Daily WHUFC News - 13th January 2015

Preview - Everton
WHUFC.com
Everything you need to know about West Ham's FA Cup replay with Everton
12.01.2015

WEST HAM UNITED v EVERTON
FA CUP THIRD ROUND REPLAY
BOLEYN GROUND
TUESDAY 13 JANUARY 2015
KICK-OFF: 7.45PM
REFEREE: NEIL SWARBRICK

In brief

West Ham United host Everton in their FA Cup Third Round Replay at the
Boleyn Ground with both sides looking to progress to the Fourth Round where
the winners will face either Bristol City or Doncaster Rovers.
The Hammers were minutes away from victory as James Collins' second half
header was cancelled out by Romelu Lukaku's stoppage time equaliser in the
first running of this tie.
The Hammers lost narrowly to Roberto Martinez's men 2-1 in November when
goals from Lukaku and Leon Osman were enough to clinch the three points
despite a Mauro Zarate goal.
Everton have been hampered by injuries to key players this term and
currently sit 12th in the Premier League with 22 points from 21 games. In
contrast, the Hammers are lying in seventh place having taken 33 points.
West Ham United and Everton have been drawn to face one another eight times
previously in the FA Cup, with each club progressing on four occasions.

Fourth Round draw
The winners of this tie will travel to Doncaster Rovers or Bristol City in
the fourth round, with that match to be played on Sunday 25 January.

Who are they?
Formed from St Domingo's FC, they played their first game on 1 January 1878
in Stanley Park. They changed their name to Everton Football Club in 1879,
winning their first game under the new name 6-0 against St Peter's. Five
years later, Everton won the Liverpool Cup, their first ever cup, with a 1-0
win over Earlestown.
Everton were one of the 12 founder members of the Football League in 1888,
winning their first league title at the third attempt. The Toffees moved to
Goodison Park in 1892, winning their first game there 4-2 over Bolton
Wanderers.
Since then, Everton have established themselves as one of the more
successful teams in England, winning the first division nine times as well
as an impressive five FA Cups.
More recently, trophies have been harder to come by - their last success
came in the FA Cup in the 1994/95 season. However ex-manager David Moyes
established them as one of the best teams in the Premier League, regularly
finishing in the top half and challenging for a European spot.

Team news
West Ham United
Diafra Sakho is still unavailable due to a back injury sustained against
West Bromwich Albion on New Year's Day. Alex Song, who missed Saturday's
trip to Swansea City due to illness, has recovered and is back in the squad.

Senegalese International Cheikhou Kouyate has joined up with the national
team as they prepare for their African Cup of Nations campaign.
Everton Everton have several injury concerns to worry about.

Steven Pienaar (knee), Leon Osman (goot), Sylvain Distin gGroin) and Darron
Gibson (knee) are all out as are first team regulars Tim Howard (calf) and
James McCarthy (hamstring).
Referee
Tuesday's referee is Neil Swarbrick. The Lancashire based referee officiated
in West Ham's narrow 2-1 defeat to Arsenal in late December.
Swarbrick's last appearance in the FA Cup was Bournemouth's 5-1 rout of
Rotherham United on Saturday 3 January.
Tuesday's Assistant Referees are Michael Mullarkey and Andrew Halliday, the
Fourth Official is Lee Probert.
Statistics
(2014/15 season - Barclays Premier League only)
Matches refereed: 12
Yellow cards shown: 50
Red cards shown: 1
Penalties awarded: 2

One to watch
West Ham United
Following his superb goal against Swansea City at the weekend, Andy Carroll
will be full of confidence for Tuesday night. The England international has
scored four league goals since returning from injury and will be looking to
open his Cup account having missed the original tie.

Everton
Powerful striker Romelu Lukaku has proved to be a thorn in the Hammers side
this season, scoring twice already. The threat the Belgian international
poses is now well established, however dealing with his pace and strength is
another matter. Yet that is exactly what the defence will have to do if they
are to progress to the next round.

Tickets
Tickets are still available for Tuesday's match, and can be purchased at the
turnstile on the night.

Travel
Please be aware a 24 hour bus strike has been announced starting at 4am on
Tuesday. For information on how this may affect your travel plans, click
here.
No engineering work is planned on the District or Hammersmith & City lines.
Up-to-the-minute

Weather
The temperature at kick off is forecast to be a chilly 5C (41F) with a
chance of rain in the first half.

Last meeting
West Ham United 2-3 Everton
Barclays Premier League
Saturday 21 September 2013
The Hammers took a first-half lead through a deflected Ravel Morrison shot
before Leighton Baines equalised in the 62nd minute.
West Ham looked to have sealed the three points when Mark Noble scored from
the penalty spot. However, the midfielder was given a second booking just
five minutes later which the Toffees exploited. Baines scored his second of
the afternoon with a rasping free-kick before Romelu Lukaku put the Blues in
front on 85 miniutes.
West Ham United: Jaaskelainen, Reid, Rat, O'Brien, Collins, Nolan (Taylor
80) Jarvis (Vaz Te 72), Morrison, Noble, Diame, Maiga (Petric 63)
Subs not used: Adrian, McCartney, Tomkins, Collison
Everton: Howard, Baines, Jagielka, Distin, Coleman, Mirallas, Barry,
Barkley, Osman (Oviedo 52), Jelavic (McCarthy 45), Naismith (Lukaku 45)
Subs not used: Robles, Heitinga, Stones, Deulofeu

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Big Sam on: Everton
WHUFC.com
The manager faced the press ahead of Tuesday's FA Cup replay against Everton
12.01.2015

Sam Allardyce was back at Chadwell Heath on Monday morning, after the
manager missed the trip to Swansea City at the weekend due to a chest
infection. Returning to health he is ready to take the team for Tuesday's FA
Cup replay against Everton and he faced the press ahead of the game to
answer questions on Andy Carroll, team news and more.

Morning Sam, how are you feeling, any better?

SA: "Not 100% but getting there. The antibiotics seem to have worked."

Bit of medicine from Andy Carroll on the weekend?

SA: "Yes, I had it live on a stream. It was a fantastic piece of skill and a
brilliant finish from the time he first touched it to the shot. I was
speaking to Teddy who said he had seven touches in the box before he scored,
you don't usually get that many touches. He manipulated the ball brilliantly
and it was a fantastic, fabulous finish."

It wasn't something we generally expect from him, has he been hiding
something from us?

SA: "No, he's smashed a few spectacular goals in before for us. I think he
scored a better one last season, a right-foot volley over his shoulder as he
swivelled. That was a superb piece of technique. His goal at the weekend put
us in a fantastic position and all the lads were disappointed we didn't hold
on to the lead."

There might be calls for him to get back into the England squad if he
continues this form, is that fair enough?

SA: "I think there are a lot of contenders for the England forwards position
which as an Englishman is very pleasing. It gives Roy Hodgson a lot of
options which is good. He's a very hard player to play against and if he
continues to keep fit and score goals I don't see why not. He's been on the
fringes of the squad before and then got injured so hopefully he stays fit
and we'll have to wait and see."

You could have done without a replay, but a Cup run would help to keep the
momentum going?

SA: "We were very close when we played at Everton. Everton getting a draw
against the champions Manchester City shows how good we were. Tomorrow won't
be cut and dry, we know it will be a hard game. When the opportunities come,
we need to take them because there's it'll be played to a finish. We have to
make sure we come out of it without having wasted our energy."

Any movement on Winston Reid since we last saw you?

SA: "No movement on Winston Reid at all, no.

There is a choice for you, if a big offer comes in?

SA: "There's no choice for me, he stays. That's it. It would have to be a
big offer, and obviously then the Chairmen decide. For me, he stays. The way
the club has improved over the last few years as well as having a very big
future with the new Stadium, it could be bigger than it's ever been over the
next four, five years."

Does the Hull game on Sunday have any effect on your team selection for
tomorrow?

SA: "No it doesn't. I think we have sufficient recovery time in between
games. Neither team will want extra time but the way we've recovered after
games so far has been good, as we saw against Swansea after recovering
against Everton. I thought we gave a good account of ourselves. The only
thing you worry about is injuries, thankfully we don't have many. We have a
few knocks and bruises but hopefully they'll have cleared up by Tuesday
morning."

How much of a concern is it that you're not maintaining the lead and seeing
out games?

SA: "It's a concern, we are not as free scoring as we were. The results have
dipped a bit but the performances haven't. One thing that has to happen is
we get to more resilient defensively. We've been talking about that all
season. We're becoming a much more creative side but our defensive
weaknesses have been exploited too much. "In order to win football games you
need to make sure you're strong enough in both departments. We've only had
four clean sheets so far and that's not good enough to keep you in the top
six. If you look at Southampton, they're up there because they've had 11
clean sheets in 21 games. That's why they're in the top four and we're not."

Are you a fan of Roberto Martinez's style and philosophy of football?

SA: "I think every manager has their own philosophy. I'm a little bit more
flexible than Roberto. I think he's a total believer in the one style, but
my experience has taught me you need to be flexible. You need to play to the
strengths of the players you have, whatever that may be. You may have a
philosophy but you need to change it to the players you have, not the other
way round.
"While Everton are having a sticky patch I'm not sure it's down to Roberto's
philosophy it's about players performing to the best of their abilities. I
think because Everton have had the extra games with the Europa League, those
demands have taken their toll. They've found it difficult to cope,
especially with the injuries they've had. Injuries are the biggest obstacle
you face unfortunately, it can cost you your job. My old mate Steve Bruce is
in that predicament at the moment."

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Loan watch
WHUFC.com
Find out how West Ham United's loanees fared in England and France this
weekend
12.01.2015

Young Hammers forward Sean Maguire was without a game this weekend after
Accrington Stanley's Sky Bet League Two clash with Bury was postponed on
Friday evening.

Over the Channel, Modibo Maiga was not involved as FC Metz secured a 0-0
draw at Nantes in the French Ligue Un.

Back home, TIm Brown and Taylor Tombides played as Canvey Island were
defeated 2-1 at home by Maidstone United in the Ryman Premier League.

Alex Brown and Matt Bodkin's goals for the visitors meant Jack Simmons' late
reply counted for little.

Finally, Jaanai Gordon's (pictured) Chelmsford City suffered a 3-1 defeat at
Weston-super-Mare in Vanarama South.

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New Stadium seat selection FAQs
WHUFC.com
All the key questions answered on West Ham United's new Stadium seat
selection plans
11.01.2015

Following the announcement of West Ham United's new Stadium seat selection
plans, the Club answer all the key questions for supporters. The detailed
FAQs below cover these five topics:

• New Stadium seat selection plans
• Selecting seats at the new Stadium
• Buying Season Tickets
• Sitting with friends and family
• Attending the Reservation Centre

How will Season Ticket Holders be allocated seats at the new Stadium?
The Club have worked carefully to ensure that the seat allocation process
works in the interests of all our loyal Season Ticket Holders.
The priorities are:
• That every existing Season Ticket Holder is offered a comparable seat in
the new Stadium to the one they have for the final season at the Boleyn
Ground.
• That they are able to group their seats together with friends and family.

Additionally, Season Ticket Holders will have the opportunity to bring with
them up to two other individuals as new Season Ticket Holders.
In planning a process to meet those priorities, the Club have had three
guiding principles:
Fairness - the process must be fair, so the rights of Season Ticket Holders
in each band are equally protected.
Transparency - the process must be clear to all supporters, so that all can
understand what is happening, when and why.
Efficiency - the process must be efficient, so that the 40,000 supporters
expected through the Reservation Centre doors have enough time to enjoy
their appointments and make a fair decision in good time before August 2016.
On the basis of those priorities and principles, the process will work as
follows:
• Every Season Ticket Holder will be offered a comparable seat at the new
Stadium, based on the price band and location of their seat for the final
season at the Boleyn Ground.

• Season Ticket Holders will receive their Reservation Centre appointments
and select their seats in order of price band, from band 1 to band 4, so it
is clear at each stage what seats are available in higher price bands,
should supporters wish to upgrade.
• Every Season Ticket Holder will therefore be offered first refusal on the
best available seats in their equivalent price band, before those seats are
made available to supporters in any other bands.
• Subject to availability, all Season Ticket Holders will be given the
opportunity to upgrade their ticket in the new Stadium to a seat in a higher
price band.

• Supporters who wish to move down a price band will be able to do so;
however, only after all supporters in that price band have had the
opportunity to select their seat.
Reservation Centre appointment timings
Selecting seats in the new Stadium
How do I select my seat for the new Stadium?
Each Season Ticket Holder will be offered a personal appointment at the New
Stadium Reservation Centre in Westfield Stratford City, where they will
select their seat with the help of a Club adviser. Using state-of-the-art
Virtual Venue technology, supporters will be shown the views from the seats
available to them and the advisers will be able to answer all their
questions, from sightlines and transport to Stadium access and facilities.
How will the order of appointments within each price band be decided?
The order of appointments for Season Ticket Holders within each band will be
based on the quality of the current sightline for each seat at the Boleyn
Ground, working from the halfway line in the Alpari and East stands and
directly behind the goal in the Bobby Moore and Sir Trevor Brooking stands,
and then out towards the corner flags. Appointments will work from the back
to front of each stand in the lower tiers - with the exception of the area
surrounding the tunnel - and from front to back of each stand in the upper
tiers.
What is meant by a 'comparable seat'?
A comparable seat is one in an equivalent price band and similar location to
the seat occupied for the final season at the Boleyn Ground. However, given
the obvious differences in the shape, seating layout and capacity of the two
grounds, no two seats will be exactly comparable and the quality of each
seat and sightline is subjective.
Where will each price band be located within the Stadium?
Supporters will be able to see the location of all seats in the price bands
available to them at their Reservation Centre appointment.
Can I choose a seat in a lower price band?
Any Season Ticket Holder wanting to choose a seat in a lower price band than
their equivalent at the Boleyn Ground may do so, but they will have to wait
until all current Season Ticket Holders from that band have had the
opportunity to select their new seat. This is to protect the rights of
Season Ticket Holders in lower price bands and ensure that they are in no
way disadvantaged by the process or by their fellow supporters.
As a disabled supporter, how will the seat selection process work for me?
All disabled supporters, both wheelchair users and ambulant, will be entered
into the same system as all other Season Ticket Holders and the scheduling
of their Reservation Centre appointment will be based on their location at
the Boleyn Ground for the final season.
The new Stadium boasts excellent disabled access, facilities and seating
options, all of which can be discussed with the Club adviser at the
Reservation Centre, along with guidance on the best location within the
Stadium in relation to access and transport links.
Will the Virtual Venue software allow me to experience view from the
wheelchair platforms?
Yes, the technology will offer sightlines from all the wheelchair platforms
at the new Stadium.
I'm a visually impaired/ambulant disabled supporter, can I sit anywhere in
the Stadium?
Visually impaired and ambulant disabled supporters are free to select any
available seat in a comparable location at the new Stadium. However,
Reservation Centre advisers will be able to offer guidance on the areas that
are best suited to the supporter's individual access needs.

Will I need to move seats for any game at the new Stadium?
Season Ticket seats will not be offered in any sections of the new Stadium
which will potentially be affected by the allocation of visiting supporters,
even for domestic cup games.
Can I visit the Stadium before I select my seat?
The Stadium itself will be an active construction site while it undergoes
the transformation into football mode and the Club's new home. It is not,
therefore, possible to facilitate any Stadium visits before the Club takes
up residence.
The CGI visualisations and the Virtual Venue system used for seat selection
will give supporters a real sense of their new matchday surroundings.
Buying Season Tickets
How much will Season Tickets cost in the new Stadium?
Season Ticket prices for the new Stadium will be announced in April 2015 but
the Club can confirm they will be comparable with prices for the final
season at the Boleyn Ground.
When will I need to pay for my Season Ticket?
At the end of their appointment at the Reservation Centre, once they have
chosen their seats, Season Ticket Holders will be asked to pay a
non-refundable deposit of 25 per cent of their total ticket price. The
remaining 75 per cent will be due by June 2016, in line with the normal
window for Season Ticket renewals.
Why do I need to pay a deposit at the Reservation Centre?
At all times, the Club need to know precisely which seats have been
allocated, to ensure that supporters who are still to select their seats
have access to the best seats still available. Without some form of
financial commitment from Season Ticket Holders, this would prove
exceptionally difficult. The Club is therefore asking supporters for a 25
per cent deposit to secure their chosen seat, which is payable at the
Reservation Centre with the remainder not due until June 2016.
Will I still be able to pay for my Season Ticket on finance?
Supporters can purchase 2016/17 Season Tickets on finance under the same
terms and conditions as currently available at the Boleyn Ground. Once a
Season Ticket Holder has selected their seat in the new Stadium, it will be
reserved for them, pending credit approval. Upon confirmation of the finance
agreement, their seat will be secured.
What are the options for supporters without a Season Ticket for the final
season at the Boleyn Ground?
Anyone not holding a Season Ticket for the final season at the Boleyn Ground
will need to register on the new Stadium waiting list if they wish to buy a
Season Ticket for the 2016/17 season. The new Stadium waiting list opens in
the spring of 2015.
Sitting with friends and family
1) Existing groups
I already sit with a group at the Boleyn Ground and we want to sit together
in the new Stadium. Can we sit together in the new Stadium?
Yes. Season Ticket Holders who currently sit together at the Boleyn Ground
will also be able to move as a group. When supporters receive details of
their appointment, they will be able to create and register their group
online and attend the Reservation Centre together.
2) New groups
i) I want to 'group' with Season Ticket Holders who sit in my price band,
but do not currently sit with me. Can we sit together in the new Stadium?
Season Ticket Holders in the same price band are welcome to group together.
When supporters receive details of their appointment, they will be able to
create and register their group online and attend the Reservation Centre
together.
The Club will look to allocate the seats that most closely fit the group's
requirements, though the area selected may not be directly comparable for
members of the group with the best seat location.
ii) I want to 'group' with Season Ticket Holders who sit in different price
bands. Can we sit together in the new Stadium?
Season Ticket Holders currently in different price bands are also welcome to
group at the new Stadium, but will be required to group with the individual
in the highest band. This is to protect the rights of Season Ticket Holders
in lower price bands and ensure that they are in no way disadvantaged by the
process or by their fellow supporters.
The Club will look to allocate the seats that most closely fit the group's
requirements, though the area selected may not be directly comparable for
members of the group with the best seat location.
iii) Will I still be able to sit with friends who are also wheelchair users,
as I do now?
Yes, provided the group agree on location and there is space available.

How will introducing new Season Ticket Holders work?
Subject to availability, every Season Ticket Holder renewing for the 2016/17
season will have the opportunity to bring up to two new Season Ticket
Holders with them to the new Stadium. Any new Season Ticket Holder will be
able to choose their seat along with the existing Season Ticket Holder at
their Reservation Centre appointment.
Attending the Reservation Centre
When will I be informed of my appointment at the Reservation Centre?
Season Ticket Holders will be contacted between April 2015 and February 2016
with details of their Reservation Centre appointments. The Club aim to give
supporters a minimum of two weeks' notice of their appointment.
What if I cannot make my appointment?
With over 40,000 supporters expected to visit the Reservation Centre, the
Club ask that all supporters stick to their allotted appointment time. If
for any reason supporters cannot make the time slot offered, they should
contact the Reservation Centre using the contact details provided and the
appointment will be rescheduled. However, rescheduling an appointment to a
later date will inevitably reduce the supporter's choice of seats because
other supporters will be making their selections in the interim.
Should any Season Ticket Holder be unable to make their appointment in
person, they are welcome to nominate someone to attend the Reservation
Centre on their behalf.
What are the Reservation Centre's opening hours?
To accommodate the vast number of appointments, the Reservation Centre is
open seven days a week (including matchdays): Monday to Friday from 10:00 to
21:00, Saturday 09:00 to 21:00 and Sunday 12:00 to 18:00.
Is the Reservation Centre wheelchair accessible?
Yes.
Can I conduct the appointment over the phone or online?
While supporters can select their seats over the phone if necessary, they
are strongly advised to attend their appointment in person to take advantage
of the Virtual Venue technology, which will help them to select the seats,
sightlines and surroundings that are right for them. The Club will not have
the flexibility to relocate Season Ticket Holders once the 2016/17 season
has begun, so it is important that supporters are happy with their seats
before they choose them. Supporters cannot select their seats online.

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'The wins will come again'
WHUFC.com
James Tomkins is confident West Ham United will be celebrating victories
again soon
11.01.2015

James Tomkins says West Ham United are determined not to waste their fine
start to the 2014/15 season. The Hammers reached Christmas fourth in the
Barclays Premier League after enjoying their best opening in 15 years, only
for a run of four winless games to see them drop to seventh. On Saturday,
West Ham took the lead for the second league game in succession at Swansea
City through Andy Carroll's stunner, only to allow their advantage to slip
in the second half when Mark Noble helped Bafetimbi Gomis' header into his
own net."For me, I think we should be disappointed because we were 1-0 up
and they didn't really look like scoring, especially from open play,"
Tomkins told West Ham TV. "It was a set piece which killed us. We work hard
on set plays in training every week and we obviously conceded from one. It
was a bit unfortunate with the way it went between Nobes and the post, but
we'll move on. "It was a bit disappointing but we'll move on for sure. You
can see from our performances that we haven't deserved to have drawn them -
we normally deserve to win the games we have drawn. "The fans have stayed
behind us and their support was great again on Saturday. We're playing well
and the wins will come again, I'm sure."

Tomkins was an impressed spectator when Carroll beat three defenders before
smashing high into the net to put the Hammers on top at the Liberty Stadium
- even if he was a little surprised by the nature of the goal. "You normally
associate Andy's goals with his head because he is a big lad in the box, but
he had to move his feet around and he put it in the top bin. He tells me he
does it in training every week, but I'm not sure about that, speaking to the
lads!"

The No5 was less impressed when James Collins was forced to leave the pitch
after a clash of heads with his defensive partner as Tomkins cleared behind,
despite not receiving any treatment from the West Ham physio. With the
Welshman off the pitch, Gomis met the resulting corner with a firm downward
header that found the net via the post and Noble. "We had to get someone
else to mark with Ginge going off the pitch and they hurried to put the
corner in because they knew our marking was not as good as it could have
been. "It probably did have an effect on the marking itself, but it was a
good header from their lad to be fair. We'll look at it and try to improve.
"We need to look at why we are losing our leads. We are normally quite
strong defensively and have been coming back from goals down ourselves to
win games. We are letting leads slip and it's costing us vital points, which
is disappointing, but Swansea are a good side."

Tomkins and Collins were part of an unfamiliar 3-5-2 formation that stifled
Swansea in their attacking third and worked ever so well from open play.
While the home side did pass the ball well, the Hammers held firm and
protected Adrian superbly in the main, and could even have nicked it late on
when Carroll, Carl Jenkinson and Tomkins himself all went close. "They tried
to slide balls in behind us, but they couldn't really work it out and we
frustrated them for a lot of the time. They started the second half well,
but you still couldn't really see them scoring and it was a bit against the
run of play when they did score. "It could have gone either way at the end.
We had chances and they had chances and, in the end, I suppose a draw was a
fair result."

Looking ahead, Tomkins is sure West Ham can get back to winning ways with
two home games this week - Everton in the FA Cup third-round replay on
Tuesday and struggling Hull City in the Barclays Premier League on Sunday.
"It's a good opportunity for us. We don't want to look too far ahead, but if
we get through we have got a game which is another winnable one. This is a
massive chance for us to have an FA Cup run, but we need to beat Everton
first and they're a strong side. "On the night at Upton Park, I'm sure we
can win that game."

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West Ham v Everton
KO 19:45
West Ham manager Sam Allardyce (right) and Everton manager Roberto Martinez
12 January 2015
Last updated at 18:00

FA CUP THIRD ROUND REPLAY
Venue: The Boleyn Ground Date: Tuesday, 13 January Kick-off: 19:45 GMT

TEAM NEWS

West Ham boss Sam Allardyce is expected to name his strongest possible side
for their FA Cup third-round replay. Only Diafra Sakho (back) and Cheikhou
Kouyate (international duty) are expected to be unavailable.
Everton manager Roberto Martinez will again be without several players for
their trip to the Boleyn Ground. Tim Howard (calf), Sylvain Distin (groin),
Tony Hibbert, Leon Osman (foot), Darron Gibson and Steven Pienaar (both
knee) remain sidelined.

Everton manager Martinez, meanwhile, confirmed he had made some enquiries
about goalkeepers this month: "It is something we have done for a while now,
but nothing has been conclusive or done in a way that we can announce any
names. "I'm not interested in bringing in a short-term goalkeeper - we'll
look at the options, but if we bring in anyone, it has to be someone who can
stay with us for the long term.
"We are going to explore that avenue and if we find the right personality,
we'll act on it."

West Ham United v Everton
West Ham are three-time winners - most recently in 1980
Everton are five-times winners - most recently in 1995
West Ham have not won in their last five games
Everton have not won in their last six games

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Sam Allardyce: I'm a more flexible boss than Roberto Martinez
BBC.co.uk

West Ham boss Sam Allardyce believes he is more "flexible" in his tactics
than Everton counterpart Roberto Martinez. The Hammers are enjoying a fine
season compared to the struggling Toffees, with the sides set to meet in a
third round FA Cup replay on Tuesday. "I'm a little bit more flexible than
Roberto - he is a total believer in one style," said Allardyce. But
Allardyce says Everton's problems this season are down to playing in the
Europa League and more injuries. Everton finished fifth last season in
Martinez's first season in charge to qualify for European football, but are
currently three points above the Premier League relegation zone. West Ham
are in seventh spot and 11 points better off than the Goodison Park side.
"You become flexible as time goes on," added Allardyce. "Flexibility teaches
you that you have a philosophy in the way you want to play, but if that way
of playing doesn't suit the players you cannot keep that philosophy." The FA
Cup replay will take place at Upton Park after a 1-1 draw away at Everton
and the winner will visit Bristol City or Doncaster Rovers in the next
round. Martinez has played down reports linking him with Cardiff keeper
David Marshall and, despite speculation over the futures of Samuel Eto'o and
Seamus Coleman, he is not envisaging any major departures. "We are not
entertaining that speculation of big sales," said the Spaniard. "We are not
going to sell our big assets in the window, so I think all those stories and
admiration from the outside are just a waste of time."

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Allardyce still hopeful on Reid
KUMb.com
Filed: Monday, 12th January 2015
By: Staff Writer

Sam Allardyce believes that he can still persuade Winston Reid to sign a
contract extension before the end of the season. Up to now the Kiwi centre
half had steadfastly refused to sign a new deal, having spent the last four
years at West Ham since moving from FC Midtjylland. However Allardyce, who
was briefing the press ahead of tomorrow night's FA Cup 3rd Round replay
against Everton, maintains that he can still persuade the 26-year-old to
remain at the Boleyn. "I think that what we have done this season - and
hopefully we'll finish off the season strongly - might persuade him to sign
for us," he said. "We are on the up at the moment and we have got a very big
future ahead of us, moving into the new stadium. So the club could be bigger
than it's ever been in the next four to five years." Allardyce added that
there was no chance of Reid moving during the current transfer window -
unless the club received a huge offer. "There's no choice for me, he stays -
that's it," he said. "If somebody makes a big offer then obviously the
chairman decides, but for me he's staying. The chairman decides whether the
money is big enough, but for me he stays and I think that the way the club
has improved, I think he will stay."

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Allardyce concerned by lack of wins
KUMb.com
Filed: Monday, 12th January 2015
By: Staff Writer

Sam Allardyce admitted today that he was concerned by his team's recent
inability to convert leads into wins. West Ham have taken the lead in their
last three fixtures - against West Brom, Everton and Swansea - yet failed to
win a single one. And that, says Allardyce, is simply not good enough. "It's
a concern that we'e not as free scoring as we were," he said. "The results
have dipped a bit but the performances haven't. "One thing that has to
happen is we get to more resilient defensively. We've been talking about
that all season. We're becoming a much more creative side but our defensive
weaknesses have been exploited too much. In order to win football games you
need to make sure you're strong enough in both departments. We've only had
four clean sheets so far and that's not good enough to keep you in the top
six. "If you look at Southampton, they're up there because they've had 11
clean sheets in 21 games. That's why they're in the top four and we're not."

Allardyce, who has almost fully recovered from the illness that prevented
him from travelling to Wales at the weekend is set to field his strongest
possible team against Everton tomorrow evening. And he believes tomorrow
night's visit of the Blues will prove just as tough as the first meeting
between the two sides. "Everton getting a draw against the champions
Manchester City shows how good we were.," he added. "Tomorrow won't be cut
and dry, we know it will be a hard game. "When the opportunities come, we
need to take them because there's it'll be played to a finish. We have to
make sure we come out of it without having wasted our energy."

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West Ham United announce Olympic Stadium migration policy
KUMb.com
Filed: Sunday, 11th January 2015
By: Staff Writer

West Ham United have today revealed important details of the process and
timetable for selecting seats in the club's new Stadium on Queen Elizabeth
Olympic Park for the 2016/17 season.

The key points of the process are as follows:

• Each 2015/16 Season Ticket Holder to be given individual appointment at
Reservation Centre in Stratford.

• Process to take place between April 2015 and February 2016, starting with
price Band 1 through to price Band 4.

• Non-refundable deposit of 25 per cent of 2016/17 Season Ticket cost due
upon selecting new seat at the Olympic Stadium.

• Remaining balance of 2016/17 Season Ticket cost to be paid by June 2016.

• Season Ticket prices at the Olympic Stadium will be "comparable to those
for the final season at the Boleyn Ground".

• Olympic Stadium seat allocation dependent upon 2015/16 Season Ticket Band.

• Anyone wishing to downgrade a Band will be able to select their seat only
when all existing Season Ticket holders in the new chosen band have selected
theirs.

• A waiting list for seats opens later this year; tickets go on General Sale
only when all existing Season Ticket holders have been invited to choose
their new seat.


The club's first priority is to offer every Season Ticket Holder a
comparable seat in the new stadium to the one they have for the final season
at the Boleyn Ground.

Additionally, Season Ticket Holders are able to group their seats together
with friends and family and have the opportunity to bring with them up to
two new Season Ticket Holders.

In devising a process to meet those priorities, the club had three guiding
principles: that the process should be fair and transparent to all
supporters, with the efficiency to accommodate 40,000 supporters coming
through the Reservation Centre doors.


The Process

Every Season Ticket Holder who renews their ticket for the final season at
the Boleyn Ground will receive an invitation to attend a personal
appointment at West Ham United's Reservation Centre at Westfield Stratford
City. The appointments will take place between April 2015 and February 2016.

At the Reservation Centre, an adviser will present the various ticketing
options available for the big kick-off in August 2016. Supporters will be
shown the surroundings and views from different seats in the stadium using
state-of-the-art Virtual Venue technology.

The club is committed to ensuring Season Ticket Holders have the opportunity
to select seats at the new stadium in an equivalent price band and location
to their seat at the Boleyn. They will therefore be allocated their
appointment based on the price band and seat location of their 2015/16
Season Ticket.

They will have a choice of seats in their existing price band or from any
available seats in price bands above. If Season Ticket Holders wish to
choose a seat in a lower price band they can do so, but only after all
Season Ticket Holders in that price band have had the opportunity to select
their seats. This is to protect the rights of Season Ticket Holders in lower
price bands and ensure that they are in no way disadvantaged by the process
or their fellow supporters.

Each Season Ticket Holder will also have the opportunity to bring up to two
new Season Ticket Holders with them to the new stadium, and – subject to
availability – choose the additional seats together. Larger groups wishing
to sit together will be able to register for a group Reservation Centre
appointment. For further information on the 'grouping' process and the seat
selection process as a whole, please refer to the FAQ below.

Season Ticket prices for the new Stadium will be comparable to those for the
final season at the Boleyn Ground, further details of which will be released
in April 2015. Upon visiting the Reservation Centre, supporters can secure
their 2016/17 Season Ticket with a 25 per cent deposit and the remaining
balance is then due in June 2016.

Once all 2015/16 Season Ticket Holders' appointments are complete, and the
new stadium waiting list has been serviced, any remaining Season Tickets
will be made available for general sale.

The waiting list for new Stadium Season Tickets will open later this year.
Until then, the only way to guarantee your priority in the seat selection
process is by holding a Season Ticket for the final season at the Boleyn
Ground.

Further important information on the seat selection process and timetable
can be found can be viewed in the following Q+A.





New Stadium seat selection FAQs

This FAQ covers the following topics:

• New Stadium seat selection plans
• Selecting seats at the new Stadium
• Buying Season Tickets
• Sitting with friends and family
• Attending the Reservation Centre


New Stadium seat selection plans

How will Season Ticket Holders be allocated seats at the new Stadium?

The Club have worked carefully to ensure that the seat allocation process
works in the interests of all our loyal Season Ticket Holders. The
priorities are:

• That every existing Season Ticket Holder is offered a comparable
seat in the new Stadium to the one they have for the final season at the
Boleyn Ground.

• That they are able to group their seats together with friends and
family.

Additionally, Season Ticket Holders will have the opportunity to bring with
them up to two other individuals as new Season Ticket Holders.

In planning a process to meet those priorities, the Club have had three
guiding principles:

Fairness – the process must be fair, so the rights of Season Ticket Holders
in each band are equally protected.
Transparency – The process must be clear to all supporters, so that all can
understand what is happening, when and why.
Efficiency - The process must be efficient, so that the 40,000 supporters
expected through the Reservation Centre doors have enough time to enjoy
their appointments and make a fair decision in good time before August 2016.


On the basis of those priorities and principles, the process will work as
follows:

• Every Season Ticket Holder will be offered a comparable seat at the
new Stadium, based on the price band and location of their seat for the
final season at the Boleyn Ground.

• Season Ticket Holders will receive their Reservation Centre
appointments and select their seats in order of price band, from band 1 to
band 4, so it is clear at each stage what seats are available in higher
price bands, should supporters wish to upgrade.

• Every Season Ticket Holder will therefore be offered first refusal
on the best available seats in their equivalent price band, before those
seats are made available to supporters in any other bands.

• Subject to availability, all Season Ticket Holders will be given the
opportunity to upgrade their ticket in the new Stadium to a seat in a higher
price band.

• Supporters who wish to move down a price band will be able to do so;
however only after all supporters in that price band have had the
opportunity to select their seat.


Selecting seats in the new Stadium

How do I select my seat for the new Stadium?

Each Season Ticket Holder will be offered a personal appointment at the New
Stadium Reservation Centre in Westfield Stratford City, where they will
select their seat with the help of a Club adviser. Using state-of-the-art
Virtual Venue technology, supporters will be shown the views from the seats
available to them and the advisers will be able to answer all their
questions, from sightlines and transport to Stadium access and facilities.

How will the order of appointments within each price band be decided?

The order of appointments for Season Ticket Holders within each band will be
based on the quality of the current sightline for each seat at the Boleyn
Ground, working from the half way line in the Alpari and East stands and
directly behind the goal in the Bobby Moore and Sir Trevor Brooking stands,
and then out towards the corner flags. Appointments will work from the back
to front of each stand in the lower tiers – with the exception of the area
surrounding the tunnel – and from front to back of each stand in the upper
tiers.

What is meant by a 'comparable seat'?

A comparable seat is one in an equivalent price band and similar location to
the seat occupied for the final season at the Boleyn Ground. However, given
the obvious difference in the shape, seating layout and capacity of the two
grounds, no two seats will be exactly comparable and the quality of each
seat and sightline is subjective.
Where will each price band be located within the Stadium?

Supporters will be able to see the location of all seats in the price bands
available to them at their Reservation Centre appointment.

Can I choose a seat in a lower price band?

Any Season Ticket Holder wanting to choose a seat in a lower price band than
their equivalent at the Boleyn Ground may do so, but they will have to wait
until all current Season Ticket Holders from that band have had the
opportunity to select their new seat. This is to protect the rights of
Season Ticket Holders in lower price bands and ensure that they are in no
way disadvantaged by the process or their fellow supporters.

As a disabled supporter, how will the seat selection process work for me?

All disabled supporters, both wheelchair users and ambulant, will be entered
into the same system as all other Season Ticket Holders and the scheduling
of their Reservation Centre appointment will be based on their location at
the Boleyn Ground for the final season.
The new Stadium boasts excellent disabled access, facilities and seating
options, all of which can be discussed with the Club adviser at the
Reservation Centre, along with guidance on the best location within the
Stadium in relation to access and transport links.

Will the Virtual Venue software allow me to experience view from the
wheelchair platforms?

Yes, the technology will offer sightlines from all the wheelchair platforms
at the new Stadium.

I'm a visually impaired/ambulant disabled supporter, can I sit anywhere in
the Stadium?

Visually impaired and ambulant disabled supporters are free to select any
available seat in a comparable location at the new stadium. However,
Reservation Centre advisers will be able to offer guidance on the areas that
are best suited to the supporter's individual access needs.

Will I need to move seats for any game at the new Stadium?

Season Tickets seats will not be offered in any sections of the new Stadium
which will potentially be affected by the allocation of visiting supporters,
even for domestic cup games.

Can I visit the Stadium before I select my seat?

The Stadium itself will be an active construction site while it undergoes
the transformation into football mode and the Club's new home. It is not,
therefore, possible to facilitate any Stadium visits before the Club takes
up residence.

The CGI visualisations and the Virtual Venue system used for seat selection
will give supporters a real sense of their new matchday surroundings.


Buying Season Tickets

How much will Season Tickets cost in the new Stadium?

Season Ticket prices for the new Stadium will be announced in April 2015 but
the Club can confirm they will be comparable with prices for the final
season at the Boleyn Ground.

When will I need to pay for my Season Ticket?

At the end of their appointment at the Reservation Centre, once they have
chosen their seats, Season Ticket Holders will be asked to pay a
non-refundable deposit of 25 per cent of their total ticket price. The
remaining 75 per cent will be due by June 2016, in line with the normal
window for Season Ticket renewals.

Why do I need to pay a deposit at the Reservation Centre?

At all times, the Club need to know precisely which seats have been
allocated, to ensure that supporters who are still to select their seats
have access to the best seats still available. Without some form of
financial commitment from Season Ticket Holders, this would prove
exceptionally difficult. The Club is therefore asking supporters for a 25
per cent deposit to secure their chosen seat, which is payable at the
Reservation Centre with the remainder not due until June 2016.

Will I still be able to pay for my Season Ticket on finance?

Supporters can purchase 2016/17 Season Tickets on finance under the same
terms and conditions as currently available at the Boleyn Ground. Once a
Season Ticket Holder has selected their seat in the new Stadium, it will be
reserved for them, pending credit approval. Upon confirmation of the finance
agreement, their seat will be secured.

What are the options for supporters without a Season Ticket for the final
season at the Boleyn Ground?

Anyone not holding a Season Ticket for the final season at the Boleyn Ground
will need to register on the new Stadium waiting list if they wish to buy a
Season Ticket for the 2016/17 season. The new Stadium waiting list opens in
the spring of 2015.


Sitting with friends and family

1) Existing groups

I already sit with a group at the Boleyn Ground and we want to sit together
in the new Stadium. Can we sit together in the new Stadium?

Yes. Season Ticket Holders who currently sit together at the Boleyn Ground
will also be able to move as a group. When supporters receive details of
their appointment, they will be able to create and register their group
online and attend the Reservation Centre together.

2) New groups

i) I want to 'group' with Season Ticket Holders who sit in my price band,
but do not currently sit with me. Can we sit together in the new Stadium?

Season Ticket Holders in the same price band are welcome to group together.
When supporters receive details of their appointment, they will be able to
create and register their group online and attend the Reservation Centre
together.

The Club will look to allocate the seats that most closely fit the group's
requirements, though the area selected may not be directly comparable for
members of the group with the best seat location.

ii) I want to 'group' with Season Ticket Holders who sit in different price
bands. Can we sit together in the new Stadium?

Season Ticket Holders currently in different price bands are also welcome to
group at the new Stadium, but will be required to group with the individual
in the highest band. This is to protect the rights of Season Ticket Holders
in lower price bands and ensure that they are in no way disadvantaged by the
process or their fellow supporters.

The Club will look to allocate the seats that most closely fit the group's
requirements, though the area selected may not be directly comparable for
members of the group with the best seat location.

iii) Will I still be able to sit with friends who are also wheelchair users,
as I do now?

Yes, provided the group agree on location and there is space available.

How will introducing new Season Ticket Holders work?

Subject to availability, every Season Ticket Holder renewing for the 2016/17
season will have the opportunity to bring up to two new Season Ticket
Holders with them to the new Stadium. Any new Season Ticket Holder will be
able to choose their seat along with the existing Season Ticket Holder at
their Reservation Centre appointment.


Attending the Reservation Centre

When will I be informed of my appointment at the Reservation Centre?

Season Ticket Holders will be contacted between April 2015 and February 2016
with details of their Reservation Centre appointments. The Club aim to give
supporters a minimum of two weeks' notice of their appointment.

What if I can't make my appointment?

With over 40,000 supporters expected to visit the Reservation Centre, the
Club ask that all supporters stick to their allotted appointment time. If
for any reason supporters cannot make the time slot offered, they should
contact the Reservation Centre using the contact details provided and the
appointment will be rescheduled. However, rescheduling an appointment to a
later date will inevitably reduce the supporter's choice of seats because
other supporters will be making their selections in the interim.

Should any Season Ticket Holder be unable to make their appointment in
person, they are welcome to nominate someone to attend the Reservation
Centre on their behalf.

What are the Reservation Centre's opening hours?

To accommodate the vast number of appointments, the Reservation Centre is
open seven days a week (including matchdays): Monday to Friday from 10:00 to
21:00, Saturday 09:00 to 21:00 and Sunday 12:00 to 18:00.

Is the Reservation Centre wheelchair accessible?

Yes.

Can I conduct the appointment over the phone or online?

While supporters can select their seats over the phone if necessary, they
are strongly advised to attend their appointment in person to take advantage
of the Virtual Venue technology, which will help them to select the seats,
sightlines and surroundings that are right for them. The Club will not have
the flexibility to relocate Season Ticket Holders once the 2016/17 season
has begun, so it is important that supporters are happy with their seats
before they choose them. Supporters cannot select their seats online.

While all reasonable endeavours have been made to ensure that the contents
of these FAQs are correct, West Ham United will not be held responsible for
any inaccuracies or omissions. West Ham United Football Club reserves the
right to amend the information contained in these FAQs at any time and from
time to time.

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Opening time for the new Boleyn
KUMB.com
Filed: Monday, 12th January 2015
By: Staff Writer

West Ham United have announced the launch of The Boleyn, a dedicated bar for
Hammers supporters at the club's new Olympic Stadium in Queen Elizabeth
Olympic Park.

An exclusive yet informal bar located in the West Stand of the stadium, The
Boleyn will combine the camaraderie and atmosphere of your favourite
pre-match pub with the convenience of being seconds from your halfway line
seats on either side of the players' tunnel, from where you will enjoy an
unrivalled view of the action.

The bar will be decked out in claret and blue colours and the West Ham
crest, with portraits of the greatest legends and moments in Hammers history
gracing the walls, all part of the club's commitment to make the new stadium
look and feel unmistakably like our new home inside and out.

Members of The Boleyn will enjoy free drinks at half-time and can purchase
traditional East End food from Café Cassettari, named after the venue where
graduates of the West Ham Academy famously used to meet and talk tactics.

Membership of The Boleyn will be strictly limited to 1,000 places, and is
being made available today to all Season Ticket Holders on a first come,
first served basis. From this morning (Monday), each Season Ticket Holder's
household will receive a unique Boleyn brochure, with full details of this
stunning new venue.

As well as exclusive use of the bar and café, free half-time drinks and
halfway line seats, members will enjoy access to every West Ham Premier
League home fixture plus the first three cup games, priority for cup
semi-finals and finals, a dedicated VIP entrance to the Stadium, and a
complimentary matchday programme.

To purchase your membership, register online for a Reservation Centre
appointment to select your seats.

Fans wanting to secure one of the limited number of places will be required
to pay a joining fee of £500 plus VAT, with monthly direct debits of £140
plus VAT beginning from June 2016. This price will remain fixed for the
length of your membership.

When it comes to the big kick-off in 2016, the Boleyn will be the perfect
place to combine your traditional matchday experience with the convenience
of being just seconds away from your seats. Book your place in West Ham's
greatest-ever bar today.

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Sam Allardyce hopes to keep Winston Reid at West Ham
Last Updated: 12/01/15 3:53pm
SSN

West Ham manager Sam Allardyce has reiterated his desire not to lose Winston
Reid who is out of contract this summer. Arsenal are one of a host of clubs
reportedly interested in signing the New Zealand international, whose
current deal at Upton Park expires at the end of the season. Sam Allardyce
says rumoured transfer target Matija Nastasic wants to play overseas and
wouldn't be drawn on stories linking the club with Efe Ambrose. Allardyce
admitted last week that Reid was unlikely to sign a new contract but the
Hammers boss remains hopeful the 26-year-old, who joined West Ham from
Danish club FC Midtjylland in August 2010, will have a change of heart due
to the club's bright future. There has also been speculation the Hammers
could decide to cash in on Reid this month before his contract is up, but
Allardyce is keen to keep him until at least the end of the season unless
the club receive an offer they cannot refuse. "The chairman decides whether
the money is big enough, but for me he stays and I think that the way the
club has improved, I think he will stay."
Allardyce said: "There's no choice for me, he stays - that's it. If somebody
makes a big offer then obviously the chairman decides, but for me he's
staying. "The chairman decides whether the money is big enough, but for me
he stays and I think that the way the club has improved, I think he will
stay. "And I think that what we have done this season, and hopefully (we
will) finish off the season strongly, might persuade him to sign for us. "We
are on the up at the moment and we have got a very big future ahead of us,
moving into the new stadium. So the club could be bigger than it's ever been
in the next four to five years."

Meanwhile, West Ham have been linked with Celtic defender Efe Ambrose, but
Allardyce refused to comment on that speculation with his focus currently on
loan deals. He said: "There is limited finance for us, as I have said
before, on the financial fair play side of it. So anybody coming in on a
permanent basis wouldn't be possible for us, I don't think, based on the
budgets that we have got available. "Maybe a loan player or two, but not a
permanent deal."

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Lazio in talks to sign West Ham midfielder Ravel Morrison, according to Sky
sources
Last Updated: 12/01/15 9:46pm
SSN

Lazio are in talks to sign midfielder Ravel Morrison from West Ham,
according to Sky sources. West Ham have told Morrison, whose contract
expires in the summer, he can leave for free this month despite the fact he
has an £18m buyout clause in his contract, with the London club reportedly
only asking for a percentage of any future sale. Two Premier League clubs
and three clubs in Europe are trying to sign the 21-year-old, although a
dispute between Morrison and West Ham over one month's wages of £60,000 is
holding up any potential deal.
Morrison insists he is owed the money while the club claim they have
deducted it from his December salary as payment of club fines. Morrison has
called the PFA in to mediate. The mdifielder returned to West Ham last month
after an unsuccessful loan spell at Cardiff and has been training with the
U21 development squad, having not played for the Hammers since the August
defeat to Southampton at Upton Park. He has also had loan spells at
Birmingham and QPR since signing from Manchester United for £650,000 two
years ago.

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West Ham v Everton team news
Last Updated: 12/01/15 4:10pm
SSN

West Ham boss Sam Allardyce has hinted he will name his strongest possible
side for Tuesday night's FA Cup third-round replay with Everton at Upton
Park.

The Hammers do not play again until they face Hull on Sunday and Allardyce
feels there is enough time for recovery between the two fixtures for him to
name a full-strength XI.

Although he admitted there are a number of unspecified bumps and bruises,
only Diafra Sakho (back) and Cheikhou Kouyate (international duty) are
expected to be unavailable for selection, with Ravel Morrison not considered
as his future at the club remains unclear.

Everton boss Roberto Martinez will again be without seven players for the
game.

The same group that missed Saturday's 1-1 Premier League draw with
Manchester City continue to be sidelined - Tim Howard (calf), Sylvain Distin
(groin), Tony Hibbert (unspecified), Leon Osman (foot), Darron Gibson,
Steven Pienaar (both knee) and James McCarthy (hamstring).

Martinez has confirmed he intends to include 22-year-old forward Conor
McAleny in the squad for the game in London.

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Andy Carroll aiming for FA Cup glory with West Ham after moment of magic
against Swansea
Jan 11, 2015 22:30 By Andrew Gwilym
The giant 6ft3 striker has been a nightmare for the Swans having slotted
three against them this season already
The Mirror

Andy Carroll again stuck the boot into Swansea before setting his sights on
FA Cup glory with West Ham. The striker's stunning first-half goal at the
Liberty Stadium was his seventh against Swansea and his third against them
this season. It was not enough to secure all three points as Mark Noble's
effort to keep out a Bafetimbi Gomis header only resulted in the ball ending
up in the net. But the result keeps the Hammers in the mix for European
qualification and with their top-flight status all but secure, Carroll wants
to see off Everton in tomorrow's FA Cup replay. He said: "There's nothing
better than a cup run for everyone at West Ham and I feel this is the season
where we could go a long way in it. "There's no reason we can't. We've had a
good run this season, so why can't we carry that on in the FA Cup? "I
thought we could have won at Everton and we were unlucky at the end when we
conceded. "But all the lads are looking forward to the replay and hopefully
getting through to the next round." The England striker's goal was a rare
moment of quality in a scrappy game. Stewart Downing's cross was brilliantly
controlled on the chest, three defenders were beaten and an unstoppable
left-foot shot dispatched into the top corner. "Swansea are a good team to
play against for me as I've scored a few goals. I was taking stick off the
Swansea fans so it was nice to score and I had a bit of banter with them
with the celebration. It was one of my best."

The Hammers should have boss Sam Allardyce back in the dug-out against
Everton after he missed the trip to Wales with a chest infection.
He is on antibiotics now and I am sure in a couple of days will be right as
rain," said assistant Neil McDonald. Gomis's involvement in the equaliser
should have been welcome news to Garry Monk with Wilfried Bony heading to
Manchester City. But the Swans boss is having to fight off interest in the
French international, who said his agent was talking to a "big club". "I am
sure every agent in the world is speaking to someone at this time of year,"
said Monk. "It would only bother me if he wasn't trying or his performance
was affected. You can see in all the games he plays he is 100 per cent with
us."

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Everton striker Romelu Lukaku to play in West Ham replay in tribute of late
Junior Malanda
Jan 12, 2015 22:30 By David Anderson
The Toffees striker has been left devastated after boyhood friend Malanda
was killed in a car crash on Saturday but wants to take to the field at
Upton Park
SSN

Romelu Lukaku will play for Everton on Tuesday night in tribute to his
tragic boyhood pal Junior Malanda. Lukaku has been left devastated after
Wolfsburg defender Malanda was killed in a car crash in Germany on Saturday.
The Belgium striker is being supported by Everton as he deals with the
tragedy and boss Roberto Martinez claims he has found training an escape.
Martinez says Lukaku wants to face West Ham in tonight's FA Cup replay at
Upton Park in honour of Malanda. "Obviously it was an incredible shock for
Rom and for everyone," he said. "We all knew that Rom had that relationship
with Junior because it was a talking point when we played Wolfsburg in the
Europa League, the two of them facing each other. "We found out straight
after the Man City game. It was such incredible news and it has been tough.
Rom has been really affected. Everyone has to be honest, as we only played
them not long ago. "It is so sad it is difficult to comprehend. Rom is
really down about it. He is in constant contact with his family, but he has
been very strong over it. "Playing football probably allows you to get rid
of that feeling and that's exactly what he needs. He trained well on Sunday
and we are all helping and supporting him." Malanda, who was 20, was on the
fringes of the Belgium squad and Martinez says compatriot Kevin Mirallas is
also distraught."Rom is a very sensitive man and he had always been giving
Junior good advice," he said. "Junior was just breaking into the senior side
with Belgium and you can imagine their group is very strong. Kevin Mirallas
was very close to him too. "Their feeling is they want to play football and
show their respect on the pitch as well. "They are such a footballing
family. It is so sad what happened. It makes you appreciate not to take
anything for granted in life." Meanwhile, Leighton Baines claims the cups
are Everton's best hope this season because their Champions League dream is
over.

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Irons: 'We think Rav and Lazio are talking'
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on January 12, 2015 in Whispers
Claret & Hugh

Speculation that Ravel Morrison could join Lazio was not being ruled out by
West Ham this evening. After the story was broken on Sky Sports News,
ClaretandHugh was told by a top Boleyn insider that the club believed the
Italian club was talking to Morrison and his advisers. The player has been
told he can leave Upton Park and given he is out of contract at the end of
the season can sign a deal with the Serie A outfit. The club believe that
whilst a deal with the Italians is "probably unlikely" they refuse to rule
it out entirely.
Our source said: "We think they are talking to him as he can speak to
foreign clubs as of course he's free to sign a pre-contract and we would get
a token fee under FIFA rules should it happen. "Personally, however, I think
it's probably unlikely. There's many factors involved."

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"I'm so flexible" – Sorry Sam run that by me again
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on January 12, 2015 in Whispers
Claret & Hugh

I'm a little bit more flexible than Roberto – he is a total believer in one
style. You become flexible as time goes on. Flexibility teaches you that you
have a philosophy in the way you want to play, but if that way of playing
doesn't suit the players you cannot keep that philosophy."

SAM ALLARDYCE JANUARY 12, 2015

This is the quote which our manager gave to the BBC during an interview
ahead of tomorrow evening's game against Everton! he enlarged typeface has
been used to ensure that you are sure you can believe your eyes! There
really is very little to add except to apologise to the man for so
misunderstanding that he was a multi-faceted tactician with many different
ways of playing, It really does almost beggar belief that Sam could have
chosen to explain himself and his philosophy in such a brazen manner.

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Irons move for Man City defender fails
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on January 12, 2015 in Whispers
Claret & Hugh

West Ham have lost out in the chase for Manchester City defender Matija
Nastasic. Reports in Germany claim the Hammers attempted to make a late move
for the player after he was involved in talks with Schalke. The Hammers
moved in when it became clear that Schalke were keen to take him on loan but
were unwilling to commit to a £10 million fee at the end of the season. City
wanted a loan and offer from the German club at season end and thus the deal
became "bogged down " allowing the Irons to move in. However, the defender,
who is earning £70k a week, was unsure about a move to the east-end and with
uncertainty still surrounding Winston Reid's position the move broke down..

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