The Big Interview - Stewart Downing
WHUFC.com
Stewart Downing speaks to the Official Site about the threat his former loan
club Sunderland pose and his targets for the rest of the season...
If we work hard, we should be able to beat Sunderland given their lack of
confidence after last weekend's 4-0 defeat?
"We should have beaten them when we played them at their place too. Our own
form has been quite good recently. We have to start well and if we play like
we did in the second half against Chelsea we'll win."
Sunderland are a club you know well, coming from the North-East, and you had
a loan spell there. There are similarities between the two clubs, a big fan
base and high expectations…
"I think we were in a similar sort of situation last year, we had some
suspensions and injuries too. But we've come on a long way, we're harder to
beat and we need to continue to improve that.
"I think overall the confidence is still there, we've had a little dip in
form but all teams do that and we need to bounce back. If we get a win this
weekend it sets us up great for the last eight games of the season."
With the international break coming up, a win is even more important, mainly
to avoid the negative headlines carrying on for two weeks?
"Yeah definitely, it would give everyone a lift. The way we've been playing
and the players we have here, we're capable of winning. With a new manager
in they'll be lifted and want to impress him so we need to be aware of that
and expect a difficult game."
Where do you see Sunderland's main threat coming from?
"Steven Fletcher on his day is a goal scorer, Connor Wickham is also a
handful. Other than that we're pretty strong and we've got goalscorers of
our own in the team."
You scored a good goal up there, it would be nice to add to your tally this
weekend?
"Definitely, I'm due a goal I think but if the team wins then I'm not
bothered, that's the main thing."
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View on the Visitors - Sunderland
Sunderland Echo's Sunderland reporter CHRIS YOUNG lifts the lid on
Saturday's visitors Sunderland
WHUFC.com
In a nutshell, what have you made of Sunderland's season?
"The first half they were pretty solid if unspectacular. They drew a lot of
games and were hard to beat but since the turn of the year they've
unravelled pretty much. Jermain Defoe was brought in to try and help score
more goals but I think Poyet struggled to work out the best way to use him."
What's do you make of Gus Poyet's sacking?
"I think after the Aston Villa result it was inevitable really. They were
so, so bad in the first half, his position was almost untenable. The
performance against Hull City was also poor and they've been struggling for
a while so it looked like it was going to happen sooner or later."
Is Dick Advocaat the right man to keep Sunderland in the Premier League?
"He's certainly got a huge amount of experience, both winning trophies and
at international level so the task in hand shouldn't phase him. Having said
that, he's never managed in the Premier League so he's a bit of an unknown
quantity. I think giving him a short term deal is a good idea."
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From the Treatment Room
WHUFC.com
We will start with the positive news, which is that Carlton Cole has
recovered from the hamstring injury he suffered at Tottenham Hotspur on 22
February. Carlton has resumed full training and will be available for
Saturday's game against Sunderland.
Another positive note is that, although Adrian dislocated his finger in the
warm-up ahead of the Arsenal game at the weekend, he had it put back in and
taped up by physiotherapist Dominic Rogan before the game. Adrian played
through the pain, which is not to be under-estimated, and he too will be
available to face Sunderland.
Adrian avoided a fracture and ligament damage, so he has been receiving
treatment by wearing a brace during the night this week to ensure his finger
remains pointing in the right direction! He was held out of one training
session as a precaution but he will be ready to play on Saturday.
Unfortunately, we have had two setbacks in the defence. James Tomkins
underwent successful surgery on his dislocated shoulder on Wednesday and
will now commence his rehabilitation, with a view to him returning to
fitness before the end of the season.
Doneil Henry injured his hamstring during his loan spell with Blackburn
Rovers and, after consulting with a specialist, he will have an operation at
the end of the week.
Winston Reid is recovering and rehabbing well from the hamstring injury he
suffered against Chelsea on 4 March. He is working hard on his fitness and
is getting closer to a return.
Andy Carroll no longer needs crutches to walk and now only has a brace on
the knee he injured against Southampton on 11 February. Andy is still
limited, but from Tuesday this week we significantly increased his rehab and
are able to do a wider variety exercises. Andy's rehab is going well and
everything is still on schedule.
Enner Valencia lacerated his big toe on 10 March and unfortunately he will
not be available this weekend, but is on schedule to return after the
international break.
Stijn Vandenbroucke
Head of Medical and Sports Science
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Loan round up
WHUFC.com
Elliot Lee played the full game in Luton Town's 1-0 defeat away at Newport
County. Aaron O'Connor first half strike proved to be the difference between
the two sides.
Sean Maguire played 75 minutes in Accrington Stanley's 2-2 away draw at
Wycombe Wanderers. Sam Wood puts the hosts ahead on the half hour mark
before Terry Gornell equalised just before half time. Into the second half,
Piero Mingoia put Stanley ahead before Alfie Mawson's deflected shot
levelled the proceedings.
Maguire was replaced by former West Ham midfielder Danny Whitehead who
signed for Stanley on a short term deal earlier in the week.
Paul McCallum returned for the first time since being suspended as an 86th
minute substitute for Portsmouth. Pompey opened the scoring through Matt
Tubbs before Eliot Richards equalised a minute later.
Cheltenham took the lead four minutes later through Will Packwood's header
before Ryan Taylor equalised just before half time.
Raphael Spiegel was unused substitute in Carlisle United's 2-0 away win at
Northampton Town. Jason Kennedy opened the scoring before Kyle Dempsey
secured the victory for Carlisle.
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Howes called up for England U18s
WHUFC.com
West Ham United's Sam Howes has been called up for the England U18s ahead of
their games with Switzerland later this month. The Young Lions face the
Swiss twice, with a game behind closed doors in Telford next week before
they play again at Walsall's Banks's Stadium on Saturday 28 March, kick-off
5.30pm. The 17-year-old goalkeeper has been in fine form for the West Ham
United U18s this making 18 appearances as well as six appearances for the
U21s. Howes was part of the victorious England U17 squad that were crowned
champions in last May's U17 Euro Finals. The talented shot-stopper then went
on to make his first team debut on the Hammers' tour of New Zealand before
signing a long-term contract with the club last November.
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West Ham defender James Tomkins has surgery on shoulder
BBC.co.uk
West Ham United defender James Tomkins has undergone surgery on a dislocated
shoulder but should return to action before the end of the season. The
25-year-old suffered the injury after falling awkwardly in training. He
missed Saturday's defeat at Arsenal , a game the Hammers lost 3-0. "We will
now start his rehabilitation, with a view to him returning to fitness before
the end of the season," said Stijn Vandenbroucke, West Ham's head of medical
and sports science.
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In brief - Wednesday's news round-up
KUMB.com
Filed: Wednesday, 18th March 2015
By: Jack Hammer
Get the very latest West Ham news in one place, with our new daily media
round-up!
West Ham set for Allardyce talks with Moyes, Benitez and Bilic on list of
possible replacements
West Ham plan to discuss Sam Allardyce's future before the end of the month,
amid speculation that Sunderland remain keen to recruit him next summer.
http://www.standard.co.uk/sport/football/west-ham-set-for-allardyce-talks-wi
th-moyes-benitez-and-bilic-on-list-of-possible-replacements-10113323.html
Sunderland's managerial change will make life hard for us, says West Ham's
Sam Allardyce
New Sunderland boss Dick Advocaat is looking for a flying start to his
reign, which kicks-off against Sam Allardyce's West Ham on Saturday
http://www.chroniclelive.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/sunderlands-mana
gerial-change-make-life-8862240
West Ham will hit top eight target, says assistant manager Neil McDonald
West Ham assistant manager Neil McDonald has assured Hammers fans that the
club are still aiming for a top eight finish despite their recent poor run
of form.
http://www.standard.co.uk/sport/football/west-ham-will-hit-top-eight-target-
says-assistant-manager-neil-mcdonald-10114583.html
West Ham CHASING ex-Manchester United manager David Moyes
WEST HAM chiefs have reportedly singled out ex-Manchester United boss David
Moyes as the man to replace Sam Allardyce in the summer.
http://www.dailystar.co.uk/sport/football/431247/West-Ham-chasing-ex-Manches
ter-United-manager-David-Moyes
Adrian: "We know we can win
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.
http://www.whufc.com/News/Articles/2015/March/16-March/Adrian-We-know-we-can
-win
Former Player Blog - Sir Trevor Brooking
Sir Trevor Brooking looks ahead to Saturday's visit of Sunderland...
http://www.whufc.com/News/Articles/2015/March/17-March/Former-Player-Blog-Si
r-Trevor-Brooking
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West Ham's James Tomkins has surgery on dislocated shoulder
Last Updated: 18/03/15 2:20pm
SSN
James Tomkins has had successful surgery on his dislocated shoulder and
could yet return this season. The West Ham defender was injured in training
ahead of Saturday's defeat at Arsenal, and there were fears he may not play
again this season. But the club's head of sports science Stijn Vandenbroucke
says the aim is to have Tomkins back some time in the remaining nine Premier
League games.
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THIS MANAGERIAL MERRY GO ROUND RUINS SEASONS
By Bobby Shovels 18 Mar 2015 at 08:00
West Ham Till I Die
Back in the first few months of 2012, Harry Redknapp's situation at Spurs
was akin to that of Sam Allardyce's reign this season. An impressive start
began to fade away towards the end of the year, with hopes of Tottenham
finishing in the top two giving way to a top-four finish. That sense of
defeat was compounded when Chelsea won the Champions League and Spurs were
knocked out of the competition.
Similarly, Allardyce's early promise has faded, with one win in 12 and a
slump down the table. What connects the two men, bar their sense of
frustration at never having led the Three Lions? Managerial gossip.
For it was Redknapp's evident preoccupation with the England job (which
eventually went to Roy Hodgson) that forced Tottenham's form to waver, with
Redknapp denying there was confusion in the ranks or from within his own
head.
One can't help but feel every time West Ham is mentioned now, be it on the
Guardian podcast or on the back pages, the Hammers are referenced like a
side where the story is in the future and not the present.
For far too long, myself and almost every other fan has been preoccupied
with Allardyce, David Sullivan, David Gold, Tony Henry and Martin Glover.
The season has been dominated, just like last, with such discussion. "Oh,
we're doing well! Allardyce to stay!" "Oh, we're crap again! Allardyce out!"
"Who shall we get in? Will Allardyce get a new contract?"
These questions have plagued the club for a long time, and one can't help
but feel such discussions start to play a factor in the mentality of both
the manager and the players. What does it feel like for a manager to
constantly be questioned about his decisions? And that when he does things
right, the praise goes to others, who supposedly built the team? What does
it mean for a player to feel that even if he doesn't play well, he knows the
manager will get the boot and not him?
We seem to forget the good times, ignore the injuries and become blind to
the difficult run of fixtures.
At the beginning of the season, managers were not much of a story. No one
lost their job until after Christmas.
Now, managerial questions and changes are everywhere.
Chelsea have dipped, so Jose Mourinho needed to emphasise last week that he
is the best manager in the country because he's won every competition,
casting aside any doubts about his position after the Blues' loss against
PSG.
Louis van Gaal, a manager with a phenomenal CV, is constantly called into
question. Brendan Rodgers is finally ridding himself of his doubters.
Manuel Pellegrini is now the new flavour of the sacking rumour month, with
talk of Guardiola taking over next year, although the billionaire owners may
grow impatient.
Every manager has been questioned this season, but why? Take Alan Pardew. If
you combined his stints at Newcastle and Crystal Palace, his imaginary team
would be sitting in eighth, an incredibly decent league placing.
Yes, gossip and what ifs are great for the papers but does it really help us
better understand and know our clubs? We constantly live in a state of
imagining that managers are the Gods and the players the pawns, with nothing
on the pitch being able to change without the man upstairs alternating. What
happens if David Moyes, Slaven Bilic or Rafa Benitez came in and nothing
changed at the Boleyn? Will we question the owners? What about the players?
Maybe their role and abilities will be called into question more; maybe we
will start asking more from men who earn our yearly salaries in weeks.
At some point, if football is to find its voice and change for the better,
we need to stop asking who's next for the chop in terms of the managers, but
who deserves to wear the Claret and Blue. Many will argue that Sam Allardyce
defines our club, due to his style of football. I would argue, that like so
many others, we have allowed him to define our club, through the narrative
we impose and the aura we impinge on the players and in the stands.
Let's case aside doubts and rumour and focus on the final matches ahead.
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Irons eye Arsenal midfielder
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on March 18, 2015 in Whispers
Claret & Hugh
West Ham have pencilled the name of Mathieu Flamini onto their possible
summer target list. ClaretandHugh has learned the 31 year old Arsenal
defensive midfielder was fancied by some inside Upton Park two years ago but
manager Sam Allardyce snubbed the chance of making a move. Now, however,
with a likely change of boss at the end of the season, Flamini could
re-enter the frame. The French star is a free agent at the end of the
present campaign and with Alex Song slowly slipping down the wanted list,
Flamini could be of interest if the personal demands are realistic. We were
told: "He's a very useful player who can organise things in front of the
back four. It's too early at this stage to make any sort of firm predictions
but his is a name that's been mentioned. "The major drive this year though
will be towards younger players. We'd like nothing more than to unearth a
couple of Aaron Cresswells. "However, Flamini does bring quite a lot to the
party."
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Tomkins under the knife but Adrian fit
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on March 18, 2015 in Whispers
Claret & Hugh
Adrian will be available for the clash against Sunderland despite
dislocating his finger in the warm-up to the Arsenal match last weekend.
West Ham's head of medical and sports science Stijn Vandenbroucke, revealed
the Spaniard has been wearing a brace on his finger since he suffered the
injury.
He explained: "Although Adrian dislocated his finger in the warm-up ahead of
the Arsenal game at the weekend, he had it put back in and taped up by
physiotherapist Dominic Rogan before the game."
Speaking to the official website he added: "Adrian played through the pain,
which is not to be underestimated, and he will be available to face
Sunderland.
Meanwhile defender James Tomkins has undergone surgery on his dislocated
shoulder but is out for the season as reported exclusively by ClaretandHugh.
Cheikhou Kouyate had to play at the heart of defence with Winston Reid also
absent and with Vandenbroucke suggesting the New Zealand defender is again
unlikely to be available, is set to again play James Collins.
Vandenbroucke said: "James Tomkins underwent successful surgery on his
dislocated shoulder on Wednesday and will now commence his rehabilitation.
"Winston Reid is recovering and rehabbing well from the hamstring injury he
suffered against Chelsea on 4 March. He is working hard on his fitness and
is getting closer to a return."
Andy Carroll and Enner Valencia are both injured but Vandenbroucke reported
the England forward "no longer needs crutches to walk and now only has a
brace on the knee".
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Adebayor: "I'm available"
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on March 18, 2015 in Whispers
Claret & Hugh
West Ham have received some low key encouragement from Emanuel Adebayor as
they muse a summer move for the Spurs forward. Adebayor was of course very
much at the centre of their January efforts before Spurs killed the deal and
the player is on a free transfer in the summer.
The Irons interest is solid as things stand and ClaretandHugh was told:
"He's a good free and with some likely departures we may be able to make
room in the budget so long as personal terms are sensible. Currently the
player in on £100k a week but the Hammers would be looking to do a deal at
around half of that and the likely departures of such as Carlton Cole and
Guy Demel would help. The likely departure of Sam Allardyce may cause a
re-think under a new manager but with Andy Carroll's injury history,
Adebayor is likely to remain on the radar given that demands moderate with
age! The player said: ""I am available. I'm not 21 years old any more. I am
31 and I look at things differently." "I think I have learned from it. I
went through a lot of family issues. Now it is behind me and I am back on
the football pitch. I am very glad to be back."
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Irons urged to go for Klopp!
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on March 18, 2015 in Whispers
Claret 7 Hugh
West Ham are being urged to consider trying to make Borussia Dortmund boss
Jurgen Klopp their next manager. Hammers fan and well respected columnist
Martin Samuel writes in the Daily Mail that the 47 year old "appears to be
nearing journey's end" in the Bundesliga."
Currently, the club he has taken to a domestic double and runners up spot in
the Champions Cup Final in the past is currently languishing in tenth place
34 points behind the top spot and eight above the bottom! Martin describes
the "charismatic, successful figure " as being given to taking on long-term
projects and working within a reasonable budget. And with the Hammers moving
into the country's most high profile stadium he reckons at the very least a
phone call could be made. He writes: "It might be over-ambitious, it might
go no further than one telephone call and a splutter of mocking laughter;
but isn't it worth making that call, just in case? A couple of points
perhaps need making.It may well be that a phone call has been made! The said
telephone is also available to try finding out! It also needs to be
remembered that Klopp is tied into the German club until 2018 and in 2013
ahead of signing his latest deal he was on £5 million a year.
So, unless he is fired and were then to accept a West Ham gig, which Martin
points out is highly unlikely, we would probably be faced with a ridiculous
compensation bill plus wages for him and his backroom staff. Beyond any of
that there's also the little problem of about six Champions league clubs
across Europe who would be able to offer him far more than is currently
available at West Ham.
Nice idea but no cigar methinks!
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