Valencia back in training
WHUFC.com
Enner Valencia is determined to prove he is cut above after returning to
training after severely lacerating his toe in a freak accident.
The Ecuador forward suffered a deep gash when he accidentally stepped on a
shard of a broken toothbrush holder during a night-time trip to the
bathroom. After an emergency visit to hospital to have the wound cleaned and
stitched up and three weeks of healing, Valencia returned to the training
pitch at Chadwell Heath this week. The No31 told West Ham TV he hopes to
pull on a Claret and Blue shirt as soon as possible, with a chance that he
could feature in Saturday's Barclays Premier League visit to Leicester City.
"Basically, what happened is that about one or two o'clock in the afternoon,
a cup that was on the toilet where I kept the toothbrushes and toothpaste
fell on the ground and broke," Valencia explained. "I picked up the pieces
and I didn't realise I had missed a piece. Then, in the middle of the night
I went to the toilet bare-footed and half-asleep and stepped right on it.
"I'm feeling great at the moment as I've been able to get back on the pitch
this week and kick the ball. I've been running for a few days and am feeling
very well, so it just depends on what the manager and the staff decide now."
For Valencia, the injury came at a bad time, with West Ham desperate to end
a run of indifferent results and Ecuador contesting important international
matches with Mexico and Argentina in the United States. With the Hammers
looking to end the season strongly and the striker seeking a place in his
country's squad for this summer's Copa America, the 25-year-old is eager to
get back to competitive action as soon as he can. "Of course I am desperate
to get back on the pitch with my teammates to help out the squad. We know
the end of the season is going to be tough, so we all need to be there and
do our best for West Ham. "Right now I'm only thinking about West Ham
because it's approaching the end of the season and we have tough games. I'm
concentrating on playing for West Ham and if, after the season, they call me
for the national team then it will be a great summer."
This week, Valencia joined fellow South American Nene at the Club's Basildon
Store, where the pair spent two hours meeting Hammers fans.
"The support from all the West Ham fans has been fantastic throughout the
whole season, and being able to get a smile out of a child is the best thing
ever!" Valencia smiled, before talking about spending welcome time with
three-month-old daughter Amelia, his wife and son during his recent injury
lay-off. "I had to stay at home the whole time in the early part of my
recovery because I couldn't even walk, so the bright side was that I got to
spend a lot of time with my family."
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Collins wants victory over Foxes
WHUFC.com
In form centre-back James Collins is hoping his beloved West Ham United can
emulate his native Wales when they travel to play Leicester City on Saturday
4 April. Collins has been a regular for both club and country this season,
totalling 23 appearances. During the international break, Wales recorded an
emphatic 3-0 away win away against Israel thanks to an Aaron Ramsey opener
before Gareth Bale netted a brace. Speaking about the win, which takes Wales
level on points with table-topping Belgium, the experienced defender said:
"The win over Israel was a massive game, the way we did it, winning 3-0 and
playing very well was pleasing. "They came on to us a lot, which we
expected, playing away from home. I thought we dealt with that well, I was
playing on the right of a back three. I am delighted to get three points and
I'm buzzing for Wales."
After the win, which puts Wales in a great position to qualify for next
summer's European Championship finals in France, Collins heralded the
performance of compatriot, teammate and friend Bale. "During the second half
it was pretty quiet defensively because they were struggling to deal with
him. I was talking to Ashley Williams and we were saying how we wouldn't
know how to stop him. They tried to bring him down to stop him and one of
them got sent-off. "It's great to be on his team, he's one of the best
players in the world and he showed that on Saturday. He's bringing Welsh
football forward and it's great to be a part of it. I'm pretty close with
him, I speak to him regularly, and it's great to see him doing well for
Wales."
Having returned from international duty, Collins is now fully focused on a
tough trip to relegation-threatened Leicester. While many fans and pundits
may be expecting the Hammers to record a convincing victory, the 31-year-old
is anticipating a hard challenge. "I've watched Leicester play a few times
and they've played well, I remember them scoring five against Manchester
United earlier in the season and they're capable of scoring goals. "We beat
them 2-0 earlier in the season, it wasn't the prettiest games we've had, but
it was a very important victory."
A further boost for Collins and fans alike is the prospect of having
central-defensive partner Winston Reid back fit after a month out with a
hamstring injury sustained against Chelsea. While Cheikhou Kouyate proved
himself to be a more than capable stand-in, Collins welcomed the probable
return of the New Zealand international. "Having Winston back fit is
obviously a big boost, he's been in training for while so hopefully he'll be
fit for Saturday and help us try and get another clean sheet."
With eight games left of the season, Collins insisted that the Hammers have
plenty left to play for, most notably a highest points total since getting
promoted back to the Premier League back in 2012. "You can't take your foot
off the pedal, we want to win every game left, that's enough of an
incentive."Realistically, eighth is the best we can do looking at the table
and that would be a fantastic achievement. We've got three home games left
and we are certainly looking to win them. Since we've been promoted, tenth
is the best we've done so to better that would be great."
Looking further ahead to West Ham's last season at the Boleyn Ground and the
move to the new Stadium in time for the 2016/17 season, the defender
stressed his commitment to the Club. "We want to finish strong because next
season is a huge year. I've been here a long time, I love it here, I always
have done. I didn't really want to leave, it was put upon me and I left with
a heavy heart [when I joined Aston Villa in 2009]. When I had the
opportunity to come back, I was delighted. "I like to think I get on with
the fans here, they've been great with me. I've got next year left on my
contract, I feel fit as ever. I'm playing a fair amount of games and my
family are happy here. "If I was offered a longer contract I'd jump at it, I
know I need my football to do the talking, hopefully we can get something
sorted."
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Dev Squad set for Hong Kong Sevens
WHUFC.com
West Ham United's Development Squad are set to participate in the annual
Hong Kong Football Club Soccer Sevens from 29-31 May 2015.
Having last competed in the competition back in 2012, the Hammers will
compete alongside fellow English clubs Stoke City, five-time champions Aston
Villa, Leicester City and Newcastle United. The Development Squad will be
hoping to extend English sides' recent run of success following Aston Villa
(2011), Newcastle United (2012) and Leicester City (2013) being crowned
champions. Notable players who have played in the tournament include West
Ham's Anton Ferdinand and Glen Johnson, as well as Gabby Agbonlahor, Marc
Albrighton, David Bentley, Sammy Ameobi, Shaun Maloney, Jack Grealish and
Rolando Aarons. Tony Bratsanos, Chairman of the HKFC Citibank Soccer Sevens
Organising Committee, said: "We're excited that West Ham will be coming back
after a brief break, as they were a very popular side when they played here,
and we're also proud that we were able to secure Stoke City for their
tournament debut. Stoke are enjoying a fine season and will be a welcome
addition to the Main competition."
English clubs have won ten of the 15 editions of the tournament since its
inauguration in 1999. Aston Villa have won a record five times (2002, 2004,
2007, 2008, 2010), while Blackburn Rovers (1999), Arsenal (2001), Newcastle
(2012), Leicester (2013) and Manchester City (2014) are the other English
clubs to have lifted the Cup.
There will be match reports, previews and updates on the Development Squad's
progress during the tournament on www.whufc.com and across our social media
platforms.
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Merson's predictions: Chelsea and Manchester City backed for wins
Last Updated: 02/04/15 10:08pm
Sky Sports' Paul Merson gives his predictions ahead of an important weekend
in the Premier League. The Premier League is back and so is Merse as he
casts his expert eye over the Premier League fixtures. Here's how the 'Magic
Man' sees the 10 games going.
Leicester v West Ham, Saturday 3pm
Merse thinks Leicester cannot afford any slip-ups against West Ham This is
Leicester's cup final. They just have to win. If they don't I think that
will be it and they will be relegated. With six out of their last nine games
at home Nigel Pearson's side definitely have a chance of survival but they
must beat West Ham. A draw is just not good. But, backed by their home
support, I think they can get the result they need and I'm backing them for
a 2-1 win against a West Ham side who have just one win from their last
eight in the league.
PAUL PREDICTS: 2-1
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Sam Allardyce says Leicester can take heart from Sunderland's survival last
term
Last Updated: 02/04/15 5:58pm
SSN
West Ham manager Sam Allardyce says Saturday's opponents Leicester remain
capable of retaining their Premier League status. Allardyce takes his team
to the King Power Stadium to face the league's bottom club who are without a
win in their last seven matches and seven points adrift of safety. But
Allardyce says Nigel Pearson's men should use Sunderland's improbable escape
from relegation last season as motivation in their own quest to beat the
drop. "At this stage of the season generally, at that level at the lower
end of the league, if they can win four out of six, or three out of five
they can give themselves a lifeline," Allardyce said. "Last year it was
Sunderland, so that can happen with the performances that Leicester have
shown. Leicester will not give up and they've still got great hope that they
can get out of trouble. "What we've got to do is make sure that is not
against us. We've got to make sure we are on top of our game and deliver the
performance we need to because they are fighting for their lives down there.
'Performances'
"Overall, Nigel must be pulling his hair out and saying: 'Why haven't our
performances given us more results?' "I suppose that shows the cruelty of
the Premier League where some teams, who don't take advantage of things, by
not scoring chances, ultimately pay the price." Defender Winston Reid looks
set to return for West Ham after missing their last two matches with a
hamstring injury but Allardyce confirmed Enner Valencia is unlikely to be
fit for the weekend. "We've got Winston Reid back in full training," he
said. "But I don't think Enner Valencia is going to make it, although he is
back in some sort of training. "Winston will be available as he's had the
last seven days back in full training."
Allardyce, whose long-term future at West Ham continues to be debated, said
he is not unduly concerned about the latest wave of speculation, insisting
his only focus is finishing the season well. "It's very tight between eighth
and tenth now for us. We have a reasonable run-in although no game is ever
easy at this level. For us it's about achieving as many points as possible
in the run-in. Hopefully we can kick off on a good run having beaten
Sunderland.
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QPR eye West Ham manager Sam Allardyce for next season if he leaves the
Hammers this summer
22:30, 1 April 2015 By Darren Lewis
Upton Park boss has also been linked with Sunderland, while the Irons have
David Moyes and Eddie Howe on their radar ahead of big Olympic Stadium move
The Mirror
Sam Allardyce is a candidate for the Queens Park Rangers job if he is not
kept on by West Ham. Hammers boss Allardyce, 60, is out of contract at the
end of the season and the club will not hold talks over a new deal until
then. Sunderland have already targeted Big Sam as a long-term replacement
for Gus Poyet, but there are some at QPR who feel Allardyce's experience
would be an asset at Loftus Road next season. Current boss Chris Ramsey, 52,
has the support of Rangers' director of football Les Ferdinand. The club,
however, have yet to confirm that Ramsey will remain in charge after the
current campaign and Mark Warburton of west London neighbours Brentford has
also been linked with the job. The Hoops' players have responded positively
to Ramsey since he was put in charge at the start of February and want him
to stay in the job. The club have continued losing, however, with six
defeats in seven outings since Harry Redknapp's departure.
QPR have crucial games coming up at West Brom and Aston Villa, before they
welcome Premier League leaders Chelsea to Loftus Road for a local derby.
Allardyce, who steered the Irons up from the Championship in 2012 and has
kept them in the top flight since, has claimed he is comfortable with their
policy of leaving contract talks until the end of the season. The east
Londoners, however, have Real Sociedad boss David Moyes and Bournemouth
rising star Eddie Howe in their sights if a deal cannot be agreed. But
Hammers legend Sir Geoff Hurst has called on the club to keep Big Sam after
his work guiding the club into the top half of the table. Hurst said: "There
are a section of fans that say he should go, but overall he has done a good
job. This year we have looked comfortable and could finish just outside the
top six or seven. There's been a vast improvement in terms of results and
performances. "I just don't think it's the right thing to do to get a new
manager. I don't know why they are not talking to him. There's still time
for them to look at it. The final eight games could influence the owners,
but Sam should be the manager next year regardless. "You need continuity.
Next season is the year before they move into the Olympic Stadium, so they
need to be careful."
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Allardyce QPR link surfaces again
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on April 2, 2015 in Whispers
Claret & Hugh
Sam Allardyce is this morning again being linked with Queens Park Rangers as
a new end of season boss. Darren Lewis - who covers West Ham for The Mirror
writes: "Sam Allardyce is a candidate for the Queens Park Rangers job if he
is not kept on by West Ham." Sunderland also remain interested in the 60
year old who is seen as a dab hand at taking relegated teams up and keeping
struggling teams afloat. Some at QPR have felt that his experience would be
an asset at Loftus Road next season and the story first emerged after Harry
Redknapp quit the club. Much as Rangers may want him, however, a lot will
depend on which league they are playing in next season with the team
currently rooted second off bottom with 22 points. Sunderland, meanwhile,
hare in 17th and neither looks the most attractive proposition as things
stand. Allardyce has regularly claimed, however, that he will discuss his
future with the Irons board at the end of the season and that until then
such reports are "pure speculation."
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Irons fans deserve some real excitement
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on April 2, 2015 in Whispers
Claret & Hugh
Whilst a win at Leicester is expected and of paramount importance, am I
alone in wanting a lot more than that from Saturday's game?
The preferred A game we've been watching with growing despair until the much
needed win over Sunderland arrived - desperate though it was - has been
failing us for weeks. And yes, before anyone else mentions it, I know there
have been injuries! But with most attacking and midfield options now
available can we please see a bit of Morgan Amaltfitano and Nene - remember
him anybody? Our season really does need to be spiced up one way or another.
Of course, the Frenchman didn't himself no favours with the red card against
West Brom but now available, he needs to be included as at his best he
provides some much needed creativity. Nene may too, were he to be given a
chance, but thus far - as most expected - he's merely flitted around the was
of the action for a few minutes at a time. I'm sure if we can give over
extended run-outs to the likes of Matt Jarvis and the captain then it might
be fair to expect that Morgan and Nene might be introduced to provide so,e
much needed flair. It would be great to think that Reece Oxford may get a
chance too at some stage although nobody will be holding their breath on
that one. Personally, however, I want some excitement and although a win
over the bottom placed club would be welcome we need more than that I
reckon. I really don't want to go through to the end of the season hearing
the words: "The only thing that matters is the result no matter how it's
achieved." We need something to raise the blood levels. Grinding out results
(or not) is no way to send the fans off for summer. We've been there
before! Too often. Surely a little flair, imagination and excitement is not
too much to expect.
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Your chance to meet the Irons stars
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on April 2, 2015 in Whispers
Claret & Hugh
West Ham have announced an opportunity for Season Ticket holders and
Academy/Youth Academy members to meet three of the senior squad in a fans
forum at the Boleyn Ground next week. Fan favourites Adrian, Carlton Cole
and Stewart Downing will be present at the ground on Tuesday 7 April at
6.30pm to take questions.
coleIt's the second fans' forum of the season and follows a series of
events throughout the campaign aimed at keeping fans informed and in touch
with not only the players but important goings-on at the club. The fans will
also have the chance to meet the players informally with the opportunity to
obtain photos and autographs. The club's website have said that it is a
first come first serve basis, so those looking to attend this need to call
the Ticket Office on 0871 529 1966 - option 3*. The full story and more
details can be found on the official club website, www.whufc.com, including
details on how to get your questions submitted for the players attending.
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Irons talk on QPR defender link
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on April 2, 2015 in Whispers
Claret & Hugh
West Ham have - in the last few minutes - denied any interest "whatsoever"
in Queens Park Rangers central defender Nedum Onuoha.
A national newspaper this morning claimed the Irons could be interested in
the 28 year old who will almost certainly wan t out of Loftus Road if they
relegated. But a top source inside Upton Park said: "There's no interest -
none whatsoever. We have Winston Reid, James Tomkins, James Collins, Doneil
Henry and Reece Oxford set to break through. "We are looking at various
players but this is the first time we have heard Nedum's name mentioned."
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Diarra puts boot into Allardyce
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on April 2, 2015 in Whispers
Claret & Hugh
Alou Diarra - having been at Charlton on a loan spell until the end of the
season - has put the boot into Sam Allardyce. He remains unhappy at his
treatment under the 60 year old at Upton Park and has given way to his
Boleyn frustrations. Speaking to South London Today he said: "I wasn't first
choice. I gave everything in training but it wasn't enough for the manager.
"It was unfair because before I came to West Ham I was in the France squad
for the European Championships in 2012 and playing in the Champions League.
'My past was good. I played a lot of good games before I signed. But I
wasn't first choice at West Ham - I don't know if it would've been different
with a different manager. "I have a new chance to play now. West Ham was not
my fault - I gave everything.'
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Foxes old boy Savage on City v Irons
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on April 2, 2015 in Whispers
Claret & Hugh
Love him or hate him you can always rely on Mr Robbie Savage to give you a
view or ten! Sav - a good friend of ClaretandHugh - was a Leicester City
stalwart in their 'glory years' under Martin O'Neill but is deeply
despondent of their fate this season. He also has a special affection for
David Gold and David Sullivan under whom he worked at Birmingham City and
says: "They are both great guys but I think they will come home from the
Walker Stadium a bit cheesed off this weekend." "The Hammers haven't been on
the greatest run and it was all about the performance against Sunderland. If
they can take something from the victory into the match on Saturday I could
be wrong but to be honest City have far more to play for. "When you are in
that situation you kinda say: "B...ks to it, let's give it the lot - there's
absolutely nothing to lose and to be fair to them that's what they have been
doing most of the time this term. "They have been very unlucky at times
because they have been in every game without getting the rub of the green -
Saturday may be different. I think it will because things are absolutely
desperate now. "It's a real hard one to call because the Hammers are capable
of playing some great stuff although they aren't that steady away from home.
"It'll depend on which West Ham turns up but I'll take the Foxes to win it
2-1. Having said that I think they will go down anyway. They're not good
enough. "The Hammers can't compain at their season though. They have become
a solid mid table premier League team!"
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No summer break for Carroll
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on April 2, 2015 in Whispers
Claret & Hugh
Andy Carroll - helped by warm weather training in Dubai - continues to make
progress from his knee surgery but will have no summer break. Stijn
Vandenbroucke, Head of Medical and Sports Science, in his regular updates on
the injury situation at the official site reported: "He will not have a
summer break this year as he will be working hard on his rehab during that
period." He also revealed that Winston Reid is fit and is training hard to
be ready for Saturday's Barclays Premier League fixture at Leicester City
whilst Enner Valencia's position is re-evaluatied on a daily basis." James
Tomkins and Doneil Henry are continuing with their rehabilitation from
shoulder and hamstring surgery. He said: Doneil has resumed walking normally
this week, which is the next step in his rehab and something he is really
happy about."
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Valencia on his Leicester chances
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on April 2, 2015 in Whispers
Claret & Hugh
Enner Valencia has given an update on his injured foot, explaining he is
back in training pitch and kicking balls again. Whether he plays on Saturday
at Leicester City, however, will depend entirely on Sam Allardyce with Enner
admitting: "It just depends on what the manager and the staff decide now."
The striker revealed how he had damaged his foot saying: "Basically, what
happened is that about one or two o'clock in the afternoon, a cup that was
on the toilet where I kept the toothbrushes and toothpaste fell on the
ground and broke. "I picked up the pieces and I didn't realise I had missed
a piece. Then, in the middle of the night I went to the toilet bare-footed
and half-asleep and stepped right on it."
Valencia stayed at home during the international break to work on his
recovery, and he is hoping to feature against the Foxes having returned to
full training. "I'm feeling great at the moment as I've been able to get
back on the pitch this week and kick the ball," he added.
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