Daily WHUFC News - 17th February 2015

Manager on Monday
WHUFC.com
Sam Allardyce is targeting a stronger squad and an improved performance at Tottenham Hotspur on Sunday
16.02.2015

West Ham United manager Sam Allardyce is expecting several familiar faces back to bolster his battle-weary squad for Sunday's big London derby with Tottenham Hotspur. The likes of James Collins, Winston Reid and Diego Poyet are set to return to training this week as Big Sam plots a repeat of last season's unforgettable 3-0 at White Hart Lane. He will also certainly be hoping that no more of the squad that were knocked out of the FA Cup at West Bromwich Albion on Saturday will be missing, following Morgan Amalfitano's red card and subsequent three-game suspension. "We've got a good recovery period now," the manager explained. "We'll have our usual post-game routine and then it's the big derby on Sunday against Spurs. We'll have some of our injured players back to bolster the squad, which will help, and hopefully we'll bounce straight back at Tottenham. "Alex Song was playing his third game in six days on Sunday so he was fatiguing and Diafra Sakho is another player we have to look after due to his back problem. We brought them off early on Saturday when we were 3-0 down so they could be ready for Sunday."

The exertions of three games in just shy of six days evidently took their toll on the Hammers, who were second best for much of the fifth-round tie at the Hawthorns. After battling draws at home to Manchester United last Sunday and away to Southampton last Wednesday, Big Sam felt some of his players were more than a little jaded. "It was a game too far for us based on our Premier League fixtures over the past week. They didn't give us the right opportunity to go to West Brom and play better to try and win the tie. It was a game too far for us and we can see that in the players. As hard as they wanted to get through, their energy levels couldn't get them there. "The players have given everything in a short space of time but it wasn't good enough on Saturday. The FA Cup is gone and we wanted it to go as far as we could but if we hadn't had the Premier League fixtures we would have given a better account of ourselves."

Due to the game being an FA Cup tie, the Claret and Blue Army's numbers were swelled to some 5,500 and they made their presence felt from the off. Sadly, it was to turn out to be a disappointing day for them and everyone else connected to the Club. "When fans are happy they cheer and applaud you and say how well you've done and when they're not so happy they show their disappointment. My professional job as a manager is to get the players out on the pitch to entertain the supporters as much as we can, which is what we've done for 80 or 90 per cent of the season. We now have to try to bounce back as quickly as possible and finish the season strongly."

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Downing baffled by Baggies defeat
WHUFC.com
Stewart Downing was bitterly disappointed to exit the FA Cup at West Brom on Saturday
15.02.2015

Stewart Downing was left to reflect on a bad day at the office for his West Ham United team after they were dumped out of the FA Cup by West Bromwich Albion on Saturday. The Hammers suffered a 4-0 defeat to end a run which included a dramatic penalty shootout victory over Everton and a gritty display to see off Bristol City. They came unstuck at The Hawthorns on a day to forget and Downing was baffled as to where the poor display came from. "I don't know where to start to be honest," he admitted. "They were on top for most of the game. We didn't start great and once they got the goal, they sat back and it's hard to break them down. "It was one of those days when nothing went right for us. With the sending off too, it's a bad day at the office. "I couldn't really see this coming. They sit behind the ball and make it hard for you and the key is scoring first. If we had done, it's a different game as they have to come out and attack us.
"They can counter-attack off their two lads up front. It worked for them and for us we didn't get going really."

Most disappointing for Downing was throwing away the hard work to get to the last-16 stage, with a potential Wembley date starting to appear on the horizon. He continued: "We worked hard to get to this stage, so to go out like that is the worst thing about it. If you lose 1-0 or 2-0 and you've had a go then fair enough, but to lose four and it could have been five or six, nothing went right for us. "To sum it up, we missed chances, didn't pass the ball great and didn't defend the goals well so we didn't deserve anything. "Maybe having the two tough games this week had an effect, but this is the FA Cup. It's a chance to go to Wembley, so that alone should get you going. "We just didn't get out of the blocks and credit to West Brom, they got through so I wish them luck."

The midfielder says the Hammers still have plenty to play for this term, with European qualification still on their minds, He explained: "We have to concentrate on the league now, which has been the highlight of our season. We have to make sure we don't let it slip away because we've put in a lot of hard work to get to where we are at the minute. "We're still in the hunt for the European places, so Tottenham is a massive game. If we end up finishing tenth or eleventh, people won't look at the start of the season as being good. "We have to continue to do well. We're still in a healthy position, we've still got winnable games to come so Spurs is massive for us and we need to get a result." Downing concluded by offering his apologies to the 5,500 travelling fans. "We say sorry to the fans because the way we performed wasn't good enough," he said. Confidence was high after two good results, so I didn't see this coming. "It's a bad day at the office and I'm disappointed that we're out of the Cup."

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Loan round up
WHUFC.com
See how the six West Ham United loanees fared this weekend
16.02.2015

Tim Brown was awarded Man of the Match as Canvey Island drew with Grays Athletic on Saturday while Taylor Tombides was substituted after 77 minutes. The visitors started the better of the two sides however it was Canvey who took a first half lead through George Sykes.
Grays' pressure eventually took its toll as Manny Parry equalised from close range with just two minutes. In the dying seconds Brown made a fantastic save to deny Dumebi Dumaka and secure a valuable point.

Modibo Maiga played the full game as FC Metz lost 2-0 to Guingamp at the Stade Saint-Symphorien. The visitors took the lead in the 26 minute through striker Christophe Mandanne before Jeremy Pied doubled their advantage before half-time. The defeat sees Metz stay at the bottom of Ligue Un while Guingamp climb to eighth.

Sean Maguire was an unused substitute in Accrington Stanley's 2-1 win away at Southend United. Piero Mingoia volleyed Stanley ahead before Terry Gornell's lob doubled their lead. The Shrimpers hit back immediately from Barry Corr's header but it was too little too late.

Nathan Mavila played 88 minutes in Wealdstone's 2-1 away win at Staines Town. Michael Corcoran put the visitors ahead before Mavila's cross was tucked in by Watford loanee Luke O'Nien. After the break Elliott Buchanan pulled one back but Wealdstone held on for the three points.

Jaanai Gordon played the first 58 minutes of Chelmsford City's 2-0 defeat by Maidenhead United. The striker was replaced by Sam Gregory in the second half.

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Mediawatch - 16 February
WHUFC.com
Our daily look at West Ham United in the news
16.02.2015

In The Sun (£), Stewart Downing says the Hammers must redeem themselves at Tottenham Hotspur on Sunday. Describing the White Hart Lane clash as 'massive', the midfielder explains that it show whether the Hammers can bouce back swiftly.

Former Chelsea and Real Madrid man Lassana Diarra tells the Mirror he is hopeful that the Hammers will revive their interest in him come the Summer transfer window.

Talking to the Mail Online, the manager vows to end the campaign in entertaining fashion following Saturday's disappointing FA Cup exit.
In London 24, West Ham correspondent Dave Evans argues in this opinion piece that the team and not the management should have been the focus of the supporters' disappointment on Saturday.

Finally, Stevenage paper The Comet report that Academy graduate and former Hammer Jack Collison returned home to Shefford to coach young players recently.

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Replica shirts update
WHUFC.com
West Ham United are pleased to update supporters on the Club's 2014/15 replica shirts
16.02.2015

Following the announcement of West Ham United's record sponsorship deal with Betway, the Club are pleased to provide supporters with further news on how they can obtain updated replica shirts. Supporters should note that all existing stock is to be rebranded, with Betway now to feature on all adult shirts and West Ham United Foundation on the junior equivalents to mirror the branding worn by the senior and Academy teams respectively. These will be in stock instore and online within the next few weeks. Additionally, both junior and adult supporters who have already purchased a 2014/15 replica shirt are welcome to get their shirt updated, free of charge, at any of the Club's four official stores. This will be possible from Tuesday 24 February, in the lead up to the Crystal Palace game. Please note that due to the volume of supporters present, updates cannot be made on a matchday at the Stadium Store from two hours prior to kick-off. Together, the Club and Betway have explored all avenues for the re-branding of the shirts through various suppliers as a new shirt could not be produced. The solution found is the best available and was chosen based on the needs of the players. Sourced from Norway, the shirt branding is composed from a durable and lightweight, high-performance material, providing full range of movement and comfort while on the pitch. While this solution is market leading, it is of course only temporary. The 2015/16 shirt has been designed in collaboration with Betway with branding engrained in the shirt's look to ensure it befits the Hammers' final season at the Boleyn Ground.

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Three match ban for Amalfitano
KUMB.com
Filed: Monday, 16th February 2015
By: Staff Writer

Morgan Amalfitano has been handed a three-match ban for his dismissal against West Brom on Saturday. The French winger was sent off having been on the field for just ten minutes against his old club, in West Ham's FA Cup mauling at the Hawthorns. Booked initially for a late challenge on Chris Brunt, Amalfitano was issued a straight red moments later for pushing Brunt in the face. Amalfitano, who joined West Ham in a cut-price deal last summer has made 22 appearances for West Ham this season, scoring twice. Prior to his red card on Saturday he was previously booked on two occaasions, against Man City and Newcastle (both at home).

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Free agent in talks
KUMb.com
Filed: Monday, 16th February 2015
By: Staff Writer

David Sullivan has revealed that West Ham are in talks with a free agent. Sullivan, speaking to a KUMB source at West Brom on Saturday afternoon confirmed that a striker flew into London yesterday ahead of talks with view to a short-term contract. And according to the Mail this morning, that striker is 33-year-old former PSG star Nene, who had been out of contract since leaving Quataro outfit Al-Gharafa.
The 6' Brazilian began his career in South America back in 1999. He moved to Europe in 2003 to join Mallorca, with whom he stayed for just one season. Alaves snapped up the free kick specialist in the summer of 2004 - a club he went on to score 21 times for in 78 games. Thereafter he enjoyed spells with Celta (3 goal in 38 appearances), Monaco (19 in 63) and Espanyol (4 in 35). In 2010, Nene earned a dream move to Paris St Germain in a €5.5.million switch. His second year at the club saw his finish level with current Arsenal star Olivier Giroud as Ligue 1's top goalscorer. However after falling out with head coach Carlo Ancelotti he left France to join Al-Gharafa of Qatar for €4.5.million.

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Disturbing new Sullivan video emerges (NSFW)
KUMB.com
Filed: Monday, 16th February 2015
By: Staff Writer

A new video showing West Ham fans encircling co-owner David Sullivan at the Hawthorns on Saturday has emerged. Sullivan, who left the game prior to the full time whistle was accosted by a number of middle-aged fans in the car park at the Hawthorns. And this new video, longer than the first video posted on KUMB at the weekend showed the club's co-owner defending himself from a barrage of abuse from angry fans.
"Why are you leaving early? Why are you f**king off early?" blasted one middle-aged man, as he stood confrontationally in front of the diminutive 66-year-old - as other fans shouted comments such as "get Fat Sam and Nolan out".

Then, as Sullivan left the scene to return to his car one fan repeatedly shouted the c-word. See the video (posted by user Cameron Spicer) for yourself below - please be prepared to hear liberal use of foul language.

http://www.kumb.com/story.php?id=128285

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Lassana Diarra hoping West Ham rekindle transfer interest in the summer
Last Updated: 16/02/15 3:24pm
SSN

West Ham will consider a move for midfielder Lassana Diarra in the summer, but only if he becomes a free agent, Sky sources understand.
Diarra trained with the Hammers earlier this month but a contract dispute with his club Lokomotiv Moscow ended any hopes of them signing him. The former France international claims he was fired by the club but Lokomotiv Moscow will not let him register for someone else until they reach a resolution. West Ham manager Sam Allardyce has confirmed his desire to bring Diarra to Upton Park but will only do so if he is freed by his current employers. Diarra recently said of the dispute: "As long as the conflict is not sorted, FIFA forbid me to play so it's so frustrating. "What happened was that I got fired from a club and now I cannot play football. It's a crazy thing because I'm free. "Hopefully it can all be resolved and the deal with West Ham can be completed."

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THE NIGHT WE TOOK THE P*** OUT OF TOTTENHAM
By Iain Dale 16 Feb 2015 at 17:20
West Ham Til I Die
Guest Post by Rome Hammer

On a hot Wednesday evening, September 2, 1981, I went to see Tottenham Hotspur v West Ham United at White Hart Lane, a passionate affair and a real corker of a match. It was the second game of the 1981/2 Season. West Ham's opener, at home to Brighton the Saturday before, had been a dour game with neither side impressing in the 1-1 draw. West Ham's unsteady inauguration to the top flight, after the record-breaking promotion season—a season that John Lyall would later write as being his personal best—provoked the press to speculate on the Hammers' chances of survival. The mid-week derby, against the reigning FA Cup winners' and their international pack of flamboyant stars, such as Ricky Villa, Ray Clemence, Glen Hoddle and Steve Perryman, was to have provided a more trying task for the new boys from Upton Park.

I reached White Hart Lane at 7.30, fifteen minutes before kick-off, and managed to squeeze myself in amongst the heaving legions of West Ham fans already crammed into the stadium. I was lucky to secure a minuscule spot on a ledge right at the back of the terraces, from where I perched to view the game. The Park Lane stand that night was completely packed to the rafters with West Ham fans. The ground was crammed to breaking point; three sides swayed to the pre-match chants, while to our left stood Tottenham's new West Stand, nearly completed, gleaning, pristine and empty; but this deserted side didn't detract from the atmosphere. The morning after's newspapers gave that night's attendance as 41,200—200 more than the maximum official capacity allowed while Tottenham were doing up the ground.

West Ham's squad that season was more or less made up of the same sides that had won the FA Cup in 1980, reached the League Cup final and the quarter finals of the Cup Winners' Cup in 1981, and that which had set the record breaking total of 66 points in winning the old Second Division Championship, the last season that two points were awarded for a win. By today's standards West Ham would have won promotion with 94 points, which, I believe, would still be a post-war points record. West Ham's line up that night was: Phil Parkes; Ray Stewart, Frank Lampard, Billy Bonds, Alvin Martin; Alan Devonshire, Geoff Pike, Paul Allen, Jimmy Neighbour; David Cross and Paul Goddard with Bobby Barnes as substitute. Missing was the celestial talent of Trevor Brooking who was still not match fit after injury.

Before the match, two middleweight boxers saluted the crowd from the pitch. One was Mark Kaylor, an ardent West Ham supporter who fought in his team's colours, and the other was Jimmy Ellis, who was billed on the night as being a Tottenham fan. The terraces greeted them with a deafening roar and the chanting grew ever louder. These two were to fight at Wembley Arena on September 15 with Kaylor winning.

The kick-off pushed the highly partisan crowd to fever pitch and an even greater din and commotion ensued; the atmosphere that night was so electric that London's energy demand could have been supplied direct from the ground.

When David Cross scored at the Paxton End of the ground in the first half, the West Ham end erupted in unconstrained jubilation; the crowd swayed as one and I was nearly swept down the terraces in the reeling revelry. It was a happy claret and blue contingent that belted out "I'm Forever Blowing Bubbles" throughout the half-time ceremonies rendering the on-the-pitch presentations inaudible; but none of West Ham's choirboys could have imagined the second half's fanfare. It was a shame that Eammon Andrews was not there to present 'This is Your Life" to the man-of-match: the indomitable David Cross, or "Psycho" as he was fondly known. For it was his goals that trounced Spurs that night, four in all, the third, a spectacular right-footed volley from a Geoff Pike cross. Cross later claimed that that goal, and the his mercurial performance that night was one of the best of his career, and in appreciation of his efforts shirts soon appeared in the East End emblazoned with: Tottenham 0 Psycho 4.

And what joy there was on the terraces. The roof shook, the stanchions rattled, and the terraces rippled to the dancing of "Knees Up Mother Brown." Not a squeak was heard from the despondent Tottenham followers as they slunk off early. The Shelf had been shelved. For the last fifteen minutes the West Ham fans sang out "We took the piss again, Tottenham, Tottenham!" When the game finished rapturous applause of unbounded joy exploded from the West Ham supporters. The mile and a half walk back to Seven Sisters tube station was to see some skirmishing as the Tottenham devotees took offence at not only the result, but also to the constant chanting of "We took the piss again." That night at Seven Sisters Station the Tube's tunnels echoed all over London with the ecstatic rejoicing of the boys (and girls) in claret and blue. West Ham were back and no-one would speculate further on the chances of the Irons going back down that season.

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SHOCKING VIDEO OF DAVID SULLIVAN THREATENED BY FANS
By Sean Whetstone 16 Feb 2015 at 12:14
West Ham till I Die

The full shocking video of the abuse suffered by West Ham chairman David Sullivan at the hands of a minority of West Ham bullies has emerged on youtube. Judging the age of these so called fans they should know better and their vile behaviour does not represent the club or the majority of our fan base.

Sullivan looks visibly shocked at one stage and raises his hands in defence when he thinks he might get hit by one angry fan.

Full Transcript
Fan voice 1: It's not your fault, it's not your fault.
Fan voice 2: Don't talk to me, I'm a season-ticket holder.
Sullivan: Who else is going to take over?
Fan voice 2: I'm a season-ticket holder, don't talk to me like that.
Why are you leaving early? Why are you f***ing leaving early?
Fan voice 3: Why are you f***ing off early?
Sullivan: Why are you?
Fan voice 2: Because I've got to travel back on the f***ing train, not a f***ing Rolls Royce or a f***ing plane. We're fans.
Sullivan: Look, I'm a fan. I've never left early all season. That was the worst performance all season.
Fan voice 2: Can you give us something back though?
Fan voice 4: Does Karren Brady take it up the muffled.
Fan voice 2: Can we just forget it and instead of palming it all of can we have some answers?
Sullivan: I'll shake your hand, shake your hand, shake your hand.
Fan voice 5: I've been a West Ham supporter for 40 f***ing years. Why aren't you f***ing doing something?
Fan voice 2: Can we have some answers?
Fan voice 4: Does Karren Brady take it up the a***?
Fan voice 2: Can we have some answers please?
Sullivan: That's not big and it's not clever.
Fan voice 6: That's not funny.
Fan voice 2: Can we have some answers? Proper answers, not on Twitter, not on Twitter.
Fan voice 7: Listen mate, we was up at four o'clock this morning…
Fan voice 8: Get Big Sam out!
Fan voice 9: Sam out!
Fan voice 7: We got caught in a crash on the motorway, someone died, someone died, and we got here 25 minutes gone, and we're leaving 25 minutes to go. We've had it with him.
Sullivan: I've never left early.
Fan voice 7: We've had it with him.
Sullivan: All season it was the worst performance.
Fan voice 10: Fair play to you, fair play to you.
Fan voice 11: West Brom, they're going down mate, get rid of that fat c***!
Fan voice 12: Fair play David!
Fan voice 13: Fair play!
Fan voice 14: You're a c***!

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Stewart Downing: Tottenham are "no better" than West Ham in race for European qualification
22:30, 15 February 2015 By Mike Walters
The pair are go head-to-head at White Hart Lane on Sunday and Downing believes the Hammers can use their FA Cup setback as motivation
The Mirror

Stewart Downing believes West Ham's FA Cup flops can still finish above Tottenham and qualify for Europe. But after the feeble surrender at the Hawthorns, the England winger warned they must not allow six months of promise to evaporate into mid-table anonymity. Travelling fans booed off their team, but Sunday's derby at White Hart Lane offers West Ham a quick route to redemption. And Downing admitted: "If I'd paid a lot of money to come and watch that, I'd have felt the same way. "But if we get a good result against Tottenham, we can put it to bed and have a good finish to the season. "If you told the fans we get knocked out of the cup but finish in Europe, they will take that. "We owe Tottenham one, after they beat us in the last minute on the opening day of the season, and I don't accept they're going to finish above us. "They spent a lot of money and man-for-man I don't think they're any better than us. "We don't want to waste all the good work, and all the top teams we've beaten, over the first six months of the season."

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DS suffered abuse as he rushed to Mum's side
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on February 16, 2015 in Whispers
Claret & Hugh
EXCLUSIVE
By Hugh Southon

David Sullivan left West Bromwich Albion early on Saturday evening because his 97 year old mother Thelma was lying critically ill in a hospital bed. West Ham United consumes the club's co chairman and and chief shareholder but he was desperate on this occasion to get away to be by Mum's bedside. David himself has been through relatively recent quadruple heart by-pass surgery and has been told by his doctors to avoid all stress. He had parked up in an area which didn't open until an hour after the game and thus faced the walk to his car which was interrupted by a baying mob of "supporters" invading his space as he tried to cope with a desperate Irons performance and a determination to get to his mother's side as soon as possible. His anguish was multiplied by the fact that most doctors believe that Thelma's life span can now be measured in days. These are the things supporters don't see apparently believing that because they have been fans for 40 years they have the right to make a man's life a living hell.
David Sullivan – despite the issues surrounding his mother and heading a familiy with the domestic problems we all encounter – is a 24/7 Irons workaholic. He admits privately that the club is not a business but his "passion and hobby" and every inquiry I have ever made of him has been met with the sort of courtesy and respect he attempted to show the people who cornered him
Today he remains shocked by the real anger felt by some supporters towards himself and long term business partner David Gold. And although he understands it's a minority they were VERY vociferous ! However, the younger supporters, not heard on the filming on the fan sites, strongly disagreed with what was going on. Our thoughts are with the Sullivan family and Thelma this evening!

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Macari apologises for spell in charge
Posted by Sean Whetstone on February 16, 2015 in Whispers
Claret & Hugh

Former Hammers manager Lou Macari questioned Sam Allardyce's excuse for the FA Cup exit yesterday via twitter "Big Sam says fixture list and early kick off lost them the game v WBA, Whats that all about?"

Claret and Hugh's own Nigel Kahn replied to Macari stating "It's called deflecting criticism, To be honest Sam is raising you in the list of West Ham managers. You are not in bottom 3 now"

Lou Macari replied to Nigel saying "Apologize for not doing better, did sign Ludo Miklosko, Ian Bishop and Trevor Morley for £800,000 pounds and sold Mark Ward £750,000″

Lou Macari was West Ham manager between 1989 and 1990 managing just 38 games with 14 wins, 12 draws and 12 losses. His win rate was 36.85%.

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Warning: Fan abuse helped Davids quit Birmingham
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on February 16, 2015 in Whispers
Claret & Hugh

Were it not for the fact that David Sullivan and David Gold love West Ham for their lives I could see them walking away from Upton Park after the events of Saturday evening. AND NO I AM NOT BEING MELODRAMATIC !

History tells us many things and the type of mob rule that saw David Sullivan cornered and abused outside the Hawthorns was precisely the type of behaviour that helped lead to the duo's departure from Birmingham City. That was a year on from relegation in 2005-06 when the Birmingham fans went completely crazy, tearing down the goal posts, abusing the players and owners in one of the worst examples of lunatic football behaviour ever! The team had also suffered a 7–0 home defeat to Liverpool in the FA Cup quarter-final.

On the same night as the club's relegation and those shameful scenes, the club's end of season dinner was being held and because of the quite shocking behaviour and abuse directed at him, DS failed to turn up and DG was left to man the fort. I was covering midlands football for national newspapers at that time and had come to know David G well. I remember him saying to me very sadly: "After that I don't think we can go on…" approximately a a year later they had left Birmingham City. The money helped of course but the depth of hurt in DG's eyes is a memory I've carried with me to a lesser or greater degree since that time. The scenes on Saturday may have been on a smaller scale but in some respect that made them worse – the threatening behaviour of David Sullivan, the sexual abuse of Karren Brady, the disgusting language in general as the co chairman attempt to make peace, is horrifying X-certificate stuff. Because it was at such a smaller scale it was so so much more personal and not easily forgotten by the recipient. What will be the fall-out from this? The first should be that every single individual involved in the 'attack' – for that's what it was – on DS should sit down and write a personal letter of apology to the man.

In the absence of that, I hope the club draws on all the resources possible to hunt these people down and land them with club bans. If a guy can be taken to court for running on the pitch and taking a drunken free kick earlier in the season, these morons should be run out of our club. Like every person who has contributed to the forums both here and on the ClaretandHugh Facebook group, I feel sickened and ashamed that these people are members of our football club. And whatever action the club takes against them – if any – we are ready to offer any help from anyone here who may recognise any of those involved.

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Doubts grow over Allardyce's future
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on February 16, 2015 in Whispers
Claret & Hugh

Sam Allardyce's West Ham future is starting to look in doubt. The humiliating FA Cup defeat at the hands of West Brom and the slide in league form is being viewed dimly inside the club. And well placed insiders are now convinced that there will possibly be no contract offer for the 60 year old at the end of the campaign when his current deal comes to an end claiming everything now depends on the next 13 league games. ClaretandHugh has been aware for some time of the tension between the manager and the board as the team has scored just one win in the last nine league outings. And we can reveal that the search is underway for a new boss although Rafa Benitez – whose name has been freely mentioned – is unlikely to succeed Allardyce. We understand from agent sources that the Napoli boss wants around £6 million to even discuss a move to the east end. Ans a club insider said: "Saturday's defeat was a massive shock to the system as everybody believed we were on our way to Wembley this season. "The signs are beginning to point in the direction of a new boss next season."
However, much will depend on finding a better replacement although no FINAL decision has been made at this stage.

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Hammers target arrives in UK
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on February 16, 2015 in Whispers
Claret & Hugh

West Ham United have admitted they are ready to offer Brazilian winger Anderson Luiz de Carvalho, better known as Nene – a short term contract at the club. David Sullivan has revealed previously that he is keen to bring in out of contract cover for Andy Carroll and Nene has now arrived in the country ready for talks with the club. The 33-year-old is a free agent after cancelling his contract with Al Gharafa and has been talking to various clubs across Europe. And a top Hammers insider revealed to ClaretandHugh: "Nene is now in the UK recovering from jetlag. "It was reported that David Sullivan is attempting to appease the fans after the events of Saturday but it has nothing to do with that at all – it is entirely to do with Andy Carroll's injury. He is certainly a live possibility. We will see how talks go."

Nene, scored 20 goals in 43 games during his time in Qatar but has spent much of his career in France and Spain, notably with Monaco and PSG where he had a good goal scoring record. A good crosser of the ball and free-kick specialist, Nene could prove a useful addition in the absence of Andy Carroll who is out for the season.

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Rafa has all the Irons credentials
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on February 16, 2015 in Whispers
By Rich Sprent
Claret & Hugh

Sam Allardyce – a name that's as divisive as the possible solutions. The Irons' fan base appears to remain split down the middle over the team manager so where do we really stand in terms of progress and Sam's position? The pre-season objectives were for a cup run (failed) and a top half finish with a 50-56pts target. and with 13 games remaining and 1.38pt/game average required the league finish part is still on course. If this is achieved then once again the manager will have met his major target despite some talk at one stage of the board wanting a European finish. The lack of a cup run will certainly cast a shadow over Sullivan Towers and Sam come season end, as the powers that be gather for the end of season summit.

Whether Allardyce will have any other options for his services remains to be seen. Even so, It is unlikely – should it be offered – that he will be offered a better gig anywhere other than east London. It's been reported widely that DS has favoured replacing the manager but DG & KB do not. With no payouts to make this May a change will clearly be seen as a far more attractive option than previously. And yet, the lack of an obvious suitor waiting in the wings is of concern. The usual faces will be served up on the betting sites headed no doubt by Rafa Benitez and Slaven Bilic, The likes of Eddie Howe and Sean Dyche will be championed by those who desire a young manager to take this club forward to a new era and there are sugestions that several young coaches in Euriope are being monitored. The fear is that the 50% who desire change at seemingly any cost may return to haunt the club if the board takes the same view.

However, to remain inactive through fear is certainly not the way forward. Much the same as making a change for change's sake. The next couple of seasons are possibly two of the most important years in the club's history, a last year at the Boleyn ground followed by the 54,000 seater adventure into the Olympic Stadium. There is no doubt that this season the team has shown improvement in on-the-pitch performance. That 50% of the fan base are still unhappy with the manager shows that it probably matters little what Allardyce does, he will still be reviled by half of the fans. It is this that detracts from their never ceasing hue and cry for change – a dislike of the man and the perception of what he stands for over much reasoned debate.

The owners are pragmatic. The team are on course for a good league finish. Next season will be sold out and the indicators are, with increased investment, of more improvement on the pitch. The question that the other 50% will ask is: 'If we twist, then it has to be someone better than what we have'. There are no certainties in football but Sam Allardyce is considered a 'safe pair of hands'. Hardly a glowing endorsement for a man expected to lead this club into challenging for silverware and European competition. And yet If he is not to be offered a new deal to manage West Ham then who right now is good enough to match the ambition of the board and fan base?

If we are serious about playing with the big boys then a choice has to be made:
O Continue the journey started by Big Sam; it won't be loked by many and it won't be a smooth ride.
O Twist and try someone untested at this level which could prove deadly
O Push for an upgrade?

The obvious and pragmatic view is to change but ONLY if you improve on what you already have and Rafa Benitez is the obvious standout candidate on the bookies' lists. He has actually won silverware, has managed in the Premier League, has an excellent worldwide reputation and is out of contract at Napoli. He fits the criteria for taking West Ham forward. He'd also get a clean slate from all the fans. He'd have the opportunity to be judged on performance alone. And that cannot be sneered at.

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West Ham defender Winston Reid set for Tottenham audition as he returns from injury
22:30, 16 February 2015 By Adrian Kajumba
The defender is poised to head to White Hart Lane in summer after snubbing offers of a new deal
The Mirror

Winston Reid is set to make his West Ham comeback this weekend - just in time for an audition at Tottenham. Spurs are confident of landing Reid on a free transfer when his current Hammers expires at the end of the season. And Spurs boss Mauricio Pochettino is set to get a close look at one of his summer targets on Sunday. Centre-back Reid is expected to be fit again after missing West Ham's last three games with a hamstring injury. His return will add further spice to the White Hart Lane clash between the two fierce London rivals.

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