Daily WHUFC News - 11th April 2015

Preview - Stoke City
WHUFC.com

In brief

Ninth-placed West Ham United host Stoke City, currently tenth, as both clubs look to finish impressive seasons as high up the Premier League table as possible. Sam Allardyce's men will be aiming to bounce back from defeat away at Leicester City last weekend, having won their last home game 1-0 against Sunderland. Meanwhile, Stoke are looking to end a run of three games without a win, having narrowly lost to league leaders Chelsea last weekend. The visitors are level on points with the Hammers on 42 points, however the claret and blues have a better goal difference by six goals.

Who are they?

Formed in 1863 as Stoke Ramblers they became Stoke Football Club following a merger with Stoke Victoria Atheltic Club. Having turned professional in 1885 they became Stoke City Football Club in 1925 after Stoke-on-Trent was granted City status. The Potters moved from the Victoria Ground after 119 years to their current home at the Britannia Stadium in 1997. Stoke were one of the twelve founding members of the Football League. Among their club honours is winning the League Cup in 1971/72 as well as being crowned Division Two champions in 1932/33 and 1962/63. More recently Stoke have enjoyed one of their more successful eras having established themselves as a Premier League club since promotion in 2008. They narrowly missed out on being crowned FA Cup winners after losing to Manchester City 1-0 in the 2011 final.

Team news

West Ham United

The Hammers are boosted by the return of Enner Valencia who has trained with the squad over the last few days having recovered from a toe injury. The Ecuadorean international has been out of action since the narrow 1-0 defeat to Chelsea on Wednesday 4 March. James Tomkins (shoulder) and Andy Carroll (knee) are both making steady progress in their recoveries from injury.

Stoke City

The visitors are waiting to see if Marc Wilson (hand) and Jonathan Walters (knee) have recovered in time for Saturday's kick off. Long term absentees Bojan Krkic and Peter Odemwingie, both ACL knee injuries, are still unavailable for selection.

Referee

Saturday's match referee will be Roger East. The 50-year-old referee is a relative newcomer to the Premier League, making his debut in 2012. Since then, he has gone on to officiate 24 matches, issuing 75 yellow and six red cards.

Saturday will be the first time that East has taken charge of a West Ham game this season however he has been at the helm of two Stoke games – their 2-0 win over West Bromwich Albion and a 2-1 win away at Aston Villa.

The assistant referees are Mark Scholes and Richard West, Keith Woolmer is the Fourth Official.

One to watch

West Ham United

Having netted the equaliser in the reverse fixture, Stewart Downing is looking to add to his goal tally of five goals for the season. The 30-year-old is also the club's leading assist contributor with eight and the Hammers will need his creativity in order to break down a resilient Stoke side.

Stoke City

French midfielder Steven Nzonzi is a powerful figure in the centre of the park for Stoke. The dominating 26-year-old is an integral part of Stoke's line up having featured in every league game for the Staffordshire-based club this season. Nzonzi is a competitive midfielder who can create openings for his teammates while not afraid to put himself about and do the unglamorous hard graft.

Tickets

The last remaining tickets for Saturday's game available here, book now to avoid any disappointment.

Travel

There are planned part closures on the Jubliee and London Overground lines this weekend with a good service on all other lines.

To plan your journey, see the TFL website here.

Weather

Saturday is forecast to be a sunny day, with temperature at kick-off 15C (59F). There is a good chance of rain in the morning but it should clear by lunchtime leaving clear sunshine for the rest of the afternoon.

Last home meeting

West Ham United 0-1 Stoke City
Saturday 31 August 2013
Premier League

A largely uneventful game was decided late on by substitute Jermaine Pennant's free kick in the 82nd minute as the Hammers slipped to their first defeat of the new season.

Mark Hughes' side shaded the proceedings, creating the better chances however a draw looked to be the most likely outcome.

West Ham United: Jaaskelainen, Reid, O'Brien, Collins, Demel, Nolan, Jarvis, Noble (Collison 84), Diame (Lee 88), Downing (Morrison 64), Maiga.
Subs: Adrian, Tomkins, Rat, Taylor

Stoke City: Begovic, Pieters, Huth, Wilson, Shawcross, Cameron, Nzonzi, Adam (Whelan 76), Etherington (Pennant 76), Jones, Walters
Subs: Sorensen, Muniesa, Assaidi, Crouch, Jerome

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Big Sam on: Stoke City
WHUFC.om

West Ham United manager Sam Allardyce faced the press ahead of Saturday's game with Stoke City.

In the press conference, the gaffer talked about bouncing back from the defeat by Leicester, Enner Valencia's return to the squad and plans for next season...

Good morning Sam, what's the team news for Saturday?

SA: "We can welcome Enner Valencia back in the squad, he's had a good few days of training which is always helpful for the strength and depth of the squad. We have to weigh up whether he can play from the start or the bench."

How key is Enner Valencia to the way you want to play?

SA: "I think he gives us more options to play different systems. With him back we have different selection options up front which is always important.

"Recently we've been limited with our options due to injuries, so having him back gives us more frontline options."

Seven games to go, what is the target now?

SA: "I think it will be hard to achieve our re-target that we set at the end of January. We have to make sure we finish higher than we've ever done in the league and get more than 46 points.

"Looking at the table, the maximum we can finish is eighth, unless we go on a brilliant winning streak – which I think we are capable of, it's unlikely we can finish higher than that. Winning on Saturday becomes the all important thing."

David Sullivan said he is disappointed with the last 12 games, do you agree with that?

SA: "The reality is there is a difference between the performances and the results. Having said that the bottom line is winning and getting results and we haven't done enough of that recently.

"We're all disappointed in the last few results and I accept that. I have to emphasise results because we've come close to winning some major games of football. We have to look at the season as whole, not just a few games and I think overall it's been terrific, it's been very exciting."

David Sullivan also said he is still targeting Europe, is that a realistic target?

SA: "I think in order to do that we need to win five out of the last seven games at least, if not more. We do have another alternative by qualifying through the fair play league. The most important thing is Stoke on Saturday and trying to get three points."

With only seven games to go until the end of the season, are you able to plan ahead for next season when you don't know if you're going to be here or not?

SA: "We sat down yesterday and began to plan for next season, when we're coming back for pre-season, where we're going to go and who we're going to play. It's not fully evolved yet but the plans are in place."

People might be surprised to hear that because you don't know if you're going to be here, do you?

SA: "No I don't. But when you're contracted to a club you do the job that you're paid to do, one of those roles is to plan for next season."

In the reverse tie earlier in the season at the Britannia your side refused to accept defeat, do you want to see the same attitude on Saturday?

SA: "No, I want to be leading. I don't want to be in a position where we have to come from behind. I want to get our noses in front and try and build from that.

"Our creative ability has been endless all season, we're creating the same amount of chances as we were when we were in the top four, we're just not finishing as many. Against Leicester we created more than our usual average number of chances. So we need to convert more chances.

"At the other end we need to make sure we keep our concentration and not let the opposition sneak a goal. That as ultimately been our Achilles heel over the last few games."

When you look at some of the tweets from David Gold, do you feel like you have delivered? And are his ambitions a few seasons away?

SA: "I think we're disappointed a little bit because we built up expectations by being in the top four and not managed to maintain that. Realistically it would have been hard to maintain that over a season even before we had injury problems.

"I expected not to lose away at Leicester and try and get a run of wins going, similarly I'm not expecting us to lose on Saturday."

Given the recent results, will you be going more defensive?

SA: "No, I don't think we need to change the system. It's too hard to change the system from week to week, its takes longer than that to implement. I think we've only gone defensive once or twice this season. Even against Manchester United and Chelsea we attacked them and should have got more than one point from them."

Is it hard to remind the players that the performances are good enough?

SA: "That's something we work on every week. From an analysis point of view we examine all areas of the team and assess want went well and what didn't."

Stoke have lost their last three games, how much do you focus on the opposition's form going into a game?

SA: "It's more the formation rather than the form that we look at. Then we look at ways to break their resilience down. I watched their game at Chelsea and it looked like they were going to get an impressive result until an error by one of the best goalkeepers in the league, it shows how costly one lapse of concentration can be at this level."

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Westley wants home-grown talent to grace new Stadium
WHUFC.com

Academy Manager Terry Westley wants to blood a new breed of home-grown West Ham United talent and where better to start than at the Club's new home on Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park. To hammer the point home, Westley recently took eight of the Academy's hottest prospects to check out the former Olympic Stadium for themselves, all of whom have been guaranteed scholarships, if not professional contracts. The visit was not just any old school trip, as Westley points out, but rather the incentive of a lifetime for these teenage footballers, armed with the ambition to return to the Stadium's home dressing room as senior pros. "For the young players we've brought, this will be their Stadium if they're lucky enough to play in the team," Westley told West Ham TV. "It should be motivation enough for any young boy to really want to kick on. "I said on the way to the Stadium: 'Don't just use this as a little school outing. Use this as motivation, in terms of this is where my career could be. This is where I could be playing every week for West Ham. In this Stadium, plying my trade, at the highest level possible.' "The Stadium has got a huge value to a player to want to come and play for this football club. We sometimes talk about the vast sums of money in the Premier League, but this isn't about money, this is about wanting to play at one of the best stadiums in Europe, if not the world."

Sixteen-year-old midfielder Joe Powell, who committed his future to the Club alongside Reece Oxford back in January, got the message loud and clear. While there may not be an immaculate playing surface to admire just yet, Powell insists it hardly takes a great leap of the imagination to dream of playing there. "It's a good opportunity for us to come out of school and see where we may actually be playing in the future," Powell confirmed. "We're working hard towards it and I think it will make us knuckle down even more to get that chance to play in the Stadium. "It's great to think of yourself being out there. Obviously the pitch isn't there yet, but it's good to close your eyes and imagine being out on that pitch one day making your debut."

Music to the ears of Westley, who has plenty of faith in this latest crop of players. West Ham's Academy is awash with youth internationals these days and Westley plans to reignite the culture and history of his predecessor Tony Carr MBE's tenure.
"This is a talented group of players," Westley continued. "We want them to kick on as a Club and start having West Ham home-grown players playing in this magnificent Stadium. "Home-grown players are special. They understand the importance of it and the pride of playing for your home town. Hopefully, when we watch that first game, some of these young ones will be involved. But with this magnificent Stadium comes pressure and you've got to be some talent to come and play on this pitch."You look back and you look at Bobby Moore, Geoff Hurst, Martin Peters, Jimmy Greaves and then I think of Ferdinand, Lampard, Cole, Defoe, Carrick. That is what this lot have got to do, that is now the task. Mark Noble and James Tomkins have carried on that tradition, there's now got to be a new breed of young West Ham players. That's what we hope to bring to the Club in the next three years."

If all goes to plan, Westley will see several an Academy starlet make their mark in those three years, but for the time being, just contemplating that first game at the new Stadium in August 2016 is a thrill in itself. "You can picture the atmosphere here, first game of the season, or first floodlit game, with the lights on and people milling around outside. 50-odd thousand people here, I'm Forever Blowing Bubbles playing, and it's actually going to happen. That's the staggering bit. It is something to really cherish and look forward to. "I'm so pleased I've come, I'm so pleased I've seen it. It is awesome. I've got tingles just thinking about it. The old stadium's got great history and great things have happened there, but there's got to be a new legacy made at this Stadium."

Westley himself had not stepped inside the former Olympic Stadium since the Games and, suffice to say, he wasn't disappointed! It's a dream for all of us. The vastness of it. It is like a national stadium, as good as anywhere I've travelled, anywhere I've seen. You think of Wembley, it will be like your first team playing at a national stadium every single home game. It's frightening."

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U18s ready for Wolves test
WHUFC.com

The West Ham United U18s return to Premier League Play-Off action with a difficult away trip to Wolverhampton Wanderers on Saturday lunchtime. Having finished sixth in the Southern Division, the young Hammers qualified for the second tier of the Play Offs among the likes of Liverpool, Sunderland and Leicester City. After two games, the Hammers are currently bottom of the table, drawing 0-0 with Brighton & Hove Albion before slipping to a 2-0 away defeat at Derby County. Saturday's hosts Wolves have been in superb form of late, unbeaten in their last eight games, winning six. That run included the start of their Play Off campaign and after three games, they top the table with five points. The Black Country outfit got off to a flying start by beating Derby County 3-0 in an impressive performance before securing credible away 1-1 draws at Reading and Liverpool.
Saturday's kick off is at 12pm and we will have a match report on www.whufc.com shortly afterward.

Following tomorrow's game, the U18s will face Liverpool, Sunderland, Reading and Leicester City.

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Tactically speaking - Stoke City
WHUFC.com

West Ham United
West Ham United have teamed up with football stats website WhoScored.com to preview Saturday's Barclays Premier League meeting with Stoke City. Sam Allardyce will be keen to make it back-to-back home league wins after they overcame lowly Sunderland 1-0 last time out. The visit of a Stoke team which has lost its last three games gives West Ham the opportunity to do just that. Winning the battle in the middle of the park is likely to be key as to which team comes out on top here, with Cameroonian Alex Song expected to play a key role for the hosts. The on-loan midfielder has impressed for West Ham following his summer switch from Barcelona, attaining an average WhoScored.com rating of 7.01. Stoke have developed a statistically calculated WhoScored.com style of play of 'aggressive', which only increases Song's importance in this fixture. The 27-year-old has gained a style of play of 'likes to tackle' and it is this aspect of his game that will be needed against Hughes' side.

Indeed, Song's average of 3.1 total tackles per game is the highest in the West Ham squad. Furthermore, it is Song's ability on the ball that could be essential against Stoke. The Potters have preferred to attack down the wings this campaign, with only 27% of their offensive moves come through the middle section of the pitch. Given Song has developed a WhoScored.com strength of 'passing', his ability to keep possession moving in midfield could help penetrate Stoke's defence as the visitors seek to attack down the flanks. Only Mark Noble, with 48.7, averages more passes per game than Song's 44.

Winning and recycling possession in the middle of the park is what Song does best and, with his limitless energy levels, the former Cameroon international can make an impact in Saturday's fixture. With just seven games to go this season, West Ham will look to end the campaign on a high, starting on Saturday. Given Song's ability both on and off the ball, the experienced midfielder has a big part to play this weekend.

*WhoScored.com is a website and one of the fastest growing in the sports industry, specialising in the in-depth analysis of detailed football data. Follow @WhoScored on Twitter.


Stoke City
Possible starting XI

Begovic
Cameron Shawcross Wollscheid Wilson
N'Zonzi Whelan
Moses Adam Walters
Diouf

The formation

Stoke City manager Mark Hughes employed a 4-4-2 formation at Chelsea last weekend, but is likely to return to his favoured 4-2-3-1 system against the Hammers. Should he do so, Stoke's formation will see a flat back four with two dominant central defenders and athletic, no-nonsense full-backs. Ahead of them, the all-action Steven N'Zonzi and ball-playing Irishman Glenn Whelan will sit deep, with two wide players lining up either side of a central playmaker – most likely the headline-making Charlie Adam. Up front, Mame Biram Diouf is likely to be preferred to Peter Crouch. However, Hughes could stick with two up front, with Diouf partnered by Jonathan Walters, with Adam moving wide left and N'Zonzi and Whelan taking up more traditional central midfield positions.

The playing style

The days of Stoke being labelled a long-ball, long-throw obsessed team are long gone, with Hughes encouraging his talented side to get the ball down and play. Yes, Stoke do still rely on getting the ball into wide areas and crossing into the box, as they did to such good effect at the Britannia Stadium in October, when Diouf nodded in Stoke's second goal from a Walters cross in a thrilling 2-2 draw.
And 'thrilling' is a word that has summed up a lot of Stoke's play this season, with Hughes putting an emphasis on both style and substance as he establishes himself during his second season in charge. Stoke's average possession (50%) and pass completion (78%) percentages are both up on last season, while the Potters are also unleashing more shots on goal in each game they play. As well as adopting a more attractive approach, Hughes has ensured that the Potters have maintained the aggressive, physical approach that made them such a force under predecessor Tony Pulis. In short, Stoke can play, but they are no pushovers either.

The players

The phrase 'mistake by Begovic' does not appear often in Stoke match reports, but it did last weekend as the Bosnian made a hash of playing out from the back against Chelsea. The 27-year-old is normally a huge and reliable presence in the Stoke goal and catches and punches well under pressure. He also distributes the ball long and accurately off his right foot. Right-back Geoff Cameron is tall – you will notice a recurring theme developing – and strong, making him one of a number of major threats from set plays. Left-back Marc Wilson is a centre-back by trade and is also tall for a full-back at 6'2. He is also right-footed. In the middle, Ryan Shawcross is Stoke's captain and organiser. Dominant in the air and decent in possession, Shawcross leads his team well. Alongside him, German Philipp Wollscheid is taller and slimmer than his skipper, two-footed and is similar in style to fellow countryman Per Mertesacker. In midfield, N'Zonzi has been consistent and ever-present. The tall, athletic Frenchman is deceptively quick over the ground and can hit shots with venom from long range. Next to him, Whelan holds things together in the Stoke midfield, closing his opponents down and using the ball intelligently when in possession. Aside from scoring from inside his own half, Adam has a generally exceptional left foot when given the chance to use it.

The wide midfield roles could be filled by any two of a number of players. Stephen Ireland is a decent passer of the ball, while Victor Moses and Marko Arnautovic are enigmatic players blessed with pace and trickery, and Walters is a hard-working and versatile forward who runs the channels and is decent in the air. Up front, Senegal striker Diouf is mobile, strong and can play both with his back to goal and by running at defenders. As for Crouch, every football supporter knows what he can do!

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Demel: "We need the three points"
WHUFC.com

West Ham United defender Guy Demel insists the Hammers must not underestimate Stoke City when the two sides meet on Saturday 11 April. Both sides have 39 points and after enjoying successful seasons, they look to be on course for top half finishes. With only goal difference separating the two sides, Saturday's result will have a big effect on who finishes highest come the end of the season.
Speaking ahead of the game, the Ivorian international said: "The game with Stoke is going to be a tough one. They had a great game against Chelsea. We're at home so we need to win, it should be a good game and hopefully we are the team with three points at the end of the day. "It's very important that we get the points because we have dropped down the table in the last few games. We know we're better than our recent results. Stoke City are a great side so it should be a good game."

Following the Hammers' flying start to the campaign, which included victories over the likes of Liverpool and Manchester City, the claret and blues enjoyed a stint in the top four, peaking in third place after a win over Swansea City in early December. However, since the turn of the year, injuries and a tough fixture list has seen Sam Allardyce's men slide to ninth. Despite a slow start to 2015, the hammers are on course to record their highest points total since being back in the Premier League. Demel reflects on a season of two halves philosophically: "It's always hard to say what is going wrong, I think the manager is right when he says our first half makes the second look worse than it is. We've let ourselves down a bit recently and that's sad for the fans and for us. "Of course we want to finish as high as possible, there are lots of points still to play for. We've been playing offensive this season, our attackers have done very well this season, Enner and Diafra have done well and so did Andy when he was fit. Overall I think we've played attractive football and the fans have enjoyed it."

With Carl Jenkinson cementing his place as favoured right-back following a string of eye-catching performances, Demel accepts that he has not played as much as he would have liked. However, the 33-year-old, who is nothing if not professional, admits that spending time out of the starting XI is part of the modern game. "You have to be patient, this is how football is. Obviously I would rather be playing but you have to deal with it. It's the gaffer's decision and you have to respect that. All you can do is work hard in training. "Even if you're not playing you still have an important role. The manager is very clear and honest about everybody's role at the club so that helps you to focus and keep motivated. "You have to realistic, we have a squad of about 27 players and only 11 can play so there are a lot of players in a similar situation."

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Chadwell Chatter - Carlton Cole
WHUFC.com

Hello everybody,

It's Stoke on Saturday and we know we have to kick on and get the next result. It's not been a great period but the manager will tell you that we're working hard on the training ground to improve things and that's what we need to do at the minute. I was so disappointed that those balls into the box didn't quite come to me last Saturday as I wanted to be the hero again! It didn't come, I think Schmeichel made a few good saves and I really wish he had no hands so it could have fallen for me! That's what happens in football, I'll have to wait for my next chance and hopefully it comes really soon. Stoke is a really tough place to go to, but they've got to come here and teams coming to West Ham will say the same thing about the Boleyn Ground. We need to pull our finger out for this game and make sure we're going to score and defend with our lives. That's what we're aiming to do and I think all the people around West Ham want the same as we do and that's a win. I managed to ruffle some feathers when I came on at Stoke and I want to ruffle some feathers any time I get.

I got ten minutes on Saturday. If I can get more that will be great and I'll do my best. It's up to the manager what team he picks, and I can only be the professional I am, do my best and give 100 per cent as soon as I get a chance. We've worked so hard to get to this position and I think we have to go out there and leave an imprint on Stoke to say we're better than you and that we deserve to be in this position. There's no better time than Saturday to do that.

It's the time to prove to ourselves and the manager that we are worthy of being in that position. I went along to a fans' Q&A event at the stadium on Tuesday night and it was a really good evening. There were some decent questions, especially from the young boys they put on the microphone and it was good to give the people a bit of entertainment! I have a great connection with the fans here and everyone wants to hear your opinion at these events. I gave mine on a few subjects and that's what it's all about. It's an intimate crowd, we get to sign autographs and make people happy so it's all good.

Finally, on Sunday I will be hosting a fundraiser for Football Fighting Ebola. My mum is from Sierra Leone and it's a country that has been hit really hard by the crisis. I'm doing an event at Searcy's in Knightsbridge, getting people together to support my idea of fundraising to help the nurses and doctors who are doing a great job out in Sierra Leone already. They need our support to fund what they're doing to eradicate the disease. They've had a lot of help from around the world, but I feel football needs to play a bigger part in eradicating the issue over there because we have a lot of power in the sport. Let's try and use that to make the world a safer place. You can donate yourself by clicking here.

Enjoy Saturday's game!
Carlton

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On this day - 11 April
WHUFC.com

Classic match

Grimsby Town 1-5 West Ham United
Division Two
11 April 1981

David Cross enjoyed an afternoon to remember at Blundell Park on this day in 1981, as the Lancashire-born forward bagged himself four goals in a 5-1 win. John Lyall's Hammers were, by this time, well on course for the Division Two title and victory here saw them extend their lead to eleven points at the top with just five games to play. Cross, meanwhile, was in the midst of his most prolific campaign, finishing the season with 33 goals to show for his 60 appearances in all competitions. Incidentally, he would repeat the four-goal feat just five months later, in a 4-0 victory over Tottenham Hotspur at White Hart Lane. Cross' impressive haul and a Geoff Pike strike helped the Hammers prolong an unbeaten run dating back to 27 December 1980, one that stood at a formidable 18 games come the season's end.
West Ham went on to win the league at a canter, finishing top by some 13 points and in doing so ending a three-year stay in the second tier.

Complete record - 11 April

1925 Notts. County 4-1 West Ham United (Division One)
1931 West Ham United 3-2 Blackpool (Division One)
1936 Bradford City 3-1 West Ham United (Division Two)
1939 Bradford Park Avenue 1-2 West Ham United (Division Two)
1950 Coventry City 5-1 West Ham United (Division Two)
1952 West Ham United 2-1 Notts County (Division Two)
1953 West Ham United 0-1 Huddersfield Town (Division Two)
1955 Fulham 0-0 West Ham United (Division Two)
1959 Leicester City 1-1 West Ham United (Division One)
1960 Wolverhampton Wanderers 5-0 West Ham United (Division One)
1964 Fulham 2-0 West Ham United (Division One)
1977 West Ham United 1-0 Norwich City (Division One)
1981 Grimsby Town 1-5 West Ham United (Division Two)
1987 Everton 4-0 West Ham United (Division One)
1989 West Ham United 1-2 Middlesbrough (Division One)
1990 West Ham United 4-1 Bournemouth (Division Two)
1992 West Ham United 4-0 Norwich City (Division One)
1993 West Ham United 3-0 Leicester City (Division One)
1998 West Ham United 0-0 Derby County (Premier League)
2009 Tottenham Hotspur 1-0 West Ham United (Premier League)

Played 20, Won 8, Drawn 3, Lost 9, Scored 29, Conceded 34

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Own a unique piece of the Boleyn Ground
WHUFC.com

If you book a place at the 2014/15 West Ham United Player Awards, you could leave with a special piece of West Ham United memorabilia.

As part of the live auction on the night, our infamous motivational sign from the home dressing room is up for grabs.

This unique Boleyn Ground item is one of the last things the players see before they do battle for three Barclays Premier League points, reminding them 'Winning – It's what we are here for'.

As we head into what is sure to be a memorable final campaign at the Boleyn Ground, this could be your chance to take a unique corner of the stadium to your own home.

The star-studded awards evening, which is in support of the Academy, will take place at the Hilton Hotel on Park Lane on Wednesday 6 May 2015, with several more exciting auction items there for the taking.

You could win two Directors Box tickets for every away match in 2015/16, an assistant manager for the day experience at a pre-season match, dinner at your home with two players cooked by England team chef Tim De'ath, a pub lunch with manager Sam Allardyce at the 59 New Street restaurant in Chelmsford, an Argentina shirt signed by stars including Lionel Messi and Carlos Tevez, an exclusive New Stadium tour and Matchday Announcer for the day!

To climax an eagerly-anticipated evening of entertainment, The Hammer of the Year will be crowned, while the prestigious event, which will see awards presented to the club's brightest current and upcoming stars, will be attended by the first-team squad and coaching staff.

The event presents the perfect opportunity to entertain in style and showcase your company.
Tables for ten are available from just £2,750 plus VAT, while individual packages are priced at £300+VAT. Book now by calling 0871 091 1811!

In addition to the live auction, we will also have a Q&A with Hammers legends alongside a three course luxury meal in the glamorous Grand Ballroom.

Meanwhile, Hammers legend Martin Peters MBE will become the third recipient of the Club's Lifetime Achievement Award sponsored by ACL at the Player Awards.

71-year-old Peters came through the famed Academy at West Ham to play a pivotal role in the golden period of the 1960s, even though he missed out on an involvement in the 1964 FA Cup winning effort.

The following year he played a full role as the Hammers lifted the European Cup Winners' Cup and then returned to Wembley a year later to win the World Cup with England.

He would go on to score exactly 100 goals for the Hammers in 364 appearances – a fine record for a midfielder – before enjoying further success with Tottenham Hotspur and Norwich City, ending a remarkable 22-year professional career with Sheffield United.

The complete midfielder, Peters' versatility was such that he played in every position for the Hammers – including in goal when replacing the injured Brian Rhodes in just his third game for the Club.

Peters was made an MBE in 1978 and follows in the footsteps of Billy Bonds MBE and Sir Trevor Brooking in receiving the Hammers' Lifetime Achievement Award.

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West Ham v Stoke
KO 15:00
10 April 2015
Last updated at 12:04
By John Motson

BBC Match of the Day commentator
BARCLAYS PREMIER LEAGUE
Venue: Upton Park Date: Saturday, 11 April

TEAM NEWS

West Ham striker Enner Valencia is available to face Stoke after recovering from a toe injury. However, James Collins is expected to miss the rest of the season after dislocating a shoulder.

Stoke are set to recall Victor Moses, who was ineligible against his parent club Chelsea last week. Marc Wilson has a broken hand and will have to wear a protective cast in order to play. Jon Walters has a minor knee injury but his participation is not thought to be in serious doubt.

MATCH PREVIEW

On paper, a game between two clubs in ninth and 10th place - locked together on 42 points - has an end of season feel to it. West Ham's return of 11 points from their last 14 games has somewhat ruined their season, and initially appeared to see their European hopes fade and die - just like the bubbles in their famous anthem.

Lawro's prediction
"Both of these teams are in the top half of the table with the same number of points. But while Stoke boss Mark Hughes has just signed a new contract, it looks unlikely that West Ham manager Sam Allardyce will be offered one." Yet the Hammers could still have a route through to the Europa League via the UEFA Fair Play League. The Premier League held one of the three qualifying places amongst all UEFA domestic football at the last check, with West Ham in pole position to claim England's place. The final list is due out next month, once the season has concluded. If West Ham do qualify, that could strengthen Sam Allardyce's claims for a new contract at Upton Park, with his current deal expiring this summer. Allardyce may not know where his future lies but his opposite number Mark Hughes does. He signed a new four-year deal with Stoke only last month and will be targeting at least nine more points from the Potters' remaining games to better last season's Premier League club record total of 50.

Charlie Adam's stunning strike from his own half may have got all the stylistic points in the Potters' 2-1 defeat at Chelsea, but they ultimately left empty-handed. Indeed, they come into this game looking to halt a three-game losing streak. Regardless of how the remainder of Stoke's season pans out, goalkeeper Asmir Begovic's future remains an unwelcome distraction. The club want to sign the Bosnian to a new contract, but he will not make a decision until the summer. It went a little under the radar but back-up keeper Jack Butland, like Hughes, signed a new four-year deal last month. The 22-year-old is the Potters' future; could that be as early as next season?

MATCH FACTS

Head-to-head
Stoke are unbeaten in three games against West Ham. They did the double over them last season, with a Jermaine Pennant free-kick handing them a 1-0 win at Upton Park.
West Ham have kept only one clean sheet in their last six top-flight home matches against Stoke.
West Ham
The Hammers have lost four of their last five matches and won only once in their last nine (W1, D3, L5).
They have kept only one clean sheet in 15 games against other sides in the top half of the table.
Sam Allardyce's side are yet to concede at home inside the opening 15 minutes, a record only Arsenal can match.
West Ham have scored a league-high 15 headers so far this season.
The Hammers are the only side in the Premier League yet to score from a penalty this season.
Stoke
Stoke could equal their worst Premier League run of four successive defeats, last suffered in February 2012.
Mark Hughes' side have lost seven of 13 games against clubs in the top half of the table.
The Potters are yet to be involved in a goalless draw, a record only matched by free-scoring Arsenal and Manchester City.
Hughes has won six and lost only one of his last 10 Premier League encounters with Sam Allardyce.
Charlie Adam has had 25 shots from outside the penalty area in the league this season. His only goal was last weekend's effort from inside his own half.
Peter Crouch is one headed goal away from setting a new Premier League record. He currently shares the record of 46 with Alan Shearer.

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Sam Allardyce plans for next season with West Ham
BBC.co.uk

Manager Sam Allardyce says he is planning for next season with West Ham despite his contract at Upton Park expiring in the summer. Media speculation has claimed Allardyce is set to leave, with Marseille boss Marcelo Bielsa among those reportedly lined up to replace him.
"I don't know I am going to be here next season," admitted Allardyce. "But when you're contracted to a club, you do the job. One of those roles is to plan for next season" In May, West Ham's owners set Allardyce a target of a top-10 finish this season, along with a more attractive attacking style after criticism from some of the club's fans. With seven games of their current campaign remaining, the Hammers - who move into the Olympic Stadium for the start of the 2016-17 campaign - are ninth in the Premier League and have scored 41 goals.
They scored 45 goals in the 2012-13 season and 40 in 2013-14. However, their form has dipped markedly in recent months with only two league wins since Christmas. Allardyce has been at the club since June 2011, earning promotion from the Championship in his first season in charge and securing 10th and 13th-place finishes in the past two top-flight campaigns.

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Hughes wants revenge for November slip-up
KUMB.com
Filed: Friday, 10th April 2015
By: Staff Writer

Stoke may be arriving at the Boleyn on the back of three consecutive defeats - but are also unbeaten in their last two visits to east London. City, who won eight in 11 before losing three in a row to West Brom, Crystal Palace and Chelsea arrive in the capital tomorrow full of confidence, having secured a win and a draw against Sam Allardyce's side in their two most recent visits. And striker Jon Walters, who scored the opening goal in a 1-1 draw at the Boleyn in November 2012 believes his side have the ability to extend that sequence to three games. "We've had good results there before so hopefully we get the win and leapfrog them into ninth," he said. "Everyone seems to be fit and healthy so it's going well and hopefully we'll come out all guns blazing against West Ham. "We need to get back to winning ways on Saturday off the back of three defeats. We can take certain patterns of play out of the Chelsea game and take them into the West Ham game."

Meanwhile Stoke boss Mark Hughes believes the time is right to take advantage of West Ham's recent poor run of form, one that has resulted in the Irons managing just two wins in the Premier League since Christmas. "Saturday is an opportunity for us to go to a side we are competing with, who are having a bit of an indifferent time themselves, and hopefully win the game to put us in a really strong position," he told the press. "It is an important fixture for us, just as it is for West Ham, but if we can take the three points then it will keep us moving in the direction that we want to go and keep one or two sides above us firmly within our sights too."

Hughes also admitted that he was keen to get revenge for the corresponding fixture last November, in which the hosts threw away a two-goal lead after Stewart Downing and Enner Valencia scored last on for Allarydyce's side to rescue a point. "Up until they scored their first goal we were absolutely flying, and were arguably producing our best performance of the season up until that point," he recalled. "We allowed them back into the game by being slightly naïve and allowing them to catch us on the break. "Then there was a bit of a scramble in our penalty area and the ball then fell to Stuart Downing, somebody you never like to see free on the edge of the box given the technical qualities he possesses. "Frustratingly for us, he managed to tuck it away and leave us all with a sense of disappointment at the end of the game having not taken maximum points from a game that we were in total control of."

* West Ham face Stoke at the Boleyn Ground at 3pm on Saturday. The match will be refereed by Roger East, who will be assisted by linesmen M Scholes and R West.

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Allardyce: 'I don't know if I'll be here next year'
KUMB.com
Filed: Friday, 10th April 2015
By: Staff Writer

Sam Allardyce claimed this morning that he has no idea whether he'll still be employed by West Ham come next season. The managerial incumbent faced a barrage of questions regarding his future during this morning's pre-match press conference - and readily admitted that he had no idea where he'd be working next season, as things stand. When asked directly whether he knew if he'd still be at West Ham for the beginning of the 2015/16 season, Allardyce replied: "No I don't. But when you're contracted to a club you do the job that you're paid to do, one of those roles is to plan for next season. "We sat down yesterday and began to plan for next season, when we're coming back for pre-season, where we're going to go and who we're going to play. It's not fully evolved yet but the plans are in place."

And when asked to comment on David Sullivan's recent revelation in which he claimed to be "disappointed" by the team's recent form, he added: "We're all disappointed in the last few results and I accept that. "I have to emphasise results because we've come close to winning some major games of football. We have to look at the season as whole, not just a few games and I think overall it's been terrific, it's been very exciting. "I think we're a little bit disappointed because we built up expectations by being in the top four and haven't managed to maintain that. Realistically it would have been hard to maintain that over a season even before we had injury problems. "I expected not to lose away at Leicester and try and get a run of wins going. Similarly, I'm not expecting us to lose on Saturday."

Despite pleading innocence, Allardyce is only too aware of the club's plans to replace him this summer. Current Real Sociedad manager David Moyes is the most likely candidate to become Big Sam's successor, as revealed here on KUMB yesterday.

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Liverpool linked with Jenkinson bid
KUMB.com
Filed: Friday, 10th April 2015
By: Staff Writer

Liverpool are the latest club to be linked with a move for West Ham United's on-loan full back Carl Jenkinson. The tabloids claim this morning that the Reds have joined West Ham in the chase for the once-capped England international, who is likely to be allowed to leave Arsenal this summer. As exclusively revealed here on KUMB back in January, Jenkinson's parent club Arsenal value the 23-year-old defender at circa £8million - a figure that would easily trump West Ham's record fee paid for a defender (£6million for Matthew Upson back in 2007).

However the move could be in jeopardy should West Ham part company with current boss Sam Allardyce this summer, with whom Jenkinson has developed a close-working relationship. Speaking at Christmas, the full-back declared that Allarcyce had been "absolutely brilliant", adding that "I wanted to go to a team where I was going to learn and improve and I think I'm definitely doing that here at West Ham."

West Ham United's most expensive defenders

1. Matthew Upson - £6m, Birmingham (2007)
2. Tomas Repka - £5.5m, Fiorentina (2001)
3. Aaron Cresswell - £4m, Ipswich Town (2014)
4. Calum Davenport - £3m, Tottenham (2007)
4. Winston Reid - £3m, Midtjylland (2011)
6. Rigobert Song - £2.5m, Liverpool (2000)
7. Herita Ilunga - £2.4m, Toulouse (2009)
8. Ian Pearce - £2.3m, Blackburn (1997)
9. Paul Konchesky - £2m, Charlton (2005)
9. Manuel Da Costa - £2m, Fiorentina (2009)

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Stoke a 'must-win', says Gold
KUMb.com
Filed: Friday, 10th April 2015
By: Staff Writer

Co-chairman David Gold has hailed Saturday's clash with Stoke City as a must-win game. The 78-year-old co-owner of West Ham took to Twitter late last night to agree with a supporter who claimed that the team's recent form has been below par.

Iain Tait @RitaitIain
@davidgold Mr Chairman, thought I would point out, last 12 game form guide has us 2nd from bottom, only Newcastle r worse. NOT GOOD ENOUGH!!

David Gold ✔ @davidgold
Yes I agree, it's not good enough. We must beat now beat Stoke on Saturday. dg


Gold, who has previously backed current managerial incumbent Sam Allardyce is now thought to agree with co-owner David Sullivan with regards to making a change this summer. With that obstacle removed, Allardyce is living on borrowed time with the end of the season just over a month away.

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Allardyce admits he may not be at West Ham next season
Last Updated: 10/04/15 8:02pm
SSN

West Ham manager Sam Allardyce has admitted he does not know if he will be at the club next season. Allardyce is out of contract at the end of the season and so far there have been no talks with the board about extending his deal beyond the summer. The lack of talks has fuelled speculation that Allardyce may leave the club with a host of names like David Moyes, Rafa Benitez, Marcelo Bielsa, Steve McClaren, Slaven Bilic and Eddie Howe all being touted as possible replacements. Speaking at a press conference ahead of Saturday's game with Stoke, Allardyce said: "No, I don't know if I'm going to be here. "But I don't see any other way, that in my position, when you are contracted at a football club, you do the job that you are paid to do."

West Ham co-owner David Sullivan said this week that he was exceedingly disappointed with the last 12 games and when this was put to Allardyce, he said: "Is he really?" No I don't know if I'm going to be here next season - he bottom line is the game is all about winning
"The reality is there is a difference between the performances and the results. Having said that the bottom line is winning and getting results and we haven't done enough of that recently," he said. "We're all disappointed in the last few results and I accept that. "I have to emphasise results because we've come close to winning some major games of football. We have to look at the season as whole, not just a few games and I think overall it's been terrific, it's been very exciting."

West Ham won 10 of their first 22 games this season but the Hammers have gone on a poor recent run that has heaped pressure on Allardyce. The East London side have won just one game in their last nine, scoring just six times and taking only six points from a possible 27.
Allardyce understands the need for a positive finish, with Stoke level on 42 points in the battle for a place in the top 10. "We have to make sure we finish higher than we have ever done in the league and get more than 46 points," said the Hammers boss, whose side were beaten by bottom club Leicester last weekend. "Looking at the table, the maximum we can finish is eighth, unless we go on a brilliant winning streak - which I think we are capable of, it is unlikely we can finish higher than that, so winning on Saturday becomes the all-important thing."

Allardyce added: "Our creative ability has been endless all season, we're creating the same amount of chances as we were when we were in the top four, we're just not finishing as many. Against Leicester we created more than our usual average number of chances. So we need to convert more chances. "At the other end we need to make sure we keep our concentration and not let the opposition sneak a goal. That has ultimately been our Achilles heel over the last few games."

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West Ham United v Stoke City preview: Both teams out to end slumps
Last Updated: 10/04/15 10:59pm
SSN

West Ham welcome Stoke to Upton Park on Saturday with both sides looking to end recent slumps in form. The Hammers have lost three of their last four, including a 2-1 reverse at Leicester last weekend, while Stoke have lost three on the bounce following a run of three successive wins prior to that. The sides played out an entertaining 2-2 draw earlier in the season, with Victor Moses and Mame Biram Diouf putting the Potters 2-0 up before Enner Valencia and Stewart Downing rescued a point for West Ham.

Team news

West Ham will have Ecuador forward Valencia available again following a toe injury, but fellow striker Andy Carroll (knee) remains sidelined. Hammers manager Sam Allardyce will also be without defenders Doneil Henry (hamstring) and James Tomkins (shoulder). Tomkins has undergone shoulder surgery and hopes to be in contention again before the end of the season.

Stoke defender Marc Wilson is available despite a broken hand. Wilson complained of a problem after last week's clash against Chelsea and scans have revealed a crack, but he will be able to play if wearing protection. Striker Jon Walters has had a knee problem but has been training and is also in contention.

Opta facts

West Ham are winless in three against the Potters, losing two and drawing the other.
West Ham have won only one of their last nine Premier League games (D3 L5).
Charlie Adam has had 25 shots (including blocked) from outside the box in the Premier League this season, but has scored only with one of those.
Harry Redknapp has urged West Ham to offer Sam Allardyce a new contract and says he cannot see himself ever returning to the club as a manager
Peter Crouch has the same number of Premier League goals as Ruud van Nistelrooy (95) but has played 238 games more.
Stoke manager Mark Hughes has lost only one of his last 10 Premier League encounters with Sam Allardyce (W6 D3).

Merson's prediction

I don't like going against Stoke, as they are hard to beat. I think they will finish higher in the table than West Ham because they are very consistent. If Stoke were where West Ham were four months ago, I think they would be much higher in the league than where they are now. Both teams are exactly where they should be in the league. You forget with West Ham that they only came up two years ago. Sam Allardyce has done a great job.

PAUL PREDICTS: 1-1 (Sky Bet odds: 4/1)

Betting

So safe are these two sides, Sky Bet have stopped taking bets on whether or not they'll avoid the drop. Home side West Ham are the favourites, though, with odds of 6/5 for three points, while Stoke can be backed to win at 23/10, the same price as a draw. Diafra Sakho is the first-goal favourite at 5/1 and Sky Bet tipster Phil Thompson has backed him to break the deadlock in a 1-1 draw at odds of 25/1.

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West Ham vs Stoke City: Jon Walters is our iron man insists Mark Hughes
22:30, 10 April 2015 By Ian Baker
Sparky says the Republic of Ireland forward will not be deterred by wearing a protective mask for rest of season after smashing a cheekbone
The Mirror

Stoke boss Mark Hughes has hailed his "old school" man of steel Jon Walters. Republic of Ireland forward Walters has battled a knee injury and still has a fractured cheekbone. But he will play on with a mask at West Ham and Hughes reckons his attitude is beyond the call of duty. Sparky said: "He will still have the mask on, quite possibly for the rest of the season. But it does not affect him. "Jon is old school in terms of his attitude. Where it was the norm a few years ago, it is the exception now. "Certain players can do that. Jon can play with bangs or if he is still tired he can still play. "For other players it is more difficult."

Walters, 31, once made 102 consecutive starts for the Potters but Hughes reckons he may need to handle him better to preserve his longevity. He said: "It has been to his detriment in the past. When he has needed a rest he has not had one. "He is maturing now as a Premier League player and understands he can't play to his maximum all the time. He had an incredible feat but it was unsustainable.
"Jon understands if he gets niggles we need to protect him. "There were some question marks over him when we added to the squad. People assumed wrongly he would not play. But he's stuck at it."

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Carl Jenkinson 'on Liverpool's radar' as West Ham face competition for Arsenal right-back
23:53, 9 April 2015 By Liam Prenderville
The emergence of Hector Bellerin appears to have dented Jenkinson's future at the Emirates with Liverpool reportedly set to rival the Hammers for his signature
The Mirror

Liverpool are reportedly weighing up a summer move for Arsenal's Carl Jenkinson. The England Under-21 full-back is on a season-long loan at West Ham and has impressed at Upton Park, featuring in 25 of their Premier League games. The Hammers have been tipped to try make the deal permanent at the end of the campaign, but now look to face competition. With Glen Johnson set to depart Anfield, Brendan Rodgers has identified Jenkinson as an ideal replacement, according to the Sun. He currently has three years left remaining on his deal with Arsenal but in Hector Bellerin, Mathieu Debuchy and Calum Chambers, Arsene Wenger has multiple options at right-back. Spanish youngster Bellerin, who has emerged as first-choice this term, is set to pen a new deal with the Gunners, seemingly paving the way for Jenkinson to move on permanently. Earlier this season, the 23-year-old admitted he had to leave the Emirates on loan to prevent his career from stagnating.
"I didn't want to have another season sitting on the bench," he said. "It was starting to drive me up the wall a little bit, I wanted to get out and play football, and I've realised that I'm happiest when I'm playing regular football. "I wanted to go to a team where I was going to learn and improve and I think I'm definitely doing that here at West Ham." Jenkinson is set to be in action for the Hammers against Stoke on Saturday as they bid to get back on track after winning just one of their last nine matches.

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Hammers WILL accept FPL Europa spot!
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on April 9, 2015 in Whispers
Claret & Hugh

David Gold has given the strongest indication yet that the Hammers WILL take part in the early Europa Cup stages if they gain a spot via the Fair Play League. There is no obligation to do so and and a club may refuse to take part. And given it means a return to training a month early plus extensive travelling and little financial return it had been thought the Irons board may decide to give it a miss. But DG told ClaretandHugh exclusively: "It has to be given great consideration for the sake of the fans. They want a taste of Europe and if we can provide it via the Fair Play League I think we will do so. "Yes, it does mean an early return, much travelling and there's no real financial return involved early on but if we have a chance of reaching the later stages of the Europa League I think we will probably vote to take it. I think the fans would expect that. "Obviously we will need to protect players like Andy Carroll who have been injured but I think we can put out teams capable of winning those early games."

Co chairman David Sullivan is also in favour of taking part. Three spots are given to federations that finish above a certain level in Uefa's Fair Play table. The top three federations automatically receive a Fair Play entry if their rating is at least 8.0. The berth goes to the highest-placed team in the Fair Play table of that country's top league that has not already qualified for Europe. The Hammers are currently on top of the Premier league Fair Play Table with an average of 8.3.

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Do we want Europe? The fans speak out
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on April 10, 2015 in Whispers
Euro trophy
Claret & Hugh

The two Davids are preparing to send the team into the opening stages of the Europa League competition should we qualify via the Fair Play League. David Gold told ClaretandHugh excssuively last night that he believes the club would owe it to the fans to enter but do the supporters believe it's a great idea or that it would stretch the squad resources and put our league position at risk.

We put the question to them at the Claretandhugh Facebook forum - https://www.facebook.com/groups/363174467150521/ – and here's a selection of comments from the very mixed response.

Stephen Smith Rather have league position. Can't see us having the squad to sustain a serious challenge in the Europa League Cup.

Neil McCarthy Yes as long as we have a strong enough squad to compete in both the league and cup.

Sean Oakley I don't think Europe will benefit us next season…..extra games starting very early on in the year……a new manager hopefully with new players that will need the summer to prepare the team for the premiership….give the new manager next season without Europe and let's move to the new stadium earning a spot in Europe with a solid and memorable season in the premiership!

Lord Emlyn Underhill Could the management/owners come up with their own stipulations. Say only 3 first teamers can play a game. 4 u-21 and 4 players who only got a few games this season. Come out and announce this, say we taking part but don't want it to distract us. Then the fans aren't under the impression the first team will play.

Kenneth Vereycken Yes ! Our home really deserves a big farewell ! Finishing out last season with some European matches would be really nice !

Joe Emery No. Not unless we sign at least 6 players GOOD enough for the first team.

Stuart Absolon No squad too shallow

Tom McAllister Seriously why on earth would anyone not want us to compete in europe in our last season at the boleyn? Early start but worth it to see some European nights.

Darren 父 Walne Yes, although my bosses and bank manager would disagree I imagine !

Mark John Candler I'm very divided on this my heart says yes what a way to end our last season at Upton park, but my head says do we have the squad to play Thursday and Sunday?? Will it put our premiership status at risk?? It would be great for revenue and attracting players but I'm still unsure if its a couple of seasons to soon, I'd rather get into Europe on merit not fair play!!

Rob Usher Next season is probably the most important for many years. We need to have a strong season and finish In the top 8. We will not achieve this if we play in Europe, we are not ready YET!

Bobby Djokovic No definitely not. Risk getting involved in a relegation battle?? We can't sustain a high level of performance in the league for a whole season without the commitment of Europe. I'd prefer an FA Cup win.

James Milne Yes – of course we want European football. If we want to keep our best players and attract the best young players, it's a must! Sullivan has dreams of gatecrashing the top four when we move to the OS.

Andy Day Would we actually compete? Personally I think not, although its clear the quality of the squad has improved, we lack the nouse to close games out. Assuming BFS has had his day, then a new manager coming in has to find his feet.

Nick Gilbert No. We aren't ready.

Warren Arend Can't cope with the games we have let alone Europe

Graham Hatt Yes, and get the majority of our U21's to play in the early stages.

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CandH Iron of the Year Poll result!
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on April 10, 2015 in Whispers
Claret & Hugh

Outstanding Aaron Cresswell has run out a clear winner in the ClaretandHugh Iron of the Year award. The fabulous left back – already being tipped for England honours – has been a near ever present this season and to pick up the award in his first season is a brilliant achievement. Cressie ran out with 35.19 of the votes and was followed in second place by Cheik Kouyate who gathered 19.29 pc of the poll. The midfielder's Senegalese team mate, striker Diafra Sakho took third spot with 18.34 per cent. Of the other contenders, goalkeeper Adrian took 15.08 per cent, James Collins 5,84 with the others gathering less than three per cent each. A total of 736 people had voted in the poll when voting was closed this afternoon (Fri). Thanks to all of you who took the time to cast your vote!

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Hammers legends applaud 'Iron of Year'
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on April 10, 2015 in Whispers
Claret & Hugh

Former Irons Tony Gale and Leroy Rosenior have applauded the ClaretandHugh followers who made Aaron Cresswell our Iron of the Year.
'Galey' was the first to react eclaring: "You have a very wise readership. He's the obvious choice. He's had a brilliant season, I can't speak highly enough of him. "There's been the odd moment but to play as many games as he has done in his first Premier League season tells you a lot about him. The best is yet to come and for the money we paid (£3.5 million) it was a fantastic deal. He's knocking on the England door and it's not his fault there are so many decent left sided defenders around at the minute. I think he'll make it anyway and my Iron of the Year by a country mile. Leroy has been equally impressed saying: Even though I was a striker and would like to have given it to Sakho, Cressie has been superb. A very worthy winner."

And Tony Cottee made it three out of three for Cressie saying: "Only serious contender – he's been fantastic."

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Sam still planning despite uncertain future
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on April 10, 2015 in Whispers
Claret & Hugh

Sam Allardyce claimed in his morning press conference that it's business as usual at Upton Park despite the uncertainty surrounding his future. The manager – answering some pretty straight questioning – made it clear he would continue to act professionally until the decision over his future was made. The official website reported that he was asked: 'With only seven games to go until the end of the season, are you able to plan ahead for next season when you don't know if you're going to be here or not?' Allardyce responded: "We sat down yesterday and began to plan for next season, when we're coming back for pre-season, where we're going to go and who we're going to play. It's not fully evolved yet but the plans are in place." The follow-up question was: 'People might be surprised to hear that because you don't know if you're going to be here, do you?' The manager replied: "No I don't. But when you're contracted to a club you do the job that you're paid to do, one of those roles is to plan for next season." Reminded that David Sullivan had said the last 12 games had been very disappointing he added: "The reality is there is a difference between the performances and the results. Having said that the bottom line is winning and getting results and we haven't done enough of that recently. "We're all disappointed in the last few results and I accept that. I have to emphasise results because we've come close to winning some major games of football. We have to look at the season as whole, not just a few games and I think overall it's been terrific, it's been very exciting." And asked whether Sullivan's desire for a European campaign was on, he added: "We need to win five out of the last seven games at least, if not more.
"We do have another alternative by qualifying through the fair play league. The most important thing is Stoke on Saturday and trying to get three points."

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Leroy: Stoke clash shows how far we've slipped
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on April 10, 2015 in Whispers
Claret & Hugh

More with optimism than expectation I'm going to tip the Irons to run out 2-1 winners over Stoke tomorrow (Sat). But the fact that we are meeting Stoke City who are level with us on points really does demonstrate just how far we have slipped this season. We shouldn't be fighting to stay above them after being up there in the top four.

If we are brutally honest about it the slide has been terrible and this team needs to pick it up fast if we are to believe all the hype that surrounded it – and to which I perhaps contributed – earlier on. Many reasons have been given an airing from managerial tactics to the form of certain players and I'm not going there this time as I've given my views in the past. But for us to now be battling to stay above Stoke City tells us all we need to know about how this season has been allowed to slip away.

David Gold said in his own piece on here that the fans deserve no less than 100 per cent and he's right but we also need to see people playing to their full capacity and skill level and that's up to them rather than the manager! Mark Hughes has done a great job up at Stoke. He has built on what Tony Pulis left him but has also produced a team that can entertain at times. Not dissimilar to West Ham in the early part of the season but as I say we have allowed it to slip away so let's get things back on the straight and narrow with a nice home win. It's odd but when the weather turns warmer at Upton Park we always seem to be a different side so I'm going for a 2-1 win but as I say more in hope than confidence.

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DG: "100 pc is least our fans deserve"
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on April 10, 2015 in Whispers
Claret & Hugh

David Gold has told the Hammers fans: "You have every right to demand everything from this squad of players over the rest of the season." And speaking exclusively to ClaretandHugh he declared: "Stoke is a massive match. it's a six pointer and we are on the same number of points – we can't slip beneath them. "The fans are 100 per cent right to call on the players to give it everything. It's not only about the money they pay – although that's very important – it's their right. It's the club they love. It's their life. "The players have their pride on the line and at stake. After a defeat by bottom of the table Leicester, they need to win. We are looking up, not down. We need to win. "We've been on a very poor run and we need to pick it up against Stoke. The fans have that right to expect maximum effort. That's a given. 100 per cent effort is the least they deserve"

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I want Bielsa so I guess it will be Moyes!
Posted by bubbles fanzine on April 10, 2015 in Whispers
Claret & Hugh
Richard Oses is the founder of Bubbles Fanzine and a regular blogger for ClaretandHugh Find his site @ https://www.facebook.com/bubblesfanzine?fref=ts

If you're following the managerial situation at West Ham, you best be strapped in and have a helmet on because the stories are coming out at break-neck speed and they are not showing any signs of slowing down.

What to conclude? It looks like Sam is on his way and we will end up with Rafa, Moyes or Bielsa.

The thing is, I just cannot make up my mind what is for the best, (not that I am tasked with having to decide) this seems a massive decision, the biggest managerial appointment in the club's history.

There are those that think keep Sam for another year, he will steady us into the OS without us worrying about relegation.

Yes, Sam has made us progress, but a lot has been done behind the scenes to help this progress. He certainly did what was asked initially with promotion and safety.

But debate as we might, it seems that the Daves are getting rid so, no point in flogging that horse again, that debate is well left alone.

So who to pick out of that shortlist? This is where I really start to worry. To me, Moyes is another Sam but a bit better.

He did a great job for Everton but he is another Mr Safe and boring. Not that it is a bad thing per-say, he will further steady the ship and also bring on some of the youth we all so desperately want to see.

Then there's Rafa who is a natural winner and excites me no end, but as has been made public knowledge, he wants a bigger gig and lots of money so it might not happen.

Marcel Bielsa, my knee-jerk favourite due to his eccentric nature and the well publicised fact Tevez dubbed him one of the best. However his man-marking bonkers formations and the fact he seems to be described as someone who starts well but fizzles out has an all to familiar sound for my liking.

This has to be the right choice, as for me, we need a long-term manager who will have a project and work with the board to get our club to the next level and keep us there. And hopefully a cup or two on the way.

The more I think about it, the more it scares me, but Sam has to go and the board need to get their next appoinment spot on. My money was on Bielsa, I now think Rafa is the best choice, so naturally, they'll appoint Moyes.

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Jenks in dubious Liverpool link
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on April 10, 2015 in Whispers
Claret & Hugh

This really must be a first! This morning we read that Carl Jenkinson is fancied by Liverpool but excuse us if we don't take it too seriously because it appears in the Mirror who reveal their source as being The Sun! The story claims that Liverpool are "weighing up" a summer move for the right back – just as they were for Winston Reid of course!!! The only back up in the story is that former Iron Glen Johnson is set to depart Anfield and that Brendan Rodgers has identified Jenkinson as an ideal replacement and that, they say, is according to the Sun. However, even were there to be any truth in the story the fact remains that the Hammers are well in front of anyone in the negotiating stakes. Jenks has admitted publicly and privately that he loves West Ham and it is known he wants to remain in London.
He is seen as a priority target with David Sullivan having a close relationship with his agent and talks will start at around £5 million.

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Moyes Hammers destiny in his own hands
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on April 9, 2015 in Whispers
Claret & Hugh

Reports that David Moyes' arrival as West Ham's new manager depend on Real Sociedad giving him permission are wide of the mark.
Various media outlets and websites are now catching on to the fact that Sam Allardyce is as they report it "coming to the end of his West Ham reign." Regular readers of ClaretandHugh will have known that several weeks back when we made it clear the writing was firmly on the wall.

Indeed, David Sullivan in a brief question and answer session with WHUFCTV.com a couple of days back declared: "​The last 12 games have been exceedingly disappointing." Moyes has been the No 1 choice since work started on the finding an Allardyce replacement but that Real Sociedad hold the key to him joining us is not the case. Moyes only signed an 18 month deal with the Spanish club last November and had a clause inserted that he could speak to a Premier League club if an approach was made for his services. The Hammers believe that Tony Henry, their recruitment officer to the board and Moyes' former Everton chief scout is a key player, in trying to attract the Scot to the Boleyn. It is however, true, as reported elsewhere, that the co owners David Gold, and Sullivan are set to call time on Allardyce's reign.

Moyes has his future in his own hands and has said that he is extremely happy where he is but Sullivan is a persuasive negotiator and will hope to talk him round. Marcelo Bielsa has been recommended to the board by numerous 'faces' inside the game and could yet move in as the next boss if Moyes rejects the club as he is reported to have done last summer.

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