Daily WHUFC News - 24th October 2014

Big Sam on: Manchester City
WHUFC.com
The manager talks to the media ahead of Saturday's game against Manchester
City
23.10.2014

Sam Allardyce faced the media on Thursday morning ahead of Saturday's game
against Manchester City. West Ham United are looking for a third straight
win, but the manager is under no illusions as to the size of the task facing
his team.

How have you assessed the season so far?

SA: "We've done well so far, the new players have hit the ground running,
each signing has made a positive impact and obviously everyone is raving
about the front two. It's good that we're getting the results our
performances merit at the moment. At the moment we're very good but we have
to remember we're only eight games in. When we get into the nitty gritty in
November and December then we'll know what our team is really capable of."

You're up against Man City on Saturday, having lost to them four times last
season, do you need to change your approach?

SA: "We've got a different team to last season. Obviously the players that
are still here will remember that we didn't get anything from them. There
wasn't much we could do in the Capital One semi finals due to injuries at
that time. "They're a fabulous side, but if we're going to get anything
from them it's now, while we're in form. As well as them coming back from a
Champions League away game. We're in good, confident form but for me it's
about getting the players to their top level. We'll have to play like me did
against Liverpool, probably even better. We'll have to work hard and make
sure we contain their fantastic front line especially."

We've seen players struggle to integrate at different clubs for a number of
years, why has it been so successful here?

SA: "I think we have a good environment. I've learnt how important that is
as I've got more experienced. At Bolton we had an influx of foreign players
and that taught me the importance of thinking about the family rather than
just the player. The players settle quicker than the families because they
come over into our environment and are accepted into our group, we have a
very welcoming environment, it's very friendly and a good spirit. "It's
important we get it right with the family, that they are happy and settled
in the right area. It makes it harder if they don't speak English as well as
you'd like but it's all part of the process. So we give them the tools and
the best chance of succeeding, than it's down to the player to concentrate
and work hard. I have to say all our new players have done that
fantastically well, better than we expected. Their determination and desire
has been fabulous. "I talk to every player before we sign them. I talk to
them about the change of environment it's usually the last stage of the
process of singing a player. There been a few instances where I've decided
not to sign a player based on that final interview. It's far better finding
out early if there are going to problems than when you've signed them and
it's too late."

What effect does it have on the squad when you have a goalscorer like Diafra
Sakho doing so well?

SA: "We've 15 goals in the first eight games, when you compare that to
previous seasons it's a big improvement. Our total in year one was 46, last
year our highest scorer only had seven goals so you can see the improvement.
It's unlikely we'll carry it on, if we did we'd score 70 odd goals which
would be fantastic, we can only hope. It'll get harder as the two strikers
get paid more attention and are singled out."

You mentioned the importance of getting back to back wins, and you got that,
how important is that and is their a greater hunger this year?

SA: "There's no greater hunger, just a better quality of player. With all
due respect to the players we've had, they've all done a fantastic job. I
think it's down to the team growing together as well as that added quality.
Our desire was to find quality players at a younger age. Our average age of
the new signings was just 24-and-a-half years old."

Any team news?

SA: "We've got Cheikhou and James Tomkins back and no new injuries this
week. The other players that were out are making good progress so they
should be back with us shortly. We've got a few out but we're getting
better."

A quick word on Sergio Aguero, how good do you think he is?

SA: "After coming through some injury problems he's done well. He scored
four last week and could have had five. Let's face it sometimes he's
unplayable. We have to focus on limiting the service to him because he's so
dangerous and can wriggle out of a tight situation."

A word on Manchester City, how difficult are they and do you expect them to
challenge for the title again?

SA: "I think they've probably got the best squad in the league. Even though
Chelsea have started as well as they have. For City it depends whether they
have the desire and determination to win it in consecutive years. It's
hugely difficult to win it once never mind back to back. It's only happened
very few times but it all depends on their determination. Last year when
they had an opportunity to take it, they took it. They demonstrated that
they know how to do it so we'll see what happens."

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Six of the best: Manchester City
WHUFC.com
The Official website takes a look back on six memorable wins over Tuesday
night's opponents
23.10.2014

whufc.com begins tne build-up to Saturday's game against Manchester City by
looking back at six classic Boleyn Ground victories over the Citizens.

West Ham United 1-0 Manchester City
Premier League
1 March 2009
West Ham produced a wonderful display of passing football to see off the
challenge of their visitors, who had been taken over the previous September
by Emirati businessmen City had mercurial Brazilian Robinho in their ranks
but even he rarely threatened as a Jack Collison goal 19 minutes from time
deservedly won it for the Hammers. Gianfranco Zola's team moved up to
seventh with the win but eventually finished the season in ninth, one place
above Mark Hughes' City.

West Ham United 4-1 Manchester City
Premier League
11 November 2000
Four second-half goals saw the Hammers blitz their opponents, who had led at
the interval through a Spencer Prior goal after 32 minutes.
Steve Lomas equalised eight minutes after half-time before Trevor Sinclair
put the home side in front five minutes later. Ian Pearce added a third
before Paolo Di Canio netted a fourth from the penalty spot in the final
minute.

West Ham United 4-2 Manchester City
Premier League
23 March 1996
Manchester City came to the Boleyn Ground fighting against relegation in
1996 and they were shown no mercy by the ruthless Hammers.
Niall Quinn's double counted for nothing as two goals by Iain Dowie and one
each for Dani and Julian Dicks made sure of a home win.
City went onto be relegated on goal difference whilst the Hammers secured a
top-half finish.

West Ham United 3-0 Manchester City
Premier League
17 December 1994
West Ham United moved up to 17th in the league courtesy of a Tony Cottee
hat-trick. The striker netted after seven, ten and 57 minutes as the home
side cruised to a routine victory. Cottee's goals were three of the 15 he
managed to net during the course of a season in which West Ham finished
14th, three places above their visitors.

West Ham United 4-1 Manchester City
Division One
25 September 1982
The high-flying Hammers handed Manchester City a beating when the Sky Blues
visited in 1982. The home side started the day in fourth place and went onto
to score four thanks to a double from Sandy Clark and a goal each for
Francois van der Elst and Paul Goddard. Whilst the Hammers enjoyed an
eighth-place finish this season City would go onto suffer the agony of
relegation from England's top flight.

West Ham United 6-1 Manchester City
Division One
18 May 1963
West Ham confirmed Manchester City's relegation to the Second Division by
thrashing them on the final day of the 1962/63 season. Geoff Hurst and Alan
Sealey both bagged a brace while Ronnie Boyce and Peter Brabrook also
chipped in with a goal each. The Hammers' win saw their opponents relegated
by two points and in turn helped them to a 12th place finish. Amazingly,
West Ham had also beaten City 6-1 in their meeting at Maine Road in
September 1962.

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Teddy delighted with striker Sakho
WHUFC.com
Teddy Sheringham believes Diafra Sakho has all the ingredients to be a top
striker
23.10.2014

Teddy Sheringham spotted something special in Diafra Sakho after his very
first training session with West Ham United's new attacking coach. The
former Hammers and England star took the recently-signed Sakho and the
Club's other forwards for a finishing session at Chadwell Heath in early
September. Sheringham had never seen the 24-year-old in the flesh before,
but he was quickly taken by the ex-FC Metz striker's technique, movement and
natural finishing ability. Eight weeks later and Sakho has taken the
Barclays Premier League by storm, scoring in each of his first five starts
in Claret and Blue and impressing all with his outstanding all-round game.
So, why does Sheringham believe the Senegalese has made such an impact?
"First of all, he has an eye for a goal," he enthused. "He can score a goal
first and foremost. "Secondly, and more importantly, he wants to score a
goal and he puts himself in positions where he can score a goal. "He has
enthusiasm all over the pitch, which makes him a team favourite and, at the
same time, a crowd favourite. He is up there in the right or left wing
position, up the middle and then tracking back to the full-back positions.
He pops up everywhere doing something for the team, which makes him
invaluable. "When you look up front and see two boys working their socks off
to close people down and stop their full-backs getting out, then it's
invaluable for the team and you get a boost from that. "On top of that
work-rate, he is scoring goals and is full of confidence and long may it
continue."

While Sakho's new strike partner Enner Valencia has not netted the same
number of goals as the No15, Sheringham says he fully expects the South
American to start hitting the net regularly soon. Sakho became the first
West Ham player ever to score on his first five league appearances for the
Club, and just the ninth Hammer to score in at least six consecutive matches
after Vic Watson, Geoff Hurst, Jimmy Ruffell, John Dick, Johnny Byrne, Bryan
'Pop' Robson, David Cross and Tony Cottee.

Watson enjoyed streaks of nine, seven (twice) and six consecutive scoring
matches during his record-breaking 16-year career at the Club, while Hurst
netted in seven straight games in January-February 1964. Amazingly, Syd
Puddefoot scored in EIGHTEEN consecutive matches in the War-time London
Combination between Feb 1918 and Jan 1919!

Player Consecutive scoring matches Goals scored
Year
Vic Watson 9 (6 Division One/3 FA Cup)
15 1930
Geoff Hurst 7 (5 Division One/2 League Cup) 14
1966
Vic Watson 7 (6 Division One/1 FA Cup)
10 1930-31
Geoff Hurst 7 (4 Division One/2 FA Cup/1 League Cup)
11 1964
Jimmy Ruffell 7 (all Division Two)
10 1929
Vic Watson 7 (all Division One)
9 1929
Vic Watson 6 (all Division One)
10 1927
Johnny Byrne 6 (4 Division One/2 FA Cup)
9 1964
David Cross 6 (3 Division Two/2 European Cup Winners' Cup/1
League Cup) 9 1980
John Dick 6 (all Division Two)
7 1954
John Dick 6 (all Division Two)
6 1957
Bryan 'Pop' Robson 6 (5 Division Two/1 FA Cup)
6 1979
Tony Cottee 6 (4 Division One/2 League Cup) 6
1985
Diafra Sakho 6 (5 Premier League/1 League Cup)
6 2014

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Andy Carroll: West Ham striker could return in 'two to three weeks'
BBC.co.uk

West Ham manager Sam Allardyce says the club's record signing Andy Carroll
could return in "two to three weeks". The £15m striker, 25, has yet to play
this season after tearing ankle ligaments on the Hammers' pre-season tour of
New Zealand. Carroll has started only 12 Premier League matches during an
injury-hit 16-month spell at Upton Park. "It's been a long, hard road again
for Andy and one he's been too familiar with recently, sadly," Allardyce
said. "Hopefully he'll have a major impact when he comes back again."

Andy Carroll's injury record at West Ham
September 2012 - Picks up hamstring injury in his first game on loan - out
for a month
November 2012 -Twists knee against Manchester United - sidelined for two
months
May 2013 - Damages heel in the last game of the season - out for seven
months
July 2014 - Tears ankle ligaments in pre-season - expected to be out for
four months

The striker has returned to training and Allardyce expects the England
forward to feature in Under-18 and Under-21 games before a possible return
to first-team action in mid-November. "It'll be another two to three weeks,
if he has no niggles or problems, before we talk about playing him in the
team at any level," he said. "We'll try to get him through three or four
behind-closed-doors games and if that goes all right then we would hope to
have him back."

Allardyce says that the former Newcastle and Liverpool forward returned too
soon from the foot injury that kept him sidelined for the first five months
of last season. "Last time we got him back he did his ankle but carried on
playing, so this time round we don't want to rush him," he said. Summer
signings Diafra Sakho and Enner Valencia have impressed up front in
Carroll's absence, and, with West Ham lying fourth in the Premier League
table, Allardyce says the club can afford to take extra care over his
return. "We're hopefully going to get him back as quick as we can but we're
not going to rush him back because, touch wood, there's no desperate need at
the moment." he said.

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West Ham v Man City
KO 12:45
23 October 2014
Last updated at 16:00
By Jonathan Pearce
BBC Match of the Day commentator

BARCLAYS PREMIER LEAGUE
Venue: Upton Park Date: Saturday, 25 October

TEAM NEWS

West Ham have midfielder Cheikhou Kouyate and defender James Tomkins
available again after hamstring and thigh injuries respectively.
Andy Carroll was back in training this week after recovering from his ankle
injury, but he is not expected to return to the squad until next month.
Frank Lampard is a doubt for Manchester City having injured his thigh
against Tottenham last weekend. Fellow midfielder Samir Nasri is also
unavailable after a groin operation.

MATCH PREVIEW

Manchester City made mincemeat out of West Ham last season. Four wins in
four games between the clubs. Fourteen goals lashed in, including a 6-0
thrashing in the League Cup. Just one conceded. They haven't lost in 10
meetings. The omens should be ominous for the home side. But the Hammers are
a top-four side at the moment. Upton Park will be rocking. This will be a
real test for the defending champions after their exhausting and frustrating
trip to Moscow.

Vincent Kompany's attack on Uefa's ban on City fans for the
behind-closed-doors Champions League clash was justified. Decisions by
Europe's governing body have had the consistency of jelly over recent years.
But I wonder if the City skipper would have been so vociferous had they held
out for a much-needed Champions League win? The decision to give CSKA a
penalty was appalling. But City should have had the game wrapped up long
before then. They may be unbeaten in seven games. They may be the only side
capable of stopping Chelsea in the title race this season. But they're still
nowhere near top form away from home. If they're not really at it against
West Ham, they could suffer again.

Sam Allardyce's team is full of confidence as they look for a third win on
the spin at home. Critics point out that three of their four league
victories have come against Burnley, Crystal Palace and QPR. But they also
put Liverpool to the sword and were unlucky to come away empty-handed from
Old Trafford. No-one should belittle the transformation. It took them until
mid-January last season to record four league victories. They're capable of
giving City a real game. I'm hoping it'll be high scoring. City better be at
their best, otherwise West Ham's liberated form will continue.

MATCH FACTS

Head-to-head
Manchester City are unbeaten in their last 10 meetings with West Ham in all
competitions (W8, D2).
The Hammers have only won one of the last seven league meetings at Upton
Park (D2, L4).
West Ham
West Ham have won four of their first eight Premier League matches. Last
season they won just four of their opening 23 league matches.
Diafra Sakho scored for the fifth consecutive Premier League game against
Burnley last weekend. He is only the second West Ham player to score in five
consecutive Premier League games, after Carlton Cole.
Only four teams have scored more Premier League goals than West Ham (15)
this season.
Manchester City
No Premier League team has earned more away points than City's 10 this
season.
They are unbeaten in their last five Premier League matches and have won the
last three.
City have scored two goals or more in five of their six away matches this
season in all competitions.
Sergio Aguero has scored eight goals in his last five City games in all
competitions. His 61 league goals for City have come in only 95 appearances.
He averages a goal every 108 minutes, the best record in Premier League
history among players with 20 goals or more.

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Sam Allardyce: West Ham boss happy to wait on contract
BBc.co.uk

West Ham boss Sam Allardyce says he is not concerned the club directors have
yet to offer him a contract extension. The Hammers boss signed a two-year
extension in 2013, but that deal is due to expire at the end of the season.
There were calls from West Ham fans for Allardyce to be sacked last season
when they finished 13th in the Premier League, but now the club sit fourth.
"At my age it doesn't particularly worry me a great deal," Allardyce, 60,
said of his contract. When asked if there had been conversations about a new
contract, Allardyce said the board would wait for his team to reach "a
certain level". "If it has progressed to a certain level that they want to
offer me a new contract, that's fine," Allardyce added. "The industry is
impatient, and the only way you stop it being impatient towards you is by
getting results." Allardyce was appointed manager at Upton Park in June
2011, when the club had just been relegated to the Championship. His side
face Manchester City on Saturday.

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Which Hammer will be the signing of the summer?
KUMB.com
Filed: Friday, 17th October 2014
By: Staff Writer #3

As things stand, the Hammers' faithful should be a fairly happy bunch.
Currently lying seventh in the Premier League table, the goals are flying
in, entertainment levels are high, and the decision to stand by manager Sam
Allardyce is proving to be a wise decision from the board.

The highlight was the 3-1 win over Liverpool and while concerns remain, it's
been a positive start overall and the more optimistic among us would dare to
hope for a more comfortable campaign this time around.

Possibilities

Big Sam was busy in the summer transfer window, bringing in several players
to bolster the ranks at Upton Park. Considering the early season successes
that the Hammers have enjoyed, it proves that the majority of the new boys
have settled in well. It would be fanciful to believe that the Irons can
lift the Premier League title next May, but the odds of around 20/1 with
Betfair on the Hammers finishing in the top six is a possibility, if the
early form can be continued. Here we will discuss the merits of some of
Allardyce's new recruits to see which player could turn out to be the
signing of the summer.

Impressive start

The early season front-runner for this mythical award must be Senegalese
striker Diafra Sakho. The 24-year old frontman joined from French club Metz
in the summer for a nominal fee, and has already repaid the faith shown in
him by bagging five goals in his first six appearances for the club.

Sakho, impressively, has netted in each of his last four Premier League
appearances, which includes strikes against Liverpool and Manchester United.
The front man has provided a serious goal threat for a Hammers side that has
lacked in that department in recent times, and the Upton Park faithful will
be hoping his excellent run of form can continue throughout the season.

Capable performer

One of the finest pieces of business by Allardyce in the most recent window
was to snare Alex Song from Barcelona on a season-long loan deal. The
27-year old Cameroon International has seen limited match-time in Spain, so
a move back to the Premier League – and London - with West Ham does seem a
very logical choice.

Song has played in the last four matches for the Irons and has performed
capably without necessarily excelling in a holding midfield role. His
experience will prove invaluable over the coming months though, and the will
be a key man in protecting the Hammers' back line.

Biggest splash

West Ham's biggest splash of the summer window was on the Ecuadorian World
Cup star Enner Valencia, who arrived from Mexican club Pachuca for £12m and
the striker was soon taken to the hearts of the Hammers faithful with a
wonder-strike at Hull City on debut.

Things have gone a little quiet since for the 24-year old attacker, but
Valencia netted three goals on International duty recently to boost his
confidence levels. His direct style of play and unpredictability, and
hopefully goals, will surely make him a firm favourite at Upton Park this
season.

Bargain purchase

Aaron Cresswell arrived in June from Championship side Ipswich for a nominal
fee, and is another player who is proving to be a bargain purchase by Sam
Allardyce. Cresswell has slotted in nicely in his left-back role, and has
played every minute of West Ham's first seven matches this season. The
24-year old Englishman dispels the notion that Premier League talent cannot
be found in the lower divisions, and he looks to have made his position in
the side secure, barring injury.

No stranger

Frenchman, Morgan Amalfitano is no stranger to the Premier League after
spending a season-long loan at West Bromwich Albion, before agreeing to join
West Ham from parent-club, Marseille. The tricky wide-man settled well into
life in England last season with some excellent performances for the
Baggies, which obviously persuaded Allardyce to hijack a deal for the
29-year old.

Amalfitano netted his first goal in the 3-1 home win over Liverpool last
month but is yet to nail down a regular starting berth under Big Sam.
However, the French star will be an important squad player at Upton Park
this season.

We will only know the answer to the question that this article poses when
the season draws to an end but few would argue that the club haven't made
some shrewd purchases ahead of the new season. The highlight of 2013-14 was
undoubtedly the treble over Spurs and while the chance of a repeat has
already gone, surely we would swap that for a more productive overall
campaign and the new faces at Upton Park are set to provide just that.

At the moment, Diafra Sakho is the man in possession of this hypothetical
trophy but hopefully Enner Valencia will prove to be just as prolific as the
season develops.

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He's a claret and blue hero - but are Mark Noble's days numbered?
KUMB.com
Filed: Monday, 20th October 2014
By: Carys Baker

There are mixed opinions amongst our supporters regarding the ability of
Mark Noble, our current longest-serving player.

He can be labelled as an average player who wouldn't ever do any better than
West Ham by some, but others question why he's not an England regular,
especially ahead of the likes of Tom Cleverley. The argument usually settles
with, "well he's West Ham ain't he, always plays for the shirt - that's all
that matters".

Making his 200th Premier League appearance this weekend put into perspective
how key Mark Noble had been in our squad for the past ten years. He made his
debut aged 17 in the League Cup against Southend in 2004, then enjoyed
successive loan periods at Hull and Ipswich before gradually progressing
into a first team regular, penalty taker and vice captain - our true leader.


Noble really has progressed over the past decade. After earning his place in
the starting line-up regularly, week-in week-out under Alan Curbishley,
Noble has never seemed to have to really fight for his place in the starting
line-up. Maybe the reason is because we haven't had the talent and depth in
our squads - or maybe it is because Noble isn't just "West Ham", he does
work hard and is a talent.

Consequently our squad has strengthened remarkably this season, in midfield
in particular. Alex Song, on loan, is living up to expectations and Cheikhou
Kouyate (who has been out for a few weeks) has stood out already. He's a
Vieira-type player who will undoubtedly impress.

Stewart Downing has stepped up, which was needed, and has been playing more
of a central role which seems to have benefitted him already, with more
assists to his name than the whole of last season. Mauro Zarate has got the
flair we have lacked and he hasn't come to sit on the bench either.

Diego Poyet is a great young prospect too. He made his debut away at
Manchester United where he coped well, sitting in central midfield keeping
it balanced. That's not forgetting the remainder of our midfielders, as well
as our captain Kevin Nolan.

Immediately with all the gains to our squad I thought Mark Noble is going to
have to watch his back making sure he not just performs but shines to
protect his starting place as not everyone's going to be able to play. This
could be the first time in a long while Nobes has had to really fight for
his place.

We've started the season positively, beating Liverpool and deserving at
least a point away to Manchester United. However after beating Queens Park
Rangers it still felt like something was missing and became apparent how
much this side needs Mark Noble.

Granted, he can be off the pace at times and wouldn't be the stand-out
player for me in our midfield anymore. Also, his reluctance to release the
ball quickly enough can sometimes be frustrating. Moreover no-one has been
doing what Noble does in his absence by dropping back to pick the ball up
from the back four and dictating play as a consequence.

We do not have anyone else like him with the capability to link up the
defence and the midfield, nor to provide his leadership during the 90
minutes. We really have missed - and maybe to some extent, taken for granted
- Mark Noble.

Still, Kouyate will come back into the team when fit with him and with he
and Song being better all-round players than Noble technically, he could be
in risk of losing his place. Despite this, it could also be a blessing in
disguise as they could play as a three. Noble could trigger Kouyate and Song
to have more freedom in being able to be more attacking-minded in their
style of play.

Mark Noble's passion for West Ham will never be doubted. He brings drive,
passing, tackling, professionalism and leadership to our team.
Statistically, Noble is on par with England regulars with his pass
completion rate, penalty record and overall work rate. He is undeniably a
better all-round player than he gets credit for.

He's rarely, if ever, off his game. The passion and love he has for the club
is second to none and as fans, we all know that he gives everything for the
badge. We cannot ask for anything more than that.

Despite the additional talent that has been introduced to the squad this
season, I believe we as fans cannot let Mark Noble become an invisible man.
I fear he will continue to perform consistently but may not shine among
supporters as much as he has in the past.

But he should still get all the credit he deserves. After his 200th Premier
League appearance this weekend hopefully there'll be many more to come with
Nobes continuing to be a true, home-grown West Ham hero.

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West Ham's Andy Carroll could be fit enough to make his comeback in next few
weeks
Last Updated: 23/10/14 10:51pm
SSN

The 25-year-old striker is yet to make an appearance for the Hammers this
season due to an ankle injury, but pictures on the club's official twitter
account have revealed that he is back in training. Carroll, who has been
absent since the 2-0 defeat at Manchester City in May, was shown running and
took part in a game of head tennis with team-mates. He will play in a number
of practice games to build-up his fitness, with a possible comeback date
pencilled in for the Premier League home game against Aston Villa on
November 8. "It'll be another two to three weeks, if he has no niggles or
problems, before we talk about playing him in the team at any level," said
Hammers boss Sam Allardyce. "We'll try to get him through three or four
behind-closed-doors games and if that goes all right then we would hope to
have him back. "It's been a long, hard road again for Andy and one he's been
too familiar with recently, sadly. "Hopefully he'll have a major impact when
he comes back again."

A string of injuries have hampered Carroll's career at Upton Park, but the
return of the £15m signing from Liverpool will add further firepower to
Allardyce's high-flying team. Summer signings Diafra Sakho and Enner
Valencia have contributed seven goals between them in the absence of Carroll
and Saturday's 3-1 win at Burnley sent the team up to fourth in the table.
The former Bolton manager admits the team's impressive start to the campaign
means the club do not have to rush Carroll back into action. "Last time we
got him back and he did his ankle but carried on playing so this time round
we don't want to (rush) him," Allardyce added. "We're hopefully going to get
him back as quick as we can but we're not going to rush him back because,
touch wood, there's no desperate need at the moment."

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West Ham manager Sam Allardyce believes current side is best yet
Last Updated: 23/10/14 1:08pm
SSN

West Ham United manager Sam Allardyce believes his current side is the best
he has had in his three years at Upton Park. West Ham entertain champions
Manchester City this weekend - and Allardyce says they have a real chance of
upsetting the odds. Diafra Sakho and Enner Valencia have both been in fine
form - the former scoring six goals in seven appearances - as West Ham sit
in fourth place after eight games. Allardyce said: "We've scored 15 goals
in our first eight games and our total last year was 40. It shows what
goalscorers can do. "It looks like being the best side since I've been here
and the big bonus is the new players hitting the ground running. The rest of
the team has been lifted by that increase in quality and energy and we've
got over some injury problems too. "We've got a different team to when we
played Man City last season. They're a fabulous side but if we're going to
challenge them at any time this season this might be it, coming off a
Champions League game. "If we can keep their superb attacking force quiet
we'll then have to see if we can exploit any weaknesses."

There was a further boost for Allardyce when Andy Carroll returned to full
training on Thursday for the first time since suffering an ankle ligament
injury on the pre-season tour to New Zealand. The City match will be too
soon for him as he some weeks short of full fitness, but there was other
positive news for Allardyce, who said: "We've got James Tomkins and Cheik
Kouyate back into the squad, so we'll look forward to having them back."

Meanwhile, Allardyce insists he is not worried about being offered a new
contract despite his current deal expiring at the end of the season.
Allardyce, who signed a two-year extension to his contract in May 2013,
said: "At my age it doesn't particularly worry me a great deal. Contracts
are made and broken in the entire football industry - it doesn't mean
anything like it used to because a long or short contract doesn't protect
you. "It's a winning culture you need - if you continue to win, you improve
the club."

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BIG SAM'S GRAND SLAM SPEAKEASY
By Bianca Westwood 23 Oct 2014 at 09:20
West Ham Till I Die

Plans are made here, games are played here
I could write me a book
Each night astounds you
Rumours are abuzzing
Stories by the dozen
Look around you, cousin
At the news we're making here…


The headlines are reverential, the music is loud, the drinks are flowing and
there's a whole lotta love being shared around in the decadent atmosphere of
Big Sam's Grand Slam Speakeasy! You can imagine his 60th was a rowdy,
riotous affair. The gaffer, luxuriating in the glow of his new-found
success, strides ahead of his cohorts, back-slapping and hand-shaking
through the fawning masses. Grins wide, holds court, critics and splurge
guns silenced. Enemies whacked. An armistice of sorts and the party is wild!

"I've done a fantastic job," he booms. The crowd cheers. His disciples throw
themselves to the dusty floor in zealous genuflexion. Pressure? What
pressure? Was it ever in doubt?
Well yeah kinda.


I think deep down Allardyce is just as shocked as we are. No-one could have
predicted the immediate impact of the new recruits. Sakho, Valencia,
Cresswell, Kouyate, Zarate, Song, Jenkinson have all taken care of business.
No-one could have predicted the regeneration of the old guard. I've run out
of superlatives to describe Stewart Downing. All we need now is the
resurrection of Kevin Nolan and the messianic metamorphosis of Sam Allardyce
will be complete.
Yet, in all honesty, you can't argue with him. In the grand scheme of
things, in the cold light of day, when the speakeasy revellers have
departed, the chairs stacked high on the tables and the janitor is mopping
the mucky floor…yes, he has done a great job.

It's still only early days but it's a remarkable reversal of fortune.
Following the victory against Burnley we now reside loftily in 4th place in
the table. West Ham at Turf Moor like Cerberus guarding the gates of hell, 3
heads, 3 goals, 3 points. The Hammers are now brandishing a style of
football that has even the most cynical of Allardyce detractors swallowing
their words. Points stuffed in swag bags and players playing with swagger.
No in-house spatz, er, I mean spats. The Hammers mob is getting made. And it
feels pretty good.


It's not luck that's got them here. It may have taken longer than eager and
impatient fans would have liked. It may have taken the chairmen's
Godfather-like ultimatum: play the right way or you're swimming with the
fishes (we'll no doubt find out the truth about that in the memoirs); it may
have taken a hitman foisted upon him that has buried 6 goals in 6 games. But
the fact remains, you have to give credit to the man in charge.

If he has to face the backlash for the failures, if he has to bear the brunt
of the responsibility for the defeats, if he has to take the bullet for the
hoof up the park, then surely he's entitled to bask in the glory of this,
perhaps short-term but please God not, brilliant heist.

Let's not forget he has previous. When the likes of Djorkaeff, Anelka,
Hierro, Speed, Campo and Okocha the Magician of Bolton were delighting
all-comers at the Reebok, they weren't being surpassed or suppressed by a
long ball.

During his time there, Allardyce's roll-call of duty was pretty impressive:
play-off promotion to the Premier League, a league cup final and a 6th place
finish, earning the Trotters qualification to the UEFA cup for the first
time in the club's history. Yes they also had their moments flirting with
the drop, but, as we all know, Big Sam has never been relegated and
Wanderers fans enjoyed some of the best football and the best results they'd
seen in years under his tutelage.


I'm not saying the guy is a managerial master, his spell at Newcastle was a
disaster, he was ousted unexpectedly, and probably unfairly, at Blackburn,
but he does deserve a break.

As any fan who has suffered relegation regularly knows, sometimes you have
to dump your pretty principles if you want to stay with the big boys. Needs
must I'm afraid. Maybe now, Sam believes he has finally consolidated his
team in the highest division. Maybe now he knows he has the strength in
depth to not only remain in the Premier League, but to push on to greater
things in the top flight. Maybe now he feels comfortable enough to relax the
route one reins and really expand the brand. Whether you like the man or
not, whether you dislike his principles, or disagree with his methods, he's
achieving his targets, the football looks good and he should take some of
the plaudits being offered. For now…


It will be interesting to see how he fares going forward. I don't think it's
the last we've seen of the direct approach. When the situation calls for it
Allardyce will return to type. And so he should. Any strong team should be
able to adapt and fluctuate to ever-changing opponents. But now we have the
luxury of flexibility. We have options and the head honcho has an array of
weaponry at his fingertips. Last season there was hardly a plan A, let alone
B, C and D! Eyes will be trailing his every move, tactical decision, and
shift in strategy. With the comfort and reliability of a good squad we'll
now see what Sam Allardyce, once touted for the top job in the land, is
truly capable of.

I don't expect to see a new contract offered before the year, possibly even
the season, is out. Allardyce seems, as is his wont, unfazed and
unperturbed. He's been in the game long enough to know que sera sera. He
feels he's already proven himself at this level. He hadn't done so at the
Boleyn. He is doing it now. He guarantees Premier League football and now
he's bringing us fans football to be savour. Badabing badaboom!

The champagne corks are popping at the speakeasy, bubbles quaffed in copious
amounts. It could fall flat after a Champion's visit on Saturday…or, we
could fling some flans in City's faces.

Anybody who is anybody
Will soon walk through that door
At Big Sam's Grand Slam Speakeasy

Once you get here
Feel the good cheer
Like they say in the poem
Big Sam's ain't humble but it's your home sweet home…

Come On You Irons!

B x

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Sullivan on City: "I'm hopeful – you never know"
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on October 23, 2014 in Whispers
Claret & Hugh

Realist David Sullivan is approaching the Saturday lunchtime game with great
caution! The co-chairman isn't a man to deal in cliches which is why we hear
nothing about "this game showing us how far the Irons have come this
season." He admits that he "enjoyed wining in the West Ham Way" at Burnley
and is obviously hopeful that more of the same is on the way against the
City millionaires. And although he refuses to get carried away, speaking
exclusively to ClaretandHugh, he said: " I think we are a far better team
than last season as we have so many more attacking options.""It's a very
hard game, they are a £300/£400m team. "They murdered us four times last
season. I'd love to get so something from them. I'm hopeful rather than
expectant, but in football you never know."

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McAvennie: 'Sakho/Valencia to scare City'
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on October 23, 2014 in Whispers
Claret & Hugh

West Ham striking legend Frank McAvennie insists you can't teach players the
instinct we are seeing in Diafra Sakho. Supermac will be at the Boleyn for a
close up look at the Senegalese scoring sensation this weekend believing the
Irons have every chance of getting a result.
Speaking exclusively to ClaretandHugh he said: "The obvious question always
gets asked: 'What is it he has got?' but the answer isn't quite so easy to
find. "The only answer I can give is that he has the instinct – a knack of
being in precisely the right place at the right time. He's a great striker
who is only going to get a lot better as he plays more in the league. "I
love Enner Valencia too. He has pace and movement and is proving a real
handful for defenders. The two of them are a scary proposition even for the
likes of anchester City. "I'm really looking forward to this game because we
are meeting them when we are clearly in the best form we have been for a
long time and that gives us a chance. "Manchester City won't be taking this
anything other than very seriously indeed but with our two front men
anything is possible. "Many of us have said for a long time that we need two
up. Now it's been proved and we look really good as a result."

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Gold solves Fergie's 'West Ham Way' problem
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on October 23, 2014 in Whispers
Claret & Hugh

Gracious David Gold could have chosen to tear into Sir Alex Ferguson after
the former Manchester United manager 's "What is the West Ham Way " outburst
…but quite simply he has too much class for such nonsense Ferguson has spent
a lot of time dissing the West Ham Way and the club's playing style down the
years in his updated biography drawing waves of contempt from Irons fans.
Ferguson had snarled: 'I hope that before I die someone can explain the
"West Ham way." What is it? They last won a trophy in 1980, the FA Cup. 'I
never played against any West Ham team that played football I was afraid of.
They were always surviving, or lucky as hell against us.'

Typically Ferguson! Storms and teacups are the words that come to mind but
the Irons co chairman – born across the road from the Boleyn in Green Street
– and a supporter all his life, refused to get into a major war of words.
Instead, in a one liner to put Ferguson out of business – and speaking
exclusively to ClaretandHugh – he said: "Sir Alex, playing the West Ham Way
is as much about what's in the heart as it is on the eye."

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