Daily WHUFC News - 7th January 2015

Zarate loaned to QPR
WHUFC.com
Mauro Zarate has joined Queens Park Rangers on loan until the end of the
2014/15 season
06.01.2015

West Ham United can confirm that Mauro Zarate has joined Queens Park Rangers
on loan until the end of the 2014/15 season. The Argentine forward will link
up with Harry Redknapp's side, who currently sit 16th in the Barclays
Premier League table, and could make his Hoops debut at Burnley on Saturday.
Zarate will hope to enjoy some invaluable game-time with the R's, having
started just five league matches since his summer arrival at the Boleyn
Ground from Velez Sarsfield. In all, the 28-year-old has scored two goals in
eight appearances for West Ham, seeing his opportunities limited by the form
and presence of fellow forwards Diafra Sakho, Enner Valencia, Andy Carroll
and Carlton Cole.

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Westley delighted with Dev Squad
WHUFC.com
Academy Director Terry Westley was delighted with the Dev Squad's 1-0 win
over Leicester
06.01.2015

West Ham United Academy Director Terry Westley said he was pleased with his
side's efforts after they beat Leicester City 1-0 at Rush Green on Monday
night. In a tight game with few chances between either side, the Hammers
took the three points when substitute Djair Parfitt-Williams headed home
Lewis Page's corner on 84 minutes. The crucial victory keeps the Dev Squad's
hopes of avoiding relegation alive and speaking after the game, Westley
said: "It was a tough game, a bottom of the table battle from start to
finish. "I actually thought the first twenty minutes we did very well. We
created some really good opportunities, our shape of the team was very good.
The two wide men Matty Fanimo and Blair Turgott were dangerous in behind,
running past their full backs which led to some great opportunities. "I was
really pleased because with 15 minutes to go we got a second wind, a breath
of fresh air if you like. All three substitutes, Jordan Brown, Lewis Page
and Djair Parfitt-Williams made an impact and they gave us some energy. We
had more pace particularly, and I'm delighted for young Djair getting his
first goal for the U21s."

The Dev Squad's 84th minute winner was Parfitt-Williams' first for the Dev
Squad, having already netted six times for the U18s this season. "It was a
big moment for him and we need to keep pushing younger players up the age
group. He's impressed me in my time here, he needs to attack a bit quicker
but he'll learn to do that. He's training with the U21s and I'm pleased to
be able to give him an opportunity on the pitch."

The win also saw the Dev Squad secure their first clean sheet of the season,
after 14 attempts in all competitions. When asked about the defensive
performance, Westley enthused: "I think all the back players, Pottsy the
captain, Howes in goal, Sam Westley and the two Reeces were fantastic for
us. "I thought the two centre-backs were magnificent for us, they were
outstanding. Their management team couldn't believe how young they were.
Their striker Hopper has played league football but they kept battling away
and ultimately kept him quiet.
"Amos Nasha as well did superbly, he hasn't started many games this season
but he did very well today. Alongside Kieran Bywater in midfield they give
us a good basis to play off."

The win comes at an important time, with the Dev Squad facing a busy January
with five games in total. Their next game is on Friday against London rivals
Tottenham Hotspur. "We might mix the team up a bit, we've got a few bumps
and bruises from tonight. Also the window is open for loans so we'll see
about that. There were 23 clubs here tonight so we'll see if any one of them
want to take any of our players. If we think it's the right move then we'll
always consider it. Tottenham don't have a game this week so we'll have to
take that into consideration due to the physical effort these games take.
"We then play again next Wednesday away at Everton, so it's three quick
games. Tonight gives a little bit of impetus and confidence that we need to
get away from the bottom two."

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Djair delighted with winning goal
WHUFC.com
Djair Parfitt-Williams scored his first goal for the Dev Squad in 1-0 win
over Leicester City
06.01.2015

West Ham United Academy striker Djair Parfitt-Williams scored his first goal
for the Development Squad as the Hammers beat Leicester City 1-0 in a tight
encounter at Rush Green on Monday night. The 18-year-old has been in fine
form for Steve Potts' U18s this season, scoring six goals in 16 appearances
and he continued his impressive run of form with a header from a Lewis Page
corner in the 84th minute.
With the Dev Squad currently sitting bottom of the Barclays U21 Premier
League, Parfitt-Williams' goal was a crucial intervention to make sure they
do not fall further adrift. Speaking after the game, the Bermudan born goal
scorer said: "I scored my first goal for the U21s and hopefully the first of
many. I scored a header off a corner even though I'm probably one of the
shortest players on the pitch. It felt good to score. "I scored one header
before earlier this season for the U18s but this my only my second one this
season."

Having put in impressive performances for the U18s over the last 18 months,
Parfitt-Williams has played a handful of games for the Dev Squad, including
the 5-3 defeat by Bilbao Athletic. With three Dev Squad appearances to his
name this season, the exciting attacker is aiming to add to this number as
the season progresses. "Of course it's good for Jordan Brown and myself to
be getting opportunities in the U21s. We're both happy, we work well
together and hopefully that will continue. "It was a physical game and
everybody worked hard, definitely. We all put in a good shift, we kept going
until the end and we got a reward for it."

The Development Squad's next game is against London rivals Tottenham Hotspur
on Friday 9 January 2015 at Rush Green Stadium, kick off is 7pm. Admission
is FREE for all Season Ticket Holders, while general admission is just £3
and £1 for U16s.

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Alex Song will NOT go to AFCON
KUMB.com
Filed: Tuesday, 6th January 2015
By: Staff Writer

West Ham boss Sam Allardyce received a huge boost tonight after it was
revealed that Alex Song will not now be representing Cameroon at this
month's African Cup of Nations. Shortly after West Ham's 3rd round FA Cup
tie at Everton ended this evening (more on that soon), the Telegraph's Matt
Law revealed on Twitter that Song will be returning to West Ham imminently.
The news of Song's return is a major fillip for Allardyce, who was facing
the prospect of being without the on-loan midfielder and Senegal's Diafra
Sakho and Cheik Kouyate - both key to West Ham's revival this season - for
the next few weeks. Whilst the latter is preparing for the AFCON with his
squad, Sakho is currently receiving treatment for the back injury he
sustained against West Brom last week and it is by no means certain that he
will be fit enough to play in the tournament, which begins on 17 January.

* Keep an eye on KUMB for full details on where and when you'll be able to
see West Ham's representatives at the tournament in action.

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Alex Song: I want to rebuild my career at the Boleyn
KUMB.com
Filed: Tuesday, 6th January 2015
By: Staff Writer

Alex Song has released a statement explaining his decision to retire from
international football, citing his desire to "rebuild my career at West Ham
United". The on-loan midfielder looked set to join up with the Cameroon
squad as they prepare for the forthcoming African Cup of Nations. That was
until it was revealed negotiations had reached an impasse - and that he
would be returning to West Ham immediately.
"Since the World Cup in the summer and my subsequent exclusion from the
Cameroon squad for the African Cup of Nations I have taken the decision to
retire from international football," read a statement by Song. "It is true
that there were some discussions of late to include me in the squad for this
tournament, but I feel after a lot of careful though and numerous
discussions with my family this is the right decision. "My love for my
country will never change but I want to take time to focus purely on
domestic football and start to rebuild my career at West Ham United. I wish
Cameroon all the best and the team will always be in my heart."

Song has featured on 14 occasions for West Ham this season, having made his
debut against Hull City in the 2-2 draw at the KC Stadium back in September.
He is contracted to West Ham until the end of the current season, when he is
scheduled to return to parent club Barcelona - although the chances of him
resurrecting his career at the Nou Camp are slim, at best.

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Mauro Zarate: I needed to leave West Ham
KUMb.com
Filed: Tuesday, 6th January 2015
By: Staff Writer

Mauro Zarate says he has to leave West Ham as he needed to play on a regular
basis. Zarate, speaking via qpr.co.uk this lunchtime (Tuesday) revealed that
his biggest incentive for leaving the Boleyn Ground was a lack of first team
football, with the likes of Diafra Sakho, Enner Valencia and Andy Carroll
above him in the pecking order. "It's very difficult when you don't play,"
he said. "Last year I played every game in Argentina, so coming to West Ham
and not playing is very bad for me. So I decided to come to QPR and show
what I can do. "I need this, I need to play and Queens Park Rangers have
given me this chance to show what I can do. The Premier League is the best
in the world at this moment. Does my style suit the Premier League? Maybe.
We will see! "When I met the manager he told me he wanted to sign me for
Portsmouth, but I went to Lazio. Now I am here and I will play for him. I
will try to do different things with the ball, some skills to make the
difference for the team, for me and for the other players. " I am fit and I
hope I can be involved on Saturday."

Meanwhile Harry Redknapp, who little more than 24 hours ago gave the
impression that the deal was off, added: "We're really pleased to bring
Mauro in. He's a good footballer, someone with great ability who can play as
a number 10. "I first saw him when he was on loan at Birmingham quite a few
years back and I actually tried to take him to Portsmouth back then. He's a
more-than capable player, he's already shown that, and hopefully he can come
in here and do well for us."

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Hammers linked with Italian defender
KUMB.com
Filed: Tuesday, 6th January 2015
By: Staff Writer

West Ham are being linked with a move for Watford's Italian defender
Gabriele Angella, according to reports emanating from Italy.
The 25-year-old centre half has spent the last 18 months at Vicarage Road
where he has continued to impress and that, say tuttomercatoweb.com, has led
West Ham and West Brom to make tentative enquiries into the player's
availability. Angella, who began his professional career with Udinese joined
Watford on a free transfer in July 2013, since when he has made more than 50
starts for the Hornets. Only last month he was linked with a return to his
former club, who were also keen to take Angella back to Italy last summer.

One Watford fan, posting on wfcforums.com recently, said of Angella: "He's
an absolute class player. Everything he does is so effortless and assured.
He's by far the best centre back we've had in the 15 years I've followed
Watford." Whilst another added: " I think he will go on to become a stalwart
in defence of a big Italian club for years to come. It is a pleasure to
watch him play."

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Romelu Lukaku rescues Everton against West Ham
Last Updated: 06/01/15 10:05pm
SSN

Romelu Lukaku's injury-time equaliser denied West Ham a place in the fourth
round of FA Cup and forced a replay after their 1-1 draw at Goodison Park.
James Collins' near-post header in the 56th-minute, converting Morgan
Amalfitano's whipped delivery, looked to have settled an even tie on
Merseyside before Lukaku's late intervention. The Hammers made the brighter
start to proceedings but ultimately conceded the better chances to their
hosts in the first half. For all of their endeavour Everton squandered
numerous opportunities to level the match with Lukaku the main culprit on
several occasions in both halves to hand his side a route back into the
game. The Hammers looked destined to have booked a trip to either Doncaster
or Bristol City in the next round but Lukaku swooped in second-half stoppage
time to force a replay. The Belgian controlled Bryan Oviedo's driven cross
before firing past Adrian in the Hammers goal to ensure the sides would have
to play again next week at Upton Park.

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Everton 1-1 West Ham: Under-par Toffees earn replay thanks to last-gasp
Romelu Lukaku goal
Jan 06, 2015 21:52 By David Maddock
The Irons looked to have booked their place in the Fourth Round but Roberto
Martinez's side managed to snatch a draw at the last
The Mirror

Romelu Lukaku produced a dramatic stoppage-time leveller to keep Everton's
FA Cup hopes alive. With the pressure reaching crisis point on boss Roberto
Martinez as West Ham led in the dying seconds through a James Collins header
that exposed serious Goodison fault lines, the Belgian striker pounced to
smash home an acrobatic left foot volley. It was justice for the big centre
forward too, who was the one bright note of an otherwise insipid performance
from the home side, as they were dominated for long periods by West Ham.
Collins was the latest to ruthlessly capitalise on an Everton set piece
weakness that has infected the previously indomitable Merseyside club at a
rate as surprising as it has been swift. He was completely unmarked as he
ran across the six yard box in the 56th minute to smash home a header at the
near post that embarrassed the home goalkeeper and the defenders in front of
him. With a tie against lower league opposition in the next round, the
Hammers started to dream of adding to their illustrious history in this
competition, given their form and imposing strength in recent months. But
with the referee looking at his watch after adding fur minutes of stoppage
time, the Blues launched one last desperate attack.

Bryan Oviedo broke down the left and sent in a hopeful cross that found
Lukaku for once given space by an otherwise admirable visiting defence. And
the Belgium star took one touch with his left foot before lashing in the
bouncing ball on the volley, to send the fans into raptures, and release the
pressure that had been building throughout the second half. Everton almost
had the perfect start, with the distinctly creaky Joel Robles showing why
Martinez indicated he will look for a new keeper this month in the absence
of the injured Tim Howard. He came, saw and flapped at a Stewart Downing
cross, and the Hammers would have opened their account but for a flag as
Enner Valencia strayed just offside. It is the sort of break Everton so
desperately needed – desperation being the operative word, given the frantic
nature of much of their play. Yet perhaps buoyed by that let off, they
eventually settled into this tie, inspired no doubt by their manager's
fondness for cup competition and the attention it brings. The Blues should
have been ahead by half time, with Steven Naismith heralding a better period
of play with a shot that flashed wide on 18 minutes. Before that Everton
were listless, after, they seemed much more the old Everton.

Lukaku twice raced through, showing more edge to his game than he has in the
past month, and was unlucky not to produce a goal. First, he raced away from
the defence, but saw his shot flick off a defender and fly just wide. Then
his ferocious effort stung Adrian's palms, and Naismith was close to
converting the rebound. In between, Naismith also fired across goal from a
narrow angle, and Seamus Coleman was inches away from getting on the end of
a Kevin Mirallas cross. West Ham will wonder how they survived that mini
onslaught, but it allowed them to come out after the break with the belief
that a goal would create frustration among the home support. How it did. The
Hammers, no doubt inspired by words from their manager, were more energetic,
more committed after the break, and pushed Everton back with real intent.
Their goal on 55 minutes seemed almost inevitable, with Jenkinson and
Downing denied in the minutes before, the latter's deflected shot producing
a corner that Amalfitano floated over, and James Collins headed home at the
near post. It was the sort of sloppy goal Everton have conceded too many
times this season, their marking of the big defender too slack as he ran
across the six yard box.

The Hammers almost doubled their lead soon after, Robles making a fine save
from Valencia's close-range header. But Lukaku was to have the last word,
saving the hosts' blushes in added time.

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Allardyce hits out at Valencia miss
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on January 6, 2015 in Whispers
Claret & Hugh

West Ham manager Sam Allardyce was left bitterly disappointed after the
Hammers let a 1-0 lead over Everton slip in injury time and now face a
tricky FA Cup third round replay at the Boleyn. He claimed we hadn't
defender properly and of the Everton equaliser said: "The lad (Oviedo) was
incredibly lucky to get a cross in which was untouched by our defence and
that was that. It's all the more disappointing to concede so late in injury
time."
He then launched a tirade of criticism at Enner Valencia for placing a
header straight at the keeper Robles earlier in the game declaring: "You
expect someone of his ability to do better than that." He added: "But we put
in a really good team performance. I think they all played up to their
maximum but the overwhelming feeling is one of disappointment."

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Hammers hit by Lukaku late leveller
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on January 6, 2015 in Whispers
Claret & Hugh

With Andy Carroll having suffered an injury in training, manager Sam
Allardyce started with Enner Valencia up top. Morgan Amalfitano was played
in an advanced role with Mark Noble and Kevin Nolan coming in as expected.
The game settled into into a nice tempo from the start and the Irons first
chance came when Matt Jarvis clipped in a cross for Winston Reid to head
wide. Everton went straight to the other end and a Lukaku drive was spilled
by Adrian but Reid was on hand to clear before Jenkins crossed for Jarvis
who flicked goalwards but with little pace for keeper Robles collected.
Although the Irons were dominating possession, the home side looked the more
dangerous going forward and Naismith had Adrian scrambling as a 25 yard shot
flew wide. Barkley then released Lukaku but his powerful shot too flew wide.
Naismith pushed forward again but saw his shot from a tight angle fly across
the face of goal.

Everton had yet another outstanding chance when Miralles fired a wicked
cross to the far post but Coleman just failed to get a touch.
At the other end Amafitano fired over the top before Reid, who had performed
well at the heart of the Hammers defence thwarted Lukaku from close in. The
Irons started the second half with a rattle and Robles was forced to save
well when Jenkinson galloped forward and unleashed a fierce drive. But on 56
minutes the Hammers produced a clasic training ground set piece when from
Amalfitano's outswinging corner saw Collins arriving at the near post to
crash home a brilliant header. The home side responded well but for all
their forward movement and the constant Lukaku threat they could not create
a real chance. Valencia could have added to the lead when his header from
Noble's fine ball in was palmed over the top by Robles. Manager Allardyce
adopted a "what we have we hold" approach bringing on Cole for Valencia and
Poyet for Jarvis but Lukaku was to have the last word deep into four minutes
of injury time. The huge striker arrived in the box tolas him from six yards
from Oviedpo's cross after the Hammers defence had failed to clear.

West Ham Adrian 7 Jenkinson 7 Reid 8 Collins 8, Cresswell 7; Noble 7, Nolan
4, Amalfitan0 7 Downing 7 Jarvis 6 Valencia 6

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Agent: "Sam may be trying to flush out an offer"
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on January 6, 2015 in Whispers
Claret & Hugh

Sam Allardyce's very public declaration that Winston Reid may have come to a
verbal agreement – with some club or other – was today described to
ClaretandHugh as looking like "a desperate attempt to flush out an offer."
We spoke to one of the country's top agents – who wished to remain anonymous
– but said: "It seems that Sam may be hoping bring one from the clubs
reported to be interested – Arsenal, Liverpool or Manchester United…or
indeed anywhere! "It's impossible to believe the Hammers won't have heard if
there's any real interest and most inside the game who have been close to
the situation know there hasn't been an inquiry. Had there been Sam would
hardly need to talk in these terms. "Big four clubs – or indeed any Premier
League clubs – aren't into doing private verbal agreements – the money does
the talking. Things are done properly "There's a game of bluff going on and
it looks more and more likely there has been absolutely no interest as the
club has regularly suggested. All agents plant stories in the press to whip
up interest when they are struggling to get a bite! "It's January and Sam's
may be attempting putting the pressure on any club where there may be an
interest by talking in these terms. It's the last window from which the club
can get a fee after all. "If – as most believe – there has been no interest
from anywhere it's even more worrying from Winston's point of view because
if his advisers go back trying to do a deal they may find the terms offered
earlier are no longer available."

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Irons see summer Zarate result
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on January 6, 2015 in Whispers
Claret & Hugh

West Ham are in a "win win" situation following Mauro Zarate's departure to
Loftus Road and are looking at the possibility of a decent summer transfer
fee or a successful return to Upton Park "should a new manager be
appointed." With the club having moved £40k a week off the wage bill and
picked up a £500,000 loan fee, the financial advantage represents a saving
of nearly £1.5 million over the rest of the 2014-15 season. But one of
ClaretandHugh's top insiders made it clear that much bigger benefits may be
available further down the line. He said: "The finances are one thing but in
the middle to long term it may be even more interesting if Mauro proves to
be a success over there. "It could easily mean that we can sell him at a
decent price or, should a change of manager take place, the new man could
easily fancy him. "Given the circumstances surrounding the situation – which
haven't been all that clever – we appear to have got a result out of this.
To be honest we could be in a win win situation all the way."

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Irons hammer out brilliant Zarate terms
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on January 6, 2015 in Whispers
Claret & Hugh

West Ham have agreed an excellent financial deal following Mauro Zarate's
switch to Queens Park Rangers. With the player in great demand from Premier
League, La Liga and Serie A clubs, we have been able to negotiate a top
dollar package from the Hoops. ClaretandHugh understands that Rangers have
agreed to pay the whole of Zarate's £40k a week wages over the six months he
will be at the club and the Hammers have also agreed a loan fee in addition.
That is believed to be in or around £500,000 with the deal being boosted by
late interest from Crystal Palace manager Alan Pardew. A Hammers source
said: "The deal is done and both sides are happy. It should be an
interesting six months for Rangers and us."

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