Daily WHUFC News - 18th March 2015

​15/16 ST renewals – one month to go
WHUFC.com

Season Ticket Holders have exactly a month left to guarantee their seat for the final season at the Boleyn Ground.

The renewal window is to close at 5pm on Friday 17 April and, as of 9am on Saturday 18 April, all seats that have not been renewed will go on sale to Season Ticket Holders wishing to apply for a maximum of two additional tickets or to relocate.

Season Ticket Holders can renew via any of the following three options:

• Supporters can pay in full by 5pm on 17 April
• Pay a non-refundable £75 deposit by 5pm on Friday 17 April. The £75 deposit will be deducted from the final balance, which must be settled by 5pm on Sunday 31 May
• Apply to pay by monthly instalments through v12 Season Ticket Finance by 5pm on 17 April

How to renew

Click here to renew online and login with your Season Ticket client reference number

Call 0871 529 1966 - select option three, lines open Monday to Saturday between 9am-5pm (calls cost 10p per minute plus network extras)

Visit the Boleyn Ground Ticket Office in person, open Monday to Saturday between 9am-5pm.

To pay in monthly instalments, please apply through our partner V12 Season Ticket Finance at v12seasonticketfinance.com/westham

Important information

Please note that any Season Ticket Holder who misses the above deadline risks losing their seat, with additional sales to begin the following morning. With that in mind, anyone submitting a postal application must ensure its arrival by 5pm on Friday 17 April.

As an added benefit, renewing Season Ticket Holders will have the opportunity to apply for two additional Season Tickets or request relocation across the weekend of 18/19 April.

These requests are to be made on a first-come, first-served basis from 9am on Saturday 18 April, either by visiting or calling the Stadium Ticket Office on 0871 529 1966. The Ticket Office will also be open from 10am until 4pm on Sunday 19 April.

Should any Season Tickets remain following the weekend, they will then be made available to supporters on the final season waiting list. Supporters will be contacted in order of priority on the waiting list and should therefore ensure they are contactable throughout Monday 20 April. Anyone wishing to join the waiting list can still do so by visiting the Box Office here.

Finally, we ask that all Season Ticket Holders take the opportunity to ensure that their contact details, including email address and phone number, are up to date. This will ensure they receive important information on their appointment at the Reservation Centre, where they will be offered their opportunity to select seats for the new Stadium.

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Adrian: "We know we can win"
WHUFC.com

In-form goalkeeper Adrian is relishing the prospect of bouncing back from the 3-0 defeat against Arsenal when the Hammers entertain Sunderland this Saturday. The 28-year-old shot stopper has been one of West Ham's standout performers this term, notching an impressive 112 saves. Despite the defeat to the Gunners, the Hammers had the Spaniard to thank for pulling off a string of excellent saves to keep them in the game. Adrian's performance was made even more noteworthy by the fact he dislocated a finger in the warm up, but insisted on taking to the field regardless. Speaking after the game, he said: "Yes we had players missing, and we knew it was going to be tough but we were prepared for that. "We're unlucky to concede a goal just before half time. Olivier Giroud hit the ball very well but I thought I could have done better. I thought we started the second half well, we put pressure on them. But then they scored the second goal and that was it. "I thought Arsenal played very well, particularly in attack, they have very good players. With Giroud, Alexis Sanchez and Santi Cazorla, they are all fantastic players. We need to keep going and get ready for our next match against Sunderland."

Saturday's opponents Sunderland find themselves at the wrong end of the table, currently just one place above the relegation zone, having lost 4-0 at home to fellow strugglers Aston Villa. However, despite their lowly league position, Adrian is anticipating a tough game come Saturday afternoon. "It'll be a tough game because they are playing to avoid relegation. We need to stay strong in order to get the three points. "In the last home game against Chelsea we had good chances to win. Against Manchester United we also played well but the results haven't matched our performances. Next Saturday at home we want to change that."

After a tough set of fixtures, which has seen West Ham play six of the top seven Premier League clubs since 20 January, the Hammers find themselves in tenth spot. While some fans' hopes of a European qualification spot now appear unlikely, Adrian continued to say he was confident that his side were on course for the targeted top half finish. "There are games to come where we know we can win. I feel good every time I play, I feel comfortable. "Of course we can climb up the table. We have nine games left of the season and we'll try our best. We are having a good season, our objective was a top ten finish and we are on course to do that."

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Former Player Blog - Sir Trevor Brooking
WHUFC.com

Sir Trevor Brooking looks ahead to Saturday's visit of Sunderland...

Sunderland have opted for a change at the top ahead of this weekend's game against the Hammers, with Dick Advocaat coming in to replace Gus Poyet as manager.

However, more than anything, the West Ham team have got to focus on their own performance and try to get that important win that they've been looking for over the last couple of months.

After such a great period up until Christmas, it will be frustrating for them especially with a few injuries that they've had.

With Sunderland next up, it's one of those games that everyone expects you to win. We've all been there, but you know Sunderland's players will be fired up because they have pride.

Away from home sometimes the pressure's off and you can make it really tough. If you look at the previous record, they haven't scored a lot of goals but they haven't conceded many.

They'll make it difficult to score, try to frustrate the team and the fans. More than anything it's about West Ham matching their effort, which I think will be there because they are only one point off the bottom three.

West Ham will have to make sure their level is good to get the three points because again after that there's not a game for a couple of weeks.

You don't want to be brooding over that time with a disappointing performance. There were spells in the Arsenal game where we did ok. 3-0 looks comfortable, but on Saturday we have to make sure Sunderland don't get something to cling on to early in the game.

Sir Trevor Brooking was talking on Hammer Time, whufc.com's exclusive panel discussion show. Look out for episode two, which features Sir Trevor, Mark Noble and Evening Standard correspondent Ken Dyer, appearing on the Official Site on Wednesday

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From the Academy
WHUFC.com

Hello,

Like many of you, I'm was absolutely delighted to see two of our Academy prospects, Manny Onariase and Josh Cullen, on the bench for the first team away at Arsenal on Saturday. I was actually on a coaching course in the Brecon Beacons when I heard the news, I was filled with pride when Steve Potts phoned to tell me. Having worked with both Manny and Josh for a number of years during their time at the West Ham United Academy I was immensely proud. Unfortunately I couldn't be at the Emirates as the U18s match with Brighton & Hove Albion at Rush Green only finished at 1pm. I was sat in the canteen following the Arsenal game on Sky Sports willing them to come off the bench but the circumstances of the game didn't really give Sam the opportunity.

Despite the defeat, it will still be a valuable experience for them both and hopefully the first of many. Not only is it a huge achievement for both Manny and Josh but everyone involved in the Academy. Without a doubt it's a huge incentive for all the other U18s and U21s players at the club. It gives the coaches and everyone involved with the Academy a lift. It just shows that if you're playing well, the opportunities will come and the pathway to the first team is there. I haven't really had a chance to talk to either of them about the experience yet. I know Josh slightly better because he's a huge West Ham fan.

Obviously, I was delighted for Manny, but Josh is a West Ham man through and through, he's a massive fan, I've been to away games with him and his dad when he's not involved, we went to the Liverpool game together last year. He's a very calm but confident character and a great person, he's a coaches' dream to work with. As for our first play off game with Brighton I think a draw was probably a fair result, I don't think either team deserved to win the game. We were slightly the better team in the first half and they were slightly better in the second. I don't remember either keeper making a save of note really.

I would like to give a special mention to how well I thought we defended, we were very solid as a back five which, for such a young defence, is very encouraging. I envisage us being very young again with the U21 playing Liverpool the night before, and that doesn't concern me because they've done very well so far. If anyone is interested in Academy football, I would wholeheartedly recommend you come and watch our U18s play. It's a great opportunity for all the fans to see quality football while it helps our players to get used to playing in front of a crowd. On top of that, it's completely free!

COYI!

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Collison credits Allardyce and Nolan for dressing room unity
KUMB.com
Filed: Tuesday, 17th March 2015
By: Staff Writer

Former Hammer Jack Collison believes that West Ham's re-establishment as a Premier League force is largely down to two of the club's more controversial characters. The 26-year-old Welsh international is taking the rest of the season out as he attempts to recover from the latest in a long line of injuries which have halted his professional career. His time at West Ham ended last summer after a series of injuries problems - which began with a knee injury at Wigan in 2009 - resulted in the club failing to offer a new contract. Yet despite having been given that particularly disappointing news a year ago by the club's current manager, he bears no ill feeling towards Sam Allardyce. Quite the contrary in fact, with Collison maintaining that the under-fire manager is one of the key components behind the club's year-on-year progression since 2011. "Sam's an honest person and if you work hard, try your hardest, play well but don't always get the results he's fair on you," said Collison, speaking exclusively on the latest edition of the KUMB West Ham Podcast. "At the same time, if you don't quite put the effort in he's the first to tell you. "He's very good; he can keep his distance whilst at other times he can have a bit of a laugh and a joke with you. He picks and chooses his moments well and I think that's why the boys took to him."

Recalling the manager's appointment in May 2011, Collison added that the news was not universally welcomed by everyone at the club initially - but that one additional and vitally-important signing made everything click into place. "The young lads were hoping Kevin Keen would take over as he's a fantastic coach - then Big Sam comes in," he said. "It was a big name and I'm not sure everyone knew how to take it. "Then he brought Kevin Nolan in - and he was the bridge between Big Sam and the boys. "The changing room that he, Sam Allardyce and the Chairmen have built is a great place to be around, even now. The likes of Enner Valencia and Diafra Sakho have been phenomenal this year - and a big part of that is down to Kevin Nolan. "He made the transition pretty easy. That season in the Championship was one of the most enjoyable I had and it was good to play under Big Sam, who is such a big character. I enjoyed my time with him."

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Rangers join Allardyce hunt as speculation grows
KUMb.com
Filed: Tuesday, 17th March 2015
By: Staff Writer

Sam Allardyce's time at West Ham may be nearing an end - but he is unlikely to be short of offers, should a new contract at the Boleyn fail to materialise. Yesterday afternoon rumours linking Sunderland with a move for the current Hammers boss intensified, following the abrupt dismissal of Gus Poyet. The Wearsiders are believed to favour bringing in a manager to replace Poyet on a short-term basis, with view to Allardyce - who played for Sunderland in the 1980/81 season - taking over once his contract at West Ham expires. However Sunderland - who provide West Ham's next opposition at the Boleyn this weekend - are not the only party seriously interested in hiring Allardyce this summer, with news of interest rather closer to his current Canary Wharf home emerging. KUMB has learned that the Black Cats' relegation rivals Queens Park Rangers have also indicated their desire to be included in any future talks, should Allardyce fail to land a new contract at the Boleyn. Rangers, who host West Ham at Loftus Road on 25 April are currently managed by Chris Ramsey. The former Academy coach has been given the role unti lthe end of the season, following the departure of Harry Redknapp last month. Whilst Allardyce's future at West Ham has been making headlines for many weeks, it remains the case that discussions regarding a new deal are yet to take place. The chances of any such talks proceeding are however slim at best; Allardyce is understood to have been informed that West Ham will consent to him holding talks with other clubs, should an official approach be forthcoming.

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It never rains! Doneil Henry ruled out for rest of season
KUMB.com
Filed: Tuesday, 17th March 2015
By: Staff Writer

West Ham's on-loan centre half Doneil Henry has been ruled out for the rest of the season after sustaining a serious hamstring injury at the weekend. The 21-year-old Canadian is yet to feature for the Hammers - and will have to wait a little longer before potentially making his debut after it was confirmed this afternoon that he will miss the rest of the season. Henry is reported to have sustained the injury during loan club Blackburn's 3-1 win over Charlton Athletic on Saturday. The news was confirmed this afternoon by Rovers boss Gary Bowyer.
"Unfortunately for Doneil Henry it is going to be the end of his season for him, he's with a specialist as we speak. We wish him all the very best." Henry, who moved to West Ham during the January transfer window has already returned to Chadwell Heath, where he is currently being assessed.

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BOBBY MOORE MOVIE SEEKS INVESTORS
By Iain Dale 17 Mar 2015 at 15:27
West Ham Till I Die

This is a self explanatory press release I have received, which I thought might be of interest to some of you.

Bobby Moore Movie Limited

Offer for Subscription of Shares under the Enterprise Investment Scheme ("EIS") to raise up to £1.15 million

A feature length documentary on the life of Bobby Moore, to be titled 'BOBBY' has gone into production ahead of a cinematic release to coincide with the 50th anniversary next summer of England's 1966 win.

The early stages of the film's production have been funded by private investors. An Enterprise Investment Scheme (EIS) qualifying production company has been established for further funding, for which HMRC approval has been granted. The film will also qualifying for the Film Tax Credit and will receive an advance from a major film distributor.


It is intended to raise up to £1.15m from private investment under the EIS to finance the full production of the film and its marketing.

An EIS qualifying company allows the investor to reclaim up to 30% Income Tax relief on their investment, with the proceeds being free of Capital Gains Tax. Other benefits of the investment include it being Inheritance Tax Free after 2 years and the opportunity to defer Capitals Gain Tax due or already paid.

"Moore" – the working title – has the support of both of the sporting icon's wives, the Football Association and a percentage of all profits will go to the Bobby Moore Fund for research into bowel cancer, the disease which brought his life to a premature end in 1993 at the age of 51.

The film is directed by award winner Ron Scalpello and co-written and produced by the television presenter and journalist Matthew Lorenzo, who grew up with Bobby Moore (his sports writer father Peter was one of the player's close friends, going on to organise his testimonial).

Lorenzo said, "I was lucky enough to know the man. But there was so much behind the golden haired façade which Bobby kept to himself. We will tell the real story – the lows and the highs – which, to my mind, make him even more of a hero.

"This is more than just an inspirational life story. We want people to understand properly a man who did so much for sport in this country. More than that, he was a symbol for the country's emergence from the black and white days of the fifties. It's as though we went from monochrome to colour, and Bobby Moore was at the centre of all of that."

An FA spokesman commented, "Outside Wembley Stadium there stands one statue: that of Bobby Moore. As we approach the 50th anniversary of England's finest sporting moment – wining the World Cup n 1966 – it is fitting we remember one of our greatest footballers by supporting the film that celebrates his life."

Bobby Moore's friend Pele has already been interviewed for the project, and the producers are set to film David Beckham, Franz Beckenbauer and stars such as Michael Caine, Ray Winstone and James Corden in the coming months.

The film will mix as yet unseen archive footage with interviews – new and old – to tell the real stories behind Bobby Moore's footballing glory: his battle with two bouts of cancer; the facts that led to false accusations about a stolen bracelet and the failure to give a home-grown hero anything like the respect he deserved in later life.

Stephanie Moore said "I really appreciate the film makers support for the Bobby Moore Fund." So far Moore's widow has raised more than £21 million for the charity. The Fund will receive 5% of any profits from the film.

Ends

Offer Manager – CHF Enterprises

Contact email: louiseoliverATchfmediaDOTcom

Phone number 0845 512 1000
UPDATE: Matthew Lorenzo has asked me to post this message to WHTID readers…

"Thanks everyone for your interest in the film. Just to let you know it's been something of a labour of love. I've been working on it for nearly two years now.

I grew up with Bobby Moore, thanks to his friendship with my late father Peter, ITV's first commentator, a leading journalist in his time and the organiser of Bobby's testimonial. What's more he was a West Ham nut who passed on his love of the Irons which allowed me to mention the fact whenever I was on the telly giving an unbiased report.

Bobby Moore was a hero and I've discovered some facts which make him even more so. The film is revelatory but not in a sensationalist way. I hope it will proves as popular with sports fans as with anyone interested in a genuinely human story about someone who faced so much, hid so much and deserved so much more from the powers that be.

We're contributing to the Bobby Moore Fund and we have the support of the FA. And a host of big names who knew the man well. As for Beckham, and Corden, well I think it's important to reach out the new generation – to let them hear about a real hero from the heroes of today.

And if we can get Mr Cameron to change the rules about posthumous knighthoods then we'll have done a good job.

I just want to be proud to say I was part of it, come the release in summer next year.

And I've got the Oscars speech worked out already…"

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ALL WE ARE SAYING IS GIVE US GOALS LIKE THESE
By Brian Williams 17 Mar 2015 at 08:00
West Ham Till I Die

Having been issued with a restraining order by solicitors acting on behalf of West Ham United FC Until I Am Declared Clinically Dead plc (the parent company of WHTID) I am now legally bound to come up with a piece that will be neither divisive nor depressing.

So I will not be writing about Sam Allardyce this week. Nor will I be mentioning Kevin Nolan, Karren Brady, or the Olympic Stadium (it appears from the summons I have in front of me I am officially constrained from moaning about the move to Stratford again until West Ham have won another game at Upton Park).

Take that lot out of the equation and it doesn't leave a columnist much to work with. So this week I am going to explore a rather esoteric subject that may be unfamiliar territory to our younger readers. It's called Goals For.

Hard to believe I know, but there was a time a goal meant something other than our dejected keeper picking the ball out of the net while his defenders give one another sheepish/accusative looks and the supporters sigh as one. In the dim and distant past it wasn't entirely unheard of for one of our brave lads to disturb the opposition's onion bag, resulting in much joy for those of us with flat caps and rattles (you may have seen black and white newsreel footage supporting my case on the History Channel).

Therefore, I am suggesting we take a trip down Recollection Road (Memory Lane has been sold to private developers and is now a gated community with limited social housing) and relive some great West Ham goals – if for no other reason than we could all do with a bit of cheering up right now.

The impending visit of Saturday's opponents is a good place to start. West Ham 8 Sunderland 0 – how I would have loved to have been at that game back in 1968. This, of course, was the match in which Geoff Hurst scored six. There are pedants who will tell you it was really only five because the first one was handball, but I really don't think it's right and proper for the hoi polloi to accuse a knight of the realm of cheating. Remember, we are talking about Sir Geoff Hurst here.

We've all got our favourite goals – and I very much hope that before everyone goes home you will share yours with the rest of the class. But, before you do, here is my top 10 – in reverse order, naturally. (You know how these things work as well as I do). Oh, and I've only allowed myself one goal per player – don't ask me why.

No 10: Paul Ince v Liverpool (1988) A controversial choice, I accept. It was a League Cup game against Liverpool in 1988. They were reigning champions while we were destined for relegation. I was bang in line with Ince when he soared into the air on the edge of the box to hit one of the sweetest volleys ever seen at Upton Park to put us one up. We went on to win 4-1 with a performance that made a mockery of how appalling we were in the league that year. Oh, West Ham, why do you do things like that to us loyal supporters?

No 9: Dean Ashton v Man City (2006) This was in the sixth round of the FA Cup at Eastlands. With four minutes to go to the interval Ashton won the ball with a deft header which he then brought under control without letting it bounce. There was a one-two with Matty Etherington and a flick from Nigel Reo-Coker before he turned Sylvain Distin inside out and smashed the ball past Calamity James. Not only was this a brilliant goal, I've included it in lieu of all the other goals Deano would have scored for us if his career hadn't been cut short by injury. I truly believe he could have gone on to be a West Ham great.

No 8: Anton Ferdinand v Fulham (2006) Fulham were arguably having the better of things before we were awarded a corner, which was cleared to the edge of the area – from where Ferdinand unleashed an astonishing volley that was a goal from the moment it left his boot. This one is for defenders everywhere, but only got in after careful consideration was given to marginally less spectacular volleys by Colin Foster against Everton in the FA Cup (1991) and Winston Reid v Millwall in the Championship (2012).

No 7: Bobby Zamora v Ipswich (2005) Mention the words "play off" to Zamora and it's as if someone has pressed the on-button in his brain. Before scoring the winning goal for us in the play-off final against Preston, he got two in the second leg of the semis at Portman Road. His second was a blinder – Marlon Harewood won the ball in our half, went on a blistering run that involved a one-two with Reo-Coker, and then put in a snorter of a cross, which Zamora put away with a superb cushioned volley. I still say Bobby never got the recognition he deserved from many West Ham supporters.

No 6: Mark Noble v Spurs (2007) The goal came after Carlos Tevez brilliantly chested the ball into Noble's path, allowing him to volley home from the edge of the area. (Tevez then went on to score his first goal for us with a brilliant free kick that kissed the underside of the bar on the way in.) In truth, I have seen more memorable goals but I've included it because (a) we all love Mark Noble and (b) it might remind him that he used to score from open play once in a while.

No 5: Carlos Tevez v Man Utd (2007) This, of course, was the Great Escape game at Old Trafford. I'm not pretending the goal was a classic in itself, but its importance cannot be overstated – if only for the look on Dave Whelan's face as Wigan got relegated. (Remind me to give you a summary of the Office of Fair Trading's 237-page report into price fixing by JJB Sports some time; the man who so vociferously accused us of cheating does not come out of that at all well.)

No 4. Trevor Brooking v Arsenal (1980) Okay, this wasn't exactly a contender for goal of the season either – and Sir Trev could easily point to any number of games in which he scored with breath-taking efforts (Eintracht Frankfurt for starters). But any goal that wins you the Cup when you go into the final as such massive underdogs as we did against the Gooners has to be on anyone's list of favourites.

No 3. Ronnie Boyce v Preston North End (1964) Another goal to win an FA Cup final. I had taken the life-changing decision to support West Ham in the run-up to the game. Ticker had scored twice in the semi-final to get us to Wembley, and his last-minute winner against Preston cemented that decision. However, this was three weeks before my eighth birthday and boys that age have been known to change their minds. Who knows if I would be a Hammer today if he hadn't put away Peter Brabrook's cross and West Ham had lost in extra time? Sorry. Did someone just call me a glory-hunter?

No 2: Geoff Hurst v Chelsea (1967) The game, at Stamford Bridge, was the first time I saw West Ham in the flesh. I should be able to remember the opening goal, which was scored by Brian Dear, but for the life of me I can't picture it at all. I do, however, remember Hurst heading home after Bobby Moore had crossed from near the corner flag. We won 3-1. You'll have to excuse me for a moment. I'm getting all misty-eyed just thinking about it again.

Okay, that's nine out of the 10, and we are missing some big names on this particular scoresheet. No Bobby Moore, Martin Peters, Billy Bonds, Tony Cottee or Frank McAvennie? What about unsung heroes such as Kevin Keen, Geoff Pike, Paul Goddard, Graham Paddon and Patsy Holland? (Holland's equaliser in the dying minutes against Hereford in a 1974 Cup tie could well be my No 11). Pop Robson and Clyde Best both came close, but didn't make the final list. Even Carlton Cole, Jimmy Quinn and David Cross nearly got a look-in (Ted MacDougall didn't). But we all know if you haven't made the cut by now you are never going to, because there really can only ever be one winner in the competition for the greatest West Ham goal of all time.

It is my considered opinion Paolo Di Canio is as mad as a box of frogs, but there is no denying the man could do things on a football field that mere mortals can only ever dream of. Which means:

No 1: PDC v Wimbledon (2000) I don't really need to describe this, do I? Just close the old mince pies for a moment and picture that cross from Trevor Sinclair. Now envisage Di Canio: the run, the leap, the volley, the orgasmic ecstasy as the ball hits the net.

I know you've all seen it a thousand times before, but to misquote Samuel Johnson: "If you're tired of reliving it, you are tired of life."

And it that hasn't whetted your appetite for Saturday, I really don't know what will.

IAIN WRITES: As a Guardian journalist, Brian is somewhat peeved that his book NEARLY REACH THE SKY – A FAREWELL TO UPTON PARK, is one place below Nigel Farage in the current Biteback list of bestsellers. You could cheer him up enormously by ordering your copy HERE. I won't tell Nigel if you won't. I should also tell you that Nigel's book is No 27 in the Amazon chart. Brian's is No 19,209. He blames me. Personally. Keeps muttering about sending Cass Pennant round.

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West Ham striker Nene continues his love affair with former club PSG
09:06, 17 March 2015 By Lee Thomas-Mason
Despite being in the crowd for PSG's victory over Chelsea, West Ham striker Nene missed David Luiz's dramatic equaliser because he left early to avoid the crowds
The Mirror

You cant help which team support, just ask West Ham's Brazilian striker Nene who is the perfect example of why you should NEVER leave a game before the final whistle. Sam Allardyce recruited the 33-year-old veteran on a free transfer last month, providing back up for his depleted strike force following a string of injuries. Nene found himself a free agent following a two-year stint with Qatari club Al Gharafa, on the back of a successful period with French giants PSG. His three seasons in Paris is the longest period the striker has spent at a single club, winning the Ligue 1 in the 2012-13 season. Individually, Nene was voted 'best foreign player' as well as being the league's top goalscorer during his time at the in the French capital. So when his beloved PSG travelled to London the former striker couldn't bring himself to miss out the action and decided to watch the game on the terraces with the fans. But wanting to avoid the crowds, the Brazilian striker left the game early and missed his countryman David Luiz netting the late equaliser, his reaction is priceless. French TV show Telefoot showed the scenes of celebration outside the PSG hotel after the game - and they found West Ham striker Nene among the fans: "It is like I were still part of the team," he said.

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DG: "I own 50 knickers shops – not 50 oil wells."
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on March 17, 2015 in Whispers
Claret & Hugh

A discussion on the ClaretandHugh Facebook page earlier today put me in mind of DG's most famous and perhaps best ever quote!

During an interview the co-chairman told me as we discussed the lofty ambitions held by all of us – including himself – he said: "It's important to remember I own 50 knickers shops – not 50 oil wells."

The co-chairman has a find of amusing – but very insightful one liners – such as "Oh dear call the police!" when James Tomkins pulled his silly stunt at Everton earlier in the season.

In every case he makes his point with good humour and a lot of grace lost on the miserable Twitter trolls who use his good nature to goad him on too many occasions.

That he has issued just two tweets this month announcing the Winston Reid and Morgan Amalfitano contracts suggests he's pulling back as he turns more and more to Facebook.

Back to the point: Many seem to believe that as we enter the market for a new manager – where they name every top world boss – endless funds are available when in reality we are probably looking at around £3 million a year.

The oft mentioned "Allardyce is the world's 13 best paid manager" was first reported in 2013 and although things have changed since then, the £2.95 million mentioned puts him in the same league at the time as:

15 Roberto Mancini, Galatasaray, £2.92m
15 Rafa Benitez, Napoli, £2.92m
17 Luciano Spaletti, Zenit, £2.75m
18 Claudio Ranieri, Monaco, £2.5m
18 Laurent Blanc, PSG, £2.5m
18 Antonio Conte, Juventus, £2.5m
18 Cesare Prandelli, Italy, £2.5m
22 Massimiliano Allegri, Milan, £2.34m
23 Felipe Scolari, Brazil, £2.3m
24 Ottmar Hitzfeld, Switzerland, £2.17m
25 Mircea Lucescu, Shakhtar, £2.14m
26 Diego Simeone, Atletico Madrid, £2.09m
26 Harry Redknapp, QPR, £2.09m
26 Joachim Low, Germany, £2.09m
29 Walter Mazzarri, Inter Milan, £2m
30 Vecente del Bosque, Spain, £1.96m

If – as is the case with some – aspirations are much higher, here's what the very "best" would have cost you:

1 Pep Guardiola, Bayern Munich, £14.8m
2 Jose Mourinho, Chelsea, £8.37m
3 Marcelo Lippi, Guangzhou, £8.34m
4 Arsene Wenger, Arsenal, £6.89m
5 Fabio Capello, Russia, £6.51m
6 Carlo Ancelotti, Real Madrid, £6.26m
7 David Moyes, Man United, £4.92m
8 Tata Martino, Barcelona, £4.5m
9 Jurgen Klopp, Borussia Dortmund, £3.59m
10 Manuel Pellegrini, Man City, £3.47m
11 Jorge Jesus, Benfica, £3.34m
12 Brendan Rodgers, Liverpool, £3.25m

Fifty knickers shops will get you, it seems, a middle of the road manager based on those costs and the higher the owners go for their chosen man, the less there will be for new players.

They continue to carry a debt burden which has been alleviated by David Sullivan loans to the club but a financial reality needs to settle over us all as we contemplate how high we should go for a new man – a situation covered very neatly by the DG quote.

And let me hear nobody say "KNICKERS"

COYI

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Allardyce breaks his silence
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on March 17, 2015 in Whispers
Claret & Hugh

Sam Allardyce has emerged from a self-imposed silence to speak to the Sunderland media! He expressed his passing of Gus Poyet in the Newcastle Chronicle Live and told Hammers fans not to expect us to brush them aside on Saturday evening. Allardyce himself is of course a hot favourite to become the club's next permanent boss but a Black Cats relegation could change all that. Commenting on Sunderland's position whom we meet on Saturday evening, he said: "I think the appointment today and last week's result, will make life very difficult for us on Saturday. "We're just as desperate for a win as they are, so it will be a very tough game – I'm sure of that. "And I hope the West Ham supporters don't expect us to just breeze past them 4-0 like Aston Villa did last week." "For me, it's always a sad occasion when a manager loses his position," said Allardyce, who spent one season as a player on Wearside in the early 1980s and later had a spell as manager at Newcastle United. "When you saw the result on Saturday it seems that was the final straw for the board. "It's a shame for Gus after what he did last season when he almost created a miracle with his escape from relegation with the club, and it hasn't gone as well (since) as he would have wanted, I know. "Obviously, his son Diego is playing with us, so I hope he is OK."

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Henry heads home – season over
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on March 17, 2015 in Whispers
Claret & Hugh

Doneil Henry's season is over after the Irons on-loan defender injured his hamstring. The central defender will now return to West Ham from Blackburn Rovers where he had made a hugely impressive start. He was due to stay at Ewood Park until the beginning of April but after being injured in the team's 3-1 win at Charlton now heads back to the east end. Rovers boss Gary Bowyer told the Rovers website: "Unfortunately for Doneil Henry it is going to be the end of his season for him, he's with a specialist as we speak."

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It's all over for Tomkins
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on March 17, 2015 in Whispers
Claret & Hugh

West Ham have tonight confirmed that James Tomkins is out for the rest of the season. And as we reported last week the big central defender will need an operation on his dislocated shoulder. It's grim news for the 25 years old who damaged the shoulder in training when taking a tumble and was immediately taken to hospital for scans. ClaretandHugh was told at the time that the early indications were grim but it has not been until tonight (Tues) that the club has released the news to a media outlet. We were told: "James' season is over. He is out for the season and will definitely need an operation on the injury. "It's really rough on the player but it will be dealt with quickly although the healing process can take up to 12 weeks which means his season over."

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Advocaat for now – Allardyce later
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on March 17, 2015 in Whispers
Claret & hUgh

Sam Allardyce's West Ham future – or lack of it – is now becoming an hours news bulletin rather than daily or weekly. For despite Sunderland announcing that Dick Advocaat will take over until the end of the season it is believed that Allardyce is in the frame as the next permanent appointment at the Stadium of Light. As we have reported at regular intervals over the last few days, Sam's West Ham day will be done at the end of this campaign with David Moyes still remaining the favourite to take over. And it has emerged this morning that the Real Sociedad boss – who is only on an 18 month deal at the Spanish club – has a clause in his contract that he can leave if an offer comes from an English club. Interestingly, however, the Hammers board will be keeping a close eye on Everton's form until the end of the season where the owners have always been keen admirers of Robeto Martinez's managerial approach. A win over Newcastle lifted the Toffees away from the relegation fight but should the club find itself in trouble at the end of the season, a move would be on were the Spaniard to be sacked.

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