to
work', I don't feel 60. But now I am, I'll have to accept it. "For me, it's
never been work. I've always said it's all about the ­enjoyment you get out
of the game and what a wonderful life it's given you from the time you left
school. "Even though there's hard times along the way, it's always been very
satisfying and different. It never becomes boring and, while you're under
pressure, you accept that as part of the job. "The delight is in the
camaraderie and the team spirit – and, hopefully, the results you gain by
doing the job." Allardyce said: "I've seen the pictures - I've got them on
my bedroom wall! I was shocked to see how much I look like him. "I don't
know who actually came across them. It was on social media, I think. But I
have to say, it fetched a chuckle, as we say in Lancashire. None of the
players have said anything about it to me yet, but the staff have. I'm
surprised it's not up somewhere in the training ground."
Life is good for a rejuvenated Allardyce, with his side sitting seventh in
the Premier League. Now, he has called on his players to record back-to-back
victories for the first time and put birthday boy in the mood to party with
old faces and several managerial counterparts, including the likes of Steve
Bruce. Allardyce added: "Hopefully, my biggest present will be three points
against Burnley, then I can enjoy the night out with a few friends who are
local and I don't see too much of, being down here now. "I would love to
­challenge the players to show the mentality and desire to get back-to-back
victories. I'd be absolutely delighted. "It would make a big confidence
boost and a massive statement for us, if we could win. But I must warn
everybody that - apart from one game - Burnley have been very good
defensively."

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LEROY RECKONS WE WIN 2-0…Take him on here!
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on October 17, 2014 in Whispers
Claret & Hugh

ClaretandHugh's top columnist/analyst gives his view on tomorrow's match at
Turf Moor. Here he gives his view, scoreline and scorers – are you ready to
take him on. Leave your view below. Winners get an honorable mention on the
site on Sunday Tomorrow the Irons are off to Burnley and although these
games are never easy – I know as an ex manager – I expect a 2-o win with
Stewart Downing and Enner Valencia grabbing the goals.

These are exciting times to be a Hammer and I'm loving it. A great win
tomorrow and it really takes the pressure off having grabbed back to back
wins.We can go in against Manchester City next weekend and have a real go
which is the way to play that team because if you try to defend against
them in the end they will break you down in the end. If you are on the front
foot they are beatable. COYI

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Leroy: 'Winston can't buy what he has at Boleyn'
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on October 17, 2014 in Whispers
Claret & Hugh

Winston Reid needs to stay exactly where is is – at West Ham United where he
has become a hero. It's perfectly understandable that he wants to land the
best possible deal at this stage of his career but he can never get anywhere
else what he already has at the Boleyn – respect, admiration and is possibly
the first name on the team sheet. I have to say as well that I really don't
think he is a top four or six defender. I really don't see Man Utd, Chelsea,
Man City, Liverpool or Arsenal coming for him. And even were one of them to
do so, there's no way he would be a first team regular and does he really
want to spend the next stage of his career kicking his heels in the ressies
now and again. There are some things that money can't buy and that is the
sort of loyalty and fan base that Winston has at West Ham. Everybody loves
the bloke from the fans to the chairmen who are obviously doing all they can
to keep him at the club. I know those fans. I didn't have the longest career
at the Boleyn but if I had stayed well I think I would still have been there
at the end of my career and I'd love to be involved with the club now, it's
a great club. So my advice to Winston is this …get the biro out mate and
sign away the next five years to one of the best clubs in the land because
if none of the big boys are coming in for (you and perhaps even if they are)
the Boleyn is the best bet for you.

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Hammers Scout Japanese star
Posted by Sean Whetstone on October 17, 2014 in Whispers
Claret & Hugh

FSV Mainz 05 star striker Shinji Okazaki is being chased by the Hammers,
according to German media.The German newspaper Bild has reported that scouts
from West Ham were spotted watching him at his last match. Okazaki has
scored five goals this season for Mainz who fifth in the Bundesliga league.
The Japan International is contracted at the club until the summer of 2016
but the German side could be tempted to cash in for the 28 year-old in the
next window if the right offer is made. Mainz could accept offers for around
8- 10 million euros. In the last year, the number 23 has scored 39 goals in
79 games – averaging a goal every other game.

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McAvennie: Irons can make the top six
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on October 17, 2014 in Whispers
WHUFC.com

Striking legend Frank McAvennie is delighted that Sam Allardyce has defied
all expectations and produced an Irons side that is playing football to
feet! But he laughs: "No way in the world are Sakho and Valencia the new
Supermac and TC." A smile is never far away when Frank is on the case
talking Irons but he's deadly serious in his assessment that the team can
land a place in the top six this season.
Speaking exclusively to ClaretandHugh he said: "It was desperate last year
and I understand why the fans reacted as they did but this year is
absolutely brilliant and I am delighted that Sam Allardyce has gone two up
because that's the secret. "It could be even better when Andy Carroll is
back because they could even go three up as Andy is more than a big lump.
"He's a bloody good footballer on the ground and can bring players into the
game. That's gonna be fun. Macca says he was never among those who believed
the manager only had one way of playing saying: "I remember how he mixed it
up at Bolton but we needed to see it change here from last season and I like
everyone else am thrilled."The Hammers are actually a top 13 team at the
worst of times – which was last year – and we should always be a top ten
side. "On that basis, given the way they are playing this season I reckon
they can make it into the top six. "Outside of the big boys there aren't
many around, if any, who are better than us so why shouldn't we be in the
top half a dozen." Macca is coming down for an Essex signing session on
November 23 but will also be at the Boleyn for the match next weekend
against Manchester City. He said: "I can't wait for that one because I
really think it will show exactly how far we've come. It's a benchmark. In
the meantime well done the board ,Sam and the coaching staff. It's going
really well."

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Kevin Nolan: West Ham boo boys bother my father more than me
Evening Standard
KEN DYER
Published: 17 October 2014 Updated: 12:39, 17 October 2014

Kevin Nolan has hit back at a section of West Ham fans after he was jeered
during their home game against Queens Park Rangers. Club captain Nolan came
on as a second-half substitute and wasted a glorious opportunity to score in
the 2-0 victory. Nolan claims he did not hear any boos from supporters and
that his father was more concerned than he was about what happened. "When I
went on I had instructions from the gaffer and I needed to organise things.
My dad and brother heard it, though, and they told me afterwards," said
Nolan, who is likely to start on the bench again tomorrow for the game at
Burnley following his return from a fractured shoulder. "At the end of the
day, if people want to boo men, that's up to them. I don't look at websites
so I don't read any of it but people have told me that many fans were not
happy with the negative reaction and I do appreciate that. "I've had a great
playing career and, I know, if you ask most Bolton fans now who they would
like to come back and lead them, I would be up there near the top. The same
for Newcastle fans."I'm part of a fantastic squad, I'm trying to do my best,
I always will. I will know when it's time for me to go, or the gaffer or the
chairman will. Until then, I will continue to give one hundred per cent.
"They [the boo boys] won't get a reaction out of me — they might do out of
my dad, though, because he wasn't happy. To me, though, it was nothing
because I know it wasn't deserved. "I know the negative supporter always
shouts louder than the masses who are there to support their team."

Nolan should, by rights, still be gently nursing his way back to fitness
after the shoulder injury he sustained during training in August. Instead,
he is putting pressure on manager Sam Allardyce to put him back in the first
team following his cameo roles in the matches against Manchester United and
QPR. "I'm just delighted to be back [from injury], especially as I'm three
weeks ahead of schedule," said Nolan. "It's all about waiting for my chance
now and it's great because, for more than three weeks of the five I was out,
I couldn't do anything because of the shoulder. I've had knocks and things
but it's the longest time I've been out of action in my career."

The Hammers will be looking to build on a promising start to the season when
they face Burnley at Turf Moor. They are seventh in the Premier League, just
a point off the top four, after struggling last season. Nolan (left) said:
"The difference between last season and this one is now we have forwards.
Last year, because of injuries, it was difficult but the two lads we've
brought in — Enner Valencia and Diafra Sakho — have adapted so well to the
pace and power of the Premier League. "Their work ethic is brilliant,
they're both good lads to have here — plus Carlton Cole, who is much fitter
than this time last year, and Andy Carroll also coming back in the not too
distant future. "I don't need a target man to play off. I've played in a
variety of positions and last year, although it was a difficult season, I
still scored seven important goals, which helped ensure we were safe. "I
know that, when I do get back, I will get chances because I have players to
work off. I'm really looking forward to playing behind those two lads up
front. I'm really confident I can contribute."

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