Daily WHUFC News - 25th February 2015

Kouyate up for PFA award
WHUFC.com
Vote for Cheikhou to win the PFA Fans' Player of the Month for February
24.02.2015

The nominations for the February PFA Fan's Player of the Month powered by
90min have been announced and the top contenders are:
· Harry Kane
· Branislav Ivanovic
· Cheikhou Kouyaté
· James Milner
· Philippe Coutinho
· Olivier Giroud
Fans can vote for their favourite player to win by clicking here.
http://fanawards.90min.com/

The PFA Fans' Player of the Month award which is powered by 90min is
designed to give a strong voice to the supporters who are the lifeblood of
the game. The awards are endorsed by the players and supported by the clubs.
Each month, one lucky fan will meet and present the award to the player on
the side of the pitch before the game. Voting closes at midnight on Saturday
28 February with the winner to be announced on Monday 2 March.

Follow on Twitter at #POTM, @90min_Football and @PFA

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Bobby Moore OBE 1941-1993
WHUFC.com
West Ham United and England's finest-ever captain Bobby Moore OBE died on
this day 22 years ago
24.02.2015

Bobby Moore OBE, West Ham United's most famous player and England's 1966
World Cup-winning captain, sadly passed away on this day 22 years ago. The
central defender made 646 league and cup appearances for the Hammers,
scoring 27 goals. Moore was born in Barking on 12 April 1941, making his
debut for his local club in a 3-2 win over Manchester United at the Boleyn
Ground as a 17-year-old on 8 September 1958. It was the start of a
glittering career that is remembered fondly by football fans the world over
As a West Ham player, Moore lifted the FA Cup in 1964 and the European Cup
Winners' Cup in 1965. A year later, he was back at Wembley to complete an
unforgettable hat-trick by lifting the Jules Rimet Trophy following
England's 4-2 victory over West Germany. Moore would go on to star at the
1970 World Cup finals in Mexico before moving to Fulham, for whom he played
against the Hammers in the 1975 FA Cup final. Following his retirement,
Moore moved first into management and then into the world of broadcasting
before his life was cut short by cancer in February 1993. He was just 51.
Fellow Hammers legend Billy Bonds MBE recalls Bobby's memory fondly. He
said: "Mooro was an absolute icon. I respected a lot of team-mates and
opponents down the years but he was the only person in my entire career, who
made me feel that way. "He was fantastic to me from the day that I arrived
and I loved him as a player and as a person. Bobby Moore had a presence both
off and on the field. "There was no side to him at all and, having lifted
the World Cup, he'd been the most famous person on the planet on that July
afternoon at Wembley in 1966 but, despite all of that, Bobby wasn't the
slightest bit lairy. Mooro treated everyone the same, no matter who they
were. "Bobby Moore wasn't a particularly good header of the ball and he
wasn't very quick either but, boy, his timing was impeccable. He didn't need
to be good in the air or fast because he could read the game so well - he
always seemed to be in the right place at the right time to nick the ball
off a centre-forward. "And he was just so good at bringing the ball out of
defence and starting attacks, too."

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Mediawatch - 24 February
WHUFC.com
Our daily look at West Ham United in the news
24.02.2015

The BBC cover the story of men thought to be West Ham United fans who were
filmed chanting abusive songs on a train in North London, along with the
Club's response that 'if any individual is found to have behaved in an
inappropriate way, the club's simple zero-tolerance policy dictates that
they will face the strongest possible action, including the option of a life
ban from the Boleyn Ground.' On Sky Sports' website, Hammers boss Sam
Allardyce says that Nene could make his debut on Saturday against Crystal
Palace after Carlton Cole picked up a hamstring injury.
This story also appears in the Mail Online.
Meanwhile, The Sun (£) carry a story where Tottenham's Nabil Bentaleb claims
that the Hammers' disappointment over a final minue penalty award to his
team is unjustified.

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Jenko - We deserved more
WHUFC.com
Carl Jenkinson felt the Hammers deserved the three points on Sunday
24.02.2015

West Ham United defender Carl Jenkinson said the Hammers were very
unfortunate to come away from White Hart Lane without three points, having
been on top for most of Sunday's London derby. The Hammers took a deserved
lead through goals from Cheikhou Kouyate and Diafra Sakho, and they looked
to have secured a vital win in their push for a European qualification spot,
however Harry Kane's 95th minute penalty rescued Tottenham a point after
Danny Rose's goal had given them a lifeline. Speaking after the game, the
23-year-old right back, on loan from Arsenal said: "I couldn't see us
conceding another goal. I thought we were comfortable at 2-1 and they didn't
really look like scoring. "Obviously they've equalised with the last kick
off the game, it's unbelievable really. That's the way it goes sometimes but
it was very unfortunate."

Having been on top for large parts of the game, Jenkinson clearly felt that
the Hammers deserved all three points. However, a highly entertaining match
was to end in high drama as, in the 95th minute of the game, Alex Song was
adjudged to have tripped Harry Kane inside the box. The in-form Tottenham
striker picked himself up to take the spot kick - which was brilliantly
saved by Adrian - before the 23-year-old tucked away the rebound. Speaking
about the award of the penalty, Jenkinson continued: "There were quite a few
players in between me and the tackle so I couldn't see it to be honest. "For
me it felt like extra time was an eternity. I didn't have a watch on my
wrist but it seemed like a very long time. I asked the referee not long
before the end how much longer and he said one minute. It definitely seemed
like more than a minute. I think a few things went against us. "We dominated
the game, and they couldn't get near us to be honest with you. I thought we
were the better side. We went 2-0 up and deservedly so, we could've been 3
or 4-0 up. "Obviously we've ended up drawing 2-2 and I can't get my head
round it. It's massively disappointing for everyone involved."

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From the Academy
WHUFC.com
Terry Westley keeps us updated with all the goings on at the West Ham United
Academy
24.02.2015

Hello,

As ever, it's been a busy time for everyone at the Academy, particularly
with the half-term just gone, it gives us a great opportunity to work with
some of the younger age groups. Across last week we had a number of
different age groups in at Rush Green together working on a number of
different areas of the game including tactical sessions, positional work and
in-game scenarios. It's great at any stage of a player's development to
train with players who are slightly older than them. You can't really put a
value on it as they are constantly learning, and in the long run it can only
help them to reach their potential. As well as that some of our most
promising players have been called away on international duty. Left-back
Vashon Neufville and attacking midfielder Anthony Scully were both away with
the England U16s were they played against Switzerland, Slovakia and France
in games at St. George's Park. Another hugely talented player called on
international duty is centre-midfielder Declan Rice, who played for his
native Republic of Ireland. As well as Declan, Reece Oxford and Jahmal
Hector-Ingram were both involved in a tournament in Portugal, where they
played Germany, Portugal and Holland. It's a great achievement for anyone to
represent their country at any level, and everyone at the Academy is very
proud of their achievements. As Director of the Academy, we hope they
continue to play for their countries for many years to come. As long as they
continue to apply themselves and put in the dedication we've seen so far, I
see no reason why they won't. As well as that, we've made our selection for
scholars for next year which include Oxford, Powell, Neufville, Scully and
Tunji Akinola. We've also offered Jake Eggleton, a very exciting right-back,
the option of doing his A levels while continuing to be a full time player.
It's a very strong group of players with several internationals in there.
They've all played above their age in U18s and even for the U21s. They're
all still young and we have to be patient, by we hope one day they'll have
an impact on the first team. As for the U21s, they haven't had a league game
for a while but we've kept them busy, including a friendly against Dagenham
& Redbridge. It was a great opportunity for a number of younger players to
demonstrate what they can do, and against a side made of predominantly
professional players, I thought they played very well. Away from the pitch,
the U21s have been involved in various community projects. First, a
selection of the squad went to the University of East London to learn about
the importance of healthy eating and how to prepare food properly.

They're at an age where some of them are moving into their own accommodation
so they need to know what to eat, when to eat. As athletes, eating the right
balance of carbohydrates and protein is absolutely essential to make sure
they can perform to their best. Knowing how this changes depending on their
schedule, i.e. preparing for a game or recovering afterwards is also vital.
Another event was a half-term training session at the David Lloyd Leisure
near Gidea Park. This included Dan Potts, Leo Chambers, Lewis Page, Marcus
Browne and Kieran Bywater where they coached 30 kids during their half term
break. It was great to see the kids enjoy themselves, and I know the players
enjoyed the experience just as much. The session is another example of the
good relationship we are building with the centre, and the community as a
whole.

All the best,
Terry

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Noble: 'Europe is still possible'
WHUFC.com
Mark Noble said a European spot is possible if West Ham perform like they
did against Spurs
23.02.2015

West Ham United midfielder Mark Noble said the Hammers can still finish in a
European qualifying position if they play like they did against Tottenham
Hotspur in their remaining 12 league games. The Hammers stormed to a 2-0
lead, with Noble, who was captaining the team, playing an important role in
both goals. First, Cheikhou Kouyate headed his third goal of the season
powerfully past Spurs goalkeeper Hugo Lloris before Diafra Sakho doubled
their advantage in the second half. However, Tottenham got a foothold in the
game after Danny Rose's mistimed shot nestled in the far corner before Spurs
were awarded a penalty in the fifth minute of stoppage time, where Harry
Kane was on hand to pull Spurs level at the second attempt after Adrian had
saved the initial spot kick. Speaking after the match, the 27-year-old
midfielder said: "To be 2-0 up and not win is massively disappointing but I
still think we played well. "We put a lot of effort into the Manchester
United game and then had nine men for 20 minutes away at Southampton, West
Brom was one game too many really. "But today was much better, we showed
what we can do when we're all fully fit. If we play like that for the rest
of the season we still have a great chance of Europe."

Having conceded a late equaliser against Manchester United on Sunday 8
February, the Hammers have lost ground on their rivals for a European
qualification spot, drawing their last three league matches. While clearly
disappointed with the result, Noble insisted there were several positives
for the Hammers as they prepare for their match with Crystal Palace on
Saturday 28 February. "That's four points dropped recently. But we played
well, got a point away at Spurs and we'll move onto to the next game against
Crystal Palace at home. "It's a special game for me and the fans, I love
playing in the London derbies. I was enjoying the game, I always love coming
here. It was a good atmosphere and at 2-0 I thought we were fully in
control. They didn't look like hurting us and if anything we had a good
chance to wrap it up when Enner went close. "I'm not sure what went wrong
really, I think we probably invited too much pressure onto us and that made
it difficult. I was too far away from the penalty so I don't know if it was
or not. Last minute at White Hart Lane it's difficult to take."

Since former West Ham United manager Alan Pardew took over at Crystal
Palace, they have won five of their nine games, including wins over
Tottenham and Southampton. Looking ahead to Saturday's game, another London
derby, Noble is expecting a tough game: "It'll be nice to see Pards again. I
watched their game against Arsenal and they played well. "They're a good
side with exciting players so it'll be tough but if we play like we did
today, we have every chance of winning."

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U18s defeat disappoints Phillips
WHUFC.com
Mark Phillips was disappointed with the U18s 2-1 defeat by Norwich City on
Saturday
24.02.2015

West Ham United U18s coach Mark Phillips was disappointed with Saturday's
Barclays U18 Premier League defeat to Norwich City as it could seriously
damage their push for a top four place. After falling behind to a Harley
Black free kick with just two minutes on the clock, the Hammers worked hard
and pulled level when England U17 international striker Jahmal Hector-Ingram
coolly finished into the top corner.
The Hammers hopes of entering the top four play-off stages alongside seven
of the best Academy teams in the country were then dented when Norwich
substitute Benny Ashley-Seal benefited from a defensive mistake to steal the
points for the Canaries. "I'm not just disappointed with the result but also
the fact that I think it will now stop us finishing in the top four in the
league," admitted Phillips. "It was a very disjointed performance if I'm
honest. "In the first half, we got behind their defence quite a few times
and fair enough to Norwich, they defended it well. I think that we were a
little too careless with the final ball in and around their penalty area.
"Even after we went 1-0 down, I was still confident that we could have gone
on to score three or four goals because of the amount of chances we were
creating. "Our play started to become more impatient and anxious and we were
looking for gaps through the middle where there wasn't any spaces. "Again,
fair play to Norwich because they were filling the gaps that our lads should
have realised they needed to push wide and create chances a different way."

The hosts had a strong squad available for the visit of the Norfolk-based
team to Little Heath, with recent first team substitute Reece Oxford
available for Phillips' side. Phillips revealed though that although it's
beneficial to have a strong selection of players to choose from, it doesn't
mean anything if the effort isn't put in on the pitch. "Without a shadow of
a doubt, conceding a goal after just two minutes was a real kick in the
teeth because on paper, we were probably at our strongest," continued
Phillips. "The only players we were perhaps missing from our team was Vashon
Neufville and Anthony Scully because they were both away on England duty.
"It's nice having a strong team on paper but it's about how you perform on
the pitch that is important. I never felt like we were going to push on and
win the game during the second half because although we had the lion share
of possession, we didn't do anything with it in the final third.
"I didn't feel like we would lose it though and it was just a mistake that
let their lad run through and score the goal. In all honesty, I thought it
would end in a draw and I think both teams would've been happy with that."

The Hammers host Reading U18 at Little Heath on Saturday 28 February as they
aim to finish the season by leapfrogging several other teams to a top four
finish. Parking and admission are both completely FREE at Little Heath.
After the Reading game, the Hammers will join a play-off stage alongside the
teams in their final position group in both the North and South sections.
For example, those that finish 1st-4th in both the Northern and Southern
divisions will play each other in a further seven fixtures, with the same
process applying for those that finish in 5th-8th and 9th-12th.

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Man offended on behalf of someone else reports incident he didn't see or
hear
KUMb.com
Filed: Tuesday, 24th February 2015
By: Staff Writer

TV pundit Kevin Kilbane has reported West Ham United supporters for using
derogatory language during Sunday's televised London derby with Tottenham.
The former Irish international is reported to have registered a complaint
with the FA after complaining that travelling fans sang a song aimed at
Harry Kane mocking his speech impediment. Kilbane told the Daily Mirror that
fans sang: "Harry Kane talks like a mong and plays like one too". He has
complained on the basis that the term 'mong' - which first emerged in the
1980s as a slang reference to people with Downs Syndrome - mocks the
disabled. The former Everton winger is understood to have raised the
complaint after being informed of the chant by a friend who was present at
the game and whose daughter has Downs. "I spoke to him and he was extremely
upset," said Kilbane. "I felt I had to report it. No family should have to
put up with it at football matches. "It is also extremely offensive towards
Harry Kane, who is only a young lad, starting out in the game and who does
not deserve that kind of disgusting abuse just because he is a footballer.
"I am sure they understand they are causing offence," he continued. "You
cannot sweep it under the carpet and label it as ignorance. It is visible
and clear and, like racist or homophobic chanting, it is intended to cause
offence. "I want to be able to take my kids to football matches and when
Elsie gets older she will understand about her condition and I would not
want her to hear that kind of chanting. If her sister Isla heard it, she
would be devastated too, as my friend's sons were. "This is a wider society
problem, not just a problem with football, and idiots are using football as
a tool to show their ignorance and discrimination. "I have spoken to the FA
and they have assured me they will investigate it thoroughly. In all my time
playing and watching football I have never heard this before. Hopefully we
can do something to make sure it isn't again and this awful chant does not
spread."

The FA - and football's equality and inclusion organisation Kick It Out -
have been deluged with complaints since Sunday's match between Spurs and
West Ham - which finished 2-2 -ended. A Tottenham fan started the ball
rolling on Sunday evening by posting a video of some unidentified men, which
he claimed were West Ham supporters, singing an offensive song on a train
(further investigations point to the video being several years old). After
that it was Spurs' turn to feel the heat when a video of their supporters
singing "no noise from the pikey boys" - 'pikey' being a derogatory term for
members of the travelling community - during Sunday's match emerged. Last
night it was revealed that a number of Tottenham fan forums were full of
similar offensive terminology, before the news that Kilbane had reported
West Ham fans to the FA was divulged.

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He ain't heavy, he's my brother
KUMB.com
Filed: Tuesday, 24th February 2015
By: Gordon Thrower

Gordon Thrower, KUMB.com's Deputy Editor has a brother with Downs Syndrome.
Here's what he had to think about the Harry Kane song - and resulting
furore...

Some of you will know that my youngest brother Geoff has Downs Syndrome. He
is now 43 and for the last 24 years he has held down a proper full time job
at a branch of Sainsbury's. He's held down that job uninterrupted (which is
more than I can say for my own career).

He plays cricket for the Hants Disabled side – some of you kindly voted for
them in the National Lottery awards a few years back. He's clever,
intelligent and funny and has a warped sense of humour (can't work out where
he got that from). He has two big brothers who think the world of him and
spoil him rotten.

Anyone who knows me will know just how proud I and the rest of the family
are of all he has achieved in his life since the day in 1972 when a doctor
told Mum and Dad to stick him away in a home because he'd never be much more
than a "cabbage" (yes a genuine doctor used that exact word).

As a result of all that, I probably have a different point of reference for
all this.

With reference to the use of the word "mong", I tend to have a contextual
filter. It's not a word I would use myself and were I to catch someone using
that directly at my brother in the street in my presence let's just say the
red mist might just take over.

However, I'd find it difficult to raise a complaint about its use at a
football match I wasn't at.

I mean, where would I draw the line? I'd be willing to bet that at just
about every ground in the country last weekend someone, somewhere, said or
sang something that I personally would find distasteful. Perhaps I should
send out for tapes of each match to see if I can be offended by anything so
I can report it.

Joking aside, I'm not going to slate Kevin Kilbane though. I actually don't
mind the bloke.

Over the years he'd probably be one of the first to admit that, as a player,
he made the most of a limited amount of talent go a long way – over 100 caps
for the Republic Of Ireland is good going for someone who never had any
obvious claims to being "world class" – and he was known to take the
nickname "Zinadine" in the good-humoured spirit of irony in which it was
coined.

As a pundit he concentrates on commenting on what he has seen rather than
trying to be controversial for controversy's sake (yes, you Savage) and he
doesn't seem one to say something, anything even when he hasn't a clue what
he's talking about (I'm pointing at you for a reason Carragher).

I even met him once on a very proud day for me when he presented me with a
medal for dragging my carcass around the Boleyn in a charity tournament. (A
tournament at which, incidentally, a referee threatened to report everyone
involved to the FA because one side included a girl with Downs Syndrome who
was technically too old to be included in a mixed gender side under FA rules
– now THAT'S an offensive attitude). I had a chat with him about stuff in
general and found him to be likeable and intelligent.

I guess that his aim in reporting this was probably to highlight the matter
and, as we can see from here, it's certainly provoked a discussion. I can
only presume that he thought that the best way to bring the matter into
public view was to report it to the FA as a potential offence.

I'm not sure I'd agree with that – as the boss's headline points out, his
position as "man offended on behalf of someone else reports incident he
didn't see or hear" kind of reduces the impact of what he is trying to
highlight. Think of Mary Whitehouse who turned "taking offence" into a
profession to the extent that nobody took her seriously.

Think how stupid Malcolm Muggeridge and the Bishop Of Southwark looked when
admitting that, although they had never seen Monty Python's Life Of Brian,
they were damn well going to fight to have it banned anyway. However, as I
say, as a way of raising the debate it certainly worked – it's just that I
think that there were probably better ways of doing so.

I will say one final thing about the matter. There is one aspect of all this
that does offend me and it's this: Geoff is as honest as the day is long.
He's been known to hand in 10p pieces found in the car-park when he's on
trolley duty. He'd no more try to cheat or con anyone than I would request a
DJ to play "Build Me Up Buttercup".

Which is why I'm sure Geoff would be offended if he realised that he was
being put in the same category as a diving cheat of a footballer, who conned
a referee in order to save his side a point last weekend.

Perhaps I should complain to the FA on his behalf?

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West Ham's Winston Reid condemns football fans' racism
Last Updated: 24/02/15 8:11pm
SSN

West Ham defender Winston Reid says there can be 'no excuses' for any
football fan making racist chants. Police are currently investigating video
footage which has emerged allegedly showing West Ham fans singing
anti-Semitic songs before their 2-2 Premier League draw at Tottenham on
Sunday. The footage and subsequent complaint made by anti-racism and
discrimination organisation Kick It Out came just days after Police
announced they were hunting several alleged Chelsea supporters who prevented
a black man from entering a train on the Paris Metro following their
Champions League tie at Paris St Germain. Reid, who is expected to leave
West Ham when his contract expires at the end of the season, condemned the
Paris incident and said: "There can be no excuses for the actions of fans
singing racist songs. "What happened on the Metro in Paris was absolutely
unacceptable and it was a shame because there is so much work that gets put
into eradicating it from the game that it simply shouldn't happen.
"Ultimately no one wants to go to a football match where stupid people are
saying stupid stuff. It only takes three or four people to ruin it for two
or three thousand. "As a player I've not experienced any fans chanting
racism towards me but it has to be something that football continues to
address and will hopefully end one day. "The positive thing is that the
issue in general is getting better. There are fewer incidents cases and the
number of campaigns that are trying to tackle the issue seems to be having
an effect. "We are a lot further along than 20 years ago, and social media
is making it easy for people to see who is responsible. Hopefully the work
that organisations like the PFA do means that one day the issue won't be an
issue at all."

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Redknapp talks on Irons job
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on February 24, 2015 in Whispers
Claret & Hugh

Harry Redknapp has warned off anybody from backing him to become the next
West Ham boss. The former Upton Park chief has been installed as a 4/1
favourite in some places to take over from Sam Allardyce at the end of the
season. But speaking exclusively to ClaretandHugh the 67 year old declared:
"Tell everybody to keep their money in their pockets. It's not going to
happen. "I don't even know what's going on at the club as far as Sam
Allardyce is concerned. I read the reports but we will have to wait and see.
"What I do think is he has done a great job but predicting what is likely to
happen in this game is a fool's game. However, should a vacancy become
available at the Boleyn I can promise you I won't be filling it. "

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Iron lays FA racism charge at Spurs fans
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on February 24, 2015 in Whispers
Claret & Hugh

A West Ham fan has laid an official complaint against Spurs after a new
video emerged showing the north London fans chanting racist terms at Irons
supporters. The supporter wants to remain anonymous but contacted
ClaretandHugh to reveal he had laid an official complaint with both the
game's ruling body and then Kick it Out campaign. It follows Kevin
Kilbane's complaint to the FA over reports that Hammers followers were using
the word "mong" in chants at White Hart on Sunday. The Hammers fan rold
ClaretandHugh: "In the current climate there must be zero tolerance in all
cases of racism with the new video showing Spurs fans roaring the words
'pikey boys' at Irons fans.
The Show Racism the Red Card campaign says: "Gyppo and Pikey are extremely
racist and offensive towards anybody from any of the Traveller groups as
both of them have a history of being used to hurt and offend people. "These
words should never be used even if it is towards someone who is not a Gypsy
or Traveller."

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Man City scouting West Ham star
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on February 24, 2015 in Whispers
Claret & Hugh

Manchester City are heavily scouting West Ham's hugely impressive left back
Aaron Cresswell. ClaretandHugh learned the player remains the focus of City
attention as they look at their home grown player quota for next season.
Cresswell has had a brilliant first campaign becoming a Hammers ever-present
with 30 games so far in his first season. It's no surprise to hear of
City's interest after the plaudits he has received from most observers and
pundits this season who have been freely tipping him for international
honours. ClaretandHugh has learned that City have had an eye on him for
three years since Brian Marwood was Director of Football – may be set to
launch a summer raid. The club are ready to allow Aleksander Kolorov to move
on and are looking at both Cresswell and Monaco left sided back four man
Leyvia Kurzarwa. A decision to go for the Monaco star would of course leave
City looking elsewhere in the squad to beef up the British connection.
Hammers source told ClaretandHugh: "It would take a huge offer to even tempt
us as Ipswich also get a chunk if we ever sold on which really isn't in our
thinking.".

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REMEMBERING MOORO: 1941 – 1993
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on February 24, 2015 in Whispers
Claret & Hugh

Twenty two years ago today the club's greatest hero – Mooro – passed away.
Tragically he was only 51 years old. Those of us who lived through that era
and watched him from the Upton Park terraces were truly blessed – he was
unarguably the greatest footballer we have ever – and probably – will ever
see. Many of us barely see a day go by without remembering the man…in my
case he was my last true footballing hero. The 1966 World Cup-winning
captain, sadly passed away on this day 22 years ago. He made 646 league and
cup appearances for the Hammers, scoring 27 goals. Born in Barking on 12
April 1941, he made his debut for his local club in a 3-2 win over
Manchester United at the Boleyn Ground as a 17-year-old on 8 September 1958.
It was the start of a glittering career that is remembered fondly by
football fans the world over. He lifted the FA Cup in 1964 and the European
Cup Winners' Cup in 1965. A year later, he was back at Wembley to complete
an unforgettable hat-trick by lifting the Jules Rimet Trophy following
England's 4-2 victory over West Germany.
Fellow Hammers legend Billy Bonds MBE admitted to ClaretandHugh: " When I
arrived from Charlton I was absolutely over awed by him. The feeling never
really went away. He was a hero to me and an icon. He was an unforgettable
footballer and man. To have known him was incredible – to have played with
him was a fantastic honour."

Mooro as an immortal – Bob, YOU ARE NEVER FORGOTTEN!

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World Cup may cause Irons stadium switch
Posted by Sean Whetstone on February 24, 2015 in Whispers
Claret & Hugh

The FIFA task force looking into dates for the Qatar World Cup has
recommended the tournament to be staged in November and December 2022, the
head of the Asian Football Confederation has confirmed today, while
unconfirmed reports have suggested that the final will be held the day
before Christmas Eve. If ratified by the FIFA executive committee in March
this would inevitably lead to an extension of the Premier League season into
June 2022. This potentially pushes the football season into the athletics
season. West Ham are technically the Winter anchor stadium concessionaires
on a 99 year lease with UK Athletics holding the Summer anchor tenancy for
50 years. New Olympic Stadium operator Vinci would need to sort out any
dispute with it's concessionaires and tenants but there remains a
possibility of re-scheduling or playing some games in another stadium should
no compromise be found.

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Parma crisis could help West Ham land reported January target
HITC
Jack Beresford

The Hammers had been linked with a mid-season move for Parma striker Ishak
Belfodil and developments at the Italian club could play into their hands.
Former PSG striker Nene may have been recruited to the West Ham United cause
already this month, as reported by the BBC, but Sam Allardyce may well have
one eye on goings-on in Italy. Parma, a club steeped in tradition and major
continental success, are on the brink of collapse after the club's debts
seemingly caught up with them. Players and staff have gone unpaid for months
and with the Serie A side no longer able to even pay for ground staff, their
fixtures for the remainder of the season have been voided and demotion looks
likely. Yet for all the sadness and concern surrounding the plight of this
once great club, the likes of Allardyce and West Ham may well be taking even
more of an interest in the future of the Parma squad. More specifically they
will be looking at Algeria international and long-time target Ishak Belfodil
and his plans for the future. The 23-year-old has been on the Hammers' radar
since January 2014, with The Guardian reporting at the time that the London
club were keen to recruit the forward on a loan deal from Inter Milan.
A deal had looked to be have been agreed in principle, only for the move to
collapse with Belfodil moving to Livorno on loan before sealing a permanent
switch to Parma last summer. Even then West Ham continued to pursue the
player, with Tutto Mercato claiming back in December that the club would
move for the forward. Once again, however, no deal materialised, with
Belfodil remaining in Italy. Yet, with Parma close to the brink and the
Algerian facing an uncertain future, could West Ham and Sam Allardyce be
about to benefit from the demise of this once great Italian club?

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