Daily WHUFC News - 8th January 2015

Big Sam rues late leveller
WHUFC.com
Sam Allardyce was frustrated to see Romelu Lukaku cancel out James Collins'
goal at Everton
06.01.2015

Sam Allardyce was left to rue an opportunity missed after Romelu Lukaku's
stoppage time leveller denied West Ham United an FA Cup third round victory
at Everton on Tuesday. The Hammers looked bound for the fourth round when
James Collins headed them into a 55th minute lead, but they could not hold
out and were punished at the death. It means the teams have it all to do
again at the Boleyn Ground next Tuesday and Allardyce felt his team's
performance merited victory at the first time of asking, up until they
dropped off at the end.
"We did think we were there," he said, "When you get so close and get to
injury time, all you have to do is make sure you keep your composure, I
think we lost a little bit of it just at that final minute. "There was a bit
of luck in it getting through so many bodies to Lukaku, but we should have
done better before that and made sure we didn't get into that position.
"It's a great shame after such a good performance and being 1-0 up but we'll
have to try and finish the job at Upton Park now. "It was a very good
performance. Away from home, and when it's the FA Cup, you know that Everton
are going to throw caution to the wind, because if they don't do anything
from an attacking point of view they're out of the competition. "They threw
plenty of players forward and what we didn't do towards the end was when we
broke out, we didn't relieve the pressure and kept giving the ball away. "We
didn't get the ball back into Everton's half and make them even more
desperate. We didn't retain the ball well enough in that period - that led
to more pressure and in the end we cracked. "Overall, the performance was
excellent, the result was disappointing when you get so close and that man
Lukaku, every time he plays against us he scores. No matter how well we
marshal him, he always seems to pop up somewhere with a goal, which is a
great shame for tonight, but we're still in the hat."

Allardyce felt a golden opportunity for Enner Valencia just after Collins'
opener could have killed the tie in the Hammers' favour.
He added: "We were well worthy of the lead and the disappointing thing was
that Enner didn't score at that crucial point. At this level of football,
when you get that golden chance you can't afford to miss it. "At 2-0 that
kills Everton's spirit. At 1-0 and going out of the competition they're
going to throw men forward, so if we had got that two-goal cushion we would
be sat here through to the next round, but because we didn't and because we
slipped up a little defensively [it's a replay]."

West Ham forced 15 corners on the night and made their breakthrough from
one, as Morgan Amalfitano delivered for Collins. Big Sam explained: "We were
asking for more quality in the box and when you get the quality you get the
chances. Ginge has made a very good run and scored a good header. "We caused
them quite a few problems all night with the corners and finally got what we
deserved, which was a goal. "Everybody gave it everything they've got and
more but didn't quite get the result we expected in the end."

The Hammers now face a replay in seven days time and Allardyce says that
will test his squad further. He said: "We've got a difficult task now
because we've got to play another Cup game before we play a Premier League
game. We've only got a few days to recover for Swansea and now we'll play
again on Tuesday with only a few days to recover for the next game. "It will
be tough on the lads, especially with the shortage of the squad now.
Hopefully Andy will be back by the weekend, but lads have just got to dig in
now and pick up more points, before hopefully beating Everton and getting
through to the next round."

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Farewell Boleyn plans taking shape
WHUFC.com
The Club have issued an update on their plans for the final season at the
Boleyn Ground
07.01.2015

The 2015/16 season will be one that lives long in the memory of West Ham
United fans the world over, as the Club bids an emotional farewell to their
home of more than 110 years.

This August, the Hammers will kick-off their final season at the Boleyn
Ground before they move to the new Stadium and plans to make sure of a
fitting farewell are gathering pace.

The Club have already begun reaching out to fans to ask for your favourite
memories of your time at the Boleyn Ground and the resulting feedback will
help shape the commemorations at key fixtures next season. Memorable
matches, legendary players and some of the main figures who helped make the
Boleyn Ground what it is today will all feature during what promises to be
an unforgettable 19 games for the Claret and Blue Army.

Season Tickets
There is expected to be unprecedented demand for Season Tickets next season
and several thousand fans have already joined the waiting list for new
applications once the renewal process is over. Any supporter who wishes to
be a part of the final season celebrations and is not a current Season
Ticket Holder or Half-Season Ticket Holder and has not yet joined the
waiting list is urged to do so as soon as possible to avoid missing out.

Due to expected record numbers of Season Tickets for 2015/16 and the
extended period that will be required to move fans to the new Stadium, the
Club are bringing forward the renewal window for Season Ticket Holders.

From Monday 16 February to 5pm on 17 April 2015, current Season Ticket
Holders can secure their place for the 2015/16 season by either placing a
£75 non-refundable deposit or paying for their seat in full. Please note
that any supporter wanting to renew must meet the early renewal period
deadline or they run the risk of losing their seat for the final season.

To ensure supporters are not adversely affected by the early renewal
process, the deadline for paying any remaining balance on their purchase
will be consistent with previous seasons - 4pm on 31 May 2015.

Commenting on the final season plans, Joint-Chairmen David Sullivan and
David Gold said: "A 2015/16 Season Ticket is the only way supporters can
make sure of their place in history by attending every match of our final
year at the Boleyn Ground, including the last-ever game at our home of more
than 110 years.

"The level of interest in Season Tickets has been phenomenal and we expect
to hit our cap before the start of the season. This, in turn, will mean
there will be far less tickets available to supporters on a match-by-match
basis.
"It is clear that our final year at the Boleyn Ground and our first year at
the new Stadium will be two seasons that no West Ham fan will want to miss.
It is in response to that demand - and the pressures of managing it - that
we are beginning next season's renewals and sales process earlier than
normal.

"As long-standing advocates of making football more affordable, we are
pleased to confirm that we will be freezing Under-10s and Under-16s Season
Ticket prices for a second consecutive year. With prices starting at just
£110 for Under-10s and £235 for Under-16s, we are hoping as many young
Hammers as possible can be part of what is sure to be an exciting and
emotional 19 games."
Vice-Chairman Karren Brady added: "Since 2010, our commitment to the fans
has been to restore the Club's long-term financial health, while at the same
time investing substantially in improving the playing squad.

"The nine signings we made last summer have all made a big impact and we are
planning significant further investment in the playing staff this summer.
"We are also improving the financial situation at the Club and are on course
to meet our target of being clear of external debt by the time we move to
our stunning new home on Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park. "After last year's
price freeze across the board, I am pleased we have been able to once again
freeze prices for junior supporters. For everyone else we have capped the
increase to all tickets at five per cent, the equivalent of just £1.58 per
game for price band 4 or £2.37 per game for price band 1.

"Over the past five years, the increase in the price of a renewed Season
Ticket at the Boleyn Ground has tracked at approximately 40 per cent below
the rate of inflation (RPI), meaning a Season Ticket still represents
fantastic value for money. "The 2015/16 season will be a stand-out year in
the history of our great Club and, working with the manager, we will make
sure we have a team that will do West Ham United and the Boleyn Ground
proud."

A West Ham United Season Ticket will continue to be the cheapest way to
watch every home game. Crucially, all 2015/16 Season Ticket Holders will
also receive priority status when it comes to selecting seats at the new
Stadium, with the opportunity to choose their seats using the cutting edge
'virtual venue' technology employed at our dedicated Reservation Centre in
Westfield Stratford City.

The prices for Season Tickets in the new Stadium will be announced in April,
but the Club can confirm that prices will be comparable to those in the
final season at the Boleyn Ground. Information for all existing Season
Ticket Holders, including supporters who have purchased a Half-Season Ticket
during the 2014/15 season:
- To secure your seat for the final season, you will need to renew by 5pm on
17 April 2015. This can be done either by paying a £75 non-refundable
deposit or paying in full.
- If you choose to secure your seat by paying a deposit, you will need to
pay the full amount for your 2015/16 Season Ticket by 4pm on 31 May 2015. If
you do not pay the remaining amount before the deadline, you will risk
losing your seat for the 2015/16 season and your priority for the move to
the new Stadium.
- Every Season Ticket Holder will receive a renewal pack by post, as well as
reminders online and by email.
- As normal, each existing Season Ticket Holder will have the opportunity to
apply for two additional Season Tickets for the 2015/16 season (subject to
demand).
Information for supporters who want to buy a 2015/16 Season Ticket:
- After 17 April, any remaining Season Ticket seats that have not been
purchased by existing Season Ticket Holders under the above process will go
on sale to supporters on the Season Ticket waiting list.
- With this in mind, we strongly advise any supporters who are interested in
buying a 2015/16 Season Ticket, who are not current Season Ticket holders,
to join the waiting list now.

For more information and any queries on Season Ticket renewals and sales,
please consult the FAQs below. Alternatively, visit the website here, call
0871 529 1966 and select option three between 9am-5pm (calls cost 10p per
minute plus network extras), or visit the Stadium Ticket Office in person,
situated in the Alpari Stand at the Boleyn Ground.
FAQs:

Why is the renewals process happening earlier this year?
The Club are dealing with two special factors next season: unprecedented
demand from supporters for tickets for the final season at the Boleyn
Ground; and co-ordinating the move of every Season Ticket Holder and
Corporate Member to the new Stadium. This includes scheduling individual
appointments for them to choose their seats.
This is a carefully timetabled process where every week that passes will be
important to deal with demand.
In order to help our Season Ticket Holders to plan around this earlier
renewal deadline, we have set up a mechanism giving supporters the option to
secure their seats with the payment of a £75 deposit.

What happens if I don't pay my deposit in April but do pay the full ticket
price by the end of May?
In order to secure your renewed Season Ticket you must pay either the £75
non-refundable deposit or the full amount by 5pm on 17 April 2015.

What if I want to pay the whole amount in full, rather than pay a deposit?
That is no problem. Provided you pay either the deposit or the full amount
before 17 April, your ticket will be secure, and your priority placing for
the move to the new Stadium will be unaffected.

When will the process and pricing for seasonal corporate packages be
released?
Details of the seasonal corporate packages available for the final season at
the Boleyn Ground will be announced in February 2015.

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Song calls time on Cameroon
WHUFC.com
Alex Song has retired from international duty with Cameroon
06.01.2015

Alex Song has announced that he has retired from international duty with
Cameroon with immediate effect‎. The on-loan West Ham United midfielder made
the announcement on social media on Tuesday evening in a move that will see
him miss the upcoming African Cup of Nations in Equatorial Guinea. Song
cited the main reason for the decision as his ambition to rebuild his club
career with the Hammers.

In a statement, Song said: 'Since the World Cup in the summer and my
subsequent exclusion from the Cameroon squad for the African Cup of Nations
I have taken the decision to retire from international football. "It its
true there were some discussions of late to include me in the squad for this
tournament but I feel after a lot of careful thought and numerous
discussions with my family this is the right decision. "My love for my
country will never change but I want to take time to focus purely on
domestic football and start to rebuild my career at West Ham United. I wish
Cameroon all the best and the team will always be in my heart."

Song's last game for Camroon came in the FIFA World Cup 2014 in Brazil, when
he was sent off against Croatia. In total, the 27-year-old played 47 games
for The Indomitable Lions after making his debut in 2005.

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
The Big Interview - James Collins
WHUFC.com
Goalscorer James Collins reflects on a frustrating FA Cup third-round draw
at Everton
06.01.2015

James Collins insists West Ham United's FA Cup dream is still very much
alive following Tuesday's 1-1 third-round draw at Everton. The centre-back
produced an outstanding individual display at Goodison Park, scoring the
tie's opening goal on 56 minutes and defending heroically for the entire
game. Unfortunately for the Wales international and his Hammers teammates,
Romelu Lukaku's added-time equaliser means the two sides will have to do it
all again at the Boleyn Ground on Tuesday 13 January.

Ginge, having scored and defended so well for so long going into
injury-time, it must have been doubly disappointing to concede late on?

JC: "Yes, as you say we don't concede many late goals, so it was very
disappointing to give the goal away. Conceding is disappointing at any time,
so to do it in injury-time in the FA Cup knowing we'll have to play another
game now is even more disappointing. We played very well and everyone was on
form and we were unlucky not to have the game won before added-time, but
that's the FA Cup for you. We are very disappointed, but we're still in the
hat."

It's easy to feel deflated after conceding a late equaliser, but presumably
you would have taken a draw before the tie kicked-off?

JC: "Maybe, but it was disappointing with the way the game panned out in the
end. We'll take them back to Upton Park and with our fan behind us I'm sure
we'll beat them there. It'll be a tough game, as it was against them at
Goodison Park in the league too. They're under a bit of pressure at the
minute, so I'm sure they'll bring the fight to Upton Park."

Talk us through the goal, please…

JC: "I have been making that run for about two years now, to be honest with
you! It was a great ball in from Morgan Amalfitano and I managed to get my
bald head on it and it skidded into the goal. We knew they conceded from set
plays and I hadn't scored for a while, so I fancied one, to be honest!"

It's important that we don't let our four-game winless run affect the
confidence we have shown all season long, isn't it?

JC: "Yes, because we played well at Everton, against West Bromwich Albion
and also in the second half against Arsenal, too, when the Gaffer said we
had 100 passes more than them. It was one of those tough games, as it was
against Chelsea and against West Brom. We will go again at Swansea on
Saturday, and they've got a couple of lads out, too. We're seventh in the
league and still in the FA Cup, so it's all to play for."

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Goals galore for Gordon
WHUFC.com
Jaanai Gordon has been scoring goals for fun during his loan spell at
Chelmsford City
07.01.2015

Chelmsford City fans were united as one with their message to Jaanai Gordon
as he left Melbourne Stadium on Saturday - 'Please stay for the rest of the
season!'. The on-loan West Ham United striker has been in outstanding form
since joining the Clarets just before Christmas, scoring in each of his four
Vanarama South appearances for the Essex club. Three of those four
appearances have ended in victories for City, including two outstanding
individual goals and two assists in a 6-2 thrashing of Farnborough on 3
January - all under the watchful eye of Ambassador Tony Carr MBE and U18s
assistant manager Mark Phillips. Speaking to whufc.com after the game, the
forward, who turned 19 in early December, is thoroughly enjoying his
football after returning from a series of niggling injuries that disrupted
the early part of his season. "It's been a good spell since I came to
Chelmsford and scoring two goals and winning on Saturday was a good start to
the New Year as well, so I just hope to get more in the games to come," he
said, with a broad smile stretched across his face.
"It's all going well and I'm scoring all different types of goals, too - a
couple of headers, a tap-in and a couple of individual runs and finishes
against Farnborough. "The move came about out of the blue, to be honest.
Chelmsford wanted me and I wanted to get a few games under my belt over
Christmas and the New Year. I already knew a couple of the lads here too,
which made it much easier to settle in quickly. It's so enjoyable playing
first-team football, with the fans behind you giving you that extra push."

Gordon joined West Ham from Peterborough United in January 2014, having made
his Championship debut for the Posh as a 16-year-old in September 2012. A
year after moving to east London, the likeable frontman is hoping to make
good on the potential he showed during his formative years at London Road.
"When I first came down I found the football a bit different than at West
Ham, but now I've been here for a period of time, I've got to know the lads,
they know me and the team move the ball quite nicely. "Chelmsford have only
got a couple of games between now and the end of my loan spell, so the plan
is for me to get as many goals as I can in those games! After that, I'd have
to see what the Club has in mind for me, because they might want me to go on
loan to another club in a higher division for an even greater challenge.
"Overall, I am just pleased to be back playing, as I had a groin injury and
a bruise on my shin at the start of the season, but I'm 100 per cent now and
really enjoying my football."

Gordon will hope to score for the fifth consecutive match when Chelmsford
make the trip to the Somerset coast to take on Weston-super-Mare on Saturday
10 January.

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
2015 Africa Cup of Nations: Diafra Sakho ruled out for Senegal
BBC.co.uk

West Ham striker Diafra Sakho is out of Senegal's final Africa Cup of
Nations squad because of a back injury. "Sakho is not on the list of 23
players, his back problem is even preventing him from moving," Senegal coach
Alain Giresse announced. The 25-year-old had been due to arrive in Dakar on
Tuesday for Senegal medics to assess his recurring back problem. He will be
replaced by Pape Moussa Konate, 21, who plays for Sion in Switzerland.

Sakho, who has scored eight Premier League goals this season, suffered the
latest recurrence of the back injury when he had to come off against West
Bromwich Albion after scoring a goal in the 1-1 league draw on 1 January.
His manager at West Ham, Sam Allardyce, claims Sakho's injury was
"mistreated" when he was on international duty with Senegal in November.
Giresse is yet to make public his final 23-man squad list for the Nations
Cup. The squad is due to travel to Morocco on Wednesday to make final
preparations ahead of the Nations Cup in Equatorial Guinea, which kicks off
on 17 January. While in Morocco the Teranga Lions will play two friendly
matches against Gabon on 9 January and then Guinea four days later.

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Alex Song: West Ham midfielder quits Cameroon duty
BBC.co.uk

Cameroon and West Ham midfielder Alex Song has retired from international
football after his exclusion from his country's Africa Cup of Nations squad.
The Barcelona loanee, 27, will now be available for the Hammers this month
after talks with Cameroon about a late call-up broke down. He said on
Instagram: "My love for my country will never change. "I want to take time
to focus purely on domestic football and start to rebuild my career at West
Ham United."

Song has not played for his country since being sent off against Croatia in
the group stages of the 2014 World Cup. The Hammers feared they would lose
him after he flew back to his homeland to discuss the possibility of
appearing in the Nations Cup in Equatorial Guinea, which begins on 17
January. "Since the World Cup in the summer and my subsequent exclusion from
the Cameroon squad for the African Cup of Nations I have taken the decision
to retire from international football," Song, who won 47 caps, said. "It is
true that there were some discussions of late to include me in the squad for
this tournament but I feel after a lot of careful thought and numerous
discussions with my family this is the right decision."

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Tweet nothings
KUMB.com
Filed: Wednesday, 7th January 2015
By: Staff Writer

David Sullivan's eldest son has removed a series of tweets criticising West
Ham United captain Kevin Nolan from his Twitter timeline.
David Sullivan, the eldest of co-owner David's two teenage sons launched a
volley of abuse aimed directly at United's Liverpudlian captain last night
immediately following the 1-1 draw at Everton. Although the tweets have
since been removed, Sullivan Jnr - who is an Arsenal supporter - wrote: "
"How the fuck Nolan is playing about League 2 amazes me. gives us all hope.
Can we leave Nolan in Liverpool though seriously." That was followed up by
a post regarding the recently-departed Mauro Zarate, again criticising
Nolan. "Livid how sam says zarate isn't good enough to play for west ham and
nolan is somehow," he scribed.

Later in the evening, and presumably following some advice from other
quarters, Sullivan Jnr retracted his comments - although fell short of
issuing an apology to Nolan for his less-than-complementary words. "Phone
virtually crashing with the amount of mentions so tweets with the most stuff
have been taken down but I stand by my opinion that ..." read the first,
before being swiftly followed by: "Again just reiterating if anyone doesn't
like how I am handling club affairs please unfollow me I'm not going to
change."

David's younger brother Jack has also fallen foul of social media in the
past, due to his preference for revealing details regarding transfers before
the Club's own media team and also commenting on indivdual deals. Only last
week he lamented the departure of Mauro Zarate on loan to Queens Park
Rangers, which some took as an indirect swipe at manager Sam Allardyce. In
2013, he was at the centre of another Twitter storm when he canvassed
supporters regarding the potential signing of convicted rapist Ilombe Mboyo.

Many supporters have questioned the wisdom of allowing his two sons to post
on club affairs, but Sullivan Snr, speaking exclusively to KUMB back at the
start of last season insisted any criticism was uncalled for. " I think it's
unfair," he said. "One, Jack is dyslexic and his English is appalling at
times, so I do anything I can to encourage him to read and write. Secondly,
he takes a great interest in it, he loves it and I think it's nice to give
him information as to what's going on - without naming players that damages
the club. "If it's critical stuff, he does check with me. "

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Robert Green backs Mauro Zarate to fire QPR to Premier League safety
Last Updated: 07/01/15 11:54am
SSN

QPR goalkeeper Robert Green hopes on-loan West Ham striker Mauro Zarate can
score the goals his side need to stay in the Premier League.
Zarate, 27, joined Rangers on a temporary deal until the end of the season
on Tuesday, having struggled to break into the first-team at Upton Park.
Manager Harry Redknapp's side are fifth-bottom of the top division and just
two points above the relegation places, and face a tough trip to fellow
strugglers Burnley on Saturday. Speaking as a guest on Morning View, keeper
Green said: "Zarate's scored goals wherever he's been. "He's had a lot of
loan signings and I'm sure he sees this as a chance to get some playing time
and get some goals. "He adds something different to Bobby Zamora and
Charlie Austin. He's a more diminutive striker and another option for us off
the bench or from the start."

Rangers have improved their home form to pick up 11 points from a possible
15 in their last five games at Loftus Road. But they have lost all nine away
games in the Premier League this season and Burnley have recently begun to
pick up points at Turf Moor. "The game with Burnley is huge," Green said.
"We can put some breathing space between us and them below us but they can
go above us if they win.
"It's a real six-pointer and we want to buck the trend of our bad away
results this season."

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham and Senegal striker Diafra Sakho to miss tournament
Last Updated: 07/01/15 3:57pm
SSN

West Ham striker Diafra Sakho has been ruled out of the Africa Cup of
Nations with Moussa Konate taking his place in the Senegal squad.
Sakho was examined by Senegal team doctors on Tuesday and it was decided he
would not be fit for the tournament in Equatorial Guinea.
The 25-year-old has had a persistent back injury which flared up again on
New Year's Day when playing for the Hammers against West Brom.
He has been replaced in the Senegal squad by Moussa Konate, 21, from Swiss
club FC Sion. Senegal's squad left Dakar on Wednesday for a training camp in
Morocco, where the fitness of Southampton's Sadio Mane will also be
assessed. They have warm-up internationals against Gabon in El Jadida on
Friday and Guinea next Tuesday in Casablanca. West Ham boss Sam Allardyce
expects Sakho will be out of action for several weeks with the injury. He
said: "Sakho's got a damaged back, he's got a pinched spine. Senegal have
sent a medical team over and looked at the MRI scans with us and he will be
out for a few weeks, I think."

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
David Sullivan Jr apologises for Nolan and Carroll tweets
Last Updated: 07/01/15 1:25pm
SSN

The son of West Ham co-owner David Sullivan has apologised for criticising
Kevin Nolan and Andy Carroll on social media. David Sullivan Jr posted
several messages on his Twitter account during the Hammers' 1-1 draw at
Everton in the FA Cup third round on Tuesday evening.
The messages included one expletive against West Ham club captain Nolan, who
was recalled to the side, and also questioned whether striker Carroll was in
fact out with a foot injury, the fixture having fallen on the player's
birthday. Late on Tuesday he added: "Again just reiterating if anyone
doesn't like how I am handling club affairs please unfollow me I'm not going
to change."

However, the 17-year-old has since removed some of the offending comments,
and on Wednesday morning issued a public apology. Sullivan Jr said on
Twitter: "I would like to apologise on behalf of my family and myself as I
do not think I have represented them fairly by my tweets yesterday. "They
were a moment of madness as emotions got the better of me, I am only young
but old enough to know better, there is no excuses for my actions. "I am
also sorry to Kevin Nolan, who doesn't particularly deserve my comments. I
hope everyone will forgive me and this sort of situation will not happen
again. Thank you for your understanding COYI."

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
ZARATE PROFIT
By Sean Whetstone 7 Jan 2015 at 16:10
West Ham Till I Die

The completion of a six month loan deal for Mauro Zarate to QPR yesterday
was a good financial deal for West Ham. The Hammers received loan inquiries
from more 14 clubs meaning they could charge a premium for his six month
loan. I understand QPR will pay his full £40,000 per week wages plus an
additional £500,000 loan fee. He is likely to make his debut against Burnley
in the league this weekend.

Harry Redknapp told the QPR official website: "We're really pleased to bring
Mauro in. He's a good footballer, someone with great ability who can play as
a number 10. I first saw him when he was on loan at Birmingham quite a few
years back and I actually tried to take him to Portsmouth back then.He's a
more-than capable player, he's already shown that, and hopefully he can come
in here and do well for us.Zarate, who impressed in the Premier League
during a loan spell at Birmingham City in 2008, is relishing the opportunity
to prove his worth once again in the biggest and best league in the world.

Zarate added "I am happy,I need this, I need to play and Queens Park Rangers
have given me this chance to show what I can do. The Premier League is the
best in the world at this moment. Does my style suit the Premier League?
Maybe. We will see! When I met the manager he told me he wanted to sign me
for Portsmouth before, but in that moment I went to Lazio. But now I am here
and will play for him.I will try to do different things with the ball, some
skills to make the difference for the team, for me and for the other
players. I am fit and I hope I can be involved on Saturday."

Under the terms of the loan deal, Zarate will not be eligible to feature
against West Ham when the two clubs meet in the Premier League at Loftus
Road on Saturday 25th April. Zarate joined West Ham on a free transfer after
personally buying himself out of his contract with Velez Sarsfield. He
signed a three year contract with the Hammers with an option for a further
year. Should he have a good loan spell with QPR this could increase his
transfer value with a potential sale in the summer window. Should there be a
change of West Ham manager at the end of the season he may still have a
future at West Ham.

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
IS WEST HAM LOSING ITS SOUL ALREADY?
By Bobby Shovels 7 Jan 2015 at 08:51
West ham till I Die

A controversial headline, but bear with me.

Florida Hammer provided a succinct overview of "foreign ownership with
unlimited financial backing" a few days ago.

The issue is one of money versus tradition. Manchester City are a great
example of that modern footballing dilemma: their fans revel in the success
Sheikh Mansour's takeover has ensured, yet there is an uneasiness to their
jubilation. The best account of City, not just of the present but their
former glory years in the 1970s as well as their descent into darkness, is
David Conn's "Richer Than God: Manchester City, Modern Football and Growing
Up Paperback".

That book is essential reading, not just for highlighting Conn's own fear at
City's colossal change but the history of the Premier League and how money
became king; how clubs became businesses.

My headline alludes to the worry I feel about West Ham. If West Ham were to
get richer owners, we would all be concerned about how the club would
change. Moreover, how the club would look when our season tickets are passed
on to our grandchildren. Yet clubs like ours, just like City, have a
history, a sense of pride as well as an understanding of defeat. While City
fans question their rise at times, Chelsea fans never moan about Abramovich:
things were never great before; there was no famous era. Their era is now –
and fleeting.

Yet surely we are already heading into that realm of business rather than
club.

Take the new logo. Yes, overwhelming approved by the fans, according to the
club, but think about what it says and what it means. The destruction of the
Boleyn castle a symbol of us moving to the Olympic Stadium. Exciting? Of
course. Necessary? Well, I guess. The uneasiness is in accepting that in
order to be successful we need a bigger stadium we lose sight of what that
actually entails. It's not really about the fans is it? It's about the new,
rich, foreign fans. We can argue we we will never become like the others,
and have someone from abroad come in and tell us to change our shirts to red
because it's lucky in the Far East, but we are gearing ourselves up for just
that. The Olympic Stadium is about corporate seats and boxes, it's about
transport links that make it easier for the foreign businessman to fly in.
The Olympic Stadium isn't necessarily for you or I. It's for the people with
the money.

Hence the logo change. If you're West Ham through and through, you don't
need to be told you support a London club. Yet we've given in to the "global
game" and now London is on our badge. It's not on the crests of Arsenal,
Chelsea or Tottenham.

I'm aware I'm not offering alternatives. I'm also aware that we do need some
money to attract new talent and trophies. I'm a big fan, though, of Rafa
Honigstein, the Guardian journalist, who on a recent podcast lambasted
English football pundits who believe that the solution to any footballing
problem is money and a new player. The idea should be to make a team greater
than the sum of its individual players. A clever philosophy used by teams
across Europe bar in England. Here, money reigns supreme.

I'm in favour of Labour's commitment to have elected supporter
representatives on the board of all clubs – something Conn wrote as "two
fans on the board of a club, treated with respect, consulted, marching on
together with the other directors, can bring a smile to your face."

Perhaps this would allow men with wads of cash to not treat clubs as play
things and rather as long-term investments, although the very fact that
football has to be so business-orientated makes me sick. Yet I don't think
Gold and Sullivan have done anything particularly wonderful. Securing the
Olympic Stadium? Well, surely anyone could have masterminded that, given the
ground is in our backyard, a long-term athletics track was never going to
work, the idea of having Spurs move absurd and trying to find 54,000 Leyton
Orient fans ridiculous. How do you know businessmen don't make good football
chairmen when left to their own devices? Who would sack Gianfranco Zola
after two seasons and hire Avram Grant?

When we move to the Olympic Stadium, the excitement will be palpable. Yet it
may also mark the beginning of a treacherous journey. One no longer fought
on historic Green Street, but in the background of a modern shopping centre.
I welcome change, but I am wary of the future.

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham striker Diafra Sakho OUT of African Nations Cup after 18 'warning
letters' from Hammers
Jan 07, 2015 13:46 By Neil McLeman
Senegal coach Alain Giresse has claimed the Irons said they would face 'huge
damages' if either Cheikh Kouyate or Sakho got injured at the tournament
The Mirror

Diafra Sakho has been ruled out of the African Nations Cup after Senegal
claimed they had received 18 warning letters from West Ham.
And coach Alain Giresse insisted he will not now be able to play in the
Premier League. The Frenchman announced this morning: "Sakho is not on the
list of 23 players, his back problem is even preventing him from moving."
But Giresse had earlier told L'Equipe he had received 18 letters warning
that Senegal would face huge damages if either Cheikh Kouyate or Sakho were
to be injured at the African Nations Cup. Sakho suffered his back injury
away on international duty in November and Sam Allardyce claimed he had been
"mistreated".
The Senegal coach, who had a "long telephone conversation" with the Hammers
manager, said: "He said we could come to some arrangement. That means what?
Don't pick the players. That is not possible. We both can't be satisfied at
the same time." Giresse added: "In any case, if they don't want Sakho to
come so they can then play him, they are wrong. He does not have the right."

Southampton boss Ronald Koeman has also claimed Sadio Mane's knee injury
will stop him playing in the tournament which starts in Equatorial Guinea on
January 17. But Giresse said he still intends to call him up on Sunday after
the striker has undergone more treatment in England. "We will see his
condition but he will be in the 23," he said. The Senegal squad is due to
travel to Morocco today (wed) before their first Group C match against Ghana
on January 19. West Ham's on-loan midfielder Alex Song has retired from
international football after withdrawing from the Cameroon squad.

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Could 2015 be the year West Ham finally end their wait for Silverware? The
omens are good
Jan 07, 2015 17:22
OPINION BY STEVESTAMMERS
After last season's cup embarrassment this could be the year the Hammers end
a 35-year wait to win the famous old competition
The Mirror

Maybe, just maybe, this will be an FA Cup year for West Ham. Last season was
a disaster. The five­ goal hammering at Nottingham Forest was an
embarrassment to the club. Yes, there were extenuating circumstances – like
the battle to stay in the Premier League. With the move to the Olympic
Stadium on the horizon, a status among the elite was essential and it was
eventually secured. This season, there is no such excuse. A more than decent
start to the league campaign means that a place in Europe rather than a drop
into the Championship is a genuine target. And that meant manager Sam
Allardyce was able to field his strongest side at Goodison Park last night.
And it showed.
There was a grit about West Ham. There was a determination. There was a
complete contrast to years gone by when a West Ham team on Merseyside in
January was a defeat waiting to happen.

Adrian continues to be an inspired signing. James Collins and Winston Reid
(he will be sorely missed when he leaves) were solid and Mark Noble bossed
the midfield. And with Stewart Downing flourishing in his free role and
Enner Valencia looking more and more at home in the English game, West Ham
could and should have won. Only the predatory instincts of Romelu Lukaku
denied them a win. He was by far the most dangerous Everton player. Ross
Barkley, on the other hand, seemed to reflect the mood of a largely­ subdued
crowd. Occasionally he made an impact like occasionally you were aware there
was indeed a crowd in attendance. Many were disguised as empty seats. There
have been more intimidating atmospheres at a Bermondsey christening.

Only 22,236 at the stadium following the paltry 9,000 at Burnley against
Tottenham the night before and a staggering 4,000 at Cardiff last Friday
night. It may be tempting fate, but you can be confident of two 30,000­ plus
crowds when the respective replays at Upton Park and White Hart Lane next
Tuesday and Wednesday. That should be enough to inspire two home wins.
Interest in the FA Cup has become as unpredictable as the results. But West
Ham are desperate for silverware after such a barren spell that goes back to
1980. That was the FA Cup win over Arsenal. And it included a win over
Everton on the way to Wembley – after a replay. Maybe the omens are good for
2015.

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
David Sullivan's son apologises after mocking Andy Carroll and Kevin Nolan
in Twitter rant
Jan 07, 2015 12:04 By Neil McLeman
A contrite Sullivan Jr has now removed some of the posts, promised not to
comment on future club affairs and made a full apology
The Mirror

David Sullivan's son has apologised for a "moment of madness" where he
mocked West Ham stars Kevin Nolan and Andy Carroll on Twitter.
The co-owner's son made a series of personal attacks on social media after
the FA Cup draw at Everton last night. David Sullivan Jr, on the account
@DavidSully, asked: "How the f*** Nolan is playing about League 2 amazes me.
gives us all hope. Can we leave Nolan in Liverpool though seriously." He
then added: "Livid how sam says zarate isn't good enough to play for west
ham and nolan is somehow."

Sullivan Jr also replied to a Tweet referring to Andy Carroll being out
injured on his birthday: "If anyone sees Andy Carroll out tonight and can
prove that it is tonight please send me a photo with proof it's today."

A contrite Sullivan Jr has now removed some of the posts, promised not to
comment on future club affairs and made a full apology.
He tweeted today: "I am also sorry to kevin nolan, who doesn't particularly
deserve my comments. I hope everyone will forgive me and this sort of. "They
were a moment of madness as emotions got the better of me, I am only young
but old enough to know better, there is no excuses for my actions. "I would
like to apologise on behalf of my family and myself as I do not think I have
represented them fairly by my tweets yesterday."

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Sakho: "My heart is with Senegal"
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on January 7, 2015 in Whispers
Claret & Hugh

Heartbroken Diafra Sakho has used Facebook to talk of his despair at missing
out on the African Nations Cup. In an emotional comment he speaks of how he
hopes that one day God will help him fulfill his dream the Afcon dream.. And
he says that whilst he is staying in England "my heart will be with my
fellow Tarranga's Lions. He adds: "May the strength and the love of all
Senegal, lift and protect you during this tournament."

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
QPR financial crisis: Aren't you glad we got Daves
Posted by Sean Whetstone on January 7, 2015 in Whispers
Claret & Hugh

The recent published financial accounts show West Ham have made a record
turnover of nearly £115m last season with record profits of over £10m. Our
£100m plus bank debt is now funded by shareholders rather a consortium of
banks who care little of what happens on a football pitch. By contrast
one-time wanabee Hammers chairman Tony Fernandes, now at the QPR helm, seems
to go from bad to worst. Last month the Loftus Road club sent the Football
League their accounts for 2013-14, the period covered by new financial fair
play rules.
The club could be hit with a multimillion-pound fine and whilst both QPR and
the league confirmed the accounts were sent on time on 1st December neither
would discuss the financial position disclosed. The possible QPR fine is
expected because in the previous season, 2012-13, they lost £65m despite
earning Premier League income of £61m. QPR paid their staff, including
players, £78m in the year to 31st May 2013. If there losses were as high as
the previous season they could face a fine of up to £54m. The rules should
impose a fine of approximately £7m for a loss to £18m, then an extra pound
for every pound above that.

In the meantime they have paid West Ham a £500,000 loan fee for Mauro Zarate
together with his full £40,000 per week wages. It is also claimed they are
prepared to pay £60,000 per week to land former Hammer Jermain Defoe on loan
from the MLS. And on to of all this the recent tragic loss of the Air Asia
plane, could see Tony Fernandes' personal fortune in jeopardy if the
accident has a knock on effect to customer confidence. Fernandes once tried
to buy West Ham on the cheap but chairman David Sullivan branded the offer
as derisory saying "He wanted 51% of the club for two bob."

Fernandes responded at the time saying: "Make up your mind Sullivan and
Gold. One minute you say no offer then you say it's a joke. It was a good
offer with good money and brought in good people.Gold and Sullivan can say
whatever they want. I have been a lifelong fan and would have brought good
money, good ideas, new people and a new belief."

We should soon know what sanctions will be imposed on QPR but I for one know
which Chairmen I prefer to steer the financial and football fortunes of our
club.

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Allardyce under fire after Valencia comments
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on January 7, 2015 in Whispers
Claret & Hugh

Sam Allardyce is coming under heavy fire from Hammers fans following the
late equaliser gifted to Everton in last night's FA Cup third round 1-1
draw. Many have quickly attacked the manager for appearing to make a
scapegoat of Enner Valencia who was singled out for criticism after
directing a header into the hands of Everton goalkeeper Joel Robles. After
four games without a win and a sloppy late equaliser the pressure again
appears to be mounting on the manager following the dramas of last season.
ClaretandHugh followers made their feelings clear on the site's facebook
forum after a blog had claimed Allardyce's public remarks were wrong.

Allardyce had said a player of his ability should have scored and, justified
or not, fans feel it would have been best left unsaid.

Fan Tom Dunn told the CandH facebook forum: "If he gave Enner more game
time maybe he wouldn't be as rusty. He would have scored that at the start
of the season when he was confident."

And another – Richard Kemp – declared: "Valencia was acting as a shield for
Downing. He kept Everton's centre backs busy and Dowwning was murdering
them. BFS just cant resist going back to his favoured style, its just in his
make up. I do not think I have ever seen worse substitutions."

Steve Elcome took to the forum to snap: " Enner is just not good enough just
like Zarate and anyone else who dares to "play" football. Let's get 11
Nolan's Sam and then you will be happy."

Les Sim joined the chorus of disapproval snarling: "The Valencia and Sakho
partnership was forced upon BFS and became our most potent strike force
since I can remember.

The fat **** split it up at his first opportunity as soon as Carroll became
available. Now he is trying to undermine Valencia in order to justify his
perversion for a big lump up front."

On Twitter @chalongcircle said: We all know you're either in Sam's clique or
not. Ask Zarate (we needed him last night). I'm sure DS knows what's going
on.

And @DjPaul Cole said: "If @davidgold and DS aren't as baffled as the fans
with Allardyce. I'd be surprised. Hopefully this will be his last season.

@poaolothehammer declared: "He's always been the same, never takes
responsibility for team selection or tactics and never blames his favourite
players."

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
The old Sam emerges as Valencia is blamed
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on January 7, 2015 in Whispers

New allardyceIt's hard to discuss West Ham's disappointing draw at Goodison
Park last night without looking at Kevin Nolan in particular and the
manager's uncalled for criticism of Enner Valencia.

To concede in the 92nd minute is – as Allardyce claimed – deeply
disappointing but frankly I can't help feeling that to blame Valencia in
particular is showing us more than a bit of the old Sam.

Did he level anything at Morgan Amalfitano when blasting over…has he ever
criticised Andy Carroll for missed chances? Answers to both questions are a
resounding No!

Allardyce has a track record of singling out individuals, officials or any
other handy excuse as a reason for failure.

And it's really not nice to see Valencia get such treatment given that he
has had few games of any consequence since the return of AC.

He was excellent against Chelsea with some fine runs to take the pressure
off an over-stressed defence before being immediately dropped for the next
match.

Had Sam criticised his captain Kevin Nolan for perhaps his worst ever
performance in a West Ham shirt it would have been a little more
understandable although unacceptable.

Public criticism is poor in any circumstances but when used as an excuse
for failure it is totally unacceptable.

Having said all of that I arrive at my verdict on last night's match. We
drew only because the defence switched off when it mattered and because the
manager adopted a safety first policy far too early!

Carlton Cole for Enner Valencia? REALLY! Defensive midfielder Diego Poyet
for an offensive one – Matt Jarvis – a massive NO! And Joey O'Brien for
Morgan Amalfatino – What?

And the 90 minute presence of Nolan who offered absolutely nothing at any
stage – OH COME ON!

The absence of Andy Carroll saw us playing some of our best and most mobile
football since earlier in the season and Mark Noble was excellent on his
return.

But the substitutions were obviously designed to help us hang on – well
that didn't work Sam did it? That – along with Nolan's 90 minute presence –
were the reasons this game was allowed to slip away.

It's now four games without a win as we head for Swansea and unless we
quickly return to the free flowing game which thrilled us at the start of
the season I believe we are heading for a very lean spell of results.

As for Nolan ? Sam Allardyce has some hard thinking to do now and a big
decision – in his terms anyway – to make!

We should be contemplating a fourth round FA Cup tie this afternoon. It's
not Enner Valencia's fault we aren't. I think I know where the blame really
lies.

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Henry's miserly FC Toronto earnings
Posted by Sean Whetstone on January 7, 2015 in Whispers
Claret & Hugh

New Hammers signing Doneil Henry earned a basic annual salary the equal of
most Premier League performers weekly wage at around $75,000 ($87,033.33
with bonuses) whilst with FC Toronto. That is around £56,000 per year so or
just over £1,000 per week. His team mate and former Hammer Jermain Defoe
meanwhile earned $6,180,000 for the same season at Toronto. MLS wages are
published every season by the players union and it demonstrates that in
value for money terms the Hammers have picked up an ultra bargain!. Although
Henry's Irons deal is clearly worth considerably more than £56,000 per year
it still represents terrific value in a league where the average Premier
League footballer earns £35,000 per week (£1.8m per year). A source told
ClaretandHugh: "Doneil is a great prospect and serious value for money. We
think he is one for next season but could play at a push."

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Carroll/Swansea update
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on January 7, 2015 in Whispers
Claret & Hugh

Andy Carroll is fully expected to be back for the weekend clash against
Swansea City. Carroll was suffering from tiredness and a minor ankle which
is believed to be related to a knock he took in training. But a source
confirmed this morning that the big fella will be back on duty for the clash
in Wales. He said: "He'd played all over Christmas and suffered a minor
injury in training but he will be okay for Swansea. "We will check Alex Song
before the game but we are obviously hopeful he will also make the match
following his trip to Cameroon."

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Sakho surgery fears
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on January 7, 2015 in Whispers
Claret & Hugh

West Ham's Diafra Sakho may face a summer operation if he fails to fully
shake off the effects of the back injury which has sidelined him from
action. Manager Sam Allardyce has admitted the striker faces a lengthy lay
off after missing out on the African Nations Cup tournament. Allardyce said:
" "Senegal sent a medical team over and looked at the MRI scans with us. He
will be out for weeks."

The best estimate – as previously reported here – is between two and six but
the club have accepted the player has a recurring injury on his hands that
may need a summer operation. We were told by a source: "We hope that a
programme of muscle building exercises can sort the problem but the general
view seems to be that the problem is always going to be there without
surgery. "Ultimately an operation may be required but we will be doing all
we can to sort it out before going there. That could be in the summer – it's
too early to say until we see how he responds to treatment. "Fortunately he
is a quick healer and we hope that he will be back by the latest the middle
of February."

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham open to Diego Poyet loan as Watford eye move for midfielder
Diego Poyet has only made four appearances for West Ham this season
West Ham are keen for him to get first-team football on loan
Watford and Huddersfield are bot interested in taking the midfielder
By SIMON JONES FOR MAILONLINE
PUBLISHED: 22:31, 7 January 2015 | UPDATED: 22:31, 7 January 2015

West Ham United midfielder Diego Poyet is wanted on loan by Championship
side Watford. The 19-year-old has made four appearances since his summer
move from Charlton and came on as a substitute for Matt Jarvis in Tuesday
night's FA Cup draw with Everton at Goodison Park.
He had a loan spell with Huddersfield earlier in the season and they are
interested too. Watford, however, are fifth in the Championship, seven
points off leaders Bournemouth, and believe a couple of shrewd acquisitions
this month could give them the extra edge required to challenge for
promotion. West Ham are open to the loan as they want Poyet to keep
developing and he needs competitive games for that to happen. Watford,
meanwhile, are giving a trial to Vujadin Savic. The Serbian centre back
played just over an hour in a back three for Watford Under 21s against Leeds
United this week. They scored five first-half goals in a 6-1 victory in the
Premier League Under 21 Cup. The 24-year-old Savic has previously played for
Bordeaux and was on loan at Dynamo Dresden and Arminia Bielefeld.

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::

http://vyperz.blogspot.com



---
This email has been checked for viruses by Avast antivirus software.
http://www.avast.com