Daily WHUFC News - 26th November 2017

Cresswell: Friday's game gives us a foundation
WHUFC.com

Aaron Cresswell believes Friday's battling draw against Leicester City gives West Ham United a foundation to build from as new boss David Moyes looks to put his stamp on the club. The Hammers travel to the boss's former side Everton in midweek looking for their first league win since the end of September and Scouser Cresswell says Friday's performance gives them confidence that run can some to an end in his home city. "A draw is a little disappointing, but a point is a point and we'll build towards Wednesday's game against Everton now," the left back said. "The new manager has lifted the place, but we just need that little bit of luck now to get that win and push up the table. "Friday gave us something to build on, and gives us that belief going into Wednesday. We pressed a bit more against Leicester, pushing them backwards and trying to get on the front foot We're definitely going to go to Everton and look for the three points."

Cresswell also had praise for the London Stadium crowd, who got behind their team with fervour on Friday and played their part in getting the result. He added: "Going a goal down so early, they could easily have turned but credit to them they were fantastic. They gave us a lift and I think there was a period of the game when for 15, 20 minutes nobody sat on their seat and they were all up pushing us forward. "We know where we are in the league is nowhere near good enough, but the crowd were fantastic. It gives us that lift and with nearly 60,000 fans behind you it's fantastic. The main thing is us giving them something to shout about.
"If we play like that and have that attitude I'm sure we'll push up the league."

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Zabaleta hails 'incredible' Claret and Blue Army
WHUFC.com

Pablo Zabaleta paid tribute to the 'incredible' Claret and Blue Army following Friday's 1-1 Premier League draw with Leicester City at London Stadium. The West Ham United fans created the best atmosphere of the season in David Moyes' first home game in charge and the team responded with arguably their best performance of the campaign on Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park. In the second half, especially, the supporters raised the roof and urged their team forward, but ultimately the Hammers could not fashion the winner their overall performance arguably deserved. "We must say 'Thank you' to the fans because they were incredible and brilliant during the whole game," said the right-back. "We know that they probably want to see the team in a better place in the table, I know that, but at least we tried to win the game. "They saw the team with a different attitude tonight and, as I said, they were incredible, so thank you for the great support."
The vociferous backing undoubtedly spurred West Ham on as they dominated for long periods and forced Leicester onto the back foot, but Zabaleta knows the team will have to produce greater quality in the attacking third if they are to turn draws into wins going forward. "A point is a point but for me it's not enough. We were looking for the three points and that's what we needed, but apart from that the attitude was a lot better than the last game and the team looks a lot more organised. "We pressed a lot better and in the second half we were the team looking to win the game. We pressed forward and had a few chances but we couldn't win the game. "It's a shame when you try everything and you cannot get the three points. In the situation we're in at the moment, a point is not enough."

West Ham's fitness levels have clearly risen since Moyes' arrival and the post-match statistics confirmed they both outran and outsprinted the Foxes. That, said the Argentinian, will be a prerequisite at Everton on Wednesday evening, at Manchester City next weekend and in every Premier League fixture going forward. "The intensity was a lot better. We were more organised and we played as a team. The team spirit was completely different from the last game and we did everything to try to score the second goal. "They were defending so deep and well and we couldn't find the second goal. "Of course, a clean sheet is important for us. We conceded another early goal but our reaction was much better and we need to keep improving on that. "The Everton game is going to be another huge game. We've got three massive games against three big teams and that's why we need to get the result on Wednesday."

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Nathan Trott: U23s were 'off the mark' against Arsenal
WHUFC.com

Nathan Trott believes a poor opening period to Friday's game against Arsenal cost West Ham United U23s after the side fell to a 3-0 defeat. Despite Trott putting in a terrific showing in goal the Hammers were bested by Arsenal thanks to a brace from Vlad Dragomir and a second-half finish by Eddie Nketiah. The opening goal of the match came after just six minutes and Trott feels it was this slow opening for West Ham that saw Arsenal take control of the fixture. "I think we were off the mark a bit today," the goalkeeper told whufc.com. "We gave them a bit too much space and I think a team of that quality can get you. We lost 3-0 today and, for games like this against top teams, we have to be a bit more disciplined. "We have to be focused from the start but we reacted too late and I think by the time we had reacted Arsenal had scored a couple of goals, which makes it very hard to turn the game around and get into the lead."

Even though West Ham were beaten by Arsenal Trott's individual performance was worthy of praise, with Academy director Terry Westley even singling out the shot-stopper for his showing. The 19-year-old saved a first-half penalty and insists he will always try to help the team in any way he can. Trott modestly said, when asked about the penalty save: "I expect these games to be busy so I was just doing my job and trying to help the team as much as possible. "The thing about penalties is, if you're going to choose one way, you have to make sure you give it 100 per cent. Don't second guess yourself. Pick one way and go for it – it worked out for me."

It won't be long before the U23s are back in action as Westley's side prepares to take on Wycombe Wanderers in the final group stage contest of the Checkatrade Trophy. Trott is eager for the team to show more aggression and strength in Tuesday's match, with top spot in the group up for grabs. "Wycombe will be a big game. It will be a physical game like the others. We have to be prepared for that. We have to be a bit more aggressive. It's good we've qualified. We want to keep that form going with another good game."

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AS ALWAYS WITH WEST HAM UNITED THERE IS STILL HOPE!
AUTHOR: EXWHUEMPLOYEE. PUBLISHED: 25 NOVEMBER 2017 AT 10:52AM
TheWestHamWay.co.uk
This is written by FarehamHammer

Does it ever stop!? A geezer say's to me "You will be pleased! Gold and Sullivan are selling up! Robert Mugabe is buying The Club" Bloody West Ham, even in crisis they bring a smile to your face. Let us not kid ourselves, we are in deep trouble on and off the pitch. But we are by no means out for the count… just yet, but things have to change on and off the pitch quickly. I will tell you when a club is finished, it is when huge defeats or poor performances no longer matter. The end result being that supporters appear to be in the final stage of grievance. Acceptance, denial, anger, bargaining and depression have gone. As one could have seen from the chants at the Watford game of "Sack the Board" we are far from ready to accept our lot. It is simple really, if we did we would almost certainly be relegated. If that were to happen we could well end up like Coventry City or worse.

West Ham have always had a passionate and loyal fan, a 'broad church' people with different opinions. There is huge dissatisfaction regards The Board, we have been told lie upon lie! ABSOLUTE CRAP! Left the Boleyn so that we could reach 'the next level', that looks to be The Championship at this rate. Phantom bid after phantom bid, leaked to the media during the summer transfer window. Lies, lies sweet little lies. Christ on a bike! They even had Mrs Brady invite all the fanzine owners for a meeting, and told them: "We had a 'substantial' transfer budget". Old Fareham could not stop laughing! Thank f**k I was not at the meeting I would of told Mrs Brady a thing or two! Believe me. Mrs Brady is rude, arrogant and thinks West Ham fans are beneath her. Always looking to have a dig at West Ham fans, whether it's about blue popcorn, wanting Spurs to win the league, always ready to niggle us Hammers.

Her dig at Slaven Bilic in The Sun regarding his sacking sums her up completely. Devoid of any class, the relationship between Mrs Brady and the fans is toxic, it's destroying The Club. She MUST go! Although calling her a C*** is bang out of order. Who can replace her? It's obvious! One of our own Sir Trevor Brooking. Trevor knows football inside out, and is an astute businessman. It would be a huge step in the right direction in my opinion. It would help unite The Club that is for sure. So what of The Owners themselves? Well that is a bit more complex in my humble opinion. Do I buy into the notion that they sold The Boleyn to make money? Absolutely! Did they think The London Stadium move would pan out like this, well it would be easy to say yes, but cast your mind back to a few seasons when we beat Chelsea 2-1 at The Boleyn, The game where Jose Mourinho got sent to the stands. Remember the photo in the papers of Messrs Gold and Sullivan GOING OFF THEIR NUT IN THE DIRECTOR'S BOX?? You are all intelligent enough to make your own mind up. Do you really believe they thought: "Ha ha we are going to destroy West Ham and make a killing in the process" Don't think so. The move was on Brady's watch and she f***** up big time and they are having to deal with the consequences. Do the right think pay the £1.4 million bonus back Karren!

I have been beating the anti-board drum very hard lately, as like many I fear for The Club if we go down again. You have got to bear in mind, that The Owners have FOUR relegation's on their CV's. It is almost like your partner has cheated on you four times, you have taken them back each time, yet once again there are telling signs that they are back on the game. As for them selling up and someone buy us. Unfortunately there are no sugar daddy's waiting to snap the Club up, and splash millions in the transfer window. That is fantasy land stuff! The game is littered with Billionaires who have destroyed football Clubs. Still for West Ham to progress we are going to need to change the status quo. I think David Gold wants out anyway, his attitude towards fans on twitter says it all really. On more than one occasion he has deliberately tried to goad West Ham fans. Downright insulting at times. He always said if 87% of the fans wanted him out he would go. I can see Tripp Smith who recently bought a 10% stake in The Club buying Gold's shares. Which should definitely give us more cash in the transfer market. So what of David Sullivan the majority share-holder? I can't see him going anywhere.

Sullivan has come in for all sorts of abuse, some wishing he got cancer, another wishing that he dies. Some feeling that it's open season on his children David and Jack. Board out! Time to march or die! You destroyed our Club! Fine. But vicious personal abuse no! For God sake we are a decent lot our mob! The great Bobby Moore wiping his hands on the Royal Carpet, before receiving The World Cup from The Queen sums us up. Decency and respect that is West Ham. In the past Sullivan used to really piss me off gobbing off constantly. But he has certainly piped down a bit this season. I'm in favour of his sons Jack and David learning the ropes and taking over The Club. They have both been good to fans on numerous occasions, which does not surprise me as I have spoken to Sullivan twice and he came across well. Once I asked him to sign my nephew's Birthday Card which he did but had a parting shot: "I hope you are going to put something in the card as a present" he said. I was bloody speechless. As I have said many a time Sullivan DOES know how to run a Football Club. But far more investment is needed to see West Ham become one of the best clubs. Sullivan's way of doing business of one Marquee signing, one costing a reasonable amount, one a bit of money, the others being loans, and freebies or cheap gambles are simply not good enough for a Club hoping to progress. The times they are a changin your old road is agin Sullivan! Whether it be investment via Tripp Smith or from someone else we badly need a serious injection of cash. But board in and out, we can't blame them for everything, especially on the pitch. To put it bluntly we have been a bloody shambles on the pitch.

Some seem willing to throw in the towel after one defeat under David Moyes. Come on behave! The man is not the bloody wizard of Oz! He can't put everything right in a few training sessions. What he is going to have change is the midfield. No pace, creativity or movement, offering no protection for the back four, creating no chances for the striker. Leaving the likes of Javier Hernandez and Carroll isolated. People are going to call me a Noble 'hater' and the rest, he does wonderful work off the pitch representing The Club, which he rightly gets plaudits. However on the pitch he is a huge part of the problem. The opposition know he is the weak link and simply pass the ball around him, knowing he is so slow he has not a hope and hell of getting back. Slow pedestrian passing anywhere but forward is Markie Noble. Playing him is sentimentality gone mad. In game after game it costs us. It has even started to affect Kouyate and Obiang. Sort the midfield Moyesey and we will all be blowing bubbles in harmony again. Time to get behind the team (a repeat of last night), get a win, have a few JD's and then; Noble the best Captain, the Owners no complaints, Moyesey a top manager. It's funny what winning does to everyone. Players, fans, manager and The Board. Before I go I would to apologise for EX in calling him a Board 'lackey'. He is an extremely loyal and decent person who is loyal to his friends, West Ham and fans.

We are more than a football club, we're a way of life!

COYI!!

Farehamhammer!!!
(Edited by Danny Twigg)

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MARK WARD EXCLUSIVE: "LETS TAKE IT BACK TO BASICS AND MOVE FORWARD!"
AUTHOR: EXWHUEMPLOYEE. PUBLISHED: 25 NOVEMBER 2017 AT 11:25AM
TheWestHamWay.co.uk
Written by Mark Ward @Mark7Ward

It was on Wednesday night after The West Ham Way radio show that I received a phone call from Ex, who was uncharacteristically downbeat about the club. Fed up with the negativity, the infighting, the defeats, the lack of passion from certain players and without notice put me on the spot with "Wardy, what would you do if you were there?" and we ended up having a great discussion and I was asked to put it all down in writing. It is very hard to sum up a 45 minute conversation but some of the key things I said and would do, I have listed below:

Firstly I would look at the player's contracts. In this day and age there is too much earned by players just for having a contract at the club and if you are unhappy, a money grabber or just lacking in passion there is no incentive to try and contribute positively on the pitch. I would have a much more equal balance between basic wage and selection and performance related pay. Here is your weekly wage but (depending on position) if you do this and that in a game your wage increases to this. It isn't something you would have to do with many players in my day because we all played for the love of the game but in this modern era, where money and image seem to be the most important thing to some, it may get these players playing with more fight. This can also apply to younger players, there are under 21 players at most top teams now earning huge amounts of money for not even playing for the first team. Having been released by Everton as a kid I needed to fight my way back into this game via the non league and lower divisions with Northwich Victoria and Oldham and that made me appreciate playing even more when I eventually did return to the top division and the one thing you would never see myself doing as a player was not giving it 100% in every match-it should be the minimum expectation of any player.

Team spirit is another thing. Too often I see players arriving at games with huge headphones on and no interaction with each other. I have heard that this often happens on the coach to away games and in the team hotel where players often get their own rooms now. For me this takes away a lot of the spirit and heart from your club. Anyone who has ever been to our West Ham Way events or watched some of my interviews will know some of my best stories come from away trips with the likes of Frank McAvennie, Alvin Martin and Tony Gale! It was Ex who commented how, having got to know some of the boys of '86, how amazing it is that we are all still such good mates! We built that trust and friendship with each other which would last till the end of our days and carried us to wins that we may not have got had we not been fighting for each other. I would say to the players, no headphones, no mobiles when the players are together and try to encourage more interaction between them to build up these relationships. Team meals, nights out things like that go a long way.

Another key element for me is the fans. Yesterday reminded me of days gone by. We are West Ham United, we have never been the most successful of clubs however our fans stand second to none. I am very lucky to have played for clubs with extremely passionate support: West Ham, Everton, Manchester City and Birmingham City and I cannot tell you how much it makes you lift you game when the fans are onside and urging you on. No matter what goes on off the pitch, and I experienced a lot of things at those clubs, if the fans are on side immediately you feel there is even more fight in you to win the match.

West Ham are a great club and I am so thankful for my time there. Whatever you may think of things of the pitch, it is so important that we stick together and try and get the team away from the relegation zone and in the summer this is where the inquistions can begin.

For those of you who have been to our events you will know they are what makes West Ham good. A great atmosphere and remembering the good times. We are lucky enough to have former academy graduate, popular player and now academy coach Jack Collison with me on the stage for our Christmas event before Newcastle on the 23rd of December. We have great raffle prizes to give away including a match worn Danny Gabbidon shirt and tickets to the boxing day clash against Bournemouth amongst many other things. I hope to see some of you there! Get your tickets here: bit.ly/TWHWTICKET14

Now on to the match against Everton on Wednesday where both teams are desperate for the result, so I am going to hope for a draw! 😉 COYI

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