Daily WHUFC News - 4th November 2015

Westley - Plenty of positives to take away
WHUFC.com

Following the Development Squad's 2-1 win away at Brighton & Hove Albion on
Monday night, Academy director Terry Westley reflected on a good well done.
From start to finish, the young Hammers gave their all and they were
rewarded, in what was one of their best performances in recent memory, with
all three points. Speaking after the game, Westley spoke of his pride at
such a commanding display: "I'm pleased with the way we played, take away
the win, whatever the result tonight, it's about how you play, how you go
about the job of preparing them for senior football. Tonight, we did all of
that, and we won the game, so that's an added bonus. "First half we were
terrific, we were better than good. We passed the ball very well and
dominated possession."

On a night where there were plenty of positives for everyone connected to
Claret and Blue, Westley praised the number of youngsters who were given an
opportunity. Schoolboy Idris Kanu, still just 15, caught the eye on his U21
debut, while Declan Rice, 16, demonstrated his capability during his first
U21 start. Westley continued: "If something really sums up what we are all
about it is this: the centre-forward is 15, the centre-half is 16. They
(Brighton) were an older, quite an established team tonight. It was about
playing youth team players. "George Dobson, Marcus Browne and the goalkeeper
Sam Howes are all still youth team players. Idris is still at school, he's
had to take the day off to play tonight. That really is everything about
what we are trying to produce at the moment."

While the younger boys certainly proved they are ready to take the
opportunities to step up, Westley was keen to stress how well the team
played as a collective unit. Livewire winger Martin Samuelsen netted his
fourth goal in eight U21 appearances this season, while skipper Josh Cullen
capped off a talismanic performance with a neatly taken finish. "We try to
dominate the ball and try and open the opposition up. Samuelsen,
particularly first half, was running past players and opening the game up,
making opportunities and hitting shots earlier which is what we've been
working on. It's great to see that he has taken that on board. "Stephen
Hendrie, playing out of position, got on with it without a fuss and did very
well, he deserves credit for that. Josh in midfield, we know what he can do
and he showed it today, he really led the team. Added to that, Browne and
Dobson really gave us a base to play from."

On a night of positives, Westley was also pleased with how determined and
structured his side were. While the Seagulls piled on the pressure in the
second period, the Hammers, to a man stood firm. Having lost plenty of
points from leading positions, there was a sense of Déjà vu once Brighton
pulled one back, yet they refused to be cowed. "We really pressed as a
team, and it was something we spoke about at half-time because we knew
Brighton weren't going to just sit back, 2-0 down at home at half-time, you
have to go for it. "When they scored, it was a nervy ten minutes. It was
when of those moments, I looked at Liam (Manning) and we thought, 'here we
go again' but this time we saw the game through. Collectively we worked ever
so hard and it's nice we got the reward for that. "We can take a massive
amount of positives to take from tonight's game; the culture we are trying
to establish and the philosophy here, it's about being brave enough to play
the younger ones in the team as well as playing in the right manner, the
final bit is to get the result so we ticked a lot of boxes tonight."

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From the Terraces - Joe Difford
WHUFC.com

Fan blogger Joe Difford reflects on Saturday's defeat at Watford...

Having taken all three points off the reigning Premier League champions just
a week ago, the away end of Vicarage Road was stunned into silence Saturday,
as Odion Ighalo netted twice in a 2-0 loss. Slaven Bilic didn't make any
drastic changes to the side, and why would he? The eleven men who faced
Chelsea fought admirably and showed exactly why we are doing so well in the
table. The same starting formation was used, this time with the deadly trio
of Dimitri Payet, Manuel Lanzini and Victor Moses behind the man who won us
the game against the Blues, Andy Carroll. But sadly, once again, lady luck
seemed intent on ensuring the Hammers left Watford without a point, by
handing the Hornets two goals on a plate. The first came when Andy Carroll
attempted to clear the ball, and missed it, forcing him to panic, try a sort
of turn we're used to Payet executing up the other end of the field, before
an opportunistic Watford man punished us. The second goal again was too
frustrating to believe, as a cross was a millimetre out of reach for James
Tomkins, who was forced to stab at the ball with the back of his heel,
allowing Ighalo to turn and smash home.

If you try to find a positive in Saturday afternoon's game, you might
struggle, with Bilic himself even criticising the performance. But it is
important, albeit difficult, to remember that the goals were freak accidents
and there is no huge cause for concern, after all, we did beat the
champions. What does need to change, however, is the way in which we start
games against so called lesser teams. Having flown out of the blocks against
Arsenal, Liverpool, Manchester City, Newcastle and Chelsea, all of the games
we have won if you notice, we set the tempo of the game and grew in
confidence. Against the newly promoted sides in particular, however, we have
been too casual, perhaps under the illusion that the game will be less
difficult, or perhaps it is just the opposition were fired up to defeat the
giant killers that we have become. When you go on a run of seven games
unbeaten, it is inevitably going to come to an end and although Saturday's
loss was disappointing, it is important to remember that yes, we were
unbeaten in seven. Next week's game is a tough tie against Everton, who will
be full of confidence having thrashed Sunderland 6-2, but as we saw on
Saturday, you can't possibly predict a Premier League game.

Bilic doesn't need to make any drastic changes, except perhaps to give
Carroll a strike partner, as he looked a little isolated at times at the
weekend. If we weren't third in the league when we dropped points to
Watford, perhaps it would be okay to worry, but our start to the season has
been record-breaking. After Everton comes a much-anticipated tie against
Spurs, so there is a lot to look forward to. With Alex Song, Winston Reid,
Angelo Ogbonna, Diafra Sakho and Michail Antonio all ready to return or
feature, things can only get better, and that is a wonderful thing to be
able to say when we're sitting in the top six.

For more West Ham fan views or to join the conversation visit www.90min.com

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The Big Interview - Winston Reid
WHUFC.com

There were mixed emotions for Winston Reid over the weekend after the
Hammers suffered their first away defeat of the season against Watford, but
he was left celebrating a historic win for his beloved New Zealand as they
won the Rugby World Cup. The All Blacks became the first team to retain the
Webb Ellis Cup following an impressive 34-17 victory over Australia at
Twickenham. Reid has good connections with several of the New Zealand
players and had nothing but admiration for the way they came together as a
team and won the showpiece event to set off huge celebrations back home.

The West Ham United defender is now hoping to cap a memorable few days and
make a return to first-team action against Everton this weekend following a
spell on the sidelines. Reid has been ruled out for the last month with a
hip injury, but returned to training last week and is now looking to step up
his fitness ahead of the game at the Boleyn Ground on Saturday.

Winston, we are sure you are a very happy man after what happened on
Saturday in the rugby. How proud were you of the New Zealand team?

WR: "I am really happy with the victory. As a nation rugby is our number one
sport and everyone is so proud of what they have done. It is tremendous what
they were able to do. "There are massive parties back home. They have done
what no other team has managed to do, winning the trophy two times in a row
and it is the first time they have won outside of New Zealand so it is a
massive accomplishment. We are very happy with the victory."

You obviously perform as a professional at the very highest level in sport.
Can you tell us what it takes for a team to win such a big tournament?

WR: "There is a lot of dedication and hard work. Since the last victory
there is obviously a lot of pressure on them to defend the trophy. "To go
into a new competition four-years later is also a long-time, but they only
lost a few games during that period and that shows the level of consistency
and the determination that they have to win all those games."

Have you managed to speak to any of the boys in the New Zealand squad?

WR: "Yes, I wished them congratulations and obviously they are very happy.
They are travelling back to New Zealand with the trophy now. "I guess it was
a very enjoyable journey back for them and I am sure it would have been
rocking."

The big question now, can New Zealand make it three Rugby World Cup
victories in a row?

WR: "Hopefully we will see. There is another four-years ahead and a lot of
hard work to be done over that period but hopefully they will do it."

You are now back to full fitness. How close are you to pushing for a
first-team place again?

WR: "Obviously I have been out with an injury for a while now and it has
been causing me a bit of grief but I hope to be back out there very soon."

After what happened on Saturday, you will be hoping to see the team get
straight back on the winning trail against Everton on Saturday.

WR: "To be fair we have not had too many bad performances this season. It
was just an off-day against Watford and these things can happen.

"We need to make sure in the next game that we go out and play well."

A lot of people say this is the strongest squad we have had at West Ham
United for a number years. Do you agree with that?

WR: "I think you see that in training every day and everyone makes each
other play better. "Everyone comes in to work hard and be professional. The
manager and his team around him have brought that into the Club so it has
improved us as players and we are looking to kick on."

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Hammers grin and bear it!
WHUFC.com

West Ham United are chomping at the bit to help footballers improve their
oral health. With managers up and down the country sick to the back teeth of
their players' performances being affected by mouth-based issues, the
Hammers and seven other Premier League and Football League clubs were
invited to take part in a new study by The Centre for Oral Health and
Performance – part of the UCL Eastman Dental Institute. The research study,
led by Professor Ian Needleman, found that the oral health of professional
footballers is poor and impacting on wellbeing and performance. Of 187
players examined* and questioned 37% had active dental decay, 53% dental
erosion and 5% moderate to severe and irreversible gum disease. Furthermore,
45% were concerned by their oral health, 20% reported an impact on their
quality of life and 7% on training or performance. The findings, published
in the British Journal of Sports Medicine, suggest an urgent need for new
strategies to promote oral health within the professional game. With those
statistics in mind, West Ham have already introduced regular dental
screening to ensure players are not rendered down in the mouth.
Head of Medicine and Sports Science, Stijn Vandenbroucke, beamed: "Teeth
problems never come at a good time, so we at West Ham United prefer to
screen and plan preventive interventions with the dentist in the off and
pre-season. "Oral health is an area where many athletes have greater
problems than the general population so it has been a massive achievement
for so many professional football clubs to collaborate with each other to
help us understand the scale of this problem better. "Being part of this
study has also helped us as a club to implement tailored interventions to
treat and prevent further problems. "There aren't many areas of screening in
sport, which meet all screening criteria and can be so useful with such
clear preventive benefits for athletes and club. Hopefully those who read
the study will see the advantages as well."

Winston Reid smiled on the Hammers' approach to the players' dental health.
"In the beginning of the season, the Club organised a long screening day,"
he grinned. "The medical team had a look at our heart, blood, eyes and
teeth. The dentist screened my teeth and explained to me in detail the
dental problems that needed to be tackled to prevent painful teeth resulting
in missing training. "The club doctor organised a few dentist appointments
and now a few months later I am smiling without worries, really top job from
our medical boys."

Professor Needleman thanked the eight participating clubs – West Ham, Hull
City, Manchester United, Southampton, Swansea City, Brighton & Hove Albion,
Cardiff City and Sheffield United – for taking part. He said: "This is the
first study of this size and scope to collect comprehensive oral health data
from professional football players. "Although the severity of oral
ill-health varied from team to team, overall we found that a significant
percentage of our top footballers are affected by dental decay, tooth
erosion and gum disease, much of which is preventable. "But while these
findings are worrying we are pleased that clubs such as West Ham are already
embracing the findings and building on their existing interventions by
placing oral health care at the forefront of their medical agenda. "We hope
that other teams follow their lead and introduce robust oral health
screening and promotion as a routine element of their programs."

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Rice excels during first U21 start
WHUFC.com

Sixteen year old defender Declan Rice staked his claim for a regular place
in the Development Squad's starting XI following a commanding display
against Brighton & Hove Albion U21. Playing alongside Stephen Hendrie at
the heart of defence, the pair worked well together, limiting the Seagulls
to a limited number of chances. Having made his first U21 appearance away at
Arsenal, the Republic of Ireland U17 international went one step further by
making his full debut. Summarising his thoughts after completing such a
milestone, Rice said: "I was very happy with my performance; given it was my
first start for the U21s, but more importantly the team performance was
excellent. "I was a bit nervous at first, the experienced players like Josh
Cullen and Lewis Page really helped me, I think I got better as the game
went on, and I really enjoyed it. "I'm very happy with the way I'm playing
at the moment, it's important that I keep playing well and hopefully tonight
I showed Terry that I am ready to keep playing for the U21s."

Another youngster who caught the eye was 15-year-old striker Idris Kanu.
Still a schoolboy, Academy manager Terry Westley revealed that the forward
had had to miss his last few classes in order to play. For Rice, Kanu's
impressive performance came as no surprise as the two of them have
progressed through the Academy of Football together. The
defender-come-midfielder said: "I thought considering Idris is an U16
player, he did very well. It's a major step up, there's a big improvement
from U18 to U21 football, and he coped with that very well."

Westley's faith in electing to field a young side was rewarded as the
Hammers recorded a deserved 2-1 win, thanks to goals from Martin Samuelsen
and Josh Cullen. Now with two wins in three games, Rice is hoping to
maintain their run of form when they face Derby County in just under a
fortnight's time. "Tonight just showed how much of a team we are, we had to
grind out the last ten minutes, but we stuck together and really worked
hard. "The win is great for confidence, and hopefully we'll take that into
our next game against Derby County in two weeks' time."

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Pike delighted with return to action
WHUFC.com

Development Squad right-back Alex Pike spoke of his delight at completing
his first full game of the season since recovering from injury. The
18-year-old had every reason to be happy with his performance as he put in
an impressive display and looked to get forward at every opportunity.
Reflecting on first start of the campaign, Pike reflected: "I'm really
pleased, we all worked hard and I thought we were really decent. "It's
always hard when you come back from an injury; you definitely feel it in the
second half. I'm delighted to play the full game and was pleased with my
performance. I was getting a bit of cramp towards the end, but it was great
to get my first start of the season."

Pike's return to action was one of many positives for the Dev Squad as they
deservedly beat Brighton & Hove Albion U21 at the Amex on Monday 2 November.
In a dominant display, first half goals from Martin Samuelsen and Josh
Cullen proved too much for the Seagulls. Pike continued: "It was definitely
one of our better performances, we moved the ball particularly well and
thankfully we got what we deserved. "Second half we came under a bit more
pressure but we stood firm which was pleasing. "The game got a bit scrappy
towards the end, that happens, it's hard to maintain a good performance over
a full match, especially when you get tired. We had to defend more as the
game wore on, which is more tiring then when you're on top. But we did the
job and we held on."

After a difficult start to the season, the young Hammers have now won two
out of their last three games. Having leapfrogged Stoke City in the Barclays
U21 Premier League south division table, Pike is hoping this is just the
start of a winning run: "It's massive for confidence, after a difficult
start to the season, to get two wins from three games is really good, and
hopefully we can push on and climb up the table. "As for my season
personally, I just want to keep playing and build on my fitness. I'd like to
get a few assists and maybe chip in with a goal here and there too."

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Sakho in the clear as Police drop charges
KUMB.com
Filed: Tuesday, 3rd November 2015
By: Staff Writer

Diafra Sakho will not face police charges for assault, according to a
statement released by his PR company. West Ham's Senegal international, who
missed the 2-0 defeat at Watford last weekend with a thigh injury was
arrested twice within the space of three weeks back in August of this year
in relation to alleged threatening behaviour towards an unnamed individual.
However it was announced this evening that the 25-year-old striker will not
face any further Police action. "Following allegations of assault and
malicious communications made against West Ham and Senegal footballer Diafra
Sakho in August, the police have confirmed there will be no action taken,"
read a statement issued by the Sports PR Company. "At the time, Mr Sakho
vigorously denied the allegations and this matter has now been brought to an
end following a police investigation."

Sakho was initially arrested on Thursday, 6 August and bailed to appear in
court in late September. On Sunday, 23 August he was arrested for a second
time "on suspicion of threats to kill and witness intimidation".

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Key's twists knife into Irons again
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on November 3, 2015 in News, Whispers
C and H

Shamed Richard Keys – like Mark Lawrenson – really does like to plunge the
knife into the back of West Ham whenever there's an opportunity and it's
really all rather pitiful. One poor result and the old sexist comes out of
the traps like a greyhound only this old guy is baying for blood not false
bunnies.
He is of course a friend of a former manager and this may have a lot to do
that he's having a pop at us on his personal blog for the third time since
the season got underway. I don't notice any other club getting the
treatment.

The new manager's credentials were called into question earlier on before he
chose to write a piece on out season being in danger because we will have
been playing longer than any other club. The fact that the vast majority of
players involved in the abortive Europa Cup campaign were kids seemed to
pass him by. Now comes a new thrust with him declaring: "I can hear West
Ham fans screaming again, 'oh yea, what about us? What about our start?
"Great start, but it's too similar to last season to get carried away with.
Right now the Hammers are two points – yes two points – better off than they
were a year ago. Only two points. "It's a start that's led David Sullivan to
be talking about a league and cup double. Nurse – keep an eye on him. No
chance. Absolutely no chance at all."

The dislike and contempt creeps ever nearer the surface with the Nurse bit –
a line borrowed from cricket commentator David Lloyd. So that's three
times he has felt moved to discuss us – never in anything other than
critical or half critical tones. Never mind, he has barely had a life since
him and his mate Andy Gray moved on from Sky after offensive and sexist
remarks. And I notice in his comparison between this season and last that h
fails to mention us beating four of the biggest clubs in the country but hey
let's not let the facts ruin a below the belt and totally unnecessary
bashing session

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Hammers: "He's ours if we want him"
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on November 3, 2015 in News, Whispers
C and H

It's rare in West Ham terms to experience the kind of slow news days we have
been getting just recently and that in itself breeds a buch of stories which
are either simply not true or old ones recycled. This has never been more
true given the situation surrounding Manuel Lanzini whose position we have
monitored and detailed by ClaretandHugh for the past three weeks. The media
at large is trying to crate a scenario which suggests the player needs to be
bought in Janury or see the Irons face the prospect of him being stolen away
by a bigger club. The latest newspaper to join in are also suggesting that
we will need to find £5,5 million to clinch a deal which is not true. We
have checked our sources again this afternoon and were told again: "No
urgency – the deal's in place and we will look at everything at the end of
the season. There's a media storm going on over a very simple situation.
He's ours if we want him."
To ensure that anyone arriving here for the first time understands the
position, West Ham have a deal in place with the parent club Al Jaziera
which will see us sign the player for 8 million euros at the end of the
season if we choose to go ahead. The very strong likelihood is that we will
do so but the club are determined to take a look at him over the season and
see how he reacts to the various weather conditions he will face and the
intensity of the English programme.

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Hornets 'One Direction' joy embarrasses!
Posted by Sean Whetstone on November 2, 2015 in Sean's Blogs, Whispers
C and H

My first ever visit to Vicarage road on Saturday was not a happy one. After
writing last week that the result doesn't matter on West Ham away days I
have to admit I was wrong and I ended up sulking most of Saturday evening
and Sunday. As my best friend would say, a perfectly good day spoilt by 90
minutes of football, maybe 80 minutes on this occasion as the first 10
minutes were OK. Watford certainly turned up and deserved the win. Vicarage
Road is an old fashioned ground but I was surprised to find they don't sell
alcohol in the ground which made Saturday's loss even worst as we were all
sober. Watford fans celebrated each goal like they had just scored against
a top four side, well I guess we were at the time although we have since
slipped back into sixth place after Spurs won earlier tonight. Someone told
me after the game we are like the Robin Hood of the Premier League, stealing
from the rich clubs to give away to the poor. One experience at Vicarage
Road did make us cringe. Watford fans who had been quiet before their two
goals simultaneously got out their smart phone turning on their torches and
started waving them in the air like it was an 'One Direction' concert. This
was met for chants of 'That is embarrassing' from the West Ham faithful. If
this is modern football they can keep it.

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Reid looks fine for weekend
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on November 3, 2015 in News, Whispers
C adn H

Winston Reid looks certain to return to action for the Irons on Saturday
against Everton. The big defender was sorely missed at the weekend but it
now seems he has all but shaken off his hip/thigh injury and is ready to
return. And Angelo Ogbonna is also available to the manager who may get his
chance at some stage as the Hammers look to bounce straight back to winning
ways.
The good news on Reidy was announced by David Gold who declared this morning
to ClaretandHugh that he expects both players to return for the match
against the Toffees. The co chairman is a firm believer in keeping the fans
in the picture and after speaking to us declared the ame on Twitter. He
said: "Ogbonna and Reid should be available for Saturday. dg" Reid last
appeared against Sunderland on October 3 in the 2-2 draw but now looks set
to resume his key role at central defence although Ogbonna will have to
fight for inclusion ahead of James Tomkins.

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Moncur blog: Everton? No reason for worry
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on November 3, 2015 in News, Whispers
C and H

I see no reason to be worried about Everton's 6-2 win over Sunderland at the
weekend because that was all about the total collapse at the back by Sam
Allardyce's team. At 2-2 there was absolutely nothing between the two sides
and given that we are beating all the top teams around I see no reason to
bother my head this weekend. Nor am I overly concerned about the Watford
result. It was always gonna happen at some point and it will act as a wake
up call to the team. It's very very hard to keep up the intensity week in
week out and with two of our best players missing – Sakho and Reidy – this
was always gonna be tough. So we've got it out of our system and we move on.
Slav will be reminding the boys of the teams they have beaten – Winston and
Diafra are likely to be back and it will be a different day against a
different team on our manor. I expect a 2-1 or so win. We have a big squad
and that presents a temptation to tinker but I don't think that's part of
Slav's nature and we are likely to be back to what is our natural first
team. We have the players who can get in behind any oppositon on our day and
we can bury this Everton bogey at the weekend. They have no Phil Jagielka at
the back and if Sunderland, of all teams, can get a couple against them we
are capable of the same or better.
One setback is not a cause for too much concern. I fully expect us to
collect three more points as our big players get in behind the Toffees and
make them suffer.
There's no reason to worry!

COYI

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Rave reports for Irons teenager
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on November 3, 2015 in News
C and H

Young starle Martin Sameulsen has picked up rave reports after a top
performance in the under 21s win at Brighton. The Hammers clinched victory
through goals from the Norwegian teenager and Josh Cullen before Brighton
responded through Jeffrey Monakana. The summer signing from Manchester City,
the 18-year-old Norwegian starred during pre-season for Slaven Bilic's men,
and many fans wanted him to be included in the first-team setup. However,
West Ham have instead chosen to give him regular football in the Under-21's,
and it's paying dividends so far, with the playmaker turning in a number of
superb performances. Now, academy boss Terry Westley has given his thoughts
on Samuelsen's performance against Brighton to the club's official website.
He said: "We try to dominate the ball and try and open the opposition up.
Samuelsen, particularly first half, was running past players and opening the
game up, making opportunities and hitting shots earlier which is what we've
been working on. It's great to see that he has taken that on board.
Samuelsen however, has to break into exalted company if he#s to male the
first team with the likes of Dimitri Payet, Manuel Lanzini, Victor Moses and
Mauro Zarate all in contention. However, the third eound of the FA Cup may
be a good time for Slaven Bilic to give him his chance.

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Irons in Euro right back talks
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on November 3, 2015 in News
C and H

West Ham are conducting a global search for their next right back! With
Arsenal wanting a ridiculous £15 million for Carl Jenkinson, the club has
contacted several agents who are looking for a right sided defender who will
cost the club no more than £10 million next summer. And although no names
have been divulged, we understand from one of them that talks are currently
in progress with Serie A and La Liga clubs as the Irons look to close in on
"two attractive options." We were told: "It's the major issue on the club's
agenda at the moment and contrary to what many believe, these things aren't
organised in the last few days of the transfer window. "The club are
particularly interested in two players – one of whom is in Italy and the
other in Spain. They are also looking keenly at the French market with which
they have become very familiar over the last two summers. "Jenkinson is
simply not an option, the fee is way way our there and wrong. There are
equally good options available at much less in Europe – even among quality
clubs. "

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SAFEHANDS' REPORT FROM THE SUPPORTERS' ADVISORY BOARD
By Iain Dale 3 Nov 2015 at 13:00
WTID

Guest Post by SafeHands

I attended the SAB last Tuesday evening and wanted to report back what was
discussed. I've broken this into two articles – this one asks you to do
something (don't be scared – it won't hurt, promise) and the second will
cover the question and answer session.

The new website
The number of visitors has increased four fold and the feedback has been
very positive. However, the club are keen to hear your ideas as they want to
push on as the social media world is a burgeoning market and they want to
utilise as many aspects as they can to meet visitors' needs. The SAB were
particularly enthusiastic about behind the scenes coverage, eg the training
ground challenges, Me & Him etc. So, what do you like about the site? What
could be improved? What additional features do you think would be good? Are
there any other features like Me & Him and Yes/No that they could do? What
can't it do that you've seen elsewhere?

Boleyn memories
The club are calling out for more people to tell them their stories about
The Boleyn. For example, which was your favourite/most memorable match, what
was your first game and why you kept coming back, funny stories from the
terraces, how did you get involved, how long you've supported West Ham,
games you saw, games you missed and why etc. It doesn't have to be
extraordinary, just your story. It can be text, photos or videos – you're
more than welcome to share the text here (which I'll feed back to the club)
and you can post photos/video onto the official site. To do that you need to
be registered to My West Ham (which as you know is free) and when logged in,
on the Home Page scroll down and click on West Ham Live
then on any of the Reply links – they've said it'll be OK as, even if it's a
different topic, WHLive is centrally managed. If you've got a Twitter
account remember to include @whufc_official and #farewellboleyn.

Game themes
I'll list them all in the next article, but the WBA game on 29 November will
be Cult Heroes. Who would you like to see there? Who is your cult hero and
why? To feed back, you can do it here or via the West Ham Live link as
described above.

Last game
At present, the last game at The Boleyn is going to be the competitive
fixture against Swansea. There have been discussions about Mark Noble's
testimonial but nothing has been decided, so we have to take it that the
Swansea game will be the last time we see our team run out onto The Boleyn
pitch. We really need to make it one to remember and to do that, the club
want to involve the whole crowd and to have things that invoke memories of
our time there.

* What do you want to see at our last game (apart from a win of
course):
* There was talk about previous players being there, but what else do
you want to see, eg parade in Green Street, open-top bus for previous
players, band etc.
* Are there any songs you want played that remind you of a particular
game and/or time at the club?
* They talked about having a brass band and peanut sellers at the last
game, who/what else cannot be missed? I did think of asking for a bar to be
put in the North Bank but I thought against it as I'd want to adhere to
accuracy and it'd have to be in the away supporters side of the stand.
* How can the crowd be involved? Someone mentioned mosaic cards we can
all hold up to create pictures, much like the South Bank did for Bobby Moore
– what else do you want to see the crowd do?
* Straight after the Swansea game, there will be a celebration, so
what would you like to see?
* There was talk about a band but not sure who as yet and there're
discussions about the logistics, eg setting up a sound stage takes a long
time, so how will it be done etc.
* Who/what would you like to see at our Farewell Party?

As I said above, either feedback here or via the links above. Our last day
at The Boleyn is our chance to celebrate our time there so let's make it one
to remember.

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Teddy Sheringham: Stevenage boss registers as a player
BBC.co.uk

Stevenage manager Teddy Sheringham has registered himself as a player and
could feature for the League Two club in the Herts Senior Cup. The
49-year-old former Tottenham, Manchester United and England forward retired
from playing in 2008. But he could play for Boro against Welwyn Garden City
on Wednesday alongside his assistant Kevin Watson, who has also registered
as a player. Stevenage said the move was "not an uncommon occurrence at the
club". A statement added that members of previous management teams had
played in the county cup competition. Boro's former goalkeeping coach Dave
Beasant was also named on the bench for their League Two play-off first leg
against Southend United last season at the age of 56. Sheringham, who scored
11 goals in 51 international appearances for England, originally quit
playing at the age of 42 at the end of the 2007-08 campaign. He was
appointed Stevenage boss in May following a spell as attacking coach at West
Ham. It is not yet known whether Sheringham is considering playing in the
league for Stevenage, who are currently five points above the League Two
relegation zone.
Even though he is the oldest goalscorer and outfield player in Premier
League history, he has a little way to go to match the achievements of Sir
Stanley Matthews. Matthews played his final league match for Stoke on 6
February, 1965, five days after his 50th birthday.

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WEST HAM TARGET WILL MOVE TO ENGLAND OR SPAIN NEXT YEAR
By Ste Hoare
IronsInTheCircle

Alexandre Pato, who has been linked with a move to both West Ham and
Manchester United in recent weeks, has announced that he wants to leave
Brazil and move back to Europe. The Brazilian international striker is
currently on loan at Sao Paulo from Corinthians but wants to move to Europe
when his temporary deal ends. He is quoted as saying: Next year I won't be
playing at Sao Paulo, everybody knows that. I hope England or Spain. This
will be encouraging news for West Ham, who reportedly want to bring the
26-year-old to the club. Pato started his career at Brazilian side
Internacional before moving to AC Milan when he was just 18 years old. He
impressed in his first few seasons in Italy, but a number of injuries led to
a decline in form and he was eventually sold for a fee of around £12million.
After spending a couple of years back in his native Brazil, Pato feels that
the time is right to return to Europe, and West Ham are apparently keen to
sign him.

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TO CHANT OR NOT TO CHANT?
By Iain Dale 3 Nov 2015 at 08:03
WTID
Guest Post by Terence Bates

To Chant or not to Chant?

One of the enduring elements about being a football fan is the atmosphere,
the banter and of course the anthems and chants that can create such an
absorbing and exciting milieu at games. It's often what hooks us in.

Of course the Hammers have an identifying song in the iconic 'I'm Forever
Blowing Bubbles', a song that stretches back decades and way before the
likes of Liverpool and YNWA. There is also Portsmouth with their 'Play up
Pompey', their arch rivals Southampton 'When the Saints Go Marching In'…
perhaps we shouldn't mention Spurs half baked imitation effort or the awful
'Blue is The Colour' from Chelsea!

Norwich City are claimed to have the oldest football song that originally
predates the club having been originally composed in the 1890's before being
adapted and claimed by the club at the turn of the century into 'On The Ball
City'. Although for the life of me I cannot remember how it goes.

Some seasons back West Ham were voted the wittiest set of fans after they
greeted Rio Ferdinand then playing for Manchester United with 'His name is
Rio as he watches from the Stands' set to a well known Duran Duran song, the
inspiration for this chant being his eight month ban from playing after
failing to take a drugs test.

I always enjoy the visit of Crystal Palace fans as they have a humour level
on par with the Hammers. A West Ham game especially under floodlights
against Liverpool is a passionate affair with great song traditions.

I have always thought the Bubbles song to be a bit ridiculous, but despite
this and much to the red-faced embarrassment of my teenage son, I have been
known to be in full voice (if out of key) when the moment grabs me so much
so, that in recent games he has bought tickets several rows apart!

Of course in between these old established songs are often ditties or chants
aimed at players/clubs, including any indiscretions that have splashed the
back or front pages of the tabloids. Some can be really funny and some
completely vile and abusive, I never enjoy those and I would like to think
they are being eradicated.

The mystery to me though is who on earth originates some of these songs and
chants? Someone somewhere must either sit down in the pub, in the shower or
at home or indeed on the terraces and ping… it comes to them. The recent
Dimitri Payet chant through the reworking of the awful Shaking Stevens song
is an example and one that seems to have caught on and worked. Someone
somewhere started this… Who? It is the ultimate Anon.

So with all this in mind I thought I would have a go at creating/composing a
new chant/song that is pretty topical (considering recent books by Ferguson
and Allardyce), and invite others to either tweak or make their own
contribution or provide memories of chants they have enjoyed, both at Upton
Park or from other sets of fans.

If the chant below catches on (or any others contributed here) we can then
at least identify where the chant/song came from! And considering the great
title of this website, it seems rather fitting.

Anyway here is my effort… You should all know the song, it has been used
before by Hearts in Scotland, but nevertheless it felt an apt song to
rearrange.

And now, that man has gone
And so we have Slaven to spur us
As fans, we'll sing it clear
We pass the ball upon the surface
Sam played a game one so dull
But now we win on away-days
And more, much more than this, we do it our way

Payet he's scored a few
But then again, it's true to mention
We did Sam, what we had to do, so no contract extension
Slav planned the game of course, with each pass along the halfway
And more, much more than this, West Ham is our way

And of course in order not to take ourselves too seriously
It should be followed by chants of
'We are deluded'!

*Apologies to the late Great Frank Sinatra!

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