First and Last - Julian Dicks
WHUFC.com
As West Ham United continue the final season at the Boleyn Ground, we've
asked our players for some memorable lasts from their careers and lives, as
well as some firsts. Today, coaching assistant Julian Dicks goes under the
spotlight…
FIRSTS
What was the first car you owned?
It was a Ford Fiesta 1.1 Popular Plus. I remember John Lyall taking me down
in his Jaguar to the Ford garage and called the manager saying 'This boy
wants a discount' and I got one! I paid about £1,500 for the car.
What was the first CD you bought?
It would have been something like Iron Maiden. I remember they actually came
to the training ground back in 1990 so it was good to see them and I saw
(Iron Maiden guitarist and Hammers fan) Steve Harris at the game last
weekend which was good.
Can you tell us about the first goal you scored for West Ham?
It was against Arsenal at Highbury. We were 2-0 down and I got the ball from
a throw-in and chested it down before smashing it past David Seaman into the
back of the net. I actually saw the goal on YouTube the other day so I have
good memories of it.
Who would be the first person you would call up for a pub quiz?
I would probably say either Slaven or Iain Dowie. Iain wasn't the best
looker in the world but he had a good brain on him so I would probably call
him up!
Who would be the first player you would vote off the X Factor?
I would have to say my former team-mate Ilie Dumitrescu. I remember when he
signed from Tottenham and his English was spot-on but his singing was
rubbish.
LASTS
What was the last concert you went to?
Ages ago! It was Guns 'N' Roses and I saw them play at the Cologne Stadium
in Germany. It was not long after that they broke up but it was a good
concert.
Which of your former teammates is the last you would want to be stuck in a
lift with?
It depends on the circumstances. I would not want to be stuck in a lift with
Ian Bishop if he was drunk! Or Iain Dowie as he is quite boring!
Who is the last player you would take fashion advice from?
It has to be Alex Song. His dress sense is awful and I don't get it at all.
What is the last book you read?
It was Jose Mourinho's book. I don't ready many books but I found that quite
interesting as I quite like him. I like to know how he has achieved what he
has done and how he treats players. It was interesting.
What is the last thing you want to hear from a manager after a game?
I remember Billy Bonds telling me I had been fined two weeks' wages for
getting sent-off which wasn't very nice!
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Slaven Speaks - Sunderland
WHUFC.com
Ahead of Saturday's game with Sunderland, Slaven Bilic held his weekly
pre-match press conference. During the briefing, the manager answered
questions on Sam Allardyce's return to the Boleyn, team news and …
Is it true Andy Carroll and Winston Reid could be back for Saturday?
SB: "They are back in training so that is a positive. Manuel Lanzini has
been back in training for a while so that's good, and he is getting back to
full fitness. Andy is back which of course is good. Winston is improving,
maybe not for Saturday but soon. But it is looking good, touch wood."
How important is it to have players coming back at this time of the season?
SB: "Very important, the whole squad has done brilliantly throughout the
season, whenever we have had injuries. They have all been great. Now we are
approaching the final quarter of the season it is crucial we continue to do
well."
Cheikhou Kouyate had his red card rescinded, are you surprised at that
decision?
SB: "For me it was obvious, this wasn't a nasty or bad challenge. We hoped
and we expected this decision so we are happy. It's great to have this
option in England, in most other countries you can't even discuss it. So it
is great that you can appeal these decisions, referees are only people and
they can make mistakes. So it's important because the stakes are so high, it
is good for English football."
Saturday's game is obviously the first time Sam Allardyce is back at Upton
Park, how do you think the fans should reflect on his time in charge?
SB: "Well they should respect him, he done great for West Ham. He is one of
the most famous and long serving English managers, 20 years or so, very
successful and charismatic one. He got us back from the Championship and
then stabilised the club in the Premier League so he has done amazing job
and he should be praised big time."
Now it seems likely that the last game at the Boleyn Ground will be
Manchester United in midweek, how do you feel about that?
SB: "We still don't know for certain but it is likely. I think it'll good,
Manchester United are huge so it is a big game for a huge stadium. I think
it'll be a great night, it would be anyway. But it'll be about Upton Park
and the history so it will be a fantastic day and a fantastic occasion."
Do you think Sam Allardyce will keep Sunderland in the league?
SB: "He has done a good already stabilising them and they are harder to
beat, they are more organised. They got four points against Liverpool away
and Manchester United, any club in the world would take that. Even when they
were 2-0 down at Anfield, they didn't give up. There's still a long way to
go but they have a big chance to stay up."
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Ritson relishing Spurs' clash
WHUFC.com
Defender Danni Ritson is buzzing about the prospect of playing an official
FA Women's Premier League under the famous lights at the Boleyn Ground on
Tuesday 8 March – International Women's Day. The Ladies club have announced
that their upcoming Southern Division fixture with Tottenham Hotspur Ladies
has been moved to Upton Park from their usual surroundings at AFC
Hornchurch's Bridge Avenue Stadium. It is the first time that the West Ham
Ladies will host an official league fixture on the hallowed turf and a big
moment for Ritson and her teammates.
"I simply cannot wait for the Upton Park fixture," admitted the 20 year-old.
"Under the Boleyn Ground lights, one of the last times ever, while my
teammates and I are pulling on the famous Claret and Blue shirts and
preparing to walk out onto the pitch to the sound of our friends, family and
the West Ham fans singing Bubbles is something that any footballer would
dream of.
"It is the Club's final season at Upton Park and it's been a special season
that we are lucky enough to be a part of, especially when it's an official
league match too!" Tickets for the big game are priced at £5 for Adults and
just £1 for Children and can be purchased through turnstiles on the night.
The Hammers will hope for a better showing against Spurs after a difficult
few weeks results-wise, with Tottenham inflicting a penalty shootout defeat
over their London rivals in the Capital Cup quarter-finals. A 7-0 home
defeat by Blackburn Rovers in the FA Women's Cup third round was followed by
an 8-0 league loss to Charlton Athletic at AFC Hornchurch. Ahead of the
Boleyn Ground date, the Ladies host Coventry City in the league on Sunday,
with kick-off at 2pm.
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Chadwell Chatter
WHUFC.com
Hello everyone,
I am extremely proud to announce and have to admit that I am blown away that
tickets for my Testimonial has now sold out – that is something special.
When we first announced it I thought I would be lucky to get 20,000 with the
amount of money that the fans have to spend during a season, but when I
think about the support that our fans show, nothing surprises me.
I am grateful and humbled by it and I just want to make the day special for
everybody.
I have got some great names playing and can announce that Gianfranco Zola
wants to play some part! He called me and I was over the moon to speak with
him. He asked about the Testimonial and I said I would love him to be there.
I have also spoken to Glen Johnson and Paul Konchesky recently and he wants
to play which is great because they were in the Academy.
There are still some Corporate Hospitality packages available from £99 -
don't forget we will be raising money for three great charities in the DT38
Foundation, Richard House Children's Hospice and Help for Heroes.
It has been an amazing few weeks for the Club, especially the feeling around
the place after our FA Cup victory over Liverpool which was an amazing night
for the players, staff and the fans.
We then went to Norwich and went two goals down which was undeserved, but we
showed a great reaction to come back into the game and everyone, including
the substitutes, played their part.
We then had the FA Cup win at Blackburn last weekend which was another
special day for the 7,200 fans who made the long journey to Ewood Park. It
felt like a home game for us. We don't want to stop there and want to keep
progressing.
The players we have got now and the players who are coming back from injury
shows the quality we have got in the squad.
We have now got four of our strikers fit which is phenomenal and everyone is
pulling their weight and you are going to need that for the cup run that we
are going on and the Premier League.
We need all the players and we have got some real quality here.
The intensity goes up in training because everyone is playing for places in
the side. We have also got players coming back from injury who need to get
fit and the standard of training this year has been really high – with the
squad we have got now it is a little bit special.
We believe as a squad and as a team that we can score goals. We believe in
our ability and in our players.
We have got some players who are playing at the top of their game and we
just need to make sure they keep enjoying their game and we keep winning.
With the way it has gone this season we have been behind in some games and
have come back. The Premier League is a rollercoaster and nothing is
guaranteed at all.
We need to keep that belief going and as Julian Dicks has said about the
boss, he makes his feelings known when he needs to, but he really believes
in his players.
I am looking forward to seeing Big Sam back at the Boleyn Ground on
Saturday. I spent four successful years playing under him and we got
promoted under him, which was massive for the Club.
He was brought into the Club to get us promoted from the Championship back
into the Premier League and he did that. He then stabilised us in the top
flight.
I will look forward to seeing Sam, but hopefully only after we have beaten
his Sunderland team.
Finally, we are honouring Bobby Moore and our heroes from the Sixties this
weekend. As a West Ham fan, an Academy product and being from Canning Town,
I always heard stories of what Bobby achieved and what sort of player and
man he was.
It's an honour for me to be following in his footsteps and captaining this
great Club of ours.
Come on You Irons!
Nobes
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Boleyn Memories - Roberta Moore
WHUFC.com
Roberta Moore has special memories of the Boleyn Ground and seeing her
father Bobby become one of the greatest ever players to have performed for
the east London club. This week marked 23 years since the former England
World Cup winning captain sadly passed away but he will never be forgotten
at West Ham United. The 1960's themed game against Sunderland on Saturday
sees a number of Bobby's former team-mates make a return to the Boleyn
Ground and Roberta says it promises to be a special day as she looks back at
some magical memories. Roberta said: "I remember on Saturday lunch-time dad
would have a steak at home and then we would wave him off to the game. We
always parked in the same parking spot and everyone was so friendly. It felt
like we were going home. "We would always sit in the same three seats and
keep our eyes on dad the entire time.
"He would lift his arm up and give us a secret wave every match – at
half-time we would always go downstairs to the wives lounge and I don't
think I ever made the second half! "My dad used to own the shop directly
opposite the ground and I had a Saturday job so along with my cousins we
would sit outside selling rosettes and we used to work there during
half-term. "On Christmas Day the training would be at the ground and I also
used to sweep the terraces and help the groundsman. I don't think my mum was
too impressed when I used to come home grubby. "The ground has lots of
memories for me and it is where my father spend the majority of his career.
For us a family it is all about West Ham United. I feel a lot of warmth from
everyone at the club. "I remember when my father passed away it was very
special seeing all the flowers and tributes and it is a very special place.
"I remember coming over for the 20th anniversary and when everyone lifted up
the Bobby Moore cards and had the number six shirt I felt that my dad was
here! "I will be back for the Sunderland game on Saturday and it will be
very special to see the players from the 1960's again. To be moving onto the
new Stadium is a fantastic opportunity and I am sure my father would be 100
per cent behind the move."
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Former Player Blog - Tony Cottee
WHUFC.com
Tony Cottee is rated one of the best ever strikers in the club's history
scoring 146 goals in 336 appearances and came the closest to winning the top
flight title when he was part of the famous Boys of 86' team which finished
third back in 1986. Cottee is still an avid Hammers fans and feels the club
have the ideal chance to make it a memorable end to the campaign.
It has been a brilliant season for the club. They made a really good start
and need to continue that in terms of their league form and pick up as many
points as possible.
The good start has enabled the team to focus their efforts on the FA Cup and
they have had some good performances in the last few games.
I think it is fair to say that former West Ham teams might have gone under
in some of those games – I'm thinking of the West Brom result last year when
everyone had such high hopes.
We went to Blackburn last Sunday and came through with flying colours. We
can look forward to the quarter final with Manchester United and the league
is still very important.
If we could manager to win a few games in a row who knows where we could end
up?
We have got to keep ticking away with the games and we have got some big
fixtures coming up against Sunderland and Tottenham at the Boleyn Ground.
I am down at the training ground and there is a real camaraderie among the
boys and a great team spirit. It is almost like a bit of a throw-back to
thirty years ago with the team that I was part of which finished third.
Everyone is very relaxed.
You look at the performances on the pitch and they don't seem to fear
playing against anyone.
The wins at Arsenal, Liverpool and Manchester City have given the players
great confidence and hopefully they can do the same against Manchester
United.
In my experience of the game, I only had that 1985/86 season when I was part
of a team that had good individuals around you and on our day could beat
anyone in the country.
I always say that we didn't think we could win games, we knew we would win
games. Myself and Frank McAvennie knew we would score goals and the defence
knew they would not concede goals.
It feels the same with this team that if they do concede like they did
against Blackburn last Sunday, they will still score two or three. There is
the belief there and you only get it two or three times during your career –
this is one of those seasons.
The boys have got the belief. It is probably the best squad we have had for
the last 15-years.
You have to get all aspects right. It is okay to have the creative players
but you need your goalscorers and defenders and a good goalkeeper. All the
ingredients need to be merged together.
Dimitri has been fantastic and I have enjoyed watching Lanzini when he has
played this year. The Kouyate's and Obiang who are in the team don't always
get the praise but they do a great job in the midfield.
I am a big fan of Mark Noble and he has been consistent and this has
probably been his best season.
He is the captain and is a huge influence in the dressing room. He is a
leader and I can't think of anyone better who I would want to see lift the
FA Cup this season.
We have got four or five very good forwards at the club and it is a very
good squad. You have to seize the chance. As good as our season was thirty
years ago we only finished third and didn't win the FA Cup.
When the chance comes along you need to take the chance and the moment. My
advice to all the guys is take your chance and try and qualify for a
European spot.
Don't just reach the semi-finals – try and get to the FA Cup Final and win a
trophy.
I have special praise for my two mates Slaven Bilic and Julian Dicks who
have done a fantastic job this season.
The views in this article are those of the author and not necessarily those
of West Ham United
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Slaven Bilic: Sam Allardyce deserves 'warm' West Ham reception
BBC.co.uk
West Ham manager Slaven Bilic says his predecessor Sam Allardyce should be
"appreciated" by fans when he returns to Upton Park this weekend.
A hostile reception is expected for the current Sunderland boss, who left
West Ham by mutual consent in May last year. Despite winning promotion to
the Premier league in the first of his four years at the club, Allardyce was
not popular because of his style of play. But Bilic believes "everyone
connected with the club" should "appreciate him". Bilic added: "He took over
West Ham in a moment when they were in the Championship and got them back
straight away. "He stabilised them in the Premier League and did an amazing
job. "Do I think he will get a warm reception? I think so, and I hope so."
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West Ham United v Sunderland
SAT, 27 FEB 2016PREMIER LEAGUE
12:45
Venue: Boleyn Ground
BBC.co.uk
TEAM NEWS
West Ham's Cheikhou Kouyate is available after winning an appeal against his
red card against Blackburn. Diafra Sakho is unlikely to be risked but Andy
Carroll and Winston Reid, who like Sakho have returned to training, could
both feature.
Sunderland's Jan Kirchhoff may be fit despite being forced off in their last
game with a hamstring problem. Sebastian Larsson and Younes Kaboul could
both be available, although they are unlikely to start. Duncan Watmore and
Jeremain Lens remain sidelined.
MOTD COMMENTATOR'S NOTES
Simon Brotherton: "Sam Allardyce returns to Upton Park for the first time
since leaving West Ham last summer with renewed hope of keeping Sunderland
in the Premier League. "He's hoping the players will be feeling
reinvigorated after warm-weather training in Dubai and can build on recent
results. "A 2-2 draw at Liverpool was followed by a 2-1 home win over
Manchester United last time out, leaving them just a point from safety.
"West Ham have certainly prospered under Slaven Bilic this year, but
Allardyce deserves credit for getting the side promoted from the
Championship and then establishing them in the Premier League during his
time there."
Twitter: @SimonBrotherton
WHAT THE MANAGERS SAY
West Ham manager Slaven Bilic on the reception Sam Allardyce will receive:
"They [Hammers fans] should respect him, he did great for West Ham.
"He is one of the most famous and long-serving English managers, 20 years or
so, very successful and charismatic. "He got us back from the Championship
and then stabilised the club in the Premier League so he has done amazing
job and he should be praised big time."
Sunderland head coach Sam Allardyce: "From experience, taking players to
Dubai in the warm-weather training scenario, the players will come back much
more capable, much more eager to overcome the position and try to get better
results. "It certainly gives everyone enough time physically to recover and
recuperate mentally. "We will certainly see a performance where the players
have enough energy to win the game."
MATCH FACTS
Head-to-head
West Ham have only lost one of their last seven games against Sunderland,
although four have been drawn (W2, D4).
The Hammers have won seven and lost just one of the last 10 Premier League
home games against the Black Cats.
Sunderland's last win away to West Ham was a 3-0 victory in May 2011.
West Ham United
The Hammers are unbeaten in their last 12 home games in all competitions
(W7, D5).
Victory would give West Ham their highest total of points after 27 Premier
League games.
West Ham have conceded 61% of their goals before half-time - the highest
proportion in this season's Premier League.
Dimitri Payet has scored or set up 12 Premier League goals this season -
twice as many as any other West Ham player.
Sunderland
Sam Allardyce's side have failed to keep a clean sheet in their last 13
league and cup games, conceding a total of 27 goals.
Sunderland have allowed their opponents 158 shots on target against them
this season, more than any other team in the top flight.
The Black Cats have conceded seven Premier League penalties this term - the
joint-highest figure, along with Norwich.
Sunderland could score in nine consecutive top-flight away matches for the
first time since a run of 10 in a row from April to October 1956.
SAM's verdict
Most probable score: 1-0 Probability of draw: 26%
Probability of home win: 53% Probability of away win: 21%
SAM (Sports Analytics Machine) is a super-computer created by Professor Ian
McHale at the University of Salford that is used to predict the outcome of
football matches.
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Merson's predictions: Arsenal to win at Man Utd, Spurs to beat Swansea
Last Updated: 26/02/16 12:18am
SSN
Sky Sports' Paul Merson is back to look ahead to another round of Premier
League fixtures, including Arsenal's trip to Manchester United, Tottenham v
Swansea and West Brom's clash with Crystal Palace. Also on Merse's radar
this weekend is Southampton v Chelsea, Leciester v Norwich City, West Ham v
Sunderland and Watford v Bournemouth. It proved to be a tough round of
predictions last time out with the Magic Man managing just two correct
scores and one correct result.
West Ham v Sunderland - 12.45pm
It will be a tough return to Upton Park for Sam Allardyce. Sunderland have
dug in in recent weeks and got some very good results but West Ham are a
very good side. Dimitri Payet is in outstanding form and firing on all
cylinders for Slaven Bilic's side. I think Sunderland will struggle to cope
with him so I'm backing him to score the first goal and West Ham to win 3-1.
PAUL PREDICTS: 3-1 (Sky Bet Odds 14/1)
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Slaven Bilic happy for West Ham stars to include former boss Sam Allardyce
in their goal celebrations
22:30, 25 FEB 2016
BY NEIL MCLEMAN
The Croat has joined owner David Sullivan in calling for a warm reception
for the Sunderland manager on his return to Upton Park
The Mirror
Slaven Bilic is happy for West Ham players to show their appreciation for
Sam Allardyce - by including their ex-manager in their goal celebrations on
Saturday. The Hammers boss has joined owner David Sullivan in calling for a
warm reception for the Sunderland boss on his return to Upton Park. Despite
a strained relationship with the Irons fans, Allardyce led West Ham out of
the Championship and kept them in the top flight for three seasons. Bilic
claimed Allardyce "did a great job here" and laid the foundations for a side
now sitting seventh in the Premier League and through to the last eight of
the FA Cup. And the Croat said: "The fans and everyone connected him with
the club should appreciate him.
"I don't know what fans think of him but you can't change the facts and the
facts are in his favour big time. Whoever says differently, it's not
business, it's personal. Sam did a great job here. "He left me an organised
training ground, key players, he made my job a bit easier and I appreciate
it. I think and I hope he will get a good reception. "It is a more special
game for Sam that he is coming back to the place, the stadium where he was
the manager for a few years. "I don't think it will distract the
concentration but I don't mind if we score a goal for them to go and hug
him. As long as we score a goal, I wouldn't mind that. They can do it four
or five times!" Andy Carroll is available while Diafra Sakho and Winston
Reid are back training. Dimitri Payet will be out to continue his hot streak
but insists he will have no regrets if he fails to make the France squad for
Euro 2016. Payet has scored nine goals and set up eight since joining last
summer but France boss Didier Deschamps suggested Payet, who last played for
his country in June, has it all to do to an earn a recall because he has so
many attacking midfield options.
Payet said: "I've already missed a World Cup, I know what it is. The Euros
is in a corner of my head but there is no spirit of revenge. "There is a
group that has been built since the beginning of the new season, in which I
do not appear. "It is like that. We must live with it, and I am doing well.
It must respect the choices of the coach. He is the boss. I give the maximum
and if that is not enough, I know that I won't regret."
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West Ham's Dimitri Payet says he'll have no regrets even if he fails to make
France's Euro 2016 squad
17:00, 25 FEB 2016 UPDATED 17:06, 25 FEB 2016
BY ADRIAN KAJUMBA
Didier Deschamps said the Hammers playmaker isn't guaranteed a Euro 2016
place due to his form for the national side, but Payet insists he's doing
all that he can
The Mirror
Dimitri Payet insists he will have no regrets if he fails to make the France
squad for Euro 2016. Payet has been in sensational form since joining West
Ham last summer, scoring nine goals and setting up eight. Despite his
sparkling displays France boss Didier Deschamps suggested Payet, who last
played for his country in June, has it all to do to an earn a recall. He
explained Payet has been left out of his plans because he doesn't play as
well for his country as he does his club and France also have plenty of
attacking midfield options. Payet, 28, said: "I've already missed a World
Cup, I know what it is. The Euros is in a corner of my head but there is no
spirit of revenge."There is a group that has been built since the beginning
of the new season, in which I do not appear. "It is like that. We must live
with it, and I am doing well. It must respect the choices of the coach. He
is the boss. I give the maximum and if that is not enough, I know that I
won't regret." Payet has also set his sights on winning his first ever piece
of silverware to cap his brilliant first year in England. Payet, who has
inspired West Ham into the FA Cup last eight, said: "I'd like to raise a
trophy, open my record, play major international competitions. "I had an
extraordinary year both in terms of football that family. I am the father of
a third boy since I arrived in London. I lack nothing. Everything is fine."
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Ipswich striker set for switch to Hammers
Posted by Sean Whetstone on February 25, 2016 in News, Whispers
C and H
Ipswich Town striker Sam Ford is set to join West Ham following his recent
trial spells with the Hammers. Ford's two-year scholarship with Ipswich is
up at the end of the season. The 17-year-old is said to have impressed
West Ham, where former Ipswich youth coach Liam Manning is now on the staff.
Last month Ford scored while playing for the West Ham under 18's in a 2-1
victory over Aston Villa and he scored again during the U21's match against
Wolves.
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FA cup game likely to be played on Sunday
Posted by Sean Whetstone on February 25, 2016 in News, Whispers
C and H
The official announcement for the dates and kick-off times for the FA Cup
quarter-finals has been delayed until tomorrow it has been revealed this
evening. The FA sent an email to the club at 4pm to confirm the delay.
West Ham have been told the delay has got nothing to do with Manchester
United's result in he Europa league tonight. The dates and times will be
released at the same time as the April TV picks which could also include
some of West Ham's games.
However, sources close to the FA have suggested to Claret and Hugh tonight
that the Manchester United v West Ham United sixth round match is likely to
be played on Sunday 13th March with a 4pm kick off.
Adults will have to pay up to £55! Adult Season ticket holders will need to
fork out between £37 and £47 for a ticket, members £40 to £50 and non
members £45 to £55 for a ticket. Club coaches will cost between £35 and £40
per person.
The club confirmed that the Hammers have been allocated 9,000 away tickets
for the Manchester United match in the FA Cup quarter-final. As we
explained, Manchester United have a special dispensation with the FA
limiting their allocation of Old Trafford to 9,000 (just 12% of their 76,000
capacity). It is the same number we took up north in 2001 when Paolo Di
Canio scored the only goal while Barthez waited for a taxi and again in 2003
when we lost 6-0.
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Gobby Allardyce shows his usual lack of class
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on February 25, 2016 in Hugh's Blogs, News,
Whispers
C and H
"You always want to go back to your old club and do well for the team you
are in charge of now. I had a really good four years and took great pride in
taking the football club that was lost, down and out and struggling with
getting relegated and reinvented it personally with the amount of work me
and the background staff put in to push the club back to where it wants to
be, which was obviously in the Premier League, and stayed there for the
three years I was there."
"I did really well, I enjoyed working with the players, I think I had a very
good relationship with most players in my time there and I think we all
enjoyed our time together. Certainly I did but it came to an end and
rightfully so for both parties concerned at the time and we move on, so now
I am Sunderland and dedicated to Sunderland and dedicated to plot a tactic
to disappoint the West Ham fans on Saturday."
Sam Allardyce February 25, 2016
Sam Allardyce reactsI had intended to leave it. As I wrote last night, he's
gone and that is enough for me but no, Allardyce can't allow you to keep a
promise even to yourself as he again displays an ego bigger than several
houses and a lack of grace which leaves you lost for words.
Can you believe the conceit – "his re-invention of West Ham…a club that was
lost and down" and that he virtually single-handedly raised us from the
dead.
Just four words for you Allardyce: "Shut the ….up." Maybe a season of his
absence had softened me up. Today he again showed himself to be as
dislikeable as ever.
He was handed more money by far than any other Championship manager and
scraped through the play-offs on a day we were second best and should have
been up automatically weeks earlier.
Today he had the opportunity to explain how pleased he was we were doing so
well and of thanking the Davids for the opportunity to manage a great club
whether he meant it or not. But no as usual it's all me me me.
This is a man whom you simply cannot like and his football stinks the place
out. The hard work of which he speaks also brought us £18 million AC, £10
million Matt Jarvis, £6 million Modibo Maiga, Alou Cisse and others.
Let it be said for the final time. He is a manager who produces a brand of
football designed for those without a brain and as a person has absolutely
no class at all.
Look at the words of David Sullivan and Slaven Bilic towards the geezer
today and realise how mature people should behave towards each other.
Sullivan:
I have said it before that I felt he did a perfectly good job during his
four-year spell. He did all we asked of him and I am a fan of Sam. He left
the Club in a considerably better state then when he arrived and, for that,
the Board were truly grateful.
He took us back into the top flight with a memorable victory in the Play-Off
Final at Wembley and then managed to cement our position in the Premier
League. I can't criticise Sam because he did a good job and I like him. But
I think from both sides it was time for a change
Bilic:
"He took over West Ham in a moment when they were in the Championship and
got them back straight away. He stabilised them in the Premier League and
did an amazing job.Do I think he will get a warm reception? I think so, and
I hope so."
Thank God he's history – this is a man who I really do loathe at absolutely
every level.
No class Allardyce…no class whatsoever!
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West Ham boss Slaven Bilic praises Sam Allardyce ahead of Upton Park clash
By Jonathon Moar
Last Updated: 25/02/16 12:48pm
SSN
West Ham boss Slaven Bilic believes his predecessor Sam Allardyce did a
'great job' during his time as manager of the club. Allardyce brings his
Sunderland team to the Boleyn Ground on Saturday, returning for the first
time since his departure at the end of last season. He took charge of West
Ham in June 2011, leading them back to the Premier League at the first
attempt following relegation the previous season, and Bilic believes
Allardyce deserves credit for his work at the club. "Sam did great for West
Ham," he said. "He has managed for 20 years very successfully, and he took
West Ham at a moment when we were in the Championship. "He got us up
straight away and stabilised us in the Premier League, so he did a great job
here."
Despite keeping the Hammers in the top division for three years, Allardyce
was not offered a contract extension last summer, and was replaced by former
West Ham defender Bilic. Allardyce subsequently replaced Dick Advocaat at
Sunderland in October,leading the club to just one point from safety, and
Bilic admits he is expecting a difficult outing against his side this
weekend. "Sunderland are very organised, they are showing not only the
quality but the character. They got four points from Liverpool and
Manchester United. "There is still a long way to for them, but they have a
big chance to stay in the league. Bilic is also delighted to have Cheikhou
Kouyate available for the match. The midfielder was sent off in last week's
FA Cup win at Blackburn, but will be in the squad after having the red card
rescinded. "It was obvious that Cheikhou's red card would be overturned,
because it wasn't a bad challenge and it wasn't a goalscoring opportunity,"
added Bilic.
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What now for West Ham? Super Sunday panel discuss next step
Last Updated: 25/05/15 8:56am
SSN
Minutes after the final went on a 2-0 defeat at Newcastle, West Ham
announced the departure of Sam Allardyce after the club decided not to renew
his contract. West Ham's search for a new boss has begun but the Super
Sunday panel of Jamie Redknapp, Jamie Carragher and Graeme Souness could not
agree on whether the decision to replace Allardyce after four years at the
helm is right for the future of the club.
Here's what they had to say…
Jamie Redknapp: "If you've got Sam Allardyce as your manager you're pretty
much guaranteed to stay up. He knows what he's doing. He knows his way
around the transfer market. It's a dangerous game. "When I read about the
people West Ham are trying to get you think they are setting their
aspirations high. There's talk about Rafa Benitez but it looks as if he's
going to Real Madrid. Even Jurgen Klopp has been mentioned. I don't think
he'll go there but West Ham's the sort of club that if you can get it right
and they get to the Olympic Stadium, anything can happen. "It could be a
fantastic club to be a manager of. It's in London and a lot of people want
to be in London. It's a big club. "By moving to the Olympic Stadium the club
is a valuable proposition for a manager. There's talk about how much they're
offering the next manager to come in. It is vast amounts of money. "Somebody
coming into the British game will look at London and think Olympic Stadium,
West Ham and think it's a great move. It's a great move for somebody and if
you can get them going and spend some money, who knows? I'm not saying
they're a big club because not many clubs win things but it's a good club."
Graeme Souness: "Is it the right thing for West Ham? Are West Ham going to
jump from where they are now to being a club that can challenge for the
Champions League places? That's not going to happen overnight. "Sam knows
his way around the Premier League. Tried and trusted. It's one of those. Be
careful what you wish for. "From my time of football I'm fed up of hearing
[about] the West Ham way. What is the West Ham way? They are a yoyo club. I
think it's a club that by moving to the Olympic Stadium could go to another
level but there's no guarantee of that."
Jamie Carragher: "In terms of Sam Allardyce it's always about his style of
football and the West Ham way. "I'm not criticising Sam Allardyce because I
think he is a guarantee of staying in the Premier League but it's getting to
the stage where West Ham fans just want to go to the match. "They don't
expect to win anything or really challenge for the top four but they want to
watch Alan Devonshire, watch Paolo Di Canio and watch players like that.
"When you watch a Sam Allardyce team there are not those types of players in
it. That's what the people who are watching West Ham every week are telling
me. "Whether you agree with that or not that's what they want. They want to
go and be excited by watching West Ham."
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Under 18s make the Final Group Stages
February 24, 2016
TheWestHamWay.co.uk
ExWHUEmployee
Congratulations to the Under 18s team who have qualified for the Final
Stages of the Under 18s league and go into an elite group with the top four
Northern teams and are one of the top four Southern teams. After Arsenal's
4-0 loss to arch rivals Spurs, West Ham's place was confirmed when they
secured the fourth spot behind Chelsea, Reading and Fulham. The four
northern teams who make up the rest of the final group are Manchester City,
Everton, Liverpool and Blackburn. The teams will all play each other once
to decide who will be crowned 2015-2016 Under 18 League Champions.
The team has shown massive improvements each year and have done really well
to qualify for the final stages. Each year the quality of the Under 18 team
seems to improve with more and more players pushing for first team spots.
Some of the players who have really stood out during the campaign are
midfielder Declan Rice and fellow attaching midfielder Grady Diangana who
has added some real flair to the side. Other notable performances have come
from Idris Kanu, Alfie Lewis, Tunji Akinola (who played all but one game)
and Marcus Browne (who has recently made the sub bench for the first team
against Blackburn Rovers).
The success of the team has to be put down to two things. Firstly we have a
talented bunch of youngsters who have the desire to be the next products of
the famous academy. The other is the management partnership of club legend
Steve Potts and his assistant Mark Philips. The two have really got the
best out of the team and the football is worthy and fitting of "The West Ham
Way". It is an exciting time for the academy and we will be following their
success in the final stages and letting you all know how they are getting
on.
The future is very bright in more ways than one for our great club!
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Big Sam aims to disappoint West Ham fans
Posted by Sean Whetstone on February 25, 2016 in Videos, Whispers
C and H
Former Hammers manager, Sam Allardyce says he is only looking forward to
returning to the Boleyn ground if Sunderland can get a result over on West
Ham. Speaking to Sunderland's official youtube channel Sam said "You always
want to go back to your club and do well for the team you are in charge of
now. I had a really good four years and took great pride in taking the
football club that was lost, down and out and struggling with getting
relegated and reinvented it personally with the amount of work me and the
background staff put in to push the club back to where it wants to be which
was obviously in the Premier League and stayed there for the three years I
was there." "I did really well, I enjoyed working with the players, I think
I had a very good relationship with most players in my time there and I
think we all enjoyed our time together. Certainly I did but it came to an
end and rightfully so for both parties concerned at the time and we move on,
so now I am Sunderland and dedicated to Sunderland and dedicated to plot a
tactic to disappoint the West Ham fans on Saturday"
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Legends to be honoured at OS
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on February 25, 2016 in News
C and H
West Ham will lay signature stones to their legends at the Olympic Stadium.
With West Ham seats being installed and outside, a legends area has now been
created which will feature a new sculpture as well as large blocks for club
legends voted for by fans. Bobby Moore, Sir Trevor Brooking and Paolo Di
Canio are among the heroes to be honoured A club statement read: "World Cup
winning trio Bobby Moore, Sir Geoff Hurst and Martin Peters head the list of
those to be immortalised at the new Stadium, alongside decorated management
duo Ron Greenwood and John Lyall,
"Long-serving legends Billy Bonds and Sir Trevor Brooking, who boast a
remarkable nine Hammer of the Year accolades between them, will rightfully
be celebrated in Champions Place too.
"Cult hero Julian Dicks, now a member of Slaven Bilic's coaching staff, is
among the eleven, together with the mercurial Paolo Di Canio, and, in his
Testimonial year, Club captain Mark Noble earns his place in esteemed
company. "The dearly departed Dylan Tombides completes the line-up, as the
second anniversary of his tragic passing approaches. The prodigiously
talented Dylan, who lost his brave battle with testicular cancer in April
2014, will forever be remembered with great affection by the Club he loved."
:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Lanzini ready for Sunderland
Posted by Sean Whetstone on February 25, 2016 in News
C and H
Head of Medical and Sports Science Stijn Vandenbroucke has give us his
latest update on WHUFC.com. He confirms Lanzini is ready to face Sunderland
but says Sakho, Reid and Carroll all need a few more days to get their
fitness back. Stijn told the club's website: "It was also pleasing to see
Manuel Lanzini back in action.He is training this week with the first-team
squad and will be available for selection for the Sunderland game on
Saturday." "We also have positive news with the return of three key players
to first-team training this week." "Diafra Sakho, Winston Reid and Andy
Carroll are all back in training and will now spend the next few days
building up their fitness." "Diafra has obviously been out for three months
and will need a bit more time, while Andy and Winston will hope to play some
part in the games that we have got coming up next week." "The planned
integration of these players back into the games is very important as they
enter the final stages of their rehab/training/playing." "The difficult
exercise is that the players and staff don't get carried away in the last
phase, the return to play phase." "We try to integrate each player that
returns from injury into games, minimising the risk of a re-injury but
maximise the team performance." "But I am confident that Sakho, Reid and
Carroll will all play their part in a busy schedule for the club when we
face Sunderland, Tottenham and Everton in the space of a week." Depending on
injuries we will have to see game-by-game who is available and take it from
there"
:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
No return date for injured striker
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on February 25, 2016 in News, Whispers
C and H
Slaven Bilic has a tough decision ahead of the Sunderland game as he bids to
pose major striking problems for Sam Allardyce's Black Cats. David Gold has
this morning confirmed that Enner Valencia will be unavailable for the game
and that leaves Slav with a choice between Andy Carroll and Emanuelle
Emenike. DG tweeted: Valencia will not be available for the Sunderland
game."
The Ecuador striker has damaged his ankle and the likelihood is that the
Nigerian Emenke will start following his two goals last weekend with Carroll
making his entrance from the bench.
Valencia is understood to be training on his own having seen a specialist
but that there is no decision on whether he will be available for the games
against Spurs and Everton. Winston Reid looks certain to return to the
centre of defence but once again Slav faces a big decision in deciding who
makes way for the Kiwi.
:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Irons set to complete two more deals
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on February 25, 2016 in News, Whispers
C and H
West Ham are aiming to complete deals for Manu Lanzini and Cheik Kouyate by
next month. Having locked Dimi Payet into a new long term contrct the club
is now aiming to sort out the other two midfielders by the end of March.
David Sullivan – as the club's major contract broker – wants both deals done
in order to leave the summer clear for new signings. Lanzini- at 8 million
euros – will be completed as soon as he has shown there is no recurrence of
his recent injury following his brilliant comeback against Blackburn Rovers
at the weekend. Talks are currently continuing with Kouyate but there is no
pressure as he is locked into a deal until 2018. A source told ClaretandHugh
exclusively: "He has 2.5 years left PLUS a 2 year option, so there is no
rush. However, we expect it to be sorted within a month. As for Lanzini, we
can invoke the contract any time we want until the end of April and we are
just checking his injury is not recurring."
:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Sam Byram talks exciting Hammers start and Leeds United FA Cup regret
London 24
07:10 25 February 2016 Brad Pinard
West Ham new-boy Sam Byram admits his time at Upton Park has been 'perfect'
so far. 2 The impressive Essex-born full back joined West Ham a month ago
from Leeds United for around £3.5million and is seen as one of the best
young defenders in the country. After making his debut live on Sky Sports in
a draw at home to Manchester City, Byram has been able to settle into life
down south since then with his uncle's roast dinners and moving to plush
apartment in Canary Wharf. 'I have really settled in well, it was strange at
first moving all the way down here," Byram told London24Sport. "My first two
weeks living in a hotel was a bit different but I am in my apartment now and
settled in with the staff and the players. It has been a big help having
some family here. Going round for a lovely Sunday dinner made it all feel
more homely for me.
"At the time it was a big decision (between West Ham and Everton) and I had
a few sleepless nights but a month in I don't think it could have gone
better. Everyone has been so nice and I think it has been the perfect
decision. "I said to my brother the other day, he is thinking of moving down
here, that the way it is going I think I could see myself living here the
rest of my life. It depends how I do but if I can do well and keep my head
down, there is no reason I would look elsewhere."
West Ham have enjoyed a spectacular season, battling in and around the
European places in the league and into the quarter-finals of the FA Cup.
Since arriving in east London, Byram has had to endure watching some games
from the sidelines due to being cup-tied. The 22-year-old started the FA Cup
third round clash for Leeds United against Yorkshire rivals Rotherham just
ten days before he agreed to join West Ham. Of course Byram was not to know
the FA Cup would be the pinnacle for West Ham's season and he simply isn't
the sort of person to refuse to play a game, but the defender admits he may
have had second thoughts about playing in that Rotherham game if he knew how
the months would unfold. "It has been very frustrating for me. Coming in for
a week and then the next week I am missing the game," he said. "There has
been a lot of big games and results I have missed. The weekend just gone at
Blackburn and then the Liverpool last minute winner. It is frustrating
watching but I am new and working hard to bed my way in. "Nothing was solid
at the time (of the FA Cup game) but the game for Leeds was. At the time I
was a Leeds player and I wanted to give everything I could for Leeds in the
game. The manager wanted me to play and I couldn't refuse. I enjoyed every
game I played for Leeds. "Looking back now I would probably have been a bit
more reluctant to play but at the time I couldn't look too far ahead." Byram
looks set to start for the Hammers against Sunderland on Saturday with James
Tomkins still injured.
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Dimitri Payet praised for his defensive work by West Ham team-mate Michail
Antonio
Frenchman Dimitri Payet has thrilled the Premier League this season
The former Marseille man has nine goals in 25 games for West Ham
But team-mate Michail Antonio says there's more to Payet than tricks
By REUTERS
PUBLISHED: 09:15, 25 February 2016 | UPDATED: 09:15, 25 February 2016
Daily MailOnline
Influential West Ham midfielder Dimitri Payet is not just a flair player and
has shown a 'gritty' side to his game by not neglecting his defensive
duties, team-mate Michail Antonio has said.
Payet, who has scored nine goals in 25 appearances in all competitions this
season, has been rewarded for his impressive form with a new contract
despite only joining the club from French side Marseille in June last year.
'His vision, his work-rate... he is not one of these flair players that
makes everyone else get the ball for him and then does damage,' Antonio told
the club's official website. 'He will go and win the ball back himself and
then cause damage. He does both... the gritty side and the flair.' Ahead of
Saturday's Premier League encounter with second-bottom Sunderland, Slaven
Bilic's men sit seventh in the table, just a point behind the European
qualifying places with 12 games remaining. The Hammers will have striker
Andy Carroll and defender Winston Reid available for the visit of the Black
Cats. Chairman David Gold took to Twitter on Wednesday to reveal the pair
had recovered from respective groin and hamstring problems in time for the
clash at Upton Park.
:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Will it be a boos up for Sam Allardyce? As Sunderland boss prepares for
first return to Upton Park since West Ham departure
Sam Allardyce takes his Sunderland side to former club West Ham
The Hammers supporters were unhappy when Big Sam was in charge
Sportsmail looks at what sort of reception the 61-year-old may receive
PUBLISHED: 22:26, 24 February 2016 | UPDATED: 00:59, 25 February 2016
Daily MailOnline
Sunderland have had a lot more on their mind recently with the Adam Johnson
sex case, but Sam Allardyce has been concentrating on the football (and
beating Manchester United). Now relegation-threatened Sunderland travel to
Upton Park on Saturday for a return to Big Sam's old stamping ground. He is
likely to receive a hostile reception from many West Ham fans after his four
years in charge, despite having won promotion at the club. His playing style
was often criticised and he was not a popular manager. Here, Sportsmail's
writers predict what kind of welcome awaits.
Matt Lawton, Chief Sports Reporter
I hope that West Ham fans still recognise what Sam Allardyce did for their
club, not only securing promotion to the Premier League after only one
season in the Championship but maintaining a solid position in the top
flight. Criticism of his football style was harsh — Sam deserved more
respect than he got even if things have clearly improved under Slaven Bilic.
But I suspect his comments back in October — when he called the club's fans
'brainwashed' and 'deluded' — will be held against him. After all the stick
he received, he was well within his rights to respond — but I doubt
supporters will see it that way.
Ian Ladyman, Football Editor
David Sullivan, West Ham's owner, admitted in these pages recently what all
West Ham fans had known for a while — that Allardyce sees football
differently from them. Hammers like to dream while Big Sam views the world
pragmatically. Fair enough, but there was nothing dreamlike about West Ham's
time in the Championship, was there? That was where they were when Allardyce
took over. When he left, they were established once again as a Barclays
Premier League club. Slaven Bilic is doing great things this season but it
was his predecessor who laid the platform. Some polite applause would
reflect that nicely when he returns.
Matt Barlow, Football Reporter
After taking West Ham up at the first attempt and keeping them there for
three years, Allardyce might expect a polite ripple of applause by way of
thanks. It wasn't always pretty, there were dodgy signings and things said,
but forget the myth that Upton Park has witnessed nothing but heavenly
football since Ron Greenwood's era. The base for this season's success was
laid during Allardyce's tenure. West Ham can pay Dimitri Payet £125,000 a
week because they are secure in the top flight. Big Slav goes from B to C
because Big Sam went from A to B, and perhaps did it so well that they could
have bade him farewell a year sooner, since there was clear animosity
brewing.
Allardyce and the fans formed their own mutual lack-of-appreciation society.
He likes gravy with his pie. They prefer liquor. He likes a long ball and a
big man up front and short sleeves in the snow, and hides it behind the fact
that he once signed Jay-Jay Okocha. They prefer a short corner and a
playmaker clutching his shirt cuffs for extra warmth while slicing audacious
volleys off target. Sam will feel the need to say something smug and mildly
offensive. They will boo and, underlining the message with hand gestures,
tell Sam he's going down with the Villa.
Neil Ashton, Football News Correspondent
It will be a mixed reception. Those who recognise the work Sam did to take
West Ham back into the Premier League — and keep them there — will receive
him warmly.
Those who detested his football would be hypocritical to do anything but
give him grief. Any boss who keeps a team in the top flight should be
carried into the stadium shoulder high. It won't be that way for Big Sam,
but he won't care.
Tony Moore, Designer and West Ham season ticket holder
It's inevitable that the fans will boo Big Sam on Saturday, they booed even
when we won a game! When he first took charge I was with the majority who
said it was a great appointment. It wasn't pretty but he dragged us out of
the Championship so when he returns to Upton Park I will stand and clap. The
applause won't last long, however. The football style, the constant 'What is
the West Ham way?' rant and even his shiny shoes all started to grate. A
year ago I said I'd rather go down playing good football than stay up
playing the Big Sam way. So when the managers take their seats, there will
be a huge sigh of relief that Allardyce will be in the away dugout.
Sami Mokbel, Football Reporter
West Ham fans intent on booing Allardyce need to get over themselves. They
got what they wanted — Big Sam left, and, what's more, they now have a
manager in Slaven Bilic who plays the 'West Ham way'. Allardyce has moved on
and Hammers fans should, too. Expect a lot of gleeful booing from those in
claret and blue when Allardyce returns to Upton Park in charge of a team
fighting for their Premier League lives. It's sad, but somebody who calls
himself 'Big Sam' can handle it. Allardyce and West Ham always felt like a
marriage of convenience but this odd couple achieved good results together.
He took the club back to the Premier League, kept them there and left them
in a much better state than when he arrived.The divorce was messy and
spiteful words have been said, but Allardyce deserves the fans' thanks.
Lee Clayton, Head of Sport and West Ham season ticket holder
'We've got Payet, Dimitri Payet, I just don't think you understand. He's
super Slav's man, he's better than Zidane, we've got Dimitri Payet.' That's
how the song goes. But without the Upton Park Sam, West Ham would never have
had the Upton Park Zidane. The club was in the Championship, with a huge
debt, and signing free transfers and journeymen like Nicky Maynard and Sam
Baldock. Allardyce turned it around. Yes, the last half of a season was
excruciating for season ticket holders, but clap him. He deserves it. Give
the man a standing ovation (I will)...and then watch the latest Payet
masterclass (he's not really better than Zidane, but he's very, very good).
Don't use up all the emotion — and goals — against Sunderland, though...it's
Tottenham next on Wednesday.
Craig Hope, Football Reporter
He should — and probably will — get a good reception. Without him the club
would not be heading in the exciting direction it currently is, and perhaps
that is appreciated more in hindsight.
Bilic appears to be taking them to the next level, yes, but Allardyce's part
should not be underestimated.
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Friday, February 26
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