Preview - Liverpool
WHUFc.com
Everything you need to know about Saturday's game with Liverpool
30.01.2015
LIVERPOOL v WEST HAM UNITED
BARCLAYS PREMIER LEAGUE
ANFIELD
SATURDAY 31 JANUARY 2015
KICK-OFF: 3PM
REFEREE: ANDRE MARRINER
In brief
West Ham United travel to Merseyside looking for their second win of the
season over last year's runners up, having beaten the Reds in September
thanks to goals from Winston Reid, Diafra Sakho and Morgan Amalfitano.The
Hammers go into the match on the back of a six game unbeaten run, with two
consecutive clean sheets to their name. Sam Allardyce's men are currently
seventh in the Barclays Premier League with 36 points from 22 games.
Opponents Liverpool, on the other hand, go into the game without a win in
three matches, most recently losing to Chelsea after extra time in the
League Cup semi final second leg. Having said that, Brendan Rodgers' men
have been improving throughout the season as their new signings are
beginning to settle in. Prior to the defeat at Stamford Bridge, the Reds
were unbeaten in ten games. The last time the Hammers won at Anfield in
September 1963, the Beatles' 'She Loves You' was number one in the charts.
Who are they?
Formed in 1892, Liverpool are one of English football's most-successful
clubs. Only Manchester United hold more league titles than the Reds' total
of 18, while only Real Madrid and AC Milan have won the UEFA Champions
League or European Cup more often than their total of five.
Runners-up last term as they chased their first English title in 25 years,
the glory days appear to be returning to Anfield under Rodgers. They are
also seven-time FA Cup winners, eight-time League Cup winners and three-time
UEFA Cup champions.
Team news
West Ham United
Big Sam has a few defensive issues to ponder as Carl Jenkinson, James
Collins and James Tomkins all face late fitness tests. Guy Demel is
available and may be called upon.
Cheikhou Kouyate has returned from international duty following Senegal's
elimination from the African Cup of Nations, and is available to play.
Liverpool
The Reds are boosted by the possible return of Daniel Sturridge after a
lengthy layoff due to a hip injury.
Jon Flanagan (knee) and Brad Jones (hip) are out, while Mamadou Sakho faces
a race against time to recover from a back injury.
Referee
The man in the middle for Saturday afternoon's game will be Andre Marriner.
The 43-year-old referee is yet to officiate a West Ham game this season. The
Birmingham based official has taken charge of one Liverpool game - a 1-0
defeat away at Newcastle United in November.
One to watch
West Ham United
All eyes will be on West Ham's No9 Andy Carroll as he returns to Anfield
having left the Reds to join the Hammers in 2012. The England international
has been in inspired form since coming back from injury and would dearly
love to add to five league goals this season against his former employers.
Liverpool
Speculation is growing that England international Daniel Sturridge is close
to a return to the first team. The 25-year-old striker enjoyed a terrific
season last term, scoring 28 goals in all competitions and the Birmingham
born forward looked to have started the 2014/15 season where he left off,
scoring against Southampton before a hip injury sustained on international
duty has kept him out of action since early September.
Tickets
Tickets for Saturday's have SOLD OUT.
Travel
For all information regarding travel to and from Liverpool please click
here.
Weather
The forecast for Saturday is predicted to be a cloudy, cold but dry day with
temperatures around 5C (41F).
Please note that weather warnings have been issued in the North West of the
country. To keep up with all the travel information, see the Met Office
website here.
Last meeting
Liverpool 4-1 West Ham United
Barclays Premier League
7 December 2013
Title-chasing Liverpool recorded an impressive win over the Hammers with a
4-1 win at Anfield. The match was initially a tight affair with Guy Demel's
own goal breaking the deadlock three minutes before half time.
The Reds doubled their lead shortly after the restart through Mamadou Sakho
before Martin Skrtel's own goal gave the Hammers a lifeline.
The enigmatic Luis Suarez looked to seal the win when he scored in the 81st
minute, with Kevin Nolan picking up a second yellow card a minute later.
Despite the Hammers best efforts, Suarez wrapped up the victory with his
second goal of the proceedings, leaving the Hammers in 17th position.
Liverpool: Mignolet; Johnson, Skrtel, Sakho, Flanagan (Kelly 79); Coutinho,
Gerrard (Lucas 56), Henderson, Allen; Sterling (Moses 72), Suarez
Subs: Jones, Aspas, Alberto, Cissokho
West Ham United: Jaaskelainen; McCartney, Tomkins (O'Brien 56), Collins,
Demel; Nolan, Noble, Jarvis (Taylor 78); Diame, Downing (J Cole 45)
Subs: Adrian, Collison, Diarra, C Cole
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Amoo eyeing win over Gunners
WHUFC.com
Having scored the winner against Brighton, Jerry Amoo wants to beat Arsenal
30.01.2015
West Ham United U18 winger Jerry Amoo is relishing the Hammers' game with
Arsenal this Saturday as they look to continue their good form after beating
Brighton & Hove Albion 2-1 last weekend. In a tight game, the Hammers took
the lead through Jahmal Hector-Ingram as he headed Anthony Scully's cross
home before the Seagulls equalised when Connor Tighe levelled from the
penalty spot. Shortly after the break, Amoo scored to be what proved to be
the winner after he converted Joe Powell's cross. Speaking ahead of the game
with the Gunners, the 17-year-old winger said: "Arsenal is a tough game,
they play good football but they also work hard off the ball. "The win
against Brighton last week was very important. They play good football too,
probably not as good as Arsenal but they are a tough team to beat. I thought
we moved the ball well and we worked hard. "To score the winner was a good
feeling. Joe Powell crossed it, as I was running into the box I slowed down
a bit but I heard Steve Potts on the side lines say 'get in the box'. So I
got in, and luckily the keeper parried it toward me and I just put it in."
The Hammers currently sit in sixth position in the U18 Premier League South
table, with 25 points from 17 games. With just five games of the league left
before the Play-Offs, Amoo is hoping last Saturday's win will be the start
of a winning run of games. "We started off the season quite well, going
unbeaten in the first eight games, but then we had a tough run of games. We
lost a bit of momentum, hopefully the win last week will be the start of a
good run and we'll hopefully continue that against Arsenal."
"As for me personally, I hope I carry on playing well, scoring and assisting
more goals. Hopefully I'll push on into the U21s and earn a professional
contract." The U18s play Arsenal away on Saturday with kick off at 11am.
Their next home game is against Fulham on Saturday 7 February at Little
Heath, kick off 11am.
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Hendrie to join Hammers
WHUFC.com
Scotland U21 international left-back Stephen Hendrie will join West Ham
United on 1 July
30.01.2015
Scotland U21 international left-back Stephen Hendrie will join West Ham
United in the summer after signing a pre-contract agreement with the Club.
The 20-year-old will move to the Hammers on 1 July from Scottish Premiership
side Hamilton Academical, where he has been a first-team regular for the
past four seasons, totalling 110 appearances. From this summer, the defender
will continue his development with West Ham and he cannot wait to get down
to work in east London. "I'm absolutely buzzing," Hendrie confirmed. "The
last few days have been busy, but now that I'm down here and I've signed, I
cannot wait to start in the summer. "I'm thrilled to bits. I can't believe
that it's happened. West Ham is such a massive club with a massive fan base
and I just cannot wait to get started. I'm looking forward to it.
"I think the Premier League's the best league in the world and you want to
play at the highest level you possibly can. Since I was a kid I always
wanted to play in the Premier League and I've got a fantastic chance to do
that now." "I know that the atmosphere is electric at the Boleyn Ground. The
fans are brilliant and we've moving to a bigger stadium and it'll be even
better, so I'm looking forward to that too."
After joining the South Lanarkshire club as a schoolboy, Hendrie made his
Hamilton debut at the age of 16 in a Scottish League Cup win at Queens Park
in July 2011. Last season, he helped the Accies gain promotion back to the
Scottish Premiership before making his Scotland U21 debut in September 2014.
The young defender is the latest Hamilton youth product to move south of the
border in recent seasons, following the likes of Everton midfielder James
McCarthy and Crystal Palace midfielder James McArthur. After completing the
current season with Hamliton, Hendrie plans to catch the eye in a Claret and
Blue shirt from the start of next term. Stephen Hendrie
"I'm a full-back and I like to get forward," he explained. "Obviously the
defensive duties come first, but I like to bomb up and down the wings and
get crosses in. "When the summer comes around I'll be working as hard as I
can and see what happens. Every pre-season is crucial but having signed for
West Ham it's going to be even more so. It's unbelievable. I just need to
get as fit as I can and hopefully play some games. It's a good challenge, a
new challenge and I'm just buzzing to get started."
Hendrie follows a long line of Scottish players to join the Hammers dating
back to the Club's formative years as Thames Ironworks FC, when players were
drawn from the large number of Scottish shipbuilders working there. In more
recent years, the likes of Ray Stewart, Frank McAvennie and Christian Dailly
have all represented West Ham with honour, and the new boy is hoping to make
a similarly positive impression. "They're big names and everybody knows West
Ham up there because of those boys," he confirmed. "They did extremely well
here and everybody knows West Ham because of them and because of how big a
club they are. The fan base is brilliant and so is everything else that goes
with it."
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Carroll - 'It's just another game'
WHUFC.com
Andy Carroll's will be making his first return to Anfield as a West Ham
United player on Saturday
30.01.2015
Andy Carroll might be making his first return to Anfield as a West Ham
United player on Saturday - but he insists it will not stand out as an
occasion for him. It is two-and-a-half years since the No9 first joined the
Hammers on loan from Liverpool, but the conditions of his loan in his first
season and injury last term prevented him from being involved at his former
home. Now he heads to Merseyside in terrific form having netted five goals
in his last eight Barclays Premier League games and just wants to continue
that streak, no matter the opposition. "Going back to Anfield has not been
on my mind really," he insisted. "To be honest it's just another game. I
know it's a team I played for before but for me it's just a game for us that
we need to go and win. "I haven't been able to play there for the last
couple of years, so it'll be nice to go back and see the people that I spent
time with, but as a game it's just another one. "I don't feel like I have
anything to prove. I enjoyed my spell there - it was a short one, but I
enjoyed it. It didn't work out and now I'm playing against them."
Carroll is playing arguably the best football of his West Ham career to date
at present, scoring goals of all types. He notched two trademark headers
against Swansea at home, a fine individual strike against the same
opposition at the Liberty Stadium and further finishes off the ground
against Leicester and Hull - evidence of the rounded ability of his game.
"I'm feeling great at the minute," he added. "I always knew that when I was
100 per cent fit that I'd score goals, put myself about in training and that
would show in games. That's what's happened. "There's been a few different
goals since I've been back. The Swansea one, some people didn't expect, but
I've got a bit of that when I get the chance! "That goal has to be up there
as one of my best. It was a great srike and I was well happy with it. "A lot
of people think that all strikers are about is scoring goals, but for me I
feel like an all-round striker where I can create chances just as much as
scoring when they're created for me. "Diafra is obviously a great player and
that's why he's scored the goals that he has. Last week he gets two chances,
he hits the crossbar and scores the other. That just proves how good a
striker he is.
"The depth in the squad is fantastic and with Enner and Carlton we have four
great strikers at the Club. Any of the lads can start or come off the bench
and score, as Diafra did last week."
The Hammers are without a win at Anfield since 1963, but Carroll believes
this is as good a chance as any for the Hammers to end that lengthy run.
"With the form we're in at the minute, this has to be our best chance of
winning there in a while," he explained. "Everyone is confident, all the
lads are raring to go and I don't see why we can't go up there and beat
them. "It's always tough when you play against players like Skrtel or Sakho.
It's physical and you get knocked about a bit and those are th e kind of
games I love because you feel the referee lets it play on a bit a little
more. "Skrtel is a tough defender, but he's a great lad and I'm looking
forward to playing against him."
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Chadwell Chatter
WHUFC.com
Stewart Downing blogs about Liverpool, Steven Gerrard and England ahead of
Saturday's trip to Anfield
30.01.2015
Hello everyone,
I'm really looking forward to Saturday's game at Liverpool. We go to Anfield
off a good FA Cup result at Bristol City and we can go up there and win the
game, just as we did at home earlier in the season. Liverpool played their
Capital One Cup semi-final second leg in midweek, which went to extra-time,
so hopefully we can capitalise on any tiredness and win there for the first
time in 50-odd years.
It would certainly be a nice time to do it because we're a point above them
in the table and we can extend that if we get a good result.
We're confident. Whereas last season it was difficult for us up there and we
lost, it'll be different this time around, as we proved when we beat them at
home, scored three good goals and defended well. We deserve to be where we
are and we are above them on merit because we've been the better team so far
this season. Having played for Liverpool for a couple of seasons, I know
Anfield is a special stadium. On the big European nights and cup nights or
in the local derby matches, it's a fantastic place to play football. I think
Liverpool will target this as a game to win, so hopefully we can keep the
crowd quiet early on. They demand victories because that's the sort of club
it is and we've got to capitalise on any weaknesses. They played a tough
semi-final against Chelsea on Tuesday so maybe their confidence will be a
little bit low after that defeat and we can go there and get a win. This may
be the final time I get to play against Steven Gerrard. I don't know if
he'll start after playing 120 minutes on Tuesday, but we'll prepare for him
to start. We still think he is their best player. A lot of their play goes
through him and if he plays as the deep-lying midfield player, as he did at
our place and we did a job on him, then I guess we'll try to do the same
again. The manager told us he has always tried to do a man-marking job on
Steven because everything goes through him. If he doesn't play, it is a
massive, massive bonus for us. We have only lost three away matches all
season, at Manchester United, Everton and Chelsea, and when you look at
those matches only Chelsea deserved to beat us. We should have got a result
at Everton and at Manchester United we scored and had them down to ten men
and they were all over the place for the last half-an-hour. We have been
really good with our goal-scoring and defending away from home. We haven't
played so well of late, but we're getting results and that's the sign of a
good team. We'll be looking to put in a good performance and get the right
result on Saturday.
If you had said we would be seventh and still in the FA Cup at the end of
January, we'd have bitten your hands off. The manager has got to be pleased
and we as players are, but we knew deep down that if we kept everyone
available and had a bit of luck that we could perform at a high level. This
year it has come together and it's very pleasing. We've got a good squad and
we're feeling confident, so we'll go to Anfield and we hope to win. Looking
ahead, there is an international break at the end of March and I would love
to be in the England squad again - and I hope I won't be the only West Ham
player in there, either. With the way we've been playing, a lot of the lads
have done really well. Andy has come back and done really well and I'm sure
he'll be looking at the squad closely, as will the likes of Mark, Tonks,
Jenkinson and Cresswell. Roy Hodgson has watched a lot of our games, so
there are a lot of our lads in contention. Safe trip to all those heading up
to Anfield.
Come on you Irons!
Stewie
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Liverpool v West Ham
KO 15:00
30 January 2015
Last updated at 11:52
By Simon Brotherton
BARCLAYS PREMIER LEAGUE
Venue: Anfield Date: Saturday, 31 January
TEAM NEWS
Liverpool will be boosted by the return of Daniel Sturridge after almost
five months out with a thigh injury. Mamadou Sakho is a doubt with a back
problem sustained during the midweek League Cup defeat against Chelsea.
West Ham are hopeful that Carl Jenkinson, Alex Song and James Tomkins will
be available after minor injury concerns this week. Senegal's Cheikhou
Kouyate could feature after returning from the Africa Cup of Nations.
MATCH PREVIEW
It was a case of so near and yet so far for Liverpool this week following
their narrow defeat by Chelsea after extra time in the Capital One Cup
semi-final. They'll need to put it behind them quickly against West Ham, who
sit a point and one place above them in the table and survived a tricky FA
Cup tie away to Bristol City last week. Liverpool fans will look forward to
the prospect of welcoming back Daniel Sturridge with open arms after his
lengthy absence because of injury. It's almost five months since he last
played and it sounds as though we may see him at some point on Saturday. I
was very impressed by the way Liverpool played in the second leg of their
Capital One Cup semi-final against Chelsea on Tuesday, even though they
lost. They were excellent in the first leg too. "The only problem is that
they are still without a goalscorer - if they had one of those, they would
be going to Wembley for the final."
West Ham's tally of 36 points from 22 games is a far cry from last season's
struggles and constitutes their strongest campaign so far in the Premier
League. They travel to Liverpool after beating Hull and Bristol City without
conceding in their last two outings, hoping to turn the club's wretched
record at Anfield on its head. They're without a win there in the league for
over 50 years and have only ever won three times in 56 league visits. Rarely
will they have travelled with a better chance of a decent result than this
season, but Liverpool are unbeaten in six in the league and have not lost at
home since the Chelsea game in early November. As a side note, two of West
Ham's most prominent players head back to their former club this weekend.
Liverpool and West Ham both paid record transfer fees for Andy Carroll,
while Stewart Downing left Anfield for Upton Park a couple of years ago.
Liverpool's Glen Johnson started at West Ham, of course, and unusually for a
player with one league goal in just over two years has scored three in his
last half a dozen appearances against the Hammers.
MATCH FACTS
Head-to-head
Liverpool are unbeaten in 41 top-flight home matches against West Ham since
a 2-1 defeat in September 1963 (W30, D11).
That remains West Ham's last win at Anfield in any division. They have only
won three of 56 league encounters at the stadium.
West Ham sit one point and one place above Liverpool in the league table.
This is the first time the Hammers have been above Liverpool after 22 games
in the Premier League.
Liverpool
Liverpool are unbeaten in their last six Premier League matches (W4, D2) and
have lost once in the last ten matches.
They are vying to win three successive matches, and keep three clean sheets
in a row, for the first time in the league this season.
Steven Gerrard is one short of his 700th Liverpool appearance in all
competitions. Only Ian Callaghan (857) and Jamie Carragher (737) have played
more matches for the club.
Fabio Borini scored his first league goal for Liverpool since April 2013 in
the 2-0 against Aston Villa.
Raheem Sterling has already equalled last season's tally of five Premier
League assists.
West Ham United
West Ham's tally of 36 points is their highest in the Premier League after
22 games.
However, they have not kept an away clean sheet in 16 league matches
spanning almost a year.
Sam Allardyce has never won a Premier League game at Anfield as manager in
11 attempts.
West Ham have scored a league-high 14 headed goals. Five of those have been
scored by Diafra Sakho, which is also the best record in the division.
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Stephen Hendrie: West Ham sign Hamilton full-back
BBC.co.uk
Hamilton Accies left-back Stephen Hendrie has signed a pre-contract
agreement to join West Ham in July. The Lanarkshire club say they have
reached a deal on compensation for the 20-year-old, who has made more than
100 appearances for the club. "I just cannot wait to get started," he told
the West Ham website. "I'm thrilled to bits. "Since I was a kid I always
wanted to play in the Premier League and I've got a fantastic chance to do
that now." Last week, Accies vice-chairman Ronnie MacDonald said the move
was off and was critical of West Ham's approach. "I couldn't care if I never
heard from them again," said MacDonald. However, the transfer was revived
with Hendrie travelling to London on Wednesday for talks with the English
Premier League club. "When the summer comes around I'll be working as hard
as I can and see what happens," added Hendrie. "Every pre-season is crucial
but having signed for West Ham it's going to be even more so. It's
unbelievable. I just need to get as fit as I can and hopefully play some
games. "It's a good challenge, a new challenge and I'm just buzzing to get
started."
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Darren Fletcher: Man Utd player having West Ham medical
BBC.co.uk
Manchester United midfielder Darren Fletcher is undergoing a medical at
Premier League rivals West Ham as he moves closer to a move to Upton Park.
United boss Louis van Gaal had already revealed the Scottish international,
31, was in talks with the Hammers. "He is now in West Ham, so we have to
wait and see," said Van Gaal on Friday. "He is my third captain so he is an
important guy in the dressing room.
"I like him as a human being and a player, so we will miss him." Fletcher
has made only five starts under Van Gaal this season.
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Kouyate returns after going AWOL
KUMB.com
Filed: Friday, 30th January 2015
By: Staff Writer
Cheik Kouyate could yet make his return for West Ham at Liverpool this
weekend after being flown back to England in a private plane.
West Ham chartered the jet - in conjunction with Newcastle United and
another club - in order to bring Kouyate, the Mags' Papiss Cisse and four
fellow players back to Europe from the African Cup of Nations. The cost is
reported (Guardian) to be in the region of £65,000.
"We knew where he was, but had trouble finding him," admitted Allardyce. "I
think it was the usual lack of organisation to get people on planes, so we
had to sort it out! "We have two other clubs and stumped up for a private
jet to bring six players back. The chairmen were good enough to get together
and share the cost and get them home. "I've experienced it many times
before. When it is right in the middle of the season you want your players
back as quickly as you can. The regulation is that they must be back within
48 hours. "But players will try and sneak a couple of extra days, that is
what they normally do. I learnt that in about 2004 when El-Hadji Diouf and
Abdoulaye Faye got delayed in Paris, for some reason!"
Newcastle boss John Carver added: "The Senegal FA haven't been too helpful
and we're not happy about that. Hopefully Papiss will be back on Friday.
"We've been trying to get in touch with him and it hasn't been easy. But
I've spoken to his agent and left a message with Papiss. Lee Charnley
[Newcastle's managing director] has spoken to the Senegalese FA but they
haven't been very helpful." Senegal were eliminated from the AFCON on
Tuesday after losing 2-0 to Algeria in the deciding Group match. West Ham's
Kouyate played the whole 90 minutes.
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Accies confirm Hendrie departure
KUMB.com
Filed: Friday, 30th January 2015
By: Staff Writer
Hamilton Academical have confirmed the sale of young full-back Stephen
Hendrie to West Ham United.
The 20-year-old Scot has made the switch to West Ham after the two clubs
finally agreed a fee in the region of £1million, following days of
uncertainly after the original deal was cancelled by Hamilton.
A short statement on Academical's website read: "The Club is delighted to
announce that following a further approach from West Ham United for Stephen
Hendrie, we have been able to reach agreement on a fee, and Stephen has
signed with the London Club.
"Furthermore we have agreed with West Ham that Stephen will remain with us
as a player till the end of the season.
"Stephen has been with the Club since the age of 13 and we are delighted
that another of our players who has come through our Academy, has moved to
the English Premier League and we wish him well."
News of Hendrie's departure has met with a mixed response from Accies fans.
redandwhite1874, posting on Accies World wrote: "It's a short career and
this will probably sort him for life. I would love to see him do well, but
personally I think he has gone to a level to high."
Stodmeister added: "Week after week people have a go at Hendrie and say he
is no good, so now they get what they want and the club gets money for him.
What's the problem? I wish him all the best , we just move on."
Accies999 was however rather more supportive, stating: "It's fantastic
watching another product of the Accies youth policy progress to bigger and
better things.
"I hope his career continues to flourish and I most definitely will keep an
eye on his progress like most of us have with the previous Accies youngsters
that have progressed."
Hendrie, who is somewhat awkwardly the February poster in Hamilton's annual
calendar, made his competitive debut for the Accies in August 2011 at the
age of just 16, before receiving his first international nod - for
Scotland's Under 17s - in October of the same year.
Three years later he made his debut for the Under 21s, but is yet to appear
for the seniors.
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Morrison's antics leave loan club perplexed
KUMB.com
Filed: Friday, 30th January 2015
By: Staff Writer
Ravel Morrison's short spell at Cardiff was littered with a series of
bizarre episodes, KUMB has learned.
The 21-year-old midfielder, who yesterday signed a pre-contract agreement
with Serie A side Lazio spent three months on loan with the Championship
club ahead of Christmas.
According to a club insider, Morrison proved a huge hit on the first day
with the Bluebirds - so much so that a number of players felt that their
chances of promotion had improved dramatically overnight.
However it wasn't long before the facade began to slip.
On that very same first day, Morrison refused to eat lunch with the rest of
the squad - the result, it is said, of being embarrassed by the condition of
his teeth.
And before long, the same problems that have dogged the midfielder
throughout his fledgling career rose to the surface.
As per his time at Manchester United and West Ham, Morrison began to fail to
attend training sessions - and by the end of his spell in Wales, was only
turning up when he wanted to.
The insider also reported that Morrison refused to accept the fines he was
set by Cardiff for his disciplinary issues, informing his (temporary)
employers that he would simply not pay them.
During his three month stay in Wales, the England Under 21 international
made seven appearances for the Bluebirds - but failed to complete a single
full match. He flew to Italy earlier this week to undergo a medical ahead of
a free transfer move to Lazio.
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Hammers miss out on French starlet
KUMB.com
Filed: Friday, 30th January 2015
By: Staff Writer
Young French striker Jean-Kevin Augustine is poised to turn his back on West
Ham and sign for Paris St Germain. The 17-year-old, who came through the
ranks at the Parc des Princes has been pursued by West Ham - who were hoping
to land him for a nominal fee at the end of the season - recently. However
reports in France suggest that the highly-rated young forward is now set to
snub the Hammers and sign a three-year professional contract with the
Parisian side instead. St Germain, whose Academy is based at Camp des Loges
in Saint-Germain-en-Laye has long been recognised as one of the best youth
facilities in France. Previous graduates include the likes of Nicolas
Anelka, Sylvain Distin, Patrick M'Boma and Mamadou Sakho. Stunned last year
by the loss of Kingsley Comane on a free transfer to Juventus last summer,
PSG were determined not to repeat that scenario again during this transfer
window with Augustine.
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Lassana Diarra training with West Ham
KUMB.com
Filed: Friday, 30th January 2015
By: Staff Writer
Lassana Diarra is currently training with West Ham ahead of a possible
pre-transfer deadline move. The French international midfielder is
understood to have flown to England ahead of Monday evening's transfer
deadline and is currently training at Chadwell Heath (Goal).
KUMB reported earlier in the week how Sam Allardyce was looking at Inter
target Diarra as an alternative to Darren Fletcher, for whom an offer
remains on the table. Roberto Mancini - who is now likely to turn his
attention to Liverpool's Lucas Leiva or Mario Suarez of Athletico Madrid -
has been frustrated in his efforts to sign Diarra who remains entrenched in
a legal battle with former club Lokomotive Moscow, the club that sacked him
last August. And that has allowed Allardyce to take a closer look at the
former Chelsea and Portsmouth star, who last played in England back in 2009
- even though any potential move would be fraught with the same difficulties
as experienced y Inter. Diarra was fired by Moscow after refusing to attend
training last summer, having fallen out with head coach Leonid Kuchuk.
However the two parties are said to be involved in a long-running legal
battle that has prevented the 29-year-old from joining another club.
Hamburg, Lyon, Dinamo Kiev and Borussia Dortmund are all reported this
morning to be monitoring Diarra's situation.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Chelsea to test West Ham's resolve with £21million bid for Enner Valencia
KUMb.com
Filed: Thursday, 29th January 2015
By: Staff Writer
Chelsea are willing to pay £21million to land West Ham United's Enner
Valencia before the transfer deadline, according to a story in one of this
morning's tabloids.
The Sun's Alan Nixon and Dan King claim that Chelsea are willing to offer
West Ham the opportunity to make a profit of around £8million on a player
they purchased only six months ago.
The Premier League title favourites have already splashed out £27million to
land Fiorentina's Juan Cuadrado this week, but are still keen to land the
Ecuador international according to the story.
However any such overtures are likely to be rejected by the Hammers, with
David Sullivan insisting only two weeks ago that none of Sam Allardyce's
first team squad were up for sale.
Valencia's career at the Boleyn has been hit and miss so far. Whilst he hit
the ground running with technically excellent goals against Hull and Stoke,
he has struggled to maintain a place in Sam Allardyce's first team with Andy
Carroll and Diafra Sakho ahead in the pecking order of late.
Valencia, who cost West Ham circa £12.5million when signing from Pachuca
last summer has thus far scored just four goals in his 23 appearances for
the Hammers. The current record transfer fee received by West Ham for a
player was the £18million Leeds paid for Rio Ferdinand 15 years ago.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Brendan Rodgers praises former Red Stewart Downing
Last Updated: 30/01/15 2:39pm
SSN
Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers has praised in-form West Ham star Stewart
Downing and admits he did not want the midfielder to leave Anfield. The
30-year-old is currently in his second season at Upton Park and has been a
key figure in their rise up the table this campaign. Liverpool entertain the
Londoners on Saturday one point and one place ahead of them in the Premier
League table and Rodgers says Downing's excellent performances under Sam
Allardyce have come as no surprise to him. "Stewart was one I did not want
to let go," he said. "It was a difficult start for him but when we worked
together at the beginning in the second part of the season he was one of the
regular players so he wasn't someone who I wanted to move on. "He has done
very well at West Ham. He is a really gifted player technically, he has a
wonderful technique, he plays games and trains every day and is a good guy,
so it's not surprising to me how well he has done." Striker Andy Carroll,
who also left Anfield for Upton Park, was another to draw praise from
Rodgers ahead of the match.
"Andy is a fantastic football player. He has quality and ability around the
box," he said. "I just felt in terms of how I play, and maybe how the team
operates, that he might not have been a regular player because of the
movement and the speed at which we try to work. "But that doesn't mean he is
a bad player. He is an outstanding player and when he is fit he has shown
that at West Ham." As for trying to avenge the result at Upton Park where
Liverpool lost 3-1 last September, Rodgers said: "It's a different team now
and we have a different mentality. "I think at that point in time we were
struggling. We were trying to play with the same flow and the same rhythm
but we just couldn't find it at that time. "I think you see now the
confidence in the team. I think we've returned to the top level."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Daniel Sturridge set for return as Liverpool host West Ham at Anfield
Last Updated: 30/01/15 4:31pm
SSN
Liverpool are set to welcome back England striker Daniel Sturridge for the
visit of West Ham. It's a welcome boost for manager Brendan Rodgers as his
side look to bounce back from their Capital One Cup semi-final exit at the
hands of Chelsea. Liverpool, who are unbeaten in their last six Premier
League matches, have been in excellent form of late and will be looking to
avoid a second defeat to West Ham this season. If history is anything to go
by West Ham face a tough task trying to get anything from their trip to
Liverpool, having not won away in the league at Anfield since 1963, losing
30 and drawing 11 of their subsequent 41 visits since. Sam Allardyce's men
have scored just seven goals in their last 29 away matches against
Liverpool, failing to score on 23 occasions, but this season West Ham are a
different proposition. The Hammers currently sit one point above Liverpool
in the league and will be hoping for a repeat of their 3-1 win at Upton Park
back earlier in the season.
Team news
Sturridge is likely to make his first appearance in five months at Anfield
on Saturday.The 25-year-old, who has not played for the Reds since August
due to thigh problems, is in "top-class condition" according to Rodgers, who
will decide whether to start the former Chelsea forward or name him on the
bench. Liverpool will also assess defender Mamadou Sakho, who suffered a
back injury during the Capital One Cup semi-final.
Sky sources understand 16-year-old centre half Reece Oxford is in West Ham
squad to face Liverpool. If he features for the hammers tomorrow at Anfield
he will be the youngest player in Premier League history and the club's
youngest ever player. Oxford recently signed his first professional
contract. On Wednesday, West Ham Academy manager Terry Westley admitted
Oxford was interesting Chelsea, Liverpool, Manchester City and Arsenal and
described the England U17 captain as one of the best young central defenders
in Europe.
Allardyce is hoping a number of his West Ham players can recover from minor
knocks in time for the trip to Liverpool. The Hammers are looking for a
Premier League double over Rodgers' side but could be without a host of
first-team regulars with Carl Jenkinson, James Tomkins and Alex Song all
suffering with unspecified problems. Joey O'Brien (hamstring) and James
Collins (groin) could add to Allardyce's defensive woes but Senegal's exit
from the African Cup of Nations may see Cheikhou Kouyate return in midfield.
Opta stats
West Ham United have scored more headed goals than any other team in the top
division (14).
36 points after 22 matches is West Ham's best ever points haul in the
Premier League era.
Allardyce's team have been very efficient just after half-time, scoring more
goals (10) in the 15 minutes after the break than any other side in the
division.
Glen Johnson has scored three goals and has one assist in his last six
Premier League appearances against his former club.
Raheem Sterling now has as many Premier League assists as he managed last
season (five).
Morgan Amalfitano has scored three goals from just four shots on target in
the Premier League this season.
Merson's prediction
This is a tricky one because you have two teams that have been playing
really good football. I saw Liverpool play Chelsea the other night and they
were by far the team playing better football, but they are really missing
Sturridge. I know they'd like to ease him back in but they need a goalscorer
now. West Ham have really impressed me this season, but I just think they
will lose out at Anfield.
PAUL PREDICTS: 2-1
Betting
West Ham are 9/2 shots with Sky Bet to complete a rare Premier League double
over Liverpool. The Hammers have a shocking record at Anfield and as a
result Liverpool are 8/13 favourites to maintain their improved form and
claim all three points. Sterling is 7/4 to net in a win for the hosts but
Andy Carroll is certain to prove popular on his return to his former
stamping ground and is 7/1 to net first and 12/5 to net in 90 minutes. The
Reds remain odds-on to secure a top six finish this term with the Hammers
5/1 shots.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
ONE IN, ONE OUT?
By Iain Dale 30 Jan 2015 at 14:27
West Ham Till I Die
The Sun reported this morning that Chelsea have bid a massive £21 million
for Enner Valencia. That would represent a £9 million profit on a player we
bought in August for £12 million. It's a hell of a lot of money to turn down
for a player who, although at times has looked the real deal, hasn't yet
managed to pull up many daisies. But selling him would reinforce the view
that West Ham will always be a second tier club who will always sell their
best players to their main competitors. Having lost Lampard, Cole and
Johnson to Chelsea, it really would stick in the throat to now lose Valencia
too.
Darren Fletcher is apparently having a medical at West Ham this afternoon.
I'm am rather at a loss to see why we need a player like Fletcher. I'm not
saying he's a bad player, but we're very well served in midfield and hardly
lack players who can perform well there. And I include Diego Poyet in that.
Our first choice midfield, when fit, surely has to be Noble, Song and
Kouyate. I can't see Darren Fletcher displacing any of them. Can you?
And meanwhile, Winston Reid continues to play silly buggers and refuses to
sign a new contract.
UPDATE: Hamilton Academicals have announced? that West Ham have signed left
back Stephen Hendrie for a fee of £1 million. He will stay in Scotland until
the start of next season. I guess that signals the end of the road for Dan
Potts, which is a crying shame. I really thought he would make it.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham boss Sam Allardyce says Kop flop Andy Carroll could be worth
£70million today
22:30, 30 January 2015 By Jon West
The Hammers boss is a huge fan of the former Newcastle striker and says a
player of his ability would be worth between £60million and £70million in
today's market
The Mirror
Sam Allardyce has backed Andy Carroll to show Liverpool what a £35million
striker looks like. Brendan Rodgers didn't fancy the big man he had
inherited from Kenny Dalglish, who bought him in January 2011. Rodgers put
his faith in Luis Suarez and Daniel Sturridge and was rewarded with an
avalanche of goals. But Suarez is now at Barcelona , Sturridge returns
tomorrow just coming back from long-term injury and it is West Ham's Carroll
who is enjoying the form of his life. "There are few of his type and
capabilities today," said Allardyce, ahead of Carroll's long-awaited Anfield
return. "Kenny saw him as wanting to lead the line with Suarez and they
bought him. Because he never had a long time to establish himself – and a
new manager came in with a different philosophy – he leaves. "So, at the
time everyone said, '£35million, wow, what is going on?'. "It's a drop in
the ocean now. Two years on, £35million won't even get you a top quality
striker and you have to go to 50, 60, 70, 100million bracket. "What did
Barca play for Suarez? £80million? At the time, people think that was
over-priced, but when you are giving them a five or six-year contract and,
if two or three years down the line, they are developing as good as you
expect, then everyone talks about it as a bargain – '£35million for Andy
Carroll, what a bargain and we would pay £60million or £70million for him
now'. That is football at the top level."Allardyce admitted he was worried
Carroll might try too hard to prove himself at Anfield – where West ham have
not won since 1963. He said: "It's like Alex Song when we played Arsenal –
you could see that extra bit of tension. "But you can't let that distract
you from what your game is, you've got to stay cool and calm and collected.
"If you lose control, in terms of how you are thinking, then you lose your
game. "Hopefully, he goes out and performs very well. I hope the team
performs very well and we would all like him to score, if possible."
Liverpool will be wary of the big man from set-pieces and high balls into
the box as there is no one in England better at getting on the end of those.
But Allardyce was adamant Carroll was not as limited as Rodgers had
concluded, citing goals against Swansea and West Bromwich. He said: "Just
watch the videos to see how talented he is. "They are two pieces of
brilliance – the Swansea one with the foot over the left-foot shot, and the
right-foot volley over his shoulder and the swivel – that show you his
capabilities as an all-round footballer."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Harry Redknapp targeting West Ham's Mark Noble for QPR
19:59, 30 January 2015 By Darren Lewis
QPR and West Brom interested in the midfielder with West Ham set to sign
Manchester United's Darren Fletcher
The Mirror
QPR are targeting a shock move for West Ham vice-captain Mark Noble. The
27-year-old midfielder, set to line up against Liverpool this afternoon, has
also attracted the interest of West Brom boss Tony Pulis. Both clubs would
have to improve on the £40,000-a-week that Noble is on at at Upton Park. But
Noble could become the odd-man out in the Hammers midfield with the club
poised to confirm the arrival of Darren Fletcher. The Irons have fierce
competition for places in the middle of the park but are set to offer
Fletcher regular first team action along Alex Song and Cheikhou Kouyate
after beating off West Brom, Valencia and several other clubs for the
Scotland international's signature. Hammers boss Sam Allardyce also has
Morgan Amalfitano and Kevin Nolan at his disposal as the club push for a
place in the top four. Noble is coming to the end of a three-year contract
at West Ham but has an option for another two years in the summer which, if
triggered, would see his current wages go up to £50,000-a-week. The Canning
Town-born midfielder is hugely popular and well-respected - both inside and
outside the dressing room - at the club he supported as a boy. It is
understood both QPR and West Brom are attracted to him because of his
experience and leadership qualities. Noble has been relegated before with
West Ham, helped them to regain promotion and stood up to be counted last
season when fans booed the team last season.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Fierce reaction to Fletcher arrival
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on January 30, 2015 in Whispers
Claret & Hugh
Darren Fletcher is currently starting out on a medical which looks likely to
be the sternest ever conducted at the club. The player's injury and serious
illness record is such that the Irons board are determined to leave no stone
unturned on the player's well being.
Right at this moment there are some very nervous people at the club who
believe this could be a disastrous signing. One senior source when asked by
ClaretandHugh when the outcome of the medical would be known said: "It will
be several days – we need to be 100 per cent sure all is well. It will be
stringent and cover absolutely everything."
Immediate reaction to the news that the Manchester United midfielder could
be on his way to the club has not been great on this site's forums.
Among the comments left are:
O 'Another great idea of our brilliant manager… when he'll finally leave the
club it will be a great day and I'll have a party.'
O ' I really can't see the benefit of Fletcher s at the cost reported with
his recent track record of unavailability. I was also beginning to think our
scouting network was working, but again, maybe I'm wrong. If Sam is worried
about not landing Song surely we could have identified someone who plays +30
games a season and is hungry to join a team on the up.'
O 'If we agreed to the original terms of Fletcher's demand this is going to
cost us just shy of 11 million quid over 3.5 years. For a player who has
played a total of 50 games in the last 4 years. I understand the need to
have a back up midfield leader if Song goes, but to agree to such a deal
would be crazy. I can't wait to hear the final terms.'
O 'What a shocking piece of business – sorry David's you have given into
this manager and being bullied – I don't know what it will take you to
realise that that the majority of fans cannot stand him. Please don't go
through with this signing – even if Song does not sign Fletcher is not his
replacement – we will need to buy again in the summer. We need younger
fresher legs. Poyet is a far better prospect.'
O 'Why are we doing this deal? What happened to our (successful) new
transfer strategy? He brings no improvement to our squad and will no doubt
become a block to the development of young players like Poyet, at ridiculous
expense and risk. He is way past his best, if he wasn't, he would not be
released on a free from Manure. '
O 'Well done BFS! Darren Fletcher, 31 years old, a perfect perspective
player! The ideal replacement of Song… Don't worry, if Fletcher doesn't work
we have Nolan… The future is ours!'
Only a couple spoke in favour of the deal with one correspondent saying:
"Well done to our manager for having an eye on good playmakers and bargains!
Fletcher can be a very good addition to an already brilliant squad assembled
by Big Sam. Let's hope it all goes to plan! COYI….
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Fletcher agrees but stern medical ahead
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on January 30, 2015 in Whispers
Claret & Hugh
Sam Allardyce has been the prime mover to bring Darren Fletcher to West Ham
United. The Manchester United player is the type of athletic midfielder
beloved by the manager and we have been told within the last few minutes the
player has finally accepted West Ham's terms.
Hiowever, a lot of people remain very nervous about a deal which will see a
player with a poor injury track record join the club.
A source inside Upton Park told us a few minutes ago: "He didn't arrive at
West Ham until this morning but we spoke with his team last night after
having heard nothing since Monday. "They have agreed a deal but as we have
said throughout the week the player will now face a very tough medical
before anything is agreed. Many people are very nervous about the deal" Many
believe Fletcher's best years are behind him and the constant mantra from
some quarters has been that the club wants "younger and hungrier players."
But it seems the manager fears he may not be able to land Alex Song in the
summer have been listened to and that Fletcher will be signed as a result
should all go well with the medical.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Reid "gamble" may misfire
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on January 30, 2015 in Whispers
Claret & hugh
Winston Reid still hasn't shown any indication he's ready to re-sign for
the Hammers. And a delay until the end of the season could cost the central
defender a small fortune if what may be a calculated gamble misfires. With
the closure of the transfer window close, Reid has a deal on the table
which, if he signs, gives him a substantial rise payable from the moment he
commits. However, those close to the situation believe he may now be ready
to allow things to remain as they are until the summer as he pursues a
bigger deal elsewhere on a free transfer.
However, ClaretandHugh was told: "If he fails to get what he is looking for
he will have missed out on several months of increased cash to finish up no
better off. "There has not been a single offer for him from anywhere so he
may be playing a high risk game but we remain committed to him and want him
to sign. "Some have said we should take the offer of the table but we won't
be doing that – for various reasons that could be counter productive."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Hammers open up on Valencia 'bid'
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on January 30, 2015 in Whispers
Claret & Hugh
West Ham have not received a £21 million offer for Enner Valencia! Morning
reports that Chelsea have started talks with the Irons with a view to taking
the Ecuador international (pictured above) were described to ClaretandHugh a
few minutes ago as "entirely false."
The Sun has been pushing the story for a couple of days but a Hammers source
told us this morning: "A lot of agents are winding the thing up but there is
nothing on the table in terms of a bid. "Nor has there been any contact from
Chelsea at this stage." Tht is entirely false."
The Sun reported today that Jose Mourinho has approved the move for
Valencia, and Chelsea's negotiators have begun talks with the Hammers to
land the Ecuadorian striker before the window shuts. Our source said: "We've
received no bid and all this does is unsettle our players. We keep hearing
the rumours but until a bid arrives on the table there's nothing to say."
And he added with heavy emphasis: I just want to point out that whatever
happens or doesn't happen in that area, Diafra Sakho not for sale at ANY
price."
Perhaps significantly, despite the Senegal international being mentioned
yesterday as a Chelsea target, he has been dropped from today's update in
the 'paper!
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Friday, January 30
Daily WHUFC News - 30th January 2015
Big Sam on: Liverpool
WHUFC.com
The manager faces the media ahead of Saturday's trip to Liverpool
29.01.2015
Sam Allardyce faced the media on Thursday morning ahead of the weekend's
Barclays Premier League trip to Liverpool. The Hammers are looking for a
first win at Anfield in over half-a-century, but Big Sam revealed that he
has some injury concerns.
Good morning Sam, do you have a clean bill of health for Saturday's game
with Liverpool?
SA: "No, we've got a few knocks and bruises. One or two lads have been
receiving treatment this week, particularly Alex Song, James Tomkins and
Carl Jenkinson. We're also waiting on James Collins so hopefully they'll be
fit for Saturday but we're going to have to wait patiently. Everyone else is
OK."
Are any of those four definitely out?
SA: "Not definitely. Carl Jenkinson and James Tomkins are touch and go.
James Collins is joining in with training today so if there's no reaction he
should be OK. Joey O'Brien has had a slight hamstring issue so we'll have to
wait and see tomorrow."
How will Diafra Sakho be travelling to Liverpool?
SA: "How do you think?"
In a nice comfy limousine?
SA: "Yes, just like the one he went to Bristol in, the same chauffeur too."
Are you worried at all that he could face a ban?
SA: "No, I'm not worried at all about it. We've stuck to every rule and
regulation in the book by the FA and by FIFA. We haven't broken any rule or
regulation whatsoever. We're extremely disappointed in Senegal's reaction,
it's not like they haven't had Cheikhou Kouyate."
How's Diafra coping with the situation?
SA: "He's coping fine with it because he's got nothing to burn his bridges
about. The situation is between the Club and Senegal not with Diafra.
They've fallen out with us, not us with them, although we could have done.
We've kept a professional level like we always do."
Is Stephen Hendrie is having a medical here today with a view to move in the
summer?
SA: "It's with view to a move in the summer yes. He's one for the future,
not for now."
What is the situation with Darren Fletcher?
SA: "It is still a possibility. It's not dead yet, so it still could
happen."
Is it frustrating that you haven't managed to get it over the line?
SA: "You have to patient sometimes. We're not desperate, as we've got
several good options in midfield but we want to add to that if we can."
Is there any truth in the rumour that your interested in Bafetimbi Gomis?
SA: "No."
Another name mentioned was Danny Ings, any movement there?
SA: "No, with us having Andy Carroll, Diafra Sakho, Carlton Cole and Enner
Valencia we have more than enough front men to cope with the demand for the
rest of the season. In the summer we'll reassess our aims and the squad but
for now we're fine with the four options we've got."
I'm sure you were pleased to see Liverpool play 120 minutes in midweek?
SA: "Yes, it was a fantastic game actually. I think they'll be very
disappointed that they lost. They were the team with most of the chances and
in the end they were punished. Like for all us it doesn't matter how well
you play, it's all about the final result. Over the two legs against Chelsea
I don't think they could have played much better but it came down to missed
chances, like it always does."
When do you expect Cheikhou Kouyate to be back?
SA: "Later today."
So could he play against Liverpool?
SA: "He could, yes."
Is getting results away at places like Liverpool the next step in West Ham's
evolution?
SA: "I think we're still a way off from there. But on any given day we have
a chance, plus the fact they played 120 minutes in mid-week. I think
Liverpool are in the best form of the season at the moment. The way they are
now playing is up there with the level they were at last season. They
obviously don't have the massive goal threat that they had last year with
Suarez gone and Sturridge injured. It sounds like there is a good chance
Sturridge will feature against us whether off the bench or not. I think they
are at the top of their game at the moment so it will be a very difficult
game. But with the position we're in, it's a game we should be looking
forward to. We'll give it our best shot and hopefully we'll get a result. We
beat Liverpool earlier in the season, that was a major shock at the time."
It's been a long time since West Ham last beat Liverpool at Anfield. Bearing
that in mind, do you approach the game any differently?
SA: "We drew at Anfield a couple of seasons ago so we know we can go there
and get a result. Having beaten them before this season we know what we're
capable of. I think it will come down to taking the chances you get, because
you don't usually get many at Anfield. Having said that, we know we can
score goals. The slight concern is that we have finally forged a defensive
unit, with two successive clean sheets, now we might have to mix it around
due to the injuries. We know we'll have to defend well not many teams score
more than one goal."
Andy Carroll is going back there for the first time since his departure, do
you think he will be a key player in this match?
SA: "I hope he doesn't try too hard because that can put you off your game.
But football is a team game, so we want everyone to do well and help each
other out. I'm sure Andy would like to score and we'll certainly do what we
can to try and help him do that. I certainly don't think he has anything to
prove, everyone knows how good he is. He just needs to focus and prepare
like he does for every game, keep and calm head and play his normal game."
Having beaten them once, does that help with your team talk and preparation?
SA: "That win was a while ago now, the challenge now is to get a result away
from home. Getting results away at the big boys is a key challenge for
ourselves. We need to rise to the challenge. Doing the double over one of
the best teams doesn't happen very often in life but it is a possibility.
We'll have to be in top form and every player at 100% and then take the
opportunities we do get."
Andy Carroll has scored more goals than Liverpool's strikeforce this season…
SA: "It makes a nice change because I think Suarez outscored our whole team
when we went up there last season. I'm not surprised considering the absence
of Suarez and Sturridge. Brendan lost two fantastic goal threats. Rickie
Lambert hasn't quite hit it off and their lack of goals has been their major
problem this season. When you sign as many players as they did, it takes a
while to settle in but they look like they have done now."
There's been some reports that Chelsea have sounded out West Ham over Diafra
Sakho and Enner Valencia…
SA: "By email, text or phone? How have they sounded us out? The only way it
has been sounded out is through the media, certainly not through club to
club."
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Nolan thrilled for pal Andy
WHUFC.com
Kevin Nolan is delighted to see Andy Carroll return to his best form
following injury
29.01.2015
Andy Carroll is showing signs of returning to his very best form, according
to the player who knows him better than most. Carroll and Kevin Nolan formed
deadly partnerships both at Newcastle United and West Ham United, and after
a couple of years dogged by injury for the No9, Nolan is delighted to see
him thrive this term. The Geordie has five goals to his name since returning
to the side in November, but it is not just in his goals that the Hammers
are seeing his ability. He is also a selfless worker for the team, and that
was evidenced superbly by his goalline block at Bristol City last Sunday,
before laying on the winner for strike partner Diafra Sakho. "That's what
Andy's about," Nolan explained. "People obviously see him for his aerial
ability, but he's got a lot of ability on the floor and you've seen that in
a couple of his goals - Swansea and the finish against Leicester. "Now he's
getting to full fitness everything is going really well for him and I'm
delighted. After the tough time he's had with injuries he's come back with
hunger and desire. "A lot of people sat there and gave him a lot of stick,
but he's starting to show what he's all about. Now everyone's talking about
him for the right things."
Reflecting on that Bristol City success and progress to an FA Cup fifth
round tie at West Bromwich Albion, Nolan was satisfied with the job done by
his side. He added: "You could see on Sunday why Bristol City have been so
good this season. It was always going to be a difficult one - they were
going to raise their game and we had to be professional and do the right
things. "I think we limited them to not too many chances and then we got the
goal we needed at the end. It wasn't the greatest performance but sometimes
when you want to go on a run you just need to get in the next round."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Cup draw conjures Parkes memories
WHUFC.com
Phil Parkes was in outstanding form when the Hammers faced West Brom in the
FA Cup back in 1980
29.01.2015
For Phil Parkes, West Ham United's FA Cup fifth-round draw away at West
Bromwich Albion conjured memories of arguably his finest day in a Hammers
shirt. The goalkeeper was just eleven months into his 12-year West Ham
career when John Lyall's side headed for The Hawthorns for a third-round tie
on 5 January 1980. At the time, West Ham were in the old Second Division,
while Ron Atkinson's Baggies were in the top flight and firm favourites to
go through to the next round. Thanks in large part to Parkes, who made a
succession of wonderful saves, the Hammers held their hosts to a 1-1 draw
before prevailing 2-1 in a replay at the Boleyn Ground. The rest, as the old
saying goes, is history. "I was watching the draw and I could not believe it
when we drew West Brom away!" said Parkes. "Back in 1980 we were in Second
Division, while they were in Division One and had a really good side with
players like Bryan Robson, Gary Owen, Lawrie Cunningham and Cyrille Regis.
"Everyone had written us off and was saying we were just making the numbers
up, but it was one of those days when everything went right for us, and for
me in particular. "I can still remember a lot of the saves I made that day,
but my favourite was one I made from a free-kick from Gary Owen than
deflected off Ray Stewart. I was already diving, but I managed to change
direction in mid-air and keep it out."
With Parkes in outstanding form, the Hammers took an unlikely early lead
through Stuart Pearson. Just 45 minutes into their FA Cup run, Parkes
revealed that Billy Bonds was already confident that West Ham would lift the
trophy. While the Baggies did net an equaliser, the Hammers won the replay
and five months later the captain was proved correct when West Ham upset
Arsenal 1-0 at Wembley. "Billy Bonds said to me at half-time 'We should be
6-1 down, but instead we're 1-0 up, so you never know, our name could be on
that cup' and he was right!" Parkes recalled. "You need a bit of luck in any
cup run and we had lots that year - not only up at West Brom but when Ken
McNaught handballed with five minutes to go up at Aston Villa, and why was
Frank Lampard up there to dive and head the winner against Everton in the
semi-final?"
Fast forward 35 years and West Ham will hope for similar good fortune at The
Hawthorns. However, Parkes says the modern-day Hammers will need to get the
better of one of his former team-mates if they are to reach the
quarter-finals. The goalkeeper played alongside Gerry Francis for Queens
Park Rangers prior to his world-record move to West Ham in February 1979.
Francis went on to enjoy a successful managerial career with, among others,
QPR and Tottenham Hotspur, before joining forces with Tony Pulis at Stoke
City, Crystal Palace and now West Brom. "Not only does the draw bring back
memories of 1980 but an old friend of mine, Gerry Francis, has recently gone
there as a member of Tony's backroom staff," he confirmed. "I played with
Gerry for QPR and England and he knows the game. He went into management and
now he sits in the Directors Box for Tony and goes down at half-time and
full-time and points out anything he thinks needs changing.
"Gerry is an important part of their backroom staff and he has been
everywhere with Tony."
After a difficult opening half of the season under Alan Irvine, West Brom
appointed Pulis on New Year's Day - the same day the Baggies secured a 1-1
Barclays Premier League draw at West Ham. The Baggies have yet to lose under
the Welshman and Parkes knows the Hammers face a difficult task to emulate
their achievements of 35 years ago. "They are a different proposition than
they were when we went up there in the league," Parkes continued. "Tony has
a totally different style and he doesn't mind who he upsets. Tony tells it
how it is and he will have them up for this game and they will be tough
opposition. "He wants players who will listen to him and that's why he was
Manager of the Year at Crystal Palace last season, where what he did was
amazing. Now, we can see him doing the same thing at West Brom."
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Darren Fletcher deal still on says West Ham boss Sam Allardyce
BBC.co.uk
West Ham manager Sam Allardyce says a deal to sign Darren Fletcher from
Manchester United is "not dead yet". Scotland captain Fletcher, 30, has been
granted a free transfer to allow him to move to another club during the
mid-season transfer window. "It's still a possibility. But it's not
absolutely certain," Allardyce said. The West Ham manager, though, dismissed
reports that he was looking to sign Swansea striker Bafetimbi Gomis or
Burnley forward Danny Ings. Asked if there was any truth in reports linking
him with either player, Allardyce said: "No. I think that with us having
Enner Valencia, Diafra Sakho, Carlton Cole and Andy Carroll, I've more than
enough frontmen to cope with the demands of the rest of this season. "In the
summer, we'll see what happens but certainly at the moment we're fine with
the four options we've got up front now." Allardyce indicated on Tuesday
that the signing of Fletcher would depend on whether the midfielder wanted
to make the move. Speaking on Thursday, the manager added: "We'd like a
quality player of Darren's talent, if that's at all possible, but if it
doesn't happen, we're not in a position where we desperately need players."
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Diafra Sakho: West Ham confident player will not be banned
BBC.co.uk
West Ham boss Sam Allardyce is confident striker Diafra Sakho will not be
banned from playing for the club despite a row with Senegal.
Senegal have reportedly complained to Fifa after Sakho missed the Africa Cup
of Nations with a back injury, but then played for his club. Fifa rules say
a player cannot play for a club if he was meant to be on international duty.
But Allardyce said: "We've stuck to every rule and regulation in the book."
He added: "I'm not worried at all that he could be facing a ban whatsoever.
We have not breached any rules and regulations whatsoever and I have to say
I'm extremely disappointed by Senegal's reaction." Sakho, 25, withdrew from
the squad before the tournament and Senegal were told he could not fly to
them for assessment because of his injury. He then played - and scored the
only goal - in Sunday's 1-0 FA Cup win over Bristol City which led to
Senegal boss Alain Giresse claiming that West Ham had "set a dangerous
precedent".
Senegal have since been knocked out of the tournament, and Allardyce is also
not happy with the handling of midfielder Cheikhou Kouyate, who was with the
squad and is now free to return to West Ham. "Kouyate has been difficult to
find over the last 48 hours," Allardyce said. "We know where he is but we
have had trouble finding him. We are expecting him back today after chasing
him down for the last 48 hours. He could play against Liverpool on
Saturday."
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Sam Allardyce: No chance West Ham striker Diafra Sakho will be banned
Last Updated: 29/01/15 5:25pm
SSN
Sam Allardyce says he has no concerns Diafra Sakho might be banned for
missing the Africa Cup of Nations. The West Ham striker withdrew from
Senegal's squad with a back injury but returned to score the winner in last
weekend's FA Cup tie against Bristol City. Sakho defended himself against
criticism on social media, while West Ham stand by an independent medical
assessment that said the player was unable to fly for six weeks. Under FIFA
rules players can be banned from playing for their clubs if they dodge
international call-ups, and Senegal coach Alain Giresse said Sakho's casse
set "a dangerous precedent". But Allardyce, speaking at a press conferece
ahead of Saturday's trip to Liverpool, said: "I'm not worried that Sakho
will face a ban whatsoever. We have stuck by every rule and regulation in
the book." Sakho's availability and Andy Carroll's return to full fitness
means Allardyce has ruled out looking for a striker before the transfer
window closes, but his pursuit of Manchester Untied's long-serving
midfielder Darren Fletcher remains ongoing. "Fletcher is still a
possibility," he said. "The move isn't dead yet, but we'll see."
The Anfield trip, meanwhile, represents another chance for Carroll to score
against Liverpool for the first time since he was deemed surplus to
requirements by Brendan Rodgers. Allardyce said: "I'm sure Andy would like
to score at Anfield, but we don't want him to get over anxious about going
out to prove anything." James Tomkins and Carl Jenkinson are "touch and go"
for the weekend, according to the manager, who expects to have James Collins
fit.
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WE NEED TO TALK ABOUT KEVIN
By Bianca Westwood 29 Jan 2015 at 13:00
West Ham Till I Die
I had a bit of a shouting match with the fam on Sunday. It's always a bit
fraught and tense watching football with the men in my family, especially if
the Hammers don't have a great start from the moment the referee puts the
whistle to his lips. Firstly, because they're the most impatient, touchy,
critical sods on the planet during the game and secondly they think they
know everything.
Right from kick off my youngest brother Billy was annoying me with his
moaning. It takes all of the enjoyment out of watching, not that there was
too much enjoyment to gain from that first half if I'm honest. But both him
and my step-dad have got it in for Kevin Nolan and it was really doing my
head in. Every single time he touched the ball, lost the ball, went in for a
challenge, mistimed a tackle, hit a pass (stray or not), they were up in
arms. "He's useless!" "What is he even doing on the pitch?!" "Sam has to
drop him!!" "Why didn't he start Poyet instead?!" Blah, blah, blah it went
on and on. I lost it in the end and we ended up shouting at each other for a
second or two until my brother wheeled out his go-to phrase "Bianca, this is
men watching football!"
Say what now?? Hold on, wait a moment, breathe, count to ten before
answering…
"Excuse me? So men watching football means you have to whine like little
bitches for 90 minutes? Ranting on at the TV about a situation that, as far
as I can tell, isn't going to change any time soon? What's the point? Get
over it!"
Bearing in mind I was watching football and going to matches when Billy was
still a mere glint in my step-dad's eye he's got a bloody cheek. Anyway it
went on like this for the entire game until the 88th minute when Super Kev
(as I am calling him from now on just to wind my brother up) was
substituted. Cue cheers from the "men watching football".
To a certain extent I understand where my brother is coming from. These are
the arguments against…
Nolan is no longer the player he was. I think he'd even admit that himself.
West Ham isn't the team it was a few months ago…the glory days of late 2014.
As the season commenced injuries forced Sam's hand, no Nolan or Carroll, so
the new boys had to be tried and tested, Downing was shifted, experiments
were made and risks taken. Somehow it worked and the pundits, bloggers,
fans' forums, and hacks with their headlines dedicated hours on gushing
words of appraisal and outbursts of pleasant surprise. A light shone on
Upton Park and it felt good.
However, old habits die hard and since Nolan and Carroll's return we have
reluctantly watched the slow drip drip drip back to the old ways, revisiting
former formations and moving players to accommodate them. For Carroll he has
flourished at times, finding ways to adjust, make his mark, rediscover his
form and fitness, to get in the game! For Nolan it has been harder and
unsurprisingly he has sometimes floundered. The team has moved on, at a much
faster pace, and some have suggested he has struggled to keep up. So instead
the team has found itself slowing down to adapt. It's more functional, less
fluid, more systematic, less dynamic. Apart from his offering at the
Hawthorns he is failing to do what he used to do best, score goals from
midfield. At the moment there is no final product, so the question has been
asked, if he's not scoring what is he there for?
In the past few weeks our midfield has become steadily less effective, it is
frequently being bypassed, our creativity has subsided, there's a lack of
vision. When Song and Noble sit deep, they need a certain type of player in
front of them, one with vim and vigour, who can work the ball, lots of
movement, pace, who can seek out the runs in behind, split defences, make
pin-point passes, run at defenders even. I lost count of the number of times
the word 'revelation' was used to describe Downing in this role. But in the
first half against Hull and again against Bristol City he was pushed out
wide where he becomes the forgotten man.
So yes, I understand the frustrations. But, come on, the yawnfest at Ashton
Gate wasn't all down to Nolan. Alex Song had a bad game and was hauled off,
Downing as I said was marginalised, Noble wasn't at his best either. The
midfield was pretty ineffectual for the first half. Up front Carroll hustled
and bustled in vain and Valencia couldn't hold on to the ball or held on too
long. It was messy. Dire in fact. Credit to the Robins they worked hard and
created good chances. Allardyce changed tack against Hull and again at
Bristol City. He recognised what wasn't working and made the necessary
alterations. He didn't take Nolan off though…so there's a case to argue that
it's the plan and not the man that's the main problem. If Big Sam knows
what's wrong and can identify our best approach only he can tell you why he
doesn't start with it. I can't answer that one.
What grates with the fans is that, in or out of form, Nolan seems to be a
shoe-in, the managers son, Sam's man who walks into the team as and when,
guaranteed a place in the starting XI.
I disagree!
I'm not having it. It's not as black and white as that. In actual fact apart
from Chelsea (and I've already expressed my feelings on that team selection)
Nolan has only played when one or more of the regular first team midfielders
has been out. When Kouyate, Downing, Noble and Song have been available they
have all got the nod. With the added bonus of Amalfitano sprinkled here and
there. Super Kev hasn't started every game since coming back. Allardyce has
tinkered with the midfield be it because of injury or the AFCON, so, with
that in mind, how can we argue that Nolan's name is automatically first on
the team sheet?
We all think we know what's best for the team. We all think we know who
should play where and when. Certain supporters just do not like the style of
football played when Nolan is in the team. I get it. They pay their money
they're entitled to vent…yet sometimes I feel he's not given a fair crack of
the whip.
Obviously I'd prefer to watch the West Ham of earlier this season too. All
the time! But is that really sustainable? Can any team maintain that level
of energy, tempo and creativity consistently without a break? Sometimes
games are stagnant, sometimes players' levels drop (nice holiday Raheem?)
sometimes buses are parked by the best managers in the world (yes Jose even
you!)
Maybe we're not always going to get that exhilarating, pulsating,
barn-storming style of football when Nolan plays. I thought the second half
of the Hull game was pretty decent though and a cup win is a win however it
comes…as I said earlier, Nolan was still on the pitch for those. He does a
job. There were some big scalps taken by lower league teams at the weekend.
West Ham wasn't one of them and Nolan was part of our progression to the
next round. It wasn't pretty and I was half asleep by the end of it but he
was there!
Consider this, he's one of the hardest working members of the team, he
clocks up the miles, his stats stand up to, and often surpass, any of his
teammates. Ok there's not always an end result and we sometimes see headless
chicken instead of funky chicken but he's an example to others that graft
matters. He cares!
He's been a fine servant of the club, he dropped down a league to join a
Championship club in disarray, which at the time was a monumental decision.
He helped get us up and keep us up, yes I grant you his remuneration has
been more than sufficient but he's no mercenary. I don't believe he did it
just for the money. It's a two way street. You give your services you get
paid for them and like it or not that's how much players earn. You get what
you pay for. It was the owners shout, funded by you to the tune of £4m plus
salary…haven't we got our money's worth?
He's given us goals, important goals and he helped lift a dressing room that
was on its knees. A dressing room that is now unrecognisable. He has been a
valued representative for his team and a positive influence at the training
ground. Priceless.
During his career he's scored 99 league goals and only four central
midfielders have scored more Premier League goals than him…Steven Gerrard,
Frank Lampard, Paul Scholes and Gary Speed (stat via The Telegraph). I'm not
saying he deserves a place because he WAS a good player, but I don't agree
that he is no longer a good player. I've also seen a couple of blogs and
articles slagging him off…listen he is our club captain and deserves a bit
of respect. We've only lost five of the games he's been involved in and two
of those were Chelsea and Arsenal. Spurs we should have won, Man U we were
unlucky and the other was our bogey team. So give the guy a break. You know
who you are. BILLY!
When Kouyate returns and Sam has a fully fit midfield to choose from that
will be the true litmus test. I suspect Nolan will make way. His starts will
stop. An incoming Darren Fletcher would further seal his fate.
We've got some tough fixtures coming up. The next few weeks will reveal how
good we really are and how adept a manager Sam Allardyce can actually be at
West Ham. Nolan would be far more suited as an impact player coming off the
bench. For me he's still got a significant role to play. He remains an
asset. 99 goals and counting…I'd love a century at Anfield.
Come on you Irons!
B x
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BAFETIMBI GOMIS TO REPLACE ENNER VALENCIA - SURELY NOT!
By S J Chandos 29 Jan 2015 at 08:00
West Ham Till I Die
There was a report yesterday evening, by Sports Mail online, that the club
management are supposedly concerned at losing Enner Valencia and are in the
process of lining up Swansea's Gomis as a possible replacement. We always
have to take news from that source with a pinch of salt, but if it is true,
I really do dispair. How is Gomis an appropriate replacement for Valencia?
It is not exactly replacing like-for-like, is it?
I personally disagree with swapping Valencia for Remy, but that is at least
a reasonably viable proposition. Gomis replacing Valencia is a retrograde
step for the club. It is such a unlikely move that I can only assume that it
is an erroneous news story. But regardless, it still fills me with a certain
degree of apprehension. One can only hope that the board rejects any Chelsea
bids for Valencia and, if necessary, blocks any questionable incoming
transfer deals. After all, the current manager is in the final year of his
contract and we are not yet 100% certain that he will be in charge next
season. In that situation, it is surely legitimate for the board to
especially scrutinize and approve any major transfer moves in this January
window.
It has also been reported that Stephen Hendrie will today be signing a
pre-contract agreement with the club, His contract expires in June and David
Sullivan has apparently smoothed Hamiliton's ruffled feathers with a £1m
compensation package. This, of course, means that Hendrie will see out the
remainder of this season with Hamiliton and join West Ham for pre-season
training. There are good reports on the youngster's ability/potential and he
is obviously being brought in to increase competition/cover at left-back. At
a fee of £1m, the player is well worth a punt. It may, however, mean the end
of Danny Potts' tenure at the club. There are strong rumours of an approach
by Blackpool FC to sign Potts. We shall see if that materialises before the
window closes.
Elsewhere, Arsenal's alleged interest in Winston Reid may have ended with
their signing of Villrreal defender, Gabriel Paulista. So, if that is the
case, that probably reduces Reid's alternative London based options to just
Spurs. Surely, in footballing terms, Reid would be better off signing the
alleged £60k a week deal on the table to stay with the Hammers. Financially,
it is obviously a different matter, with a Bosman move being very lucrative.
The likes of Liverpool, Man Utd and Everton could still be interested.
However, the much publicised north London interest could prove to be a red
herring. Perhaps Reid has a a pre-contract agreed with a continental club?
Do not be surprised if that is how it transpires. If Reid does leave
(whatever his destination) it will be a great shame, but the club need to
respond in the right way and just keep pushing forward. No player is bigger
than the club and that is certainly the case with Winston Reid.
Finally, there are reports of a wholesale clear out of youngsters at U-21
level in the Academy. The U-21s have not performed well this season and
there is obviously a process afoot to clear out the deadwood and create
opportunities for the talent at U-18 and below to come through and develop.
Considering that we have prospects like Oxford and Borg amongst that younger
age group, that is perhaps an understandable move.
SJ. Chandos.
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West Ham flop Ravel Morrison agrees four-year contract with Serie A side
Lazio, starting this summer
12:47, 29 January 2015 By John Cross
The 21-year-old former Manchester United trainee will move to Italy at the
end of the season when his contract at Upton Park expires
The Mirror
Ravel Morrison has signed a four-year contract with Lazio. West Ham
midfielder Morrison, 21, is out of contract at Upton Park in the summer and
has signed a pre-contract to join the Italians from next season. England
under-21 starlet Morrison is regarded as one of English football's biggest
talents but has yet to fulfil the early promise he showed at Manchester
United. Morrison has had spells at Cardiff, QPR and Birmingham before his
career at West Ham went sour. He has fallen out of favour at West Ham but
they eventually gave him permission to go to Rome to sign after an initial
hold up.
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West Ham deny any wrongdoing over Diafra Sakho injury row as Senegal lodge
FIFA complaint
15:44, 28 January 2015 By Darren Lewis
The 24-year-old withdrew from the Africa Cup of Nations only to feature
against Bristol City last weekend as the club vs country row continues
The Mirror
West Ham insist they will be vindicated in the escalating club v country row
over striker Diafra Sakho. Sakho, 25, is facing a ban after his country
Senegal made an official complaint to FIFA about him playing in the FA Cup
for West Ham. The Lions, knocked out of the Africa Cup of Nations on
Tuesday, remain angry that Sakho withdrew from their squad before the
tournament with a back injury. Senegal officials are particularly upset at
not being able to examine the frontman themselves because West Ham insisted
he could not fly. The Hammers, however, strongly deny any wrongdoing and
insist they have not pulled a fast one. Co-owner David Sullivan has stressed
they have been acting solely on the advice of leading medical professionals.
He said: "Any FIFA hearing will vindicate us. The player missed four games
as a result of injuries incurred whilst playing for Senegal. We have done
nothing untoward." To prove their point, Sakho will be driven north by West
Ham while his team-mates are flying to Merseyside to play against Brendan
Rodgers' men on Saturday. Senegal national team coach, Alain Giresse, saw
red after Sakho played against Bristol City on Sunday and insisted the
Hammers are opening the door for other players to follow suit. Giresse
fumed: "This sets a dangerous precedent because you're going to have players
claiming they cannot catch planes to Africa but who can still play
football." Sakho came on in the 57th minute of the FA Cup Fourth Round tie
and scored the winning goal. Giresse said afterwards: "I'm surprised to
learn he played."
Sakho was also criticised in his homeland and took to social media to defend
himself, writing: "Never doubt the lion sleeping in me, as I never doubt the
passion that burns within you.". West Ham, however, maintain they are
following the advice of leading specialists who have warned that the player
is prohibited from flying. As such, Sakho also travelled to Bristol by road
on Sunday while his team-mates were flown from London. But Giresse said:
"When you cannot fly for six weeks and then suddenly you're playing a
football game, there must be miraculous medicine in England."
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Fletcher: A four day silence
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on January 29, 2015 in Whispers
Claret & Hugh
West Ham have had no contact with Darren Fletcher's advisers for four days.
And the assumption at Upton Park is the player and his agent may be trying
to do a deal with West Bromwich Albion. Sam Allardyce insisted earlier
toiday that the deal was not dead and "that sometimes you have to be
patient" but time is ticking down. And this evening ClaretandHugh was told:
"We've heard nothing and if we are to it will need to be in time for a full
and very stern medical. "It's impossible to say what will happen from here
but it's significant to us that we have heard nothing which suggests they
are trying to do a deal elsewhere. West Brom are interested so that may be
the situation but we'll need to talk soon if anything's to happen at West
Ham."
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Sakho and Valencia are under lock and key
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on January 29, 2015 in Whispers
Claret & hugh
I have no doubts whatsoever that Chelsea are sniffing around out better
players – the only shock would be if they weren't! I am equally convinced
that neither Enner Valencia or Diafra Sakho will be moving this winter and
the latter could be around for a long time time come. Nobody can yet vouch
for the truth of our so called bid for Swansea's Bafetimbi Gomis although I
fully expect more to become clear on that over the next few days. Sam
Allardyce has denied such a bid has been made but Sun journo Alan Nixon is
no 'chancer' and was the guy who initially broke the Sakho for West Ham
story. We'll wait and see. More will soon become clear. I can guarantee that
and you'll read about it first here. What I do like about all this is that
it proves we aren't kidding ourselves when we speak so highly of out summer
signings – it's been a long time since we have found ourselves in this
position. Enjoy it! And remember this, Chelsea have no chance of stealing
either the Senegal or Ecuadorian international away on the cheap because
neither has an escape clause in his deal – both of them are under lock and
key for the duration of their deals. The deals are watertight. Many lessons
have been learned at Upton Park over the last couple of seasons and escape
clauses are a thing of the past. Sakho is going nowhere, Valencia? There's a
tiny chance but if he does and Chelsea are the buyers they will have to pay
right over the top!
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It's Ravel 4 in new Rome home!
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on January 29, 2015 in Whispers
Claret & Hugh
Ravel Morrison has signed for Lazio and immediately released a picture of
his new shirt. Hopefully he has developed a taste for Italian grub and that
life in one of the world's great cities will help him mature as a man and a
footballer. All at ClaretandHugh wish him well!
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Sakho "is going nowhere"
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on January 29, 2015 in Whispers
Claret & Hugh
Diafra Sakho will not be leaving West Ham for Chelsea or anywhere else! And
there remains only the tiniest chance that Jose Mourinho will be able to
prise Enner Valencia away from Upton Park. Morning reports that the two
players interest the Premier League leaders have not been denied by West Ham
but ClaretandHugh has been told emphatically Chelsea's inquiry is getting
short shrift inside the club. It was reported this morning that the duo
interested the south west London club but it is Valencia who really appeals
to Mourinho. And we have just been told by a top Hammers insider: "There is
absolutely no chance of Diafra Sakho leaving the club. "We are aware of the
interest in Valencia but there is only the tiniest chance of him moving."
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Newcastle and West Ham club together to fly players home from Africa
• Sides want Cheikhou Kouyaté and Papiss Cissé for weekend
• Communication difficulties after Senegal are knocked out
Louise Taylor
Thursday 29 January 2015 22.30 GMT
The Guardian
Newcastle United and West Ham have initiated an attempted 'airlift' of
Premier League players from Equatorial Guinea. With Senegal now out of the
Africa Cup of Nations, Newcastle are keen to have Papiss Cissé back in time
to play at Hull City on Saturday and West Ham United would like Cheikhou
Kouyaté back for the trip to Liverpool the same day.
The two clubs are sharing the cost of chartering a private plane to fly the
pair home from Malabo, the capital of Equatorial Guinea – the going rate is
around £65,000 – with the only problem now being ensuring their players
board it. "We have got together and we're trying to put a plane on to bring
them back," said John Carver, Newcastle's interim head coach who is seeking
his first win since succeeding Alan Pardew in a caretaker capacity.
"The Senegal FA haven't been too helpful and we're not happy about that," he
added. "But hopefully Papiss will be back on Friday, meet us at the hotel on
Friday night and be involved at Hull on Saturday. Papiss is our top scorer
and the only way you're going to win matches is by having your top scorer
around."
Cissé, however, is proving slightly elusive at present. "We've been trying
to get in touch with him and it hasn't been easy," said Carver. "But I've
spoken to his agent and left a message with Papiss. Lee Charnley
[Newcastle's managing director] has spoken to the Senegalese FA but they
haven't been very helpful."
Sam Allardyce is not surprised. "We've had to take responsibility and sort
it out," said the West Ham manager. "We've got together with the other clubs
and stumped up for a private jet for the players to all come back together.
The chairmen have been good enough to stump up and split the costs to make
sure we get them back for this weekend. "I think Senegal are not quite as
organised as we are. There's a lack of organisation, a lack of booking
people's flights to come back. I've experienced it many times before but
when it's right in the middle of the season you want your players back as
quickly as you can. We've taken the right route."
Considering that Africa Cup of Nations regulations state that players will
be returned to their clubs within 48 hours of their elimination, Senegal's
disorganisation is a source of annoyance for Allardyce. "It lies with the
association of that particular country to sort it out," he said. "It's not
just that, though. Players will try to sneak a couple of days. That's what
they normally do. I learnt that at Bolton."
It seems Southampton and Stoke City have had a happier experience
transporting their Senegal internationals, Sadio Mané and Mame Biram Diouf
respectively, from Equatorial Guinea. Stoke say Diouf is en route
independently and Southampton say they felt no need to become involved in
hiring the plane.
Carver meanwhile is happy to work purely as a head coach with no input in
transfer business. "I don't think anyone is going to come in this window,"
he said. "But I'm not interested in who is coming or who is going out. My
role is to get the team right, pick the team and get results, not to get
involved in anything outside of that. I don't have a problem with that. I'm
comfortable with it.
"You will not hear me making an excuse saying‚ 'They haven't got me the
right players'. You won't hear me say that, I will never, ever say that. You
have to got to believe in your own ability. You have got to trust people to
bring the right people in, for me to work with, to get the right results."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Furious West Ham and Newcastle consider joining forces to bring players back
from African Cup of Nations
Both clubs having trouble locating their Senegalese internationals
Sam Allardyce unable to track down midfielder Cheikhou Kouyate
John Carver has not been able to speak to striker Papiss Cisse
By SAM CUNNINGHAM FOR MAILONLINE and CRAIG HOPE FOR MAILONLINE
PUBLISHED: 22:32, 29 January 2015 | UPDATED: 22:32, 29 January 2015
West Ham and Newcastle are furious with the Senegalese Football Association
for their lack of assistance in returning their players from the Africa Cup
of Nations and on Thursday were considering joining forces to charter a
private jet. The two clubs were desperate to get their players back from the
tournament, after they were knocked out on Tuesday, so they would be
available for this weekend's league matches. In the past two days, West Ham
have had difficulty locating midfielder Cheikhou Kouyate and Newcastle were
trying to find striker Papiss Cisse. West Ham travel to Liverpool and
Newcastle to Hull on Saturday and faced a race against time to get their
players back. They, and another unspecified club, were exploring the option
of hiring their own plane, but eventually shelved the plans. Clubs found
Senegal particularly unhelpful in arranging the return of players to England
following their exit from the competition on Tuesday.
West Ham manager Sam Allardyce said: 'There's been a lack of organisation
booking people's flights to come back. We've had to take responsibility and
get it sorted out. 'We and two other clubs stumped up for a private jet for
a group of players to come back on the same plane. 'The chairman – as well
as the ones from the others clubs – was good enough to split that cost to
make sure we get them back for this weekend.'
They eventually managed to find a separate flight back for Kouyate, but
Allardyce added: 'I've experienced it many times before. I've been good
enough in the past, particularly at Bolton, to send out medical staff and
masseurs to travel around with the players. I think they're not quite as
well organised as we are. 'When it's right in the middle of the season you
want your players back as quickly as you can. We've taken the right route to
make sure our players are available. Hopefully by the time Kouyate gets back
he's not too fatigued or there's no injury. We don't actually know the full
extent yet.' Newcastle manager John Carver is frustrated with the Senegalese
FA for their lack of assistance when they attempted to track Cisse down.
'We've been trying to get in touch with him and it hasn't been easy,' Carver
explained. 'I have spoken to his agent and I have left a message with
Papiss. 'Lee Charnley (managing director) has spoken to the Senegalese FA
and they have not been very helpful. There is a group of clubs with their
players who have got together to put a plane on to bring them back.
Southampton, West Ham and Stoke are also trying to get their players back.'
Newcastle were also able to find a scheduled flight for Cisse to return by
himself, which arrives on Friday.
Allardyce blamed the African countries involved for the confusion, but
admitted that players often try to squeeze in extra time off from their club
duties. He said: 'Responsibility lies with the association of that
particular country to sort it out. It's not just that though. Players will
try to sneak a couple of days. That's what they normally do. I learnt that
in 2004 at Bolton with El Hadji Diouf and Abdoulaye Faye when they got
delayed in Paris for some reason.' Southampton, Stoke, Cardiff, Bournemouth,
Charlton and Doncaster are all due players back from the tournament. Stoke,
who have Mame Biram Diouf returning, and Southampton, who were waiting on
Sadio Mane to come back, deny being part of the trio considering chartering
the jet.
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WHUFC.com
The manager faces the media ahead of Saturday's trip to Liverpool
29.01.2015
Sam Allardyce faced the media on Thursday morning ahead of the weekend's
Barclays Premier League trip to Liverpool. The Hammers are looking for a
first win at Anfield in over half-a-century, but Big Sam revealed that he
has some injury concerns.
Good morning Sam, do you have a clean bill of health for Saturday's game
with Liverpool?
SA: "No, we've got a few knocks and bruises. One or two lads have been
receiving treatment this week, particularly Alex Song, James Tomkins and
Carl Jenkinson. We're also waiting on James Collins so hopefully they'll be
fit for Saturday but we're going to have to wait patiently. Everyone else is
OK."
Are any of those four definitely out?
SA: "Not definitely. Carl Jenkinson and James Tomkins are touch and go.
James Collins is joining in with training today so if there's no reaction he
should be OK. Joey O'Brien has had a slight hamstring issue so we'll have to
wait and see tomorrow."
How will Diafra Sakho be travelling to Liverpool?
SA: "How do you think?"
In a nice comfy limousine?
SA: "Yes, just like the one he went to Bristol in, the same chauffeur too."
Are you worried at all that he could face a ban?
SA: "No, I'm not worried at all about it. We've stuck to every rule and
regulation in the book by the FA and by FIFA. We haven't broken any rule or
regulation whatsoever. We're extremely disappointed in Senegal's reaction,
it's not like they haven't had Cheikhou Kouyate."
How's Diafra coping with the situation?
SA: "He's coping fine with it because he's got nothing to burn his bridges
about. The situation is between the Club and Senegal not with Diafra.
They've fallen out with us, not us with them, although we could have done.
We've kept a professional level like we always do."
Is Stephen Hendrie is having a medical here today with a view to move in the
summer?
SA: "It's with view to a move in the summer yes. He's one for the future,
not for now."
What is the situation with Darren Fletcher?
SA: "It is still a possibility. It's not dead yet, so it still could
happen."
Is it frustrating that you haven't managed to get it over the line?
SA: "You have to patient sometimes. We're not desperate, as we've got
several good options in midfield but we want to add to that if we can."
Is there any truth in the rumour that your interested in Bafetimbi Gomis?
SA: "No."
Another name mentioned was Danny Ings, any movement there?
SA: "No, with us having Andy Carroll, Diafra Sakho, Carlton Cole and Enner
Valencia we have more than enough front men to cope with the demand for the
rest of the season. In the summer we'll reassess our aims and the squad but
for now we're fine with the four options we've got."
I'm sure you were pleased to see Liverpool play 120 minutes in midweek?
SA: "Yes, it was a fantastic game actually. I think they'll be very
disappointed that they lost. They were the team with most of the chances and
in the end they were punished. Like for all us it doesn't matter how well
you play, it's all about the final result. Over the two legs against Chelsea
I don't think they could have played much better but it came down to missed
chances, like it always does."
When do you expect Cheikhou Kouyate to be back?
SA: "Later today."
So could he play against Liverpool?
SA: "He could, yes."
Is getting results away at places like Liverpool the next step in West Ham's
evolution?
SA: "I think we're still a way off from there. But on any given day we have
a chance, plus the fact they played 120 minutes in mid-week. I think
Liverpool are in the best form of the season at the moment. The way they are
now playing is up there with the level they were at last season. They
obviously don't have the massive goal threat that they had last year with
Suarez gone and Sturridge injured. It sounds like there is a good chance
Sturridge will feature against us whether off the bench or not. I think they
are at the top of their game at the moment so it will be a very difficult
game. But with the position we're in, it's a game we should be looking
forward to. We'll give it our best shot and hopefully we'll get a result. We
beat Liverpool earlier in the season, that was a major shock at the time."
It's been a long time since West Ham last beat Liverpool at Anfield. Bearing
that in mind, do you approach the game any differently?
SA: "We drew at Anfield a couple of seasons ago so we know we can go there
and get a result. Having beaten them before this season we know what we're
capable of. I think it will come down to taking the chances you get, because
you don't usually get many at Anfield. Having said that, we know we can
score goals. The slight concern is that we have finally forged a defensive
unit, with two successive clean sheets, now we might have to mix it around
due to the injuries. We know we'll have to defend well not many teams score
more than one goal."
Andy Carroll is going back there for the first time since his departure, do
you think he will be a key player in this match?
SA: "I hope he doesn't try too hard because that can put you off your game.
But football is a team game, so we want everyone to do well and help each
other out. I'm sure Andy would like to score and we'll certainly do what we
can to try and help him do that. I certainly don't think he has anything to
prove, everyone knows how good he is. He just needs to focus and prepare
like he does for every game, keep and calm head and play his normal game."
Having beaten them once, does that help with your team talk and preparation?
SA: "That win was a while ago now, the challenge now is to get a result away
from home. Getting results away at the big boys is a key challenge for
ourselves. We need to rise to the challenge. Doing the double over one of
the best teams doesn't happen very often in life but it is a possibility.
We'll have to be in top form and every player at 100% and then take the
opportunities we do get."
Andy Carroll has scored more goals than Liverpool's strikeforce this season…
SA: "It makes a nice change because I think Suarez outscored our whole team
when we went up there last season. I'm not surprised considering the absence
of Suarez and Sturridge. Brendan lost two fantastic goal threats. Rickie
Lambert hasn't quite hit it off and their lack of goals has been their major
problem this season. When you sign as many players as they did, it takes a
while to settle in but they look like they have done now."
There's been some reports that Chelsea have sounded out West Ham over Diafra
Sakho and Enner Valencia…
SA: "By email, text or phone? How have they sounded us out? The only way it
has been sounded out is through the media, certainly not through club to
club."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Nolan thrilled for pal Andy
WHUFC.com
Kevin Nolan is delighted to see Andy Carroll return to his best form
following injury
29.01.2015
Andy Carroll is showing signs of returning to his very best form, according
to the player who knows him better than most. Carroll and Kevin Nolan formed
deadly partnerships both at Newcastle United and West Ham United, and after
a couple of years dogged by injury for the No9, Nolan is delighted to see
him thrive this term. The Geordie has five goals to his name since returning
to the side in November, but it is not just in his goals that the Hammers
are seeing his ability. He is also a selfless worker for the team, and that
was evidenced superbly by his goalline block at Bristol City last Sunday,
before laying on the winner for strike partner Diafra Sakho. "That's what
Andy's about," Nolan explained. "People obviously see him for his aerial
ability, but he's got a lot of ability on the floor and you've seen that in
a couple of his goals - Swansea and the finish against Leicester. "Now he's
getting to full fitness everything is going really well for him and I'm
delighted. After the tough time he's had with injuries he's come back with
hunger and desire. "A lot of people sat there and gave him a lot of stick,
but he's starting to show what he's all about. Now everyone's talking about
him for the right things."
Reflecting on that Bristol City success and progress to an FA Cup fifth
round tie at West Bromwich Albion, Nolan was satisfied with the job done by
his side. He added: "You could see on Sunday why Bristol City have been so
good this season. It was always going to be a difficult one - they were
going to raise their game and we had to be professional and do the right
things. "I think we limited them to not too many chances and then we got the
goal we needed at the end. It wasn't the greatest performance but sometimes
when you want to go on a run you just need to get in the next round."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Cup draw conjures Parkes memories
WHUFC.com
Phil Parkes was in outstanding form when the Hammers faced West Brom in the
FA Cup back in 1980
29.01.2015
For Phil Parkes, West Ham United's FA Cup fifth-round draw away at West
Bromwich Albion conjured memories of arguably his finest day in a Hammers
shirt. The goalkeeper was just eleven months into his 12-year West Ham
career when John Lyall's side headed for The Hawthorns for a third-round tie
on 5 January 1980. At the time, West Ham were in the old Second Division,
while Ron Atkinson's Baggies were in the top flight and firm favourites to
go through to the next round. Thanks in large part to Parkes, who made a
succession of wonderful saves, the Hammers held their hosts to a 1-1 draw
before prevailing 2-1 in a replay at the Boleyn Ground. The rest, as the old
saying goes, is history. "I was watching the draw and I could not believe it
when we drew West Brom away!" said Parkes. "Back in 1980 we were in Second
Division, while they were in Division One and had a really good side with
players like Bryan Robson, Gary Owen, Lawrie Cunningham and Cyrille Regis.
"Everyone had written us off and was saying we were just making the numbers
up, but it was one of those days when everything went right for us, and for
me in particular. "I can still remember a lot of the saves I made that day,
but my favourite was one I made from a free-kick from Gary Owen than
deflected off Ray Stewart. I was already diving, but I managed to change
direction in mid-air and keep it out."
With Parkes in outstanding form, the Hammers took an unlikely early lead
through Stuart Pearson. Just 45 minutes into their FA Cup run, Parkes
revealed that Billy Bonds was already confident that West Ham would lift the
trophy. While the Baggies did net an equaliser, the Hammers won the replay
and five months later the captain was proved correct when West Ham upset
Arsenal 1-0 at Wembley. "Billy Bonds said to me at half-time 'We should be
6-1 down, but instead we're 1-0 up, so you never know, our name could be on
that cup' and he was right!" Parkes recalled. "You need a bit of luck in any
cup run and we had lots that year - not only up at West Brom but when Ken
McNaught handballed with five minutes to go up at Aston Villa, and why was
Frank Lampard up there to dive and head the winner against Everton in the
semi-final?"
Fast forward 35 years and West Ham will hope for similar good fortune at The
Hawthorns. However, Parkes says the modern-day Hammers will need to get the
better of one of his former team-mates if they are to reach the
quarter-finals. The goalkeeper played alongside Gerry Francis for Queens
Park Rangers prior to his world-record move to West Ham in February 1979.
Francis went on to enjoy a successful managerial career with, among others,
QPR and Tottenham Hotspur, before joining forces with Tony Pulis at Stoke
City, Crystal Palace and now West Brom. "Not only does the draw bring back
memories of 1980 but an old friend of mine, Gerry Francis, has recently gone
there as a member of Tony's backroom staff," he confirmed. "I played with
Gerry for QPR and England and he knows the game. He went into management and
now he sits in the Directors Box for Tony and goes down at half-time and
full-time and points out anything he thinks needs changing.
"Gerry is an important part of their backroom staff and he has been
everywhere with Tony."
After a difficult opening half of the season under Alan Irvine, West Brom
appointed Pulis on New Year's Day - the same day the Baggies secured a 1-1
Barclays Premier League draw at West Ham. The Baggies have yet to lose under
the Welshman and Parkes knows the Hammers face a difficult task to emulate
their achievements of 35 years ago. "They are a different proposition than
they were when we went up there in the league," Parkes continued. "Tony has
a totally different style and he doesn't mind who he upsets. Tony tells it
how it is and he will have them up for this game and they will be tough
opposition. "He wants players who will listen to him and that's why he was
Manager of the Year at Crystal Palace last season, where what he did was
amazing. Now, we can see him doing the same thing at West Brom."
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Darren Fletcher deal still on says West Ham boss Sam Allardyce
BBC.co.uk
West Ham manager Sam Allardyce says a deal to sign Darren Fletcher from
Manchester United is "not dead yet". Scotland captain Fletcher, 30, has been
granted a free transfer to allow him to move to another club during the
mid-season transfer window. "It's still a possibility. But it's not
absolutely certain," Allardyce said. The West Ham manager, though, dismissed
reports that he was looking to sign Swansea striker Bafetimbi Gomis or
Burnley forward Danny Ings. Asked if there was any truth in reports linking
him with either player, Allardyce said: "No. I think that with us having
Enner Valencia, Diafra Sakho, Carlton Cole and Andy Carroll, I've more than
enough frontmen to cope with the demands of the rest of this season. "In the
summer, we'll see what happens but certainly at the moment we're fine with
the four options we've got up front now." Allardyce indicated on Tuesday
that the signing of Fletcher would depend on whether the midfielder wanted
to make the move. Speaking on Thursday, the manager added: "We'd like a
quality player of Darren's talent, if that's at all possible, but if it
doesn't happen, we're not in a position where we desperately need players."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Diafra Sakho: West Ham confident player will not be banned
BBC.co.uk
West Ham boss Sam Allardyce is confident striker Diafra Sakho will not be
banned from playing for the club despite a row with Senegal.
Senegal have reportedly complained to Fifa after Sakho missed the Africa Cup
of Nations with a back injury, but then played for his club. Fifa rules say
a player cannot play for a club if he was meant to be on international duty.
But Allardyce said: "We've stuck to every rule and regulation in the book."
He added: "I'm not worried at all that he could be facing a ban whatsoever.
We have not breached any rules and regulations whatsoever and I have to say
I'm extremely disappointed by Senegal's reaction." Sakho, 25, withdrew from
the squad before the tournament and Senegal were told he could not fly to
them for assessment because of his injury. He then played - and scored the
only goal - in Sunday's 1-0 FA Cup win over Bristol City which led to
Senegal boss Alain Giresse claiming that West Ham had "set a dangerous
precedent".
Senegal have since been knocked out of the tournament, and Allardyce is also
not happy with the handling of midfielder Cheikhou Kouyate, who was with the
squad and is now free to return to West Ham. "Kouyate has been difficult to
find over the last 48 hours," Allardyce said. "We know where he is but we
have had trouble finding him. We are expecting him back today after chasing
him down for the last 48 hours. He could play against Liverpool on
Saturday."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Sam Allardyce: No chance West Ham striker Diafra Sakho will be banned
Last Updated: 29/01/15 5:25pm
SSN
Sam Allardyce says he has no concerns Diafra Sakho might be banned for
missing the Africa Cup of Nations. The West Ham striker withdrew from
Senegal's squad with a back injury but returned to score the winner in last
weekend's FA Cup tie against Bristol City. Sakho defended himself against
criticism on social media, while West Ham stand by an independent medical
assessment that said the player was unable to fly for six weeks. Under FIFA
rules players can be banned from playing for their clubs if they dodge
international call-ups, and Senegal coach Alain Giresse said Sakho's casse
set "a dangerous precedent". But Allardyce, speaking at a press conferece
ahead of Saturday's trip to Liverpool, said: "I'm not worried that Sakho
will face a ban whatsoever. We have stuck by every rule and regulation in
the book." Sakho's availability and Andy Carroll's return to full fitness
means Allardyce has ruled out looking for a striker before the transfer
window closes, but his pursuit of Manchester Untied's long-serving
midfielder Darren Fletcher remains ongoing. "Fletcher is still a
possibility," he said. "The move isn't dead yet, but we'll see."
The Anfield trip, meanwhile, represents another chance for Carroll to score
against Liverpool for the first time since he was deemed surplus to
requirements by Brendan Rodgers. Allardyce said: "I'm sure Andy would like
to score at Anfield, but we don't want him to get over anxious about going
out to prove anything." James Tomkins and Carl Jenkinson are "touch and go"
for the weekend, according to the manager, who expects to have James Collins
fit.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
WE NEED TO TALK ABOUT KEVIN
By Bianca Westwood 29 Jan 2015 at 13:00
West Ham Till I Die
I had a bit of a shouting match with the fam on Sunday. It's always a bit
fraught and tense watching football with the men in my family, especially if
the Hammers don't have a great start from the moment the referee puts the
whistle to his lips. Firstly, because they're the most impatient, touchy,
critical sods on the planet during the game and secondly they think they
know everything.
Right from kick off my youngest brother Billy was annoying me with his
moaning. It takes all of the enjoyment out of watching, not that there was
too much enjoyment to gain from that first half if I'm honest. But both him
and my step-dad have got it in for Kevin Nolan and it was really doing my
head in. Every single time he touched the ball, lost the ball, went in for a
challenge, mistimed a tackle, hit a pass (stray or not), they were up in
arms. "He's useless!" "What is he even doing on the pitch?!" "Sam has to
drop him!!" "Why didn't he start Poyet instead?!" Blah, blah, blah it went
on and on. I lost it in the end and we ended up shouting at each other for a
second or two until my brother wheeled out his go-to phrase "Bianca, this is
men watching football!"
Say what now?? Hold on, wait a moment, breathe, count to ten before
answering…
"Excuse me? So men watching football means you have to whine like little
bitches for 90 minutes? Ranting on at the TV about a situation that, as far
as I can tell, isn't going to change any time soon? What's the point? Get
over it!"
Bearing in mind I was watching football and going to matches when Billy was
still a mere glint in my step-dad's eye he's got a bloody cheek. Anyway it
went on like this for the entire game until the 88th minute when Super Kev
(as I am calling him from now on just to wind my brother up) was
substituted. Cue cheers from the "men watching football".
To a certain extent I understand where my brother is coming from. These are
the arguments against…
Nolan is no longer the player he was. I think he'd even admit that himself.
West Ham isn't the team it was a few months ago…the glory days of late 2014.
As the season commenced injuries forced Sam's hand, no Nolan or Carroll, so
the new boys had to be tried and tested, Downing was shifted, experiments
were made and risks taken. Somehow it worked and the pundits, bloggers,
fans' forums, and hacks with their headlines dedicated hours on gushing
words of appraisal and outbursts of pleasant surprise. A light shone on
Upton Park and it felt good.
However, old habits die hard and since Nolan and Carroll's return we have
reluctantly watched the slow drip drip drip back to the old ways, revisiting
former formations and moving players to accommodate them. For Carroll he has
flourished at times, finding ways to adjust, make his mark, rediscover his
form and fitness, to get in the game! For Nolan it has been harder and
unsurprisingly he has sometimes floundered. The team has moved on, at a much
faster pace, and some have suggested he has struggled to keep up. So instead
the team has found itself slowing down to adapt. It's more functional, less
fluid, more systematic, less dynamic. Apart from his offering at the
Hawthorns he is failing to do what he used to do best, score goals from
midfield. At the moment there is no final product, so the question has been
asked, if he's not scoring what is he there for?
In the past few weeks our midfield has become steadily less effective, it is
frequently being bypassed, our creativity has subsided, there's a lack of
vision. When Song and Noble sit deep, they need a certain type of player in
front of them, one with vim and vigour, who can work the ball, lots of
movement, pace, who can seek out the runs in behind, split defences, make
pin-point passes, run at defenders even. I lost count of the number of times
the word 'revelation' was used to describe Downing in this role. But in the
first half against Hull and again against Bristol City he was pushed out
wide where he becomes the forgotten man.
So yes, I understand the frustrations. But, come on, the yawnfest at Ashton
Gate wasn't all down to Nolan. Alex Song had a bad game and was hauled off,
Downing as I said was marginalised, Noble wasn't at his best either. The
midfield was pretty ineffectual for the first half. Up front Carroll hustled
and bustled in vain and Valencia couldn't hold on to the ball or held on too
long. It was messy. Dire in fact. Credit to the Robins they worked hard and
created good chances. Allardyce changed tack against Hull and again at
Bristol City. He recognised what wasn't working and made the necessary
alterations. He didn't take Nolan off though…so there's a case to argue that
it's the plan and not the man that's the main problem. If Big Sam knows
what's wrong and can identify our best approach only he can tell you why he
doesn't start with it. I can't answer that one.
What grates with the fans is that, in or out of form, Nolan seems to be a
shoe-in, the managers son, Sam's man who walks into the team as and when,
guaranteed a place in the starting XI.
I disagree!
I'm not having it. It's not as black and white as that. In actual fact apart
from Chelsea (and I've already expressed my feelings on that team selection)
Nolan has only played when one or more of the regular first team midfielders
has been out. When Kouyate, Downing, Noble and Song have been available they
have all got the nod. With the added bonus of Amalfitano sprinkled here and
there. Super Kev hasn't started every game since coming back. Allardyce has
tinkered with the midfield be it because of injury or the AFCON, so, with
that in mind, how can we argue that Nolan's name is automatically first on
the team sheet?
We all think we know what's best for the team. We all think we know who
should play where and when. Certain supporters just do not like the style of
football played when Nolan is in the team. I get it. They pay their money
they're entitled to vent…yet sometimes I feel he's not given a fair crack of
the whip.
Obviously I'd prefer to watch the West Ham of earlier this season too. All
the time! But is that really sustainable? Can any team maintain that level
of energy, tempo and creativity consistently without a break? Sometimes
games are stagnant, sometimes players' levels drop (nice holiday Raheem?)
sometimes buses are parked by the best managers in the world (yes Jose even
you!)
Maybe we're not always going to get that exhilarating, pulsating,
barn-storming style of football when Nolan plays. I thought the second half
of the Hull game was pretty decent though and a cup win is a win however it
comes…as I said earlier, Nolan was still on the pitch for those. He does a
job. There were some big scalps taken by lower league teams at the weekend.
West Ham wasn't one of them and Nolan was part of our progression to the
next round. It wasn't pretty and I was half asleep by the end of it but he
was there!
Consider this, he's one of the hardest working members of the team, he
clocks up the miles, his stats stand up to, and often surpass, any of his
teammates. Ok there's not always an end result and we sometimes see headless
chicken instead of funky chicken but he's an example to others that graft
matters. He cares!
He's been a fine servant of the club, he dropped down a league to join a
Championship club in disarray, which at the time was a monumental decision.
He helped get us up and keep us up, yes I grant you his remuneration has
been more than sufficient but he's no mercenary. I don't believe he did it
just for the money. It's a two way street. You give your services you get
paid for them and like it or not that's how much players earn. You get what
you pay for. It was the owners shout, funded by you to the tune of £4m plus
salary…haven't we got our money's worth?
He's given us goals, important goals and he helped lift a dressing room that
was on its knees. A dressing room that is now unrecognisable. He has been a
valued representative for his team and a positive influence at the training
ground. Priceless.
During his career he's scored 99 league goals and only four central
midfielders have scored more Premier League goals than him…Steven Gerrard,
Frank Lampard, Paul Scholes and Gary Speed (stat via The Telegraph). I'm not
saying he deserves a place because he WAS a good player, but I don't agree
that he is no longer a good player. I've also seen a couple of blogs and
articles slagging him off…listen he is our club captain and deserves a bit
of respect. We've only lost five of the games he's been involved in and two
of those were Chelsea and Arsenal. Spurs we should have won, Man U we were
unlucky and the other was our bogey team. So give the guy a break. You know
who you are. BILLY!
When Kouyate returns and Sam has a fully fit midfield to choose from that
will be the true litmus test. I suspect Nolan will make way. His starts will
stop. An incoming Darren Fletcher would further seal his fate.
We've got some tough fixtures coming up. The next few weeks will reveal how
good we really are and how adept a manager Sam Allardyce can actually be at
West Ham. Nolan would be far more suited as an impact player coming off the
bench. For me he's still got a significant role to play. He remains an
asset. 99 goals and counting…I'd love a century at Anfield.
Come on you Irons!
B x
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BAFETIMBI GOMIS TO REPLACE ENNER VALENCIA - SURELY NOT!
By S J Chandos 29 Jan 2015 at 08:00
West Ham Till I Die
There was a report yesterday evening, by Sports Mail online, that the club
management are supposedly concerned at losing Enner Valencia and are in the
process of lining up Swansea's Gomis as a possible replacement. We always
have to take news from that source with a pinch of salt, but if it is true,
I really do dispair. How is Gomis an appropriate replacement for Valencia?
It is not exactly replacing like-for-like, is it?
I personally disagree with swapping Valencia for Remy, but that is at least
a reasonably viable proposition. Gomis replacing Valencia is a retrograde
step for the club. It is such a unlikely move that I can only assume that it
is an erroneous news story. But regardless, it still fills me with a certain
degree of apprehension. One can only hope that the board rejects any Chelsea
bids for Valencia and, if necessary, blocks any questionable incoming
transfer deals. After all, the current manager is in the final year of his
contract and we are not yet 100% certain that he will be in charge next
season. In that situation, it is surely legitimate for the board to
especially scrutinize and approve any major transfer moves in this January
window.
It has also been reported that Stephen Hendrie will today be signing a
pre-contract agreement with the club, His contract expires in June and David
Sullivan has apparently smoothed Hamiliton's ruffled feathers with a £1m
compensation package. This, of course, means that Hendrie will see out the
remainder of this season with Hamiliton and join West Ham for pre-season
training. There are good reports on the youngster's ability/potential and he
is obviously being brought in to increase competition/cover at left-back. At
a fee of £1m, the player is well worth a punt. It may, however, mean the end
of Danny Potts' tenure at the club. There are strong rumours of an approach
by Blackpool FC to sign Potts. We shall see if that materialises before the
window closes.
Elsewhere, Arsenal's alleged interest in Winston Reid may have ended with
their signing of Villrreal defender, Gabriel Paulista. So, if that is the
case, that probably reduces Reid's alternative London based options to just
Spurs. Surely, in footballing terms, Reid would be better off signing the
alleged £60k a week deal on the table to stay with the Hammers. Financially,
it is obviously a different matter, with a Bosman move being very lucrative.
The likes of Liverpool, Man Utd and Everton could still be interested.
However, the much publicised north London interest could prove to be a red
herring. Perhaps Reid has a a pre-contract agreed with a continental club?
Do not be surprised if that is how it transpires. If Reid does leave
(whatever his destination) it will be a great shame, but the club need to
respond in the right way and just keep pushing forward. No player is bigger
than the club and that is certainly the case with Winston Reid.
Finally, there are reports of a wholesale clear out of youngsters at U-21
level in the Academy. The U-21s have not performed well this season and
there is obviously a process afoot to clear out the deadwood and create
opportunities for the talent at U-18 and below to come through and develop.
Considering that we have prospects like Oxford and Borg amongst that younger
age group, that is perhaps an understandable move.
SJ. Chandos.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham flop Ravel Morrison agrees four-year contract with Serie A side
Lazio, starting this summer
12:47, 29 January 2015 By John Cross
The 21-year-old former Manchester United trainee will move to Italy at the
end of the season when his contract at Upton Park expires
The Mirror
Ravel Morrison has signed a four-year contract with Lazio. West Ham
midfielder Morrison, 21, is out of contract at Upton Park in the summer and
has signed a pre-contract to join the Italians from next season. England
under-21 starlet Morrison is regarded as one of English football's biggest
talents but has yet to fulfil the early promise he showed at Manchester
United. Morrison has had spells at Cardiff, QPR and Birmingham before his
career at West Ham went sour. He has fallen out of favour at West Ham but
they eventually gave him permission to go to Rome to sign after an initial
hold up.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham deny any wrongdoing over Diafra Sakho injury row as Senegal lodge
FIFA complaint
15:44, 28 January 2015 By Darren Lewis
The 24-year-old withdrew from the Africa Cup of Nations only to feature
against Bristol City last weekend as the club vs country row continues
The Mirror
West Ham insist they will be vindicated in the escalating club v country row
over striker Diafra Sakho. Sakho, 25, is facing a ban after his country
Senegal made an official complaint to FIFA about him playing in the FA Cup
for West Ham. The Lions, knocked out of the Africa Cup of Nations on
Tuesday, remain angry that Sakho withdrew from their squad before the
tournament with a back injury. Senegal officials are particularly upset at
not being able to examine the frontman themselves because West Ham insisted
he could not fly. The Hammers, however, strongly deny any wrongdoing and
insist they have not pulled a fast one. Co-owner David Sullivan has stressed
they have been acting solely on the advice of leading medical professionals.
He said: "Any FIFA hearing will vindicate us. The player missed four games
as a result of injuries incurred whilst playing for Senegal. We have done
nothing untoward." To prove their point, Sakho will be driven north by West
Ham while his team-mates are flying to Merseyside to play against Brendan
Rodgers' men on Saturday. Senegal national team coach, Alain Giresse, saw
red after Sakho played against Bristol City on Sunday and insisted the
Hammers are opening the door for other players to follow suit. Giresse
fumed: "This sets a dangerous precedent because you're going to have players
claiming they cannot catch planes to Africa but who can still play
football." Sakho came on in the 57th minute of the FA Cup Fourth Round tie
and scored the winning goal. Giresse said afterwards: "I'm surprised to
learn he played."
Sakho was also criticised in his homeland and took to social media to defend
himself, writing: "Never doubt the lion sleeping in me, as I never doubt the
passion that burns within you.". West Ham, however, maintain they are
following the advice of leading specialists who have warned that the player
is prohibited from flying. As such, Sakho also travelled to Bristol by road
on Sunday while his team-mates were flown from London. But Giresse said:
"When you cannot fly for six weeks and then suddenly you're playing a
football game, there must be miraculous medicine in England."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Fletcher: A four day silence
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on January 29, 2015 in Whispers
Claret & Hugh
West Ham have had no contact with Darren Fletcher's advisers for four days.
And the assumption at Upton Park is the player and his agent may be trying
to do a deal with West Bromwich Albion. Sam Allardyce insisted earlier
toiday that the deal was not dead and "that sometimes you have to be
patient" but time is ticking down. And this evening ClaretandHugh was told:
"We've heard nothing and if we are to it will need to be in time for a full
and very stern medical. "It's impossible to say what will happen from here
but it's significant to us that we have heard nothing which suggests they
are trying to do a deal elsewhere. West Brom are interested so that may be
the situation but we'll need to talk soon if anything's to happen at West
Ham."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Sakho and Valencia are under lock and key
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on January 29, 2015 in Whispers
Claret & hugh
I have no doubts whatsoever that Chelsea are sniffing around out better
players – the only shock would be if they weren't! I am equally convinced
that neither Enner Valencia or Diafra Sakho will be moving this winter and
the latter could be around for a long time time come. Nobody can yet vouch
for the truth of our so called bid for Swansea's Bafetimbi Gomis although I
fully expect more to become clear on that over the next few days. Sam
Allardyce has denied such a bid has been made but Sun journo Alan Nixon is
no 'chancer' and was the guy who initially broke the Sakho for West Ham
story. We'll wait and see. More will soon become clear. I can guarantee that
and you'll read about it first here. What I do like about all this is that
it proves we aren't kidding ourselves when we speak so highly of out summer
signings – it's been a long time since we have found ourselves in this
position. Enjoy it! And remember this, Chelsea have no chance of stealing
either the Senegal or Ecuadorian international away on the cheap because
neither has an escape clause in his deal – both of them are under lock and
key for the duration of their deals. The deals are watertight. Many lessons
have been learned at Upton Park over the last couple of seasons and escape
clauses are a thing of the past. Sakho is going nowhere, Valencia? There's a
tiny chance but if he does and Chelsea are the buyers they will have to pay
right over the top!
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
It's Ravel 4 in new Rome home!
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on January 29, 2015 in Whispers
Claret & Hugh
Ravel Morrison has signed for Lazio and immediately released a picture of
his new shirt. Hopefully he has developed a taste for Italian grub and that
life in one of the world's great cities will help him mature as a man and a
footballer. All at ClaretandHugh wish him well!
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Sakho "is going nowhere"
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on January 29, 2015 in Whispers
Claret & Hugh
Diafra Sakho will not be leaving West Ham for Chelsea or anywhere else! And
there remains only the tiniest chance that Jose Mourinho will be able to
prise Enner Valencia away from Upton Park. Morning reports that the two
players interest the Premier League leaders have not been denied by West Ham
but ClaretandHugh has been told emphatically Chelsea's inquiry is getting
short shrift inside the club. It was reported this morning that the duo
interested the south west London club but it is Valencia who really appeals
to Mourinho. And we have just been told by a top Hammers insider: "There is
absolutely no chance of Diafra Sakho leaving the club. "We are aware of the
interest in Valencia but there is only the tiniest chance of him moving."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Newcastle and West Ham club together to fly players home from Africa
• Sides want Cheikhou Kouyaté and Papiss Cissé for weekend
• Communication difficulties after Senegal are knocked out
Louise Taylor
Thursday 29 January 2015 22.30 GMT
The Guardian
Newcastle United and West Ham have initiated an attempted 'airlift' of
Premier League players from Equatorial Guinea. With Senegal now out of the
Africa Cup of Nations, Newcastle are keen to have Papiss Cissé back in time
to play at Hull City on Saturday and West Ham United would like Cheikhou
Kouyaté back for the trip to Liverpool the same day.
The two clubs are sharing the cost of chartering a private plane to fly the
pair home from Malabo, the capital of Equatorial Guinea – the going rate is
around £65,000 – with the only problem now being ensuring their players
board it. "We have got together and we're trying to put a plane on to bring
them back," said John Carver, Newcastle's interim head coach who is seeking
his first win since succeeding Alan Pardew in a caretaker capacity.
"The Senegal FA haven't been too helpful and we're not happy about that," he
added. "But hopefully Papiss will be back on Friday, meet us at the hotel on
Friday night and be involved at Hull on Saturday. Papiss is our top scorer
and the only way you're going to win matches is by having your top scorer
around."
Cissé, however, is proving slightly elusive at present. "We've been trying
to get in touch with him and it hasn't been easy," said Carver. "But I've
spoken to his agent and left a message with Papiss. Lee Charnley
[Newcastle's managing director] has spoken to the Senegalese FA but they
haven't been very helpful."
Sam Allardyce is not surprised. "We've had to take responsibility and sort
it out," said the West Ham manager. "We've got together with the other clubs
and stumped up for a private jet for the players to all come back together.
The chairmen have been good enough to stump up and split the costs to make
sure we get them back for this weekend. "I think Senegal are not quite as
organised as we are. There's a lack of organisation, a lack of booking
people's flights to come back. I've experienced it many times before but
when it's right in the middle of the season you want your players back as
quickly as you can. We've taken the right route."
Considering that Africa Cup of Nations regulations state that players will
be returned to their clubs within 48 hours of their elimination, Senegal's
disorganisation is a source of annoyance for Allardyce. "It lies with the
association of that particular country to sort it out," he said. "It's not
just that, though. Players will try to sneak a couple of days. That's what
they normally do. I learnt that at Bolton."
It seems Southampton and Stoke City have had a happier experience
transporting their Senegal internationals, Sadio Mané and Mame Biram Diouf
respectively, from Equatorial Guinea. Stoke say Diouf is en route
independently and Southampton say they felt no need to become involved in
hiring the plane.
Carver meanwhile is happy to work purely as a head coach with no input in
transfer business. "I don't think anyone is going to come in this window,"
he said. "But I'm not interested in who is coming or who is going out. My
role is to get the team right, pick the team and get results, not to get
involved in anything outside of that. I don't have a problem with that. I'm
comfortable with it.
"You will not hear me making an excuse saying‚ 'They haven't got me the
right players'. You won't hear me say that, I will never, ever say that. You
have to got to believe in your own ability. You have got to trust people to
bring the right people in, for me to work with, to get the right results."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Furious West Ham and Newcastle consider joining forces to bring players back
from African Cup of Nations
Both clubs having trouble locating their Senegalese internationals
Sam Allardyce unable to track down midfielder Cheikhou Kouyate
John Carver has not been able to speak to striker Papiss Cisse
By SAM CUNNINGHAM FOR MAILONLINE and CRAIG HOPE FOR MAILONLINE
PUBLISHED: 22:32, 29 January 2015 | UPDATED: 22:32, 29 January 2015
West Ham and Newcastle are furious with the Senegalese Football Association
for their lack of assistance in returning their players from the Africa Cup
of Nations and on Thursday were considering joining forces to charter a
private jet. The two clubs were desperate to get their players back from the
tournament, after they were knocked out on Tuesday, so they would be
available for this weekend's league matches. In the past two days, West Ham
have had difficulty locating midfielder Cheikhou Kouyate and Newcastle were
trying to find striker Papiss Cisse. West Ham travel to Liverpool and
Newcastle to Hull on Saturday and faced a race against time to get their
players back. They, and another unspecified club, were exploring the option
of hiring their own plane, but eventually shelved the plans. Clubs found
Senegal particularly unhelpful in arranging the return of players to England
following their exit from the competition on Tuesday.
West Ham manager Sam Allardyce said: 'There's been a lack of organisation
booking people's flights to come back. We've had to take responsibility and
get it sorted out. 'We and two other clubs stumped up for a private jet for
a group of players to come back on the same plane. 'The chairman – as well
as the ones from the others clubs – was good enough to split that cost to
make sure we get them back for this weekend.'
They eventually managed to find a separate flight back for Kouyate, but
Allardyce added: 'I've experienced it many times before. I've been good
enough in the past, particularly at Bolton, to send out medical staff and
masseurs to travel around with the players. I think they're not quite as
well organised as we are. 'When it's right in the middle of the season you
want your players back as quickly as you can. We've taken the right route to
make sure our players are available. Hopefully by the time Kouyate gets back
he's not too fatigued or there's no injury. We don't actually know the full
extent yet.' Newcastle manager John Carver is frustrated with the Senegalese
FA for their lack of assistance when they attempted to track Cisse down.
'We've been trying to get in touch with him and it hasn't been easy,' Carver
explained. 'I have spoken to his agent and I have left a message with
Papiss. 'Lee Charnley (managing director) has spoken to the Senegalese FA
and they have not been very helpful. There is a group of clubs with their
players who have got together to put a plane on to bring them back.
Southampton, West Ham and Stoke are also trying to get their players back.'
Newcastle were also able to find a scheduled flight for Cisse to return by
himself, which arrives on Friday.
Allardyce blamed the African countries involved for the confusion, but
admitted that players often try to squeeze in extra time off from their club
duties. He said: 'Responsibility lies with the association of that
particular country to sort it out. It's not just that though. Players will
try to sneak a couple of days. That's what they normally do. I learnt that
in 2004 at Bolton with El Hadji Diouf and Abdoulaye Faye when they got
delayed in Paris for some reason.' Southampton, Stoke, Cardiff, Bournemouth,
Charlton and Doncaster are all due players back from the tournament. Stoke,
who have Mame Biram Diouf returning, and Southampton, who were waiting on
Sadio Mane to come back, deny being part of the trio considering chartering
the jet.
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