Daily WHUFC News - 13th March 2015

Big Sam on - Arsenal
WHUFC.com

West Ham United manager Sam Allardyce faced the media ahead of Saturday's
trip to the Emirates to play Arsenal. Here's what he had to say about the
benefits of warm-weather training, team news for the trip to northj London
and Arsenal's strengths and weaknessess...

Morning Sam, did you get what you wanted from your trip to Dubai?

"Yes, everyone enjoyed the break. The facilities were excellent and it was
nice to see my old pal Michel Salgado, who I had at Blackburn with me. "The
lads enjoyed the quality of the training sessions and what Dubai has to
offer. I think a little bit of rest, both mentally and physically, will help
us to win more games in the last ten games of the season. Obviously we're
all looking forward to the games and picking up as many points as possible."

It was almost like a mini winter break, which you've done quite a few times
in your career, haven't you?

"Yes, I've done it every season for 13, 14 seasons. The research by the LMA
shows the benefits of having a break and the evidence shows the risk of
injuries decreases. "Every team gets very fatigued in and around Christmas
and it takes a while to recover. I think it's a big reason why our teams
don't do that well in Europe. But for us, it's about being fresh for final
ten games and picking up as many points as possible."

Alex Song was one of the players who didn't travel, so he could work on is
fitness, so has that worked out?

"I think so. He also had a bit of a knee problem which he's been able to get
treatment for. So his fitness has come on a lot which is good for everyone."

Are there any other new injuries?

"Well we've got a concern about Enner Valencia who cut his toe quite
severely on a broken cup at home. It's been stitched together but we don't
know how serious it is yet. It was a freak accident and it remains to be
seen whether he'll be ready for Arsenal, it seems unlikely but we'll have to
wait and see."

You go to Arsenal this weekend, which is a tough game at the best of times,
but even more so without a full squad to choose from?

"Yes of course, yet again we don't have a full squad to pick from. I hope we
put in the same level of performance as we did against Chelsea.

"I watched Arsenal's game away at Manchester United and everyone could see
the quality they have. We know how difficult it is at the Emirates, where
we've actually gone in front a few times but not managed to hold on.

"We'll go there and give it our best shot and see what happens. We'll try
and do what we did against Chelsea and see if that's good enough to get us a
result."

Monaco turned them over recently, so can you learn from that game about
Arsenal's weaknesses?

"Monaco have been good at not conceding goals, something we haven't been
good at. I think they've only conceded one goal in eleven games or something
like that. Arsenal have a few weaknesses like everybody does. We have to
exploit them but also take our chances.

"I don't think we missed more chances in a game than we did against Chelsea,
or since I've first played Chelsea with Bolton in 2001. So when we get the
chances we have to take them."

Where are Arsenal's main threats?

"I think they have different threats from all over the team, which is why
they are so difficult to beat, especially at home. We conceded two goals
very quickly in the reverse fixture which was the only difference between
the two teams on the day."

Sam, you talked about the importance of being strong defensively, so how big
a loss in Winston Reid going to be?

"Well I thought when James Collins came on against Chelsea he did a
brilliant job. Obviously we have to change Carl Jenkinson because he's an
Arsenal player, too. Our lack of goal scoring power is a concern at the
moment with the injuries we've got. We don't have many alternatives to turn
to either. But I've said to the lads, if we continue to play the way we have
been doing then the results will come for us and they'll get the rewards
they deserve."

There have been reports about Manchester City's interest in Aaron Cresswell
and talk of a new contract for him...

"I wouldn't have thought there needs to be a new contract because he's got
four years left I think it is. So there's no rush or pressure. It's one for
the Chairmen but I doubt there'll be any action needed. We don't act on
anything that's all rumour and speculation."

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Enner Valencia update
WHUFC.com

Enner Valencia sustained a deep laceration of his big toe on Tuesday evening
in an accident at his home. The No31 trod on a piece of teacup, which he had
dropped, and the resulting wound required emergency hospital treatment to
clean and stitch the wound. The forward was joined at hospital by West Ham
United medical staff, who oversaw the surgery required. Manager Sam
Allardyce said Valencia could miss the weekend Barclays Premier League trip
to Arsenal. "Enner has had an accident at home and has cut his big toe quite
severely on a broken cup," said Big Sam. "It has been stitched."
"We're not exactly certain but we think it will be too soon for him be
considered for the game at Arsenal on Saturday. "It was a freak accident at
a time when we could have done without it due to our lack of available
strikers." The Ecuador striker has made 30 appearances since joining the
Hammers from Mexican side Pachuca in summer 2014, scoring five goals.

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Nene targets new Stadium stay
WHUFC.com

Though West Ham United new boy Nene is just four weeks into his Hammers
career, he is already plotting a future at the new Stadium.
The Brazilian frontman is impressed with all that he has seen of the former
Olympic Stadium and admits the prospect of playing there is an appealing
one. So while he still awaits his full debut in Claret and Blue, Nene
cannot help but think of the opening game over at Queen Elizabeth Olympic
Park in 2016. "It will be a very beautiful stadium," he said. "The Club
has been waiting for it for a long time and we are looking forward to it.
Even for me, who has just arrived, it is no different. They have shown me
some pictures, the project, and I hope to be part of the squad in the
opening match at this wonderful stadium."

For the time being, however, he is fully focussed on finding his feet in the
Barclays Premier League and insists he is all but ready to show his worth.
"I will give my best every single training session and match to show I am
ready to help the Club win matches. Sure, I still need to settle down on
Premier League pace, but I am quite happy here. "Physically, I went almost a
month without playing an official match, which is a long time. Then playing
a Premier League match, I was not used to the pace of games. So, that was my
biggest issue at the beginning. "Training sessions are different too. I
thought I would have more problems with the language, but I learned English
in Qatar which is helpful for me to communicate with everyone else."

His chance could yet come at the Emirates Stadium on Saturday, with Enner
Valencia's availability thrown into doubt by a toe injury. Either way, Nene
is safe in the knowledge that he will be in good company up front. "They are
high-level players," he continued. "Diafra Sakho, just give him the ball and
let him run. He is a clever player. Valencia is also an intelligent player
and fast. So far, so good. "We talk a lot also off the pitch in order to
make this partnership improves. I look forward to playing as soon as
possible. But I still need to improve physically to play the whole game."

The 33-year-old likes what he sees of manager Sam Allardyce too, not least
that there is no let-up on the training field."He is a demanding manager,"
Nene added. "He has an English style, a tough guy, which I find good. Every
training session he demands a lot from the players. "That is good for us
never relaxing and giving our best every day. I need more time to get to
know him better. But the first impressions are very good. He seems not only
a good manager but also a great person and a competent professional."

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Six of the best Arsenal
WHUFC.com

West Ham United travel to Emirates Stadium on Saturday as Sam Allardyce's
men look to bounce back from a harsh defeat to Chelsea last time out.

Here, whufc.com takes a look at six memorable away triumphs against the
Gunners.

Arsenal 0-1 West Ham
Premier League
7 April 2007

The Hammers had goalkeeper Rob Green to thank as they became the first
visiting team to beat Arsenal at the Emirates Stadium. The shot stopper was
on hand to keep out a barrage of efforts from Emmanuel Adebayor and Gilberto
Silva amongst others, to guide Alan Curbishley's West Ham to a famous
victory. With Green in fine form at one end, Bobby Zamora made another
telling contribution at the other at the end of the first half. The striker
evaded the offside trap before placing his chip over Jens Lehmann and into
the empty net to send the visiting fans into raptures.

Arsenal 2-3 West Ham
Premier League
1 February 2006

The Hammers battled to a hard-fought victory against Arsene Wegner's men at
Highbury in this Premier League encounter. Gunners' centre-back Sol Cambell
gifted West Ham their opener when his mis-kick allowed Nigel Reo-Coker to
burst through the defence and slot home past goalkeeper Jens Lehmann against
the run of play. Alan Pardew's men then found themselves 2-0 up when Bobby
Zamora, who was later replaced by debutant Dean Ashton, curled home a
stunning strike in the visitors' last game at Highbury. Thierry Henry
deflected in a speculative strike from Robert Pires to rattle the nerves of
West Ham's travelling support, but hopes of an Arsenal comeback were
diminished when Matthew Etherington fired in at the back post. Robert Pires
set-up a tense finish with a strike in the last minute but it was too little
too late for the Gunners.

Arsenal 0-1 West Ham
Premier League
5 March 1995

Former Liverpool, Everton and Sunderland midfielder Don Hutchison netted the
only goal of the game in this close Premier League encounter.
A West Ham team that contained the likes of Hammers' legends Julian Dicks
and Tony Cottee fought hard for three points against the mid-table Gunners.
The victory came in front of a 36,295 crowd at Highbury and was one of the
Hammers' more memorable matches in a season in which they finished 14th, two
places below Arsenal.

Arsenal 0-2 West Ham
Premier League
30 April 1994

Martin Allen and Trevor Morley both netted in this London derby from the
1993/94 season as the Hammers stunned the near 34,000 fans in attendance at
Highbury. Kenny Brown, Danny Williamson, Matthew Rush and Ian Bishop were
all involved in this memorable victory against the Gunners. The Hammers drew
their final two matches of the season to finish 13th in the table, while
Arsenal secured a fourth place position in the league.

Arsenal 2-3 West Ham
First Division
19 Feb 1977

This is a victory certainly not to be forgotten amongst the Claret and Blue
fans as Alan Taylor's brace guided the Hammers to an away day win in 1977.
Billy Jennings also got himself on the score sheet in the win which gained
revenge for a 2-0 loss at home to the Gunners earlier in the season. West
Ham legends Alan Devonshire, Frank Lampard Senior, Trevor Brooking and Billy
Bonds all featured, and all played key roles as the Hammers came away from
Highbury with maximum points.

Arsenal 2-3 West Ham
First Division
13 October 1928

Goals from Stanley Earle, Danny Shone and James Ruffell inspired the Hammers
to this impressive victory as the visitors ran riot in front of a crowd of
43,327 at Highbury to pen back the Gunners. Later in the season, Arsenal
exacted their revenge when they scored four goals at the Boleyn Ground to
run out 4-3 winners, despite two more goals from James Ruffell. By the end
of the season the Hammers had ended the campaign in 17th place, while
Arsenal finished ninth.

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Carlton Cole: West Ham striker fined £20,000 for abusive tweet
BBC.co.uk

West Ham striker Carlton Cole has been fined £20,000 by the Football
Association for sending abusive comments to a Tottenham fan on Twitter.
Cole, 31, has also been "severely warned" about his future conduct. He had
earlier admitted breaching the governing body's rules on players using
social media. The ex-England international wrote expletives in a response to
the fan following last month's 2-2 draw between the Hammers and London
rivals Spurs. In April 2011, Cole was fined £20,000 for comments he made on
Twitter during England's friendly with Ghana. Cole has made 17 appearances
for the Hammers this season and scored three goals.

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Enner Valencia: West Ham striker injured in 'broken cup' accident
BBC.co.uk

West Ham striker Enner Valencia is likely to miss Saturday's Premier League
match against Arsenal after cutting his toe on a broken cup.
"He had an accident at home and has cut his big toe quite severely," Hammers
manager Sam Allardyce said. "It has been stitched. "We think it will be too
soon for him be considered for the game at Arsenal." BBC Sport understands
the injury is likely to keep Valencia out for between two and three weeks.
West Ham described the injury on their website as a "deep laceration".
Ecuador international Valencia, 25, has scored four league goals this
season. Allardyce, who already has striker Andy Carroll sidelined for the
season with a knee problem, said: "It was a freak accident at a time when we
could have done without it due to our lack of available strikers. "Our lack
of goal scoring power is a worry. Not having alternatives to use is
concerning going into the last 10 games." West Ham have failed to win in
their last seven matches, scoring just four goals in the process.

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West Ham striker Enner Valencia suffers freak 'broken cup' injury
Last Updated: 12/03/15 2:32pm
SSN

West Ham are likely to be without Enner Valencia for Saturday's trip to
Arsenal after the striker suffered a freak injury. The Ecuadorian, who has
scored five goals in 30 appearances for the Hammers this season, required
stitches to a deep laceration on his toe after standing on a broken cup at
his home. His absence will be a huge blow to manager Sam Allardyce who could
have Diafra Sakho as his only fit striker at the weekend with Andy Carroll
and Carlton Cole already ruled out of the trip to the Emirates Stadium.
Speaking to the assembled media ahead of Saturday's match, Allardyce said:
"He had an accident at home and has cut his big toe quite severely on a
broken cup and that has been stitched. "We're not exactly certain but we
think it may be too soon for him to be considered for this game."A freak
accident at home is something that we didn't expect, but these are the
things that seem to happen. "And of course with it being one of our few
strikers available, again it's a big blow for us if that is the case."
Valencia isn't the first footballer to hurt himself in embarrassing
circumstances. Earlier this month, Chelsea midfielder Nemanja Matic injured
himself celebrating after the Capital One Cup final, a game in which he did
not play. Spain goalkeeper Sanitago Canizares missed the 2002 World Cup
after dropping a bottle of aftershave on his foot, while former England
striker Darius Vassell injured himself when he tried to remedy a swollen big
toe by drilling a hole into his foot to drain the excess blood out.

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Carlton Cole fined for breaking FA social media rules
Last Updated: 12/03/15 6:16pm
SSN

West Ham striker Carlton Cole has been fined £20,000 and severely warned
over his future conduct after he admitted breaking FA rules over social
media. The 31-year-old admitted posting a comment on his Twitter account
which was abusive and/or insulting and/or improper and/or brought the game
into disrepute, in breach of FA Rule E3. The charge related to Cole's
involvement in a Twitter altercation with a Tottenham fan following West
Ham's 2-2 draw in their Premier League game at White Hart Lane on February
22. Cole, who was also fined £20,000 by the FA in 2011 for an identical
offence, has made 17 appearances for the Hammers in all competitions this
season, scoring three goals. However, he is currently on the sidelines after
suffering a hamstring during the game against Spurs.

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NENE TO REPLACE VALENCIA AT THE EMIRATES?
By Iain Dale 12 Mar 2015 at 10:14
West Ham Till I Die

According to reports on KUMB Enner Valencia has injured himself and could be
out of the team until mid April, after dropping a cup on his foot. Yes, you
read that right.

So, if true, it looks as if we will have a rather rejigged attack against
Arsenal on Saturday. You'd assume that Nene would come in as a straight
swap, but it may also be the case that Sakho might play on his own up front
with Amalfitano or Jarvis coming in on the left. If Nene is picked it will
be a big moment for him as he has a lot to prove if he is to be offered a
permanent contract at the end of the season. He's said he wants to stay so
he can play the Olympic Stadium, which would be some feat bearing in mind he
will be 35 by then.

I'm also assuming Alex Song will be back to play against his old club,
although after his excellent performance against Chelsea Kevin Nolan would
feel very unlucky to be left out. See, I can say something nice about Kevin
Nolan!

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Zarate's £7,000 per minute for QPR
Posted by Sean Whetstone on March 12, 2015 in Whispers
Claret & Hugh

Hammers loanee Mauro Zarate has managed just 71 minutes in a QPR shirt since
his early January arrival on loan. He has only achieved just four second
half substitutions for the Hoops against Burnley, Southampton, Sunderland
and Hull, three of which resulted in losses for the relegation threatened
club. QPR are thought to be picking up his full £40,000 per wages plus a
loan fee meaning his ten week stint so far has cost the club £500,000 which
is just over £7,000 for every minute he has spent on the pitch. Queens Park
Rangers considered sending Mauro Zarate back after discovering his shocking
lack of fitness. The Argentine was placed on an intensive fitness regime but
has struggled to find himself in the first team.

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Henry assisting Rovers against Heskey
Posted by Sean Whetstone on March 12, 2015 in Whispers
Claret & Hugh

Hammers loanee Doneil Henry continues to impress Blackburn fans with a
crucial headed assist last night to earn Rovers a win. A late 94th minute
Jordan Rhodes strike sealed Blackburn Rovers a 1-0 win over Bolton Wanderers
on Wednesday night. As well as the assist and clean sheet, Henry also
recorded a team-leading four clearances and five interceptions to help his
side claim all three points, and manager Gary Bowyer singled him out for
particular praise on the night. "For me Doneil was outstanding," he told
BBC Radio Lancashire "To play how he did against Emile Heskey was
fantastic." The West Ham defender has linked up with the Championship club
until 6 April 2015 and made his debut against Sheffield Wednesday earning
himself man of the match hours after arriving on a train.

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Few takers for dinner with Sam at £139!
Posted by Sean Whetstone on March 12, 2015 in Whispers
Claret & HUgh

Group discount Sam website Groupon are offering a discounted rate for an
afternoon three course meal with Hammers manager Sam Allardyce and the
disgraced former manger Malky Mackay. Obviously Big Sam and Malky have not
been a big enough draw for punters to pay the full price of £238.80. So you
can have the privilege of their company at a downgraded price of £139 – a
42% lack of interest discount. A three course lunch with Sam and Malky for
£139!

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DG: "Signing an icon shows what we are about"
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on March 12, 2015 in Whispers
Claret & Hugh

David Gold believes the signing of Winston Reid has sent a signal to the big
boys that West Ham are solidly on their way to the next level. Whilst
results since Christmas have been disappointing, the co chairman believes
the New Zealander's decision to pledge himself to the club for six and a
half years is a potent declaration of intent from the club. Speaking
exclusively to ClarentandHugh: "There's no smoke without fire and I'm sure
the likes of Arsenal, Liverpool and Spurs were interested – that he chose to
stay with us was a massive boost to us. "We have always said we will shed
the image of being a selling club and this is a perfect example of that
coming to fruition. "His side negotiated hard down to the very last detain
and we would have expected that but it became clear over the last two to
three weeks that a deal was on. It was exciting and a big relief. "Winston
is a top player and an icon in New Zealand so to have sorted him out for six
years is brilliant and along with the signings of mark Noble and James
Tomkins shows this is a club that is displaying it's ambition ahead of our
move to the Olympic Stadium."

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DG explains Adrian option
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on March 12, 2015 in Whispers
Claret & Hugh

West Ham last night responded to fan worries that Adrian should be signed to
a new deal by explaining: "There's no panic – we have a two year option."
The Spaniard has been hugely impressive and become a terrace cult hero since
his arrival from Real Betis but with his contract running out next summer,
many fans feared he could stolen away. The stopper has settled brilliantly
at Upton Park and is as popular in the dressing room as he is among the
fans. Co-chairman David Gold revealed to ClaretandHugh: " We are happy with
the situation as we have an option on Adrian for a further two years. "We
are currently tying down many of our players as we need to but Adrian is
very happy with us and his situation. Both sides are relaxed."

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Should West Ham sell Aaron Cresswell to fund a move for Tyrone Mings?
HITC
Billy Hawkins

Aaron Cresswell has been linked with a transfer to Manchester City, so
should West Ham sell him?

The former Ipswich Town full-back arrived at the Boleyn Ground in the
summer, and has had a massive impact in the Premier League. Touted as a
future England international, Cresswell has put in the kind of performances
that have garnered interest from some of England's top clubs - including
Manchester City. According to the London Evening Standard, the Premier
League giants have been eyeing the 25-year-old over a potential transfer,
and the Hammers are not set to offer him a new contract with four years left
on his current deal. With four years remaining, it is expected that City
would have to pay through the nose for the left-back. However, City have
deep pockets can offer as much as they want to try and lure Cresswell away
from East London and, although he has been a vital star this season, West
Ham may be tempted to cash in. And if they secure a large profit on
Cresswell, they should look to the left-back's former club for his
replacement.
Tyrone Mings has filled the void left by Cresswell at Ipswich, and put in
performances that even the 25-year-old could not match. Able to play at both
left-back and central defence, the 21-year-old has been garnering interest
from Arsenal, as per the Independent, and is considered to be one of the
brightest prospects in English football.

Ipswich are hardly in the best financial situation and if they cannot win
promotion to the Premier League, West Ham would likely be able to use a
portion of the fee received for Cresswell on securing the youngster. Mings
has excelled in a way that Cresswell never did, and being younger suggests
that he can improve even further. Not only is he a left-back, he can also
play in the centre, and the youngster would be a brilliant signing to
replace Cresswell if West Ham decide to let him leave.

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Liverpool and West Ham target Ogenyi Onazi BACK on market for £7.1m
LAZIO midfielder Ogenyi Eddy Onazi is back on the transfer market, with
Liverpool and West Ham both reportedly considering bids.
Published: 18:49, Thu, March 12, 2015
By JOE SHORT
Express.co.uk

Onazi was linked to Liverpool last December in a swap deal, with Fabio
Borini heading the opposite direction. But no deal materialised as Lazio
determined to keep hold of the 22-year-old and push for a top-three finish
in the Serie A. But just two months after the winter deadline shut it
appears the club are now willing to hear offers for Onazi as they keep apace
for Champions League places. According to Italian newspaper Gazzetta dello
Sport, the Nigerian is valued at £7.1million at the top end and both the
Reds and Hammers have tracked his performances this season. However, since
the turn of the year he has struggled to hold down a regular starting place
in the Rome side's midfield because of Danilo Cataldi's explosion onto the
Serie A scene. And Lazio are now willing to receive offers for their
unwanted international, who could prove a bargain acquisition for a Premier
League club.

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West Ham defender discusses extending stay with loan employers
HITC
Billy Hawkins

The 21-year-old defender is currently contracted to West Ham, but he is on
loan at Blackburn Rovers, and has admitted to Rovers Player that he would be
keen on extending his stay with the club. A Canadian international, Henry
moved to the Hammers from Apollon Limassol in January, although it was never
expected he would be part of Sam Allardyce's first-team. Two Under-21
appearances preceded his loan to Blackburn, and he already has two
first-team appearances for the Championship side. Both games have resulted
in victories and, playing in the heart of the defence, the youngster has
helped his team concede just one goal in 180 minutes of football. His loan
deal only lasts for one-month, meaning that Henry is likely to leave the
club come the start of April. However, due to the emergency loan window,
should Rovers look to extend the deal, they have until the end of this
month. Having impressed in his two outings for Gary Bowyer's side, there is
a good chance that Blackburn will look to extend the deal, and Henry has
told Rovers Player that he would be keen on staying at Ewood Park for
longer, as long as his playing situation at West Ham does not change. When
asked if he wants the loan to be extended, Henry replied: "Yeah, definitely.
If nothing's going my way back at West Ham, I definitely just want to play
as much as I can, and keep continuing to get more experience. "If I can stay
here and play matches and be involved in the squad, then definitely [I want
to stay]."

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