Daily WHUFC News - 30th December 2015

From the Boardroom - David Sullivan
WHUFC.com

I must sound like a broken record, but when you lose five forwards – and I don't even include Victor Moses in that – it's going to hurt any team. In the first half against Southampton we simply weren't good enough but in the second half we made a couple of changes and switched the full backs. The manager should be complimented on how he changed things at half time and did a wonderful job. It was a very exciting second half and I would like to thank the supporters that really got behind the team as they make a really big difference. It felt like one of those night games from ten or twenty years ago under lights as it was an incredible atmosphere towards the end of the game.

We had good chances in the second half to score a lot more goals and Andy Carroll scored the most wonderful header. Not many people would have been able to score in the way that he did. He headed it with power away from the goalkeeper, who was in that corner of the goal so it was by no means an easy chance. Michail Antonio is now getting back to fitness and people are starting to see why we bought him. He's a great member of our team and our squad and it shows why the manager would not loan him out when six Championship clubs came in for him before the loan window shut four or five weeks ago. And thank goodness we didn't as we need him. We were due a bit of luck. Whether his goal was a bit of luck or just pure determination is up for debate. I've never seen a player try so hard and I take my hat off to the people that voted him man of the match. I think everyone really was a man of the match for the second half performance.

When Manuel Lanzini came on with Andy it made a real difference to the team. And when Dimitri Payet comes back, most likely for the Liverpool game, and Diafra Sakho comes back we'll go up another level as well. Even though we've only lost four games all season, with all of the draws you start to look down the table and start to worry. We can now start to look up again and string a few wins together.

Looking ahead to 2016 we've now got 19 games to go and as I said in the summer anything is possible. We know if we play to our maximum then there is not a team in this division we cannot beat. I think it's extremely unlikely we could finish third or fourth but it's possible. I think it's unlikely we'll win the FA Cup but it's possible if you get the right draw and that's the mentality we must have.

Finally, I really enjoyed meeting some of the people that our outstanding Foundation have been helping over the Christmas period as part of a special project that I funded with the homeless charity Crisis. I personally paid for the week-long scheme, which saw Foundation coaches delivering fun football sessions, as well as supplying West Ham kit and match day tickets for the meeting with Southampton. I was delighted we could do something to help make their Christmas more enjoyable.

Thanks again for your support and I wish you happy and prosperous start to 2016.

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Antonio – I should have got a hat-trick!
WHUFC.com

Now that he has opened his West Ham United account, man of the moment and Man of the Match Michail Antonio plans to kick on in claret and blue. His second-half leveller in Monday's 2-1 Barclays Premier League success over Southampton may neither have been the prettiest, nor even intentional, but was absolutely crucial all the same. After storming into the box, the 25-year-old fell to earth and was then merely a spectator as Victor Wanyama thumped the ball in his direction. Happily, it thudded off the then floored Antonio and arced over Saints 'keeper Maarten Stekelenburg. "It was unbelievable," he told West Ham TV. "I didn't really know anything about it, so I was trying to celebrate but I was still a bit dazed from when it hit me! "I thought it was a great performance, after going behind against a good team, who beat Arsenal 4-0 at the weekend, we showed that we can dig in and managed to get the goals."

Antonio hailed the Hammers' change of tack at the interval, with the introductions of Andy Carroll and Manuel Lanzini paying dividends.
When it comes to scoring goals, the former Nottingham Forest man can be as greedy as he likes and the No30 was quick to point out that he could easily have gone home with the match ball for company! He continued: "We've come out [in the second half], we've changed formation, put AC [Andy Carroll] up top, so that we can win more headers and pick up more second balls. "We've shown our drive and I should have got a hat-trick, really. It was a good three days of football. We managed to get four points out of the two games. Three points at home, one away, good results!"

As for the winner, Antonio admits he should have tucked it away without Carroll's intervention, having crashed a header against the underside of the bar. But just his being in the right place at the right time is encouraging and reason enough to think that more chances and more goals are on their way. "I should have finished it first time," he added. "AC was sharp, on his toes and managed to put a good header into the far corner. We've got to push on now and Liverpool at home on Saturday. "I've always said I will try to get into the box, I always try to get goals and now that I've managed to get one, hopefully I can keep going. "I feel over the last four games I've been growing in confidence, I feel that I've been getting better and hopefully the fans see it."

Victory on Monday, the Hammers' first since back in October, was the perfect end to 2015 and, says Antonio, casts a very different light on the recent spate of stalemates. "We're now unbeaten in six, it's turned from a negative, where we kept drawing and drawing, to now being unbeaten in six. How long can we stay unbeaten? "All you can do is concentrate on the next game, make sure we keep getting three points, make sure we keep getting points on the board and we'll keep moving forward."

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The Big Interview - Andy Carroll
WHUFC.com

Andy Carroll was thrilled to play his part as West Ham United produced a stunning turnaround to defeat Southampton 2-1 on Monday evening.
Carroll was a half-time substitute and scored the winner with eleven minutes to go, following in to head home after Michail Antonio struck the crossbar. The big No9 was delighted with the goal and can see a bright 2016 ahead.

Andy, what a turnaround that was in the second half - and what an impact you had...

AC: "It felt like a different game watching and then coming on. We're just happy we got the win in the end really."

What did the manager say at half time to get the team going?

AC: "To be honest I was out warming up as I knew I was coming on, I don't know what he said, but whatever was said it shook the lads up and we came out in the second half a lot better."

Chances were much more forthcoming after half time. Maybe there was a little bit of luck with the equaliser but was that what we needed in the situation?

AC: "We did need a bit of luck and it's been a lot of games where we've not had that luck. We had it for the equaliser and obviously Michail's done great for the end one to assist for me.

For yourself it was a case of doing what all good strikers do and follow in the chances when they come...

AC: "I took one off Tonks' toe early on when I came on, and I knew when I missed that I had to make up for it. Michail hit the bar and I just had to follow it up.

Your two goals this season have been crucial ones - both winners...

AC: "Yes. Two goals that have won important games and this was one of those important games."

Just coming back from a little injury, it must be nice to have that impact on your first game back?

AC: "I had a little niggle in my groin, which I didn't want, especially over Christmas as I wanted to play the games. I've been working in the gym and coming on against Southampton it was great to get the winner."

From the team's point of view, people were talking about not winning in eight, but now we can say we're six unbeaten...

AC: "We've been playing good football, it's just been very unlucky. We had a bit of luck on our side on Monday and got the win."

With the likes of yourself and Lanzini coming back on Monday, and more to come, is there plenty of reason to be optimistic going into the New Year?

AC: "Yes, we've got most of our players coming back fit now which is great. The lads who have come in, like Michail, have shown their quality and that they should be in the squad. It's a great squad to be involved in when everyone's fighting for places."

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From the Newsroom
WHUFC.com

Recorder Series West Ham United correspondent Dave Evans reflects on a winning end to 2015...

It was a difficult first half against Southampton on Monday evening – probably the worst I have seen West Ham play this season aside from Tottenham away.

But the way Slaven Bilic turned it around by bringing on Andy Carroll and Manuel Lanzini – two players who have been missing and have been vital at various stages this season – was outstanding. There is obviously more to come from them, and they definitely changed the game.

West Ham got the rub of the green on Monday, which they haven't always had in the last few weeks. They have worked really hard and got some good draws when they haven't really looked like scoring, holding on really well.

On Monday, they had a bit of luck with Michail getting into the box, because anything could have happened there. Then, for the second one as well, it could have gone anywhere when it hit the bar, but Andy anticipated it really well and headed it home – happy days!

James Collins was outstanding again and has been absolutely superb since he slotted back into the team. He seamlessly comes back into the team after periods on the bench and he never lets anyone down.

I have never seen any player block the ball as much as he does and I thought his heading was superb again on Monday. He just holds things together and I don't think there is anyone who gives more for West Ham than James Collins.

Another player who caught the eye on Monday was Enner Valencia. He also works hard. Enner can be frustrating at times when he loses the ball, but you can see there is some skill and pace there, which is what you need at this level.

Slaven himself should take a lot of credit for changing things round against Southampton. He did make a mistake with some of the selections in the first half, and it could not have got any worse after half-time.

Changing the full-backs over was important because Carl Jenkinson is a right-back and showed that in
the second half, getting down that flank and creating space for Lanzini. James Tomkins seems to be able to play anywhere and always gives 100 per cent.

I'd have to give Slaven credit for his tactical acumen by the end.

I am very positive as we go into 2016, as long as the star players come back – particularly Dimitri Payet. There are players who are to come back into this team and when you think West Ham are seventh, there are bright times ahead.

Yes, West Ham have drawn too many games, but that's because their scorers and flair players have not been there.

They have missed Diafra Sakho a lot too, because they have had to change the way they play the game, or they've tried to play the same way and it hasn't worked. If those two come back and stay fit, then they can still finish in the top six.

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Pavel Srnicek: Former Newcastle keeper dies aged 47
BBC.co.uk

Former Newcastle United goalkeeper Pavel Srnicek has died at the age of 47, nine days after suffering cardiac arrest in his native Czech Republic. A big favourite with fans during his first spell at St James' Park between 1991 and 1998, Srnicek collapsed while jogging on 20 December. He was taken to a hospital in Ostrava and placed in an induced coma. Srnicek, who also played for Sheffield Wednesday, Portsmouth and West Ham, made 49 appearances for his country. His agent, Steve Wraith, said the final brain scans on Monday had shown "irreversible damage" and the decision "had to be taken" to switch off the life support machine. Wraith added: "Pav passed away on the afternoon of Tuesday, 29 December 2015, with his family by his side."

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Pavel Srnicek
KUMB.com
Filed: Tuesday, 29th December 2015
By: Staff Writer

Former Hammer Pavel Srnicek has died, a week after suffering a cardiac arrest. Just 47, the Czech goalkeeper fell ill nine days ago since when he has been kept in hospital in an induced coma. The decision to turn off life support due to serious brain damage was taken yesterday by his family and he died earlier today. The goalkeeper's agent, Steve Wraith confirmed the news earlier today. "Pav passed away on the afternoon of Tuesday, 29 December 2015, with his family by his side," he said. "My final conversation with him was about getting the entertainers team back together one more time for charity next year as it will be 20 years since that Newcastle team almost won the Premier League. "We will make that happen and celebrate this great man's life together. United. Fans and players alike."

The former goalkeeper made three appearances on loan for West Ham in the 2003/04 season, having been signed as a replacement for another loanee, Rami Shabaan. Speaking at the time of his move, Srnicek said: "I feel good being here; I had a session and a talk with the manager and I am enjoying it. I am here for a month and we will see how it goes afterwards. This is a good chance and I have taken it."

Following the culmination of his short-term loan, the Czech stopper - who made his debut in the 4-1 defeat at Millwall on 21 March 2004 - completed a free transfer to West Ham having been released by Portsmouth but made just two further first team appearances. He represented the club in a goalless draw with Derby at the Boleyn Ground and a 1-0 defeat to Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park before losing his place to Stephen Bywater.

Rob Lee ✔ @7RobLee
Totally devastated at the loss of my friend and teammate @PavelSrnicekUK #RIP #entertainers
4:13 PM - 29 Dec 2015 · Romford, London, United Kingdom

Srnicek was also an unused substitute in the 1-0 play-off final defeat to Crystal Palace at the Millennium Stadium in May 2004. The thoughts and best wishes of everyone at KUMB are with Pavel and his family.

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Ten lessons from the victory over Southampton
KUMB.com
Filed: Tuesday, 29th December 2015
By: David Meagher

The tussle with Southampton at Upton Park yesterday evening certainly was a game of two halves.

The Saints could have been two or even three goals up at half time as a clueless West Ham seemed to lack a clear plan and stumbled in at half time looking totally dazed. However, Slaven Bilic was brave and made two major substitutions at the break bringing on Carroll and Lanzini for Zarate and Song.

This produced a remarkable transition as the Hammers slowly took over, ultimately turning the game on its head for a deserved 2-1 victory. The performance was very revealing about the nature of our squad. Among the important points were:

1. Michail Antonio CAN be a major Premier League force. The lad has struggled for game time since moving from Notts Forest and there have been glimpses of his ability but he looks some distance from the finished product.

Last night he deservedly received the MOTM award after terrorising Southampton's defence in the second half where, once he received some decent service, he ran at the Southampton back line to devastating effect. Sides will adapt to his directness (probably) but his innate physicality and enthusiasm will give his mentors much to work with. How you wish Teddy Sheringham was still helping out as attacking coach!

2. Alex Song is better suited to a defensive midfield role. Bilic played Song in an unusual position at the front of a midfield triangle but the experiment did not work out as we looked sluggish moving forward and did not create a single decent scoring chance in the first half.

Song may not be quite back to full fitness but, notably, has a career total of just 11 goals in 411 games which speaks volumes for his relative attacking versus defensive abilities. By the way, that record should read 12 goals but his perfectly good strike against Arsenal was bizarrely disallowed last season. Grrr.

3. Carl Jenkinson is regaining his confidence. Jenks has had a torrid season - despite scoring twice in the campaign, his defensive performances have been erratic resulting in him being dropped in favour of James Tomkins at right back. He has returned as a substitute in our two previous matches where he performed well (albeit for short stints).

Last night Jenks was given the daunting role of trying to replace the effervescent Aaron Cresswell at left back and then later was switched to the right. He was solid in both positions (if a little one-footed for the left sided role) and looks to be returning to his former level of excellence. Let's hope that this trend continues.

4. Bilic can weather a crisis and is capable of using it to develop his squad. In contrast to Sam Allardyce, who responded to adversity by parking the bus and bringing in over the hill journey men (Roger the Relegator springs to mind!), Bilic has been realistic about the impact of our injury epidemic and adapted our style accordingly.

We have had little joy over the past eight games with refereeing decisions and the likes but still maintained a decent defensive record and gathered some useful points that keep us in seventh position in the table and well away from the pressure of scrapping in the bottom half. He has also blooded some new talent with Antonio finally getting the opportunity to show what he can do. In addition, Reece Oxford has slipped in some game time while Song and Valencia are getting back to match fitness. Cloud and silver lining come to mind!

5. Lanzini has a crucial creative ability and should be signed on a permanent deal as soon as possible. There is much to like about the Noble-Kouyate-Song combo in midfield which makes it super-difficult for opposition sides to score against us, but we need an incisive force if we are to create enough decent scoring opportunities to win games.

Lanzini looked a bit off the pace for the first few minutes after he entered the fray last night but soon adjusted and suddenly we started to tick in attack and started to ask serious questions from a Southampton defence that had been cruising up to that point. Returning to the Lanzini-Payet combo as our offensive engine is a delicious prospect that we will hopefully get to realise over the near future. Tasty!

6. Mauro Zarate does not justify a starting place when we have a fully fit squad. The little Argentinian is certainly a better performer than his time under Allardyce suggested but he is a frustrating player who holds on to the ball too long and often tries to dribble out of dangerous situations in his own half.

His concession of the ball to Davis towards the end of the first half last night very nearly provided Southampton with the two-goal, half time cushion they deserved. With a full squad available his primary contribution will be as a useful impact substitute.

7. Bilic can get it wrong sometimes! James Collins had fallen down the pecking order since Bilic arrived and looked set to join Big Sam at Sunderland until injuries forced Slaven's hand and the Ginger Pele got to strut his stuff. Is he the best shot blocker in our defence? Yes, he is! His recent two year extension may not be big media news but it represents very good business for the club. With Tomkins impressing at right back, Collins has a more obvious role in the squad.

8. Mark Noble's set pieces are very average. Lanzini took over responsibilities once he came on and suddenly we looked more dangerous. Noble's corner kicks all too frequently fail to get past the first line of opposition defence and lack the 'whip' that creates better opportunity. Payet and Lanzini will assume primary responsibility for firing in our set piece missiles. Captain Claret is our heartbeat but he can't do it all himself!

9. James Tomkins should be in the England set up. The lad has grown in maturity and positional sense over the past two years and that TOWIE incident is well behind him. Maybe Alex Song should loan Roy Hodgson his funky spectacles so that the England boss can see some of the talent at West Ham that he has been ignoring.

10. Mark Noble should play for Ireland (I couldn't resist this one!). At 28 and with Hodgson looking comfortably ensconced as head honcho at International level, it's time those Cork relatives explained to Nobes the many delights of the Emerald Isle.

Martin O'Neill and Roy Keane are still smarting over the Jack Grealish affair and would love to capture Noble's services as they lack a natural partner for James McCarthy in midfield ahead of the Euros where they are in the group of death with Italy, Belgium and Sweden. It's approaching last chance saloon for Noble and it seems a terrible waste that such a quality player may not get a single run out at full international level. Stop this nonsense we say – sign up now!

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New Year's resolutions
KUMB.com
Filed: Tuesday, 29th December 2015
By: Brian Williams

I once resolved to never again make a New Year's resolution for the simple reason I am too weak-willed to keep them.

But by calling on the same set of double standards that means I believe every time one of our players goes down in the box it's a penalty and when an opponent is brought crashing to the ground it's a blatant dive, I am quite happy to make them for other people. So this year I have ten resolutions that I would like West Ham United and those of us who support them to adopt.

1. I want a solemn pledge from the club that this year we are going to have a serious crack at the FA Cup – a tournament which means the world to everyone with claret and blue blood coursing through their veins.

Had Lionel Scaloni sportingly returned the ball to Liverpool via a mighty hoof into the River Taff in 2006 it would almost certainly now be the case that you don't have to of an age when you are thinking about your pension arrangements to be able to remember the last time we won the most famous trophy in club football. As it is, you have to go back to 1980 and Sir Trev's headed goal against an astonished Arsenal side who thought they only had to turn up to lift the cup that day. Another trip to Wembley would be a fitting way to round off our final year at the Boleyn Ground.

2. Find the person with the voodoo doll that, given the number of injuries suffered by our most creative players in 2015, must now have so many needles inserted into various parts of its unholy body it will resemble a hedgehog. (I can only assume the practitioner of this dark art is a Tottenham fan.) Either that, or start training on the spongey stuff they use in kids' playgrounds and insist on playing the second half of the season under the rules of Bubble Football.

3. Ditch the idea for the new badge before the players wear it in public and we embarrass ourselves. We were told we were getting a "bolder, cleaner and more vibrant club crest" that is "the handiwork of world-class designers' Do me favour. The crossed hammers are still there, of course. But where we once had a castle we now have the word "London". What's that all about?

A decent Latin motto I could take – there would be a touch of class about that. But London? We know where we are, FFS. Or is this the first baby-step on the road to an American-style franchising system in which the Dakota Donkeys can become the Detroit Donkeys overnight, and no one seems to bat an eyelid? I hope I'm wrong. But when the London Hammers find themselves playing the Manchester Red Devils it will be the day I finally hand in my claret and blue scarf and take up fishing.

4. Buy a decent right back during the summer transfer window. Right now I wouldn't take Carl Jenkinson on a permanent deal from Arsenal if he were on sale for 12 quid, let alone £12m. For that sort of money we could make a serious bid for Serge Aurier, who is busily making a name for himself at PSG. They used to say right back was the easiest position of the lot. Not these days, when the job is a delicate balancing act between getting forward and taking care of the defensive duties. Time to get someone who can do both.

5. Please, let's get the words to Bubbles right. It's: "They fly so high, nearly reach the sky" not: "They fly so high, they reach the sky". A small point, but the little things make all the difference.

6. The club should climb down off its high horse and agree to allow supporters on the pitch after the final game. It's going to happen anyway, so why not withdraw the draconian threat of lifetime bans and accept the inevitable with good grace? People are looking to have a party, not a riot.

7. It's time we all stopped laughing at Chelsea. Seriously? Nah – of course not! In fact, if you can find a bit of spare time in your busy day I'd urge you to laugh at Man U as well.

8. Let's have an unequivocal commitment to safe standing at the Olympic Stadium. David Gold hinted at it in an exclusive interview with Blowing Bubbles editor David Blackmore in 2013.

The club's co-owner said then: "We now don't have the violence we once had and already what exists is unsafe standing. At Upton Park, we currently have unsafe standing that is illegal and anti-social. It's time to give something back to the fans. The fans who want to stand should be given an area to do so. I'd be stunned if we don't have some form of safe standing experiment soon. I think in five years we will see safe standing at football stadiums because, let's face it, it's not very expensive to install and it's safe, very safe, in fact it's twice or three times safer than what we have at the moment." Well said, Mr Gold. But, as Elvis so neatly put it: "A little less conversation, a little more action please."

9. As the club has decided to take the Champions Statue to Stratford, even though it was partly paid for by the local council, the least it can do is put something else in its place. There used to be some public toilets where our World Cup heroes now stand, and I'm sure the local residents would be relieved in more ways than one to see the lavs rebuilt. But if the consensus is for another statue, how about John Hartson and Eyal Berkowich? Their training ground bust-up would fittingly represent the kick in the teeth that the tradespeople of East Ham and Plaistow will be given as a result of the move to the Olympic Stadium.

10. Better still, scrap the move to the Olympic Stadium altogether and stay put at our real home. Tell Galliard where to stick their luxury flats. Tell that slimy little toerag Seb Coe where to stick his running track. And tell yourselves that West Ham United's one true home is in Green Street – with a stadium that was built for football and where, when roused, Irons' supporters can still create an atmosphere like no other in the country. Sorry, I know that's not going to happen. Is it time for my medication yet, nurse?

Have a wonderful 2016.

* Brian Williams is the author of Nearly Reach The Sky – A Farewell to Upton Park. You can read his regular column in Blowing Bubbles every month.

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David Sullivan insists West Ham is not for sale
By Kaveh Solhekol, Chief news reporter
Last Updated: 29/12/15 2:37pm
SSN

West Ham is not for sale - that is the message from David Sullivan as American and Far East investors continue to invest in Premier League clubs. Sullivan and David Gold bought West Ham six years ago in a deal which valued the club at £105m. Since then, they have been relegated but have now re-established themselves as a Premier League club. Their improving finances, their location in London and their imminent move to the Olympic Stadium have made them an attractive target for foreign businessmen who want to invest in English football.
But Sullivan, the West Ham co-chairman and co-owner, is not interested in making a profit on his own investment. He said: "We have zero desire to sell the club unless the King of Saudi Arabia or the Sultan of Brunei come along. We're not going to sell to an American or Chinese consortium. "We might sell a minority shareholding to clear our debts, but in all probability our kids will take over from us. We love West Ham, we're not going anywhere."

West Ham are one of only eight Premier League clubs who have English owners. In the past month, two American businessmen, Josh Harris and David Blitzer, have bought stakes in Crystal Palace, and a group of US investors are in advanced talks to buy Everton in a deal which values the club at about £200m.

According to Sullivan, that would not be enough to tempt him to sell West Ham. He said: "If someone offers us a couple of hundred million pounds tomorrow, we are not selling - it is as simple as that." One of the factors that is attracting investors to West Ham is their location in London. Sullivan says their London home is also making it easier for them to sign foreign players. West Ham are not expected to make any significant moves in the transfer market in January, but manager Slaven Bilic will have about £30m to spend in the summer.

Sullivan said: "Foreign players come to England for the money and because their wives want to live in London. Going forward we're going to sign some top players and being in London is a big factor."

David Sullivan was speaking at an event to publicise the release of a film he has produced called 'The Fall of the Krays'. The follow-up to 'The Rise of the Krays' is released in cinemas and for download on 1 January.

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Dimitri Payet could return for West Ham against Liverpool
By Paul Vinnell
Last Updated: 29/12/15 12:58pm
SSN

West Ham could welcome back three of their injured stars - including Dimitri Payet - when they host Liverpool on Saturday. Midfielder Payet, centre-back Winston Reid and winger Victor Moses could all feature against Jurgen Klopp's men after spells on the sidelines.
Payet was one of the Premier League's most impressive performers until he suffered an ankle injury against Everton in early November.
"Hopefully some of the players will be back now, against Liverpool," said boss Slaven Bilic. "Payet, Reidy, Moses... It's only Diafra Sakho who we will be without for another four or five weeks. "Dimitri started to train with the team on Sunday. He looks good, his ankle is very stable and the target is the game against Liverpool. I am delighted he is going to be with us for that game."

With Manuel Lanzini and Andy Carroll making their returns as substitutes against Southampton on Monday evening, West Ham's injury crisis finally looks like easing. Carroll's 79th-minute header secured a 2-1 win - the Hammers' first victory in nine attempts - after Michail Antonio had cancelled out Carl Jenkinson's first-half own-goal. But Bilic added: "I want to praise the other players who have been picking up points without them. That was crucial, but now with them back it should be better. "It's good for me. It's hard to drop the other players but it's all about competition. If we want to be a big club, and if you want to get through periods like this with all the injuries, then you need a squad. "That's the only way you can have the long-term success that the chairmen and the fans want."

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WEST HAM 2, SOUTHAMPTON 1. WINE, SAUSAGES, & THREE POINTS.
By David Hautzig 29 Dec 2015 at 03:09
WTID

Prior to accepting this writing internship, my West Ham viewing wasn't that consistent. Nerves were the main reason. If things were going badly, either during a stretch of games or within a game, I could and often would turn away. Or not even turn it on. So today was a bit of a throwback to that. Thus, a slightly different "version" of reporting on today's events at Upton Park. Perhaps, based on the way things turned out, I should do this through the rest of the season. We might win the league.

Having been asked by a fairly new restaurant to show them a bunch of wines, I couldn't use football as an excuse to refuse. So the game started while I was showing a very nice Pinot Noir from Argentina. Which the restaurant bought I'm happy to report. As I got in my car, the football app on my IPhone dinged. We were down 0-1. Driving five minutes away to a local pub to catch the rest of the first half all of a sudden became a chore as opposed to an activity. But another customer/mate was there and I said I'd stop by. Alex is his name. Young guy. Just opened his own wine bar. Serves some pretty brave stuff I must say. He was there with his mate, Devin. The place was packed.

We looked awful. Long came close. So did Fonte. Mane and Tadic could have made more of their opportunities. And when West Ham did somehow gain possession of the ball, it was easy to glance over at the Chelsea – United game or maybe Arsenal. Why not? We weren't going to do anything. Zarate was doing a pretty good imitation of Scott Parker without the circling back. Valencia looked utterly alone, with nobody to pass to or expect a ball from. I inhaled my plate of sausages and mashed potatoes and ran out at halftime to see another customer before driving home early to pick up my daughter and bring her to the orthodontist. Oh joy.

The phone buzzed. It was Alex from the pub. "Yahtzee" said the text. Seconds later, the football app buzzed informing me we had leveled. I called him, wanting to know the details. "I don't know if it was an own goal or that new kid scored. Antonio." Alex sounded excited. His team is New York Red Bull of MLS. He's unattached as far as the EPL goes, but he reads these reports now. We might have a live one to pull into our ranks. I then called my best mate, Jon. He was at his office following the game on ESPN. While discussing the fact that we were both pleased to have been so abject in the opening 45 only to adjust and fight back, Jon saw the update that we had scored again. My phone buzzed, this time a text with a GIF of bubbles floating in the air. Alex. Oh yeah. He's caught the bug. The hooks are in and I ain't letting go. Sorry, mate. You're done. Crispy fried.

As I pulled into my house, Jon told me it was over. Three points, up to seventh. Paired with a nice sale to that restaurant and I'd say it was a good day, only slightly muted by the news that both Valencia and Ginge were seen limping after the match. After dinner, while my son built a new Lego set my dad got him and my daughter practiced guitar, I played the match on my DVR. A few musings.

•After the Villa match, I ended my report with the view that the midfield was likely the issue for our goal scoring problems. Not rocket science, I know. But to see the immediate and dramatic change in our play as soon as the second half started crystallized that point. In Lanzini, we had a player the back four knew they could safely give the ball to. Those up front whose marching orders basically said "score" knew we had a player who could help them do that. It didn't matter that Lanzini himself didn't serve up the actual goals. Two minutes into the half his effective corner was almost put in by Collins, and Carroll should have scored seconds later. The knock on effect to the other nine outfield players was so obvious it bordered on transparent.

•There was a baseball player here many years ago named Lefty Gomez. Said a lot of funny stuff. Google it if you like. One of his most famous quotes was "I'd rather be lucky than good". I think you have to be good to be lucky, and while Antonio is certainly a raw piece of material now, he is an acorn that very well might become an oak. So however that ball found itself into the back of the net, it did. And if it was only luck, he wouldn't have hit the crossbar before the winner. And he wouldn't have made that late run that only needed a millisecond of patience and a pass to become a third West Ham goal. I'm glad he's ours on a long term deal.

•It ain't my money. So I don't care how much he cost, and I don't care how much another team would theoretically offer. I want Andy Carroll to be a West Ham player. After he scored against Chelsea, I wrote that in my opinion Bilic had found the perfect role for him. Off the bench, sometime in the second half, when the opposition back four are already on their final bit of fuel. To deal with a fresh AC at that point must be demoralizing. It took major cajones to put him in to start the second half, along with Lanzini. But Bilic has a pair of those made of Titanium, so we shouldn't be surprised when he tries stuff like that.

•After the match, Nigel The Wrath Of Kahn sent me a text with a picture of a Monopoly Get Out Of Jail Free card. "Used this today" he said. Maybe. But we showed a lot of determination and self belief to turn the game around in the second half when it could have been over before half an hour had elapsed. Not to mention some inspired halftime work by our manager. I think we deserved our two goals and were the better side in that second forty five. If anything we made bail, reported to our parole officer, and turned things around. Perhaps that's what Mr. Kahn meant.

Just made myself an Espresso. Drinking it from one of those little white mugs. Found em on Amazon for cheap. I feel like a serious writer sipping on it, hunched over my IPad. Time to pretend I have a serious thought.

We are so inundated with immediate gratification now it's hard to see the bigger picture. Only a few years ago, we had to wait for the evening news or the morning paper. Now, the Web, Twitter and Facebook provide information in droves without any way to filter the inherent nonsense in much of it. People used to look at investing their money as a long term proposition. Now we have Day Traders. Take a guy like Valencia. Last season, when he scored that wonder strike at Hull and was galloping around with Sakho people were calling him Gods Gift. Those same people have called him Godzilla at times the past few weeks when he hasn't looked as sharp. But in minutes today, he sent the cross in that became the winning goal and then added a top shelf defensive header when the Saints were lurking. Does either define him and his contribution to the collective good of our club? No. The same analysis could be made for any number of people. There will be ups and downs. The real question that counts is this;

Are we trying to go in a direction the supporters want, are we enjoying the trip, and will we be happy if we get there?

Cheers.

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The sad Irons list of January signings
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on December 29, 2015 in News, Whispers
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We've known for some time that for the first time in 25 years as club owners the two Davids are very unlikely to bring anybody in during the January transfer window. January is recognised at every club as being a notoriously bad time to buy or loan players – many of whom are on the market only because of some problem or other at their current 'place of employment.' A senior insider told ClaretandHugh a few days ago: "What's the point. Can you recall any player we've brought in during that window that's really done it for us?"
So with the help of club DJ Leon Hyde we dug back through the records and looked at every player who has arrived since 2010 and it's very hard to make a sensible case for venturing into the January market.

2011 may have been an exception..

Here's the list of names who have appeared at Upton Park in deep midwinter since the Davids arrived as owners.

2010: Guillermo Franco, Benni McCarthy, Mido

2011: Robbie Keane, Wayne Bridge, Dema Ba, Gary O'Neill

2012: Vaz Te, Ravel Morrison, Nicky Maynard

2013: Joe Cole, Pablo Armero, Roger Johnson, Antonio Nocerino, Marcelo Borriello

2014: Nene, Doneil Henry

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Champions League? Chance there for the taking
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on December 29, 2015 in News, Whispers
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Brian Neil Gay is a member of the ClaretandHugh Facebook Group and a long time Iron. Here – in his first blog for the site – he talks of his excitement at last night's performance against Saints and his hopes for the season in our new series of Fans' blogs. Send your blogs to claretandhugh@gmail.com
I have been an Iron since the late 60s so I've see many of our greats, enjoyed our highs and endured the numerous disappointments too but I can't remember the last time I have enjoyed a season as much as the one we are experiencing now.
I get to games when I can but always make a point of watching live streams because I don't think one can really judge a result unless you see the match and that game yesterday under the Boleyn lights was a massive result for us and will I believe seriously effect where we end up.
Had the Saints held on to win it would have been hard to accept that we still had a realistic chance of the Champions' League places but some match results are more significant than others and I think that the final 49 minutes at the Boleyn on Monday will have a much bigger influence on our season outcome than being just a home win against Southampton.
The comeback to win was thrilling, but as a result it's importance should not be underestimated. Lose it and we start the second half of season in the bottom half of the table as the result of a continuing slide down the table (despite not losing in six). Win it and we put ourselves right back in contention for the top half a dozen and I believe those Champions league places.
I suspect that like many I was apprehensive about just how our makeshift first eleven could overcome a buoyant Saints fresh from thumping the Arsenal.
I hoped the Saints would have expended too much energy in that game but the first 45 at the Boleyn dispelled that completely. It was us who looked the more fatigued, the slower, the unsure. Players starting out of position only added to our uncomfortable play.
Whatever Slaven Billic had seen to suggest that playing Alex Song in an advanced role of Cheikou Kouyate clearly was not working and we were lucky not to go in 3-0 down rather than the somewhat unfortunate Jenkinson own goal. I am not so sure Tadic's touch would have netted without Jenk's contact.
The groans were there for all to hear as the Boleyn faithful wanted endeavour and attack but were largely served up slow and lethargic, unimaginative football with no credible creativity on show.
I knew something had to change after half-time and I was pleased to see the manager had made the call to switch it round with a double substitution that was about to change the game. The confidence lift in the rest of the team was evident as we went after the equaliser inspired by Manuel Lanzini's calm and confident ball work and Andy Carroll's running and endeavour.
Andy Carroll attracts a lot of column inches but yesterday's second half performance for me saw him back to very near his best. He has scored the winner against Chelsea and now against Saints. In fact AC is now only three goals away from being our joint top scorer!
On the evidence of yesterday's second half I think he could work well with Enner Valencia and Michail Antonio. There were the first real signs of an understanding of between these three. Given the service we know that AC will win headers and score.
He won two or three headers in the box that I recall, was fouled in the penalty area on one occasion which should have been a penaltyand missed one chance he perhaps should have buried but he looked a lot sharper to me. If he stays fit and keeps his confidence up who knows 2016 could be a good year for him and us.
The swashbuckling attack minded second half display had the Boleyn rocking in the way that we all want to see in this her final season.
I know we have all perhaps been a tad frustrated during this period of missing first teamers but let's be honest Slaven Billic and the fit players have weathered a storm without losing and there is every reason to think with the Payet / Lanzini act about to resume we could well push on for that top six and maybe even the top four.
I mean the league is there for the taking for someone this year and so too are the Champions League places. All the established top teams have slipped up more than once this season, it is no longer a foregone conclusion that City, Arsenal, Man U, Liverpool and that other North London team will have it all their own way.
It is time for real belief, belief in our manager, our players and their abilities. So I am convinced that we could given an injury free 2016 be in with a shout of come May.
COYI.

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Former Hammers goal keeper dies
Posted by Sean Whetstone on December 29, 2015 in News, Whispers
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West Ham's former goalkeeper Pavel Srnicek has died at the age of 47. The former Hammer collapsed with a cardiac arrest while out jogging in the Czech Republic on 20th December. He stopped breathing for 20 minutes before he was revived. Following brain scans a decision was made by his family and doctors to turn off his life support machine his agent confirmed to press this afternoon.

His agent, Steve Wraith said:"It is with deep sadness that I have to announce he passing of Pavel Srnicek. Pavel suffered a cardiac arrest before the Christmas period in his home country and had been in an induced coma in hospital with his close family around his bedside."

"Despite the best medical attention the final brain scans on Monday showed irreversible damage and the decision had to be taken to switch off the life support machine. Pav passed away on the afternoon of Tuesday 29th December 2015, with his family by his side."

pavel2Srníček joined West Ham on a one-month loan deal from parent club Portsmouth on 19th February 2004. He made his debut against rivals Millwall as a substitute, following the sending off of goalkeeper Stephen Bywater, Srníček moved to West Ham on a free permanent transfer, signing a contract until the end of the 2004 season. He started two matches in Bywater's absence, against Derby and Palace. He played no further games for West Ham and left the club at the end of the season at which point he was released later rejoining Newcastle for a second spell at the club.

Our thoughts are with his family and friends at this difficult time.

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Boleyn Ground windfall in doubt
Posted by Sean Whetstone on December 29, 2015 in News, Whispers
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The London borough of Newham, home to the former Olympic Stadium, Boleyn Ground and West Ham United, enjoyed the biggest rise in house prices across the UK in 2015, according to the Halifax.

The average house price there rose 22.2% over the year compared with 2014. Homes in Newham, situated five miles east of the City of London, are now worth an average £319,522 as against £261,399 previously.

This could potentially be good news for Galliard Homes who purchased the land the Boleyn Ground is built on. Earlier this year Barratt Homes joined forces with Galliard to transform West Ham's former stadium into flats.

It is understood that the two building firms are currently seeking planning permission for the development, and are in discussion with Newham Council over the level of "affordable housing" that must be provided.

Galliard faced criticism earlier this year over its initial plans for the Boleyn Ground. In its original proposal, the developer detailed a "village" of 838 homes in blocks up to 15 storeys high, with just 51 units – or 6pc of the total – deemed to be "affordable"

However, a senior source told ClaretandHugh it is doubtful whether the increase in Newham prices will help the developers turn a bigger profit at West Ham's former home. Our source told us: "West ham received a flat fee for the land, but they (Galliard) over paid in the first place. It's a bad part of Newham. The real growth is near Stratford & the Olympic Park."

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Di Canio booked for Boleyn return
Posted by Sean Whetstone on December 29, 2015 in News, Whispers
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Sources close to Mark Noble understand that Paolo Di Canio has provisionally agreed to take part in the captain's testimonial at Easter.

Twenty-eight-year old Noble, who joined West Ham as a 13-year-old, and is now approaching 350 first-team appearances is understood to be approaching Teddy Sheringham, Bobby Zamora and Carlos Tevez amongst other former Hammers about their availability.

And a source close to him told ClaretandHugh exclusively that they understood PDC would be turning out unless there were "unforseen circumstances."

Di Canio previously appeared for Tony Carr's XI for his testimonial back in 2010.

The long-serving club captain will be honoured with a match between the current West Ham first team against a West Ham United All-Stars squad, with all funds raised being donated to charity.

The fixture, which will take place at the Boleyn Ground on Easter Monday 28th March 2016 at 2pm. home. Noble told WHUFC.com "I am hugely honoured and grateful that the Board have awarded me a Testimonial match at the Boleyn Ground, This is where I come from and this is my Football Club, so I pdc2can think of nothing better than having my Testimonial at the stadium where I have laughed, cheered and cried, both as a fan and as a player."

"Everyone knows how much West Ham United means to me, so to have the opportunity to share a pitch with the players who I have grown up with will be fantastic – and it will be even more special to have my family, friends and so many Hammers fans watching from the stands."I am pleased and proud to say we will be donating all the proceeds from my Testimonial match to three charities that mean a huge amount to me – Richard House Children's Hospice, Help for Heroes and the DT38 Foundation."

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Koeman: 'Carroll changed the confidence"
Posted by Sean Whetstone on December 29, 2015 in News, Whispers
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Football is not 45 minutes, football is 95 minutes and the second half was totally different," Southampton manager Ronald Koeman told BBC Sport. "The first 20-25 minutes of the second half we lost control. When Carroll came in he changed the confidence of the West Ham team, because the first 45 minutes Southampton were by far the dominant team. "We spoke at half-time about how they will give a reaction, they will bring in Carroll, which means they will play the long ball, they will fight for second balls, they will be more aggressive, and then you need to concentrate. "If you play so well for 45 minutes and you get some very good chances you have to score more than one and we didn't."

Koeman also took to his own official twitter account to tell Saints fans "Disappointed final result! If you play so well during 45 min you have to score more than 1 goal! More mistakes in 2 half! #WeMarchOn"

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