Preview - Chelsea
WHUFC.com
In brief
The Hammers are looking to bounce back from their 3-1 defeat to Crystal
Palace with a win over league leaders Chelsea. Despite impressive displays
against the likes of Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur, the Hammers
have had little reward of late, with their last win coming against Hull City
on Sunday 18 January. Table topping Chelsea will provide them with their
toughest test of the season so far, with Jose Mourinho's men sweeping aside
virtually everyone they have faced this season. They currently sit five
points clear with a game in hand over second place Manchester City, and will
be buoyed by the 2-0 win over Tottenham Hotspur in the Capital One Cup final
at Wembley on Sunday
Who are they?
Chelsea were formed in 1905 and have been in the top flight for the majority
of their history. Their first major success came with the league title in
1955. Cup victories followed in the 1960s and 1970s, but it is in the last
two decades that their greatest period of success has come, with 15 major
trophies to their name since 1997. They are the only London club to have won
the UEFA Champions League and one of only four in Europe to win all three
major UEFA club competitions.
Team news
West Ham United
Sam Allardyce has no new injury concerns ahead of Wednesday's encounter with
the Blues, with the West Ham manager hinting that he would use the same
squad that faced Crystal Palace on the weekend. Strikers Carlton Cole and
Andy Carroll are both injured while Morgan Amalfitano serves the last game
of his suspension.
Chelsea
Chelsea are also relatively injury free as John Obi Mikel (knee) is the only
absentee. Nemanja Matic is also ruled out due to his red card against
Burnley.
Referee
Wednesday's referee is Andre Marriner. The experienced referee made his
Premier League debut back in November 2004. This season, Marriner has
officiated the one West Ham game – the 2-0 defeat away at Liverpool. The
Birmingham-based official is yet to take charge of a Chelsea game in the
league.
One to watch
West Ham United
Spanish shot stopper Adrian has been in superb form for the Hammers this
season and he will need to be at his best to deny the likes of Eden Hazard
and Diego Costa. Something about facing a Jose Mourinho side seems to get
the best out of the 28-year-old as Hammers' fans will remember his heroics
away at Chelsea last season.
In total, the Spaniard has made 105 saves this season.
Chelsea
Chelsea forward Diego Costa has hit the ground running at Stamford Bridge
following his summer move from Atletico Madrid. The Spain frontman won the
La Liga title with Atleti last season and his goals are propelling another
title charge with his new club. Having won his first piece of silverware
with the Blues last Sunday in the shape of the Capital One Cup, he will be
looking to add to his tally of 18 goals so far.
Tickets
All tickets have sold out for this fixture.
Travel
For the very latest news on the London Underground, please visit the TfL
website here.
Weather
Clear skies are expected above the lights at the Boleyn Ground, with
temperature at kick-off of 7C (45F).
Last meeting
West Ham United 0-3 Chelsea
Barclays Premier League
23 November 2014
Chelsea secured a comfortable victory at the Boleyn Ground as the west
London outfit won 3-0. Former West Ham player Frank Lampard opened the
scoring from the spot through a penalty before Oscar doubled the advantage
13 minutes later. The Blues wrapped up the victory with eight minutes to go
when Lampard scored his second of the game.
Chelsea: Cech, Ivanovic, Cahill, Terry, Azpilicueta, Ramires, Lampard, Oscar
(Schurrle 83), Mikel, Hazard (Essien 84), Eto'o (Ba 79)
Subs: Schwarzer, Cole, Mata, Willian
West Ham United: Jaaskelainen, Tomkins, O'Brien, Collins, Demel, Nolan
(Jarvis 76), Collison (Maiga 40), Morrison, Noble, Downing, Cole (J. Cole
40)
Subs: Adrian, McCartney, Taylor, Cole
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Jenks - 'We can climb again'
Whufc.COM
West Ham United's on-loan right back Carl Jenkinson believes his team
possess the ability to push back towards the top portion of the Barclays
Premier League table. Defeat to Crystal Palace on Saturday saw the Hammers
slip to ninth place, their lowest position since the end of September.
However, Jenkinson is convinced they will rise again, even with leaders
Chelsea due in town on Wednesday. "Our chances [of Europe] are definitely
not gone," he insisted. "There is a long time until the end of the season
and we have got some winnable games in our run-in. "In those last ten we can
win plenty of them and if we start getting the rub of the green and start
show showing our form again then we are going to start climbing that table
again. "That has to be the aim and the boys are determined to do just that."
The No18 is well aware for that to happen the Hammers will need to be far
sharper than they were against Crystal Palace on Saturday, when they
conceded three goals from set pieces. He explained: "We just didn't play the
way we can. We have been great for the most part of the season, but against
Palace we never really got playing until the second half and by that time it
was too late. "The manager was as disappointed as everyone else. Our
performances have been a lot better than that lately. It is frustrating to
have a performance like that because we have played well recently and not
really had the luck we have had games where we should have won, but we
haven't, not that this defeat was due to bad luck."
"We are not in a bad place in the league, so we just have to keep going,
starting against Chelsea. We have beaten top teams this season and we have
got to have the mentality that we can beat them."
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Six of the best - Chelsea
WHUFC.COM
Jose Mourinho's Chelsea are the visitors to the Boleyn Ground this Wednesday
as West Ham United look to get back to winning ways on home turf. Here
whufc.com takes a look at six memorable home wins for the Hammers over the
Blues.
West Ham United 3-1 Chelsea
Premier League
1 December 2012
Just over two years ago the Hammers downed the European champions with a
fine display at the Boleyn Ground West Ham found themselves 1-0 down at the
break to Juan Mata's goal, but came roaring back in the second period to
silence the west Londoners. Carlton Cole got the comeback started with a
63rd minute equaliser before late finishes from Mohamed Diame and Modibo
Maiga set the seal on a triumphant Boleyn Ground afternoon.
West Ham United 1-0 Chelsea
Premier League
3 May 2003
Prior to that victory in 2012/13, West Ham's last home win over Chelsea came
back in the final home game of the 2002/03 season. The Hammers, under the
temporary charge of Trevor Brooking, were deep in relegation danger but in
the midst of a great run of form which gave them a chance of escaping. Paolo
Di Canio's 71st minute goal gave them the points and took the fight to the
final day, but a 2-2 draw at Birmingham was not enough to save them, despite
amassing 42 points.
West Ham United 2-1 Chelsea
Premier League
24 October 2001
All the goals came early on in this midweek meeting between the clubs, as
West Ham emerged triumphant by the odd goal in three. Just five minutes were
on the clock when Michael Carrick gave the Hammers the lead, then Frederic
Kanoute doubled the advantage eight minutes later.
Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink got Chelsea back in it midway through the first
half, but surprisingly that was where the scoring ended as the Hammers moved
up to 14th in the table. West Ham would eventually end the campaign in
seventh, just one place behind their visitors.
West Ham United 3-2 Chelsea
Premier League
13 March 1997
This was a real see-saw battle, which both sides harboured ambitions of
winning, until Paul Kitson struck late on to settle the matter.
Chelsea were first to edge in front through Gianluca Vialli in the 26th
minute, but a Julian Dicks penalty ten minutes after half-time levelled
things up. Then it was West Ham's turn to lead as Kitson scored his first of
the game, but Chelsea looked to have rescued a point when Mark Hughes
notched three minutes from the end. The Hammers were unbowed though and
Kitson scored again to keep all three points in east London.
West Ham United 4-0 Chelsea
Division Two
14 February 1981
The Hammers were en route to promotion from Division Two when Chelsea came
calling in February 1981. The Blues had no answer to their hosts as the
championship charge was comfortably maintained. Trevor Brooking scored
twice, while Alan Devonshire and David Cross were also on target as the west
Londoners were overwhelmed. West Ham topped the table from November onwards
that season and ended up winning the title by a huge 13-point margin.
West Ham United 3-2 Chelsea
Division One
12 April 1965
Fresh from victory at Real Zaragoza in the first leg of their European Cup
Winners' Cup semi-final, West Ham welcomed Chelsea to the Boleyn Ground and
registered another win. Geoff Hurst notched two of his 20 goals from that
season, while John Sissons scored the other as the Hammers kept a grip on a
top-ten position. Ron Greenwood's men would go on to lift the Cup Winners'
Cup, while also sealing a ninth-place league finish.
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Cresswell tipped for HOTY honours
WHUFC.com
An illustrious three-man panel comprising manager Sam Allardyce, West Ham
United great Tony Cottee and broadcaster Ian 'Moose' Abrahams has tipped
Aaron Cresswell for Hammer of the Year honours. Speaking on the first-ever
Hammer Time panel discussion show – to be broadcast on the all-new whufc.com
ahead of Wednesday's Barclays Premier League visit of Chelsea – Big Sam,
Cottee and Abrahams were asked who they would pick as West Ham's standout
performer of 2014/15 so far. The maiden episode of Hammer Time also saw the
panel discuss Wednesday's visit of Chelsea, Jose Mourinho, the development
of young home-grown players and the benefits of warm-weather training.
Eleven-goal Diafra Sakho, the striker's fellow countryman Cheikhou Kouyate
and England midfielder Stewart Downing all gained a mention from Cottee, but
all three guests were unanimous in their nomination of left-back Cresswell –
who has played every minute of the Club's 27 league matches since his summer
switch from Ipswich Town. "My Hammer of the Year would have to be, because
it's his first season and he's played every single minute of every single
game so far, Aaron Cresswell. I think he has done amazingly well," said
talkSPORT presenter Abrahams, a lifelong Hammer who is a regular visitor to
the Boleyn Ground. "I know left-back is a position where England have a lot
of competition for places, but I would love to see Aaron over the next year
get into the England squad for Euro 2016."
The broadcaster's choice was met with a nod of approval from the manager,
who pointed to Cresswell's outstanding consistency and appearance record
with former clubs Tranmere Rovers and Ipswich Town as one of the main
reasons for bringing the 25-year-old to east London. "In the same context as
Moose, I would say Aaron because of the consistent level that he has
performed to, that his CV told us he would if he could cope with the Premier
League," said Big Sam. "He played 40-odd games in his first full season for
Tranmere, then 40-odd games, 40-odd games, 40-odd games for Ipswich and he's
likely to play 40-odd games for us because he played in the FA Cup too, as
long as, touch wood, he doesn't get injured. "He's been able to cope after
coming from the Championship in his first season, which is rare these days
because the only way you get to the Premier League is if your team is
promoted, because not many people buy you to take you there. "Because of his
level of consistency and performance, the graph is very, very stable over a
long period of time."
West Ham legend Cottee, who won Hammer of the Year honours himself in 1986,
says Cresswell is among a number of players who have excelled this term.
Like his panel colleagues, the former striker pointed to the No3's
consistency as the major reason for picking the Liverpool-born defender as
his Hammer of the Year to date. "I think it's been a good season for Hammer
of the Year candidates," said Cottee. "Whereas in the last two seasons you
had Mark Noble or Winston Reid and you were struggling to find others who
had consistently done well, this year you have Cresswell, Diafra Sakho
deserves a mention, Cheikhou Kouyate, Stewart Downing, Adrian and Carl
Jenkinson have done well, and all those players deserve a mention. "However,
there is one player who, week-in, week-out has been consistently been at the
top of his form and that's Aaron Cresswell for me."
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Bonzo lauds West Ham Ladies
WHUFC.com
Hammers legend Billy Bonds MBE has thrown his support behind West Ham United
Ladies. Ladies manager and four-time Hammer of the Year Julian Dicks invited
his former teammate and manager Billy Bonds for a Q&A session with fans at
the Boleyn Ground. The event saw more than 100 supporters join the two
giants of West Ham history for an evening of entertaining anecdotes in
support of the Ladies section. onds, who played alongside the left-back in
1987/88 before becoming his manager in February 1990, welcomed the growth of
women's football – and women's sport in general – in recent years. "I've got
two daughters and two granddaughters and I think it's absolutely fantastic,"
said Bonds. "You see the Ladies progressing in football, rugby and golf and
when I was younger, the women didn't get opportunities like that. "I think
that anything that gives ladies the opportunities to progress within sport
is worth doing because, like I say, I've got all women in my family."
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U11s crowned national champions
WHUFC.com
West Ham United U11s have been crowned National Premier League Futsal
champions. The Hammers won after pulling off three victories at the
thrilling tournament, which was held in Leeds. Having qualified from the
regional round by getting past Arsenal, Norwich City and Brighton & Hove
Albion, West Ham took part in the eight-team finals. The east London side
finished second after a round-robin stage which saw them face Everton,
Chelsea, Blackburn Rovers, Newcastle United, Southampton, Manchester City
and West Bromwich Albion. The five-a-side competition saw West Ham's
nine-boy squad beat Blackburn 3-2 on penalties following a 1-1 semi-final
draw, with goalkeeper Jacob Knightsbridge saving the vital penalty. In a
dramatic final, the Hammers beat Everton 3-2 to lift the trophy.
Phase coach Dave Johnson was delighted with the performance of his players
and staff, saying: "The tournament being a national competition is the
equivalent of the FA Youth Cup for the U18s so it's a big achievement. "It's
always good to test yourself against some of the best teams in the country,
so to come away having won it is excellent. All the boys worked really hard
and their hard work paid off, I'm over the moon."
The full West Ham U11s squad comprised Jacob Knightsbridge, Jamal Baptiste,
Divin Mubama, Omari Forson, Archie Woods, Ryan Lowe, Freddie Potts, Junior
Robinson and Luke Deslandes. The coaching staff comprised David Johnson, Del
Robinson, Tony Falco and Cherrelle Dodson.
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Carpenter Sakho aiming to carve up Chelsea
WHUFC.com
Would-be carpenter Diafra Sakho would love nothing more than to carve up
Barclays Premier League leaders Chelsea. Speaking to the Official Programme
for Wednesday's visit of the Blues to the Boleyn Ground, the West Ham United
striker revealed that he would be working with wood, rather than a football,
had his life turned out differently. Growing up in the West African nation
of Senegal, the young Sakho loved nothing better than to grab a hammer and
chisel. "When I was younger I worked in wood as a carpenter, it's my second
passion," the top scorer revealed in the Programme's Name Game feature.
Having picked football over carpentry during his teenage years, the FC Metz
Academy product is planning to have the wood on Jose Mourinho's Capital One
Cup winners on Wednesday night. Answering questions relating to his now
famous name, Sakho also revealed a surprising choice as his favourite
musical performers – Birmingham-based reggae band UB40 – while less shocking
was his choice of the Senegalese capital Dakar as his favourite place in the
world. Elsewhere Big Sam, Kevin Nolan and David Gold pen their exclusive
columns, James Tomkins is the main feature interviewee and Ian 'Moose'
Abrahams chats to Hammers and former Blues striker Carlton Cole. There is
also full coverage of the launch of the DT38 Foundation charity in memory of
the late Dylan Tombides, who passed away last April following a three-year
battle with cancer. With all the latest news from the Club's Academy and
Ladies sections, historical features and much more besides, fans simply
cannot afford to miss out on a copy of Wednesday's Official Programme.
Order your copy of the Official West Ham United Programme now!
When I was younger I worked in wood as a carpenter, it's my second passion
Diafra Sakho
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From the Academy - Terry Westley
WHUFC.com
Hello,
As ever, it's been a busy a week for everyone at the Academy. Our U18s
finished the league season with an impressive 4-0 win over Reading at Rush
Green. I thought the team put in a very solid performance, both individually
and collectively.
Again, we fielded another young team, which included the likes of Vashon
Neufville, Reece Oxford and Jahmal Hector-Ingram. We are now waiting on the
last set of fixtures to be played before we know who we'll be up against in
the play-offs.
Obviously, we'd love to finish in the top four and pit ourselves against the
best sides from the northern division, however, we know whoever we play will
be tough, and we're looking forward to the challenge.
Scholars selected
We have made our selection for scholars for next year which include Oxford,
Powell, Neufville, Scully and Tunji Akinola. We've also offered Jake
Eggleton, a very exciting right-back, the option of doing his A-Levels while
continuing to be a full-time player.
It is a very strong group of players with several internationals in there.
They have all played above their age in U18s and even for the U21s. They are
all still young and we have to be patient, but we hope one day they'll have
an impact on the first team.
As for the U21s, they have not had a league game for a while but we have
kept them busy, including a friendly against Dagenham & Redbridge. It was a
great opportunity for a number of younger players to demonstrate what they
can do, and against a side made of predominantly professional players, I
thought they played very well.
Futsal Champions
I would just like to finish by congratulating our U11s for being crowned
champions at the National Premier League Futsal finals in Leeds. Having
qualified from the regional section we beat Everton 3-2 in the final, having
beaten Chelsea 8-1 and Newcastle 12-0 along the way.
We took a squad of nine for the two-day tournament with Junior Robinson, who
scored seven goals from defence, nominated for Player of the Tournament. It
was a fantastic achievement for the boys, so well done to them and coaches
Dave Johnson and Del Robinson.
Schoolboy Trips
Before the end of the season, our schoolboys are competing in a number of
international tournaments across Europe and further afield.
These tournaments are great for the players, as they not only give the
opportunity to play against foreign teams, but also the experience of
travelling abroad.
Travelling is an important part of football, and increasingly so, so the
quicker the players learn how to cope with demands, the better they'll do in
the long run. It is our job at the Academy to equip the boys with a range of
experiences, and add as many strings to their bow as possible.
The tournaments we have coming up are in:
Al Ain, UAE Tournament.
Swiss Cup, Zurich
Rimini Cup, Germany
La Bredy Cup, Bordeaux, France
KB Foot Paris, France
RIS Orangis Cup, near Paris, France
7e International, Oldenzaal, Netherlands
Euro Crossing Tournament, Brussels.
Each tournament provides the players an excellent opportunity to develop,
learn and grow, together and individually. We also hope they enjoy the
experiences, as these tournaments are exciting, special events.
All the best,
Terry
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West Ham v Chelsea
KO 19:45
3 March 2015
Last updated at 15:16
By Jonathan Pearce
BBC Match of the Day commentator
BARCLAYS PREMIER LEAGUE
Venue: Upton Park Date: Wednesday, 4 March
TEAM NEWS
West Ham striker Nene is pushing for his first start, having appeared as a
substitute at the weekend. Carlton Cole remains a major doubt as he
struggles to overcome a hamstring injury, while Morgan Amalfitano is still
suspended.
Chelsea boss Jose Mourinho may opt to rotate his squad following their
League Cup success. Nemanja Matic serves the final game of his two-match
ban, while John Obi Mikel is a doubt with a knee problem.
MATCH PREVIEW
Chelsea have to make sure this east-west London derby isn't a case of after
the Lord Mayor's show. The League Cup is the first trophy in Jose Mourinho's
second spell; Manchester City's defeat at Liverpool means it's unlikely to
be the only one they win this season.
The Premier League is theirs to lose. Difficult games lie ahead of course -
none more so than this vitriolic culture clash. But if John Terry's
post-Wembley promise that they will use the Capital One Cup success as a
launching pad for the rest of the season rings true, then they should remain
focused enough to land their first league title in five years.
Lawro's prediction When I was playing for Liverpool in the early 1980s we
got in the habit of winning the League Cup, and it doesn't half lift your
season. With three months of the campaign to go, you already have a trophy
and the whole club is just buoyed by the success and wants more. That will
be the case for Chelsea now too."
They look more durable defensively than Manchester City and less likely to
drop silly points. Having said that, if there is any hangover from the
weekend, then the Hammers would dearly love to punish them and end their
slump. They've won just once in the league since Christmas and hopes of
Europe are fast fading. Diafra Sakho, who hit seven goals in his first eight
games, has since netted just four in four injury-punctuated months. One
clean sheet in six matches isn't tight enough. But there's only been one bad
performance of late - at West Brom. They had 22 chances against Crystal
Palace from 66% possession. They were unlucky to drop points at Tottenham.
Make no mistake, this will be a really hard night for Chelsea but I can
certainly see them scoring. They invariably do, so West Ham will need two to
beat them. Upton Park will need to be a raucous bedlam of hostility for that
to happen, with the Hammers playing way above current form. But I can see a
draw. Even so, the League Cup was the first trophy Mourinho won in his first
stint at Chelsea , and they went on to win the league that season. On
Sunday, the League Cup became Mourinho's first trophy of his second stint
and I'm sticking with my pre-season prediction that they'll land the league
crown again too.
MATCH FACTS
Head-to-head
West Ham have won just one of the last 17 league meetings (D3, L13).
Chelsea have kept clean sheets in five of their last six Premier League
matches against West Ham, including the last four in a row.
The Hammers failed to register a shot on target in the reverse fixture on
Boxing Day.
West Ham
West Ham have only won once in 10 league games since Christmas, falling from
fourth to ninth (D5, L4).
Despite this slump in form, the Hammers are still eight points better off
than they were last season.
The Hammers have scored 15 headed goals in this season's Premier League,
more than any other team.
This is the third of four straight London derbies for the Hammers; they have
drawn with Tottenham and lost to Crystal Palace in the previous two.
Chelsea
Chelsea's only defeat in their last 11 Premier League games was by 5-3
against Tottenham.
Jose Mourinho has never lost in seven Premier League matches against West
Ham, winning six and drawing the other.
The Blues have scored in their last 13 league games, the longest current run
in the top flight.
Chelsea defenders have contributed 17 goals and 13 assists this season in
all competitions.
Branislav Ivanovic has scored four goals in his last seven appearances for
the Blues.
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Carlton Cole faces FA rap
KUMB.com
Filed: Tuesday, 3rd March 2015
By: Staff Writer
Carlton Cole has been charged by the FA for sending an abusive message to a
Twitter troll. The 30-year-old striker has been hit with the charge after he
told a Tottenham Hotspur supporter to "fuck off", after he was himself sent
an abusive message by the anonymous individual. An FA statement, posted on
the Governing body's website late this afternoon (Tuesday) confirmed the
news. "West Ham United's Carlton Cole has been charged by The FA in relation
to a comment posted on social media," it read. "It is alleged that the
comment was abusive and/or insulting and/or improper and/or brings the game
into disrepute. The player has until 6pm on 5 March 2015 to respond to the
charge."
The FA, no strangers to having a few bob in the bank are literally quids as
far as West Ham are concerned having fined the club £30,000 for failing to
control their players only two weeks ago. A number of United players were
incensed at the decision by rookie referee Craig Pawson to dismiss Adrian
during the recent 0-0 draw at Southampton - a caution that was later
rescinded by the FA.
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Insane in Lamine Sane
KUMB.com
Filed: Monday, 2nd March 2015
By: Staff Writer
Former West Ham target Lamine Sane has revealed that his Premier League
destination of choice would be some way north of east London.
The 27-year-old Bordeaux defensive midfielder was linked with a move to West
Ham during the 2013 January transfer window and again in the summer, with
reports at the time suggesting the two parties had discussed a potential
move. However Sane, a Senegal team mate of West Ham duo Cheik Kouyate and
Diafra Sakho has admitted that, given a choice, a move to Liverpool would
rank higher than any other Premier League club. Reacting to recent
speculation regarding his future in France, Sane told beIN Sports:
"Honestly, I am fine at Bordeaux. But it's true that England has always
attracted me.
"The club? Liverpool. I have always said since my very first interview that
Liverpool are a club that appeal to me."
Sane is is contracted to Les Girondins until the end of the season.
Newcastle United were recently linked with a transfer window move for him,
as were Championship club Cardiff City at the beginning of the season.
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Reid poised to snub rivals and remain at West Ham
KUMB.com
Filed: Tuesday, 3rd March 2015
By: Staff Writer
Contract rebel Winston Reid is on the verge of rejecting overtures from a
series of interested parties in order to sign a new contract with West Ham.
The Kiwi defender has been at the centre of a whole host of speculation in
recent months having previously failed to extend his current contract with
the Hammers, which is due to expire at the end of this season. Tottenham and
Arsenal, both of whom have held discussions with the defender's
representatives in recent months were considered favourites to land the
26-year-old. However Reid is on the verge of snubbing both, and all other
interested parties in order to extend his stay at the Boleyn after Reid and
the club reached a provisional agreement on a new contract.
KUMB understands that Reid, who has made 27 appearances for West Ham so far
this season could sign his new contract tomorrow, before the first team
leave for a short trip to the Middle East. Signed from Danish club FC
Midtjylland in a £4million switch back in August 2010, Reid signed a
two-year extension to his intial three-year contract in April 2013. Voted by
readers of KUMB.com as the club's Most Improved Player for the 2011/12
season - a far cry from the previous year when he was behind only Robbie
Keane and Pablo Barrera in the Worst Signing category - Reid was
instrumental in leading West Ham back to the Premier League at the first
attempt before becoming an established Premier League defender.
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In brief - Tuesday's news round-up
KUMb.com
Filed: Tuesday, 3rd March 2015
By: Staff Writer
Get the very latest West Ham news in one place, with our new daily media
round-up!
Reid set to sign new West Ham deal
The Hammers looked certain to lose the New Zealand international in the
summer with the likes of Arsenal and Tottenham having been linked but he is
now set to stay at Upton Park.
http://www.goal.com/en-gb/news/2892/transfer-zone/2015/03/02/9445752/reid-se
t-to-sign-new-west-ham-deal
West Ham goalkeeper Adrian planning to pile misery on Jose Mourinho for
third successive season
The Spaniard was part of the Real Betis side that beat Mourinho's Real
Madrid in 2012 and also starred for the Hammers in last term's 0-0 draw at
Stamford Bridge.
http://www.mirror.co.uk/sport/football/news/west-ham-goalkeeper-adrian-plann
ing-5261107
West Ham loan star: We still believe we can make Europe
Hammers defender Carl Jenkinson has not given up hope of a big finish to the
season, despite Saturday's dismal 3-1 defeat against Crystal Palace.
http://www.london24.com/sport/football/clubs/west-ham/west_ham_loan_star_we_
still_believe_we_can_make_europe_1_3975499
Westley encouraged by U18s romp
Academy Manager Terry Westley was throughly impressed with West Ham United's
U18s after they defeated Reading 4-0 at Rush Green on Saturday.
http://www.whufc.com/News/Articles/2015/March/2-March/Westley-encouraged-by-
U18s-romp
View on the Visitors - Chelsea
Freelance sports journalist Rob Maul lifts the lid Wednesday's visitors
Chelsea.
http://www.whufc.com/News/Articles/2015/March/2-March/View-on-the-Visitors-C
helsea
Loan round up
Elliot Lee played 72 minutes in Luton Town's 2-0 win over Accrington
Stanley. The striker set up Luton's second goal when he laid a ball off for
Luke Guttridge to lash home.
http://www.whufc.com/News/Articles/2015/March/2-March/Loan-round-up
Dave Mackay: Scotland and Tottenham legend dies aged 80
Former Tottenham, Derby, Hearts and Scotland midfielder Dave Mackay has
died, aged 80.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/31704507
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Mile Jedinak will serve four-match ban after accepting FA charge
Last Updated: 03/03/15 2:47pm
SSN
Crystal Palace midfielder Mile Jedinak will serve a four-match suspension
after accepting a Football Association charge of violent conduct. The
Australia international was charged retrospectively for elbowing Diafra
Sakho during Palace's 3-1 win over West Ham at Upton Park on Saturday.
Jedinak caught the West Ham striker but the incident was not seen by match
officials, allowing the FA to act, and he was charged two days later. The
offence merited a three-game ban, but that is increased to four as Jedinak
was also sent off in the Premier League game against Sunderland earlier this
season. His suspension starts with Tuesday's clash against Southampton and
he will not be available again until the trip to Sunderland on April 11.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham manager Sam Allardyce waiting on Winston Reid to agree new deal
Last Updated: 03/03/15 1:30pm
SSn
West Ham manager Sam Allardyce remains unsure whether Winston Reid will
agree a new contract to stay at the club. The Hammers boss says the New
Zealand defender has received an 'exceptionally good offer' to remain at
Upton Park. "Unless we torture him - we could do cocktail sticks under the
nails or ring up Jack Bauer and I'm sure he could get the answer out of
him." Reid, whose current deal expires in the summer, has refused to sign a
new deal, but reports on Monday suggested he had had a change of heart.
Allardyce, however, maintains the 26-year-old is still considering his
options and is yet to make any indication where his future lies with
reported interest from Tottenham, Arsenal and Liverpool. "Winston has an
exceptionally good offer on the table," Allardyce said. "But he won't make a
decision to reject it and say, 'no I am not staying' or 'yes, I will take it
and I will stay'. We cannot get a decision out of him. Unless we torture him
- we could do cocktail sticks under the nails or ring up Jack Bauer (lead
character of television series '24') and I'm sure he could get the answer
out of him."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham United striker Carlton Cole charged by FA over social media
comments
Last Updated: 03/03/15 5:31pm
SSN
West Ham striker Carlton Cole has been charged by the FA over a comment he
posted on social media. The FA have decided the message "was abusive and/or
insulting and/or improper and/or brings the game into disrepute."Cole has
until 6pm on Thursday to respond to the charge.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham v Chelsea preview: Mourinho's cup heroes face out-of-form Hammers
Last Updated: 03/03/15 3:41pm
SSN
Jose Mourinho takes Chelsea to West Ham on Wednesday night fresh from
securing the first trophy of his second spell at the club. The Blues beat
Tottenham 2-1 in Sunday's Capital One Cup final, and Manchester City's
defeat at Liverpool on the same day handed Mourinho's men further initiative
in the Premier League title race. Chelsea's last league outing saw them held
by Burnley in a controversial affair at Stamford Bridge but Mourinho boasts
a good record against West Ham, who are enduring something of a blip. The
Hammers haven't won in five Premier League games, going the whole month of
February without victory as they also crashed out of the FA Cup. Defeat at
home to Crystal Palace saw Sam Allardyce's men slip to ninth in the table
and severely dent their European hopes ahead of their clash with the league
leaders. Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho guarantees that captain John Terry
will sign a new contract.
Team news
Carlton Cole remains a major doubt for West Ham as he struggles to overcome
a hamstring injury, while Morgan Amalfitano is still suspended. Nene came
off the bench and impressed against Crystal Palace and could play from the
start.
Chelsea boss Jose Mourinho plans to rotate his options after Sunday's
victory at Wembley. Midfielder Nemanja Matic will complete his two-match
suspension after his dismissal for his reaction to a tackle by Burnley's
Ashley Barnes.
West Ham manager Sam Allardyce says he is still unsure whether or not
Winston Reid will be at the club next season. Reid has been offered a new
deal but Al Midfielder John Obi Mikel has had a minor knee operation and is
out until early April.
Opta facts
Mourinho has a record of six wins and no defeats in seven Barclays Premier
League matches as a coach against West Ham.
Chelsea have won 13 and lost just one of the last 17 Barclays Premier League
games against the Hammers.
The Blues have lost just two of their last 16 Premier League away matches
(W10 D4 L2).
Branislav Ivanovic has scored in four of his last seven appearances in all
competitions for Chelsea
Only one team has prevented Chelsea from scoring in their last 27 Premier
League matches (Sunderland).
Allardyce's team failed to muster a single shot on target when they met
Chelsea in the reverse fixture on Boxing Day.
Branislav Ivanovic has scored in four of his last seven appearances in all
competitions for Chelsea.
The Hammers have won just one of their last 10 Premier League matches (W1 D5
L4).
Merson's prediction
The crowd are on Allardyce's back at Upton Park. It's harsh, but after
starting off so well people thought they were going to carry on, but it's
hard. The top teams come to the fore right at the end, and West Ham and
Southampton now just seem to be a little bit short.
You could tell after the final at Wembley that Chelsea were buzzing. That's
one of three potential trophies this season and you could see Mourinho's
delight. He's a winner, and I don't think they'll slip again. especially at
Upton Park against a wounded West Ham.
PAUL PREDICTS: 1-2
Betting
Chelsea are odds-on at 8/13 with Sky Bet to maintain their charge towards
the title with a victory at Upton Park. The Blues are just 1/7 to be crowned
champions following Manchester City's slip-up at the weekend and 15/2 to
complete the Capital One Cup, Premier League and Champions League treble.
Diego Costa is a 7/2 chance to score first
West Ham are 9/2 to put a dent in those hopes with a victory while the draw
is priced up at 14/5. Diego Costa heads the first goalscorer betting at 7/2
and is being backed to do so in Jamie Redknapp's tips, while Diafra Sakho is
rated the hosts' biggest threat at 7/1 to net first.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
A LOOK AHEAD
By Tony Hanna 3 Mar 2015 at 14:23
West Ham Till I Die
In less than eighteen months, West Ham fans will be taking a different trek
towards a home game. Stratford Station will be a vastly different place on
match days. Anyone with a "usual" car park space near Upton Park will have
to come to terms with finding another one in Stratford. The walk up to the
Olympic Stadium will be an exciting one I am sure as a big brand new stadium
beckons. It certainly will be different. I am not going to get into the
pitch views from inside the stadium, I think that has been done to death
already, although I am sure there will much more to come on that subject.
The goings on at West Ham recently have certainly deflected much of the
attention away from the impending new home. Big Sam's tenure, Nolan's legs,
Reid's contract and our current form have given us all enough to talk about.
But what will be that first match day experience be like? I think it will
take time for it all to sink in really. The first time will be like a kid
opening a Xmas present. The big questions will be "is it what he wanted",
followed by, "will he want to keep playing with it?" No doubt our first game
there will be a packed house. But will that continue? Results and playing
style will be paramount, especially the former despite what many will say.
The atmosphere debate is starting to wear a little thin with me to be
honest. As a regular spectator back in the late sixties and through to the
early eighties, and I am sure readers who were there at the same time as me
would agree, the atmosphere at Upton Park has already disappeared. On rare
occasions it starts to bubble at Upton Park nowadays, but nothing like a few
decades ago. My theory is that if we don't fill the new Stadium the singing
could become even more affective. The echo affect comes into play then –
something to do with acoustics I believe. Anyone who was at Wembley two
hours before kick off against Arsenal in 1980 could testify to that. The
singing in a half empty big oval stadium was the loudest I have ever heard,
until the other 50,000 turned up! Then the echo all but disappeared.
Seriously though, I do hope we fill it for obvious reasons.
So there will be many of you that go to Upton Park nowadays that have a
regular pre-game boozer, or a parking spot, or just a match day routine that
is going to be broken. Even our own Mr Dale will be thinking Ken's Cafe is a
bit out of the way now. It will take time to make new traditions, but they
will come and they will cement themselves over the coming seasons. I only
get back to games every few years now I live in Australia, but for me the
train ride to Stratford from Loughton will be easier for sure. Will I miss
Upton Park? – yes, you bet. But for me, going to the Boleyn ground today is
vastly different anyway. My fond memories were of the West Stand
overshadowing three tin sheds! The North and South Banks continued well
after the Chicken Run was transformed. Halcyon days indeed! It all looks a
bit flash nowadays.
So, not long from now, the opening home game of the 2016 season will be upon
us and many of you will be taking those first steps to making new
traditions. The big shiny new stadium will come into view and the pulse will
be racing. All I hope for is that is does not end up like 1923! Many Hammers
fans made the trip to the new Wembley Stadium for a Cup Final and got a lot
more than they bargained for. Have a look at the clip and take a trip down
memory lane. Hopefully the OS will be a bit more organised?
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
WHEN SATURDAY CAME...
By Brian Williams 3 Mar 2015 at 08:00
West Ham Till I Die
I'll be honest with you from the start – this is not going to be the most
coherent article you've ever read on WHTID. I've been grappling with it for
a while now in an effort to marshal the kaleidoscope of thoughts and
emotions that I have been left with after Saturday, but they remain a
jumble. Still, I hope that by trying to piece them together it will give you
some idea of what it means to me to be a West Ham supporter.
Let's start with the amazing display of generosity from you fine people that
has helped to swell the Bobby Moore cancer fund by £500. The copy of 'Nearly
Reach The Sky' that Russell Brand autographed and was then put up for
auction sold for a staggering £125. The final total was boosted by donations
from other readers and a small top-up from Iain and myself.
I'm not going to "out" anyone by revealing their WHTID identities. But I
would like to thank, in particular, Geoff, John and Graham.
What intrigued me most about the whole process was the bid that was made on
the understanding the individual concerned was happy to pay as long as he
DIDN'T get the book signed by Russell Brand. I think this opens up a whole
new line in fundraising. I don't know about you, but I'd pay quite a lot to
own something that hasn't been signed by Nigel Farage or Natalie Bennett,
for example. So, what am I bid for this freshly printed copy of 'Nearly
Reach The Sky' that has not been inscribed by Vlad The Impaler? All proceeds
to the Bobby Moore fund via Jonjo Heuerman.
On the subject of Jonjo, I'm still trying to clear my lungs of the
two-stroke fumes generated by the cavalcade of scooters that heralded his
arrival at the Champions statue as his latest marathon challenge reached its
climax on Saturday morning. Where did they come from – 1964? Talkin' Bout My
Elder Borther's Generation!
Spectacular though it was, I do think the club could and should have done
more to mark Jonjo's remarkable fundraising achievement. At the very least
he should have been presented to the Upton Park faithful at half time, when
he could have been given the standing ovation he so richly deserves. A lap
of honour wouldn't be out of order, either.
I was lucky enough to be able to have a brief chat with Jonjo's mother,
Donna. She began by asking me to pass on the entire family's thanks to WHTID
readers for the support you have shown, which I promised to do. I replied by
heaping praise on her remarkable 13-year-old son and all he has achieved, at
which point she looked me straight in the eye and said: "He is up for
adoption, you know." I must have looked quizzical for a brief moment,
because Donna gave me a very wicked grin and added: "I hope you like
walking!"
Trust me, that boy is in good hands.
It would have been a real pleasure to have accepted their invitation to join
them for a pre-match cup of rosie in the East Ham Working Man's Club, but I
was unable to abandon my post outside the fabulous Newham Bookshop, where I
was signing copies of my book.
Never having written a book before, I've never done a book-signing – so I
had absolutely no idea what to expect. I was nervous to begin with – which
turned into full-on trepidation when the awesome Viv, the shop's proprietor,
suggested I parked myself outside to attract passing custom. Well, I say
"suggested." But when Viv suggests something, people tend not to argue!
I've done some strange things in my time, but sitting behind a desk in the
Barking Road on a match day with nothing more than my deluxe West Ham
book-signing pen and a wistful expression that is trying to convey the
message "please don't hurt me," has to be right up there with the strangest.
Not that I had any reason to be concerned. In fact, it was a truly
delightful experience – not least because it gave me a chance to meet a lot
of WHTID regulars and put some faces to the names. (OT – see, I'm getting
the hang of this social media malarkey – is it common practice to refer to
people who follow a site but don't actually comment as "lurkers"? The reason
I ask is that in the newspaper game we call people who buy the paper but
don't feel the need to write a letter to the editor on a regular basis
"readers".)
I also finally got to meet Pete May, author of – among other things –
Hammers in the Heart and Irons in the Soul, both of which are essential
reading for anyone who bleeds claret and blue. Pete has been something of a
journalistic hero of mine for 30 years – ever since I read a piece by him in
Midweek magazine in which he recounted one of the funniest lines ever to
come out of the Chicken Run (and that really is saying something).
The story goes that the West Ham side of the mid-Eighties that had gone from
being title-contenders to relegation fodder within two short seasons was
struggling against a particularly robust team of northern heavyweights –
with a back four composed of giants who towered over Tony Cottee, who had
been left to play on his own up front. The frustration in the stands was on
the point of turning ugly when the cry went up: "Never mind Cottee – Snow
White and the other six will be along to help you out soon!"
The guy who came up with this particular gem went on to launch Fortune's
Always Hiding with Pete and Phil Jupitus among others.
But I digress. (To be fair, I did warn you I was going to ramble this
morning.)
Saturday also gave me the chance to lend my name to the petition that is
part of a a campaign to ensure that when developers Galliard finally get
their hands on the Upton Park site at the end of next season it is not given
over entirely to luxury flats and there is some social housing as well. Keep
the rich off the pitch!
I really fear for the future of East Ham when the ground is demolished.
Independent traders such as the Newham Bookshop are bound to suffer as a
result. They simply must not be allowed to go under (not that I could ever
picture the indomitable Viv being beaten by something as minor as the
football club that has been the heart and soul of the area for more than 100
years clearing off to another postal district).
In fact the Newham Bookshop, which has been in existence since 1978, has
become something of a heartbeat in its own right. Poet Benjamin Zephaniah
can certainly put it more eloquently than I could ever hope to.
"This bookshop has helped local people pass exams, fall in love, meet
authors, become authors, get work experience, learn to read, understand
Britain, understand the world and understand themselves."
As I said earlier, Saturday really was a rich, warm casserole of a day for
me. Oh yes, I nearly forgot. We also had a game against Palace. That was
diabolical. But, hey, in the immortal words of Tina Turner, "What's football
got to do with it?"
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Winston Reid ready to perform West Ham U-turn and sign new deal with the
Irons
10:37, 3 March 2015 By Jacob Murtagh
New Zealand international had looked set to leave Upton Park when his
contract expires at the end of the season after failing to agree fresh terms
in east London
The Mirror
Winston Reid is ready to perform a surprise U-turn and sign a new deal at
West Ham. The New Zealand international looked set to leave Upton Park when
his contract expires at the end of the season after failing to agree fresh
terms in east London. However, the two parties are understood to be inching
closer to striking a deal after a latest round of talks between the
defender's representatives and Hammers chiefs. The news will come as a big
blow to Tottenham, who were leading the chase for the 26-year-old's
signature, while Spurs' north London rivals Arsenal had also expressed an
interest. Reid has featured 27 times for Sam Allardyce's side this season
and will be hoping the Hammers can end a run of five games without a win
when they take on Chelsea on Wednesday. Reid moved to Upton Park from Danish
Superliga outfit FC Midtjylland in 2010 and has clocked up 131 appearances
in claret and blue, scoring six goals.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Sam Allardyce laments referee Mike Dean for failing to dismiss Glenn Murray
earlier in West Ham's loss to Crystal Palace
14:08, 3 March 2015 By Neil McLeman
Eagles striker Murray was eventually sent off in the second-half but not
before he had scored twice to give the Eagles a 3-0 lead at Upton Park
The Mirror
Sam Allardyce accused referee Mike Dean of scoring two goals by failing to
send off Glenn Murray earlier in Saturday's defeat to Crystal Palace. The
Eagles striker was eventually dismissed but only after finding the net twice
in the 3-1 win at Upton Park. Palace skipper Mile Jedinak is facing a
four-match ban for elbowing Diafra Sakho during the 3-1 home defeat to
Crystal Palace. But Allardyce said that retrospective suspension does not
help his struggling team who face Chelsea on Wednesday. "Jedinak is all very
well but the biggest problem was that Glenn Murray was still on the field
after 20/25 minutes," the Irons boss said. "It was not only persistent
fouling but the level of fouling that he did. "I have a lot of respect for
Mike Dean - I think he is a very, very good referee - but you could all see
he was too lenient with Murray by going to tell him that it was his last
chance. "Clearly across the board everybody else gets sent off and that is
our problem. Our problem in this particular instance is that Crystal Palace
have been let off. "So Mike Dean has a massive responsibility because he was
one of the main reasons Crystal Palace won because he scored two goals and
that for me is disappointing.
"It doesn't matter about retrospective action against Jedinak - it is no
help to me." Allardyce claimed he had "no idea" about Winston Reid's
contract situation with the defender out of contract this summer. "We can't
get a decision out of him unless we torture him," he joked. "We need to get
Jack Bauer." West Ham host leaders and Capital One Cup winners Chelsea in
another London derby after winning only one of their last 10 Premier League
games. "We can play our very best tomorrow night and lose because Chelsea
are that good but we will give it our best shot," Allardyce said. He will
pick from the same squad who lost 3-1 to Palace through three set-piece
goals.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Irons "very hopeful" on Reid
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on March 3, 2015 in Whispers
Claret & Hugh
Fresh hope is surging through the club this morning that Winston Reid is
ready to sign a new Hammers deal. Speculation started circulating on Twitter
last night and the national press is saying much the same inb its early
editions. And ClaretandHugh has established within the last few minutes that
days of intensive talks between Reid, his agent and David Sullivan have been
held over the past several days. The central defender has been reportedly
courted by Tottenham, Arsenal and Liverpool but after spending hours talking
to the Irons is closer to signing than at any time this winter. The Mail
reports that he is close to committing to a new deal and the Hammers are now
very upbeat about the likely outcome. We were told: "We are very hopeful.
Good negotiations have been held with him and his agent but we will know
more within the 72 hours."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
CandH Exclusive: Cottee sets Irons points target
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on March 3, 2015 in Whispers
Claret & Hugh
With Leroy Rosenior suffering from a sickness bug Tony Cottee has come to
Claretandhugh's aid with a match preview for the match against Chelsea
tomorrow! Thanks TC and get well soon Lee! I have to be brutally honest and
say I think we will be beaten by Chelsea tomorrow night so if there's a
point on offer now I'll take it now. I'll be in the crowd as a fan and I
know precisely what will be going through the players' heads: "When the hell
are we gonna get another win." To be honest I didn't see the Palace defeat
coming and with Chelsea and Arsenal now on the agenda there is a danger that
we could lost touch with the European qualifying places.
However, the lads are off to Dubai for warm weather training tomorrow and
historically they always benefit from those trips so keep everything crossed
they come back refreshed and up for it. We have to hope that Chelsea will
still have their heads in the clouds from winning the Capital One Cup. It
won't have been like the old days when teams went out on the lash but there
could be a hangover as a result of the victory. Like I say, I'd take a point
now because the fact is that if we aren't on our game and they are on theirs
we will probably lose because they have better players – simple as that. But
historically West Ham have always raised their game big time against top
sides and nothing has changed this time around so hope springs eternal. Once
we get these next two games out of the way we can look to a run in and I
think Sam will be setting the team a points target close to 60 points. There
are no easy matches but if we want to qualify for Europe next season that's
about what it will take. It's achievable but there are a lot of games in
there against struggling sides which makes it doubly difficult.
A point tomorrow night would be brilliant but they are a very in form side –
the best in the land so it couldn't be tougher and I'm fearful.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Arsenal Jenks decision puts Irons on alert
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on March 3, 2015 in Whispers
Claret & Hugh
Arsenal are ready to sell Carl Jenkinson at the end of the season with West
Ham likely to start the bidding at around £4 million.
Arsene Wenger, with Mathieu Debuchy, hugely promising youngster Hector
Bellerin and £16m summer signing Ben Chambers avaialable, is now believed
ready to let Jenks move on. However, with the player having signed a deal
until 2018, the Gunners are in a strong position to get the fee they want
which ClaretandHugh understands is around £6 million. The Hammers will drive
as hard a bargain as possible and with the player happily settled in London
that will help their case. With Spurs out of the running for obvious
reasons, Chelsea uninterested and neither Crystal Palace or QPR in the
market place, the Irons look to have the field to themselves. Bellerin – at
four years younger than Jenks – is from the Barcelona academy and is seen as
a huge prospect thus limiting Jenkinson's chances considerably. A West Ham
source revealed to ClaretandHugh: "There have been very early discussions
and given the length of contract, they hold the whip hand of course.
But Jenks is a London boy who wants first team football and we will be doing
our best to get a deal done. He's had a great season and settled well."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Irons: "We are not in negotiations for Song"
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on March 2, 2015 in Whispers
Clart 7 Hugh
West Ham have tonight revealed they are not in negotiations with Alex Song
or his advisers over a long term move to the club. No transfer fee has been
arranged with his club Barcelona and no talks are being held with the
player or his advisers. Speculation had arisen that talks had got underway
and broken down but ClaretandHugh was told by highly placed insiders a few
minutes ago that "no talks are being held." We reported two weeks ago that
the club was cooling on a deal after the player's decline in form since his
return from Africa when retiring from international football. And tonight we
were told: "There are no talks – we are not in negotiations with Alex. It's
as simple as that and to be honest he's not the player he was, he's giving
the ball away too much."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
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