Daily WHUFC News - 3rd March 2015

Manager on Monday
WHUFC.com

West Ham United manager Sam Allardyce said his side must not let the 3-1
defeat by Crystal Palace dent their confidence ahead of facing Chelsea on
Wednesday 4 March. In a sluggish display, the Hammers conceded three goals,
all from set pieces, before Enner Valencia's strike gave the Hammers a
lifeline. Speaking ahead of the game with Jose Mourinho's Blues, Sam
Allardyce expressed his disappointment at the performance, but highlighted
the fact that it followed a run of impressive displays against Manchester
United, Southampton and Tottenham Hotspur. "We have to take responsibility
for Saturday's performance, and use the big negative as a big push, as
motivation for a tough game against Chelsea on Wednesday night. "I think our
level of performances generally has been good and we have to maintain that.
We have to make sure Saturday doesn't dent our confidence, which is the last
thing we want."

The West Ham manager continued by highlighting the positive impact new
signing Nene had on the game, when he replaced Alex Song after 61 minutes.
The experienced Brazilian hit the post with a curling effort as well as
demonstrating an array of impressive touches and range of passing. "I
thought Nene did well, he showed some nice touches and it's encouraging for
us for the upcoming games. I think had his shot gone instead of hitting the
post it would've given us the lift we needed. "It'll take a few games to get
up to the required speed of this level, but he showed he can find space in a
crowded area which is an important quality. The more he plays, the better
he'll get and we're looking forward to seeing more from him soon."

While the result on Saturday was a blow to the Hammers' chances of a
European qualification spot, Allardyce can take heart in the fact that his
side responded positively to their last defeat, with three excellent
performances against higher opposition. "We've had a run of difficult games,
Manchester United, Southampton, Tottenham and now Crystal Palace, but we
could've had seven points from those games.
"I can't fault the performances, apart from Saturday. Turning performances
into victories has been a big issue for us and something we need to address,
starting with Chelsea on Wednesday night."

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Loan round up
WHUFC.com

Elliot Lee played 72 minutes in Luton Town's 2-0 win over Accrington
Stanley. The striker set up Luton's second goal when he laid a ball off for
Luke Guttridge to lash home. Before Lee was substituted, he could have won
his side a penalty when he looked to be fouled in the box.

Fellow West Ham United loanee Sean Maguire was also involved in this game,
coming on in the 82nd minute for Stanley.

Raphael Spiegel played the full game in Carlisle United's 2-0 defeat away at
Southend United. Michael Timlin opened the scoring with an impressive
20-yard shot before Barry Corr's volley sealed the victory.

Modibo Maiga played the full game in Metz' 2-1 home defeat to Evian. After a
bright start to the season, the French outfit have faded and are now bottom
of Ligue Un with 22 points from 27 games.

Nathan Mavila played the full game for Wealdstone FC in their 3-1 away win
at St Albans City.

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I feel good when I play against Mourinho!'
WHUFC.com
Adrian relishes facing Chelsea

Adrian is planning to give Jose Mourinho another reminder of his talents on
Wednesday evening. The goalkeeper has twice left the Special One scratching
his head with his heroics – first by helping Real Betis beat Mourinho's Real
Madrid 1-0 in November 2012, then by denying Chelsea in West Ham United's
goalless draw at Stamford Bridge in January 2014. This week, the Spanish
stopper will get a chance to complete a frustrating hat-trick for the
Portuguese manager when the Barclays Premier League-leading Blues visit the
Boleyn Ground.
"With Betis, we won the game 1-0 and personally I was the Man of the Match
and I was very happy with that result!" recalled Adrian, with a smile. "I
don't know if Mourinho remembers me but when I play against him I have got
some good results – a win with Real Betis and a 0-0 draw at Stamford Bridge
last season. "Personally, I feel good when I play against Mourinho!"

For Adrian, the prospect of facing Diego Costa, Eden Hazard and company
reminds him of the night he denied Cristiano Ronaldo, Angel di Maria and
Karim Benzema. "It's more or less the same sort of game, facing Chelsea as
it was facing Real Madrid, with all their attacking players," he explained.
"We need to concentrate for the full 90 minutes and if we play well and show
our performance level like we did against Liverpool, Man City and Man United
at home, we can get points. "This game, the 'keeper is busy because they
have good players and good strikers, so you normally need to make good saves
to keep your side in the game. I hope Wednesday will be a good game for me
and for the team.

Adrian says West Ham are determined to end a run of disappointing results
when they host Mourinho's men under the Boleyn Ground floodlights.Having
relinquished late leads against Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur and
gone down to a home defeat by Crystal Palace on Saturday, the popular
goalkeeper says the Hammers have to give it their all to get back to winning
ways against Chelsea.
"When you lose, the result is always bad," said the No13. "We were playing
at home and we had a good chance to get three points, but Palace played
together and on the counter-attack. They are really good at set plays and
they used three of them to win the game.
"We need to recover and play to our top level against Chelsea. It's another
really big London derby. "I try to keep a clean sheet every time but
sometimes it's impossible, like it was on Saturday. I play every game at 100
per cent and that will be the same against Chelsea and I hope to get a good
result on Wednesday. "Not just one player can win the game, though. We need
the whole team to concentrate for the full 90 minutes. It is a big game for
us, for the fans and for the Club and we need to get the three points to
stay in a good position in the league."

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Mile Jedinak: Crystal Palace player charged with violent conduct
BBC.co.uk

Crystal Palace midfielder Mile Jedinak has been charged with violent conduct
by the Football Association after appearing to elbow West Ham's Diafra
Sakho. Jedinak, 30, looked to catch Sakho near the end of the game as Palace
won at Upton Park on Saturday. The incident was not seen by the match
officials but caught on video, allowing the FA to take retrospective action.
Jedinak has until 18:00 GMT on Tuesday to respond to the charge. If banned
for violent conduct, the Palace captain would miss four games as he has
already been sent off this season, in a 3-1 home defeat to Sunderland in
November. Palace are away to Southampton at 19:45 GMT on Tuesday, then meet
QPR at home, Stoke City (away) and Manchester City (home). A three-man panel
reviewed Saturday's footage and unanimously agreed Jedinak should have been
sent off. Earlier on Monday, Crystal Palace manager Alan Pardew said he
would be "surprised" if Jedinak faced any action for his challenge.

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Alex Song move off as Hammers baulk at wage demands
KUMB.com
Filed: Monday, 2nd March 2015
By: Staff Writer

West Ham's attempt to sign Alex Song from Barcelona on a permanent basis
have been scuppered by the players huge financial demands.

The on-loan midfielder enjoyed a sparking start to his career at the Boleyn
Ground, although his form has trailed off since Christmas. Despite this,
West Ham have been keen to tie up a permanent deal for the 27-year-old with
negotiations ongoing.

However KUMB has learnt that West Ham have baulked at Song's latest demands,
with the former Cameroon international demanding upwards of £100,000 per
week to sign on a permanent basis - a figure the club are not prepared to
pay for a player they view as a luxury.

Song, who moved to Spain two-and-a-half years ago is understood to be paid
circa £65,000 per week by Barcelona. For the duration of his loan spell,
West Ham have taken on the former Arsenal star's salary with an additional
£20,000 loan fee going to Song's parent club on a weekly basis.

West Ham were prepared to match their current investment over the course of
a permanent contract. However Song is understood to have rejected the offer,
since when he has also rather bizarrely removed all images featuring West
Ham from his Instagram page.

The club's current highest earner is the injured Andy Carroll, who earns in
the region of £4.8million per year.

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Big Eg hankers for West Ham move
KUMB.com
Filed: Monday, 2nd March 2015
By: Staff Writer

Warri Wolves' giant defender Azubuike Egwuekwe says he remains hopeful of
completing a move to West Ham this summer. The 25-year-old, who stands 6ft
5in tall was linked with a move to London during the recent transfer window
but his club's valuation exceeded that of the Hammers, who were seeking an
additional central defensive option. Despite that setback Egwuekwe, who has
been capped 33 times by Nigeria and saw a recent move to Israeli club Hapoel
Tel Aviv fall through, admits that his destination of choice would still be
the Boleyn Ground. "I will very likely move in the summer. I still don't
know if I will go to Hapoel, I really don't know." he told Supersport.
"Everything is in God's hands but what I know is that I will likely leave in
the summer. "Like I said, the future can only be decided by God but if I had
to make a choice, I would love to go to West Ham." West Ham were reported to
have offered around £500,000 for Egwuekwe back in January, an offer
instantly rejected by the Wolves who were holding out for around £4million.

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Jedinak charged by FA for Sakho assault
KUMb.com
Filed: Monday, 2nd March 2015
By: Staff Writer

Crystal Palace's Mile Jedinak has been charged with violent conduct
following an incident during West Ham's 3-1 home defeat by Crystal Palce on
Saturday lunchtime. In the closing stages of the second half of last
weekend's London derby, Jedinak clearly struck West Ham's Senegal
international with a deliberate blow to the face with what was a nasty,
spiteful challenge.# And this afternoon the FA confirmed that they would be
charging the midfielder retrospectively as referee Mike Dean either failed
to see the incident or deemed it a challenge not worthy of a caution. "Mile
Jedinak has been charged for an alleged act of violent conduct which was not
seen by the match officials but caught on video," read an FA Statement. "The
Crystal Palace midfielder was involved in an incident with West Ham United's
Diafra Sakho in the 87th minute of the game on Saturday (28 February 2015).
"Off the ball incidents in Premier League matches which are not seen at the
time by the match officials are referred to a panel of three former elite
referees. "Each panel member will review the video footage independently of
one another to determine whether they consider it a sending-off offence. For
retrospective action to be taken, the decision by the panel must be
unanimous. Jedinak has until 6pm tomorrow (Tuesday 3 March) to reply to the
charge."

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Alan Pardew says Mile Jedinak should not be banned for Diafra Sakho incident
Last Updated: 02/03/15 5:54pm
SSN

Crystal Palace manager Alan Pardew believes Mile Jedinak should not be
banned for his elbow on West Ham striker Diafra Sakho. The Australian
midfielder looks set to be charged with violent conduct by the Football
Association following the incident during the Eagles' 3-1 win at Upton Park
on Saturday. Crystal Palace could be without Mile Jedinak when they face
Southampton. Jedinak will be banned for four games if the case is proven as
it will be his second red card offence of the season. Pardew, speaking ahead
of Tuesday's game at Southampton, said: "I have seen it (the incident). I
have seen it immediately after the game because it was highlighted to me by
the press. "I have seen worse incidents where nothing has happened so I'll
be surprised if something happens with this, but the media, as they are,
have highlighted it and we will have to see where it goes." Pardew admits he
is concerned about the current trend of players being tried by media. "Yes I
think it's a problem and I think the FA need to be very careful of it," he
said. "We had an incident with (West Brom defender) Craig Dawson on (Palace
keeper) Julian Speroni earlier in the season - it was far worse than this
incident and nothing was done. "It is about where are the guidelines and
what are we doing? In retrospect it is very, very difficult anyway and I
think the FA has a tough job as well. "It's difficult, where do you draw the
line? Does the referee ref it and see what he has seen, but retrospective on
sending offs and diving? All of this is in the agenda, of course, and we
need to have some clear guidelines."

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Mile Jedinak charged by FA after clash with Diafra Sakho
Last Updated: 02/03/15 7:00pm
SSN

Crystal Palace midfielder Mile Jedinak has been charged with violent conduct
by the Football Association after an alleged elbow on Diafra Sakho. The
Australia international is in the dock following the incident during the
second half of Palace's 3-1 win at Upton Park on Saturday. The 88th-minute
clash was not seen by the match officials but was caught on video, allowing
the FA to take retrospective action. Jedinak has until 6pm on Tuesday to
respond to the charge. An FA statement read: "Off the ball incidents in
Premier League matches which are not seen at the time by the match officials
are referred to a panel of three former elite referees. "Each panel member
will review the video footage independently of one another to determine
whether they consider it a sending-off offence. For retrospective action to
be taken, the decision by the panel must be unanimous." Jedinak will be
banned for four games if the case is proven as it will be his second red
card offence of the season. Palace boss Alan Pardew, speaking ahead of
Tuesday's game at Southampton, defended his player and said he would have
been surprised if he was charged. He said: "I have seen it (the incident). I
have seen it immediately after the game because it was highlighted to me by
the press. "I have seen worse incidents where nothing has happened so I'll
be surprised if something happens with this, but the media, as they are,
have highlighted it and we will have to see where it goes." Pardew also
admitted he is concerned about the current trend of players being tried by
media. "Yes I think it's a problem and I think the FA need to be very
careful of it," he said. "We had an incident with (West Brom defender) Craig
Dawson on (Palace keeper) Julian Speroni earlier in the season - it was far
worse than this incident and nothing was done. "It is about where are the
guidelines and what are we doing? In retrospect it is very, very difficult
anyway and I think the FA has a tough job as well. "It's difficult, where do
you draw the line? Does the referee ref it and see what he has seen, but
retrospective on sending offs and diving? All of this is in the agenda, of
course, and we need to have some clear guidelines."

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THE INDICATORS ARE GOOD FOR THE FUTURE - AS LONG AS WE LEARN OUR LESSONS!
By S J Chandos 2 Mar 2015 at 08:09
West Ham Till I Die

I sincerely hope that the squad will learn the short-term lessons, galvanize
and put another winning run together between now and the end of the season.
In the longer term, West Ham must maintain its forward movement as a club.
As I wrote on here months ago, the board are duty bound to consider their
options where the manager is considered. If a superior manager becomes
available (and I assume that they are currently exploring that) they will
seriously consider making the change. Whilst there is no point appointing a
new manager who is not a significant upgrade on the current incumbent. And I
feel that the management situation will ultimately be resolved this summer
in these exact same terms. But what I will say is if they can attract the
right candidate then I personally would favour change at this forthcoming
juncture. Ideally, what I would like to see in a replacement is a
manager/coach who can develop the club's young players as well as operate
effectively in the transfer market.

In terms of the playing staff, we must continue to upgrade the squad. We
need a new keeper to compete with Adrian, whilst developing the potential of
Spiegel and Howes in the longer-term. One of the successes this season has
been the effectiveness of our full-back/wings. Jenkinson and Cresswell have
been a revelation, this season, and brought a whole new dimension to our
play. We must resist any bids from Man City for Cresswell and attempt to
land Jenkinson on a permanent contract. The arrival of Stephen Hendrie
should give us more strength in depth and selection options; while I would
definitely sign another right-back, in addition to Jenkinson, and if Glen
Johnson is available on a Bosman, he would be a good addition. That would
give us real strength in depth in those key positions. And with the likes of
Oscar Borg coming through the Academy the future looks promising.

If Winston Reid leaves in the summer (as looks likely) then we need a top
quality addition. Diijk, at Celtic, has been linked with us, but the club
almost certainly has a number of other targets identified. The important
thing is to ensure that any addition is an upgrade on Reid. It was
undoubtedly the right decision to retain Reid for the remainder of this
season and, if necessary, secure a replacement who can settle in over
pre-season. Encouragingly, Tomkins seems to be realising his full potential
and we now have Don Henry, Reece Burke and (the exciting) Reece Oxford in
the pipeline; while Collins is probably good cover for another season or
two, while the younger players come through. Who knows, perhaps Reid might
even confound us and sign a new deal, although that seems unlikely in the
present circumstances.

In midfield, Alex Song is a class act and his addition in the summer would
send out the right message. Noble has signed a new 5 year contract and
Kouyate has become the influential player that I confidently predicted when
he signed. Plus there is much more to come from Diego Poyet and hopefully he
will figure more in the first team before the end of the season.
Controversially (as far as some are concerned) there is an argument that
Nolan should see out the final year of his contract, with the proviso that
his role is as club Captain and impacting from the substitutes bench. Nolan
is a great Captain and influence on the squad and it might be a good idea to
keep him for another season. Of course, much will depend on Sam Allardyce's
future, the first team plans of a managerial successor and whether Nolan is
happy to see out his contract on that basis? Amalfitano has done well this
season (prior to his transgression against WBA) and could be offered a new
contract. Similarly, the prospect of finally signing Lassana Diarra is an
intriguing prospect. Further forward, it would be good to see another
creative play-maker added to compete Stewart Downing. Might we resuscitate
our earlier interest in Yevhen Konoplyanka or even go for a promising
youngster like Derby County's Will Hughes?

Up front, there are a number of questions. Firstly, can the club afford to
continue with an expensive, injury prone, striker like Andy Carroll? That
aside, does he facilitate a style of play that we want to see at the club?
Personally, I think if he is fit then he stays, but not as a permanent
fixture like under Allardyce. Carroll offers something different and can
compliment our other strikers. Ultimately, it will be interesting to see if
the Lakaku rumours are true? If so, then it could be that Carroll will
eventually make way for him. In terms of our other strikers, we arguably
need to retain the services of Sakho and Valencia.

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HOW DO YOU MEASURE PROGRESS?
By Iain Dale 2 Mar 2015 at 15:22
West Ham till I Die

Guest Post by DC

How do we measure whether a football club is making progress on the pitch –
or not as the case may be? Bagging 40 points last season compared to the 46
points we bagged two seasons back is hardly progress you might argue.

Personally, I prefer to take at the very least a 'mid-term' view when
measuring progress (unless of course a Manager drives me to despair in terms
of playing one-dimensional soul-destroying football) – Nudge, Nudge, Wink,
Wink, No What I Mean? No What I Mean?

So how do the Stats of the 'Stat Man' himself Mr. Samuel Allardyci stack up
over 3 Premier League seasons for the Hammers?

WEST HAM'S LAST 3 PREMIER LEAGUE SEASONS WITH ALLARDYCI Played 103, Won 33,
Drawn 26, Lost 44, Goals For 125, Goals Against 146, Goal Difference -21,
Points 123

WEST HAM'S LAST 3 PREMIER LEAGUE SEASONS BEFORE ALLARDYCI Played 114, Won
29, Drawn 32, Lost 53, Goals For 132, Goals Against 181, Goal Difference
-49, Points 119

Win – Allardyce 32% | Pre Allardyce 25.5%
Draw – Allardyce 25% | Pre Allardyce 28%
Lose – Allardyce 43% | Pre Allardyce 46.5%
Goals per game – Allardyce 1.21 | Pre Allardyce 1.15
Goals conceded per game – Allardyce 1.41 | Pre Allardyce 1.58
Goal difference – Allardyce -0.20 | Pre Allardyce 0.43
Points per game = Allardyce 1.19 | Pre Allardyce 1.04

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Sak's new deal on the table!
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on March 2, 2015 in Whispers
Claret & Hugh

Diafra Sakho will sign his improved Hammers deal following the last game of
the season! The striker – with 11 goals to his name in his first season –
was promised a bumper increase after making 25 League appearances. But
ClaretandHugh was told today: "Whether he reaches that number or not the
deal is on the table, He is firmly under lock and key for another five and
half years anyway but the improved deal is important to him and us. "He
needs to know the value we put on him and given that a percentage of his
earnings are based on appearances this will bring him into line with the
rest of the first team." ClaretandHugh understands the new deal will give
him £30k a week basic wage plus goal and appearance incentives." Despite a
first season interrupted by injury and the controversy surrounding his
absence from the African Cup of Nations, the Senegal international has
remained focused and professional. Our source said: "His back injury is okay
at the moment but he is always going to have to be careful with it and may
go on a muscle strengthening programme in the summer."

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Nene looks for long-term deal
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on March 2, 2015 in Whispers
Claret & Hugh

Nene is hoping to get the chance to stake his claim for a permanent West Ham
deal at the end of the season. The Brazilian is desperate to emulate his
footballing idol – Ryan Giggs – who played on into his 40th year. And given
the chances over the next 11 games, the 33 year old is ready to prove his
point to Sam Allardyce and the board. A well placed club insider told us:
"The club can of course make it a long term deal at the end of the season
and the player wants to make an impact. He's not fully match fit yet but did
okay on Saturday had the shot which hit the post gone in on it could have
been a game changer. "He's certain to get chances with Andy Carroll injured
and the last 11 games will tell us a lot. He's a low wage player but with a
decent appearance clause written in. "His football idol is Ryan Giggs and
would love the chance to finish his career with a Premier League club."

Nene will be staying at Upton Park when the squad leave for Dubai on
Thursday as he bids to get up to fully fitness via an intensive training
programme

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Adrian loves Mourinho games
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on March 2, 2015 in Whispers
Claret & Hugh

Adrian has good memories of his clashes with Jose Mourinho! Speaking to
www.whufc.com he recalled matches for Real Betis against Mourinho's Real
Madrid plus his sensational performance against Chelsea at Stamford Bridge
last season. He said: "I don't know if Mourinho remembers me but when I play
against him I have got some good results – a win with Real Betis and a 0-0
draw at Stamford Bridge last season. With Betis, we won the game 1-0 and
personally I was the Man of the Match and I was very happy with that result!
"Personally, I feel good when I play against Mourinho!" And he claims
clashing with Diego Costa, Eden Hazard and the rest reminds him of the night
he denied Cristiano Ronaldo, Angel di Maria and Karim Benzema. He said:
"It's more or less the same sort of game, facing Chelsea as it was facing
Real Madrid, with all their attacking players. "We need to concentrate for
the full 90 minutes and if we play well and show our performance level like
we did against Liverpool, Man City and Man United at home, we can get
points. "This game, the 'keeper is busy because they have good players and
good strikers, so you normally need to make good saves to keep your side in
the game. I hope Wednesday will be a good game for me and for the team.
"It's a tough game for us, but all our players are motivated for this game."

Having let leads slip against Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur and
gone down to a home defeat by Crystal Palace on Saturday, the says there's
lots riding on the match. He said: "We need to recover and play to our top
level against Chelsea. It's another really big London derby. "I try to keep
a clean sheet every time but sometimes it's impossible, like it was on
Saturday. I play every game at 100 per cent and that will be the same
against Chelsea and I hope to get a good result on Wednesday. "Not just one
player can win the game, though. We need the whole team to concentrate for
the full 90 minutes. It is a big game for us, for the fans and for the club
and we need to get the three points to stay in a good position in the
league."

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Sam fails against 'Pardew's Bolton'
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on March 2, 2015 in Whispers
By Rich Sprent
Claret & Hugh

That the lines are well drawn over the manager is a given. That those
wanting change have pointed all that was wrong on Saturday at Allardyce has
been well voiced. On balance both sides have legitimate concerns following
the Palace debacle. The best XI was on show but the the front six couldn't
control their own bladders let alone the football. Instead of keeping the
ball they tried to force things.
Amazingly, Palace had been set up by Alan Pardew in precisely the same way
as Allardyce had done in his Bolton era! Yet here was Song trying Hollywood
passes when an easy square ball was on, Downing, choked of space became more
and more marginalised. He looked bereft of ideas. His game is running at a
player, not a whole team. Kouyate and Noble toiled well but continually ran
into the South Londoner's cloying midfield led ably by Jedinek. That he and
Jason Puncheon looked so much more effective against our best four in the
midfield is testament to a mid market squad competing up with the big boys.

When you begin to do well, teams like Palace will shut up shop on you. The
game was crying out for one of two plans: either be patient and creative and
work the opportunity or out-bully the opposition to earn the right to play.
West Ham did neither and pigheadedly tried to impose the plan that worked so
often this season- get the ball for the front two to create all the space
behind the back four. But there wasn't any space. Trying to force passes
through Pard's well marshalled team didn't work. Neither Sakho or Valencia
dropped off to create space or allow the midfield to get in front of them.
The full backs were frustrated but still looked the best bet. However with a
Palace back four made up from the Land of Giants it was unlikely that
anything but a perfect cross would do. It didn't materialise.
The three set piece goals conceded were dreadful. Yes, that Murray was on
FIVE fouls before being booked can be complained about. Yes, Jedinek
assaulted Sakho. But collectively the team simply did not have the patience
or guile to unlock the Eagles.

And with no adequate option to challenge their strength by battering them,
it was patience and guile that was required. This is where both sides of the
manager fence can throw their stones: the only options on the books with
twinkle toes are Amalfitano and Zarate. The Frenchman was obviously
suspended. That the South American is unavailable for selection can be
looked at two ways: a/ he's not good enough and we should have got someone
better or b/ the manager failed to integrate him into the squad and use him
effectively. Either way, we have a mid market squad size and the options off
the bench are sparse. Our best starters flopped to a determined Palace side.
That the manager could not get get the team to slow it down and work an
opening is damning. It however makes little difference if he is seen to be
jumping up and down like a moronic monkey on jungle juice or not. There are
ways to convey messages onto the field without being a Martin O'Neill or
Paolo Di Canio. The team now has two of the best sides up next to prove that
they are worthy of the fight to reach Europe. Both sides will allow West Ham
to try to play their best.

After that, the run-in will be full of teams wanting to stop the Hammers
first. The team will need to shoe some patience and show some guile to make
their mark on the remaining games.

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Hammers set for sunshine 'charge-up'
Posted by Sean Whetstone on March 2, 2015 in Whispers
Claret & Hugh

West Ham's first team are jetting off to the Dubai sun after the Chelsea
midweek match as they have done in previous years. Sam Allardyce has
previously said he believes the short winter breaks in Dubai are vital to
his team's fortunes in the Premier League season run-in.
A Hammers source told ClaretandHugh after the news had been broken on
WHUFCTV.com: "A few players are staying behind to work on fitness. In
previous years the Hammers have stayed at Dubai Sports City. "We need to be
freshened up for the last nine games as the haul from the last ten games has
simply not been good enough." With many points still to play for, Allardyce
is hopeful that the trip gives the squad a real charge as he looks to gain
an end of season edge. After last season's trip, the manager said: "I've
been coming here for about 14 years with various teams and we have always
found the facilities in Dubai exceptionally good, obviously the warm weather
is guaranteed and the lads are really enjoying it. "The horrendous climate
we have in England and the amount of games we have to play in December and
January is our peak time so physically and mentally they are very tired.
"Getting out and training in the sun, and enjoying each other's company is
extremely important. Our data has told us that players' levels have
increased when they got back even if it is only after a few days away, they
can recharge the batteries physically and mentally and results have always
improved for me."

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Hammer's future remains on hold
Posted by Sean Whetstone on March 2, 2015 in Whispers
Claret & Hugh

Sebastian Lletget's agent has denied widespread speculation the young Hammer
is on his way to LA Galaxy. A number of football sites say the 22 year old
who is out of contract in the summer will sign a three-year agreement with
the MLS club. It has also been claimed the Irons will not receive any
compensation for the player, but will keep a sell on clause which means they
will keep a percentage of a possible future transfer. However FIFA
registered agent Chris Megaloudis has denied his client is moving to LA
Galaxy saying "Sebastian Lletget hasn't signed with the MLS. He is at West
Ham and looking at options in England/Europe. Spain 2nd/England are
options." Lletget is one of many Academy players thought to be surplus to
requirements as Terry Westly has a clear out of the Academy squad.

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Allardyce: 'Win only performances now'
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on March 2, 2015 in Whispers
Claret &
Hugh

Sam Allardyce is no longer interested in great performances without the
victory to go with them. Still clearly shocked by the Crystal Palace defeat,
the manager has made his expectations clear before Chelsea, Arsenal and the
rest of the season. Like everybody else he has loved the general
performances against such as Manchester United and Spurs – a habit we have
adopted most of the season against the better sides. But after being caught
late and now beaten by a team below us, a winning agenda has been firmly
laid on the table. Hopes of a top finish have been downgraded regularly
since Christmas with predictions slumping from top four to top six, top
eight and now top ten so something has to change fast as there are no
genuinely "easy games " left given that perhaps eight of them will be
involved in top and bottom of the table issues!. With one win in 10 League
games Allardyce said: "I can't just accept good performances now, I need
good performances with victories. "We've been so close to being brilliant in
terms of performances, in games against Man United, Southampton and
Tottenham, but we've now got only three points out of four games when we
could have had seven.

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From the Terraces
WHUFC.com

Canada-based supporter James Sneddon gives his verdict on Saturday's game.

Saturday's 3-1 defeat to Crystal Palace could be taken as an indicator of
West Ham's recent dip in form. Following the loss, the Hammers have only
recorded one win in their last ten and taken eight points from a possible
30. If a good start to the season plays a big role in determining where
you'll be come May, then Sam Allardyce must be kicking himself. The
post-Christmas period has proven to be the downfall as of late and there has
been a lack of consistency in form.

West Ham's first win of 2015 came on 18 January and after a dip in-form the
manager said they "needed a reality check." But it wasn't the sign of more
positives to come; three defeats and two draws followed against Manchester
United and Tottenham Hotspur in games where the opposition equalised at the
depths of injury time.

The game against Crystal Palace was a challenge in itself. Under new manager
Alan Pardew, Palace had an unbeaten away record of four wins in four on the
road and were a rejuvenated side from the one in the first half of the
season. Compared to West Ham's form being more than below-par, Crystal
Palace made the short trip to E13 as arguably the favourites.

The game started off with the Hammers testing the Eagles, but they looked
like a desperate side rather than one wanting to hand it to Palace. Mark
Noble had the best chances early on and West Ham made something, but the
opposition took the lead with four minutes left until the break.
Miscommunication in the defence allowed Glenn Murray to head the ball and,
although Aaron Cresswell did his best to clear it, the ball slipped under
the number three and Palace were ahead. Big Sam looked on with a face like
thunder.

West Ham will need to learn from their mistakes if they are to change this,
and the next two goals further demonstrated that. Defender Scott Dann was
completely unmarked to double the lead. The claret and blue looked like a
side with no game plan and no hope of recovering.

The away side tripled the lead with another feeling of déjà vu; Glenn Murray
headed again from a cross, marked this time by Winston Reid. Murray was
dismissed a few minutes later for fouling Reid, and Ecuadorian Enner
Valencia pulled one back for the Hammers.

But it wasn't good enough and Sam Allardyce said in his post-match interview
how he was "shocked" by the defeat because his side didn't do what he asked.
The dream of European football is fading quickly, and Big Sam faces an
enormous task to make things better swiftly, with Chelsea next up.

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http://vyperz.blogspot.com



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