West Ham fined £71,000 by FIFA after playing Diafra Sakho in FA Cup tie
following striker's withdrawal from Senegal squad
By MIKE KEEGAN FOR MAILONLINE
PUBLISHED: 14:25, 4 February 2015 | UPDATED: 14:31, 4 February 2015
West Ham have been fined £71,000 and reprimanded by FIFA after they played
Diafra Sakho in an FA Cup win 18 days after he withdrew from Senegal's
Africa Cup of Nations squad. Sakho scored in the 1-0 victory at Ashton Gate
and the governing body opened an investigation to see if they had breached
rules over international duty. The Hammers vigorously denied any wrongdoing
but could have faced expulsion from the FA Cup if they were found guilty.
FIFA released a statement this afternoon confirming the fine.
It stated: 'The FIFA Disciplinary Committee has found the club and the
player to have violated art. 5 of Annexe 1 of the Regulations in relation to
the match played by Sakho on 25 January 2015. The club has been fined CHF
100,000 in accordance with art. 10 c) and art. 15 of the FIFA Disciplinary
Code (FDC) and issued with a reprimand, while the player has been sanctioned
with a reprimand in accordance with art. 10 b) and art. 14 of the FDC.'
Senegal were furious that Sakho played for West Ham 48 hours after they were
knocked out of the competition. The Hammers insisted the player had a back
injury that prevented him from flying and claim he was driven to Ashton Gate
in a limousine for the FA Cup tie.
They requested FIFA dismiss the case.
FIFA STATEMENT IN FULL
FIFA can today confirm the decisions of its Disciplinary Committee in the
case involving the English club West Ham United and the player Diafra Sakho.
Diafra Sakho was called up by the Senegalese Football Association on 18
December 2014 to play for Senegal in the Africa Cup of Nations 2015 taking
place in Equatorial Guinea between 17 January and 8 February 2015, as well
as to attend the training camp of the said representative team from 5-16
January 2015 in Morocco.
The Senegalese FA was informed by West Ham United that Sakho was prevented
from playing and travelling by plane due to injury and thus he did not join
the Senegal team.
On 25 January 2015, the player took part in an official match for his club
West Ham United. Senegal were eliminated from the Africa Cup of Nations 2015
on 27 January 2015.
In view of the above and in accordance with art. 6 par. 1 of Annexe 1 of the
FIFA Regulations on the Status and Transfer of Players (hereinafter the
Regulations), disciplinary proceedings were opened against the player and
the club for a potential violation of Annexe 1 of the Regulations.
The FIFA Disciplinary Committee has found the club and the player to have
violated art. 5 of Annexe 1 of the Regulations in relation to the match
played by Sakho on 25 January 2015. The club has been fined CHF 100,000 in
accordance with art. 10 c) and art. 15 of the FIFA Disciplinary Code (FDC)
and issued with a reprimand, while the player has been sanctioned with a
reprimand in accordance with art. 10 b) and art. 14 of the FDC.
The terms of the decisions were notified to the relevant parties today.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
http://vyperz.blogspot.com
---
This email has been checked for viruses by Avast antivirus software.
http://www.avast.com
Wednesday, February 4
Daily WHUFC News - FIFA Ruling
FIFA sanctions West Ham United and Diafra Sakho
(FIFA.com) Wednesday 4 February 2015
FIFA.com
FIFA can today confirm the decisions of its Disciplinary Committee in the
case involving the English club West Ham United and the player Diafra Sakho.
Diafra Sakho was called up by the Senegalese Football Association on 18
December 2014 to play for Senegal in the Africa Cup of Nations 2015 taking
place in Equatorial Guinea between 17 January and 8 February 2015, as well
as to attend the training camp of the said representative team from 5-16
January 2015 in Morocco.
The Senegalese FA was informed by West Ham United that Sakho was prevented
from playing and travelling by plane due to injury and thus he did not join
the Senegal team.
On 25 January 2015, the player took part in an official match for his club
West Ham United. Senegal were eliminated from the Africa Cup of Nations 2015
on 27 January 2015.
In view of the above and in accordance with art. 6 par. 1 of Annexe 1 of the
FIFA Regulations on the Status and Transfer of Players (hereinafter the
Regulations), disciplinary proceedings were opened against the player and
the club for a potential violation of Annexe 1 of the Regulations.
The FIFA Disciplinary Committee has found the club and the player to have
violated art. 5 of Annexe 1 of the Regulations in relation to the match
played by Sakho on 25 January 2015. The club has been fined CHF 100,000 in
accordance with art. 10 c) and art. 15 of the FIFA Disciplinary Code (FDC)
and issued with a reprimand, while the player has been sanctioned with a
reprimand in accordance with art. 10 b) and art. 14 of the FDC.
The terms of the decisions were notified to the relevant parties today.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
http://vyperz.blogspot.com
---
This email has been checked for viruses by Avast antivirus software.
http://www.avast.com
(FIFA.com) Wednesday 4 February 2015
FIFA.com
FIFA can today confirm the decisions of its Disciplinary Committee in the
case involving the English club West Ham United and the player Diafra Sakho.
Diafra Sakho was called up by the Senegalese Football Association on 18
December 2014 to play for Senegal in the Africa Cup of Nations 2015 taking
place in Equatorial Guinea between 17 January and 8 February 2015, as well
as to attend the training camp of the said representative team from 5-16
January 2015 in Morocco.
The Senegalese FA was informed by West Ham United that Sakho was prevented
from playing and travelling by plane due to injury and thus he did not join
the Senegal team.
On 25 January 2015, the player took part in an official match for his club
West Ham United. Senegal were eliminated from the Africa Cup of Nations 2015
on 27 January 2015.
In view of the above and in accordance with art. 6 par. 1 of Annexe 1 of the
FIFA Regulations on the Status and Transfer of Players (hereinafter the
Regulations), disciplinary proceedings were opened against the player and
the club for a potential violation of Annexe 1 of the Regulations.
The FIFA Disciplinary Committee has found the club and the player to have
violated art. 5 of Annexe 1 of the Regulations in relation to the match
played by Sakho on 25 January 2015. The club has been fined CHF 100,000 in
accordance with art. 10 c) and art. 15 of the FIFA Disciplinary Code (FDC)
and issued with a reprimand, while the player has been sanctioned with a
reprimand in accordance with art. 10 b) and art. 14 of the FDC.
The terms of the decisions were notified to the relevant parties today.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
http://vyperz.blogspot.com
---
This email has been checked for viruses by Avast antivirus software.
http://www.avast.com
Daily WHUFC News - 4th February 2015
Joint-Chairman's window watch
WHUFC.com
Joint-Chairman David Sullivan provides an update on the final day of the
transfer window
03.02.2015
Joint-Chairman David Sullivan has updated supporters on the Club's transfer
deadline day activity
Yesterday was an incredibly long day as we undertook hours of meetings and
negotiations to try to bring in new faces. I would say that the end result
versus effort would put it up there as one of the most frustrating transfer
deadline days I can remember. I can assure you that the absence of any
deals was certainly not through lack of trying but I am satisfied that doing
no deadline day business is better than doing the wrong business. Throughout
this month we have said we are comfortable with the squad we have and our
main focus was ensuring that we kept hold of our best assets and I am
pleased that we have successfully done that.
However, our desire to try to bring in new faces was heightened by what
happened at Anfield on Saturday, with all three central defenders suffering
injuries. We prioritised that position and targeted two experienced Premier
League defenders but could not reach an agreement with them over the length
of their deals. We then appeared to have reached an agreement with a rising
star central defender from overseas, but that deal fell through at the
eleventh hour as his club would not have had time to replace him. We do rate
the player so it could be that we look to resurrect our interest again at
the end of the season.
Further forward, it was widely reported that Carlton Cole was in talks to
join West Bromwich Albion, but we made clear he could only leave if a
suitable replacement was found. We thought we had one experienced Premier
League striker lined up, only for his Club to pull out of the deal at the
last minute. I think we take the reasons they gave as a backhanded
compliment, with our improvements on the field and our increased success off
it meaning we are now viewed as rivals that shouldn't be dealt with!
Finally, we looked into the possibility of Mauro Zarate returning from loan,
with Matt Jarvis going the other way in search of more first-team football,
but that deal was ruled out by the Premier League once it seemed set to go
through.
Overall, we are still happy with the make-up of the squad and have faith in
those players that have helped us get to the strong position we find
ourselves in today. The priority was not to lose any of them and I am
pleased we have done that. I also take satisfaction that we have been
sensible financially and not committed to big contracts for older players.
We have a clear philosophy on bringing in the right players for this
football club and I am pleased we have stuck to our guns.
Would you believe, we now only have four months until the start of the
summer window and with significant funds being made available again, our
planning for that period can now begin in earnest.
Thank you for your continued support as ever.
David Sullivan
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Local students grill Hammers stars
WHUFC.com
Winston Reid, Carl Jenkinson and Matt Jarvis took part in a Q&A with Palmer
Catholic Academy students
03.02.2015
West Ham United first team stars Winston Reid, Carl Jenkinson and Matt
Jarvis were on hand to share their expertise with Year 11 students from The
Palmer Catholic Academy in Seven Kings in a special question and answer
session on Tuesday. The group of 15 and 16-year-olds visited the Club's
Chadwell Heath training ground to grill them on all areas of life as a
professional footballer - from how they control pre-match nerves to the best
piece of advice they received at a young age. The students are aspiring
footballers themselves, having got to the latter stages of their national
cup competition, and were thrilled to meet the Hammers stars. West Ham fan
Kieran, 15, said: "I support West Ham and I enjoy watching them play, so it
was good for me to meet the players. "This year, we got far but got knocked
out of a few Cups. We were in the last 64 of the National Cup, which isn't
too bad. We're still in the District Cup, so hopefully we can win that one!"
He said: "It was a great experience to meet full-on footballers. We want to
be footballers too so it was great to get tips from them.
"It was a mindblowing experience and to hear it from the players themselves
is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity so I'm grateful fot it.
"I'm a centre half so I just wanted to ask Winston Reid as many questions as
I could about playing there!"
Jenkinson, who was a student in the local area himself at Loughton's
Davenant Foundation School, knows from his personal experience how important
his role as an inspirational figure is. He explained: "It was a good Q&A
session and they were a really good bunch of young men - a credit to
themselves and their school. "It's nice to be able to pass on our expertise
because they are in the same boat that we were, maybe six or seven years
ago. "We know exactly where they are and you can tell a lot of them would
love to be a footballer. It's nice to chat to them and it's nice for them to
chat to us and share experiences. "When I was their age it was a massive
thing for me to meet footballers and you use it as an opportunity to find
out a bit about them and what it takes to become one."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
New milestone for our new Stadium
WHUFC.com
VINCI Stadium have been awarded the contract to manage West Ham United's new
home
03.02.2015
VINCI Stadium, operators of The Stade de France, have been awarded the
contract to manage West Ham United's new home in Queen Elizabeth Olympic
Park. Following a competitive tendering process, the experienced stadium
operators have been awarded the 25-year contract by the E20 Stadium LLP, the
commercial partnership set up by the London Legacy Development Corporation
and London Newham Council to manage the former Olympic Stadium.
The French-owned company also currently operate the Allianz Riviera in Nice,
the New Bordeaux Stadium and the MMArena in Le Mans. While West Ham will
become the main tenant of the new Stadium from 2016 onwards, it will also be
used to host athletics events, other sports, entertainment, and activities
for the local community. To ensure consistency and efficiency in how it is
managed, no matter what purpose it is being used for, it has always been the
case that the E20 LLP planned to appoint an expert facilities company to
manage the operations of the Stadium all year round.
West Ham United Vice-Chairman Karren Brady said: "Managing the basic
day-to-day operations at a Premier League football stadium is a unique
challenge, so we will be passing on our extensive experience and expertise
to Vinci to ensure they provide the same high levels of service our
supporters have become accustomed to at the Boleyn Ground. "While Vinci will
manage the functional aspects of the matchday operation, we will still be
overseeing the overall supporter experience to make sure watching West Ham
remains one of the very best days out in the Premier League. "We look
forward to meeting with Vinci to share our vision for what will be a busy,
but exciting, 20 months until we kick off our first game in our stunning new
home."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Emmanuel Adebayor: Spurs chief Levy blocks West Ham move
By Ben Smith
BBC Sport
Daniel Levy stepped in to stop striker Emmanuel Adebayor leaving Tottenham
for West Ham on transfer deadline day. The Spurs chairman refused West Ham's
bid to seal the loan deal after the 30-year-old Togo striker had agreed
terms. Tottenham were open to allowing him to leave during the transfer
window and were prepared to subsidise more than half of his £100,000-a-week
wages. But they refused to extend those terms to West Ham, because they
deemed them direct rivals. Senior officials from both clubs were in talks
until 23:00 GMT on Monday. West Ham co-chairman David Gold apologised to
fans after deals fell through having raised hopes of additions. "Don't go to
bed. DG," tweeted Gold during Monday evening. But after the deadline passed
without any new recruits, he added: "Sorry for keeping you up late but at
the last moment the main deal collapsed and the rest folded like a pack of
cards." He thanked co-owner David Sullivan and manager Sam Allardyce for
their efforts, blaming the Premier League club's failure to land new players
on "people out there that you just can't do business with". The collapse of
the Adebayor deal had a domino effect, with the Hammers then blocking
Carlton Cole's move to West Brom as they feared a lack of striking cover.
West Ham and Spurs have been in dispute in recent years over the use of the
Olympic Stadium, which will be the Hammers' new home from the 2016-17
season. QPR also made an enquiry for former Arsenal and Manchester City
player Adebayor, who was not willing to join the Loftus Road club and will
now attempt to force his way back into manager Mauricio Pochettino's plans.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Paul McCallum: Portsmouth striker given seven-match ban
BBC.co.uk
On-loan Portsmouth striker Paul McCallum has been banned for seven matches
after his furious reaction to being sent off against Southend.
The West Ham youngster was dismissed for violent conduct amid a 2-1 defeat.
The 21-year-old then appeared to raise a hand to referee Lee Collins and had
to be dragged away from the confrontation by team-mates. He received a
three-match ban for the red card, with the additional four matches imposed
for his reaction. McCallum, who pleaded guilty to the charge, joined Pompey
on loan until the end of the season and was making his second appearance
from the bench. He will miss matches against Hartlepool, Dagenham and
Redbridge, Exeter, Cambridge, Tranmere and Oxford, having already served the
first match of the suspension. The first game after his ban is completed
will be Portsmouth's match against Northampton on 3 March. McCallum, who has
had previous loan spells with AFC Wimbledon, Aldershot, Torquay and Hearts,
apologised on Twitter for his reaction, admitting he had been "very stupid
and reckless". Portsmouth are 18th in League Two, just two points above the
relegation places.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Mac whacked with seven-match ban
KUMB.com
Filed: Tuesday, 3rd February 2015
By: Staff Writer
West Ham United youngster Paul McCallum has been hit with a SEVEN match ban
as a result of his response to being dismissed in a recent match at
Portsmouth. The 21-year-old, who is one of the few Development Squad players
it is felt may have a future at the club was sent off whilst playing for
Portsmouth, with whom he has been on loan since mid-January. Having been
sent off for violent conduct, McCallum responded by raising a hand towards
referee Lee Collins and had to be pulled away from the incident by a number
of team mate, who were quick to intervene. For that response, McCallum
received a four-match ban - on to pof the three-match ban his red card hard
already earned him. The young striker, who had only been on the pitch for 29
minutes having replaced fellow forward Craig Westcarr will now miss Pompey's
crucial fixtures against Hartlepool, Exeter, Tranmere and Oxford at home and
the trips to Dagenham & Redbridge and Cambridge.
He had already sat out Portsmouth's goalless draw at Wycombe last weekend.
McCallum is on-loan with the League Two side for the rest of the current
campaign.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham rejected Amalfitano offer
KUMB.com
Filed: Tuesday, 3rd February 2015
By: Staff Writer
Leicester City tried to sign West Ham United winger Morgan Amalfitano as the
transfer window drew to a close last night. The French midfielder, who
joined West Ham in a cut-price £1million deal last summer was the subject of
a firm bid from the Foxes - an offer that was instantly rejected by West
Ham's David Sullivan. City, who are in deep trouble at the bottom of the
Premier League turned to Amalfitano having had an approach for Aaron Lennon
rejected by the player (who eventually signed for Everton). However they
were politely informed that West Ham would be unwilling to do business on a
player who has been a vital cog in the squad that has propelled United into
the upper half of the Premier League. In the end, the only player Nigel
Pearson managed to sign on a frustrating day for Leicester was Robert Huth
from Stoke City on loan for the rest of the season.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
French firm win OS management rights
KUMB.com
Filed: Tuesday, 3rd February 2015
By: Staff Writer
French operating company Vinci Stadium have been appointed as the new
managers of the Olympic Stadium. Vinci, who current operate a number of
stadiums including the Stade de France in Paris, the Allianz Riviera in Nice
and the New Bordeaux Stadium were confirmed as the stadium's new owners by
London mayor Boris Johnson this morning. Karren Brady, West Ham United's
vice-chair said: ""Managing the basic day-to-day operations at a Premier
League football stadium is a unique challenge. "We will be passing on our
extensive experience and expertise to Vinci to ensure they provide the same
high levels of service our supporters have become accustomed to at the
Boleyn Ground."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Sullivan: my deadline day frustration
KUMB.com
Filed: Tuesday, 3rd February 2015
By: Staff Writer
West Ham co-owner David Sullivan has admitted that West Ham's failure to
land any of their main transfer targets yesterday left him hugely
frustrated. West Ham's 65-year-old co-chairman was at the very heart of
yesterday's deadline day business. However a succession of failed deals left
West Ham with practically the same squad they had prior to the beginning of
January. "Yesterday was an incredibly long day as we undertook hours of
meetings and negotiations to try to bring in new faces," he told whufc.com.
"I would say that the end result versus effort would put it up there as one
of the most frustrating transfer deadline days I can remember. "I can assure
you that the absence of any deals was certainly not through lack of trying
but I am satisfied that doing no deadline day business is better than doing
the wrong business. "Throughout this month we have said we are comfortable
with the squad we have and our main focus was ensuring that we kept hold of
our best assets and I am pleased that we have successfully done that."
Sullivan admitted that he and manager Sam Allardyce had prioritised the area
of central defence on the day, although deals for Younis Kaboul (Tottenham),
Steven Caulker (QPR) and Genk's Kara Mbodj failed to work out. "We
prioritised that position and targeted two experienced Premier League
defenders but could not reach an agreement with them over the length of
their deals," confirmed Sullivan.
"We then appeared to have reached an agreement with a rising star central
defender from overseas, but that deal fell through at the eleventh hour as
his club would not have had time to replace him. "We do rate the player, so
it could be that we look to resurrect our interest again at the end of the
season."
The other key area identified as being in need of strengthening was the
forward line. With Mauro Zarate on loan at QPR, Andy Carroll injured and
Diafra Sakho's career apparently in limbo, Allardyce and Sullivan were keen
to add to their firepower. In the end a late move for Tottenham's Emmanuel
Adebayor was scuppered by Spurs' chairman Daniel Levy, who refused to
subsidise the 30-year-old's wages - despite agreeing to do so if the player
had signed for Crystal Palace, or Queens Park Rangers. "It was widely
reported that Carlton Cole was in talks to join West Bromwich Albion, but we
made clear he could only leave if a suitable replacement was found," said
Sullivan. "We thought we had one experienced Premier League striker lined
up, only for his club to pull out of the deal at the last minute. "I think
we take the reasons they gave as a backhanded compliment, with our
improvements on the field and our increased success off it meaning we are
now viewed as rivals that shouldn't be dealt with! "Finally, we looked into
the possibility of Mauro Zarate returning from loan, with Matt Jarvis going
the other way in search of more first-team football, but that deal was
ruled out by the Premier League once it seemed set to go through."
The chairman ended his statement with what appeared to be a critical comment
aimed at his manager, who had championed West Ham United's purchase of
Darren Fletcher - the former Manchester United midfielder who instead joined
West Bromwich Albion ahead of last night's deadline. "I take satisfaction
that we have been sensible financially and not committed to big contracts
for older players," retorted Sullivan. "We have a clear philosophy on
bringing in the right players for this football club and I am pleased we
have stuck to our guns.
"Overall, we are still happy with the make-up of the squad and have faith in
those players that have helped us get to the strong position we find
ourselves in today. The priority was not to lose any of them and I am
pleased we have done that."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Alex Song would have loved to play with Emmanuel Adebayor at West Ham
Last Updated: 03/02/15 7:23pm
SSN
West Ham midfielder Alex Song would have relished chance to play with former
Arsenal team-mate Emmanuel Adebayor had the Tottenham striker's Deadline Day
transfer gone through. West Ham looked set to bring Adebayor to Upton Park
on loan but the deal collapsed late on Monday night. Song, who played
alongside Adebayor at Arsenal, said it was a shame the striker would not be
joining West Ham. "I think if he was coming it would be very good for us –
he is a great player," Song told Sky Sports News HQ. "I played with him for
five years, I know what he can do. So when someone told me he had the
potential to come to West Ham I was very happy because this kind of player
can help us contribute to doing very well in the league – we need a person
just like this. "It didn't happen but now I want just to tell him good luck.
We just have to focus now, just to do our job very well. "We know we have
good players, a good squad, but there's something we didn't have…we were
looking to have more players come in but we didn't have them. So we just
have to focus on the players we've got. "Every time (after transfer
deadlines) it's good when you have players coming in, trying to help, but we
didn't get it. Now we just have to look forward and play like we have."
Adebayor's move reportedly fell though because Tottenham chairman Daniel
Levy refused to allow Adebayor to move to Upton Park. Levy's reported
refusal to subsidise the loan sparked comments from West Ham co-chairman
David Gold on Twitter. Gold tweeted: "Sorry for keeping you up late but at
the last moment the main deal collapsed and the rest folded like a pack of
cards. Stay strong. "I'd like to thank David Sullivan and Sam (Allardyce)
for their efforts to secure new players during this window. "However no
matter how hard you tried there are people out there that you just can't do
business with. Dg"
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
OH, RAVEL, YOU COULD HAVE BEEN A WEST HAM GREAT
By Iain Dale 3 Feb 2015 at 14:29
West Ham till I Die
Guest Post by Casey Moore
Ravel Morrison is leaving West Ham United in the summer, having signed a
pre-contract with Rome club, Lazio. I, for one, have mixed emotions about
this. He is the embodiment of being West Ham and the embodiment of our
lovely little battle tune "I'm Forever Blowing Bubbles". (Excuse the
ordering of the lyrics. Had to be done to get my point across. These things
happen, leave it out.)
"Fortune's always hiding, I've looked everywhere"
We have looked everywhere in the past few years for that one special talent,
everywhere. We even looked as far as Maldonado, Uruguay, where we found
Brian Montenegro. Montenegro failed to even make one first team appearance
for us during his loan spell. Before Brian came there was one of our dearest
broken footballers, Savio Nsereko. Savio was bought for nine million from
Brescia under the Iceland/Zola era. Last we heard about him he was faking
his own kidnapping to get ransom money in Asia.
As for Ravel we didn't have to go that far to find a treasure. We would take
the M6 up to Manchester. Morrison seemed like a gift from Fergie to his pal
Big Sam. However, he did come with a caveat, Fergie had given up on
mentoring this youth as he was to hard to contain. He was a diamond in the
rough to paraphrase the sentiments that Fergie had for the boy. The fortune
is there (if you can dig it up) for the whole world to see.
"Then like my dreams, they fade and die"
Relive that moment at White Hart Lane with me will you? Click the link,
close your eyes and listen to the commentary, take deep breathes and feel
your pulse heighten:
"Is it going in? It is! Thats three!"
"Brilliant goal by Morrison, fantastic pace!"
"A touch of a young Michael Owen about this!"
And with that our dreams shot out of the Lane and floated to the heavens, we
had finally found our Claret and Blue clad savior. He gave Spurs a torrid
time that day and he helped finalize our first win at the Temple of Doom
since 1999. Morrison had praised showered down upon him like Big Sam's gravy
onto his Sunday roast. But, if science has taught us anything it is that
what goes up must come down or in the case of bubbles they explode with out
a sound and then cease to exist.
His form dipped, his calls to the England U21's stopped coming after a
superb piece of skill in training was topped of by infighting with Wilfred
Zaha and he was loaned out. His first loan, at the end of the Tottenham
treble season (To be fair there wasn't much else worth noting about that
season), was to Redknapp's QPR. He started well scoring a few goals but then
the goals and the skill dried up and there he was, sitting on the bench
sulking with a cigarette in hand. That picture was worth more than 1000
words. It showed he had no respect for his position, his manager, or his
career.
At the start of the 14/15 season the road was rocky with alleged tension
between the twenty-one year old and Sam and he was loaned out again to
Cardiff. Half way through the season and he was sent back to West Ham after
failing to score in his only seven appearances. He had trouble with the law,
was in local lock up and then found innocent in court of threatening his
ex-girlfriend and assaulting her mom.
It is now January and with just under six months left on his contract he was
allowed to sign up with any team willing to have him, for free. It is
disheartening to see someone with this much talent throw it away so easily.
He could have had statues erected outside the Olympic Stadium. He could have
been handed the crown of cult/punk-rock fiery figure from Paulo Di Canio and
even more. Alas, he will just go down in the West Ham history books as a
never-was, a gamble on dice that came up snake eyes, and a blip of greatness
on the Irons timeline. I wish the lad the best, I really do, as that one
moment of genius was unlike anything I had ever witnessed. Picking up the
ball from the halfway line, jinking around players as if they were traffic
cones, switching the ball between feet, and popping it over a hapless Hugo
Loris. Thank you for that Ravel, Thank you.
What are your thoughts? Troubled soul who is a journeyman in the making? or
is he the real-deal and the best is yet to come?
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Paul Pogba to help Ravel Morrison settle in Italy ahead of midfielder's
summer switch to Lazio
18:05, 3 February 2015 By John Cross
The ex-Manchester United youngster has signed a pre-contract with Lazio to
join the Serie A side this summer on a five-year deal
The Mirror
Ravel Morrison has turned to Paul Pogba for help in becoming a smash hit in
Italy. West Ham midfielder Morrison, 22, has signed a pre-contract with
Lazio to join them this summer on a five-year deal. Morrison is big pals
with Juventus star Pogba from their days together at Manchester United's
academy and they remain in close contact. Pogba has already given Morrison
some tips on how to settle in Italy where the French midfielder has
established himself as one of the biggest talents in Europe. England
Under-21 star Morrison will also take regular Italian lessons to help him
settle in after he arrives in the summer. Morrison is one of English
football's most talented youngsters after former United boss Sir Alex
Ferguson called him the best he had ever seen for his age.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham's Carlton Cole screamed "you're ******* wrecking my career" to Sam
Allardyce after West Brom move collapse
15:38, 3 February 2015 By Darren Lewis
The Hammers front man was on the verge of completing a deadline day switch
to the Baggies but complications in the deal meant the late move was
cancelled
The Mirror
Angry Carlton Cole screamed his frustration at Sam Allardyce after receiving
a call from the West Ham boss to say that his £500,000 move to West Brom had
fallen through. The 31-year-old striker, hugely popular at Upton Park, is
alleged to have stunned watching Albion staff when he allegedly shouted down
the phone: "You're ******* wrecking my career!" His expletive-laden tirade
had come after he was let down just 20 minutes before last night's 11pm
deadline. Heartbroken Cole - who had completed a medical and agreed terms on
an 18-month deal - angrily demanded to know why he was being prevented from
being able to play first-team football under Tony Pulis at the Hawthorns.
Mirror Sport understands the marksman was particularly frustrated as he had
earlier turned down a move to QPR. Far from taking umbrage at Cole's anger,
Allardyce is understood to have sympathised. Cole had been sitting waiting
to get the green light in Albion's training ground canteen before receiving
the call to say that the move could not happen and that he had to return to
London. West Ham had no option to bring him back, however, because Tottenham
chairman Daniel Levy had decided to block their loan move for Emmanuel
Adebayor.
West Brom chairman Jeremy Peace, said: "We were disappointed for Carlton
because he was also excited about joining us but for reasons
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Premier League helped snooker Cole move
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on February 3, 2015 in Whispers
Claret & Hugh
West Ham did all they could to get Carlton Cole his move to West Brom
despite Daniel Levy making it impossible for the club to complete a deal for
Emmanuel Adebayor. Such has been the player's loyalty to the club, the major
feeling across the Upton Park and Chadwell Heath this morning is sadness for
the Hammers veteran. The striker was left distraught after he believed his
move to the Baggies – and presumably regular first team football – had been
sorted when things fell apart at the last minute as Spurs chairman Daniel
Levy demanded we paid Adebayor's £100k a week wages in full. We were told:
"Yes, there were deals we would love to have done but our hearts go out to
Coley. It wasn't entirely a Spurs thing – it involved the Premier League as
well. "Everybody is gutted for Coley -he's a nice man. The Premier League
said we could recall Zarate, by mutual agreement with QPR, then we could
have let Carlton go. Then sadly they changed their minds !"
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Great window: 'Sak' and Enner still here
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on February 3, 2015 in Whispers
Claret & Hugh
Well, so much for The Sun and the scare stories over Enner Valencia to a
larger, and Diafra Sakho, to a lesser extent. Whilst legions of Irons fans
sat up to watch the last knockings of Deadline Day and our failure to land
Emmanuel Adebayor for goodness sake, not a word appears to have escaped our
lips on the other two. Yet for a few days earlier the only issue on the
agenda was whether either of both of them would be gone by today. sak with
ballThat both are still with just is really no surprise for what was going
on here was that a bunch of agents telling their favourite newspapermen to
talk it up – all of whom would have earned, a cut had sales gone through.
There was never anymore than a five per cent chance of Enner leaving whilst
Diafra Sakho's future is totally under lock and key with one very highly
placed individual telling us: "He's going nowhere at any price."
The rest of the window – for me anyway – was brilliant although I know as
the words escape the keyboard there's plenty of flack heading my way.
Bullet's dodged all over the place – Darren Fletcher, Younes Koubal ( who
turns at the same sort of pace as the QE2) 37 year old Sylvain Distin and of
course Emmanuel Adebayor – yet another skyscraper front man..
ValenciaactionNo business is better than bad business and the great news is,
the deadly duo (WHEN THEY ARE ALLOWED TO BE) are still with us. Give thanks
– things could be considerably worse today!
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Song sings Reggae
Posted by Sean Whetstone on February 3, 2015 in Whispers
Calret & Hugh
Alex Song provided lead vocals in a charity West Ham reggae band as he was
joined by Kevin Nolan, Stewart Downing and Cheikhou Kouyate. The players
were singing in aid of the NSPCC and the Autism Society. Stick to the
football guys.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
FIFA Sakho probe starts
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on February 3, 2015 in Whispers
Claret & Hugh
FIFA is starting it's inquiry into the Diafra Sakho affair today. West Ham
and the player are expecting to know the outcome of the probe into the club
v country row with Senegal within a few days. But a well placed club source
told ClaretandHugh exclusively: "It's only Round One and if we don't get the
outcome we want we have the right to appeal and will." The club has already
appealed for an immediate dismissal of the proceedings claiming they have
fully adhered to the rules on the player' absence from the Senegal national
team.
In trying to understand where this could lead we have looked at the Fifa
Rule book and here's what it has to say on such issues.
Restrictions on Playing
"A player who has been called up by his association for one of its
representative teams is, unless otherwise agreed by the relevant
association, not entitled to play for the club with which he is registered
during the period for which he has been released or should have been
released pursuant to the provisions of this annexe. This restriction on
playing for the club shall, moreover, be prolonged by five days, in the
event that the player, for whatever reason, did not wish to or could not
comply to the call-up."
Disciplinary measures
1. Violations of any of the provision set forth in this annexe shall result
in the imposition of disciplinary measures.
2.If a club refuses to release a player or neglects to do so despite the
provisions of this annexe, the Fifa Players' Status Committee shall
furthermore request the association to which the player belongs to declare
any match (es) in which the player took part to have been lost by the club
concerned. Any points thus gained by the club in question shall be
forfeited. Any match contested according to the Cup system shall be regarded
as having been one by the opposing team irrespective of the score."
However, should Fifa find against the Irons and decide on the ultimate
sanction it's likely they will run into big opposition from our own Football
Association.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
http://vyperz.blogspot.com
---
This email has been checked for viruses by Avast antivirus software.
http://www.avast.com
WHUFC.com
Joint-Chairman David Sullivan provides an update on the final day of the
transfer window
03.02.2015
Joint-Chairman David Sullivan has updated supporters on the Club's transfer
deadline day activity
Yesterday was an incredibly long day as we undertook hours of meetings and
negotiations to try to bring in new faces. I would say that the end result
versus effort would put it up there as one of the most frustrating transfer
deadline days I can remember. I can assure you that the absence of any
deals was certainly not through lack of trying but I am satisfied that doing
no deadline day business is better than doing the wrong business. Throughout
this month we have said we are comfortable with the squad we have and our
main focus was ensuring that we kept hold of our best assets and I am
pleased that we have successfully done that.
However, our desire to try to bring in new faces was heightened by what
happened at Anfield on Saturday, with all three central defenders suffering
injuries. We prioritised that position and targeted two experienced Premier
League defenders but could not reach an agreement with them over the length
of their deals. We then appeared to have reached an agreement with a rising
star central defender from overseas, but that deal fell through at the
eleventh hour as his club would not have had time to replace him. We do rate
the player so it could be that we look to resurrect our interest again at
the end of the season.
Further forward, it was widely reported that Carlton Cole was in talks to
join West Bromwich Albion, but we made clear he could only leave if a
suitable replacement was found. We thought we had one experienced Premier
League striker lined up, only for his Club to pull out of the deal at the
last minute. I think we take the reasons they gave as a backhanded
compliment, with our improvements on the field and our increased success off
it meaning we are now viewed as rivals that shouldn't be dealt with!
Finally, we looked into the possibility of Mauro Zarate returning from loan,
with Matt Jarvis going the other way in search of more first-team football,
but that deal was ruled out by the Premier League once it seemed set to go
through.
Overall, we are still happy with the make-up of the squad and have faith in
those players that have helped us get to the strong position we find
ourselves in today. The priority was not to lose any of them and I am
pleased we have done that. I also take satisfaction that we have been
sensible financially and not committed to big contracts for older players.
We have a clear philosophy on bringing in the right players for this
football club and I am pleased we have stuck to our guns.
Would you believe, we now only have four months until the start of the
summer window and with significant funds being made available again, our
planning for that period can now begin in earnest.
Thank you for your continued support as ever.
David Sullivan
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Local students grill Hammers stars
WHUFC.com
Winston Reid, Carl Jenkinson and Matt Jarvis took part in a Q&A with Palmer
Catholic Academy students
03.02.2015
West Ham United first team stars Winston Reid, Carl Jenkinson and Matt
Jarvis were on hand to share their expertise with Year 11 students from The
Palmer Catholic Academy in Seven Kings in a special question and answer
session on Tuesday. The group of 15 and 16-year-olds visited the Club's
Chadwell Heath training ground to grill them on all areas of life as a
professional footballer - from how they control pre-match nerves to the best
piece of advice they received at a young age. The students are aspiring
footballers themselves, having got to the latter stages of their national
cup competition, and were thrilled to meet the Hammers stars. West Ham fan
Kieran, 15, said: "I support West Ham and I enjoy watching them play, so it
was good for me to meet the players. "This year, we got far but got knocked
out of a few Cups. We were in the last 64 of the National Cup, which isn't
too bad. We're still in the District Cup, so hopefully we can win that one!"
He said: "It was a great experience to meet full-on footballers. We want to
be footballers too so it was great to get tips from them.
"It was a mindblowing experience and to hear it from the players themselves
is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity so I'm grateful fot it.
"I'm a centre half so I just wanted to ask Winston Reid as many questions as
I could about playing there!"
Jenkinson, who was a student in the local area himself at Loughton's
Davenant Foundation School, knows from his personal experience how important
his role as an inspirational figure is. He explained: "It was a good Q&A
session and they were a really good bunch of young men - a credit to
themselves and their school. "It's nice to be able to pass on our expertise
because they are in the same boat that we were, maybe six or seven years
ago. "We know exactly where they are and you can tell a lot of them would
love to be a footballer. It's nice to chat to them and it's nice for them to
chat to us and share experiences. "When I was their age it was a massive
thing for me to meet footballers and you use it as an opportunity to find
out a bit about them and what it takes to become one."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
New milestone for our new Stadium
WHUFC.com
VINCI Stadium have been awarded the contract to manage West Ham United's new
home
03.02.2015
VINCI Stadium, operators of The Stade de France, have been awarded the
contract to manage West Ham United's new home in Queen Elizabeth Olympic
Park. Following a competitive tendering process, the experienced stadium
operators have been awarded the 25-year contract by the E20 Stadium LLP, the
commercial partnership set up by the London Legacy Development Corporation
and London Newham Council to manage the former Olympic Stadium.
The French-owned company also currently operate the Allianz Riviera in Nice,
the New Bordeaux Stadium and the MMArena in Le Mans. While West Ham will
become the main tenant of the new Stadium from 2016 onwards, it will also be
used to host athletics events, other sports, entertainment, and activities
for the local community. To ensure consistency and efficiency in how it is
managed, no matter what purpose it is being used for, it has always been the
case that the E20 LLP planned to appoint an expert facilities company to
manage the operations of the Stadium all year round.
West Ham United Vice-Chairman Karren Brady said: "Managing the basic
day-to-day operations at a Premier League football stadium is a unique
challenge, so we will be passing on our extensive experience and expertise
to Vinci to ensure they provide the same high levels of service our
supporters have become accustomed to at the Boleyn Ground. "While Vinci will
manage the functional aspects of the matchday operation, we will still be
overseeing the overall supporter experience to make sure watching West Ham
remains one of the very best days out in the Premier League. "We look
forward to meeting with Vinci to share our vision for what will be a busy,
but exciting, 20 months until we kick off our first game in our stunning new
home."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Emmanuel Adebayor: Spurs chief Levy blocks West Ham move
By Ben Smith
BBC Sport
Daniel Levy stepped in to stop striker Emmanuel Adebayor leaving Tottenham
for West Ham on transfer deadline day. The Spurs chairman refused West Ham's
bid to seal the loan deal after the 30-year-old Togo striker had agreed
terms. Tottenham were open to allowing him to leave during the transfer
window and were prepared to subsidise more than half of his £100,000-a-week
wages. But they refused to extend those terms to West Ham, because they
deemed them direct rivals. Senior officials from both clubs were in talks
until 23:00 GMT on Monday. West Ham co-chairman David Gold apologised to
fans after deals fell through having raised hopes of additions. "Don't go to
bed. DG," tweeted Gold during Monday evening. But after the deadline passed
without any new recruits, he added: "Sorry for keeping you up late but at
the last moment the main deal collapsed and the rest folded like a pack of
cards." He thanked co-owner David Sullivan and manager Sam Allardyce for
their efforts, blaming the Premier League club's failure to land new players
on "people out there that you just can't do business with". The collapse of
the Adebayor deal had a domino effect, with the Hammers then blocking
Carlton Cole's move to West Brom as they feared a lack of striking cover.
West Ham and Spurs have been in dispute in recent years over the use of the
Olympic Stadium, which will be the Hammers' new home from the 2016-17
season. QPR also made an enquiry for former Arsenal and Manchester City
player Adebayor, who was not willing to join the Loftus Road club and will
now attempt to force his way back into manager Mauricio Pochettino's plans.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Paul McCallum: Portsmouth striker given seven-match ban
BBC.co.uk
On-loan Portsmouth striker Paul McCallum has been banned for seven matches
after his furious reaction to being sent off against Southend.
The West Ham youngster was dismissed for violent conduct amid a 2-1 defeat.
The 21-year-old then appeared to raise a hand to referee Lee Collins and had
to be dragged away from the confrontation by team-mates. He received a
three-match ban for the red card, with the additional four matches imposed
for his reaction. McCallum, who pleaded guilty to the charge, joined Pompey
on loan until the end of the season and was making his second appearance
from the bench. He will miss matches against Hartlepool, Dagenham and
Redbridge, Exeter, Cambridge, Tranmere and Oxford, having already served the
first match of the suspension. The first game after his ban is completed
will be Portsmouth's match against Northampton on 3 March. McCallum, who has
had previous loan spells with AFC Wimbledon, Aldershot, Torquay and Hearts,
apologised on Twitter for his reaction, admitting he had been "very stupid
and reckless". Portsmouth are 18th in League Two, just two points above the
relegation places.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Mac whacked with seven-match ban
KUMB.com
Filed: Tuesday, 3rd February 2015
By: Staff Writer
West Ham United youngster Paul McCallum has been hit with a SEVEN match ban
as a result of his response to being dismissed in a recent match at
Portsmouth. The 21-year-old, who is one of the few Development Squad players
it is felt may have a future at the club was sent off whilst playing for
Portsmouth, with whom he has been on loan since mid-January. Having been
sent off for violent conduct, McCallum responded by raising a hand towards
referee Lee Collins and had to be pulled away from the incident by a number
of team mate, who were quick to intervene. For that response, McCallum
received a four-match ban - on to pof the three-match ban his red card hard
already earned him. The young striker, who had only been on the pitch for 29
minutes having replaced fellow forward Craig Westcarr will now miss Pompey's
crucial fixtures against Hartlepool, Exeter, Tranmere and Oxford at home and
the trips to Dagenham & Redbridge and Cambridge.
He had already sat out Portsmouth's goalless draw at Wycombe last weekend.
McCallum is on-loan with the League Two side for the rest of the current
campaign.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham rejected Amalfitano offer
KUMB.com
Filed: Tuesday, 3rd February 2015
By: Staff Writer
Leicester City tried to sign West Ham United winger Morgan Amalfitano as the
transfer window drew to a close last night. The French midfielder, who
joined West Ham in a cut-price £1million deal last summer was the subject of
a firm bid from the Foxes - an offer that was instantly rejected by West
Ham's David Sullivan. City, who are in deep trouble at the bottom of the
Premier League turned to Amalfitano having had an approach for Aaron Lennon
rejected by the player (who eventually signed for Everton). However they
were politely informed that West Ham would be unwilling to do business on a
player who has been a vital cog in the squad that has propelled United into
the upper half of the Premier League. In the end, the only player Nigel
Pearson managed to sign on a frustrating day for Leicester was Robert Huth
from Stoke City on loan for the rest of the season.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
French firm win OS management rights
KUMB.com
Filed: Tuesday, 3rd February 2015
By: Staff Writer
French operating company Vinci Stadium have been appointed as the new
managers of the Olympic Stadium. Vinci, who current operate a number of
stadiums including the Stade de France in Paris, the Allianz Riviera in Nice
and the New Bordeaux Stadium were confirmed as the stadium's new owners by
London mayor Boris Johnson this morning. Karren Brady, West Ham United's
vice-chair said: ""Managing the basic day-to-day operations at a Premier
League football stadium is a unique challenge. "We will be passing on our
extensive experience and expertise to Vinci to ensure they provide the same
high levels of service our supporters have become accustomed to at the
Boleyn Ground."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Sullivan: my deadline day frustration
KUMB.com
Filed: Tuesday, 3rd February 2015
By: Staff Writer
West Ham co-owner David Sullivan has admitted that West Ham's failure to
land any of their main transfer targets yesterday left him hugely
frustrated. West Ham's 65-year-old co-chairman was at the very heart of
yesterday's deadline day business. However a succession of failed deals left
West Ham with practically the same squad they had prior to the beginning of
January. "Yesterday was an incredibly long day as we undertook hours of
meetings and negotiations to try to bring in new faces," he told whufc.com.
"I would say that the end result versus effort would put it up there as one
of the most frustrating transfer deadline days I can remember. "I can assure
you that the absence of any deals was certainly not through lack of trying
but I am satisfied that doing no deadline day business is better than doing
the wrong business. "Throughout this month we have said we are comfortable
with the squad we have and our main focus was ensuring that we kept hold of
our best assets and I am pleased that we have successfully done that."
Sullivan admitted that he and manager Sam Allardyce had prioritised the area
of central defence on the day, although deals for Younis Kaboul (Tottenham),
Steven Caulker (QPR) and Genk's Kara Mbodj failed to work out. "We
prioritised that position and targeted two experienced Premier League
defenders but could not reach an agreement with them over the length of
their deals," confirmed Sullivan.
"We then appeared to have reached an agreement with a rising star central
defender from overseas, but that deal fell through at the eleventh hour as
his club would not have had time to replace him. "We do rate the player, so
it could be that we look to resurrect our interest again at the end of the
season."
The other key area identified as being in need of strengthening was the
forward line. With Mauro Zarate on loan at QPR, Andy Carroll injured and
Diafra Sakho's career apparently in limbo, Allardyce and Sullivan were keen
to add to their firepower. In the end a late move for Tottenham's Emmanuel
Adebayor was scuppered by Spurs' chairman Daniel Levy, who refused to
subsidise the 30-year-old's wages - despite agreeing to do so if the player
had signed for Crystal Palace, or Queens Park Rangers. "It was widely
reported that Carlton Cole was in talks to join West Bromwich Albion, but we
made clear he could only leave if a suitable replacement was found," said
Sullivan. "We thought we had one experienced Premier League striker lined
up, only for his club to pull out of the deal at the last minute. "I think
we take the reasons they gave as a backhanded compliment, with our
improvements on the field and our increased success off it meaning we are
now viewed as rivals that shouldn't be dealt with! "Finally, we looked into
the possibility of Mauro Zarate returning from loan, with Matt Jarvis going
the other way in search of more first-team football, but that deal was
ruled out by the Premier League once it seemed set to go through."
The chairman ended his statement with what appeared to be a critical comment
aimed at his manager, who had championed West Ham United's purchase of
Darren Fletcher - the former Manchester United midfielder who instead joined
West Bromwich Albion ahead of last night's deadline. "I take satisfaction
that we have been sensible financially and not committed to big contracts
for older players," retorted Sullivan. "We have a clear philosophy on
bringing in the right players for this football club and I am pleased we
have stuck to our guns.
"Overall, we are still happy with the make-up of the squad and have faith in
those players that have helped us get to the strong position we find
ourselves in today. The priority was not to lose any of them and I am
pleased we have done that."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Alex Song would have loved to play with Emmanuel Adebayor at West Ham
Last Updated: 03/02/15 7:23pm
SSN
West Ham midfielder Alex Song would have relished chance to play with former
Arsenal team-mate Emmanuel Adebayor had the Tottenham striker's Deadline Day
transfer gone through. West Ham looked set to bring Adebayor to Upton Park
on loan but the deal collapsed late on Monday night. Song, who played
alongside Adebayor at Arsenal, said it was a shame the striker would not be
joining West Ham. "I think if he was coming it would be very good for us –
he is a great player," Song told Sky Sports News HQ. "I played with him for
five years, I know what he can do. So when someone told me he had the
potential to come to West Ham I was very happy because this kind of player
can help us contribute to doing very well in the league – we need a person
just like this. "It didn't happen but now I want just to tell him good luck.
We just have to focus now, just to do our job very well. "We know we have
good players, a good squad, but there's something we didn't have…we were
looking to have more players come in but we didn't have them. So we just
have to focus on the players we've got. "Every time (after transfer
deadlines) it's good when you have players coming in, trying to help, but we
didn't get it. Now we just have to look forward and play like we have."
Adebayor's move reportedly fell though because Tottenham chairman Daniel
Levy refused to allow Adebayor to move to Upton Park. Levy's reported
refusal to subsidise the loan sparked comments from West Ham co-chairman
David Gold on Twitter. Gold tweeted: "Sorry for keeping you up late but at
the last moment the main deal collapsed and the rest folded like a pack of
cards. Stay strong. "I'd like to thank David Sullivan and Sam (Allardyce)
for their efforts to secure new players during this window. "However no
matter how hard you tried there are people out there that you just can't do
business with. Dg"
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
OH, RAVEL, YOU COULD HAVE BEEN A WEST HAM GREAT
By Iain Dale 3 Feb 2015 at 14:29
West Ham till I Die
Guest Post by Casey Moore
Ravel Morrison is leaving West Ham United in the summer, having signed a
pre-contract with Rome club, Lazio. I, for one, have mixed emotions about
this. He is the embodiment of being West Ham and the embodiment of our
lovely little battle tune "I'm Forever Blowing Bubbles". (Excuse the
ordering of the lyrics. Had to be done to get my point across. These things
happen, leave it out.)
"Fortune's always hiding, I've looked everywhere"
We have looked everywhere in the past few years for that one special talent,
everywhere. We even looked as far as Maldonado, Uruguay, where we found
Brian Montenegro. Montenegro failed to even make one first team appearance
for us during his loan spell. Before Brian came there was one of our dearest
broken footballers, Savio Nsereko. Savio was bought for nine million from
Brescia under the Iceland/Zola era. Last we heard about him he was faking
his own kidnapping to get ransom money in Asia.
As for Ravel we didn't have to go that far to find a treasure. We would take
the M6 up to Manchester. Morrison seemed like a gift from Fergie to his pal
Big Sam. However, he did come with a caveat, Fergie had given up on
mentoring this youth as he was to hard to contain. He was a diamond in the
rough to paraphrase the sentiments that Fergie had for the boy. The fortune
is there (if you can dig it up) for the whole world to see.
"Then like my dreams, they fade and die"
Relive that moment at White Hart Lane with me will you? Click the link,
close your eyes and listen to the commentary, take deep breathes and feel
your pulse heighten:
"Is it going in? It is! Thats three!"
"Brilliant goal by Morrison, fantastic pace!"
"A touch of a young Michael Owen about this!"
And with that our dreams shot out of the Lane and floated to the heavens, we
had finally found our Claret and Blue clad savior. He gave Spurs a torrid
time that day and he helped finalize our first win at the Temple of Doom
since 1999. Morrison had praised showered down upon him like Big Sam's gravy
onto his Sunday roast. But, if science has taught us anything it is that
what goes up must come down or in the case of bubbles they explode with out
a sound and then cease to exist.
His form dipped, his calls to the England U21's stopped coming after a
superb piece of skill in training was topped of by infighting with Wilfred
Zaha and he was loaned out. His first loan, at the end of the Tottenham
treble season (To be fair there wasn't much else worth noting about that
season), was to Redknapp's QPR. He started well scoring a few goals but then
the goals and the skill dried up and there he was, sitting on the bench
sulking with a cigarette in hand. That picture was worth more than 1000
words. It showed he had no respect for his position, his manager, or his
career.
At the start of the 14/15 season the road was rocky with alleged tension
between the twenty-one year old and Sam and he was loaned out again to
Cardiff. Half way through the season and he was sent back to West Ham after
failing to score in his only seven appearances. He had trouble with the law,
was in local lock up and then found innocent in court of threatening his
ex-girlfriend and assaulting her mom.
It is now January and with just under six months left on his contract he was
allowed to sign up with any team willing to have him, for free. It is
disheartening to see someone with this much talent throw it away so easily.
He could have had statues erected outside the Olympic Stadium. He could have
been handed the crown of cult/punk-rock fiery figure from Paulo Di Canio and
even more. Alas, he will just go down in the West Ham history books as a
never-was, a gamble on dice that came up snake eyes, and a blip of greatness
on the Irons timeline. I wish the lad the best, I really do, as that one
moment of genius was unlike anything I had ever witnessed. Picking up the
ball from the halfway line, jinking around players as if they were traffic
cones, switching the ball between feet, and popping it over a hapless Hugo
Loris. Thank you for that Ravel, Thank you.
What are your thoughts? Troubled soul who is a journeyman in the making? or
is he the real-deal and the best is yet to come?
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Paul Pogba to help Ravel Morrison settle in Italy ahead of midfielder's
summer switch to Lazio
18:05, 3 February 2015 By John Cross
The ex-Manchester United youngster has signed a pre-contract with Lazio to
join the Serie A side this summer on a five-year deal
The Mirror
Ravel Morrison has turned to Paul Pogba for help in becoming a smash hit in
Italy. West Ham midfielder Morrison, 22, has signed a pre-contract with
Lazio to join them this summer on a five-year deal. Morrison is big pals
with Juventus star Pogba from their days together at Manchester United's
academy and they remain in close contact. Pogba has already given Morrison
some tips on how to settle in Italy where the French midfielder has
established himself as one of the biggest talents in Europe. England
Under-21 star Morrison will also take regular Italian lessons to help him
settle in after he arrives in the summer. Morrison is one of English
football's most talented youngsters after former United boss Sir Alex
Ferguson called him the best he had ever seen for his age.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham's Carlton Cole screamed "you're ******* wrecking my career" to Sam
Allardyce after West Brom move collapse
15:38, 3 February 2015 By Darren Lewis
The Hammers front man was on the verge of completing a deadline day switch
to the Baggies but complications in the deal meant the late move was
cancelled
The Mirror
Angry Carlton Cole screamed his frustration at Sam Allardyce after receiving
a call from the West Ham boss to say that his £500,000 move to West Brom had
fallen through. The 31-year-old striker, hugely popular at Upton Park, is
alleged to have stunned watching Albion staff when he allegedly shouted down
the phone: "You're ******* wrecking my career!" His expletive-laden tirade
had come after he was let down just 20 minutes before last night's 11pm
deadline. Heartbroken Cole - who had completed a medical and agreed terms on
an 18-month deal - angrily demanded to know why he was being prevented from
being able to play first-team football under Tony Pulis at the Hawthorns.
Mirror Sport understands the marksman was particularly frustrated as he had
earlier turned down a move to QPR. Far from taking umbrage at Cole's anger,
Allardyce is understood to have sympathised. Cole had been sitting waiting
to get the green light in Albion's training ground canteen before receiving
the call to say that the move could not happen and that he had to return to
London. West Ham had no option to bring him back, however, because Tottenham
chairman Daniel Levy had decided to block their loan move for Emmanuel
Adebayor.
West Brom chairman Jeremy Peace, said: "We were disappointed for Carlton
because he was also excited about joining us but for reasons
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Premier League helped snooker Cole move
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on February 3, 2015 in Whispers
Claret & Hugh
West Ham did all they could to get Carlton Cole his move to West Brom
despite Daniel Levy making it impossible for the club to complete a deal for
Emmanuel Adebayor. Such has been the player's loyalty to the club, the major
feeling across the Upton Park and Chadwell Heath this morning is sadness for
the Hammers veteran. The striker was left distraught after he believed his
move to the Baggies – and presumably regular first team football – had been
sorted when things fell apart at the last minute as Spurs chairman Daniel
Levy demanded we paid Adebayor's £100k a week wages in full. We were told:
"Yes, there were deals we would love to have done but our hearts go out to
Coley. It wasn't entirely a Spurs thing – it involved the Premier League as
well. "Everybody is gutted for Coley -he's a nice man. The Premier League
said we could recall Zarate, by mutual agreement with QPR, then we could
have let Carlton go. Then sadly they changed their minds !"
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Great window: 'Sak' and Enner still here
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on February 3, 2015 in Whispers
Claret & Hugh
Well, so much for The Sun and the scare stories over Enner Valencia to a
larger, and Diafra Sakho, to a lesser extent. Whilst legions of Irons fans
sat up to watch the last knockings of Deadline Day and our failure to land
Emmanuel Adebayor for goodness sake, not a word appears to have escaped our
lips on the other two. Yet for a few days earlier the only issue on the
agenda was whether either of both of them would be gone by today. sak with
ballThat both are still with just is really no surprise for what was going
on here was that a bunch of agents telling their favourite newspapermen to
talk it up – all of whom would have earned, a cut had sales gone through.
There was never anymore than a five per cent chance of Enner leaving whilst
Diafra Sakho's future is totally under lock and key with one very highly
placed individual telling us: "He's going nowhere at any price."
The rest of the window – for me anyway – was brilliant although I know as
the words escape the keyboard there's plenty of flack heading my way.
Bullet's dodged all over the place – Darren Fletcher, Younes Koubal ( who
turns at the same sort of pace as the QE2) 37 year old Sylvain Distin and of
course Emmanuel Adebayor – yet another skyscraper front man..
ValenciaactionNo business is better than bad business and the great news is,
the deadly duo (WHEN THEY ARE ALLOWED TO BE) are still with us. Give thanks
– things could be considerably worse today!
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Song sings Reggae
Posted by Sean Whetstone on February 3, 2015 in Whispers
Calret & Hugh
Alex Song provided lead vocals in a charity West Ham reggae band as he was
joined by Kevin Nolan, Stewart Downing and Cheikhou Kouyate. The players
were singing in aid of the NSPCC and the Autism Society. Stick to the
football guys.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
FIFA Sakho probe starts
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on February 3, 2015 in Whispers
Claret & Hugh
FIFA is starting it's inquiry into the Diafra Sakho affair today. West Ham
and the player are expecting to know the outcome of the probe into the club
v country row with Senegal within a few days. But a well placed club source
told ClaretandHugh exclusively: "It's only Round One and if we don't get the
outcome we want we have the right to appeal and will." The club has already
appealed for an immediate dismissal of the proceedings claiming they have
fully adhered to the rules on the player' absence from the Senegal national
team.
In trying to understand where this could lead we have looked at the Fifa
Rule book and here's what it has to say on such issues.
Restrictions on Playing
"A player who has been called up by his association for one of its
representative teams is, unless otherwise agreed by the relevant
association, not entitled to play for the club with which he is registered
during the period for which he has been released or should have been
released pursuant to the provisions of this annexe. This restriction on
playing for the club shall, moreover, be prolonged by five days, in the
event that the player, for whatever reason, did not wish to or could not
comply to the call-up."
Disciplinary measures
1. Violations of any of the provision set forth in this annexe shall result
in the imposition of disciplinary measures.
2.If a club refuses to release a player or neglects to do so despite the
provisions of this annexe, the Fifa Players' Status Committee shall
furthermore request the association to which the player belongs to declare
any match (es) in which the player took part to have been lost by the club
concerned. Any points thus gained by the club in question shall be
forfeited. Any match contested according to the Cup system shall be regarded
as having been one by the opposing team irrespective of the score."
However, should Fifa find against the Irons and decide on the ultimate
sanction it's likely they will run into big opposition from our own Football
Association.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
http://vyperz.blogspot.com
---
This email has been checked for viruses by Avast antivirus software.
http://www.avast.com
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
Posts
