Daily WHUFC News - 21st October 2014

Diafra's Sak-full of goals
WHUFC.com
The striker has been in deadly goalscoring form since joining the Hammers
20.10.2014

Diafra Sakho has made a wonderful start to his career at West Ham United having scored six goals in his short time at the Boleyn Ground.
His latest came when he opened the scoring against Burnley at Turf Moor on Saturday as he headed home Aaron Cresswell's pinpoint cross. The Hammers went on to win 3-1, with a goal apiece from fellow strikers Enner Valencia and Carlton Cole. Having netted in his past six matches, Sakho is not far behind some West Ham legends who also went on impressive scoring runs. Scoring in six consecutive matches, Sakho has equalled the tally of the likes of David Cross (September-October 1980), Bryan 'Pop' Robson (December 1978-January 1979) and John Dick who went on a six-goal streak twice between November-December 1954 & November-December 1957. West Ham strikers Tony Cottee (September-October 1985) and Johnny Byrne (February-March 1964) complete the select group of players. Sir Geoff Hurst scored a total of eleven goals in seven consecutive games between January-February 1964. His goals came in two FA Cup ties, a League Cup tie and four league matches.
After returning from the historic 1966 World Cup victory he proceeded to score 14 goals in seven matches between November-December 1966. This prolific scoring touch was part of a wider purple patch as Hurst scored in 17 out of 19 matches between August-December 1966!
Also on seven consecutive games is Doncaster-born Jimmy Ruffell who scored in seven straight games in December 1934. Even more impressive was the fact those seven games came within 29 days!
Another prolific scorer for the Hammers was centre-forward Vic Watson. Not only did he score in seven consecutive games between April-September 1929 and December 1931-January 1932, the striker was in fine form when scoring in nine straight games between January-February 1930. Watson scored 15 goals in those matches, which constituted six Division One matches and three FA Cup ties. Sakho will need to continue his run of form for a long while yet if he is to break the current record. Syd Puddefoot scored in 18 consecutive matches in the War-time London Combination between February 1918 and January 1919! Sakho's opportunity to score in his sixth consecutive league game is this Saturday as Sam Allardyce's men take on Champions Manchester City on Saturday 25th October at the Boleyn Ground, kick-off is 12.45pm.

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
'The table's looking good'
WHUFC.com
James Collins is thrilled with the Hammers' start to the 2014/15 campaign
20.10.2014

James Collins is enjoying looking at the Barclays Premier League table at the moment, after Saturday's win at Burnley took West Ham United into the top four. The Hammers' bright start to the campaign has seen them win four of the first eight fixtures, including back-to-back victories from their last two games. Collins returned to action at Burnley following a groin injury and he was delighted with the result and performance. "The table is good viewing at the minute," he smiled. "It's all down to the way we're playing, it's been a great season so far. "We're defending well and with the way the two boys we've got up front are playing, it's looking good. "Away wins are always great and Saturday's was hard-fought. They had us on the ropes in the first half and we had to weather the storm and defend well. "There's goals in the lads up front so it's all about staying in the game when the opposition are on top."

Next up for the Hammers is a home game against Manchester City and Collins says his side should have nothing to fear. He added: "It's going to be a tough game against Manchester City next week. The win at Burnley wasn't easy by any stretch of the imagination. "It's about resting up now, but with our fans behind us at home and the way we're playing we're looking forward to it."

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Manager on Monday
WHUFC.com
Sam Allardyce is plotting another big result at the Boleyn Ground on Saturday
19.10.2014

Sam Allardyce is hoping West Ham United can cause another 'storm' in East London when Manchester City visit the Boleyn Ground on Saturday.
Allardyce believes his side will be full of confidence following the 3-1 win at Burnley at the weekend - their second consecutive Barclays Premier League victory. However, the West Ham manager is fully aware that the reigning champions are likely to provide the biggest test yet of his of new-look Hammers side, but is determined to give the home fans something to cheer. "In the last two seasons we've had to wait a long time for back-to-back wins. This time we've got it in the first eight games, but we needed it as it's one of the big boys this weekend," he said. "I think when you have had back-to-back wins you go into a game that you're not expected to win with much more confidence than you would normally. West Ham fans would expect us to get something from the game but across the board not many other people will. "So we will be looking to cause another storm and another shock like we did against Liverpool a couple of weeks ago."

With both the Hammers and the Citizens in freescoring mood, the game promises goals and while City possess big name forwards in Sergio Aguero and Edin Dzeko, West Ham have a couple of striking superstars themselves in Diafra Sakho and Enner Valencia. Sakho's headed opener at Burnley made it six goals in as many starts, while Enner Valencia's also nodded a second - his fourth for Club and country within the space of a week. "I would tell Diafra to just keep going," Big Sam enthused. "He's hit the ground well and surprised us all and we just want to make sure it continues. It's my job to make sure he keeps his feet on the ground and doesn't get carried away.
"He has so much energy and desire. Before he goes out I can see it in him - he just feels like he's going to score and when we needed him again he delivered. "When Enner came back having scored three goals [for Ecuador], he was never not going to play as we hoped he would carry that on and he has. It was very similar to Diafra's goal - fantastic cross and a brilliant header. He's only 5fit 9in and has such a great spring to get between defenders and they can't stop him. "These two lads will get more and more attention. At the moment they're a bit of nobodies in the Premier League but soon people will catch on and will make life a bit more difficult for them. We'll see if they can handle that but they're certainly the big two for us at the moment in terms of these victories."

The win moved West Ham to fourth in the table but Big Sam is insistent that his squad keep their feet on the ground. "I think 13 points in eight matches is a really good score and our players in the dressing room think it should have been more from some of the performances. If the referee at Old Trafford hadn't wrongly disallowed a goal we would still be undefeated away from home. "That's very important as not only have we turned our home form into victories, having lost the first two, but our away form is fantastic having two wins, a draw and only one defeat. If we can keep that going we can have a good season but we must keep our feet on the ground as it's only eight games so far. "We'll have a better idea when we get to 12 or 14 games as that'll be the big telling point but the squad is looking very good in its strength in depth."

Big Sam celebrated his 60th birthday on Sunday and he confessed the celebrations on Saturday night were all the more enjoyable following the Turf Moor victory. He was quick to credit his players for delivering the number one present on his gift list. "I went out with some friends on Saturday and the wine tasted exceptionally good. If I wanted one present I said it would be a win at Burnley and the lads have made me very, very happy. I don't ask the lads for much but I told them it was my birthday this weekend so please get me a result! "As hard as it was in the first half, the second half was where the quality of our team stood out and the quality of the first two goals made it difficult to beat us."

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Loan round-up
WHUFC.com
Catch up with how the Hammers on loan fared this weekend
20.10.2014

Modibo Maiga started for FC Metz as they drew 0-0 at home with Rennes. The striker was replaced by Thibaut Vion after 82 minutes. The newly promoted team - Diafra Sakho's previous employers - are up to seventh in Ligue Un.

George Moncur played 80 minutes for Colchester United as they secured a 1-1 away draw with lowly Scunthorpe United. Moncur was replaced by Sammie Szmodics, and ex-West Ham striker Freddie Sears equalised in the 33rd minute after Rory Fallon opened the scoring.

Accrington Stanley's Sean Maguire started as they lost 2-1 away to Stevenage. Maguire was substituted in the 64th for Seamus McCartan. The win sees Stevenage leapfrog Stanley into 15th in League Two.

Tim Brown put in a Man of the Match display as Canvey Island slipped to a 3-0 home defeat to AFC Hornchurch. Despite losing heavily, Brown made a string of fantastic saves to deny Canvey Island further humiliation. West Ham midfielder Ben Marlow also featured, playing the whole game.

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
By George, we were unlucky
KUMB.com
Filed: Monday, 20th October 2014
By: Staff Writer

Burnley's Man of the Match against West Ham on Saturday has backed his team to avoid an instant return to the Championship. Former Peterborough midfielder George Boyd has an excellent game against Sam Allardyce's team (again), hitting the bar with a fiece effort after just five minutes before scoring the Clarets' sole goal of the game in the second half. However he believes that his side were unlucky to come away from the game with nothing to show for their efforts - whilst insisting that Burnley "dominated" West Ham at times. "The result is disappointing but I don't think confidence will be knocked, because of the way we played," he told the Citizen. "For large parts we dominated them and West Ham will be a top team. I'm sure they will be in the top 10 at the end of the season. "There were loads of positives. It was just a 10-minute spell we need to learn from. If we had gone 1-0 up we could have scored two or three and the confidence would have been through the roof, so we will keep believing. "Hitting the bar was just our luck at the moment - my effort and Barnesy's. A couple of inches either side and we could have been coming away with three points. The way we played in the first half, we dominated for large spells and the gaffer warned us they would come out with a bit of a response. "But those two goals at the start of the second half killed the game. We believed we could go and do it again for another 45 minutes, but the goals took it out of us a bit."

Boyd's team mate Kieran Trippier was just as disappointed but equally enthusiastic about the immediate future. "It's a lesson learned, it's a disappointing defeat," he added. "We dominated the first half but in the second half they got two early goals. It's just one of those things, it wasn't our day and things wouldn't go in the back of the net. But it's gone now and we have to move on."

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Much Ayew about nothing, reprised
KUMB.com
Filed: Monday, 20th October 2014
By: Staff Writer

West Ham are rumoured to be taking another look at Marseille winger Andre Ayew. Back in 2012 KUMB revealed how the Hammers were linked with a move for the Ghana international. Speaking at the time, 'Dede' admitted that he would be keen to speak with the club should an opportunity arise. Fast forward two seasons and speculation emanating from France is once again linking West Ham with Ayew, who has spent his entire senior career thus far with Les Olympiens. Out of contract next summer, much like West Ham's own Winston Reid he has refused to sign a new with the Ligue 1 side leading to speculation that he could be coming to England. With Everton and Liverpool also said to have expressed an interest in bringing Ayew to England, West Ham should face stiff opposition if they are indeed interested in signing the £10million-rated star. The French-born forward - son of former African Footballer of the Year Abedi Pele - made more than 100 appearances for Marseille before his 23rd birthday. He also featured for Ghana in the 2010 World Cup Finals, in which the Black Stars reached the quarter finals of the competition.

In other transfer news, West Ham are said to be monitoring former Netherlands Under-21 international Virgil van Dijk, who currently plays for Celtic in the Scottish Premier League. The £7million-rated central defender is a possible replacement for Winston Reid, who has rejected all offers of a new contract so far. Elsewhere it is claimed that West Ham are one of four clubs keeping tabs on Manchester United's 21-year-old attacking midfielder Jesse Lingard. The Warrington-born former England under 21 international has made just one first team appearance for the Red Devils.

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Olympic Stadium cost set to spiral
KUMB.com
Filed: Monday, 20th October 2014
By: Staff Writer

Building contractor Balfour Beatty are understood to have requested an extra £50million to complete the Olympic Stadium conversion. West Ham's new home is not due to be completed until the summer of 2016, although work on converting the £500million stadium is already well under way. However meetings between the contractors and E20 Stadium LLP, the stadium administrators are understood to have taken place last week during which Balfour Beatty are said to have requested further investment. The construction firm won the contract to convert the stadium into a home for West Ham United last year with a £154million bid. However they insist costs have needed to be revised partly as the result of cracks appearing in some of the new welding. Au unnamed source told the Enquirer: "While lifting the cables in using strand jacks some cracks were noticed in the welds. Some strengthening plates had also been missed so work was stopped and now it's a case of working round the clock to put it right." The steelwork inside the stadium has been sub-contracted to William Hare, who are currently working "around the clock" to resolve the recently-discovered problems. A spokesman for E20 Stadium LLP added: "The project still has close to two years to run and we are in no doubt Balfour Beatty can deliver the programme as planned. This is a complex project and there are always ongoing discussions about specific elements within it."

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Allardyce says 'I've done a fantastic job for West Ham'
KUMB.com
Filed: Monday, 20th October 2014
By: Staff Writer

Sam Allardyce has reiterated his position with view to a potential contract extension - whilst maintaining that he's done a "fantastic job" for West Ham. Big Sam took control the managerial reigns at the Boleyn Ground three years ago this summer when the Hammers had been relegated to the Championsip. Since then Allardyce has led the team to instant promotion, 10th and 13th place in the Premier League and a Capital One Cup semi final. With his existing contract set to expire next summer Allardyce remains nonplussed about talks, none of which are impending (in line with club policy). However he believes that regardless of what the future holds, he can be pleased with the progress the club has made during his tenure. "The owners have chosen to wait and see how we go," he said, speaking after the 3-1 win over Burnley that lifted his latest West Ham team into a Champions League position. "We chose to wait the last time. "We had no problems then and if we carry on the way we are, we'll have no problems sorting this one out. "If there is a turn in fortunes then I know I've still done a fantastic job for West Ham in my time here. At the moment, the contract is the last thing on my mind. "I don't feel the pressure like I used to. I've learned to deal with it. I've proved myself at this level and that makes life all the more enjoyable."

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
More boos for West Ham forward
KUMB.com
Filed: Monday, 20th October 2014
By: Staff Writer

One of West Ham's strikers left the field of play to a chorus of boos at the weekend - and not the one you might think... After an uninspiring 82 minutes for Metz in their goalless draw at home to Stade Rennais, on-loan forward Modibo Maiga was roundly booed for what the home fans had obviously deemed a substandard performance. The Mali international scored the lowest pass completion rate of any outfield player to begin the match, with just 46 per cent of passes reaching their target. He did however manage to hit the target, but his one sole shot in the game was saved.

Since moving back to France in the summer for the duration of the 2014/15 season Maiga has featured on five occasions for Metz (three starts) without contributing a single goal or assist. In his 282 minutes on the field he has managed just four shots - two of which were off target.

Unfortunately for the poor Les Grenats fans, they may have to get used to seeing Maiga a little more often for key striker Juan Manuel Falcon - who has four goals to his name already this season - has been ruled out of action for a month with a calf injury.

Metz, who won the Ligue 2 title last season largely due to the prolific form of Diafra Sakho, now at West Ham, are currently seventh in Ligue 1 having taken 15 points from their opening ten fixtures.

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Diafra Sakho says West Ham wins are priority
Last Updated: 20/10/14 4:54pm
SSN

West Ham United hot-shot Diafra Sakho admits winning games is more important than his own goalscoring exploits. Sakho has been one of the revelations of the season after scoring his sixth goal in his last six games in Saturday's win over Burnley. The 24-year-old was also involved in the other goals for Enner Valencia and Carlton Cole and is proving to be one of the bargains of the season following his £3.5million switch from Metz. Sakho joined West Ham after scoring 20 goals in 36 matches last season to help win the French Second Division and Hammers co-owner David Sullivan played a key role in pushing through a deal for the skilful forward. The Senegal international is loving life at West Ham and is keen to keep on scoring, but insists winning games comes before his own personal glory.
"I am delighted with my goalscoring form, but the most important thing is that West Ham keep winning games," Sakho told Sky Sports.
"It is nice to have made such a good start to playing in the Premier League, but I do not mind who scores the goals as long as West Ham win. "I have settled well into life in England and I thank my team-mates for helping me a lot since I arrived. "Everyone at the club - the manager, the coaching staff and the owners have been very good to me and I just want to repay them by scoring goals and doing my best for the team. "I love playing for West Ham and playing for our fans is such a great experience as they have been so supportive of me and they help inspire me when I play."

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Sam Allardyce hopes West Ham can cause another upset
Last Updated: 20/10/14 1:55pm
SSN

Allardyce's side are currently fourth in the Premier League table having claimed four victories this season, two of which have come in their last two matches, at home against QPR and away at Burnley. Their most impressive win of the campaign, though, came in September when they claimed a 3-1 victory over Liverpool. And Allardyce is now eyeing further success at Upton Park against City, who are second in the table. "In the last two seasons we've had to wait a long time for back-to-back wins. This time we've got it in the first eight games, but we needed it as it's one of the big boys this weekend," Allardyce told the club's official website. I think when you have had back-to-back wins you go into a game that you're not expected to win with much more confidence than you would normally. "West Ham fans would expect us to get something from the game but across the board not many other people will. "So we will be looking to cause another storm and another shock like we did against Liverpool a couple of weeks ago."

Allardyce, whose side finished 13th last season, has been buoyed by the Hammers' start to this campaign, but is refusing to get carried away after just eight games. "I think 13 points in eight matches is a really good score and our players in the dressing room think it should have been more from some of the performances. If the referee at Old Trafford hadn't wrongly disallowed a goal we would still be undefeated away from home." he added. "That's very important as not only have we turned our home form into victories, having lost the first two, but our away form is fantastic having two wins, a draw and only one defeat. "If we can keep that going we can have a good season but we must keep our feet on the ground as it's only eight games so far. "We'll have a better idea when we get to 12 or 14 games as that'll be the big telling point but the squad is looking very good in its strength in depth."

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Modibo Maiga backed by Metz coach and team-mates after he is booed by his own fans
Last Updated: 20/10/14 12:01pm
SSN

Metz's on-loan striker Modibo Maiga has received the backing of his coach and team-mates after he was booed by his own fans during Saturday's 0-0 draw with Rennes. Maiga, 27, has yet to score in five appearances for the French club since joining on loan from West Ham in the summer. But coach Albert Cartier told L'Equipe: "It is not the style of the club to give up a player in a difficult situation.
"We will help him and do our best for him to improve with us. He will soon show his qualities." Team-mate Florent Malouda added: "People don't realize but he sacrificed for the team working hard to defend, which is an unrewarding and precious job." Metz are currently sixth in Ligue 1, having won four of their 10 games so far this season. They have an option to sign Maiga on a permanent deal at the end of the season. The Mali international, who scored six goals in 38 appearances for West Ham after joining them from Sochaux in the summer of 2012, spent the second half of last season on loan at QPR, where he scored once.

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
WERE YOU AT THE BURNLEY GAME? YOU MAY BE ABLE TO HELP A FELLOW WEST HAM FAN.
By Iron Liddy 20 Oct 2014 at 12:48
West Ham Till I Die

CALLING FOR HELP FROM THE WEST HAM COMMUNITY

I had a call from a friend last night to ask me to reach out for help from our fellow West Ham fans. He and his daughter were at the Burnley game on Saturday and unfortunately when they were celebrating our first goal his daughter's white iPhone 6 flew out of her pocket. They only realised that it had been lost at the end of the game and subsequently found out that a young lad had picked it up and was waving it at the crowd trying to find out who the owner was. It wasn't handed in to the stewards so they're hoping that whoever found it will hand it in to the club but if you could share this with anybody that you know who went to the game on Saturday it would be very helpful.

They were sitting centrally 3 rows from the front. As we all know it's not just the price of a replacement phone at stake but all the photos, contacts and other bits and pieces of our life that we entrust to our mobile devices. If you could share this on any other West Ham forum that you frequent and let me know if you have any information we'd be very grateful.

Lids x

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Sam Allardyce remains coy over new contract talks as West Ham surge into top four
Oct 19, 2014 22:30 By Paul Hassall
The former Bolton manager led his West Ham side into the top four with an impressive victory over Burnley at Turf Moor
The Mirror

As Sam Allardyce toasted his 60th birthday he will have no doubt raised a glass to a strike duo who are firing him towards a new West Ham deal. Enner Valencia and Diafra Sakho won't have been on the wish-lists of many fans this summer, but it's their blooming partnership that has helped transform the Hammers, in more ways than one. The pair hit the goal trail again at Burnley as Allardyce's rejuvenation in the Upton Park hot-seat gathers pace. Not so long ago the former Blackburn boss appeared to be on the verge of the axe for failing to deliver the exciting brand of football West Ham supporters crave. But now they are combining moments of flair with the ­all-important results. And if Big Sam keeps this up he won't be far from completing a turnaround that could see the Irons board extend his contract beyond the end of the season. "The owners have chosen to wait and see how we go," said Allardyce. "We chose to wait the last time.
e had no problems then and if we carry on the way we are, we'll have no problems sorting this one out. "If there is a turn in fortunes then I know I've still done a fantastic job for West Ham in my time here. At the moment, the contract is the last thing on my mind. "I don't feel the pressure like I used to. I've learned to deal with it. I've proved myself at this level and that makes life all the more enjoyable."

It may not be tiki-taka just yet, but with West Ham on the rise you can see why there are few sleepless nights in the Allardyce household.
The Hammers boss is reaping the rewards of some astute business in the summer, including the inspired gamble that saw him recruit Sakho alongside Valencia. The duo struck a goal apiece inside five minutes after the restart against the Clarets to provide the springboard for a fourth league win of the season. George Boyd pulled one back for Burnley, but substitute Carlton Cole made sure of victory when he nodded home the Hammers' third. Allardyce admits he has been delighted by the impact of a front two who must already be on the shortlist for 'signing of the season.' "I didn't expect them to click straight away," said Allardyce. "We wanted to introduce Valencia and Sakho slowly but due to the circumstances we haven't, and we've done absolutely brilliant." West Ham produced some free-flowing football but the fact their three goals at Turf Moor all came via headers from crosses will not have gone unnoticed by Allardyce's critics."I haven't played long ball, but it's with me," he added wistfully. "It'll never leave me. We changed the system at half-time and don't play the same way every week."

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham's new Olympic Stadium home could cost taxpayers further £50 million
Complications with roof at venue likely to require massive further funding, and West Ham will not have to spend a penny
West Ham's new Olympic Stadium home could cost taxpayers further £50 million
By Ben Rumsby, Sports News Correspondent8:23PM BST 20 Oct 2014
Telegraph.co.uk

Taxpayers are being asked for another £50 million to convert the Olympic Stadium into West Ham United's new home – but the club will not pay another penny towards the cost. Construction firm Balfour Beatty has lobbied for more cash to complete the work on the stadium after complications emerged last month over extending its roof. The public has footed the bill for the original £429 million cost of the London 2012 main venue and all but £15 million of the £154 million conversion contract – the smaller figure being West Ham's contribution.

Now, amid a succession of profit warnings, Balfour Beatty wants up to £50  million on top of that figure to finish the job, which could take the total price of the venue beyond £600 million. The stadium's operator, the London Legacy Development Corporation, is in talks with the firm over the increased cost, none of which will be met by West Ham due to the terms and conditions they negotiated of their 99-year lease. The club are still on schedule to move into the venue in 2016, after five Rugby World Cup matches are played there in September and October next year. There was a flexible cost element to the roof work at the stadium as it is unique in terms of stadium development, with money put aside in a contingency fund. However, any unused portion of that fund would return to the public purse. It is understood that a rise in cost, which the LLDC – chaired by Boris Johnson, the London mayor – is hopeful will be far less than £50  million, could also be met by savings elsewhere on the Olympic Park.

Yet, that would call into question the London 2012 legacy. One of the biggest critics of the amount spent on the Olympic Stadium, the Conservative London Assembly member Andrew Boff, blamed the latest news on the decision to retain an athletics track and install retractable seating at the stadium in east London. "I think there is more bad news to come, I think all that money that is being used is taking away from the legacy of the park," he said. "Pretty soon, I think Londoners will be clamouring to rip that stadium down."
An E20 Stadium LLP spokesperson said: "The project still has close to two years to run and we are in no doubt Balfour Beatty can deliver the programme as planned. "This is a complex project and there are always ongoing discussions about specific elements within it."

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Olympic Stadium costs soar to more than £600m after roof complications
• Complex structure will not cost West Ham more money
• Balfour Beatty reported to have requested extra £50m
Owen Gibson
The Guardian, Monday 20 October 2014 20.02 BST

The overall bill for the Olympic Stadium is set to soar well beyond £600m before West Ham United move in after it emerged that installing the complex roof would be far more expensive than originally thought.

The complications will not cost West Ham – due to move into the 54,000-seat stadium from the start of the 2016-17 season – another penny on top of the £15m they have pledged towards the conversion.

Construction Enquirer magazine reported that Balfour Beatty had asked for an extra £50m to cover complications in strengthening the roof and extending it over a new cantilevered structure that will cover retractable seats to be rolled out during the football season.

It adds to the workload to complete the project by August 2016 – itself an extension of the original timetable. Building must pause during the 2015 Rugby World Cup next summer, when five matches will be played in the stadium.

Sources at the London Legacy Development Corporation, which is responsible for the development of the Olympic Park, insisted that the overspend would not be as much as £50m and that some of it would be met by Balfour Beatty. It said any overspend would be covered within the LLDC's wider existing budgets without recourse to the taxpayer and that there would be no ramifications for the schedule.

The rising costs are likely to provoke renewed criticism from those who think the project has been badly thought-out from the start.

In addition to the £154m contract agreed with Balfour Beatty, which will rise because of the roof issues, there are believed to be additional elements that will take the overall cost to more than £600m by even the most conservative estimate.

Following a protracted saga that included a bitter battle with Tottenham Hotspur and a lengthy standoff over how much West Ham should contribute, the East End club agreed to pay a one-off fee of £15m towards the conversion costs and a rent of around £2.5m a year.

The LLDC, chaired by Boris Johnson, is in negotiations with Balfour Beatty over how the additional costs will be split.

Under the terms of the deal announced in March last year Newham Council borrowed £40m towards the conversion, the Department for Culture, Media and Sport supplied £38.7m and a further £25m will come from the Department for Communities and Local Government. West Ham will pay £15m and the rest will be borrowed by the LLDC.

The LLDC had previously argued that the Balfour Beattie agreement was a fixed price contract but it is understood that an element relating to the roof is negotiable, given the complexity of the work.

Originally the Olympic Stadium was priced up at £280m in the London 2012 bid book before the price tag rose to £429m. The initial plan was to remove the upper tiers of the stadium and scale it back to a modest 25,000-seat bowl after the Games. But the coalition government and Johnson urged a rethink in 2010 and eventually agreed a deal with West Ham that later collapsed under legal challenge.

Following another tender process, the club were awarded a 99-year lease to share the stadium with other tenants including UK Athletics. An operator such as AEG or Live Nation will shortly be appointed to manage bookings in the stadium.

A spokesperson for E20 Stadium LLP, the partnership that is managing the stadium, said: "The project still has close to two years to run and we are in no doubt Balfour Beatty can deliver the programme as planned. This is a complex project and there are always ongoing discussions about specific elements within it."

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Gunners star unlikely to sign long term deal
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on October 20, 2014 in Whispers
Claret & Hugh

West Ham are unlikely to be able to make Carl Jenkinson's stay at Upton Park permanent at the end of the season! The on-loan Arsenal star produced his most impressive performance in a West Ham shirt at Burnley on Saturday and, with Aaron Cresswell, was singled out for special praise manager Sam Allardyce. The club would love to believe that they can make the deal a permanent arrangement but ClaretandHugh has learned that this was one of the few loan deals in which there was no 'to buy' clause involved. On asking the question about a permanent deal earlier this evening we were told: "Sadly, there's no option to buy and we believe Arsenal will want him back. "We will have a go but he's a top young player and it would be a surprise if we could do a deal although much could depend on Arsenal's injury position.
"As an England under 21 international he has a big future ahead of him and he is one we would like to get but it's very much odds against as things stand."

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::

http://vyperz.blogspot.com



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