Daily WHUFC News - 12th November 2014

New date for Hull at home
WHUFC.com
Fixture change details for January
11.11.2014

West Ham United's home Barclays Premier League fixture against Hull City
will now be played on Sunday 18 January at 1.30pm.
The game was originally scheduled for Saturday 17 January.

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Jenkinson relishing U21s tests
WHUFC.com
Carl Jenkinson will face Portugal and France for England U21s over the next
week
11.11.2014

Carl Jenkinson is looking to build on a good run of games in the West Ham
United team when he links up with the England U21s this week.
The right back has started in every Barclays Premier League match since the
last international break, helping Sam Allardyce's men to a five-match
unbeaten run. Now he heads into two international friendlies with Gareth
Southgate's team - at home to Portugal on Thursday and then away at France
four days later. Jenkinson sees this as a chance to continue his fine form
and begin to edge his way back towards Roy Hodgson's senior squad. "I'm
looking forward to the internationals this week," he said. "It's always a
massive honour to play for your country. We've qualified for the European
Championships in the summer now and done incredibly well to get there.
"There's only eight teams in it, so we've got a very good chance of going
there and doing well. We've got two friendlies against good opposition,
which will be a good test for us and it's an exciting time to be involved
with the Under-21s as well. "It's a natural step from the Under-21s to the
senior team and I feel like I'm getting there. I feel like there's an
opportunity to get into the senior squad. "I know I've got the ability to do
it, I've just got to express myself and hopefully catch Roy Hodgson's eye.
"I've had a good run at West Ham so I know I'm getting there, all I've got
to do is work hard and hopefully that call-up will come in the near future."

Having arrived on loan from Arsenal in the summer and missed the start of
the season due to a hamstring injury, the No18 is now feeling up to speed
after a solid run of games. He continued: "It has been positive and a great
run for the team. We're unbeaten in five games so that's a good sign of
where this Club's going, and personally it's the first time I've had a run
of games in a couple of years now and I'm really happy with it. "I'm really
finding my feet and trying to contribute defensively and going forward as
well. "It was nice to keep a clean sheet on Saturday, I got an assist a
couple of weeks ago and I want to add to that. I want to get as near to ten
assists as I can this year. It's going to be tough but that's my aim."

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Howes signs pro contract
WHUFC.com
Academy goalkeeper Sam Howes has signed his first professional contract
10.11.2014

West Ham United Academy goalkeeper Sam Howes has signed his first
professional contract with the Hammers on the day of his 17th birthday,
putting pen to paper on a two-and-a-half year deal. Despite his tender
years, the highly-rated stopper already has an impressive CV, having this
summer made his first-team debut in the Hammers' pre-season tour of New
Zealand. Howes has also been capped at several different youth levels, most
notably en route to England U17s' European Championship success in Malta
2014. "It's a really proud day for me, my family and all the coaches," he
told whufc.com. "It's nice to see that all the hard work has paid off."I was
in shock when I found out the contract was coming. I wasn't expecting to get
a professional contract. Since I've known, it's been hard to not tell
anyone, but it's a very special day, particularly as it's my birthday as
well." Reflecting on a busy year, Howes continued: "It's been a really good
few months, starting with the Euros and then of course the tour of New
Zealand. I've enjoyed everything about it."

See Howes in action as the U21s next face PSV Eindhoven at the Boleyn Ground
on Wednesday 19 November, kick-off 7pm.

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It's all getting a bit Messi
KUMB.com
Filed: Tuesday, 11th November 2014
By: Staff Writer

West Ham United's Development Squad were given the arduous task of keeping
Argentina in check this evening when Gerardo 'Tata' Martino's World Cup
runners-up dropped in to the club's Rush Green training ground for a
practise match. The likes of Dan Potts and Blair Turgott had the opportunity
to test themselves against Lionel Messi and co. when United's Under 21s
provided the opposition against the Argentinians, ahead of their friendly
with Croatia at the Boleyn Ground tomorrow night.

Messi was joined by the likes of Sergio Aguero, Angel Di Maria and former
Hammers duo Javier Mascherano and Carlos Tevez at West Ham United's Rush
Green training ground - plus hundreds of local school children determined to
get a glimpse of their idols.

West Ham have announced that tickets for tomorrow night's friendly will be
available on the door. Tickets may also be purchased in advance by calling
0871 529 1966, or from the club's ticket office at the Boleyn Ground.

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Hull clash rearranged
KUMB.com
Filed: Tuesday, 11th November 2014
By: Staff Writer

West Ham United's Premier League clash with Hull City in January has been
moved for the benefit of TV. One again paying scant regard to the wishes of
the consumer - or what used to be known as 'supporters' - the Premier League
and its members, in cahoots with Sky TV have moved the fixture from a 3pm
Saturday kick-off to the following day - Sunday 18 January, at 1.30pm. On
the bright side, no away fixtures have been moved - so those travelling West
Ham supporters having already purchased tickets will not lose out, on this
occasion. However the same cannot be said for unlucky Stoke fans, who had
originally planned to visit the capital on Saturday, 10 January. Their
fixture at Arsenal has likewise been postponed until the following day. Over
the past decade or so, thousands of supporters have been left out of pocket
due to the whims of the Premier League and TV companies without any recourse
whatsoever. Calls for a central fund to reimburse those supporters left
out-of-pocket through no fault of their own have been ignored by both the
Premier League and West Ham United.

January fixtures live on TV

Saturday, January 10: Crystal Palace v Tottenham Hotspur (5.30pm)

Sunday, January 11: Arsenal v Stoke City (1.30pm); Manchester United v
Southampton, (4pm)

Saturday, January 17: Newcastle United v Southampton (5.30pm)

Sunday, January 18: West Ham United v Hull City (1.30pm); Manchester City v
Arsenal (4pm)

Monday, January 19: Everton v West Bromwich Albion (8pm)

Saturday, January 31: Chelsea v Manchester City (5.30pm)

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Howes about that? Sam secures pro deal
KUMB.com
Filed: Tuesday, 11th November 2014
By: Staff Writer

England Youth international Sam Howes has signed a two-and-a-half year
contract with West Ham. 17 yesterday, the promising goalkeeper got the best
present of all when he put pen to paper on his first professional contract.
"It's a really proud day for me, my family and all the coaches," he told
whufc.com. "It's nice to see that all the hard work has paid off. "I was in
shock when I found out the contract was coming. Since I've known, it's been
hard to not tell anyone, but it's a very special day, particularly as it's
my birthday as well."
Howes made his international debut for Kenny Swain's Under 16s in March
2013, since when he has progressed to the Under 17s squad. He was part of
the 18-man squad that took part in the European Championship in Malta at the
end of last season. He made his debut appearance for West Ham United's first
team during the summer tour of New Zealand, as a late substitute in the
match against Sydney FC. Speaking at the time, he said: "I'm not 17 until
November, so to make my debut for the first team on this tour was not just
an achievement for me, but for everyone around me - the coaching staff and
everyone who has helped me at West Ham. "It's a dream come true for me to
play for the first team, training with the lads and also to meet all the
fans as well. Words can't describe how I'm feeling at the moment. It's been
blinding."

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WEST HAM LINKED WITH A MOVE FOR FULHAM'S GEORGE WILLIAMS
By S J Chandos 11 Nov 2014 at 13:00
West Ham Till I Die

According to Sky Sports News (SSN) West Ham are one of a number of Premier
League clubs tracking Fulham's young starlet, George Williams. Williams, 19,
has broken into the first-team at Fulham this season to make 10 Championship
appearances so far, with his impressive performances alerting the club to
his potential. The winger, who joined Fulham from MK Dons in June 2012, is
out of contract next summer. And, with talks on a new deal at Fulham still
to commence, the Hammers could seek to take advantage of the situation in
the January transfer window.

Having made his full international debut for Wales in last month's 2-1 Euro
2016 qualifying win over Cyprus, Williams could earn a second start in
Sunday's home game against Belgium. Both club boss, Kit Symons, and
international manager, Chris Coleman, have praised his ability and potential
to progress in the game. However, West Ham may decide to try to tempt Fulham
with a January bid, with a view to developing that potential at Upton
Park/the OS. With this possibility in mind, it will be an interesting
exercise to see how, if selected, Williams performs against the talented
Belgian national side.

Talking of promising youngsters, it has also been reported that U-21 goal
keeper Sam Howes has signed his first professional contract. The young
custodian is well thought of at the club and hopefully he will be able to
push on, in time, and challenge for a regular first team spot. However, the
Reece Oxford situation still rumbles on, with Man Utd, Chelsea and Arsenal
all allegedly interested in poaching a prospect referred to as 'the new Rio
Ferdinand.' Hopefully, the youngster will accept that West Ham is the best
place for him to develop his talent and he will sign his first professional
contract at the club. Regardless, the club must play 'hard ball' in this
instance, much like they did with Man Utd over their recent interest in
Oscar Borg.

It is a fact of life that PL clubs will try to poach oustanding prospects
from each other, but West Ham must actively resist such overtures to retain
the Academy's best prospects. And, in doing so, the likes of Borg and Oxford
need to be sold a vision of a 'club on the rise,' as we approach the crucial
2016-17 move to the Olympic Stadium. Ultimately, that must translate in to
regular European competition via our finishing PL position, not just in the
occasional good year, but consistently, season after season. Surely that has
to be the ambitious core vision for the future progression of the club?

SJ. Chandos.

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THESE COLOURS DON'T RUN
By Brian Williams 11 Nov 2014 at 08:00
West Ham Till I DIe

While the Aston Villa defence may not have been quite as generous as we'd
hoped at the weekend, West Ham supporters still have cause to be grateful to
the Midlands club. We may well have acquired our iconic colours from them.

There is a wonderful story that when we were in our infancy a man named Bill
Dove, who helped train the Thames Ironworks team and was the father of one
of the better players, was at a fair in Birmingham where he was challenged
to a foot race by four Villa lads who happened to be there as well. What's
more, they wanted to have a few quid on the result.

Unfortunately for them, Bill was a top-class sprinter and romped home a
clear winner. More unfortunate still, they didn't have the cash to honour
their debt - and no one took plastic in those days. Just as it was all on
the point of turning ugly it transpired that one of the Villa boys was
responsible for doing the club's washing and he offered a complete set of
kits by way of payment. The story goes he later told his incredulous bosses
that the gear had mysteriously "gone missing".
Sadly, there's not a shred of evidence to support the tale - which is a
shame, because I love the idea of receiving stolen goods from the Villains.

Early photographic evidence suggests that Thames Ironworks - which every
Hammer from the age of seven upwards should know was the factory side which
evolved into West Ham United FC - played its first games in a dark blue
strip, before switching to light blue shirts, white shorts and red socks.
However, as all those pictures were monochrome the whole business is not as
black and white as might be hoped.

So if Thames Ironworks never played in claret and blue, when did West Ham
first do so? "The earliest photograph I have been able to find showing West
Ham wearing today's colours was taken on 16 January 1904," says historian
John Simkin. "The game was against Plymouth Argyle at the Memorial Ground."

Simkin is a clever man, and he's got three degrees to prove it (he's not got
the Three Degrees, obviously - that would be tantamount to kidnap, which is
clearly a very serious offence). Simkin doesn't believe the Bill Dove story,
but he reckons there might be an Aston Villa connection. He says: "The
directors of West Ham were seriously concerned about the financial situation
of the club at the beginning of the 1903-04 season. Given their perilous
situation, did the wealthiest club in England take pity on them and donate
them a set of claret and blue shirts?" I guess we'll never know.

You'd think that no shirt would be complete without a badge, but study the
old photos and you'll see that West Ham teams of the past often played
without wearing one (a badge, not the shirt - this isn't Newcastle). And
when they did, there was no castle. Early shirt badges merely had the two
crossed hammers that represent our ship-building heritage. The highly
stylised fortress which symbolises the Boleyn Castle didn't appear until
much later.

Of course, the move to the Olympic Stadium has prompted another redesign and
the Boleyn Castle has got the chop. The revamped crest includes the word
"London", which I guess is handy if at any time you forget where you are.
But I can't help thinking we've missed a trick here.

Rather than merely listing the name of England's capital city, we could have
given the badge an extra touch of class by adding a motto. If we're going to
a superpower in European football as a result of taking up residency in such
grand surroundings at Stratford, we might as well have all the trimmings.
Not that we have to waste a lot of time dreaming up one of our own - we can
simply borrow someone else's. It doesn't matter much what it says, but it
does have to be in Latin. It's just not a proper motto otherwise.
There are a few to choose from. Tottenham go with Audere est facere (to dare
is to do), but we don't want anything from them, thank you very much. Man
City's motto is Superbia in proelia (pride in battle) while Everton's is Nil
satis nisi optimum. That translates roughly as "only the best is good
enough" - but for my generation those words will always be preceded by the
line: "The Milky Bar Kid is strong and tough," so it doesn't quite fit the
bill.

For Blackburn the way forward is Arte et labore - by skill and hard work -
but look where that has got them; Bolton's _Supera morass (overcome delays)
sounds as if it was created as an early radio traffic bulletin for anyone
using the M6; and, despite the best efforts of several managers, not least
our very own Paolo Di Canio, Sunderland still have some way to go
consectatio excellentiae - in pursuit of excellence.

I've always had a soft spot for Queen's Park, the Scottish outfit whose home
ground is Hampden Park even though they themselves are amateurs. There's
nothing like thinking big in my book. Their motto, Ludere causa ludendi,
means "to play for the sake of playing" - and while that may not quite tie
in with the club's ethos of recent years, I reckon it sums up what West Ham
are all about.

Incidentally, if there are any Jesuit scholars reading this who quibble with
the Latin translations I suggest you take up the matter with my learned
friend who provided them, Professor Vic E. Pedia.

With or without a badge, I reckon shirts generally look better on players
than supporters. Replica kit certainly doesn't suit middle aged men with
bulging midriffs - I know this because there is no shortage of mirrors in my
home. I'm a scarf man, myself.

My mum knitted my first West Ham scarf - alternate squares of the sacred
claret and blue with tassely bits of wool at both ends. I loved it. Sadly,
the other kids with whom I went to school didn't - especially the ones who
supported Chelsea. Things came to a head in the playground one day when some
of these boys in blue tried to part me from my precious knitwear. But I had
no intention of giving it up (although I have to admit now it was not
because I have ever been particularly brave; the truth is there was no way I
was going home to face my mother without that scarf, which she had sweated
over for hours).

I'm not going to exaggerate here - this wasn't the Rumble in the Jungle. Nor
was it the Thrilla in Manila. This was the Tussle with the Tassels. Even so,
with a couple of kids pulling one end and me desperately clinging on to the
other, the immediate future was looking decidedly bleak for my scarf.

My mum wasn't the world's most enthusiastic knitter (I'd had to beg for
months before she got cracking with her needles) but she obviously knew what
she was doing. As the tug-of-war became more intense it seemed inevitable
her creation would come apart in our hands. Amazingly, it didn't. But it did
stretch. By the time my assailants lost interest, that scarf was about
twelve feet long. The squares, so carefully created, were no longer square -
they were distinctly rectangular. However, they were still in my possession
and now I had an item of clothing that I could wrap around more than just my
neck. I could have mummified myself in it.

This was some years before Tom Baker became Doctor Who. (I think it was
Patrick Troughton at the time). But I did wonder in later years if one of
the small crowd who had witnessed my rather undignified struggle had gone on
to be something in the BBC's wardrobe department and convinced the producers
that what a Time Lord really needed was a scarf as long as the District
line.

As a parent myself, I do realise that it would be impossible to fob off your
kids with a bit of homemade knitwear these days. You've just got to smile
bravely and visit the club shop knowing full well you are going to have to
put your hand in your pocket and buy the replica kit.

However, if you are in that position yourself, you may like to use the
following piece of football trivia as a way of recouping some of the outlay.

Wait until you on are on a long drive home from an away game and tell your
travelling companions that the game which led to teams having to wear
different colours in a match took place in 1890 when two sides confusingly
turned out in red and white stripes. Be generous, and inform them at no
extra cost that the home team was Sunderland. (If you're stuck in a traffic
jam, and really want to spin this story out, you could add that when
differing kits became compulsory in 1892 it was the home side which was
compelled to change if there was a clash, a rule that was in place until
1921. I'll leave that up to you.)

Providing your mates are still awake, you now raise the prospect of making
this discussion more interesting by suggesting a small wager that no one can
name the other side in red and white stripes at this historic encounter.
Give them three guesses - the chances are they won't come up with the right
answer. It's Wolves. Unless you've got a right clever dick in the car, it's
got to be worth a punt that none of them will know that. Just don't put your
shirt on it.

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"There's nothing suspicious!" - David Gold gives update on whereabouts of
West Ham star
HITC
Olly Dawes

West Ham United co-chairman David Gold has told fans not to worry about
Mauro Zarate. West Ham United have enjoyed a superb start to the new season,
but Saturday's 0-0 draw with Aston Villa was one of the more frustrating
afternoons of the campaign. Villa goalkeeper Brad Guzan kept the Hammers at
bay for 90 minutes, producing a number of fine saves, including one late on
from returning striker Andy Carroll.
The former Newcastle and Liverpool target man made his long-awaited return
from injury on Saturday, but fans are still waiting for Mauro Zarate to make
a similar comeback. Zarate, a summer signing from Velez Sarsfield, scored
against Crystal Palace earlier this season but hasn't been seen on the pitch
since the Hammers beat QPR at Upton Park at the start of October.

Now after over a month out, rumours have been suggesting that there is
something more to Zarate's absence, especially considering that he's been in
the news lately having switched his international allegiance from Argentina
to Chile. However, West Ham co-chairman David Gold has told Claret & Hugh
that there is nothing untoward over Zarate, and that the 27-year-old is
simply out injured at the moment.
"Mauro is very much part of the first team squad but there's no need to take
chances on players when so many are fit and available," he said. "We are in
a very strong position at the moment and there is nothing suspicious about
this at all. Mauro is a valued player and like many others, really having to
challenge for his place in all circumstances," added Gold. With Enner
Valencia and Diafra Sakho impressing in the West Ham attack this season,
Zarate has a real task on his hands to get into Sam Allardyce's starting
line-up - though he may be better in the hole behind the strikers, where
Stewart Downing has excelled this season.

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Carroll may be set for super-sub role
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on November 11, 2014 in Whispers
Claret & Hugh

Sam Allardyce could solve his striking headache by using Andy Carroll as a
regular super-sub this season. The manager has regularly made it clear he
won't be rushing the record signing back into action and that he is on a six
week "pre-season" programme. And that has led to suggestions that Allardyce
is playing a canny game which is aimed at keeping the Geordie 100 per cent
focused and injury free as n off the bench performer. Already the manager
has told the player he needs to calm down his frantic playing style which
may have contributed to his injury problems. Carroll responded by making it
clear that he would find that very difficult and Allardyce therefore seems
ready to take the decision on himself and perhaps protect the player from
himself!. Speaking recently he said;:"It is me saying 'You are in
pre-season. If I put you on any sooner or quicker and you get injured again,
that will be my fault not yours and I'm not prepared to do that.
Slowly and surely with Andy - we'll judge it week by week!" With Enner
Valencia and Diafra Sakho in such great form Allardyce has no reason to rush
the Carroll situation and a six week pre-season would take him up to
Christmas anyway. And one source told ClaretandHugh: "Sam is going to treat
the Andy situation with great caution. Nobody would be surprised to see him
used as a super-impact sub for the remainder of the season."

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Hammers ready to open exit door
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on November 11, 2014 in Whispers
Claret & Hugh

West Ham will be looking at doing more outward business in January than
inward with several players becoming available to interested clubs. And
whilst we will be looking at getting decent fees, the bigger priority will
be to free up the wage bill in order to strengthen again next summer. Among
those the club are ready to allow out are Ricardo Vaz Te, Joey O'Brien and
Carlton Cole who may have become a more attractive proposition to potential
buyers following regular appearances in an ultra strong Hammers side.
Looking further ahead to the summer Ravel Morrison looks likely to move on
and of course the ongoing Winston Reid saga is now being viewed in the light
of him running down his contract. A source told Claretandhugh: "Yes, there
are players we would let go on the right terms as it becomes more and more
apparent how the first team squad is shaping up. "It would be good to see
some outward movement as we believe we are now building on a very firm base
following last summer's transfer activity."

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Villa show the Irons 'fear factor'
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on November 11, 2014 in Whispers
Claret & Hugh

I never believed it would be easy against Villa and we will now have to get
used to the idea that teams will come to Upton Park determined to sit and
defend - a bit like we did at Chelsea last season! And the fact that's going
to be the approach of many teams shows just how far the Hammers have come -
we are now a team to be feared. However, the weekend match also showed us
that there will be periods when our style of play will allow teams into the
game and we could leak the odd goal. When you play the type of attacking
free-flowing game we are seeing from this Hammers side that's going to
happen at certain times in the game. It's not that the opposition has
suddenly worked out how to play against us, just that a few gaps appear - as
they did at the start of the second half on Saturday when Villa took
advantage.
It was good to see Andy Carroll back in the side after so long and silencing
those who claim he will struggle to get past those strikers in possession.
I've said over and over again that this is a squad game and that managers
have to be ready for all sorts of eventualities. I really can't remember a
West Ham team with so many options. To even think of selling Andy or anyone
else at the moment is utter madness. Sam Allardyce's Christmases have all
come at once because he will win far more games than he loses. This is a
very good time to be a hammers player and fan!

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Carroll's late late show an "opportunity lost"
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on November 10, 2014 in Whispers
Claret & Hugh

Sam Allardyce's bizarre decision to give Carlton Cole an extended run as sub
against Aston Villa whilst handing Andy Carroll five minutes at the end
raised some annoyed eyebrows among top Irons insiders. Carroll created havoc
when appearing at the end of the game and could have scored twice as the
Hammers threw everything at the midlanders with goal; deadlocked at 0-0. And
one top insider told ClaretandHugh: "Andy had more than five minutes action
in him - that was obvious. It was an odd decision to put it mildly. "A lot
of us were very surprised when Carlton appeared off the bench with a quarter
of an hour to go and it became quite irritating when we saw the impact Andy
had in the short time he was on the field. "Nobody can say we would have won
the match had he been brought on earlier but it looked like an opportunity
lost."

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