From the Terraces - Joe Difford
WHUFC.com
Fan blogger Joe Difford looks back at Monday's win over Southampton...
A disappointing draw with bottom-of-the-table Aston Villa was followed just two days later with an excellent victory over Southampton, ending a run of nine games without a win. The festive period was always going to be a tough one in East London, as Slaven Bilic has had to deal with losing his best players to injury; Dimitri Payet, Manuel Lanzini, Winston Reid, the list goes on. Despite Villa being rock bottom when we travelled to them on Boxing Day, it was almost a case of 'they have to win eventually,' and the players were fired up to kick-start their survival hopes. Aaron Cresswell fired in a wonderful shot from the edge of the penalty area on the stroke of half time, but the home side could and should have been ahead. Cross after cross was sent in but Rudy Gestede was kept quiet by the brilliant Angelo Ogbonna and James Collins. The target man got his way in the second half however, winning a penalty for his side that levelled the score, although there was more than an ounce of controversy about it.
As the Villa striker closed in on goal, he pulled Ogbonna back by his arm to get in front of him, before crashing to the ground under his presence, fooling the referee. Jordan Ayew calmly slotted home, spoiling our Christmas. 28 December was a different story altogether however, and West Ham played with confidence and class in the second half, after a clumsy and scrappy showing from both sides in the first 45.
Ronald Koeman's Southampton were coming off the back of a resounding 4-0 win over Arsenal on Boxing Day, so were expected to be a real force. Both sides had their chances in the opening half, but it was a fortunate own goal that gave the visitors the lead. After a long ball forward, Saido Mane flicked it on with a wonderful back heel volley, which was then crossed in and turned home by Carl Jenkinson, who was sliding in towards goal. The equaliser wasn't any less lucky, as Michail Antonio cut in before falling over and somehow looping the ball over the Saint's goalkeeper and into the net. Andy Carroll, back from injury and sporting a new hair style came off the bench and gave Hammers fans their first taste of victory since 24 October. Antonio crashed a header off the bar, before Carroll leapt up and nodded home, making it two comeback goals against Chelsea and now Southampton.
Next up for Mark Noble and Co. is a visit of Liverpool, with the Hammers winning 3-0 at Anfield, not that we need any reminding of that day. Dimitri Payet could be back in action and has a great chance to get a full 90 minutes the following week against Wolves in the FA Cup, and David Sullivan has already stated that he wants to win a trophy.
Things are starting to look up for Bilic's claret and blue army, with players returning from injury and goals being scored again. The last two months have been tough, but if the second half against Southampton is anything to go by, perhaps we can find the form we showed at the beginning of the season, once again.
For more West Ham fan views or to join the conversation visit www.90min.com
The views in this article are those of the author and not necessarily those of West Ham United
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Lanzini's all smiles again
WHUFC.com
Manuel Lanzini is fighting fit once more and was all smiles after his return coincided with West Ham United's first Barclays Premier League win in nine. The Argentine, who was sidelined for little over three weeks with a thigh problem, joined Andy Carroll in leaping off the bench at half-time in Monday's success over Southampton. The pair were instrumental in the second-half resurgence that followed and Lanzini insists it won't be long before he is back to his very best. "I'm very happy on a personal level to come back from injury, which was what I wanted," he told West Ham TV. "Physically I felt alright, I felt fit. I need more playing time now but I felt very well. "We knew it was going to be a very difficult game because they were coming here with high expectations after beating Arsenal. "The first half wasn't very good for us but thankfully in the second half we got our game going and we turned it around."
While victory was all important, in whatever form it arrived, Lanzini was pleased as punch for the two goalscorers on the day. He continued: "It was a bit of a strange goal but he [Michail] deserved it. After the equaliser he gave us power and the will to keep going forward. "I'm very happy for the second goal because Andy means a lot to this Club. Mainly, we're all happy that we got back to winning ways because that's what the whole group wanted."
With Liverpool set to visit the Boleyn Ground on Saturday, Lanzini can cast his mind back to the Hammers' unforgettable 3-0 win at Anfield in August. The midfield maestro needed just three minutes on debut to open his West Ham account in front of the Kop and hopes to a complete a famous double at the weekend. "We're going to try and do well again against Liverpool – the main thing is that it goes well for the group because that's all that matters."
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From the Treatment Room
WHUFC.com
Head of Medical and Sports Science Stijn Vandenbroucke issues his latest update – in association with Spire Roding Hospital
Hello everybody and welcome to the final From the Treatment Room update of 2015!
All of the medical and sports science team were delighted with the 2-1 win over Southampton on Monday, for many reasons. First, of course we were happy to get the three points; Second, we were pleased to see Andy Carroll and Manu Lanzini return to the pitch and not suffer any reactions, while James Tomkins did well to play after suffering a blow to his eye at Aston Villa; Third, we got through without picking up any new injuries.
This time of year is very challenging for the medical and sports science departments, as it is for all backroom staff at every football club. We saw a lot of muscle injuries in the Premier League in the last few games, and we should question ourselves as to why we play twice in 48 hours.
With so many matches in a short space of time, we use a number of methods to help the players to recover for the next game with a quick turnaround, including physiotherapy, soft tissue treatments, recovery gym work, cryotherapy chambers, ice baths and the traditional methods of good food and plenty of rest and recovery time.
The medical and sports science team deserves credit in this final week of the year.
Payet's injury is one where you would normally be out for ten to 12 weeks, but he is training after seven-and-a-half weeks. Lanzini's injury would normally rule a player out for four to six weeks, but he was playing in three-and-a-half weeks.
On the other hand it's not always about bringing the players back as soon as possible, but assessing the risks. Some players are out for longer than planned because they are not ready, but if we play two games in three days, we all push it to the limit and give the manager the best possible cards to win the game.
We win, lose, get injured and rehab as a team.
Dimitri Payet has recovered from his high ankle sprain and has been training with the team. Dimi will be available to play some part against Liverpool on Saturday.
The same is the case for Nikica Jelavic and Aaron Cresswell, who both have a good chance to be available for the weekend.
Victor Moses and Winston Reid will join training later this week and are working with the rehab fitness coach to get the necessarily fitness under their belts. Diafra Sakho will return to Rush Green on Thursday and begin the next stage of his rehab.
Happy New Year!
Stijn Vandenbroucke
Head of Medical and Sports Science
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MAKING THE MOST OF YOUR OPPORTUNITIES
By Bobby Shovels 30 Dec 2015 at 19:00
WTID
Well, what a relief. A game of two halves has never been more apt of a description. For most of the first half against Southampton, it was painful and depressing to watch. There was no fight, no imagination. Long balls were hit to the miniature Enner Valencia, who valiantly tried to win a header, but with little if not no success. "West Ham as bad as anything under Allardyce," wrote The Guardian's Jacob Steinberg on Twitter. It was hard not to disagree.
Credit to Bilic for changing things up – it was the only way any attacking opportunities were to come about. One fan next to me said at half time, "I just don't see where the goals are going to come from." It is still somewhat of a worry that we lack so much midfield creativity when Dimitri Payet and Manuel Lanzini are out, as well as a concern that we have been so lacking on goals. Yes, we have countless injuries, but too often we get into good positions and don't have a shot at goal. Ultimately, after all these weeks of injuries, certain players should have used the opportunity of regular first-team action to make an impact – and to challenge the first-team positions of those currently out on the injury table.
Many have argued that the team has stepped up and responded with great fight. I would contend that, yes, the defence has kept its relative cohesion while missing Winston Reid, but the attacking zeal and midfield imagination has been non-existent. Of course, I don't think that's a necessarily bad thing: we are not the complete package or that strong in depth yet to compete with the big boys. That will come with time.
Before focusing on the theme of "making the most of your opportunities", I have great hope for the team once our injured players return – and there is a run of fixtures in February that look encouraging, with maximum points possible in that month. However, and I know I am one to be negative, but there is a weight of expectation being placed on the team once these players return that has to be checked. The first half against Southampton was absolutely dire and we won't replicate that again I am sure. But there have been countless performances throughout the month, even when we have all our players fit, when we have failed to beat the opposition: Bournemouth, Norwich, Watford. All those matches had Payet. And while he didn't play against Tottenham, Lanzini, Sakho, Reid, Moses were all there. There is a problem in relying on one player too much, as well as a huge amount of expectation on these players getting results once they come back. I hope they can make the impact we all hope they will – we are only nine points off the top!
Anyway, for me, the game against Southampton was about – as mentioned before – players taking the opportunity to impress Bilic and the fans with their ability and performances while other notable individuals are out injured. Antonion has done so, Zarate has not.
Take Zarate. I noted the back article on Monday's programme lauded Zarate and had a go at Sam Allardyce for his evident lack of confidence in the Argentine. But many of us have criticised his selfishness before and his performance against Southampton left a lot to be desired. Not just selfish but sloppy and one gets the impression that he is just not a team player, with many of the squad seemingly not enjoying his commitment or output. For me, Zarate is all about himself, which is fine, but West Ham doesn't do big egos. We are based on the way the team gels, on being greater than the sum of your parts. Yes, his goals against Arsenal, Chelsea and West Brom will live long in the memory, but he has had an amazing opportunity in recent weeks to be THE creative playmaker who can step up to the whole left by Payet and Lanzini. And yet he has failed to impress and make the last few games make him a strong contender for a first-team place even when the injured are back. I don't personally dislike Zarate and feel overall this season he has genuinely impressed. But he has failed to make an impact in recent weeks to make me confident of him as a player who can step up to the plate when demanded.
On the other hand, what a performance from Antonio; a dedication, speed and willingness to fight for every ball that made him the easiest choice for man of the match. Indeed, his speed is something to behold and a genuine gap in recent times has been our lack of pace – and he is such an exciting prospect in that regard. At the moment, with the numerous injuries, his ability to chase down seemingly lost causes and power his way through defences is something that gives our squad an excitement – and much needed outlet at a time when we are lacking creativity. Antonio has used these recent weeks to slowly build himself into a dedicated player that is using these games to get some much-needed Premier League experience, as well as making a strong impact. Rather than wasting his opportunity, like Zarate, he has utilised these matches to mature and deliver a message to Bilic and the fans: I am an exciting Premier League prospect.
With that positive note, I want to wish you all a Happy New Year. I am, rightly or wrongly, criticised for my negativity and my ability to always give the squad a hard time. But, I assure you, it comes from the bottom of a heart that bleeds claret and blue and seeps of a desire for greatness. It has been wonderful to write regularly and to get feedback that is never horrible or ill-informed but is a debate among people who ultimately share one thing: a love of West Ham and a wish for us to reach higher heights. 2016 offers so much promise, not just the second half of the season but what happens beyond too. Thanks to my mother, I can witness 2016 in the warm embrace of a West Ham dressing gown.
Up the Irons and see you in 2016 for the next, exciting chapter for this wonderful club.
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Lanzini's brother trains with West Ham
Posted by Sean Whetstone on December 30, 2015 in News, Whispers
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Manuel Lanzini has been joined by his brother Thomas at Rush Green. Older brother Tomas Lanzini, 24, has been checking out the facilities at West Ham's Rush Green training ground during a break in his season with Chile's Deportivo Nublense for whom he plays as a midfielder. They both rose through the ranks of Argentine club River Plate together as youngsters.
22 year Manuel posted photos of him and his older brother training at Rush Green on his instagram account.
Earlier today Al-Jazira CEO, Ayed Mabkhout says he fully expects West Ham to shell out a fee which converts to around £7.5m to complete the deal. Mabkhout told the National paper: "If they decide before April 30th to buy Lanzini then they have to pay €10m. If they pay it we will take it. There have been no discussions with West Ham until now, but I think they're going to do it.His performance has been very good up to this moment and they need the player, but we have to wait for something official."
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Lanzini price tag confirmed by parent club
Posted by Sean Whetstone on December 30, 2015 in News
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The chief executive of Lanzini's parent club says West Ham must pay ten million Euros to conclude a deal for their on loan player, CEO Ayed Mabkhout says he fully expects West Ham to shell out a fee which converts to around £7.5m to complete the deal. Mabkhout told the National paper: "If they decide before April 30th to buy Lanzini then they have to pay €10m." "If they pay it we will take it. There have been no discussions with West Ham until now, but I think they're going to do it.His performance has been very good up to this moment and they need the player, but we have to wait for something official." The 22 year has scored four goals from 13 appearances this season on loan from his parent club Al-Jazira.
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Exclusive: Payet Liverpool plan revealed
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on December 30, 2015 in News, Whispers
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Exclusive
ClaretandHugh has this morning been told exclusively that Dimi Payet is set to play for half an hour or so in the Saturday lunch time match against Liverpool. Payet – ruthlessly hacked down by a member of the other Merseyside team, James McCarthy – has made a faster than expected recovery and is set to parade his mesmerising skills as the New Year gets off to the best possible start for the Irons.
And we have also been told that both James Collins and Enner Valencia – who were reported to be limping as they left Upton Park after the Southampton victory – are both fine and available. Payet's recovery is the best New Years news possible and he is set to renew his partnership with Manu Lanzini who will be joining the Irons permanently in February or March according to chairman David Sullivan. And both Winston Reid and Victor Moses are reported on schedule to join training in early January. A senior source told us: "Dimitri is recovered and the plan at the moment is that he will play 30-45 minutes."
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Bilic Antonio 'block' pays off
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on December 30, 2015 in News, Whispers
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David Sullivan is relieved that Slaven Bilic put the block on Michail Antonio going anywhere on loan earlier in the season. ClaretandHugh had revealed several weeks ago that five clubs had approached the Irons looking for a loan deal involving the player but Bilic had knocked them all back. http://www.claretandhugh.info/five-clubs-chase-unhappy-antonio/ . Now Sullivan has gone on the record confirming the story and clearly believes it shows how highly the boss rates the £7 million signing from Nottingham Forest. Sullivan said: "Michail Antonio is now getting back to fitness and people are starting to see why we bought him. He's a great member of our team and our squad and it shows why the manager would not loan him out when six Championship clubs came in for him before the loan window shut four or five weeks ago.
And thank goodness we didn't as we need him," he added.
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Hammers hero loves Lanzini effect
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on December 30, 2015 in News, Whispers
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Jurgen Klopp will get a first hand look at the player he allegedly wanted to sign in January at the Boleyn this weekend – Manuel Lanzini.
The little Argentinian – who appeared to such effect after the break against Southampton – was regularly linked with an Anfield move a few weeks ago and until very recently. As we reported at the time it was never going to happen and chairman David Sullivan announced on Monday that he would be completing the signing of the midfielder in February or March. The Hammers have bought out his contract from Al Jaziera and will add a further four years to the two still remaining as part of the deal which will make him one of our prize assets.
Former Hammers central defender Tony Gale is delighted telling ClaretandHugh exclusively: "It's terrific to see a ball carrying midfielder who can make things happen in the team and I hope he and Payet – if he gets the expected call-up for Liverpool – help give us the double over them. " It was really good to see the lad back against Saints. I was commenting on the game for one of the TV channels and he clearly made so much difference. "This is as good a group of players as we've had at the club for a long time and when they are all back and firing it could lead to a fantastic finish to our season. In the meantime the double over Liverpool would be just perfect."
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'Galey': Happy New Year on the way!
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on December 30, 2015 in News, Whispers
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I can see very good times ahead for West Ham this New Year. With players returning more rapidly than anyone could have expected we are setting ourselves up for top finish to the season.
It's been a great campaign and I am so enjoying watching Slaven Bilic's men with all the credit going to the boss – he's given us the football West Ham fans expect to see and some of the greatest results ever.
If I'm honest I was a bit surprised at the set up in the first half against Saints – a match we really did have to win. An out of confidence right back in Jenkinson at left back and Alex Song playing too high and Kouyate holding at the back struck me as very odd.
But Slav got it right at half time and that result could turn things around in a big way with Lanzini and Payet ready to link up again against Liverpool on Saturday.
Lanzini is a smashing player and Payet has shown real brilliance. On Saturday we will see them easing their way back into things but we need to keep the expectations down.
However, I'm hearing comparisons made between those two and some of heroes of the past and that needs to stop.
They have only been here a short while and are going to have a big impact but at the moment we need to let them get back on their game and help us towards a big end of season.
Slaven has been impressive at every level. The football apart – which has been great at times – he's a top bloke with a very honest approach to everything. He brings integrity and always tells the truth. In that respect he reminds me very much of Bill Bonds.
The squad – as individuals – is as strong as any we have seen at Upton Park in a lot of years and can get better and better. I'm pretty excited at what I'm seeing.
With everybody fit we are spoiled for choice but here's my first team in those circumstances:
Adrian; Tomkins, Reid, Collins, Cresswell, Noble, Kouyate, Lanzini, Antonio, Payet, Sakho
I wish you all a very happy New Year!
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Sullivan "I don't get any money out of football"
Posted by Sean Whetstone on December 30, 2015 in News, Whispers
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West Ham Joint Chairman David Sullivan has been speaking to Sky Sports ahead of the release of the second Krays film he financed as executive producer. Sullivan insists he makes no money out of football so needs to earn money from somewhere to pay footballers although he did have a smile on his face as he said it.
"It's like my hobby really, just like a little vanity project but I also have to make a living because I don't get any money out of football so somewhere I have to try to earn some money to pay the footballers." said Sullivan on producing the second Krays film.
Asked why he chose the subject of the Krays for his first film project Sullivan replied:
"I was around when they were around or just after them, they are East End boys, they not saints, this is the real story of the Krays. They were nasty, horrible, violent people and both the rise of the Krays and the fall which comes out in a couple of days says exactly the kind of people they were"
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Olympic Stadium Stewarding Update
Posted by Sean Whetstone on December 30, 2015 in News, Whispers
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Claret and Hugh understand that the stewarding company who will take over responsibility for match day stewards is struggling to recruit enough experienced West Ham stewards to fill the match day event roles for next season. West Ham stewards, some of which have worked for the club for over 20 years were asked to re-apply for their jobs with the guarantee of an interview with the new company.
Claret and Hugh understands that not enough of the current workforce have taken up this offer with some saying that some terms and conditions and flexibility has changed within the new roles when they move to the former Olympic Stadium. Stewards that Claret and Hugh have spoken say they understand that the new stewarding company will be present at the Liverpool home game on 2nd January to speak to them to encourage them to join, although they say they have received nothing in writing to confirm this will happen and it only word of mouth amongst the stewards.
When we asked the club for an official comment on the subject we were told that recruitment of stewards for next season is a matter for the LLDC and E20 Stadium LLP and not themselves so they couldn't comment.
LLDC and Newham council who own the Stadium have created a company called E20 Stadium LLP who have contracted French firm Vinci to operate the stadium who have in turn sub contracted the match day stewarding to the former cleaning company called OCS.
A spokesperson for the Stadium at Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park told Claret and Hugh:
"We are in the process of recruiting stewards and with eight months still to go until West Ham United play their first match at the Stadium we have no doubt that we will have all the stewards in place by then. This summer the Stadium has hosted several major events at which a full complement of stewards welcomed 500,000 spectators."
A West Ham club source added: "I did see some familiar faces when I was there for Rugby World Cup (which was well stewarded for 50k people) so some have definitely already started working there."
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Hammers step up summer deals programme
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on December 30, 2015 in News, Whispers
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West Ham will spend January lining up targets and attempting to get deals in place for the summer.
Club insiders continue to insist that any dealings in the winter transfer window are highly unlikely as the club enters the second phase of the season.
Instead the manager is looking at scouting reports and has identified the positions and, in some cases players, he wants to try nailing into contracts in the summer.
ClaretandHugh was told by a high level source: "Our position as far as January is concerned is well known. We have players on the way back now and we have no need to be making serious moves in this winter.
"However, the hard work of attempting to get deals in place for next season is continuing. We'll be trying to tie up deals now for the summer and anything is still possible.
"Of all the deals we've done in January Demba Ba was the only really good signing. If and when we get all our players back we do not need anybody until the summer."
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Sullivan: 'Bilic asked for £30m transfer kitty'
Posted by Sean Whetstone on December 30, 2015 in News, Whispers
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West Ham Chairman, David Sullivan has told Sky Sports that Slaven Bilic asked for a £30m transfer kitty when he interviewed him for the West Ham Manager role four or five years ago before he appointed Avram Grant.
Sullivan told Sky "I interviewed Slaven (Bilic), four or five years ago and he wouldn't come unless we gave him £30m to spend at the time. He was my first choice four or five years ago and we saw three or four people before we appointed Avram (Grant)"
bilicsmiles"He was my first choice then so I remembered that, this time around it's common knowledge we tried to get a very high level of managers with vast experience and one of them went to Real Madrid, he had agreed everything with us and Real Madrid came in. We therefore went to the best of the rest and Slaven was the best of the rest"
"We were two hours away from appointing Rafa but Real Madrid came in, everything was agreed, we had an agreed contract, I am big believer that what ever happens, happens. He is a top manager despite what anyone says and I think he would have done a wonderful job for us. We tried Klopp as well, he said at the time, he wouldn't come as he needed a break. it's wrong to name people really, we aimed very, very high but I am glad with the manager we have got"
David Sullivan was speaking at an event to publicise the release of a film he has produced called 'The Fall of the Krays'. The follow-up to 'The Rise of the Krays' is released in cinemas and for download on 1 January.
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DS: "We don't have a penny to spend on wages"
Posted by Sean Whetstone on December 30, 2015 in News, Whispers
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David Sullivan has told Sky Sports News "Unless someone leaves the club who is on the wage bill at this moment and time we don't have a penny to spend on wages. We would only let fringe players go or if someone made an offer we couldn't refuse. We are not going to selling players for £10m or £20m, we are a non selling club."
On the possibility of Andy Caroll leaving West Ham, Sullivan said "Andy is doing a great job, he is part of the club and part of the team and I think it is very unlikely he would want to go anywhere. Realistically he has got a fiance and baby in this area, whether he would go back to Newcastle, to go to his home, I don't there is any club he would go to other then Newcastle. If Sunderland or another club offered him more money I don't think he would go there, he would have no interest in going there."
Looking to the Summer transfer window Sullivan added: "Foreign players come to England for the money and because their wives want to live in London. Going forward we're going to sign some top players and being in London is a big factor."
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'HANG IN THERE' AND KEEP ACCUMULATING THE POINTS - A VERY UN-WEST HAM WAY!
By S J Chandos 30 Dec 2015 at 08:00
WTID
Whilst others have tended to look on the down side of recent results, I do not share their pre-occupation with the negative. I must admit that I have been absolutely delighted at the way in which a depleted squad have applied themselves and continued accumulating the points. After the hugely disappointing 4-1 capitulation at White Hart Lane, and the subsequent loss of further of a number of key attacking players, it would not have been unreasonable to have feared the worst for a bad run of defeats. Yet, that did not happen, quite the opposite, the squad dug in and delivered five consecutive draws. Yes, the quality of the performances were viable, ranging from a superb performance at Old Trafford to diametrically opposed ineffective display at Villa. But regardless of how well or badly they played they delivered the point on each occasion. For me that is significant and very unlike the 'West Ham Way' of going about things.
When we lost Payet to injury, I wrote that squad needed to apply itself and keep accumulating the points until his projected February return date. That way we would stay in the 'top six' frame and facilitate a strong finish to the season. Converting one or two draws in to victories (ie, vs WBA and Man United) would have been ideal, but regardless, the squad have stepped up and kept us in the frame with an unprecedented series of drawn results. Indeed, previous West Ham squads would have crumbled after losing so many key players, but not this time. This time, players like Collins, Tomkins, Antonio and Zarate stepped up to the plate and been instrumental in avoiding defeat and keeping the forward momentum going.
I always think that it is funny the way that the football media present everything in the worst possible light. Prior to the victory over Southampton, no article on the Hammers was complete without reference to the club's 8 match 'winless run.' Yet, they could just as legitimately referred have referenced West Ham's 'five match unbeaten run' (from the Spurs loss), but that would not have put the required negative, 'crisis,' spin on the situation! Regardless, we have been through a challenging situation and dealt with it admirably. Slaven Bilic and the squad are to be commended for the way in which they have navigated such rough waters and come through.
As I have stated, the recent performances have varied in quality. We should have easily beaten Manchester United and could also have suffered heavy defeats at Swansea and Villa. However, on both of the latter occasions, the squad dug in (rode their luck) and come away with the point. Even against Southampton, we could have easily been buried in the first half, but it did not happen and we turned the match around with a committed second half performance. Can we ask anything more of such a depleted side, other than expect their application and commitment to the cause. I think we have had that over recent weeks and it makes me proud of this squad and hopeful that Bilic's West Ham may well lose its soft under belly and reputation for inconsistency. We live in hope!
We have hung in there and the top six remains in clear striking distance. With Lanzini back, Payet nearly ready to return and Sakho back in February, there is every reason to believe that the momentum will soon swing back to us. If it does happen, and we make a strong top six finish, come May, we will naturally think about those brilliant victories against Arsenal, Liverpool, Man City and Chelsea. However, we should also give thanks to the tenacity and application shown in amassing those five points in the WBA to Villa sequence of matches. We will be able to look back, with justifiable pride, and conclude that was when we saved our season!
So, next up is Liverpool at Upton Park on Saturday. Liverpool, under Klopp, have been fairly inconsistent in their results so far. We certainly should not fear them and should expect to complete the double over them. It has all the ingredients of a classic match and I am looking for a narrow 2-1 win. There is also a chance that the match could see Payet named on the bench and making an early return to action. Now, that is something to celebrate!
Finally, I would like to wish all WHTID readers/contributors a very happy new year. 2016 could very well be the year in which everything changes for the better for the club. If it is, no set of fans deserves it more than the wonderful, loyal and committed Hammers support.
SJ. Chandos.
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West Ham eyeing return for £23m Serie A hitman
By James Jones - Dec 30, 2015 0
Westhamworld.co.uk
West Ham preparing to return for Juventus striker Simone Zaza in January, according to the Brentwood Gazette. The Hammers came close to bringing the Italian to east London in the summer but a deal fell through at the last minute after Juve decided to pull the plug on a season long loan deal worth £1.4m with an £11.5m option to buy. However, Hammers boss Slaven Bilic remains a huge admirer of the striker and is reportedly weighing up a move for the striker in January. Zaza's playing time at Juve has been limited this season and Brentwood Gazette claim he might be open to a loan move when the transfer window reopens next month, although they do say Zaza would prefer to stay in Serie A. However, the report claims West Ham will still try and convince him to move to the Premier League in January as they look to bolster their attacking options following a number of crippling injuries in recent months. Simone Zaza is valued at £7.7m by transfermarkt.co.uk, but the report says West Ham are lining up a £23m bid for his services.
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West Ham star thanks fans for loyal support in 2015
By James Jones - Dec 30, 2015 0
Westhamworld.co.uk
It's been a funny ol' year, hasn't it? The first half was terrible, but we've ended it very well and have a lot to look forward to. Much like 2014, right? One thing we've had to do is stick by the club throughout all the disappointment, mental injury crisis' and awful performances. The good times probably outweigh the bad, but during the bad it takes a lot for a football fan to continue parting with their hard earned cash to continue watching rubbish. As West Ham fans, we've had to do a lot of that over the years. But we still do it. Although recently it's been a pleasure. And one significant fan of West Ham has taken to Twitter to thank the rest of us for spending our hard earned money on the club over the festive period and throughout 2015. That fan is indeed our skipper, Mark Noble. He also labelled our win over Southampton as the biggest of the season so far, which is difficult to argue with given the run of form we were in…
MARK NOBLE ✔ @Noble16Mark
Team sprit and hard work, biggest win of the season so far, thank you for all the money you have spent over Christmas to support us!! #MN16
9:20 AM - 30 Dec 2015
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West Ham in the race for £18m Brazilian wonderkid
By James Jones - Dec 30, 2015 0
Westhamworld.co.uk
West Ham are one of four clubs currently targeting a move for Benfica forward Anderson Talisca, according to reports in Brazil. Brazilian website, O Dia, claim West Ham have been keeping close tabs on the Brazil U23 star, who has struggled for form this year having scored just two goals in 29 appearances. However, he rose to prominence in Portugal when he first signed for the club after scoring nine goals in his first 13 outings. That form alerted the likes of Arsenal and Liverpool, who the Daily Mirror reported were considering activating his £18m release clause last year. However, after struggling for form this season, Benfica are reportedly willing to allow the 21-year-old to leave on loan in January, with West Ham supposedly interested in bringing him to east London until the end of the season. Talisca has previously been dubbed the 'next Rivaldo' and is undoubtedly going to have more suiters as the transfer window progresses. But West Ham are reportedly well in the mix for his signature, alongside Flamengo, Cruzeiro and Corinthians.
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Michail Antonio focused on kick-starting West Ham career after winger forgives David Gold for case of mistaken identity
By RIATH AL-SAMARRAI FOR MAILONLINE
PUBLISHED: 12:29, 30 December 2015 | UPDATED: 15:40, 30 December 2015
West Ham winger Michail Antonio has forgiven David Gold for mistaking him for a 'missing person' last month. The West Ham co-owner infamously retweeted an appeal for a 'missing person' in November before realising it was his own £7million signing. Antonio had barely featured in his first three months at the club after joining from Nottingham Forest, but has started each of the past four games because of injuries and scored a freak equaliser in the 2-1 win over Southampton on Monday. The 25-year-old has frequently been reminded of Gold's gaffe by team-mates but is convinced his first goal for the club will spark a successful run. He said: 'I see it as banter and, if I am honest, for the first three months I was a missing person. I was sat on the bench, not playing.' He added: 'It was important to open my account in any way possible – this time the ball was smashed against my forehead by the defender and lobbed the goalkeeper. But I will take a bit of pain for a goal. I had played the previous few games and not got a goal but now I have. 'Normally with me when I open my account I get a couple more so let's see how it goes now. We play Liverpool Saturday so hopefully I can keep it going.' Andy Carroll returned from his groin injury on Monday and ultimately scored the second-half header which ended West Ham's eight-game winless run.
Antonio said: 'He is one person we are confident if he is on the pitch that he will get goals. Everyone has bad luck with injuries, like Jack Wilshere now – he is in and out, in and out. 'I had a bad run three years ago where I had three in a season. Everyone goes through a time where they have injuries and niggles but you always come out in the end and I feel AC might be coming out of it now.'
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Manuel Lanzini to seal permanent West Ham switch for £7.4m, says Al-Jazira chief executive
By talkSPORT (@talkSPORT) | Wednesday, December 30, 2015
West Ham WILL buy on-loan Manuel Lanzini for just £7.4million, according to the chief executive of his parent club Al-Jazira. Lanzini has been one of the stars of Slaven Bilic's new-look Hammers since arriving on a season-long loan from the UAE Pro League side in the summer.
The 22-year-old has scored four Premier League goals in 13 appearances and talk has already turned to making his move permanent. And now Al-Jazira chief executive Ayed Mabkhout says he fully expects West Ham to shell out a fee of £7.4m to complete the deal. Mabkhout told the National: "If they decide before April 30 to buy Lanzini then they have to pay €10m. "If they pay it we will take it. "There have been no discussions with West Ham until now, but I think they're going to do it. "His performance has been very good up to this moment and they need the player, but we have to wait for something official."
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http://vyperz.blogspot.com
Thursday, December 31
Wednesday, December 30
Daily WHUFC News - 30th December 2015
From the Boardroom - David Sullivan
WHUFC.com
I must sound like a broken record, but when you lose five forwards – and I don't even include Victor Moses in that – it's going to hurt any team. In the first half against Southampton we simply weren't good enough but in the second half we made a couple of changes and switched the full backs. The manager should be complimented on how he changed things at half time and did a wonderful job. It was a very exciting second half and I would like to thank the supporters that really got behind the team as they make a really big difference. It felt like one of those night games from ten or twenty years ago under lights as it was an incredible atmosphere towards the end of the game.
We had good chances in the second half to score a lot more goals and Andy Carroll scored the most wonderful header. Not many people would have been able to score in the way that he did. He headed it with power away from the goalkeeper, who was in that corner of the goal so it was by no means an easy chance. Michail Antonio is now getting back to fitness and people are starting to see why we bought him. He's a great member of our team and our squad and it shows why the manager would not loan him out when six Championship clubs came in for him before the loan window shut four or five weeks ago. And thank goodness we didn't as we need him. We were due a bit of luck. Whether his goal was a bit of luck or just pure determination is up for debate. I've never seen a player try so hard and I take my hat off to the people that voted him man of the match. I think everyone really was a man of the match for the second half performance.
When Manuel Lanzini came on with Andy it made a real difference to the team. And when Dimitri Payet comes back, most likely for the Liverpool game, and Diafra Sakho comes back we'll go up another level as well. Even though we've only lost four games all season, with all of the draws you start to look down the table and start to worry. We can now start to look up again and string a few wins together.
Looking ahead to 2016 we've now got 19 games to go and as I said in the summer anything is possible. We know if we play to our maximum then there is not a team in this division we cannot beat. I think it's extremely unlikely we could finish third or fourth but it's possible. I think it's unlikely we'll win the FA Cup but it's possible if you get the right draw and that's the mentality we must have.
Finally, I really enjoyed meeting some of the people that our outstanding Foundation have been helping over the Christmas period as part of a special project that I funded with the homeless charity Crisis. I personally paid for the week-long scheme, which saw Foundation coaches delivering fun football sessions, as well as supplying West Ham kit and match day tickets for the meeting with Southampton. I was delighted we could do something to help make their Christmas more enjoyable.
Thanks again for your support and I wish you happy and prosperous start to 2016.
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Antonio – I should have got a hat-trick!
WHUFC.com
Now that he has opened his West Ham United account, man of the moment and Man of the Match Michail Antonio plans to kick on in claret and blue. His second-half leveller in Monday's 2-1 Barclays Premier League success over Southampton may neither have been the prettiest, nor even intentional, but was absolutely crucial all the same. After storming into the box, the 25-year-old fell to earth and was then merely a spectator as Victor Wanyama thumped the ball in his direction. Happily, it thudded off the then floored Antonio and arced over Saints 'keeper Maarten Stekelenburg. "It was unbelievable," he told West Ham TV. "I didn't really know anything about it, so I was trying to celebrate but I was still a bit dazed from when it hit me! "I thought it was a great performance, after going behind against a good team, who beat Arsenal 4-0 at the weekend, we showed that we can dig in and managed to get the goals."
Antonio hailed the Hammers' change of tack at the interval, with the introductions of Andy Carroll and Manuel Lanzini paying dividends.
When it comes to scoring goals, the former Nottingham Forest man can be as greedy as he likes and the No30 was quick to point out that he could easily have gone home with the match ball for company! He continued: "We've come out [in the second half], we've changed formation, put AC [Andy Carroll] up top, so that we can win more headers and pick up more second balls. "We've shown our drive and I should have got a hat-trick, really. It was a good three days of football. We managed to get four points out of the two games. Three points at home, one away, good results!"
As for the winner, Antonio admits he should have tucked it away without Carroll's intervention, having crashed a header against the underside of the bar. But just his being in the right place at the right time is encouraging and reason enough to think that more chances and more goals are on their way. "I should have finished it first time," he added. "AC was sharp, on his toes and managed to put a good header into the far corner. We've got to push on now and Liverpool at home on Saturday. "I've always said I will try to get into the box, I always try to get goals and now that I've managed to get one, hopefully I can keep going. "I feel over the last four games I've been growing in confidence, I feel that I've been getting better and hopefully the fans see it."
Victory on Monday, the Hammers' first since back in October, was the perfect end to 2015 and, says Antonio, casts a very different light on the recent spate of stalemates. "We're now unbeaten in six, it's turned from a negative, where we kept drawing and drawing, to now being unbeaten in six. How long can we stay unbeaten? "All you can do is concentrate on the next game, make sure we keep getting three points, make sure we keep getting points on the board and we'll keep moving forward."
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The Big Interview - Andy Carroll
WHUFC.com
Andy Carroll was thrilled to play his part as West Ham United produced a stunning turnaround to defeat Southampton 2-1 on Monday evening.
Carroll was a half-time substitute and scored the winner with eleven minutes to go, following in to head home after Michail Antonio struck the crossbar. The big No9 was delighted with the goal and can see a bright 2016 ahead.
Andy, what a turnaround that was in the second half - and what an impact you had...
AC: "It felt like a different game watching and then coming on. We're just happy we got the win in the end really."
What did the manager say at half time to get the team going?
AC: "To be honest I was out warming up as I knew I was coming on, I don't know what he said, but whatever was said it shook the lads up and we came out in the second half a lot better."
Chances were much more forthcoming after half time. Maybe there was a little bit of luck with the equaliser but was that what we needed in the situation?
AC: "We did need a bit of luck and it's been a lot of games where we've not had that luck. We had it for the equaliser and obviously Michail's done great for the end one to assist for me.
For yourself it was a case of doing what all good strikers do and follow in the chances when they come...
AC: "I took one off Tonks' toe early on when I came on, and I knew when I missed that I had to make up for it. Michail hit the bar and I just had to follow it up.
Your two goals this season have been crucial ones - both winners...
AC: "Yes. Two goals that have won important games and this was one of those important games."
Just coming back from a little injury, it must be nice to have that impact on your first game back?
AC: "I had a little niggle in my groin, which I didn't want, especially over Christmas as I wanted to play the games. I've been working in the gym and coming on against Southampton it was great to get the winner."
From the team's point of view, people were talking about not winning in eight, but now we can say we're six unbeaten...
AC: "We've been playing good football, it's just been very unlucky. We had a bit of luck on our side on Monday and got the win."
With the likes of yourself and Lanzini coming back on Monday, and more to come, is there plenty of reason to be optimistic going into the New Year?
AC: "Yes, we've got most of our players coming back fit now which is great. The lads who have come in, like Michail, have shown their quality and that they should be in the squad. It's a great squad to be involved in when everyone's fighting for places."
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From the Newsroom
WHUFC.com
Recorder Series West Ham United correspondent Dave Evans reflects on a winning end to 2015...
It was a difficult first half against Southampton on Monday evening – probably the worst I have seen West Ham play this season aside from Tottenham away.
But the way Slaven Bilic turned it around by bringing on Andy Carroll and Manuel Lanzini – two players who have been missing and have been vital at various stages this season – was outstanding. There is obviously more to come from them, and they definitely changed the game.
West Ham got the rub of the green on Monday, which they haven't always had in the last few weeks. They have worked really hard and got some good draws when they haven't really looked like scoring, holding on really well.
On Monday, they had a bit of luck with Michail getting into the box, because anything could have happened there. Then, for the second one as well, it could have gone anywhere when it hit the bar, but Andy anticipated it really well and headed it home – happy days!
James Collins was outstanding again and has been absolutely superb since he slotted back into the team. He seamlessly comes back into the team after periods on the bench and he never lets anyone down.
I have never seen any player block the ball as much as he does and I thought his heading was superb again on Monday. He just holds things together and I don't think there is anyone who gives more for West Ham than James Collins.
Another player who caught the eye on Monday was Enner Valencia. He also works hard. Enner can be frustrating at times when he loses the ball, but you can see there is some skill and pace there, which is what you need at this level.
Slaven himself should take a lot of credit for changing things round against Southampton. He did make a mistake with some of the selections in the first half, and it could not have got any worse after half-time.
Changing the full-backs over was important because Carl Jenkinson is a right-back and showed that in
the second half, getting down that flank and creating space for Lanzini. James Tomkins seems to be able to play anywhere and always gives 100 per cent.
I'd have to give Slaven credit for his tactical acumen by the end.
I am very positive as we go into 2016, as long as the star players come back – particularly Dimitri Payet. There are players who are to come back into this team and when you think West Ham are seventh, there are bright times ahead.
Yes, West Ham have drawn too many games, but that's because their scorers and flair players have not been there.
They have missed Diafra Sakho a lot too, because they have had to change the way they play the game, or they've tried to play the same way and it hasn't worked. If those two come back and stay fit, then they can still finish in the top six.
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Pavel Srnicek: Former Newcastle keeper dies aged 47
BBC.co.uk
Former Newcastle United goalkeeper Pavel Srnicek has died at the age of 47, nine days after suffering cardiac arrest in his native Czech Republic. A big favourite with fans during his first spell at St James' Park between 1991 and 1998, Srnicek collapsed while jogging on 20 December. He was taken to a hospital in Ostrava and placed in an induced coma. Srnicek, who also played for Sheffield Wednesday, Portsmouth and West Ham, made 49 appearances for his country. His agent, Steve Wraith, said the final brain scans on Monday had shown "irreversible damage" and the decision "had to be taken" to switch off the life support machine. Wraith added: "Pav passed away on the afternoon of Tuesday, 29 December 2015, with his family by his side."
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Pavel Srnicek
KUMB.com
Filed: Tuesday, 29th December 2015
By: Staff Writer
Former Hammer Pavel Srnicek has died, a week after suffering a cardiac arrest. Just 47, the Czech goalkeeper fell ill nine days ago since when he has been kept in hospital in an induced coma. The decision to turn off life support due to serious brain damage was taken yesterday by his family and he died earlier today. The goalkeeper's agent, Steve Wraith confirmed the news earlier today. "Pav passed away on the afternoon of Tuesday, 29 December 2015, with his family by his side," he said. "My final conversation with him was about getting the entertainers team back together one more time for charity next year as it will be 20 years since that Newcastle team almost won the Premier League. "We will make that happen and celebrate this great man's life together. United. Fans and players alike."
The former goalkeeper made three appearances on loan for West Ham in the 2003/04 season, having been signed as a replacement for another loanee, Rami Shabaan. Speaking at the time of his move, Srnicek said: "I feel good being here; I had a session and a talk with the manager and I am enjoying it. I am here for a month and we will see how it goes afterwards. This is a good chance and I have taken it."
Following the culmination of his short-term loan, the Czech stopper - who made his debut in the 4-1 defeat at Millwall on 21 March 2004 - completed a free transfer to West Ham having been released by Portsmouth but made just two further first team appearances. He represented the club in a goalless draw with Derby at the Boleyn Ground and a 1-0 defeat to Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park before losing his place to Stephen Bywater.
Rob Lee ✔ @7RobLee
Totally devastated at the loss of my friend and teammate @PavelSrnicekUK #RIP #entertainers
4:13 PM - 29 Dec 2015 · Romford, London, United Kingdom
Srnicek was also an unused substitute in the 1-0 play-off final defeat to Crystal Palace at the Millennium Stadium in May 2004. The thoughts and best wishes of everyone at KUMB are with Pavel and his family.
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Ten lessons from the victory over Southampton
KUMB.com
Filed: Tuesday, 29th December 2015
By: David Meagher
The tussle with Southampton at Upton Park yesterday evening certainly was a game of two halves.
The Saints could have been two or even three goals up at half time as a clueless West Ham seemed to lack a clear plan and stumbled in at half time looking totally dazed. However, Slaven Bilic was brave and made two major substitutions at the break bringing on Carroll and Lanzini for Zarate and Song.
This produced a remarkable transition as the Hammers slowly took over, ultimately turning the game on its head for a deserved 2-1 victory. The performance was very revealing about the nature of our squad. Among the important points were:
1. Michail Antonio CAN be a major Premier League force. The lad has struggled for game time since moving from Notts Forest and there have been glimpses of his ability but he looks some distance from the finished product.
Last night he deservedly received the MOTM award after terrorising Southampton's defence in the second half where, once he received some decent service, he ran at the Southampton back line to devastating effect. Sides will adapt to his directness (probably) but his innate physicality and enthusiasm will give his mentors much to work with. How you wish Teddy Sheringham was still helping out as attacking coach!
2. Alex Song is better suited to a defensive midfield role. Bilic played Song in an unusual position at the front of a midfield triangle but the experiment did not work out as we looked sluggish moving forward and did not create a single decent scoring chance in the first half.
Song may not be quite back to full fitness but, notably, has a career total of just 11 goals in 411 games which speaks volumes for his relative attacking versus defensive abilities. By the way, that record should read 12 goals but his perfectly good strike against Arsenal was bizarrely disallowed last season. Grrr.
3. Carl Jenkinson is regaining his confidence. Jenks has had a torrid season - despite scoring twice in the campaign, his defensive performances have been erratic resulting in him being dropped in favour of James Tomkins at right back. He has returned as a substitute in our two previous matches where he performed well (albeit for short stints).
Last night Jenks was given the daunting role of trying to replace the effervescent Aaron Cresswell at left back and then later was switched to the right. He was solid in both positions (if a little one-footed for the left sided role) and looks to be returning to his former level of excellence. Let's hope that this trend continues.
4. Bilic can weather a crisis and is capable of using it to develop his squad. In contrast to Sam Allardyce, who responded to adversity by parking the bus and bringing in over the hill journey men (Roger the Relegator springs to mind!), Bilic has been realistic about the impact of our injury epidemic and adapted our style accordingly.
We have had little joy over the past eight games with refereeing decisions and the likes but still maintained a decent defensive record and gathered some useful points that keep us in seventh position in the table and well away from the pressure of scrapping in the bottom half. He has also blooded some new talent with Antonio finally getting the opportunity to show what he can do. In addition, Reece Oxford has slipped in some game time while Song and Valencia are getting back to match fitness. Cloud and silver lining come to mind!
5. Lanzini has a crucial creative ability and should be signed on a permanent deal as soon as possible. There is much to like about the Noble-Kouyate-Song combo in midfield which makes it super-difficult for opposition sides to score against us, but we need an incisive force if we are to create enough decent scoring opportunities to win games.
Lanzini looked a bit off the pace for the first few minutes after he entered the fray last night but soon adjusted and suddenly we started to tick in attack and started to ask serious questions from a Southampton defence that had been cruising up to that point. Returning to the Lanzini-Payet combo as our offensive engine is a delicious prospect that we will hopefully get to realise over the near future. Tasty!
6. Mauro Zarate does not justify a starting place when we have a fully fit squad. The little Argentinian is certainly a better performer than his time under Allardyce suggested but he is a frustrating player who holds on to the ball too long and often tries to dribble out of dangerous situations in his own half.
His concession of the ball to Davis towards the end of the first half last night very nearly provided Southampton with the two-goal, half time cushion they deserved. With a full squad available his primary contribution will be as a useful impact substitute.
7. Bilic can get it wrong sometimes! James Collins had fallen down the pecking order since Bilic arrived and looked set to join Big Sam at Sunderland until injuries forced Slaven's hand and the Ginger Pele got to strut his stuff. Is he the best shot blocker in our defence? Yes, he is! His recent two year extension may not be big media news but it represents very good business for the club. With Tomkins impressing at right back, Collins has a more obvious role in the squad.
8. Mark Noble's set pieces are very average. Lanzini took over responsibilities once he came on and suddenly we looked more dangerous. Noble's corner kicks all too frequently fail to get past the first line of opposition defence and lack the 'whip' that creates better opportunity. Payet and Lanzini will assume primary responsibility for firing in our set piece missiles. Captain Claret is our heartbeat but he can't do it all himself!
9. James Tomkins should be in the England set up. The lad has grown in maturity and positional sense over the past two years and that TOWIE incident is well behind him. Maybe Alex Song should loan Roy Hodgson his funky spectacles so that the England boss can see some of the talent at West Ham that he has been ignoring.
10. Mark Noble should play for Ireland (I couldn't resist this one!). At 28 and with Hodgson looking comfortably ensconced as head honcho at International level, it's time those Cork relatives explained to Nobes the many delights of the Emerald Isle.
Martin O'Neill and Roy Keane are still smarting over the Jack Grealish affair and would love to capture Noble's services as they lack a natural partner for James McCarthy in midfield ahead of the Euros where they are in the group of death with Italy, Belgium and Sweden. It's approaching last chance saloon for Noble and it seems a terrible waste that such a quality player may not get a single run out at full international level. Stop this nonsense we say – sign up now!
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New Year's resolutions
KUMB.com
Filed: Tuesday, 29th December 2015
By: Brian Williams
I once resolved to never again make a New Year's resolution for the simple reason I am too weak-willed to keep them.
But by calling on the same set of double standards that means I believe every time one of our players goes down in the box it's a penalty and when an opponent is brought crashing to the ground it's a blatant dive, I am quite happy to make them for other people. So this year I have ten resolutions that I would like West Ham United and those of us who support them to adopt.
1. I want a solemn pledge from the club that this year we are going to have a serious crack at the FA Cup – a tournament which means the world to everyone with claret and blue blood coursing through their veins.
Had Lionel Scaloni sportingly returned the ball to Liverpool via a mighty hoof into the River Taff in 2006 it would almost certainly now be the case that you don't have to of an age when you are thinking about your pension arrangements to be able to remember the last time we won the most famous trophy in club football. As it is, you have to go back to 1980 and Sir Trev's headed goal against an astonished Arsenal side who thought they only had to turn up to lift the cup that day. Another trip to Wembley would be a fitting way to round off our final year at the Boleyn Ground.
2. Find the person with the voodoo doll that, given the number of injuries suffered by our most creative players in 2015, must now have so many needles inserted into various parts of its unholy body it will resemble a hedgehog. (I can only assume the practitioner of this dark art is a Tottenham fan.) Either that, or start training on the spongey stuff they use in kids' playgrounds and insist on playing the second half of the season under the rules of Bubble Football.
3. Ditch the idea for the new badge before the players wear it in public and we embarrass ourselves. We were told we were getting a "bolder, cleaner and more vibrant club crest" that is "the handiwork of world-class designers' Do me favour. The crossed hammers are still there, of course. But where we once had a castle we now have the word "London". What's that all about?
A decent Latin motto I could take – there would be a touch of class about that. But London? We know where we are, FFS. Or is this the first baby-step on the road to an American-style franchising system in which the Dakota Donkeys can become the Detroit Donkeys overnight, and no one seems to bat an eyelid? I hope I'm wrong. But when the London Hammers find themselves playing the Manchester Red Devils it will be the day I finally hand in my claret and blue scarf and take up fishing.
4. Buy a decent right back during the summer transfer window. Right now I wouldn't take Carl Jenkinson on a permanent deal from Arsenal if he were on sale for 12 quid, let alone £12m. For that sort of money we could make a serious bid for Serge Aurier, who is busily making a name for himself at PSG. They used to say right back was the easiest position of the lot. Not these days, when the job is a delicate balancing act between getting forward and taking care of the defensive duties. Time to get someone who can do both.
5. Please, let's get the words to Bubbles right. It's: "They fly so high, nearly reach the sky" not: "They fly so high, they reach the sky". A small point, but the little things make all the difference.
6. The club should climb down off its high horse and agree to allow supporters on the pitch after the final game. It's going to happen anyway, so why not withdraw the draconian threat of lifetime bans and accept the inevitable with good grace? People are looking to have a party, not a riot.
7. It's time we all stopped laughing at Chelsea. Seriously? Nah – of course not! In fact, if you can find a bit of spare time in your busy day I'd urge you to laugh at Man U as well.
8. Let's have an unequivocal commitment to safe standing at the Olympic Stadium. David Gold hinted at it in an exclusive interview with Blowing Bubbles editor David Blackmore in 2013.
The club's co-owner said then: "We now don't have the violence we once had and already what exists is unsafe standing. At Upton Park, we currently have unsafe standing that is illegal and anti-social. It's time to give something back to the fans. The fans who want to stand should be given an area to do so. I'd be stunned if we don't have some form of safe standing experiment soon. I think in five years we will see safe standing at football stadiums because, let's face it, it's not very expensive to install and it's safe, very safe, in fact it's twice or three times safer than what we have at the moment." Well said, Mr Gold. But, as Elvis so neatly put it: "A little less conversation, a little more action please."
9. As the club has decided to take the Champions Statue to Stratford, even though it was partly paid for by the local council, the least it can do is put something else in its place. There used to be some public toilets where our World Cup heroes now stand, and I'm sure the local residents would be relieved in more ways than one to see the lavs rebuilt. But if the consensus is for another statue, how about John Hartson and Eyal Berkowich? Their training ground bust-up would fittingly represent the kick in the teeth that the tradespeople of East Ham and Plaistow will be given as a result of the move to the Olympic Stadium.
10. Better still, scrap the move to the Olympic Stadium altogether and stay put at our real home. Tell Galliard where to stick their luxury flats. Tell that slimy little toerag Seb Coe where to stick his running track. And tell yourselves that West Ham United's one true home is in Green Street – with a stadium that was built for football and where, when roused, Irons' supporters can still create an atmosphere like no other in the country. Sorry, I know that's not going to happen. Is it time for my medication yet, nurse?
Have a wonderful 2016.
* Brian Williams is the author of Nearly Reach The Sky – A Farewell to Upton Park. You can read his regular column in Blowing Bubbles every month.
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David Sullivan insists West Ham is not for sale
By Kaveh Solhekol, Chief news reporter
Last Updated: 29/12/15 2:37pm
SSN
West Ham is not for sale - that is the message from David Sullivan as American and Far East investors continue to invest in Premier League clubs. Sullivan and David Gold bought West Ham six years ago in a deal which valued the club at £105m. Since then, they have been relegated but have now re-established themselves as a Premier League club. Their improving finances, their location in London and their imminent move to the Olympic Stadium have made them an attractive target for foreign businessmen who want to invest in English football.
But Sullivan, the West Ham co-chairman and co-owner, is not interested in making a profit on his own investment. He said: "We have zero desire to sell the club unless the King of Saudi Arabia or the Sultan of Brunei come along. We're not going to sell to an American or Chinese consortium. "We might sell a minority shareholding to clear our debts, but in all probability our kids will take over from us. We love West Ham, we're not going anywhere."
West Ham are one of only eight Premier League clubs who have English owners. In the past month, two American businessmen, Josh Harris and David Blitzer, have bought stakes in Crystal Palace, and a group of US investors are in advanced talks to buy Everton in a deal which values the club at about £200m.
According to Sullivan, that would not be enough to tempt him to sell West Ham. He said: "If someone offers us a couple of hundred million pounds tomorrow, we are not selling - it is as simple as that." One of the factors that is attracting investors to West Ham is their location in London. Sullivan says their London home is also making it easier for them to sign foreign players. West Ham are not expected to make any significant moves in the transfer market in January, but manager Slaven Bilic will have about £30m to spend in the summer.
Sullivan said: "Foreign players come to England for the money and because their wives want to live in London. Going forward we're going to sign some top players and being in London is a big factor."
David Sullivan was speaking at an event to publicise the release of a film he has produced called 'The Fall of the Krays'. The follow-up to 'The Rise of the Krays' is released in cinemas and for download on 1 January.
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Dimitri Payet could return for West Ham against Liverpool
By Paul Vinnell
Last Updated: 29/12/15 12:58pm
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West Ham could welcome back three of their injured stars - including Dimitri Payet - when they host Liverpool on Saturday. Midfielder Payet, centre-back Winston Reid and winger Victor Moses could all feature against Jurgen Klopp's men after spells on the sidelines.
Payet was one of the Premier League's most impressive performers until he suffered an ankle injury against Everton in early November.
"Hopefully some of the players will be back now, against Liverpool," said boss Slaven Bilic. "Payet, Reidy, Moses... It's only Diafra Sakho who we will be without for another four or five weeks. "Dimitri started to train with the team on Sunday. He looks good, his ankle is very stable and the target is the game against Liverpool. I am delighted he is going to be with us for that game."
With Manuel Lanzini and Andy Carroll making their returns as substitutes against Southampton on Monday evening, West Ham's injury crisis finally looks like easing. Carroll's 79th-minute header secured a 2-1 win - the Hammers' first victory in nine attempts - after Michail Antonio had cancelled out Carl Jenkinson's first-half own-goal. But Bilic added: "I want to praise the other players who have been picking up points without them. That was crucial, but now with them back it should be better. "It's good for me. It's hard to drop the other players but it's all about competition. If we want to be a big club, and if you want to get through periods like this with all the injuries, then you need a squad. "That's the only way you can have the long-term success that the chairmen and the fans want."
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WEST HAM 2, SOUTHAMPTON 1. WINE, SAUSAGES, & THREE POINTS.
By David Hautzig 29 Dec 2015 at 03:09
WTID
Prior to accepting this writing internship, my West Ham viewing wasn't that consistent. Nerves were the main reason. If things were going badly, either during a stretch of games or within a game, I could and often would turn away. Or not even turn it on. So today was a bit of a throwback to that. Thus, a slightly different "version" of reporting on today's events at Upton Park. Perhaps, based on the way things turned out, I should do this through the rest of the season. We might win the league.
Having been asked by a fairly new restaurant to show them a bunch of wines, I couldn't use football as an excuse to refuse. So the game started while I was showing a very nice Pinot Noir from Argentina. Which the restaurant bought I'm happy to report. As I got in my car, the football app on my IPhone dinged. We were down 0-1. Driving five minutes away to a local pub to catch the rest of the first half all of a sudden became a chore as opposed to an activity. But another customer/mate was there and I said I'd stop by. Alex is his name. Young guy. Just opened his own wine bar. Serves some pretty brave stuff I must say. He was there with his mate, Devin. The place was packed.
We looked awful. Long came close. So did Fonte. Mane and Tadic could have made more of their opportunities. And when West Ham did somehow gain possession of the ball, it was easy to glance over at the Chelsea – United game or maybe Arsenal. Why not? We weren't going to do anything. Zarate was doing a pretty good imitation of Scott Parker without the circling back. Valencia looked utterly alone, with nobody to pass to or expect a ball from. I inhaled my plate of sausages and mashed potatoes and ran out at halftime to see another customer before driving home early to pick up my daughter and bring her to the orthodontist. Oh joy.
The phone buzzed. It was Alex from the pub. "Yahtzee" said the text. Seconds later, the football app buzzed informing me we had leveled. I called him, wanting to know the details. "I don't know if it was an own goal or that new kid scored. Antonio." Alex sounded excited. His team is New York Red Bull of MLS. He's unattached as far as the EPL goes, but he reads these reports now. We might have a live one to pull into our ranks. I then called my best mate, Jon. He was at his office following the game on ESPN. While discussing the fact that we were both pleased to have been so abject in the opening 45 only to adjust and fight back, Jon saw the update that we had scored again. My phone buzzed, this time a text with a GIF of bubbles floating in the air. Alex. Oh yeah. He's caught the bug. The hooks are in and I ain't letting go. Sorry, mate. You're done. Crispy fried.
As I pulled into my house, Jon told me it was over. Three points, up to seventh. Paired with a nice sale to that restaurant and I'd say it was a good day, only slightly muted by the news that both Valencia and Ginge were seen limping after the match. After dinner, while my son built a new Lego set my dad got him and my daughter practiced guitar, I played the match on my DVR. A few musings.
•After the Villa match, I ended my report with the view that the midfield was likely the issue for our goal scoring problems. Not rocket science, I know. But to see the immediate and dramatic change in our play as soon as the second half started crystallized that point. In Lanzini, we had a player the back four knew they could safely give the ball to. Those up front whose marching orders basically said "score" knew we had a player who could help them do that. It didn't matter that Lanzini himself didn't serve up the actual goals. Two minutes into the half his effective corner was almost put in by Collins, and Carroll should have scored seconds later. The knock on effect to the other nine outfield players was so obvious it bordered on transparent.
•There was a baseball player here many years ago named Lefty Gomez. Said a lot of funny stuff. Google it if you like. One of his most famous quotes was "I'd rather be lucky than good". I think you have to be good to be lucky, and while Antonio is certainly a raw piece of material now, he is an acorn that very well might become an oak. So however that ball found itself into the back of the net, it did. And if it was only luck, he wouldn't have hit the crossbar before the winner. And he wouldn't have made that late run that only needed a millisecond of patience and a pass to become a third West Ham goal. I'm glad he's ours on a long term deal.
•It ain't my money. So I don't care how much he cost, and I don't care how much another team would theoretically offer. I want Andy Carroll to be a West Ham player. After he scored against Chelsea, I wrote that in my opinion Bilic had found the perfect role for him. Off the bench, sometime in the second half, when the opposition back four are already on their final bit of fuel. To deal with a fresh AC at that point must be demoralizing. It took major cajones to put him in to start the second half, along with Lanzini. But Bilic has a pair of those made of Titanium, so we shouldn't be surprised when he tries stuff like that.
•After the match, Nigel The Wrath Of Kahn sent me a text with a picture of a Monopoly Get Out Of Jail Free card. "Used this today" he said. Maybe. But we showed a lot of determination and self belief to turn the game around in the second half when it could have been over before half an hour had elapsed. Not to mention some inspired halftime work by our manager. I think we deserved our two goals and were the better side in that second forty five. If anything we made bail, reported to our parole officer, and turned things around. Perhaps that's what Mr. Kahn meant.
Just made myself an Espresso. Drinking it from one of those little white mugs. Found em on Amazon for cheap. I feel like a serious writer sipping on it, hunched over my IPad. Time to pretend I have a serious thought.
We are so inundated with immediate gratification now it's hard to see the bigger picture. Only a few years ago, we had to wait for the evening news or the morning paper. Now, the Web, Twitter and Facebook provide information in droves without any way to filter the inherent nonsense in much of it. People used to look at investing their money as a long term proposition. Now we have Day Traders. Take a guy like Valencia. Last season, when he scored that wonder strike at Hull and was galloping around with Sakho people were calling him Gods Gift. Those same people have called him Godzilla at times the past few weeks when he hasn't looked as sharp. But in minutes today, he sent the cross in that became the winning goal and then added a top shelf defensive header when the Saints were lurking. Does either define him and his contribution to the collective good of our club? No. The same analysis could be made for any number of people. There will be ups and downs. The real question that counts is this;
Are we trying to go in a direction the supporters want, are we enjoying the trip, and will we be happy if we get there?
Cheers.
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The sad Irons list of January signings
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on December 29, 2015 in News, Whispers
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We've known for some time that for the first time in 25 years as club owners the two Davids are very unlikely to bring anybody in during the January transfer window. January is recognised at every club as being a notoriously bad time to buy or loan players – many of whom are on the market only because of some problem or other at their current 'place of employment.' A senior insider told ClaretandHugh a few days ago: "What's the point. Can you recall any player we've brought in during that window that's really done it for us?"
So with the help of club DJ Leon Hyde we dug back through the records and looked at every player who has arrived since 2010 and it's very hard to make a sensible case for venturing into the January market.
2011 may have been an exception..
Here's the list of names who have appeared at Upton Park in deep midwinter since the Davids arrived as owners.
2010: Guillermo Franco, Benni McCarthy, Mido
2011: Robbie Keane, Wayne Bridge, Dema Ba, Gary O'Neill
2012: Vaz Te, Ravel Morrison, Nicky Maynard
2013: Joe Cole, Pablo Armero, Roger Johnson, Antonio Nocerino, Marcelo Borriello
2014: Nene, Doneil Henry
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Champions League? Chance there for the taking
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on December 29, 2015 in News, Whispers
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Brian Neil Gay is a member of the ClaretandHugh Facebook Group and a long time Iron. Here – in his first blog for the site – he talks of his excitement at last night's performance against Saints and his hopes for the season in our new series of Fans' blogs. Send your blogs to claretandhugh@gmail.com
I have been an Iron since the late 60s so I've see many of our greats, enjoyed our highs and endured the numerous disappointments too but I can't remember the last time I have enjoyed a season as much as the one we are experiencing now.
I get to games when I can but always make a point of watching live streams because I don't think one can really judge a result unless you see the match and that game yesterday under the Boleyn lights was a massive result for us and will I believe seriously effect where we end up.
Had the Saints held on to win it would have been hard to accept that we still had a realistic chance of the Champions' League places but some match results are more significant than others and I think that the final 49 minutes at the Boleyn on Monday will have a much bigger influence on our season outcome than being just a home win against Southampton.
The comeback to win was thrilling, but as a result it's importance should not be underestimated. Lose it and we start the second half of season in the bottom half of the table as the result of a continuing slide down the table (despite not losing in six). Win it and we put ourselves right back in contention for the top half a dozen and I believe those Champions league places.
I suspect that like many I was apprehensive about just how our makeshift first eleven could overcome a buoyant Saints fresh from thumping the Arsenal.
I hoped the Saints would have expended too much energy in that game but the first 45 at the Boleyn dispelled that completely. It was us who looked the more fatigued, the slower, the unsure. Players starting out of position only added to our uncomfortable play.
Whatever Slaven Billic had seen to suggest that playing Alex Song in an advanced role of Cheikou Kouyate clearly was not working and we were lucky not to go in 3-0 down rather than the somewhat unfortunate Jenkinson own goal. I am not so sure Tadic's touch would have netted without Jenk's contact.
The groans were there for all to hear as the Boleyn faithful wanted endeavour and attack but were largely served up slow and lethargic, unimaginative football with no credible creativity on show.
I knew something had to change after half-time and I was pleased to see the manager had made the call to switch it round with a double substitution that was about to change the game. The confidence lift in the rest of the team was evident as we went after the equaliser inspired by Manuel Lanzini's calm and confident ball work and Andy Carroll's running and endeavour.
Andy Carroll attracts a lot of column inches but yesterday's second half performance for me saw him back to very near his best. He has scored the winner against Chelsea and now against Saints. In fact AC is now only three goals away from being our joint top scorer!
On the evidence of yesterday's second half I think he could work well with Enner Valencia and Michail Antonio. There were the first real signs of an understanding of between these three. Given the service we know that AC will win headers and score.
He won two or three headers in the box that I recall, was fouled in the penalty area on one occasion which should have been a penaltyand missed one chance he perhaps should have buried but he looked a lot sharper to me. If he stays fit and keeps his confidence up who knows 2016 could be a good year for him and us.
The swashbuckling attack minded second half display had the Boleyn rocking in the way that we all want to see in this her final season.
I know we have all perhaps been a tad frustrated during this period of missing first teamers but let's be honest Slaven Billic and the fit players have weathered a storm without losing and there is every reason to think with the Payet / Lanzini act about to resume we could well push on for that top six and maybe even the top four.
I mean the league is there for the taking for someone this year and so too are the Champions League places. All the established top teams have slipped up more than once this season, it is no longer a foregone conclusion that City, Arsenal, Man U, Liverpool and that other North London team will have it all their own way.
It is time for real belief, belief in our manager, our players and their abilities. So I am convinced that we could given an injury free 2016 be in with a shout of come May.
COYI.
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Former Hammers goal keeper dies
Posted by Sean Whetstone on December 29, 2015 in News, Whispers
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West Ham's former goalkeeper Pavel Srnicek has died at the age of 47. The former Hammer collapsed with a cardiac arrest while out jogging in the Czech Republic on 20th December. He stopped breathing for 20 minutes before he was revived. Following brain scans a decision was made by his family and doctors to turn off his life support machine his agent confirmed to press this afternoon.
His agent, Steve Wraith said:"It is with deep sadness that I have to announce he passing of Pavel Srnicek. Pavel suffered a cardiac arrest before the Christmas period in his home country and had been in an induced coma in hospital with his close family around his bedside."
"Despite the best medical attention the final brain scans on Monday showed irreversible damage and the decision had to be taken to switch off the life support machine. Pav passed away on the afternoon of Tuesday 29th December 2015, with his family by his side."
pavel2Srníček joined West Ham on a one-month loan deal from parent club Portsmouth on 19th February 2004. He made his debut against rivals Millwall as a substitute, following the sending off of goalkeeper Stephen Bywater, Srníček moved to West Ham on a free permanent transfer, signing a contract until the end of the 2004 season. He started two matches in Bywater's absence, against Derby and Palace. He played no further games for West Ham and left the club at the end of the season at which point he was released later rejoining Newcastle for a second spell at the club.
Our thoughts are with his family and friends at this difficult time.
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Boleyn Ground windfall in doubt
Posted by Sean Whetstone on December 29, 2015 in News, Whispers
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The London borough of Newham, home to the former Olympic Stadium, Boleyn Ground and West Ham United, enjoyed the biggest rise in house prices across the UK in 2015, according to the Halifax.
The average house price there rose 22.2% over the year compared with 2014. Homes in Newham, situated five miles east of the City of London, are now worth an average £319,522 as against £261,399 previously.
This could potentially be good news for Galliard Homes who purchased the land the Boleyn Ground is built on. Earlier this year Barratt Homes joined forces with Galliard to transform West Ham's former stadium into flats.
It is understood that the two building firms are currently seeking planning permission for the development, and are in discussion with Newham Council over the level of "affordable housing" that must be provided.
Galliard faced criticism earlier this year over its initial plans for the Boleyn Ground. In its original proposal, the developer detailed a "village" of 838 homes in blocks up to 15 storeys high, with just 51 units – or 6pc of the total – deemed to be "affordable"
However, a senior source told ClaretandHugh it is doubtful whether the increase in Newham prices will help the developers turn a bigger profit at West Ham's former home. Our source told us: "West ham received a flat fee for the land, but they (Galliard) over paid in the first place. It's a bad part of Newham. The real growth is near Stratford & the Olympic Park."
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Di Canio booked for Boleyn return
Posted by Sean Whetstone on December 29, 2015 in News, Whispers
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Sources close to Mark Noble understand that Paolo Di Canio has provisionally agreed to take part in the captain's testimonial at Easter.
Twenty-eight-year old Noble, who joined West Ham as a 13-year-old, and is now approaching 350 first-team appearances is understood to be approaching Teddy Sheringham, Bobby Zamora and Carlos Tevez amongst other former Hammers about their availability.
And a source close to him told ClaretandHugh exclusively that they understood PDC would be turning out unless there were "unforseen circumstances."
Di Canio previously appeared for Tony Carr's XI for his testimonial back in 2010.
The long-serving club captain will be honoured with a match between the current West Ham first team against a West Ham United All-Stars squad, with all funds raised being donated to charity.
The fixture, which will take place at the Boleyn Ground on Easter Monday 28th March 2016 at 2pm. home. Noble told WHUFC.com "I am hugely honoured and grateful that the Board have awarded me a Testimonial match at the Boleyn Ground, This is where I come from and this is my Football Club, so I pdc2can think of nothing better than having my Testimonial at the stadium where I have laughed, cheered and cried, both as a fan and as a player."
"Everyone knows how much West Ham United means to me, so to have the opportunity to share a pitch with the players who I have grown up with will be fantastic – and it will be even more special to have my family, friends and so many Hammers fans watching from the stands."I am pleased and proud to say we will be donating all the proceeds from my Testimonial match to three charities that mean a huge amount to me – Richard House Children's Hospice, Help for Heroes and the DT38 Foundation."
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Koeman: 'Carroll changed the confidence"
Posted by Sean Whetstone on December 29, 2015 in News, Whispers
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Football is not 45 minutes, football is 95 minutes and the second half was totally different," Southampton manager Ronald Koeman told BBC Sport. "The first 20-25 minutes of the second half we lost control. When Carroll came in he changed the confidence of the West Ham team, because the first 45 minutes Southampton were by far the dominant team. "We spoke at half-time about how they will give a reaction, they will bring in Carroll, which means they will play the long ball, they will fight for second balls, they will be more aggressive, and then you need to concentrate. "If you play so well for 45 minutes and you get some very good chances you have to score more than one and we didn't."
Koeman also took to his own official twitter account to tell Saints fans "Disappointed final result! If you play so well during 45 min you have to score more than 1 goal! More mistakes in 2 half! #WeMarchOn"
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http://vyperz.blogspot.com
WHUFC.com
I must sound like a broken record, but when you lose five forwards – and I don't even include Victor Moses in that – it's going to hurt any team. In the first half against Southampton we simply weren't good enough but in the second half we made a couple of changes and switched the full backs. The manager should be complimented on how he changed things at half time and did a wonderful job. It was a very exciting second half and I would like to thank the supporters that really got behind the team as they make a really big difference. It felt like one of those night games from ten or twenty years ago under lights as it was an incredible atmosphere towards the end of the game.
We had good chances in the second half to score a lot more goals and Andy Carroll scored the most wonderful header. Not many people would have been able to score in the way that he did. He headed it with power away from the goalkeeper, who was in that corner of the goal so it was by no means an easy chance. Michail Antonio is now getting back to fitness and people are starting to see why we bought him. He's a great member of our team and our squad and it shows why the manager would not loan him out when six Championship clubs came in for him before the loan window shut four or five weeks ago. And thank goodness we didn't as we need him. We were due a bit of luck. Whether his goal was a bit of luck or just pure determination is up for debate. I've never seen a player try so hard and I take my hat off to the people that voted him man of the match. I think everyone really was a man of the match for the second half performance.
When Manuel Lanzini came on with Andy it made a real difference to the team. And when Dimitri Payet comes back, most likely for the Liverpool game, and Diafra Sakho comes back we'll go up another level as well. Even though we've only lost four games all season, with all of the draws you start to look down the table and start to worry. We can now start to look up again and string a few wins together.
Looking ahead to 2016 we've now got 19 games to go and as I said in the summer anything is possible. We know if we play to our maximum then there is not a team in this division we cannot beat. I think it's extremely unlikely we could finish third or fourth but it's possible. I think it's unlikely we'll win the FA Cup but it's possible if you get the right draw and that's the mentality we must have.
Finally, I really enjoyed meeting some of the people that our outstanding Foundation have been helping over the Christmas period as part of a special project that I funded with the homeless charity Crisis. I personally paid for the week-long scheme, which saw Foundation coaches delivering fun football sessions, as well as supplying West Ham kit and match day tickets for the meeting with Southampton. I was delighted we could do something to help make their Christmas more enjoyable.
Thanks again for your support and I wish you happy and prosperous start to 2016.
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Antonio – I should have got a hat-trick!
WHUFC.com
Now that he has opened his West Ham United account, man of the moment and Man of the Match Michail Antonio plans to kick on in claret and blue. His second-half leveller in Monday's 2-1 Barclays Premier League success over Southampton may neither have been the prettiest, nor even intentional, but was absolutely crucial all the same. After storming into the box, the 25-year-old fell to earth and was then merely a spectator as Victor Wanyama thumped the ball in his direction. Happily, it thudded off the then floored Antonio and arced over Saints 'keeper Maarten Stekelenburg. "It was unbelievable," he told West Ham TV. "I didn't really know anything about it, so I was trying to celebrate but I was still a bit dazed from when it hit me! "I thought it was a great performance, after going behind against a good team, who beat Arsenal 4-0 at the weekend, we showed that we can dig in and managed to get the goals."
Antonio hailed the Hammers' change of tack at the interval, with the introductions of Andy Carroll and Manuel Lanzini paying dividends.
When it comes to scoring goals, the former Nottingham Forest man can be as greedy as he likes and the No30 was quick to point out that he could easily have gone home with the match ball for company! He continued: "We've come out [in the second half], we've changed formation, put AC [Andy Carroll] up top, so that we can win more headers and pick up more second balls. "We've shown our drive and I should have got a hat-trick, really. It was a good three days of football. We managed to get four points out of the two games. Three points at home, one away, good results!"
As for the winner, Antonio admits he should have tucked it away without Carroll's intervention, having crashed a header against the underside of the bar. But just his being in the right place at the right time is encouraging and reason enough to think that more chances and more goals are on their way. "I should have finished it first time," he added. "AC was sharp, on his toes and managed to put a good header into the far corner. We've got to push on now and Liverpool at home on Saturday. "I've always said I will try to get into the box, I always try to get goals and now that I've managed to get one, hopefully I can keep going. "I feel over the last four games I've been growing in confidence, I feel that I've been getting better and hopefully the fans see it."
Victory on Monday, the Hammers' first since back in October, was the perfect end to 2015 and, says Antonio, casts a very different light on the recent spate of stalemates. "We're now unbeaten in six, it's turned from a negative, where we kept drawing and drawing, to now being unbeaten in six. How long can we stay unbeaten? "All you can do is concentrate on the next game, make sure we keep getting three points, make sure we keep getting points on the board and we'll keep moving forward."
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The Big Interview - Andy Carroll
WHUFC.com
Andy Carroll was thrilled to play his part as West Ham United produced a stunning turnaround to defeat Southampton 2-1 on Monday evening.
Carroll was a half-time substitute and scored the winner with eleven minutes to go, following in to head home after Michail Antonio struck the crossbar. The big No9 was delighted with the goal and can see a bright 2016 ahead.
Andy, what a turnaround that was in the second half - and what an impact you had...
AC: "It felt like a different game watching and then coming on. We're just happy we got the win in the end really."
What did the manager say at half time to get the team going?
AC: "To be honest I was out warming up as I knew I was coming on, I don't know what he said, but whatever was said it shook the lads up and we came out in the second half a lot better."
Chances were much more forthcoming after half time. Maybe there was a little bit of luck with the equaliser but was that what we needed in the situation?
AC: "We did need a bit of luck and it's been a lot of games where we've not had that luck. We had it for the equaliser and obviously Michail's done great for the end one to assist for me.
For yourself it was a case of doing what all good strikers do and follow in the chances when they come...
AC: "I took one off Tonks' toe early on when I came on, and I knew when I missed that I had to make up for it. Michail hit the bar and I just had to follow it up.
Your two goals this season have been crucial ones - both winners...
AC: "Yes. Two goals that have won important games and this was one of those important games."
Just coming back from a little injury, it must be nice to have that impact on your first game back?
AC: "I had a little niggle in my groin, which I didn't want, especially over Christmas as I wanted to play the games. I've been working in the gym and coming on against Southampton it was great to get the winner."
From the team's point of view, people were talking about not winning in eight, but now we can say we're six unbeaten...
AC: "We've been playing good football, it's just been very unlucky. We had a bit of luck on our side on Monday and got the win."
With the likes of yourself and Lanzini coming back on Monday, and more to come, is there plenty of reason to be optimistic going into the New Year?
AC: "Yes, we've got most of our players coming back fit now which is great. The lads who have come in, like Michail, have shown their quality and that they should be in the squad. It's a great squad to be involved in when everyone's fighting for places."
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From the Newsroom
WHUFC.com
Recorder Series West Ham United correspondent Dave Evans reflects on a winning end to 2015...
It was a difficult first half against Southampton on Monday evening – probably the worst I have seen West Ham play this season aside from Tottenham away.
But the way Slaven Bilic turned it around by bringing on Andy Carroll and Manuel Lanzini – two players who have been missing and have been vital at various stages this season – was outstanding. There is obviously more to come from them, and they definitely changed the game.
West Ham got the rub of the green on Monday, which they haven't always had in the last few weeks. They have worked really hard and got some good draws when they haven't really looked like scoring, holding on really well.
On Monday, they had a bit of luck with Michail getting into the box, because anything could have happened there. Then, for the second one as well, it could have gone anywhere when it hit the bar, but Andy anticipated it really well and headed it home – happy days!
James Collins was outstanding again and has been absolutely superb since he slotted back into the team. He seamlessly comes back into the team after periods on the bench and he never lets anyone down.
I have never seen any player block the ball as much as he does and I thought his heading was superb again on Monday. He just holds things together and I don't think there is anyone who gives more for West Ham than James Collins.
Another player who caught the eye on Monday was Enner Valencia. He also works hard. Enner can be frustrating at times when he loses the ball, but you can see there is some skill and pace there, which is what you need at this level.
Slaven himself should take a lot of credit for changing things round against Southampton. He did make a mistake with some of the selections in the first half, and it could not have got any worse after half-time.
Changing the full-backs over was important because Carl Jenkinson is a right-back and showed that in
the second half, getting down that flank and creating space for Lanzini. James Tomkins seems to be able to play anywhere and always gives 100 per cent.
I'd have to give Slaven credit for his tactical acumen by the end.
I am very positive as we go into 2016, as long as the star players come back – particularly Dimitri Payet. There are players who are to come back into this team and when you think West Ham are seventh, there are bright times ahead.
Yes, West Ham have drawn too many games, but that's because their scorers and flair players have not been there.
They have missed Diafra Sakho a lot too, because they have had to change the way they play the game, or they've tried to play the same way and it hasn't worked. If those two come back and stay fit, then they can still finish in the top six.
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Pavel Srnicek: Former Newcastle keeper dies aged 47
BBC.co.uk
Former Newcastle United goalkeeper Pavel Srnicek has died at the age of 47, nine days after suffering cardiac arrest in his native Czech Republic. A big favourite with fans during his first spell at St James' Park between 1991 and 1998, Srnicek collapsed while jogging on 20 December. He was taken to a hospital in Ostrava and placed in an induced coma. Srnicek, who also played for Sheffield Wednesday, Portsmouth and West Ham, made 49 appearances for his country. His agent, Steve Wraith, said the final brain scans on Monday had shown "irreversible damage" and the decision "had to be taken" to switch off the life support machine. Wraith added: "Pav passed away on the afternoon of Tuesday, 29 December 2015, with his family by his side."
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Pavel Srnicek
KUMB.com
Filed: Tuesday, 29th December 2015
By: Staff Writer
Former Hammer Pavel Srnicek has died, a week after suffering a cardiac arrest. Just 47, the Czech goalkeeper fell ill nine days ago since when he has been kept in hospital in an induced coma. The decision to turn off life support due to serious brain damage was taken yesterday by his family and he died earlier today. The goalkeeper's agent, Steve Wraith confirmed the news earlier today. "Pav passed away on the afternoon of Tuesday, 29 December 2015, with his family by his side," he said. "My final conversation with him was about getting the entertainers team back together one more time for charity next year as it will be 20 years since that Newcastle team almost won the Premier League. "We will make that happen and celebrate this great man's life together. United. Fans and players alike."
The former goalkeeper made three appearances on loan for West Ham in the 2003/04 season, having been signed as a replacement for another loanee, Rami Shabaan. Speaking at the time of his move, Srnicek said: "I feel good being here; I had a session and a talk with the manager and I am enjoying it. I am here for a month and we will see how it goes afterwards. This is a good chance and I have taken it."
Following the culmination of his short-term loan, the Czech stopper - who made his debut in the 4-1 defeat at Millwall on 21 March 2004 - completed a free transfer to West Ham having been released by Portsmouth but made just two further first team appearances. He represented the club in a goalless draw with Derby at the Boleyn Ground and a 1-0 defeat to Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park before losing his place to Stephen Bywater.
Rob Lee ✔ @7RobLee
Totally devastated at the loss of my friend and teammate @PavelSrnicekUK #RIP #entertainers
4:13 PM - 29 Dec 2015 · Romford, London, United Kingdom
Srnicek was also an unused substitute in the 1-0 play-off final defeat to Crystal Palace at the Millennium Stadium in May 2004. The thoughts and best wishes of everyone at KUMB are with Pavel and his family.
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Ten lessons from the victory over Southampton
KUMB.com
Filed: Tuesday, 29th December 2015
By: David Meagher
The tussle with Southampton at Upton Park yesterday evening certainly was a game of two halves.
The Saints could have been two or even three goals up at half time as a clueless West Ham seemed to lack a clear plan and stumbled in at half time looking totally dazed. However, Slaven Bilic was brave and made two major substitutions at the break bringing on Carroll and Lanzini for Zarate and Song.
This produced a remarkable transition as the Hammers slowly took over, ultimately turning the game on its head for a deserved 2-1 victory. The performance was very revealing about the nature of our squad. Among the important points were:
1. Michail Antonio CAN be a major Premier League force. The lad has struggled for game time since moving from Notts Forest and there have been glimpses of his ability but he looks some distance from the finished product.
Last night he deservedly received the MOTM award after terrorising Southampton's defence in the second half where, once he received some decent service, he ran at the Southampton back line to devastating effect. Sides will adapt to his directness (probably) but his innate physicality and enthusiasm will give his mentors much to work with. How you wish Teddy Sheringham was still helping out as attacking coach!
2. Alex Song is better suited to a defensive midfield role. Bilic played Song in an unusual position at the front of a midfield triangle but the experiment did not work out as we looked sluggish moving forward and did not create a single decent scoring chance in the first half.
Song may not be quite back to full fitness but, notably, has a career total of just 11 goals in 411 games which speaks volumes for his relative attacking versus defensive abilities. By the way, that record should read 12 goals but his perfectly good strike against Arsenal was bizarrely disallowed last season. Grrr.
3. Carl Jenkinson is regaining his confidence. Jenks has had a torrid season - despite scoring twice in the campaign, his defensive performances have been erratic resulting in him being dropped in favour of James Tomkins at right back. He has returned as a substitute in our two previous matches where he performed well (albeit for short stints).
Last night Jenks was given the daunting role of trying to replace the effervescent Aaron Cresswell at left back and then later was switched to the right. He was solid in both positions (if a little one-footed for the left sided role) and looks to be returning to his former level of excellence. Let's hope that this trend continues.
4. Bilic can weather a crisis and is capable of using it to develop his squad. In contrast to Sam Allardyce, who responded to adversity by parking the bus and bringing in over the hill journey men (Roger the Relegator springs to mind!), Bilic has been realistic about the impact of our injury epidemic and adapted our style accordingly.
We have had little joy over the past eight games with refereeing decisions and the likes but still maintained a decent defensive record and gathered some useful points that keep us in seventh position in the table and well away from the pressure of scrapping in the bottom half. He has also blooded some new talent with Antonio finally getting the opportunity to show what he can do. In addition, Reece Oxford has slipped in some game time while Song and Valencia are getting back to match fitness. Cloud and silver lining come to mind!
5. Lanzini has a crucial creative ability and should be signed on a permanent deal as soon as possible. There is much to like about the Noble-Kouyate-Song combo in midfield which makes it super-difficult for opposition sides to score against us, but we need an incisive force if we are to create enough decent scoring opportunities to win games.
Lanzini looked a bit off the pace for the first few minutes after he entered the fray last night but soon adjusted and suddenly we started to tick in attack and started to ask serious questions from a Southampton defence that had been cruising up to that point. Returning to the Lanzini-Payet combo as our offensive engine is a delicious prospect that we will hopefully get to realise over the near future. Tasty!
6. Mauro Zarate does not justify a starting place when we have a fully fit squad. The little Argentinian is certainly a better performer than his time under Allardyce suggested but he is a frustrating player who holds on to the ball too long and often tries to dribble out of dangerous situations in his own half.
His concession of the ball to Davis towards the end of the first half last night very nearly provided Southampton with the two-goal, half time cushion they deserved. With a full squad available his primary contribution will be as a useful impact substitute.
7. Bilic can get it wrong sometimes! James Collins had fallen down the pecking order since Bilic arrived and looked set to join Big Sam at Sunderland until injuries forced Slaven's hand and the Ginger Pele got to strut his stuff. Is he the best shot blocker in our defence? Yes, he is! His recent two year extension may not be big media news but it represents very good business for the club. With Tomkins impressing at right back, Collins has a more obvious role in the squad.
8. Mark Noble's set pieces are very average. Lanzini took over responsibilities once he came on and suddenly we looked more dangerous. Noble's corner kicks all too frequently fail to get past the first line of opposition defence and lack the 'whip' that creates better opportunity. Payet and Lanzini will assume primary responsibility for firing in our set piece missiles. Captain Claret is our heartbeat but he can't do it all himself!
9. James Tomkins should be in the England set up. The lad has grown in maturity and positional sense over the past two years and that TOWIE incident is well behind him. Maybe Alex Song should loan Roy Hodgson his funky spectacles so that the England boss can see some of the talent at West Ham that he has been ignoring.
10. Mark Noble should play for Ireland (I couldn't resist this one!). At 28 and with Hodgson looking comfortably ensconced as head honcho at International level, it's time those Cork relatives explained to Nobes the many delights of the Emerald Isle.
Martin O'Neill and Roy Keane are still smarting over the Jack Grealish affair and would love to capture Noble's services as they lack a natural partner for James McCarthy in midfield ahead of the Euros where they are in the group of death with Italy, Belgium and Sweden. It's approaching last chance saloon for Noble and it seems a terrible waste that such a quality player may not get a single run out at full international level. Stop this nonsense we say – sign up now!
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New Year's resolutions
KUMB.com
Filed: Tuesday, 29th December 2015
By: Brian Williams
I once resolved to never again make a New Year's resolution for the simple reason I am too weak-willed to keep them.
But by calling on the same set of double standards that means I believe every time one of our players goes down in the box it's a penalty and when an opponent is brought crashing to the ground it's a blatant dive, I am quite happy to make them for other people. So this year I have ten resolutions that I would like West Ham United and those of us who support them to adopt.
1. I want a solemn pledge from the club that this year we are going to have a serious crack at the FA Cup – a tournament which means the world to everyone with claret and blue blood coursing through their veins.
Had Lionel Scaloni sportingly returned the ball to Liverpool via a mighty hoof into the River Taff in 2006 it would almost certainly now be the case that you don't have to of an age when you are thinking about your pension arrangements to be able to remember the last time we won the most famous trophy in club football. As it is, you have to go back to 1980 and Sir Trev's headed goal against an astonished Arsenal side who thought they only had to turn up to lift the cup that day. Another trip to Wembley would be a fitting way to round off our final year at the Boleyn Ground.
2. Find the person with the voodoo doll that, given the number of injuries suffered by our most creative players in 2015, must now have so many needles inserted into various parts of its unholy body it will resemble a hedgehog. (I can only assume the practitioner of this dark art is a Tottenham fan.) Either that, or start training on the spongey stuff they use in kids' playgrounds and insist on playing the second half of the season under the rules of Bubble Football.
3. Ditch the idea for the new badge before the players wear it in public and we embarrass ourselves. We were told we were getting a "bolder, cleaner and more vibrant club crest" that is "the handiwork of world-class designers' Do me favour. The crossed hammers are still there, of course. But where we once had a castle we now have the word "London". What's that all about?
A decent Latin motto I could take – there would be a touch of class about that. But London? We know where we are, FFS. Or is this the first baby-step on the road to an American-style franchising system in which the Dakota Donkeys can become the Detroit Donkeys overnight, and no one seems to bat an eyelid? I hope I'm wrong. But when the London Hammers find themselves playing the Manchester Red Devils it will be the day I finally hand in my claret and blue scarf and take up fishing.
4. Buy a decent right back during the summer transfer window. Right now I wouldn't take Carl Jenkinson on a permanent deal from Arsenal if he were on sale for 12 quid, let alone £12m. For that sort of money we could make a serious bid for Serge Aurier, who is busily making a name for himself at PSG. They used to say right back was the easiest position of the lot. Not these days, when the job is a delicate balancing act between getting forward and taking care of the defensive duties. Time to get someone who can do both.
5. Please, let's get the words to Bubbles right. It's: "They fly so high, nearly reach the sky" not: "They fly so high, they reach the sky". A small point, but the little things make all the difference.
6. The club should climb down off its high horse and agree to allow supporters on the pitch after the final game. It's going to happen anyway, so why not withdraw the draconian threat of lifetime bans and accept the inevitable with good grace? People are looking to have a party, not a riot.
7. It's time we all stopped laughing at Chelsea. Seriously? Nah – of course not! In fact, if you can find a bit of spare time in your busy day I'd urge you to laugh at Man U as well.
8. Let's have an unequivocal commitment to safe standing at the Olympic Stadium. David Gold hinted at it in an exclusive interview with Blowing Bubbles editor David Blackmore in 2013.
The club's co-owner said then: "We now don't have the violence we once had and already what exists is unsafe standing. At Upton Park, we currently have unsafe standing that is illegal and anti-social. It's time to give something back to the fans. The fans who want to stand should be given an area to do so. I'd be stunned if we don't have some form of safe standing experiment soon. I think in five years we will see safe standing at football stadiums because, let's face it, it's not very expensive to install and it's safe, very safe, in fact it's twice or three times safer than what we have at the moment." Well said, Mr Gold. But, as Elvis so neatly put it: "A little less conversation, a little more action please."
9. As the club has decided to take the Champions Statue to Stratford, even though it was partly paid for by the local council, the least it can do is put something else in its place. There used to be some public toilets where our World Cup heroes now stand, and I'm sure the local residents would be relieved in more ways than one to see the lavs rebuilt. But if the consensus is for another statue, how about John Hartson and Eyal Berkowich? Their training ground bust-up would fittingly represent the kick in the teeth that the tradespeople of East Ham and Plaistow will be given as a result of the move to the Olympic Stadium.
10. Better still, scrap the move to the Olympic Stadium altogether and stay put at our real home. Tell Galliard where to stick their luxury flats. Tell that slimy little toerag Seb Coe where to stick his running track. And tell yourselves that West Ham United's one true home is in Green Street – with a stadium that was built for football and where, when roused, Irons' supporters can still create an atmosphere like no other in the country. Sorry, I know that's not going to happen. Is it time for my medication yet, nurse?
Have a wonderful 2016.
* Brian Williams is the author of Nearly Reach The Sky – A Farewell to Upton Park. You can read his regular column in Blowing Bubbles every month.
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David Sullivan insists West Ham is not for sale
By Kaveh Solhekol, Chief news reporter
Last Updated: 29/12/15 2:37pm
SSN
West Ham is not for sale - that is the message from David Sullivan as American and Far East investors continue to invest in Premier League clubs. Sullivan and David Gold bought West Ham six years ago in a deal which valued the club at £105m. Since then, they have been relegated but have now re-established themselves as a Premier League club. Their improving finances, their location in London and their imminent move to the Olympic Stadium have made them an attractive target for foreign businessmen who want to invest in English football.
But Sullivan, the West Ham co-chairman and co-owner, is not interested in making a profit on his own investment. He said: "We have zero desire to sell the club unless the King of Saudi Arabia or the Sultan of Brunei come along. We're not going to sell to an American or Chinese consortium. "We might sell a minority shareholding to clear our debts, but in all probability our kids will take over from us. We love West Ham, we're not going anywhere."
West Ham are one of only eight Premier League clubs who have English owners. In the past month, two American businessmen, Josh Harris and David Blitzer, have bought stakes in Crystal Palace, and a group of US investors are in advanced talks to buy Everton in a deal which values the club at about £200m.
According to Sullivan, that would not be enough to tempt him to sell West Ham. He said: "If someone offers us a couple of hundred million pounds tomorrow, we are not selling - it is as simple as that." One of the factors that is attracting investors to West Ham is their location in London. Sullivan says their London home is also making it easier for them to sign foreign players. West Ham are not expected to make any significant moves in the transfer market in January, but manager Slaven Bilic will have about £30m to spend in the summer.
Sullivan said: "Foreign players come to England for the money and because their wives want to live in London. Going forward we're going to sign some top players and being in London is a big factor."
David Sullivan was speaking at an event to publicise the release of a film he has produced called 'The Fall of the Krays'. The follow-up to 'The Rise of the Krays' is released in cinemas and for download on 1 January.
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Dimitri Payet could return for West Ham against Liverpool
By Paul Vinnell
Last Updated: 29/12/15 12:58pm
SSN
West Ham could welcome back three of their injured stars - including Dimitri Payet - when they host Liverpool on Saturday. Midfielder Payet, centre-back Winston Reid and winger Victor Moses could all feature against Jurgen Klopp's men after spells on the sidelines.
Payet was one of the Premier League's most impressive performers until he suffered an ankle injury against Everton in early November.
"Hopefully some of the players will be back now, against Liverpool," said boss Slaven Bilic. "Payet, Reidy, Moses... It's only Diafra Sakho who we will be without for another four or five weeks. "Dimitri started to train with the team on Sunday. He looks good, his ankle is very stable and the target is the game against Liverpool. I am delighted he is going to be with us for that game."
With Manuel Lanzini and Andy Carroll making their returns as substitutes against Southampton on Monday evening, West Ham's injury crisis finally looks like easing. Carroll's 79th-minute header secured a 2-1 win - the Hammers' first victory in nine attempts - after Michail Antonio had cancelled out Carl Jenkinson's first-half own-goal. But Bilic added: "I want to praise the other players who have been picking up points without them. That was crucial, but now with them back it should be better. "It's good for me. It's hard to drop the other players but it's all about competition. If we want to be a big club, and if you want to get through periods like this with all the injuries, then you need a squad. "That's the only way you can have the long-term success that the chairmen and the fans want."
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WEST HAM 2, SOUTHAMPTON 1. WINE, SAUSAGES, & THREE POINTS.
By David Hautzig 29 Dec 2015 at 03:09
WTID
Prior to accepting this writing internship, my West Ham viewing wasn't that consistent. Nerves were the main reason. If things were going badly, either during a stretch of games or within a game, I could and often would turn away. Or not even turn it on. So today was a bit of a throwback to that. Thus, a slightly different "version" of reporting on today's events at Upton Park. Perhaps, based on the way things turned out, I should do this through the rest of the season. We might win the league.
Having been asked by a fairly new restaurant to show them a bunch of wines, I couldn't use football as an excuse to refuse. So the game started while I was showing a very nice Pinot Noir from Argentina. Which the restaurant bought I'm happy to report. As I got in my car, the football app on my IPhone dinged. We were down 0-1. Driving five minutes away to a local pub to catch the rest of the first half all of a sudden became a chore as opposed to an activity. But another customer/mate was there and I said I'd stop by. Alex is his name. Young guy. Just opened his own wine bar. Serves some pretty brave stuff I must say. He was there with his mate, Devin. The place was packed.
We looked awful. Long came close. So did Fonte. Mane and Tadic could have made more of their opportunities. And when West Ham did somehow gain possession of the ball, it was easy to glance over at the Chelsea – United game or maybe Arsenal. Why not? We weren't going to do anything. Zarate was doing a pretty good imitation of Scott Parker without the circling back. Valencia looked utterly alone, with nobody to pass to or expect a ball from. I inhaled my plate of sausages and mashed potatoes and ran out at halftime to see another customer before driving home early to pick up my daughter and bring her to the orthodontist. Oh joy.
The phone buzzed. It was Alex from the pub. "Yahtzee" said the text. Seconds later, the football app buzzed informing me we had leveled. I called him, wanting to know the details. "I don't know if it was an own goal or that new kid scored. Antonio." Alex sounded excited. His team is New York Red Bull of MLS. He's unattached as far as the EPL goes, but he reads these reports now. We might have a live one to pull into our ranks. I then called my best mate, Jon. He was at his office following the game on ESPN. While discussing the fact that we were both pleased to have been so abject in the opening 45 only to adjust and fight back, Jon saw the update that we had scored again. My phone buzzed, this time a text with a GIF of bubbles floating in the air. Alex. Oh yeah. He's caught the bug. The hooks are in and I ain't letting go. Sorry, mate. You're done. Crispy fried.
As I pulled into my house, Jon told me it was over. Three points, up to seventh. Paired with a nice sale to that restaurant and I'd say it was a good day, only slightly muted by the news that both Valencia and Ginge were seen limping after the match. After dinner, while my son built a new Lego set my dad got him and my daughter practiced guitar, I played the match on my DVR. A few musings.
•After the Villa match, I ended my report with the view that the midfield was likely the issue for our goal scoring problems. Not rocket science, I know. But to see the immediate and dramatic change in our play as soon as the second half started crystallized that point. In Lanzini, we had a player the back four knew they could safely give the ball to. Those up front whose marching orders basically said "score" knew we had a player who could help them do that. It didn't matter that Lanzini himself didn't serve up the actual goals. Two minutes into the half his effective corner was almost put in by Collins, and Carroll should have scored seconds later. The knock on effect to the other nine outfield players was so obvious it bordered on transparent.
•There was a baseball player here many years ago named Lefty Gomez. Said a lot of funny stuff. Google it if you like. One of his most famous quotes was "I'd rather be lucky than good". I think you have to be good to be lucky, and while Antonio is certainly a raw piece of material now, he is an acorn that very well might become an oak. So however that ball found itself into the back of the net, it did. And if it was only luck, he wouldn't have hit the crossbar before the winner. And he wouldn't have made that late run that only needed a millisecond of patience and a pass to become a third West Ham goal. I'm glad he's ours on a long term deal.
•It ain't my money. So I don't care how much he cost, and I don't care how much another team would theoretically offer. I want Andy Carroll to be a West Ham player. After he scored against Chelsea, I wrote that in my opinion Bilic had found the perfect role for him. Off the bench, sometime in the second half, when the opposition back four are already on their final bit of fuel. To deal with a fresh AC at that point must be demoralizing. It took major cajones to put him in to start the second half, along with Lanzini. But Bilic has a pair of those made of Titanium, so we shouldn't be surprised when he tries stuff like that.
•After the match, Nigel The Wrath Of Kahn sent me a text with a picture of a Monopoly Get Out Of Jail Free card. "Used this today" he said. Maybe. But we showed a lot of determination and self belief to turn the game around in the second half when it could have been over before half an hour had elapsed. Not to mention some inspired halftime work by our manager. I think we deserved our two goals and were the better side in that second forty five. If anything we made bail, reported to our parole officer, and turned things around. Perhaps that's what Mr. Kahn meant.
Just made myself an Espresso. Drinking it from one of those little white mugs. Found em on Amazon for cheap. I feel like a serious writer sipping on it, hunched over my IPad. Time to pretend I have a serious thought.
We are so inundated with immediate gratification now it's hard to see the bigger picture. Only a few years ago, we had to wait for the evening news or the morning paper. Now, the Web, Twitter and Facebook provide information in droves without any way to filter the inherent nonsense in much of it. People used to look at investing their money as a long term proposition. Now we have Day Traders. Take a guy like Valencia. Last season, when he scored that wonder strike at Hull and was galloping around with Sakho people were calling him Gods Gift. Those same people have called him Godzilla at times the past few weeks when he hasn't looked as sharp. But in minutes today, he sent the cross in that became the winning goal and then added a top shelf defensive header when the Saints were lurking. Does either define him and his contribution to the collective good of our club? No. The same analysis could be made for any number of people. There will be ups and downs. The real question that counts is this;
Are we trying to go in a direction the supporters want, are we enjoying the trip, and will we be happy if we get there?
Cheers.
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The sad Irons list of January signings
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on December 29, 2015 in News, Whispers
C and H
We've known for some time that for the first time in 25 years as club owners the two Davids are very unlikely to bring anybody in during the January transfer window. January is recognised at every club as being a notoriously bad time to buy or loan players – many of whom are on the market only because of some problem or other at their current 'place of employment.' A senior insider told ClaretandHugh a few days ago: "What's the point. Can you recall any player we've brought in during that window that's really done it for us?"
So with the help of club DJ Leon Hyde we dug back through the records and looked at every player who has arrived since 2010 and it's very hard to make a sensible case for venturing into the January market.
2011 may have been an exception..
Here's the list of names who have appeared at Upton Park in deep midwinter since the Davids arrived as owners.
2010: Guillermo Franco, Benni McCarthy, Mido
2011: Robbie Keane, Wayne Bridge, Dema Ba, Gary O'Neill
2012: Vaz Te, Ravel Morrison, Nicky Maynard
2013: Joe Cole, Pablo Armero, Roger Johnson, Antonio Nocerino, Marcelo Borriello
2014: Nene, Doneil Henry
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Champions League? Chance there for the taking
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on December 29, 2015 in News, Whispers
C and H
Brian Neil Gay is a member of the ClaretandHugh Facebook Group and a long time Iron. Here – in his first blog for the site – he talks of his excitement at last night's performance against Saints and his hopes for the season in our new series of Fans' blogs. Send your blogs to claretandhugh@gmail.com
I have been an Iron since the late 60s so I've see many of our greats, enjoyed our highs and endured the numerous disappointments too but I can't remember the last time I have enjoyed a season as much as the one we are experiencing now.
I get to games when I can but always make a point of watching live streams because I don't think one can really judge a result unless you see the match and that game yesterday under the Boleyn lights was a massive result for us and will I believe seriously effect where we end up.
Had the Saints held on to win it would have been hard to accept that we still had a realistic chance of the Champions' League places but some match results are more significant than others and I think that the final 49 minutes at the Boleyn on Monday will have a much bigger influence on our season outcome than being just a home win against Southampton.
The comeback to win was thrilling, but as a result it's importance should not be underestimated. Lose it and we start the second half of season in the bottom half of the table as the result of a continuing slide down the table (despite not losing in six). Win it and we put ourselves right back in contention for the top half a dozen and I believe those Champions league places.
I suspect that like many I was apprehensive about just how our makeshift first eleven could overcome a buoyant Saints fresh from thumping the Arsenal.
I hoped the Saints would have expended too much energy in that game but the first 45 at the Boleyn dispelled that completely. It was us who looked the more fatigued, the slower, the unsure. Players starting out of position only added to our uncomfortable play.
Whatever Slaven Billic had seen to suggest that playing Alex Song in an advanced role of Cheikou Kouyate clearly was not working and we were lucky not to go in 3-0 down rather than the somewhat unfortunate Jenkinson own goal. I am not so sure Tadic's touch would have netted without Jenk's contact.
The groans were there for all to hear as the Boleyn faithful wanted endeavour and attack but were largely served up slow and lethargic, unimaginative football with no credible creativity on show.
I knew something had to change after half-time and I was pleased to see the manager had made the call to switch it round with a double substitution that was about to change the game. The confidence lift in the rest of the team was evident as we went after the equaliser inspired by Manuel Lanzini's calm and confident ball work and Andy Carroll's running and endeavour.
Andy Carroll attracts a lot of column inches but yesterday's second half performance for me saw him back to very near his best. He has scored the winner against Chelsea and now against Saints. In fact AC is now only three goals away from being our joint top scorer!
On the evidence of yesterday's second half I think he could work well with Enner Valencia and Michail Antonio. There were the first real signs of an understanding of between these three. Given the service we know that AC will win headers and score.
He won two or three headers in the box that I recall, was fouled in the penalty area on one occasion which should have been a penaltyand missed one chance he perhaps should have buried but he looked a lot sharper to me. If he stays fit and keeps his confidence up who knows 2016 could be a good year for him and us.
The swashbuckling attack minded second half display had the Boleyn rocking in the way that we all want to see in this her final season.
I know we have all perhaps been a tad frustrated during this period of missing first teamers but let's be honest Slaven Billic and the fit players have weathered a storm without losing and there is every reason to think with the Payet / Lanzini act about to resume we could well push on for that top six and maybe even the top four.
I mean the league is there for the taking for someone this year and so too are the Champions League places. All the established top teams have slipped up more than once this season, it is no longer a foregone conclusion that City, Arsenal, Man U, Liverpool and that other North London team will have it all their own way.
It is time for real belief, belief in our manager, our players and their abilities. So I am convinced that we could given an injury free 2016 be in with a shout of come May.
COYI.
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Former Hammers goal keeper dies
Posted by Sean Whetstone on December 29, 2015 in News, Whispers
C and H
West Ham's former goalkeeper Pavel Srnicek has died at the age of 47. The former Hammer collapsed with a cardiac arrest while out jogging in the Czech Republic on 20th December. He stopped breathing for 20 minutes before he was revived. Following brain scans a decision was made by his family and doctors to turn off his life support machine his agent confirmed to press this afternoon.
His agent, Steve Wraith said:"It is with deep sadness that I have to announce he passing of Pavel Srnicek. Pavel suffered a cardiac arrest before the Christmas period in his home country and had been in an induced coma in hospital with his close family around his bedside."
"Despite the best medical attention the final brain scans on Monday showed irreversible damage and the decision had to be taken to switch off the life support machine. Pav passed away on the afternoon of Tuesday 29th December 2015, with his family by his side."
pavel2Srníček joined West Ham on a one-month loan deal from parent club Portsmouth on 19th February 2004. He made his debut against rivals Millwall as a substitute, following the sending off of goalkeeper Stephen Bywater, Srníček moved to West Ham on a free permanent transfer, signing a contract until the end of the 2004 season. He started two matches in Bywater's absence, against Derby and Palace. He played no further games for West Ham and left the club at the end of the season at which point he was released later rejoining Newcastle for a second spell at the club.
Our thoughts are with his family and friends at this difficult time.
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Boleyn Ground windfall in doubt
Posted by Sean Whetstone on December 29, 2015 in News, Whispers
C and H
The London borough of Newham, home to the former Olympic Stadium, Boleyn Ground and West Ham United, enjoyed the biggest rise in house prices across the UK in 2015, according to the Halifax.
The average house price there rose 22.2% over the year compared with 2014. Homes in Newham, situated five miles east of the City of London, are now worth an average £319,522 as against £261,399 previously.
This could potentially be good news for Galliard Homes who purchased the land the Boleyn Ground is built on. Earlier this year Barratt Homes joined forces with Galliard to transform West Ham's former stadium into flats.
It is understood that the two building firms are currently seeking planning permission for the development, and are in discussion with Newham Council over the level of "affordable housing" that must be provided.
Galliard faced criticism earlier this year over its initial plans for the Boleyn Ground. In its original proposal, the developer detailed a "village" of 838 homes in blocks up to 15 storeys high, with just 51 units – or 6pc of the total – deemed to be "affordable"
However, a senior source told ClaretandHugh it is doubtful whether the increase in Newham prices will help the developers turn a bigger profit at West Ham's former home. Our source told us: "West ham received a flat fee for the land, but they (Galliard) over paid in the first place. It's a bad part of Newham. The real growth is near Stratford & the Olympic Park."
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Di Canio booked for Boleyn return
Posted by Sean Whetstone on December 29, 2015 in News, Whispers
C and H
Sources close to Mark Noble understand that Paolo Di Canio has provisionally agreed to take part in the captain's testimonial at Easter.
Twenty-eight-year old Noble, who joined West Ham as a 13-year-old, and is now approaching 350 first-team appearances is understood to be approaching Teddy Sheringham, Bobby Zamora and Carlos Tevez amongst other former Hammers about their availability.
And a source close to him told ClaretandHugh exclusively that they understood PDC would be turning out unless there were "unforseen circumstances."
Di Canio previously appeared for Tony Carr's XI for his testimonial back in 2010.
The long-serving club captain will be honoured with a match between the current West Ham first team against a West Ham United All-Stars squad, with all funds raised being donated to charity.
The fixture, which will take place at the Boleyn Ground on Easter Monday 28th March 2016 at 2pm. home. Noble told WHUFC.com "I am hugely honoured and grateful that the Board have awarded me a Testimonial match at the Boleyn Ground, This is where I come from and this is my Football Club, so I pdc2can think of nothing better than having my Testimonial at the stadium where I have laughed, cheered and cried, both as a fan and as a player."
"Everyone knows how much West Ham United means to me, so to have the opportunity to share a pitch with the players who I have grown up with will be fantastic – and it will be even more special to have my family, friends and so many Hammers fans watching from the stands."I am pleased and proud to say we will be donating all the proceeds from my Testimonial match to three charities that mean a huge amount to me – Richard House Children's Hospice, Help for Heroes and the DT38 Foundation."
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Koeman: 'Carroll changed the confidence"
Posted by Sean Whetstone on December 29, 2015 in News, Whispers
C and H
Football is not 45 minutes, football is 95 minutes and the second half was totally different," Southampton manager Ronald Koeman told BBC Sport. "The first 20-25 minutes of the second half we lost control. When Carroll came in he changed the confidence of the West Ham team, because the first 45 minutes Southampton were by far the dominant team. "We spoke at half-time about how they will give a reaction, they will bring in Carroll, which means they will play the long ball, they will fight for second balls, they will be more aggressive, and then you need to concentrate. "If you play so well for 45 minutes and you get some very good chances you have to score more than one and we didn't."
Koeman also took to his own official twitter account to tell Saints fans "Disappointed final result! If you play so well during 45 min you have to score more than 1 goal! More mistakes in 2 half! #WeMarchOn"
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http://vyperz.blogspot.com
Tuesday, December 29
Daily WHUFC News - 29th December 2015
West Ham United 2-1 Southampton
WHUFC.com
Barclays Premier League
West Ham United ended 2015 in style as two second-half goals in the space of
ten minutes fired the Hammers to victory over Southampton at the Boleyn
Ground. After Dusan Tadic had diverted Shane Long's cross beyond Adrian -
albeit via the unfortunate Carl Jenkinson - in the 13th minute, the Saints
threatened to inflict further damage in a difficult opening 45. But Slaven
Bilic's men came out fighting after the interval and eventually turned the
game on its head. Michail Antonio levelled matters when an attempted
clearance cannoned off his head and looped over Maarten Stekelenburg, before
the returning Andy Carroll nodded home from point blank range to earn the
Hammers a first win in nine in front of a jubilant Boleyn Ground. Bilic made
two changes to the side held at Villa Park on Boxing Day, with Jenkinson
replacing the injured Aaron Cresswell at left-back, while Pedro Obiang made
way for Alex Song - the latter again sporting protective eyewear.
The Hammers had looked the more likely in the early exchanges and thrice had
opportunities, albeit half chances at best. Mauro Zarate got across his
marker but steered James Tomkins' cross wide of the far post, before Enner
Valencia saw his shot from the edge of the box blocked. Then, Mark Noble
teed up Cheikhou Kouyate, who screwed well wide of Stekelenburg's left-hand
upright. The Saints, however, hit the front with their first attack of note
and it was well worked, too. Sadio Mane flicked into the path of Steven
Davis, who fed Long on the left edge of the box. The Republic of Ireland man
squared across the face, where Tadic played it onto the unfortunate
Jenkinson and beyond Adrian in a flash. It took the wind out of West Ham
sails and, but for James Collins, it might have been two on 25. Long broke
free down the right this time and pulled back perfectly for Davis. Collins
flung himself in the way and Davis' shot ricocheted over Adrian's crossbar.
Ten minutes later and Zarate was robbed on the touchline by Davis. The
Saints' No8 strode forward and flashed a drive just wide of the far post.
The chances continued to come. Adrian repelled a Jose Fonte header, before
Victor Wanyama spanked the rebound over the top. Seconds later and Mane was
bearing down on goal, but he couldn't quite bring the ball under his spell
and his finish was a tame one. Tadic had a dig too, though the busy Adrian
flung himself to his right and clung on.
No doubt troubled by what he had seen, Bilic made a double change at the
break. Zarate and Song were withdrawn and in their stead came the fit-again
duo Carroll and Manuel Lanzini. And the former passed up a glorious
opportunity within three minutes of joining the action. After Collins'
header had been cleared off the line by Cuco Martina, Tomkins controlled
Noble's cross and Carroll blasted over the top from little more than six
yards out.
But parity was restored in the 69th minute in bizarre fashion, courtesy of
Antonio's first goal in Claret and Blue. The winger burst into the box and
despite being tripped before pulling the trigger, Wanyama's clearance
cannoned into the No30 and looped over Stekelenburg. It was nothing more
than Antonio's enterprise deserved.
The Hammers sought to turn the screw and turned the game on its head ten
minutes later. Valencia's cross from the right sat up sweetly for Antonio
and after his header came crashing back off the underside of the bar, there
was Carroll to gleefully nod home.
Antonio might have sealed it late on, but he smashed wide of the near post
with only the 'keeper to beat. It mattered not, however, as West Ham held
firm to climb up to seventh spot.
West Ham United: Adrian, Tomkins, Collins, Ogbonna, Jenkinson, Kouyate, Song
(Lanzini 46), Noble (c), Antonio, Zarate (Carroll 46), Valencia (Obiang 87)
Subs: Randolph (GK), Oxford, Hendrie, Cullen
Booked: Tomkins
Goals: Antonio 69, Carroll 79
Southampton: Stekelenburg, Martina (Yoshida 70), Van Dijk, Fonte (c),
Bertrand, Romeu, Wanyama, Mane (Juanmi 75), Davis, Tadic (Ramirez 75), Long
Booked: Martina, Romeu, Bertrand
Goal: Jenkinson (og)
Subs: Gazzaniga (GK), Caulker, Clasie, Ward-Prowse
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Carroll - 2016 is looking positive
WHUFC.com
Andy Carroll is looking forward to a 'positive' 2016 after bagging his
second Boleyn Ground winner of the season to see off Southampton.
West Ham United ended a run of seven Barclays Premier League matches without
a win and scored their first come-from-behind victory in over a year thanks
to a stirring second half display. Southampton dominated the first half and
scored through Dusan Tadic, but a half-time change in tactics and personnel
- including the introduction of Carroll and Manuel Lanzini - altered the
course of the match. Man of the Match Michail Antonio equalised with 21
minutes remaining when his buccaneering run was ended by a foul tackle, only
for Victor Wanyama's clearance to ricochet off the winger's head and loop
into the net. Then, with eleven to go, the Boleyn Ground erupted as Carroll
signed-off 2015 with a signature header after Antonio had nodded Enner
Valencia's bouncing cross onto the underside of the crossbar. "It's been
eight or so games since we won so we are all delighted and I'm just glad we
got the win in the end," said a smiling Carroll. "It's great getting a goal
and for it to be the winner. I've had a little niggle so it was great to be
back out there."
There was much debate inside the stadium about Carroll's new braided
hairstyle, but the No9 laughed off jokes about his appearance, and instead
heaped praise on Antonio and his teammates for showing the resilience to
turn the game on its head. After a challenging first half that saw
frustration levels rise in some sections of the crowd, West Ham were a
transformed side after the break. Carroll gave the forward line a focal
point, Lanzini started pulling the strings in the No10 position, while the
switching of full-backs Carl Jenkinson and James Tomkins also added impetus
down the flanks. The result was a stirring and deserved victory which will
see the Hammers end the calendar year in no worse than eighth place in the
table. "The new hairstyle will stay all season if I keep scoring!" laughed
the centre forward, who then had words of support for Antonio and the squad
as a whole. "We've had some difficult moments over the last few weeks but
Michail has put his chance away and won Man of the Match. "We've got players
coming back from injury and a big and deep squad so 2016 is looking
positive."
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Bilic - It's a massive three points
WHUFC.com
Slaven Bilic hailed a huge victory for his team after the Hammers came from
behind to defeat Southampton 2-1 at the Boleyn Ground on Monday evening.
Victory looked in doubt when Carl Jenkinson's unfortunate own goal gave the
Saints an interval lead, but the Hammers were galvanised in the second half
and turned the game around. Michail Antonio levelled before Andy Carroll
nodded home the winner to leave Bilic a happy man. "It's three massive
points for us," he said. "We needed it and now we can talk about a positive
series, because we are six unbeaten and we ended up with a win. "Otherwise
it would be eight without a win and it's not spinning words, it's fact. It's
really good, considering everything that happened in the first half. "We
showed a change in character, a change in determination and a change in
attitude. To be fair they could have been two up at half time, but they
weren't, and nobody can say we didn't deserve it in the end. "We deserved it
with the hard work, the approach and, at the end of the day, the quality we
showed in the second half. "We turned the game around which is very
difficult to do in the Premier League and it's great for belief. "It's great
for the players who came back and it's good motivation because we are
expecting even more players to come back. "It's a really good night for
West Ham fans and I'm especially pleased for them as they were the ones who
lifted us in the second half. They were behind us and we felt that."
Bilic was especially pleased for the two goalscorers, who have had
frustrating seasons to date. He added: "Andy is like that, he's that kind of
a player. He needs to stay regular in training without any injuries and his
quality was never a question. "Michail deserves it. He is one of those
examples which is important for new players, for young players and for
players who are changing levels like he did. "He didn't play at the start of
the season because we had some players who played really well in those
positions."
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West Ham: Rafa Benitez 'signed a contract to become manager'
BBC.co.uk
West Ham were "two hours" away from appointing Rafael Benitez as manager in
the summer before hiring Slaven Bilic, Hammers co-owner David Sullivan says.
"We were two hours from getting Benitez and then Real Madrid came in. We had
agreed a contract," Sullivan said. "He is a top manager whatever anybody
says, and I think he'd have done a wonderful job for us."
Sullivan also said West Ham approached Jurgen Klopp, who joined Liverpool
instead to replace Brendan Rodgers. "We tried Klopp as well but he wouldn't
come because he said he wanted a break. But I'm glad with the manager we
have got," added Sullivan.
West Ham are 10th in the Premier League and have lost only four league
matches since former Croatia boss Bilic took over. Sullivan also heaped
praise on injured midfielder Dimitri Payet - calling him "the best player
I've signed in 25 years" - and said the Hammers will make Manuel Lanzini's
season-long loan from Al Jazira Club a permanent deal "by February or
March", two months earlier than planned.
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West Ham 2 Southampton 1
28 December 2015
Last updated at 19:48
By Patrick Jennings
BBC Sport
Andy Carroll came on to score the winner as West Ham recorded their first
Premier League victory in two months by fighting back to beat Southampton.
Saints dominated the first half and went ahead when Dusan Tadic's prodded
effort deflected in off Carl Jenkinson. Michail Antonio levelled in bizarre
fashion when a clearance hit him and looped in, before Carroll struck. The
West Ham striker made amends for a terrible miss by heading in from close
range after Antonio had hit the bar. Victory was the Hammers' first since a
2-1 win at home to Chelsea on 24 October, when then Blues boss Jose Mourinho
was sent to the stands. Slaven Bilic's side move up to seventh in the table,
while Ronald Koeman's Saints, who beat Arsenal 4-0 at home on Boxing Day,
stay 12th.
Hammers finally have attacking threat
After drawing for a fifth time in a row on Saturday, Hammers boss Bilic
bemoaned the injuries to his key attacking players. Carroll and Manuel
Lanzini made their returns as second-half substitutes on Monday, but the
Croat is still without Victor Moses, Dimitri Payet, and Diafra Sakho up
front. Having scored just four times in their previous eight games, the
comeback looked far from likely, but West Ham transformed the match through
a second-half performance that was a world apart from their poor opening to
the game. There was a huge element of fortune about Antonio's equaliser, but
it was deserved for the number of chances they created after the break, with
Carroll having earlier blazed over from six yards out. Antonio, a threat
throughout the match with his powerful runs, was unlucky to see his header
come back off the underside of the bar for Carroll's winner, and fired
wildly wide when through on goal late on.
Average positions for West Ham and Southampton
For much of the game Southampton looked to have the better shape - and in
the first half they certainly played the more progressive football. But
after the break it was West Ham who fashioned the better chances as the away
side faded The way Southampton started the match made you think they had
finally turned the corner and rediscovered the kind of form that saw them
finish seventh last year. Koeman's side had picked up only one point from
five league games before Saturday's demolition of Arsenal at St Mary's and
that result had clearly given them confidence. In the first half Saints had
zip and zeal in midfield, were solid at the back, and created chances
aplenty through the running of Shane Long and Sadio Mane up front. But if
the away side were far superior in the opening 45 minutes, the opposite was
true in the second half as the introduction of Carroll and Lanzini turned
the match in the Hammers' favour.
Man of the match - Michail Antonio
The West Ham winger got his first Hammers goal to draw his side level, and
almost had a second when heading onto the underside of the bar.
What the managers said:
West Ham boss Slaven Bilic: "After the goal we were totally down and I
waited for half-time because I didn't want to humiliate the players by
changing them before. I was happy when the referee blew, because they could
have been 2-0 up. "At half-time we made some changes but it was a change of
character, of approach, of determination and will. They did try in the first
half, but this was a different West Ham.
"We equalised and continued to chase, and at the end of the day we were
rewarded for everything we did in the second half."
Southampton manager Ronald Koeman: "The second half was totally different to
the first. We had to score more than one in the first half, because
otherwise you expect their reaction in the second. If you score only one
they still have belief. "The first half was the level of the Arsenal game.
It was one team on the pitch playing football. But out of a better second
half they scored two goals, and from a fantastic first we scored one. "If
you are the dominant side you have to score more than one goal, and that was
the problem."
What next?
West Ham play Liverpool at home in a 12:45 GMT kick-off on Saturday, when
Southampton travel to Norwich for a 15:00 start.
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West Ham 2-1 Southampton: Andy Carroll and Michail Antonio seal comeback win
By Peter Smith
Last Updated: 28/12/15 9:07pm
SSN
Andy Carroll stepped off the bench to head West Ham to a 2-1 comeback win
over Southampton - their first Premier League victory in nine games. Ronald
Koeman's side - who had stunned Arsenal 4-0 on Boxing Day - dominated the
first half and should have had more reward for their efforts than Carl
Jenkinson's own goal. But a double change by Slaven Bilic at the break paid
off for the hosts, with substitute Carroll nodding in the winner with 11
minutes to play after Michail Antonio scored a fortunate equaliser. The
victory moves West Ham up to seventh and ends a run of five straight draws,
while Saints stay 12th. West Ham had gone into the match unbeaten in their
last six Premier League home games and made a positive start, with Mauro
Zarate clipping a shot wide before Enner Valencia saw a long-range drive
blocked.
However, on 13 minutes Southampton took the lead through the first real
chance of the match. Shane Long surged into the area after good play from
the visitors and squared across the six-yard box, where Dusan Tadic
deflected the ball onto Jenkinson, who sent the ball into his own net. The
visitors seized the initiative from there on, dominating possession and
going close through Long before failing to convert a flurry of chances
before the interval. Jose Fonte drew a dramatic save from Adrian, Sadio Mane
shot wide and Tadic - after some neat footwork - fired at the 'keeper as
Southampton pushed for a second.
After seeing his side outplayed for much of the first period, Bilic rang the
changes at the break, throwing on Carroll and Manuel Lanzini for Zarate and
Alex Song - and almost immediately got the response he was after. Just two
minutes after the re-start, James Collins' header was cleared off the line
from an early corner before Carroll blew a golden opportunity, blasting over
off the bar from five yards out with the goal at his mercy. Carroll and
Oriol Romeu then sent tame efforts goalwards at either end before West Ham
pulled level in bizarre circumstances. Antonio burst into the Southampton
box but lost his footing and fell to the ground. However, Victor Wanyama,
trying to clear, fired the ball into the West Ham man and the ball looped up
and over Maarten Stekelenburg and into the net. With the momentum on their
side, West Ham surged forward looking for a winner, with Antonio teeing up
Lanzini to shoot wide before Carroll seemed unfortunate to see a free-kick
awarded against him rather than a penalty given in his favour when he
collided with Ryan Bertrand in the box. Southampton were far from pinned in
their own half, but the visitors were stung on 79 minutes when Carroll put
West Ham ahead. Antonio - involved in all of West Ham's best moves - headed
Valencia's cross against the underside of the bar and Carroll was quickest
to react, pouncing on the loose ball to score his second of the season. West
Ham had to hold off a determined onslaught from Southampton in the closing
stages but, aside from Virgil van Dijk's off-target shot, the hosts were
largely untroubled and saw out the final minutes to sign off 2015 with a
victory.
Player ratings
West Ham: Adrian (8), Jenkinson (5), Collins (7), Tomkins (6), Ogbonna (6),
Song (5), Kouyate (6), Antonio (9), Noble (7), Zarate (6), Valencia (6).
Subs used: Carroll (7), Obiang (6), Lanzini (7)
Southampton: Stekelenburg (6), Martina (6), Fonte (6), Van Dijk (6),
Bertrand (6), Wanyama (6), Romeu (6), Tadic (7), Mane (6), Steven Davis (7),
Long (7).
Subs used: Yoshida (6), Juanmi (5), Ramirez (5)
Man of the match: Michail Antonio (West Ham)
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West Ham manager Slaven Bilic praised supersub Andy Carroll
Last Updated: 28/12/15 9:35pm
SSN
West Ham manager Slaven Bilic praised supersub Andy Carroll after his winner
against Southampton and said there are few better teams in the Premier
League than the Hammers. Southampton arrived at the Boleyn Ground on the
back of thumping Arsenal 4-0 on Boxing Day and the Saints went into the
break one-nil up thanks to Carl Jenkinson's own goal. But an inspired
double-substitution by Bilic saw the Hammers come from behind to claim their
first victory since October after Michail Antonio and Andy Carroll came off
the bench to turn the game on its head.
Bilic said afterwards that he was pleased with his side's character. "It was
a massive win," he told Sky Sports. "This was like a special game for us.
The way we done it, we have done it and shown two faces. I am not talking
about the quality now. "I know that we are without some players but we had
a great character and showed in the second half great willingness, great
determination, great character, and we deserved to win this game at the
end."
Goalscorer Carroll had found the net just twice this season after being
reduced to 11 appearances this campaign and Bilic said he might deploy the
striker as an impact player after such a lengthy time on the sidelines. "He
is always crucial," the West Ham manager said. "So far he showed although he
had some really good games he started for us in the game against Man United
away in the game against Stoke at home I thought he was really good. "To be
fair I think he was best for us this season when he was coming on [as a
substitute] so as an impact player. So maybe that is what he has to do also
with the big long break that he had. "His impact against Norwich, against
Chelsea, or today it's not only because of the goal. He is making spaces, he
is winning the ball, he is working really hard and he can also pass the ball
so he was also one of the reasons we turned the game around in the second
half."
The victory meant West Ham sit in seventh place, one point behind Manchester
United, and Bilic said there were few teams in the Premier League better
than the Hammers. "This is the Premier League. Basically my son told me the
other day - and he is right, no matter about which team you are talking
[about in] this Premier League - more or less every win you have to
celebrate like an FA Cup final. And not just West Ham but Chelsea and all
them. So basically, there are no guarantees here. What I said at the
beginning of the season, and I stick by my words, is if we stay out of
injuries and all that - ok maybe we will get one, two or three maybe - then
I am very optimistic. If we work hard then we have a very good football
team. There a very few who are better than us."
Enner Valencia had to be replaced towards the end of the game and was seen
hobbling after the full-time whistle. However, Bilic said the injury was not
serious.
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Andy Carroll fires West Ham to first win in 2 months and vows to keep dodgy
haircut
21:53, 28 DEC 2015 UPDATED 22:08, 28 DEC 2015
BY ADRIAN KAJUMBA
In front of watching England boss Roy Hodgson, the half-time sub's
79th-minute header ended the East Londoners' eight-game wait for a win
The Mirror
Andy Carroll's dodgy hair-do could be here to stay after he fired West Ham
to their first win in more than two months as they overcame Southampton 2-1
. Carroll made sure it was not just his braided barnet that stood out at
Upton Park as he came off the bench to net the winner. In front of watching
England boss Roy Hodgson, the half-time sub's 79th-minute header ended the
East Londoners' eight-game wait for a win. Carroll said: "I will keep the
haircut all season if I keep scoring. I've had a niggle recently but it's
great to get back out there." Nobody would have predicted the outcome at
half time. Southampton totally dominated and West Ham trailed when Carl
Jenkinson turned Shane Long's cross into his own net. But boss Slaven Bilic
sent on fit-again duo Carroll and Manuel Lanzini and the game turned on its
head. James Collins and Carroll went close before the ball looped in off
Michail Antonio as he fell to the floor. But they fully deserved their
winner which came when Carroll reacted quickest after Antonio hit the bar.
Saints manager Ronald Koeman admitted: "If you play good football, as we did
in the first 45 minutes, and you don't kill the game then you can expect
this."
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Sullivan told he pulled a pre-match masterstroke
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on December 28, 2015 in News, Whispers
C and H
David Sullivan was told this evening he had pulled a master stroke when
announcing that he would complete Manu Lanzini's permanent West Ham switch
by February or March before tonight's 2-1 win over Saints. ClaretandHugh's
chief analyst Leroy Rosenior said: "That was brilliant - quite brilliant and
I must give the chairman full credit because it would have given the boy a
fantastic lift for the game.
"He came out with the attitude: 'Right guys I'm one of you now so just watch
me go' and he was brilliant who made a fantastic difference."
ClaretandHugh reported that the chairman was ready to complete the deal soon
after he had revealed the news to the BBC earlier in the day.
And Leroy said: "The timing was quite brilliant and the player did an
amazing job. Mind you on this occasion I can't agree with my pal Hugh who
reckons both he and Andy Carroll should have played from the start and
looked fit enough. "You have to be very careful with returning players but
it didn't matter anyway. The manager and his team got it absolutely spot on
in the second half and we are now looking in terrific nick as we head for
the second part of the campaign."
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Lanzini returns and proves the knockers wrong
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on December 28, 2015 in News, Whispers
C and H
So back comes one creative player and the difference is immediate and
enormous. For several games - and I make no apologies for my own comments
about the performance at Villa Park - many have been claiming we can't keep
pleading injuries as an excuse for sub standard performances. Sorry and all
that but we can yer know as was shown when the ball carrying and genuinely
creative Manu Lanzini returned for the second half and made all the
difference in the world. My only complaint is that he wasn't on from the
start because he looked more than ready and up for it with the sort of 45
minutes we haven't had at the Boleyn for a long time. It was great to watch
and when Dimi Payet returns just watch us fly. So please no more nonsense
about injuries to hugely talented players not mattering. The other great
plus this afternoon was Michail Antonio. In injury crises players need to
grab their chance and he did that brilliantly with a goal and an assist.
It's no formality that Moses will march straight back in when fit. Carroll
looked fit enough too and grabbed his second match winning goal of the
season and again I must single out James Collins who did great against the
very good Shane Long. I said at the beginning of the season we'd finish in
the top six. I'm glad it remains very much on.
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Irons Match verdict: Give it up for the boys!
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on December 28, 2015 in News, Whispers
Match verdict
C and H
Irons 2 Saints 1
First things first - heartiest congratulations Michail Antonio on your man
of the match - thoroughly deserved.
Welcome back Manu Lanzini - you made the difference.
.very well done Andy Carroll - we are delighted for you..
.and finally we are back up to seventh place with 29 points!
That was one hell of a game - we were utterly hopeless in the first half
which for very good reasons we will forget but with the arrival of Carroll
and Lanzini after half time absolutely everything changed.
The ball carrying Argentinian appeared for the entirely ineffective Alex
Song and coupled with the fearless and direct running of Antonio we suddenly
looked fearless, dangerous, gutsy and exciting.
With Lanzini's skill and invention coming to the fore the Saints team - who
had ruled it over us in a one sided first half - were pushed further and
further back and it was only going to be a matter of time before Jenkinson's
own goal from the 13th minute was going to be cancelled out.
Poor Jenks had been launched into the left back position as the patched up
Hammers went looking for their first win in two months and it was almost par
for the course that his would be the final boot on a ball in from Shane
Long's cross which first was touched on by Tanic - Adrian was left with no
chance.
But Antonio, as he had promised, came to the party and fulfilled his promise
that he could scare Premier League defences.
And he scored the luckiest goal ever when he charged into the box on 68
mins, lost control, appealed for a pen, saw had the ball crashed back
against him and watched in wonder as it looped over the keeper and into
the net.
The Hammers were rampant after that with Valencia - showing some real form
at last - seeing a low shot well saved before we should have had a spot kick
when Carroll was blocked off by Bertrand only for the ref to give a foul the
other way.
It was to make no difference because 11 minutes from time Valencia curled in
a wicked ball, that man Antonio headed against the bar and AC waltzed in to
head the rebound into the corner of the net.
There were a couple of scares towards the end but the amazing second half
heroics of every Iron on the pitch ensured that we hung on for our first win
in two months.
A victory on the final day of the old year is precisely what we required.We
have our best players coming back but I'll tell you this - Antonio is
becoming a better and better player and Slav will have a hard time dropping
the boy.
One run right at the death from his own penalty area, 70 yards down field
before his legs turned to jelly and he fired over was a sight to behold.
Make no mistake - there's nothing to worry about in this squad - it was just
the lads took too long to show the impetus we've been crying out for.
But it's back and we look great.
Give it up for the mighty Irons everybody! Remember this was the team that
had beaten the Gooners 4-0 a couple of days ago.
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http://vyperz.blogspot.com
WHUFC.com
Barclays Premier League
West Ham United ended 2015 in style as two second-half goals in the space of
ten minutes fired the Hammers to victory over Southampton at the Boleyn
Ground. After Dusan Tadic had diverted Shane Long's cross beyond Adrian -
albeit via the unfortunate Carl Jenkinson - in the 13th minute, the Saints
threatened to inflict further damage in a difficult opening 45. But Slaven
Bilic's men came out fighting after the interval and eventually turned the
game on its head. Michail Antonio levelled matters when an attempted
clearance cannoned off his head and looped over Maarten Stekelenburg, before
the returning Andy Carroll nodded home from point blank range to earn the
Hammers a first win in nine in front of a jubilant Boleyn Ground. Bilic made
two changes to the side held at Villa Park on Boxing Day, with Jenkinson
replacing the injured Aaron Cresswell at left-back, while Pedro Obiang made
way for Alex Song - the latter again sporting protective eyewear.
The Hammers had looked the more likely in the early exchanges and thrice had
opportunities, albeit half chances at best. Mauro Zarate got across his
marker but steered James Tomkins' cross wide of the far post, before Enner
Valencia saw his shot from the edge of the box blocked. Then, Mark Noble
teed up Cheikhou Kouyate, who screwed well wide of Stekelenburg's left-hand
upright. The Saints, however, hit the front with their first attack of note
and it was well worked, too. Sadio Mane flicked into the path of Steven
Davis, who fed Long on the left edge of the box. The Republic of Ireland man
squared across the face, where Tadic played it onto the unfortunate
Jenkinson and beyond Adrian in a flash. It took the wind out of West Ham
sails and, but for James Collins, it might have been two on 25. Long broke
free down the right this time and pulled back perfectly for Davis. Collins
flung himself in the way and Davis' shot ricocheted over Adrian's crossbar.
Ten minutes later and Zarate was robbed on the touchline by Davis. The
Saints' No8 strode forward and flashed a drive just wide of the far post.
The chances continued to come. Adrian repelled a Jose Fonte header, before
Victor Wanyama spanked the rebound over the top. Seconds later and Mane was
bearing down on goal, but he couldn't quite bring the ball under his spell
and his finish was a tame one. Tadic had a dig too, though the busy Adrian
flung himself to his right and clung on.
No doubt troubled by what he had seen, Bilic made a double change at the
break. Zarate and Song were withdrawn and in their stead came the fit-again
duo Carroll and Manuel Lanzini. And the former passed up a glorious
opportunity within three minutes of joining the action. After Collins'
header had been cleared off the line by Cuco Martina, Tomkins controlled
Noble's cross and Carroll blasted over the top from little more than six
yards out.
But parity was restored in the 69th minute in bizarre fashion, courtesy of
Antonio's first goal in Claret and Blue. The winger burst into the box and
despite being tripped before pulling the trigger, Wanyama's clearance
cannoned into the No30 and looped over Stekelenburg. It was nothing more
than Antonio's enterprise deserved.
The Hammers sought to turn the screw and turned the game on its head ten
minutes later. Valencia's cross from the right sat up sweetly for Antonio
and after his header came crashing back off the underside of the bar, there
was Carroll to gleefully nod home.
Antonio might have sealed it late on, but he smashed wide of the near post
with only the 'keeper to beat. It mattered not, however, as West Ham held
firm to climb up to seventh spot.
West Ham United: Adrian, Tomkins, Collins, Ogbonna, Jenkinson, Kouyate, Song
(Lanzini 46), Noble (c), Antonio, Zarate (Carroll 46), Valencia (Obiang 87)
Subs: Randolph (GK), Oxford, Hendrie, Cullen
Booked: Tomkins
Goals: Antonio 69, Carroll 79
Southampton: Stekelenburg, Martina (Yoshida 70), Van Dijk, Fonte (c),
Bertrand, Romeu, Wanyama, Mane (Juanmi 75), Davis, Tadic (Ramirez 75), Long
Booked: Martina, Romeu, Bertrand
Goal: Jenkinson (og)
Subs: Gazzaniga (GK), Caulker, Clasie, Ward-Prowse
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Carroll - 2016 is looking positive
WHUFC.com
Andy Carroll is looking forward to a 'positive' 2016 after bagging his
second Boleyn Ground winner of the season to see off Southampton.
West Ham United ended a run of seven Barclays Premier League matches without
a win and scored their first come-from-behind victory in over a year thanks
to a stirring second half display. Southampton dominated the first half and
scored through Dusan Tadic, but a half-time change in tactics and personnel
- including the introduction of Carroll and Manuel Lanzini - altered the
course of the match. Man of the Match Michail Antonio equalised with 21
minutes remaining when his buccaneering run was ended by a foul tackle, only
for Victor Wanyama's clearance to ricochet off the winger's head and loop
into the net. Then, with eleven to go, the Boleyn Ground erupted as Carroll
signed-off 2015 with a signature header after Antonio had nodded Enner
Valencia's bouncing cross onto the underside of the crossbar. "It's been
eight or so games since we won so we are all delighted and I'm just glad we
got the win in the end," said a smiling Carroll. "It's great getting a goal
and for it to be the winner. I've had a little niggle so it was great to be
back out there."
There was much debate inside the stadium about Carroll's new braided
hairstyle, but the No9 laughed off jokes about his appearance, and instead
heaped praise on Antonio and his teammates for showing the resilience to
turn the game on its head. After a challenging first half that saw
frustration levels rise in some sections of the crowd, West Ham were a
transformed side after the break. Carroll gave the forward line a focal
point, Lanzini started pulling the strings in the No10 position, while the
switching of full-backs Carl Jenkinson and James Tomkins also added impetus
down the flanks. The result was a stirring and deserved victory which will
see the Hammers end the calendar year in no worse than eighth place in the
table. "The new hairstyle will stay all season if I keep scoring!" laughed
the centre forward, who then had words of support for Antonio and the squad
as a whole. "We've had some difficult moments over the last few weeks but
Michail has put his chance away and won Man of the Match. "We've got players
coming back from injury and a big and deep squad so 2016 is looking
positive."
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Bilic - It's a massive three points
WHUFC.com
Slaven Bilic hailed a huge victory for his team after the Hammers came from
behind to defeat Southampton 2-1 at the Boleyn Ground on Monday evening.
Victory looked in doubt when Carl Jenkinson's unfortunate own goal gave the
Saints an interval lead, but the Hammers were galvanised in the second half
and turned the game around. Michail Antonio levelled before Andy Carroll
nodded home the winner to leave Bilic a happy man. "It's three massive
points for us," he said. "We needed it and now we can talk about a positive
series, because we are six unbeaten and we ended up with a win. "Otherwise
it would be eight without a win and it's not spinning words, it's fact. It's
really good, considering everything that happened in the first half. "We
showed a change in character, a change in determination and a change in
attitude. To be fair they could have been two up at half time, but they
weren't, and nobody can say we didn't deserve it in the end. "We deserved it
with the hard work, the approach and, at the end of the day, the quality we
showed in the second half. "We turned the game around which is very
difficult to do in the Premier League and it's great for belief. "It's great
for the players who came back and it's good motivation because we are
expecting even more players to come back. "It's a really good night for
West Ham fans and I'm especially pleased for them as they were the ones who
lifted us in the second half. They were behind us and we felt that."
Bilic was especially pleased for the two goalscorers, who have had
frustrating seasons to date. He added: "Andy is like that, he's that kind of
a player. He needs to stay regular in training without any injuries and his
quality was never a question. "Michail deserves it. He is one of those
examples which is important for new players, for young players and for
players who are changing levels like he did. "He didn't play at the start of
the season because we had some players who played really well in those
positions."
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West Ham: Rafa Benitez 'signed a contract to become manager'
BBC.co.uk
West Ham were "two hours" away from appointing Rafael Benitez as manager in
the summer before hiring Slaven Bilic, Hammers co-owner David Sullivan says.
"We were two hours from getting Benitez and then Real Madrid came in. We had
agreed a contract," Sullivan said. "He is a top manager whatever anybody
says, and I think he'd have done a wonderful job for us."
Sullivan also said West Ham approached Jurgen Klopp, who joined Liverpool
instead to replace Brendan Rodgers. "We tried Klopp as well but he wouldn't
come because he said he wanted a break. But I'm glad with the manager we
have got," added Sullivan.
West Ham are 10th in the Premier League and have lost only four league
matches since former Croatia boss Bilic took over. Sullivan also heaped
praise on injured midfielder Dimitri Payet - calling him "the best player
I've signed in 25 years" - and said the Hammers will make Manuel Lanzini's
season-long loan from Al Jazira Club a permanent deal "by February or
March", two months earlier than planned.
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West Ham 2 Southampton 1
28 December 2015
Last updated at 19:48
By Patrick Jennings
BBC Sport
Andy Carroll came on to score the winner as West Ham recorded their first
Premier League victory in two months by fighting back to beat Southampton.
Saints dominated the first half and went ahead when Dusan Tadic's prodded
effort deflected in off Carl Jenkinson. Michail Antonio levelled in bizarre
fashion when a clearance hit him and looped in, before Carroll struck. The
West Ham striker made amends for a terrible miss by heading in from close
range after Antonio had hit the bar. Victory was the Hammers' first since a
2-1 win at home to Chelsea on 24 October, when then Blues boss Jose Mourinho
was sent to the stands. Slaven Bilic's side move up to seventh in the table,
while Ronald Koeman's Saints, who beat Arsenal 4-0 at home on Boxing Day,
stay 12th.
Hammers finally have attacking threat
After drawing for a fifth time in a row on Saturday, Hammers boss Bilic
bemoaned the injuries to his key attacking players. Carroll and Manuel
Lanzini made their returns as second-half substitutes on Monday, but the
Croat is still without Victor Moses, Dimitri Payet, and Diafra Sakho up
front. Having scored just four times in their previous eight games, the
comeback looked far from likely, but West Ham transformed the match through
a second-half performance that was a world apart from their poor opening to
the game. There was a huge element of fortune about Antonio's equaliser, but
it was deserved for the number of chances they created after the break, with
Carroll having earlier blazed over from six yards out. Antonio, a threat
throughout the match with his powerful runs, was unlucky to see his header
come back off the underside of the bar for Carroll's winner, and fired
wildly wide when through on goal late on.
Average positions for West Ham and Southampton
For much of the game Southampton looked to have the better shape - and in
the first half they certainly played the more progressive football. But
after the break it was West Ham who fashioned the better chances as the away
side faded The way Southampton started the match made you think they had
finally turned the corner and rediscovered the kind of form that saw them
finish seventh last year. Koeman's side had picked up only one point from
five league games before Saturday's demolition of Arsenal at St Mary's and
that result had clearly given them confidence. In the first half Saints had
zip and zeal in midfield, were solid at the back, and created chances
aplenty through the running of Shane Long and Sadio Mane up front. But if
the away side were far superior in the opening 45 minutes, the opposite was
true in the second half as the introduction of Carroll and Lanzini turned
the match in the Hammers' favour.
Man of the match - Michail Antonio
The West Ham winger got his first Hammers goal to draw his side level, and
almost had a second when heading onto the underside of the bar.
What the managers said:
West Ham boss Slaven Bilic: "After the goal we were totally down and I
waited for half-time because I didn't want to humiliate the players by
changing them before. I was happy when the referee blew, because they could
have been 2-0 up. "At half-time we made some changes but it was a change of
character, of approach, of determination and will. They did try in the first
half, but this was a different West Ham.
"We equalised and continued to chase, and at the end of the day we were
rewarded for everything we did in the second half."
Southampton manager Ronald Koeman: "The second half was totally different to
the first. We had to score more than one in the first half, because
otherwise you expect their reaction in the second. If you score only one
they still have belief. "The first half was the level of the Arsenal game.
It was one team on the pitch playing football. But out of a better second
half they scored two goals, and from a fantastic first we scored one. "If
you are the dominant side you have to score more than one goal, and that was
the problem."
What next?
West Ham play Liverpool at home in a 12:45 GMT kick-off on Saturday, when
Southampton travel to Norwich for a 15:00 start.
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West Ham 2-1 Southampton: Andy Carroll and Michail Antonio seal comeback win
By Peter Smith
Last Updated: 28/12/15 9:07pm
SSN
Andy Carroll stepped off the bench to head West Ham to a 2-1 comeback win
over Southampton - their first Premier League victory in nine games. Ronald
Koeman's side - who had stunned Arsenal 4-0 on Boxing Day - dominated the
first half and should have had more reward for their efforts than Carl
Jenkinson's own goal. But a double change by Slaven Bilic at the break paid
off for the hosts, with substitute Carroll nodding in the winner with 11
minutes to play after Michail Antonio scored a fortunate equaliser. The
victory moves West Ham up to seventh and ends a run of five straight draws,
while Saints stay 12th. West Ham had gone into the match unbeaten in their
last six Premier League home games and made a positive start, with Mauro
Zarate clipping a shot wide before Enner Valencia saw a long-range drive
blocked.
However, on 13 minutes Southampton took the lead through the first real
chance of the match. Shane Long surged into the area after good play from
the visitors and squared across the six-yard box, where Dusan Tadic
deflected the ball onto Jenkinson, who sent the ball into his own net. The
visitors seized the initiative from there on, dominating possession and
going close through Long before failing to convert a flurry of chances
before the interval. Jose Fonte drew a dramatic save from Adrian, Sadio Mane
shot wide and Tadic - after some neat footwork - fired at the 'keeper as
Southampton pushed for a second.
After seeing his side outplayed for much of the first period, Bilic rang the
changes at the break, throwing on Carroll and Manuel Lanzini for Zarate and
Alex Song - and almost immediately got the response he was after. Just two
minutes after the re-start, James Collins' header was cleared off the line
from an early corner before Carroll blew a golden opportunity, blasting over
off the bar from five yards out with the goal at his mercy. Carroll and
Oriol Romeu then sent tame efforts goalwards at either end before West Ham
pulled level in bizarre circumstances. Antonio burst into the Southampton
box but lost his footing and fell to the ground. However, Victor Wanyama,
trying to clear, fired the ball into the West Ham man and the ball looped up
and over Maarten Stekelenburg and into the net. With the momentum on their
side, West Ham surged forward looking for a winner, with Antonio teeing up
Lanzini to shoot wide before Carroll seemed unfortunate to see a free-kick
awarded against him rather than a penalty given in his favour when he
collided with Ryan Bertrand in the box. Southampton were far from pinned in
their own half, but the visitors were stung on 79 minutes when Carroll put
West Ham ahead. Antonio - involved in all of West Ham's best moves - headed
Valencia's cross against the underside of the bar and Carroll was quickest
to react, pouncing on the loose ball to score his second of the season. West
Ham had to hold off a determined onslaught from Southampton in the closing
stages but, aside from Virgil van Dijk's off-target shot, the hosts were
largely untroubled and saw out the final minutes to sign off 2015 with a
victory.
Player ratings
West Ham: Adrian (8), Jenkinson (5), Collins (7), Tomkins (6), Ogbonna (6),
Song (5), Kouyate (6), Antonio (9), Noble (7), Zarate (6), Valencia (6).
Subs used: Carroll (7), Obiang (6), Lanzini (7)
Southampton: Stekelenburg (6), Martina (6), Fonte (6), Van Dijk (6),
Bertrand (6), Wanyama (6), Romeu (6), Tadic (7), Mane (6), Steven Davis (7),
Long (7).
Subs used: Yoshida (6), Juanmi (5), Ramirez (5)
Man of the match: Michail Antonio (West Ham)
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West Ham manager Slaven Bilic praised supersub Andy Carroll
Last Updated: 28/12/15 9:35pm
SSN
West Ham manager Slaven Bilic praised supersub Andy Carroll after his winner
against Southampton and said there are few better teams in the Premier
League than the Hammers. Southampton arrived at the Boleyn Ground on the
back of thumping Arsenal 4-0 on Boxing Day and the Saints went into the
break one-nil up thanks to Carl Jenkinson's own goal. But an inspired
double-substitution by Bilic saw the Hammers come from behind to claim their
first victory since October after Michail Antonio and Andy Carroll came off
the bench to turn the game on its head.
Bilic said afterwards that he was pleased with his side's character. "It was
a massive win," he told Sky Sports. "This was like a special game for us.
The way we done it, we have done it and shown two faces. I am not talking
about the quality now. "I know that we are without some players but we had
a great character and showed in the second half great willingness, great
determination, great character, and we deserved to win this game at the
end."
Goalscorer Carroll had found the net just twice this season after being
reduced to 11 appearances this campaign and Bilic said he might deploy the
striker as an impact player after such a lengthy time on the sidelines. "He
is always crucial," the West Ham manager said. "So far he showed although he
had some really good games he started for us in the game against Man United
away in the game against Stoke at home I thought he was really good. "To be
fair I think he was best for us this season when he was coming on [as a
substitute] so as an impact player. So maybe that is what he has to do also
with the big long break that he had. "His impact against Norwich, against
Chelsea, or today it's not only because of the goal. He is making spaces, he
is winning the ball, he is working really hard and he can also pass the ball
so he was also one of the reasons we turned the game around in the second
half."
The victory meant West Ham sit in seventh place, one point behind Manchester
United, and Bilic said there were few teams in the Premier League better
than the Hammers. "This is the Premier League. Basically my son told me the
other day - and he is right, no matter about which team you are talking
[about in] this Premier League - more or less every win you have to
celebrate like an FA Cup final. And not just West Ham but Chelsea and all
them. So basically, there are no guarantees here. What I said at the
beginning of the season, and I stick by my words, is if we stay out of
injuries and all that - ok maybe we will get one, two or three maybe - then
I am very optimistic. If we work hard then we have a very good football
team. There a very few who are better than us."
Enner Valencia had to be replaced towards the end of the game and was seen
hobbling after the full-time whistle. However, Bilic said the injury was not
serious.
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Andy Carroll fires West Ham to first win in 2 months and vows to keep dodgy
haircut
21:53, 28 DEC 2015 UPDATED 22:08, 28 DEC 2015
BY ADRIAN KAJUMBA
In front of watching England boss Roy Hodgson, the half-time sub's
79th-minute header ended the East Londoners' eight-game wait for a win
The Mirror
Andy Carroll's dodgy hair-do could be here to stay after he fired West Ham
to their first win in more than two months as they overcame Southampton 2-1
. Carroll made sure it was not just his braided barnet that stood out at
Upton Park as he came off the bench to net the winner. In front of watching
England boss Roy Hodgson, the half-time sub's 79th-minute header ended the
East Londoners' eight-game wait for a win. Carroll said: "I will keep the
haircut all season if I keep scoring. I've had a niggle recently but it's
great to get back out there." Nobody would have predicted the outcome at
half time. Southampton totally dominated and West Ham trailed when Carl
Jenkinson turned Shane Long's cross into his own net. But boss Slaven Bilic
sent on fit-again duo Carroll and Manuel Lanzini and the game turned on its
head. James Collins and Carroll went close before the ball looped in off
Michail Antonio as he fell to the floor. But they fully deserved their
winner which came when Carroll reacted quickest after Antonio hit the bar.
Saints manager Ronald Koeman admitted: "If you play good football, as we did
in the first 45 minutes, and you don't kill the game then you can expect
this."
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Sullivan told he pulled a pre-match masterstroke
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on December 28, 2015 in News, Whispers
C and H
David Sullivan was told this evening he had pulled a master stroke when
announcing that he would complete Manu Lanzini's permanent West Ham switch
by February or March before tonight's 2-1 win over Saints. ClaretandHugh's
chief analyst Leroy Rosenior said: "That was brilliant - quite brilliant and
I must give the chairman full credit because it would have given the boy a
fantastic lift for the game.
"He came out with the attitude: 'Right guys I'm one of you now so just watch
me go' and he was brilliant who made a fantastic difference."
ClaretandHugh reported that the chairman was ready to complete the deal soon
after he had revealed the news to the BBC earlier in the day.
And Leroy said: "The timing was quite brilliant and the player did an
amazing job. Mind you on this occasion I can't agree with my pal Hugh who
reckons both he and Andy Carroll should have played from the start and
looked fit enough. "You have to be very careful with returning players but
it didn't matter anyway. The manager and his team got it absolutely spot on
in the second half and we are now looking in terrific nick as we head for
the second part of the campaign."
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Lanzini returns and proves the knockers wrong
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on December 28, 2015 in News, Whispers
C and H
So back comes one creative player and the difference is immediate and
enormous. For several games - and I make no apologies for my own comments
about the performance at Villa Park - many have been claiming we can't keep
pleading injuries as an excuse for sub standard performances. Sorry and all
that but we can yer know as was shown when the ball carrying and genuinely
creative Manu Lanzini returned for the second half and made all the
difference in the world. My only complaint is that he wasn't on from the
start because he looked more than ready and up for it with the sort of 45
minutes we haven't had at the Boleyn for a long time. It was great to watch
and when Dimi Payet returns just watch us fly. So please no more nonsense
about injuries to hugely talented players not mattering. The other great
plus this afternoon was Michail Antonio. In injury crises players need to
grab their chance and he did that brilliantly with a goal and an assist.
It's no formality that Moses will march straight back in when fit. Carroll
looked fit enough too and grabbed his second match winning goal of the
season and again I must single out James Collins who did great against the
very good Shane Long. I said at the beginning of the season we'd finish in
the top six. I'm glad it remains very much on.
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Irons Match verdict: Give it up for the boys!
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on December 28, 2015 in News, Whispers
Match verdict
C and H
Irons 2 Saints 1
First things first - heartiest congratulations Michail Antonio on your man
of the match - thoroughly deserved.
Welcome back Manu Lanzini - you made the difference.
.very well done Andy Carroll - we are delighted for you..
.and finally we are back up to seventh place with 29 points!
That was one hell of a game - we were utterly hopeless in the first half
which for very good reasons we will forget but with the arrival of Carroll
and Lanzini after half time absolutely everything changed.
The ball carrying Argentinian appeared for the entirely ineffective Alex
Song and coupled with the fearless and direct running of Antonio we suddenly
looked fearless, dangerous, gutsy and exciting.
With Lanzini's skill and invention coming to the fore the Saints team - who
had ruled it over us in a one sided first half - were pushed further and
further back and it was only going to be a matter of time before Jenkinson's
own goal from the 13th minute was going to be cancelled out.
Poor Jenks had been launched into the left back position as the patched up
Hammers went looking for their first win in two months and it was almost par
for the course that his would be the final boot on a ball in from Shane
Long's cross which first was touched on by Tanic - Adrian was left with no
chance.
But Antonio, as he had promised, came to the party and fulfilled his promise
that he could scare Premier League defences.
And he scored the luckiest goal ever when he charged into the box on 68
mins, lost control, appealed for a pen, saw had the ball crashed back
against him and watched in wonder as it looped over the keeper and into
the net.
The Hammers were rampant after that with Valencia - showing some real form
at last - seeing a low shot well saved before we should have had a spot kick
when Carroll was blocked off by Bertrand only for the ref to give a foul the
other way.
It was to make no difference because 11 minutes from time Valencia curled in
a wicked ball, that man Antonio headed against the bar and AC waltzed in to
head the rebound into the corner of the net.
There were a couple of scares towards the end but the amazing second half
heroics of every Iron on the pitch ensured that we hung on for our first win
in two months.
A victory on the final day of the old year is precisely what we required.We
have our best players coming back but I'll tell you this - Antonio is
becoming a better and better player and Slav will have a hard time dropping
the boy.
One run right at the death from his own penalty area, 70 yards down field
before his legs turned to jelly and he fired over was a sight to behold.
Make no mistake - there's nothing to worry about in this squad - it was just
the lads took too long to show the impetus we've been crying out for.
But it's back and we look great.
Give it up for the mighty Irons everybody! Remember this was the team that
had beaten the Gooners 4-0 a couple of days ago.
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