Daily WHUFC News - 24th January 2015

Big Sam on: Bristol City
WHUFC.com
The manager speaks to the media ahead of Sunday's FA Cup tie at Bristol City
23.01.2015

Sam Allardyce faced the media on Friday morning ahead of Sunday's FA Cup tie
at Bristol City. He fielded questions on team news, transfer dealings and
more.

Sam, what is the team news?

SA: "We're all fit and well apart from James Collins and Diafra Sakho by the
looks of things. The rest of the team is ok which gives us a strong squad to
go to Bristol City with."

It's now only ten days to go until the end of the transfer window, what is
the situation with Darren Fletcher?

SA: "I'm not in the position to do the financial side of the deal. There are
a few financial packages going out to certain players done by the Chairmen
at the moment, so when we have a satisfactory reply from those, we'll make
them more public than we are at the moment."

Do you feel that he does want to come here?

SA: "He's got quite a few clubs interested in him, so I suppose when he
makes his mind up, everyone else will know."

Is there any time frame on it, Tony Pulis suggested it might do down to
transfer deadline day?

SA: "I don't know. It depends how quickly the packages for our current
players are settled. We can't wait forever, so we'll have to see what
happens."

Have you had the chance to speak to Darren?

SA: "No, we've not had any permission to speak to him."

People may look at this game with Bristol City and think it's a banker, but
Bristol City are doing well in the League One, joint top at the moment?

SA: "It'll be an extremely difficult game, it always is against lower league
opposition, especially away from home. We lost to Sheffield United earlier
in the season on penalties, at home in the Capital One cup so we know how
difficult it is. Tottenham found it difficult against them too, as did
Liverpool against Wimbledon, but for the brilliance of Steven Gerrard they
may have struggled. It's all down to the attitude of the players. If they
take anything lightly then they can get caught cold. Starting on the front
foot has always been important in these types of games."

How difficult is to strike the balance for team selection given you've got
Liverpool, Manchester United, Tottenham and Southampton all coming up soon?

SA: "I'm happy with my selection process at the moment, because I've got a
whole week before we play Liverpool. On the other hand Steve Cotterill has
got a busier schedule, 46 league games in a season and they're still in the
Johnstone's Paint Trophy as well. So he's got a bigger problem than me, and
this game on Sunday probably isn't his priority, probably promotion is. I
don't have a problem playing a full strength elven as we have a full week to
recover before we play Liverpool away."

Given the row following Kevin Mirallas taking the penalty instead of
Leighton Baines, has Adrian been having words with Mark Noble?

SA: "(Laughs) No, no. It was very disappointing for Everton, obviously there
wouldn't have been a fuss had he scored. If someone else
takes a penalty they better make sure that they score it."

Has there been any interest in Adrian following his performances recently?

SA: "No."

Moments in the FA Cup replay are what the competition is all about, can the
manner of the win give your side that lift in the tournament?

SA: "For us now, we have to continue where we left off. We put in a huge
amount of effort into the two games. We were only a minute away from winning
away at Everton and we really should've been more comfortable at home than
we were. However, we finally got through it. It would be a real waste if we
threw it away against Bristol City. This game is something that is very
important to our season, and we want to go as far as we can. We're
favourites to go through but it won't be easy."

Can I just ask you about Arsene Wenger's comments about the work permit laws
being relaxed in order benefit English football, do you agree with that?

SA: "I don't agree with that at all. There's always a massive influx of
foreign talent coming into academies already. As a result we lose the
opportunity for young British players to develop. As an Englishman that's a
real no for me. I think it's important we protect our own, we very rarely do
it here. We haven't done it up to now, and we need to do it somewhere down
the line."

Do you think the rules should be tightened?

SA: "I think they're fine at the moment. You have the opportunity to get
foreign talent in if they are particularly talented. To change it to make it
even easier is a big no for me."

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Potts: 'We need to learn quickly'
WHUFC.com
U21s coach Steve Potts said his side must learn from the 3-1 defeat by
Chelsea
23.01.2015

West Ham United U21 coach Steve Potts said his side need to learn quickly
from the 3-1 defeat to Chelsea at Rush Green on Friday 23 January. The Blues
took an early through Kasey Palmer's inspired flick from a corner before two
goals just before half time from Dominic Solanke sealed the victory. The Dev
Squad rallied in the second half with Sebastian Lletget scoring his first
goal of season after he headed Djair Parfit-Williams cross past goalkeeper
Mitchell Beeney. Speaking after the game, Potts said: "I thought it was a
mixed bag really. There were some good bits, but I thought the bits where we
weren't so good were down to naivety really. "The first goal was from a
corner where we switched off when they play it short, the boys should know
their jobs better than that. Conceding two goals just before half time which
killed the game really."

Speaking about the quality of the Chelsea side, who know go top of the
Barclays U21 Premier League table, Potts continued: "I think sometimes you
just have to accept that you're playing a decent side, you know they are
going to have more of the ball than you, you just have to be patient and no
let the break you down. We gave them too many openings which they punished
in the end. "It was about keeping some sort of shape about the team and
building it from there. In the first half we had some moment going forward
and I thought we were unlucky not to score. I think Chelsea are one of those
teams where you can't give them anything. But I was pleased in the second
half how solid we were and we built from there."

The Dev Squad's next game is another tough fixture, just three days later
when they travel to Southampton on Monday 26 January. "We played with a very
young side tonight, but at the same point this is the level that we want
them to get to. You're playing a Chelsea team that you have to be able to
compete with. They're young lads and they need to learn quickly but
hopefully they will. "Southampton away will be another tough game. We've got
to go again. Southampton are doing really well. It'll be a tough fixture for
us but hopefully we can learn quickly."

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Chadwell Chatter
WHUFC.com
Aaron Cresswell blogs about penalty shootouts, playing Bristol City and
being reunited with teammates
22.01.2015

Hello everyone,

It's been a while since I wrote my last column, I hope you are all doing
well. I guess I better start with our rollercoaster of a replay against
Everton last week. For the neutral, I'm sure it was a great advert for the
FA Cup, but for the fans it must have been quite an ordeal! Thankfully, we
came away with the right result. Adrian did superbly to hold his nerve in
the shootout but the whole team deserve credit for their effort over the two
games.

During the game I knew it was exciting, but it was only afterwards, when I
watched it back, that it all sunk in. It had everything. There were quality
goals, a red card and penalties, so I think it was a fantastic game. When it
came to my penalty, I was originally meant to put it in right-hand corner
but as I started my run up, the referee stopped me. After that I decided to
play it safe and go down the middle, I wasn't willing to take any chances!

This Sunday, we travel to Bristol City in our fourth round tie. They are
flying high in League One and it looks like they will get promoted this
year. Speaking from my experiences of playing against them with Ipswich
Town, it was never easy going to Ashton Gate. Even though we got a couple of
wins there, they were always tough games.

Sunday is particularly special for me as I'll come up against Jay
Emmanuel-Thomas, my former teammate from Ipswich. Funnily enough both Jay
and myself played on the same night in the replays, after the game we were
texting a bit and having a little bit of banter.
He's a fantastic player, having come through at Arsenal as a youngster. He's
got all the ability to be a fantastic player. Having scored four goals in
his last three games, he is in red hot form just as we're about to face him!
It'll be good to come up against him, and I hope the best team wins on the
day.

The FA Cup is still a very special tournament for me personally. I'd like to
go as far as I can in it because as I've never really had a cup run. I'm
really looking forward to the game and hopefully we'll be in the hat for the
fifth round draw on Monday.
Being the Premier League side, I think there's a bit of extra pressure and
as everyone knows, cup upsets can happen. I know all the lads are going into
the game with a lot of confidence, especially after the win over Hull at the
weekend. I thought the first half was very scrappy but in the second, we
worked hard, scored some very good goals and deserved the three points in
the end.

COYI!
Aaron

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Bristol City v West Ham: Aden Flint relishing Andy Carroll battle
BBc.co.uk

Bristol City defender Aden Flint is looking forward to a physical battle
with West Ham striker Andy Carroll in the FA Cup fourth round on Sunday.
Carroll has five goals in his last nine games for the Premier League side,
while Flint has been an integral part of City's League One promotion push.
"He'll let me know that he's there early on and hopefully I can give that
back," said Flint, who stands an inch-and-a-half taller than 6ft 3in
Carroll. "It's a battle I'm looking forward to."

Carroll, who has nine England caps, became Liverpool's club-record signing
in 2011 when he joined from Newcastle for £35m. But the 26-year-old's time
at Anfield was hampered by injury and he was loaned to West Ham before
moving permanently in 2013 for £15m. Ten days before Carroll joined
Liverpool, centre-back Flint left Alfreton Town to sign for Swindon for
£150,000. The battle of the big men
The 25-year-old went on to win the League Two title with Town, under the
management of former West Ham striker Paolo Di Canio, and was signed by City
for £300,000 in June 2013. When asked about coming up against Carroll, who
is known for his power and strength as a centre-forward, Flint joked: "We
both love to head the ball for a living. "But you don't get big money moves
Liverpool for no reason, and he plays in the Premier League so you've got to
be a good footballer - besides heading it. "He's come back from injury and
West Ham have pretty much turned a corner. "You always want to play against
the best players and it's a challenge I'm relishing."

Bristol City battled relegation last season but are currently second in
League One and are on their way to securing a place at Wembley in the
Johnstone's Paint Trophy final. Sunday's game at Ashton Gate will be the
first time the club have played in the fourth round of the FA Cup since
2007. "It puts a smile on your face when you're winning games," added Flint.
"Last year was difficult, for me and the team, but we've turned a corner now
and everyone's looking up rather than down. "We can't be getting ahead of
ourselves. We've got to keep our feet on the ground and play to the best of
our ability."

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Manchester United's Darren Fletcher interests West Ham
BBC/.co.uk

West Ham are interested in signing Darren Fletcher from Manchester United,
says Hammers boss Sam Allardyce. The Scotland captain, 30, has made 342
appearances for United but just five starts under boss Louis van Gaal and
has six months left on his contract. Allardyce has "had no permission" to
speak to the midfielder, who has held preliminary discussions with West Brom
according to their boss Tony Pulis.
"When he makes his mind up everyone will know," said Allardyce. "I don't
know what the timeline is. If any of the other packages offered to him are
accepted then we would accept that. "Or if they hadn't made their mind up or
were negotiating somewhere else that would be it. We can't wait forever. "I
always think at this stage of the window, if you do get something nailed on
you have to take it because you might end up with nothing if you don't."

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Another youngster to depart
KUMb.com
Filed: Friday, 23rd January 2015
By: Staff Writer

Kieran Bywater has become the latest casualty of the Development Squad cull
at Chadwell Heath. The 19-year-old Manchester-born midfielder has confirmed
that he will be leaving West Ham United this year having failed to secure a
new c ontract.Speaking via his Twitter account this lunchtime, the
18-year-old said: "I am not signing a new contract after this season with
West Ham United and just want to thank everyone at the Academy to getting me
where I am. "Looking forward to a new challenge in my career - wherever it
is going to be."

Bywater, who was short-listed for the Dylan Tombides Award (for West Ham's
outstanding Academy scholar) in 2013/14 signed his first professional
contract with West Ham last summer. However he is just one of a number of
Development Squad players whose time at West Ham is coming to an end, with
new Under 21 manager Steve Potts overseeing sweeping changes to the squad.
20-year-old Elliott Lee is another likely to move out ahead of the transfer
window deadline with Southend expressing an interest. Shrimpers boss Phil
Brown told the Echo this week: "I've been interested in bringing Elliot Lee
to the football and that hasn't changed."

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
No pressure but we need a little luck, says Cotterill
KUMB.co m
Filed: Friday, 23rd January 2015
By: Staff Writer

Bristol City manager Steve Cotterill believes his team can beat West Ham
when the two teams meet at Ashton Gate this Sunday - but only with a major
slice of luck. Cotterill, who has been in charge of the Robins since
December 2013 has taken his team to the upper echelons of League One this
season, with City currently lying second in the table behind leaders
Swindon. However he accepted that this weekend's challenge would be
considerable more difficult that any he has faced elsewhere this season. We
know we have to play to our maximum and potentially they have to have an
off-day," Cotterill told bcfc.co.uk. "We may need a little bit of luck, we
know that, but these things can happen in the FA Cup. "All in all it's going
to be a really good occasion and hopefully we can play well. When you're
playing against Premier League teams I think they will let you play because
they play. I imagine it'll be a good game, or at least I hope it will be."

City - who will almost certainly be missing Aaron Wilbraham (hip), Kieran
Agard (ankle) and James Tavernier (Cup-tied) go into the game having won 10
or their last 12 outings, with just the one solitary defeat during that run
- a 1-0 defeat at Crewe Alexandra on 20 December. They reached the fourth
round of the competition courtesy of wins against Gillingham (2-1 away),
Telford (1-0) and Doncaster (2-0 in a reply following a 1-1 draw in the
first tie). "Every time there's been an FA Cup tie we've tried our best,"
continued Cotterill. "Thankfully we've made it through a couple of tough
games against Doncaster Rovers to get a shot at a Premier League side.
"I wanted that opportunity for the players to test themselves against
Premier League players. They will learn something in this game."

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Fletcher move in the balance, says Allardyce
KUMB.com
Filed: Friday, 23rd January 2015
By: Staff Writer

Sam Allardyce says that West Ham are just one of a number of clubs seeking
to sign Manchester United midfielder Darren Fletcher during the current
transfer window. The Hammers have been linked with a move for the Scottish
international who is also said to be interesting the likes of West Bromwich
Labion and La Liga side Valencia. However Allardyce insisted this morning
that West Ham's bid to land the 30-year-old is far from close to completion.
"He's got quite a few clubs interested in him, so I suppose when he makes
his mind up everyone else will know," Allardyce told the media at a press
conference this morning. "There are a few financial packages going out to
certain players done by the Chairmen at the moment, so when we have a
satisfactory reply from those we'll make them more public than we are at the
moment."

Fletcher, whose latest contract at Old Trafford expires at the end of this
season has been with the Manchester club for nearly 20 years. He has also
spoken with new Albion manager Tony Pulis, who like Allardycerefused to
claim a deal was close to being sealed. "We've spoken to Darren, he said
he'll let us know," said Pulis. "The time frame will be deadline day. He's a
fantastic lad and we've shown an interest. But he'll make a decision on
where he wants to go, then the club will get involved in negotiations."

West Ham face Bristol City in the fourth round of the FA Cup at Ashton Gate
on Sunday afternoon.

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
FA Cup fourth round team news: Bristol City v West Ham preview
Last Updated: 23/01/15 10:45pm
SSN

Bristol City boss Steve Cotterill has doubts over Aaron Wilbraham and Kieran
Agard ahead of their FA Cup fourth-round clash against West Ham. Striker
Wilbraham is struggling with a hip problem and has not featured for the
Robins since December, while Agard's last appearance came on Boxing Day.
Defender James Tavernier is cup-tied after playing for parent club Wigan in
their 1-0 loss to Bolton in the previous round. However, fellow loanees
George Saville and Matt Smith can both feature. West Ham defender James
Collins is expected to miss out with a back problem. Collins had to be
substituted in the second half of West Ham's 3-0 win against Hull last
weekend while Diafra Sakho also has a back injury and remains sidelined.
Hammers midfielder Cheikhou Kouyate is on international duty with Senegal at
the African Nations Cup and is unavailable.

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Sam Allardyce sets his sights on Wembley glory for West Ham
Last Updated: 23/01/15 11:03pm
0

Sam Allardyce: Hammers boss sets his sights on Wembley
West Ham manager Sam Allardyce insists his players can create history by
going all the way in the FA Cup this season.
SSN

The Hammers have not lifted the trophy since 1980 and have reached the final
just once since the start of the Premier League era. They take on Sky Bet
League One promotion hopefuls Bristol City in the fourth round on Sunday and
Allardyce wants his side to convert their excellent league form into cup
success this season. "If it could bring success it would recreate modern
history, particularly as we move into a new stadium," Allardyce said. "I'm
sure a lot of West Ham supporters have fantastically fond memories of what
we did at Wembley when we got promoted. "If we can get to a cup final, it's
generally for most fans a once in a lifetime occasion."

Allardyce received heavy criticism last year for fielding a youthful side in
the third round when they were thrashed 5-0 by Nottingham Forest. The
Hammers have no relegation concerns this season, however, and Allardyce
insists his players can give everything to secure a place at Wembley. "We
haven't picked up as many injuries as we might have expected, we've got a
full squad ready and raring to get stuck into the FA Cup," Allardyce said.
"I've got no concerns that it will affect the league form at all. "The FA
Cup falls on a Saturday, not midweek, so we have plenty of time between this
game and the next game to recover and keep our very good league form up. "We
want to be very, very competitive in this competition. We know the glories
of it. "You have that ultimate goal of being at Wembley and that's one of
the most wonderful things you can ever experience in your career."

Allardyce, however, is not expecting an easy ride at Ashton Gate against
Bristol City, who are second in League One and have won their last six
matches at home. "FA Cup games are always extremely difficult against lower
league opposition, particularly away from home," Allardyce added. "It's all
down to the attitude of the player. If they try to take things lightly, they
can get caught cold. "You have to start on the front foot because there is
such excitement - players at Bristol City will play way, way above their
best. "They can produce a one-off performance that causes you a lot of
problems."

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Irons rubbish Valencia Chelsea link
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on January 23, 2015 in Whispers
Claret & Hugh

An Italian sports reporter and well respected transfer expert Gianluca Di
Marzio reckons Jose Mourinho could look in the direction of Enner Valencia
if he fails to land other attacking targets. But the story was immediately
rubbished by the Hammers where a source told ClaretandHugh: There's
absolutely no chance and there is no excape clause ijn his contract. It
won't happen." In a report published today Di Marzio says: "It is no secret
that Chelsea are keen on Fiorentina's Cuadrado, but the asking price for the
midfielder is high.
The English club are not willing to pay more than 25 million euros for the
winger, so under the current circumstances there will be no deal. The
alternative, Douglas Costa of Shakhtar Donetsk, is more feasible in terms of
price. While Chelsea consider these two players, they are also paying
attention to a third option: Enner Valencia of West Ham. He is likely to be
a cheaper alternative. The Hammers source added: "The very idea is crazy –
laughable. He's only been here half a zseason and is settling in brilliantly
– it's not even a remote possibility -not a prayer."

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Fletcher doesn't look the answer!
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on January 23, 2015 in Whispers
Claret &Hugh

Unless Sam Allardyce and David Sullivan have something up their sleeves,
this January will pass without a whimper and that has to be… a very good
thing. Frenetic January activity is not the name of the game at West Ham for
once. We are sorted – and frankly it nice to have a peaceful midwinter
rather than worrying about who may leave and whether anybody needs to be
urgently replaced. With Ricardo Vaz Te now part of our history and Mauro
Zarate out on loan and Ravel Morrison set to make an unlikely move to Lazio
I'd call that good business.
The wage 'save' when all three have departed will be in the region of £75k.

Darren Fletcher may of course arrive but whilst I have great admiration for
his battle against serious illness I do wonder why we are entertaining guy
who has played a handful of Premier League games for United and has been on
the first team sidelines for a month.
At 30, he is also outside our age range and if we are to strengthen
midifield as appears to be the desire its serious pace and energy we need.
Fletcher may show all of those qualities were he to make a loan move but I
remain unconvinced he's the answer to the lack of pace, energy and drive we
are seeing from Mark Noble and Kevin Nolan. In general terms January
spending never a clever idea. Big and successful clubs don't do it and when
you look at our recent excursions into that market, we have spent an awaful
lot of mopney on players who made n o impact whatsoever – last winter being
a perfect example of the point. Some may call this January very boring –
personally I think its very satisfactory!

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
"Hammers going all the way to Wembley"
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on January 23, 2015 in Whispers
Clare t& Hugh

I have little doubt that the Irons will beat Bristol City to go through to
the Fifth Round of the FA Cup but believe they will need a replay to do so.
It's going to be hard at Ashton Gate on Sunday where because of
redevelopment on one side of the ground, the capacity has been reduced to
13,000. And the Hammers will also find that the Ashton Gate pitch is nuch
bigger than they expect which may involve them in having to change their
game a bit – it's actually as big as Wembley. City are going well of course
and will be ready to give the game a right go under boss Steve Cotterill
whose major objective is promotion so this is very much an afternoon off for
him and will tell his team to have a right go. I joined City towards the end
of my playing career and carried out virtually every job possible at Ashton
Gate so I have split affections. I reckon the Robins will take the tie back
to Upton Park after a 2-2 draw and that the Irons will then beat them and
advance on Wembley.

I reckon that the Hammers can go all the way this year and have a real
chance of lifting the old trophy but they mist beware strikers Matt Smith
and Jay Emmanuel-Thomas who started his career at Arsenal. They are the
club's second string strikers but took their chance when the front pair were
injured before Christmas and have scored 12 goals between them since. The
team is doing really well and are second in the division with two games in
and on Swindon. Of course it will be tough but the Irons have quality
everywhere and I don't need to run over it again. They should – and in my
view – will go through. I genuinely believe an FA Cup Final appearance is
now on for the Hammers!

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
BBC FA Cup duty for 'mixed emotions' Leroy
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on January 23, 2015 in Whispers
Claret & Hugh

ClaretandHugh's chief pundit/analyst Leroy Rosenior knows Bristol City as a
club better than most! So it's very much a case of 'mixed emotions' when the
former Irons striker heads for our FA Cup fourth round clash at Ashton Gate
on Sunday. Leroy will be the BBC's man on the touchline for the game and
speaking exclusively to us he said: "It's a tough game for me as I love the
Hammers with all my heart but I did virtually every job there was to do at
Bristol City before leaving the club to manage elsewhere. "I signed as a
player at the same time as Andy Cole and during my time there was reserve
team coach, assistant manager, assistant academy director and even caretaker
manager. "It's going to be tough for the Hammers but I am confident they
will come out with a result as they are the class side but they can taken
nothing for granted."

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham emerge as front-runners in race for Paris prospect
KUMB.com
Filed: Saturday, 24th January 2015
By: Staff Writer

West Ham are understood to be closing in on the capture of teenage Paris
Saint-Germain striker Jean-Kevin Augustin. 17-year-old Augustin has been the
subject of interest from a number of Europe's top clubs in recent months and
is poised to leave the Parc des Princes at the end of the season, when his
current contract expires. His potential availability on a free transfer has
alerted a string of top clubs such as Arsenal, Juventus and West Ham - who
we understand are close to sealing a deal to bring Augustin to the Boleyn
Ground.

Until now Arsenal had been considered favourites to sign the former
Boulogne-Billancourt youngster, who is yet to make an appearance for the PSG
first team despite having made the match day squad on four occasions. But
West Ham - who could take Augustin before his contract expires at the end of
the season, should the two clubs be able to agree what would amount to a
nominal fee - are believed to have stolen a march on their north London
rivals.

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

http://vyperz.blogspot.com



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