Toni Martinez: I want to keep working hard
WHUFC.com
Toni Martinez has enjoyed the experience of training with the West Ham
United first team and is eager to keep working hard to impress the new
coaches at the Club. David Moyes is now more than a week into his tenure as
West Ham United manager and confirmed his backroom team on Sunday evening
with Alan Irvine, Billy McKinlay and Stuart Pearce coming in as his
assistants. With a number of senior players away on international duty over
the last fortnight the new West Ham manager also invited the Club's U23s to
train at Rush Green, allowing Martinez and his teammates the chance to work
under the new coaching set-up. And the Spaniard has been impressed with what
he's learned from Moyes and his assistants already. "It's been a great
week," Martinez told whufc.com: "The U23s and myself have been training with
the first team. It's given us a chance to learn a lot and improve. "He
[Moyes] really wants us to work hard and he wants all eleven players
defending as well. It's really good for us and our development."
Martinez's impressive goal tally currently sits at eleven for the season, a
number the 20-year-old attributes to the hard work of his fellow squad
members. And the striker is keen to continue working hard and scoring goals
to further improve himself and the team's standing "I just try to do my
best," Martinez modestly answered when asked about his goal record. "I say
that all the time. The team is brilliant around me and, with their help, I
know I will keep scoring goals. "I will keep working, keep my head down and
putting in the effort to score goals and get even better."
The U23s will return to London Stadium on Friday evening to play Derby
Country and Martinez boasts fond memories of playing at the West Ham home.
The forward netted the first ever hat-trick by a Hammer at London Stadium in
the U23s 4-2 victory against Manchester United last month. And Martinez is
excited to return to the pitch in front of the West Ham fans and is grateful
for their support. "I'm really excited to get back to London Stadium. I
can't wait for the match in front of as many fans as possible. "It's great
that the fans are behind me, behind us, and it's really appreciated. I'm
really happy to know I have their support. I'm now looking to Friday's
match. It's an important game."
Tickets for Friday's game are free for Season Ticket Holders and Claret
Members, and £5 adults or £3 concessions otherwise. Supporters must book in
advance by clicking here.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham most affordable Premier League club to support in London - BBC
survey
WHUFC.com
West Ham United remains the most affordable Premier League club to support
in London, the BBC's annual Price of Football survey has found. Based on a
Season Ticket Holder buying a pie, programme and a cup of tea at every game
in the 2017/18 season, alongside their ticket, a Hammers fan's matchday
experience works out at £100 less than the next-cheapest London club.
An adult can watch every home Premier League game for just £289 – just
£15.21 per match – and only newly-promoted Huddersfield Town offer a cheaper
Season Ticket in the top flight.
The club's affordable family football ethos extends to matchday tickets too,
with match-by-match pricing at London Stadium the joint-second cheapest in
the Premier League.
The Hammers are also among the clubs which offer the best-value for young
adults, with Under-21s able to purchase a Season Ticket for just £145 – also
the cheapest in London and second only to Burnley across the Premier League
for supporters in the 18-21 age bracket.
The Club also boast nearly 10,000 Under-16 Season Ticket Holders who pay
just £99 for their season ticket and also ensure that disadvantaged local
residents living in Newham have access to free tickets for certain matches,
so everybody has the opportunity to watch Premier League football.
For the league as a whole, more than 80% of tickets prices have either
reduced or been frozen for the 2017/18 season, although the Hammers'
reductions have been most pronounced, with the cheapest Season Ticket now
more than £300 cheaper than two years ago.
"At West Ham United we are totally committed to providing affordable, family
football for our supporters and we are delighted that this has once again
been recognised in the BBC Price of Football survey," Joint-Chairman David
Sullivan said. "With 52,000 season ticket holders for the second season
running, and almost 50,000 on the waiting list, I think it is clear that our
supporters are seeing the benefits of that commitment.
"We think very carefully about our ticket pricing structure and are always
pleased when that is recognised, particularly when compared to other Premier
League clubs, and especially our London neighbours."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Chicharito – I'm 100 per cent committed to the Hammers
WHUFC.com
Chicharito has dismissed speculation and stated his total commitment to
helping West Ham United out of their current predicament. A report in his
native Mexico claimed the striker is keen to return to his first club Chivas
Guadalajara in January. But Chicharito responded on Thursday morning,
confirming that he will always support Chivas, but has no interest in
leaving London Stadium, particularly with the Hammers currently sitting 18th
in the Premier League table. "The news is completely false," the striker
tweeted. "I'm 100% committed to improve the situation we are in at West Ham.
"As I've always said, I'm a Chivas supporter at heart but I have absolutely
never requested to leave West Ham."
Guadalajara-born Chicharito started his career with Chivas, making his debut
at the age of 18 in 2006, and scoring 29 goals in 80 appearances. The centre
forward joined the Hammers from German club Bayer Leverkusen in July 2017
and has netted four times in 13 games in all competitions. Mexico's all-time
leading goalscorer, Chicharito has netted 49 in 99 appearances for his
country.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Reid's World Cup hopes ended in Peru
WHUFC.com
Winston Reid's dream of playing at a second FIFA World Cup finals was
shattered as New Zealand fell to a OFC/CONMEBOL Play-Off second leg defeat
in Peru.
The All Whites' hopes were ended as Jefferson Farfan and Christian Ramos
netted a goal in each half at the Estadio Nacional in Lima overnight on
Wednesday, giving the South Americans a 2-0 aggregate victory. Reid
captained his country in the tie and produced a typically strong defensive
performance, while he also went closest to scoring for former West Ham
youngster Anthony Hudson's men, only for his header to flash over the
crossbar just before half-time with New Zealand trailing 1-0. Defeat meant
New Zealand missed out on their third World Cup finals appearance and first
since Reid burst onto the scene in South Africa in 2010. The OFC Nations Cup
champions will now concentrate their efforts on qualifying for Qatar in
2022. Reid will return to England on Friday morning and manager David Moyes
will assess the centre-back's fitness ahead of Sunday's Premier League
fixture at Watford.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Javier Hernandez: West Ham striker denies reports he has asked to leave
BBC.co.uk
West Ham striker Javier Hernandez has denied suggestions he has asked to
leave the Premier League club. Reports in his homeland said the 29-year-old
Mexican wanted to rejoin Chivas before next year's World Cup. The former
Manchester United forward, who joined the Hammers from Bayer Leverkusen for
£16m in July, said the stories were "completely false". "I am 100% committed
to helping improve the situation that we are all experiencing in West Ham,"
he tweeted. Hernandez added he had not asked to leave "at any time". West
Ham, who sacked manager Slaven Bilic earlier this month, are 18th in the
Premier League.
Hernandez is set to miss David Moyes' first match in charge of the Hammers
after injuring his hamstring during Mexico's friendly against Belgium on
Friday.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Cheik's 'beautiful gesture'
KUMB.com
Filed: Thursday, 16th November 2017
By: Staff Writer
West Ham midfielder Cheikhou Kouyate has been praised for breaking with
convention. For many years now it has been commonplace for opponents to swap
shirts at the end of international matches. However Kouyate had different
ideas when he spotted a young disabled fan attempting to catch his attention
at the culmination of Senegal's 2-1 World Cup qualifying win over South
Africa earlier this week. The big-hearted Hammer broke away from team
celebrations to read a letter the young fan had writen for him, before
posing for a picture with the young fan - who later received the Senegal
captain's shirt too.
Unsurprisingly perhaps Kouyate's kind gesture has been well-publicised and
well-received in his home country. Senegalese media outlet Galsen221 wrote:"
Through this beautiful gesture, Cheikhou Kouyate honours his role as captain
and representative of the Senegalese people." Unbeaten Senegal qualified for
next summer's World Cup Finals in Russia having finished top of African
qualifying Group D, winning four and drawing their remaining two group
matches.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Kouyate a wanted man, claims agent
KUMB.com
Filed: Thursday, 16th November 2017
By: Staff Writer
Cheikhou Kouyate's agent claims he has been inundated with offers for the
West Ham midfielder since he led Senegal to next summer's World Cup Finals.
Agent Saffet Balkan - who claims to represent the African star - told
turkish-football.com that although he is yet to recieve any firm offers, his
client had been the subject of several phone calls following Senegal's 2-1
victory over South Africa. "We have received a lot of interest," he said.
"Interest spiked after Senegal qualified for the World Cup yesterday.
"Several clubs and agents want to hold talks. Both Italian and Premier
League scouts have been very impressed. "However Cheikhou is very happy in
England, he's settled into life. There are no offers on the table at this
stage, we will hold talks and consider our options."
Speaking back in June, Kouyate said he was unsure what the future held for
him. "Every player dreams of going as high as possible," he told Sen360FR.
"There are certain things that are not said publicly. What counts is that at
the resumption [of pre-season training], I will be with West Ham. The rest,
I do not control."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
No truth in exit rumours, insists Hernandez
KUMB.com
Filed: Thursday, 16th November 2017
By: Staff Writer
West Ham striker Javier Hernandez has refuted reports suggesting that he
asked to leave the club in the next transfer window. Journalist Nicolas
Romay, a presenter on sports platform Claro Sports claimed yesterday that
Hernandez had handed in the transfer request following the appointment of
David Moyes, whom he formally worked under at Manchester United. However
Hernandez - who joined West Ham less than six months ago - took to social
media this morning in order to deny Romay's claim, which he insisted were
"completely false".
Speaking via his twitter profile, the 29=year-said: "I am 100 per cent
committed to helping improve the situation that we are all experiencing in
West Ham. And as I always say, I am #chivadecorazón but I have not asked to
leave West Ham at any time."
West Ham paid £16m to sign the Mexican international from German outfit
Bayer Leverkusen in the summer, since when he has scored four goals in his
opening 13 games. He is expected to miss this weekend's trip to Watford
having tweaked a hamstring against Belgium.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Reid's dream over as Kiwis beaten
KUMB.com
Filed: Thursday, 16th November 2017
By: Staff Writer
Winston Reid's hopes of playing in next summer's World Cup Finals are over
after the Kiwis were beaten 2-0 by Peru in Lima's Estadio Nacional last
night. The West Ham defender and his team went into the game with renewed
hope of qualifying having held the South Americans to a goalless draw in the
first leg in New Zealand last week. However they were sunk in the return tie
by goals from Lokomotiv's Jefferson Farfan and Emelec's on-loan centre half,
Christian Ramos, whose 65th minute drive was enough to secure passage for
the Incas - themselves qualifying for their first Finals since 1982.
Reid went closest to scoring for the Kiwis shortly after half time when his
header fizzed narrowly over the crossbar. Meanwhile Burnley's in-form
striker Chris Wood, who appeared at half time, missed a great chance to
score right at the death right at the death. A disappointed All Whites coach
Anthony Hudson admitted that Peru had been the better side over the two
ties, but criticised the hosts for the build-up to the game. "They used
every trick in the book to put us off," he said. "We got on the airplane and
I asked the stewardess how long it was to Peru and she said 'We're not going
to Peru, we're going to Chile!' "Ever since then, it's been unbelievable. We
didn't sleep at all last night with the fireworks. Today I thought I'd grab
a quick hour's sleep by the pool and all of a sudden all these jet fighter
planes are flying past. "But never once in the two or three days here in
Peru have we used that as an excuse. We just got on with it and said we
wouldn't let it beat us and we did deal with it very well."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Javier Hernandez denies claims he wants to leave West Ham
By Nick Lustig
Last Updated: 16/11/17 12:34pm
SSN
Javier Hernandez has denied claims he has asked to leave West Ham after the
arrival of new manager David Moyes. The Mexico forward has scored four goals
since his £16m summer switch from Bayer Leverkusen despite the Hammers'
struggles in the Premier League. Reports in Spain earlier this week
suggested that Hernandez had asked to leave West Ham ahead of the January
transfer window, with Mexican side Chivas his preferred destination. But the
29-year-old said via his official Twitter account: "Completely false. I am
100 per cent committed to helping improve the situation we are experiencing
all at West Ham. "And as always I say this I am #chivadecorazón but I have
not asked to leave West Ham in no time."
Hernandez worked under Moyes at Manchester United, but started just five
Premier League matches during the Scot's 10-month spell at Old Trafford.
Moyes has welcomed the chance to work Hernandez for a second time, but is
likely to be without him for the Super Sunday clash with Watford due to a
hamstring injury he picked up while on international duty. West Ham have won
only two of their opening 11 Premier League matches and currently sit in
18th place.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
David Moyes' West Ham hopes could hinge on Andy Carroll's fitness
Last Updated: 16/11/17 11:40am
SSN
David Moyes was mocked for his crossing obsession but now he has his ideal
target man. Why Andy Carroll could be the key figure for West Ham under
their new manager…
It was surely the nadir. The moment that summed up the problem with David
Moyes and his version of Manchester United. Fulham were the visitors to Old
Trafford in February 2014. They were bottom of the Premier League with the
competition's worst defence. They had not scored in five hours and had lost
their previous nine against United. They drew 2-2.
It was not just the result. United looked like a team out of ideas, though
it would be more accurate to say that they had one idea that proved
ineffective. "Manchester United's approach was straightforward," said Fulham
boss Rene Meulensteen. "Get it wide and put it into the box. That can be
easy to defend against. They kept producing the crosses."
There were 81 of them in total. Thirty more than any other team had produced
in a game that season. Thirty more than any other team has produced in a
game this season or last. Fulham central defender Dan Burn, all 6'7" of him,
dealt with most of them. Many Manchester United supporters simply could not
believe what they were witnessing.
"To say it's disappointing is an understatement," former United assistant
Mike Phelan told Sky Sports. "It's devastating more than anything. The
variety in their play wasn't there. It was all about crossing the ball."
Phelan had been relieved of his duties the previous year, but it soon became
clear that his views were very much in tune with those still at the club.
"Some players felt they kicked the ball long more than at any time in their
career," Rio Ferdinand later explained in his autobiography. "Sometimes our
main tactic was the long, high, diagonal cross. It was embarrassing. In one
home game against Fulham we had 81 crosses! I was thinking, why are we doing
this? Andy Carroll doesn't play for us!"
Andy Carroll still doesn't play for Manchester United, but he does now play
for David Moyes. With the Scot appointed as West Ham's new manager and
tasked with dragging the club clear of the relegation zone, do not be too
shocked if he plans to make the 6'4" target man the focal point of his
attack. With Carroll around, all that crossing might even work.
These are Moyes' tried and trusted methods, after all. There will be space
created for the full-backs and there will be crosses into the box. That
could suit Aaron Cresswell too - "he whips them in and puts them on a
plate," Carroll once said of the left-back - and even the ageing Pablo
Zabaleta, once one of the most effective attacking full-backs in the league.
"Probably one of my best seasons at City was when I was overlapping all the
time and making runs," noted the Argentine earlier this year. He certainly
has a target in Carroll and the team as a whole could benefit from a clarity
of approach given that one of the criticisms of this West Ham side is that
there appears to be no orchestrated plan in attack or defence.
The problem is that none of this is news to Slaven Bilic. His side already
ranked second for long balls and fourth for crosses this season, but he
could not get Carroll on the pitch often enough. With Carroll, Bilic's West
Ham were unbeaten in five this season - even clinging on for a point after
his red card at Burnley. Without him, they lost six of their eight games.
Here, there are echoes of Moyes' experiences at Sunderland. Of course, there
can be no ignoring the woeful mistakes made in the transfer market and on
the pitch during his time at the Stadium of Light. Even so, it is
interesting to note that the Black Cats were a different proposition when
the team's target man, Victor Anichebe, was on the pitch.
Without the burly Nigerian striker in the Sunderland starting line-up,
Moyes' men picked up only eight points from 24 games - a truly wretched
record to rival the worst teams in Premier League history. But with Anichebe
in the team, they managed 16 from 14 - more than enough to stay up and much
closer to the haul of a mid-table top-flight team.
"He is a handful and on his day, if we can keep him fit, he is a really
powerful boy," Moyes said in last November after Anichebe's two goals
against Hull. But they could not keep him fit and Sunderland failed to find
another solution. "When we lost Victor, that was the key to it," Moyes later
admitted. "We needed to keep looking for another way to get up the pitch."
It illustrates just how vital the target man is in a Moyes team. And now he
has the ultimate target. If Carroll can stay fit then his new manager will
have a clear idea of how to use him and will be confident that West Ham will
climb the table. If he cannot stay fit then recent history suggests that
neither club nor manager has yet found another way to succeed.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Paul Merson's predictions: Arsenal v Tottenham Hotspur, Man Utd v Newcastle
United and more...
Last Updated: 16/11/17 7:47pm
SSN
Watford v West Ham - Super Sunday, Sky Sports Premier League, 3.30pm
Watford vs West Ham
November 19, 2017, 3:30pm
Live on Sky Sports Premier League HD
David Moyes is in a catch 22 because the fans are going to be on his back
from day one. I do not think he was a great appointment for the West Ham
fans and to the end of the season does not give you much leeway, and where
is the club going?
He will have to go out and have a go at Watford, if they sit back and draw
0-0, the fans will not be happy at all. And I think it will be a hard game
as Watford are one of those teams that are alright if they are not expected
to win, but when they are expected to win I think they crumble under the
pressure. And again, I am going for a draw.
PAUL PREDICTS: 1-1 (Sky Bet odds 5/1)
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
TRAIN IN VAIN?
By Blind Hammer 16 Nov 2017 at 08:00
WTID
Blind Hammer looks at the training challenges Moyes will face.
The publicity following David Moyes appointment has focussed on the
revolution in intensity he and his team will bring to training. Sergeant
Major Moyes alongside Drill Sergeants Pearce, Irvine and McKinley are
presented as the "hard men" who will brook no slackers and wrought a
transformation in fitness.
Nobody could, now, argue that fitness was not an issue under Bilic's team.
Too many players revealed that training was too relaxed after they departed.
The evidence of running stats and the visible, proof of players jogging
rather than sprinting to cover during recent games was a damning indictment.
However the capacity of Moyes' to transform our squad through a fitness
regime is vastly overblown. New standards of fitness will be a long rather
than a short term fix. Moyes reflected that he has only been able to work
with 8 first team players during this International break. More importantly
when the squad finally re-assembles for the Watford game we will undertake a
period of fixture congestions which will provide the biggest fitness
challenge of the season. Little if any time will be available to rebuild
fitness.
Starting with the game on the 19th November we will play 11 fixtures in 42
days, averaging a game every 3.9 days. The opener against Watford will be
followed closely by games against Leicester and Everton. Then we will be
hard into what some are describing as nil points December. We will play
Arsenal in both cup and league, alongside games against Manchester city,
Chelsea and Tottenham. Less daunting challenges will be provided by Stoke,
Newcastle and Bournemouth.
Moyes has, then, the worst period of the season to work on fitness. Of the
42 days 33 will be unavailable for intense training. These are the 11 match
days, the 11 post match recovery days, and the 11 pre match light training
session. This leaves 9 days out of which we will have to remove days spent
travelling to Watford, Liverpool (Everton), Manchester Stoke and
Bournemouth. This leaves a maximum of 4 days, probably less, in these 42
days where anything like intense training could be considered. This also
assumes that players get no leave apart from recovery days, an unlikely
scenario over the Christmas period.
In reality there will be no opportunity for any boot camp style fitness
program. So expecting Moyes to wave immediate fitness magic over the squad
is unrealistic in the extreme.
Practically the weeks ahead will focus on injury recovery and injury
management. Gary Lewin and his medical team will be busier in ensuring
fitness than Moyes, Pearce et al.
What Moyes can and probably will do is identify a cohort of players who will
not make the 11 on any match day and work with those more intensively. Those
who are to be substitutes on the day can also have their preparation
slightly stepped up, though there are risks associated with the need for an
early substitution. In contrast those who are not to be involved at all can
be subjected to greater intensity. In this way the hope could be that when
they are eventually called upon they will demonstrate more fitness for
purpose.
So, an immediate physical fitness transformation for key players is
unlikely. Nevertheless opportunities for improvement persist. Moyes and his
team can crucially improve mental capability. Increased tactical awareness
and organisation are nowadays facilitated through video analysis. Players
are taken through real life game examples of not only what they did badly
but what they did well. Improved organisation, decision making, game
management and tactical consciousness, are all aspects of the game which can
be studied even if a player is injured. It is in this area of mental
strength and confidence that Moyes and his team can drive improvement over
the next season defining weeks.
We must hope that they are up for this challenge.
COYI
David Griffith
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
http://vyperz.blogspot.com
Thursday, November 16
Daily WHUFC News - 16th November 2017
International round-up: Hart keeps clean sheet in draw with Brazil
WHUFC.com
West Ham United's Joe Hart kept an impressive clean sheet for England on Tuesday as the Three Lions held Brazil to a 0-0 draw. Hart had to watch from the side-lines on Friday as the Three Lions drew with Germany, with Everton's Jordan Pickford given the nod to play between the sticks in that contest by manager Gareth Southgate. But the 30-year-old was returned to the national side starting XI in Tuesday's match and gave an excellent performance in goal. Notably, Hart was forced into strong saves from efforts by Philippe Coutinho and Paulinho, and the shot-stopper did no harm to his chances of representing England at next summer's World Cup in Russia.
Elsewhere in international friendlies, Marko Arnautovic played 86 minutes for Austria as his side claimed a 2-1 win over Uruguay. The 28-year-old started up front for his nation in this match and was taken off just moments before his side secured the win with an 87th minute winner.
Senegal boasted two West Ham players in their squad in Cheikhou Kouyate and Diafra Sakho, and the former featured in the whole contest as their side bested South Africa in a World Cup qualification match. The win came from a very late winner for Senegal with Kouyate impressing in defence, while Sakho remained an unused substitute.
Declan Rice and Josh Cullen both started and played the full match for the Republic of Ireland U21s against Norway in their UEFA U21s Championship qualification contest. The two Hammers youngsters were on the wrong end of a 2-1 defeat by the Norwegians, but remain second in their group.
Martin Samuelsen, despite being in Norway's squad, did not feature in the contest.
Reece Oxford was named a part of the England U20s for their friendly with Germany but the Three Lions fell to a 2-1 defeat, with two first half goals doing the damage against the loaned defender's team.
At U19s level Domingos Quina scored for Portugal in their friendly against Spain to help his nation comeback to claim a 2-1 win. The Spanish U19s side took the lead in the 21st minute but Quina equalised in the 73rd minute, before Portugal won the tie in time at the very end of the match.
Elsewhere Academy goalkeeper Rihards Matrevics played the full 90 minutes between the sticks for the Latvia U19s in their UEFA U19s Championship Qualification match against San Marino U19s.
Matrevics and his teammates claimed victory thanks to a finish in first half-stoppage time and three further goals in an 18-minute spell in the second period, which puts Latvia U19s second in Group 1.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Skipper craving winning return at London Stadium
WHUFC.com
West Ham United U23 captain Moses Makasi is craving a winning return to the side when his team host Derby County at London Stadium. The midfielder has missed the Hammers' last four matches due to an ankle injury but is fit and ready for his comeback in the Premier League 2 fixture on Friday. Makasi's side have coped well in his absence, picking up three wins – against Manchester United and Manchester City's U23s as well as League One Bristol Rovers – and a goalless draw with Chelsea. And a victory over Derby in Terry Westley's side's second London Stadium fixture of the season would see the Hammers climb two places into second in the league table. "Personally, coming back from injury feels great and I'm ready to go again in the Derby game," said Makasi ahead of the clash. "Coping with injuries from a mental point of view is hard because all you know is playing football, so watching on the sidelines is never easy. "But you have just got to get on with it, stay focused and get back into the best possible shape and be ready for selection. That's what I think I have done and I'm ready to go again."
With Makasi on the sidelines, 17-year-old Conor Coventry and Portuguese youth international Domingos Quina have been the side's regular deep-lying midfielders, while the likes of Grady Diangana and Joe Powell, both of whom naturally play in wide positions, have also filled in. And the U23s' senior man has been impressed to see them perform so well in recent weeks to maintain the Hammers' impressive positioning in Division One. "They've done really well to get some positive results in the last few games and it just shows the depth in the squad that we have. "We've had some great younger players like Conor coming in, stepping in and showing they're ready for this level of football. It's really positive and hopefully it continues for the rest of the season."
In their last fixture at London Stadium, Toni Martinez bagged a hat-trick as the hosts beat Manchester United 4-2, while last season, the side picked up four points in their three main stadium games. And Makasi hopes that good form in front of the home supporters in E20 can continue this week. "Stadium games are always exciting to play in as we don't get that many opportunities to do so. We always want to put on a good performance for the fans and let's we do that against Derby.
"Our style of attacking football gets supporters excited and we want to continue that against a good Derby team. "They've scored a lot of goals this season and will be a good test for us, but we believe we can come out with another victory."
West Ham Season Ticket Holders and Claret Members can attend Friday's fixture free of charge, while adults and concessions are priced at £5 and £3 respectively.
All supporters do, however, have to book their seat in advance of visiting London Stadium and can do so here.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Nathan Holland will return stronger – Terry Westley
WHUFC.com
Academy manager Terry Westley has backed Nathan Holland to return stronger after the Hammers youngster underwent surgery on a hamstring tear on Tuesday.
The 19-year-old midfielder has been in terrific form for West Ham's U23 side this term, scoring three goals in eight league games to help propel the team into the top four of the Premier League 2 Division 1 table. Holland has also made his first team debut this term, coming off the bench in September's 3-0 Carabao Cup victory over Bolton Wanderers, but now faces a spell on the sidelines after suffering his injury. Westley said: "Nathan has undergone surgery and it has been successful. The surgeon is very happy and now he needs to recover. "There is never a good time to get injured and he is bitterly disappointed as he will miss out on the chance to show David Moyes and Alan Irvine – two people he knows from his time at Everton – what he can do over the next few weeks. "But I know that Nathan will return stronger when he is fit to play again around February. He will stay close to the group, and we will send him to games. "He will watch a lot of football and focus on that side of his development during the time he'll be off the pitch."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Hart – We're building momentum with England
WHUFC.com
Joe Hart was delighted to keep the 42nd clean sheet of his England career as the Three Lions resisted a Brazil team full of attacking talent in Tuesday's friendly draw at Wembley. Hart has a good record against five-time World Cup winners Brazil, having never lost to the South Americans in three meetings – and saving a penalty from Ronaldinho in 2013 – so a second draw of the week to follow up Friday's goalless stalemate with Germany represented a good international period for the 30-year-old. He had to watch from the sidelines as his young deputy Jordan Pickford was given the chance to shine against Germany, but Hart was ready to reclaim his place between the posts for his 75th cap against Brazil, saving well from Phillippe Coutinho and with his chest from Barcelona's Paulinho late on. He explained: "I've got to use everything that's in my armoury and that last one he hit it hard. I felt that if I tried to adjust and use my hands it would have gone through me, so I just knew my angles and threw my body at it. "Of course it was important to keep a clean sheet. [We're building] momentum and the lads performed well in front of me and they didn't give me much to do. "It was certainly a night where we had to dig in. They are a fantastic team with so much attacking threat, but we minimalised their chances, and I had to be there when they did get them. "It doesn't put any extra pressure on me that I was the most experienced player on the back line, because there's no pressure when you've got the quality that I've got in front of me. "It doesn't matter how old you are, all the greats in the game had to start at some point and I'm sure they were brilliant when they started. We've got people who are young in age, but they're in one of the most competitive leagues in the world and they're performing well for their country. "The only way we can get people back on our side, is by performing as we have, showing guts, determination and will to play for our country, and turn that into wins."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Reid ready for World Cup decider
WHUFC.com
Winston Reid is looking to use his big game experience as New Zealand aim for just their third appearance at a FIFA World Cup. The All Whites face Peru in the second leg of their intercontinental play-off in the early hours of Thursday morning knowing a victory – or score draw – will send them to Russia. Reid has figured at a World Cup before, in South Africa seven years ago, and having played a starring role in Saturday's 0-0 draw against the South Americans, he is ready to upset the odds again. "We're used to playing in big environments," he said. "We play big games outside of our country against big opponents so we're well travelled. If you look at our recent history we play all of our big games away from home. "We're used to pressure, we're used to playing a play-off game every four years and we're looking forward to the game – we're all very excited. "Peru have not qualified for a World Cup for 30 years. There is pressure on Peru to win the game. We're used to pressure and travel so we are confident about the game."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Zabaleta, Ogbonna and Martinez delight supporters at new Basildon Store
WHUFC.com
West Ham United fans grabbed the chance to meet Pablo Zabaleta, Angelo Ogbonna and Toni Martinez on Tuesday at a signing event to mark the opening of the Club's new Store in Basildon. Hundreds of supporters flocked to the new Store at Basildon's Eastgate Shopping Centre to meet the Hammers trio, pose for photographs with the players and receive autographs. Zabaleta has met West Ham fans before at a signing event at the Stadium Store in Stratford and the defender was once again delighted to have the opportunity in Basildon. "It's brilliant," Zabaleta told whufc.com: "We really appreciate the fans waiting to come and see us and it's good to spend some time with them. We're enjoying ourselves and we're glad to see the supporters are as well." he Argentinian's sentiments were echoed by teammates Ogbonna and Martinez, who were also thrilled to give fans a memorable experience at the Basildon store. Ogbonna continued: "It's really good to be here seeing all these fans. I'm really proud to represent the Club here in Basildon." "It's always great to meet the fans," Martinez added: "We're are lucky to have such a loyal fan base who want to come and see us, and I am really enjoying it." The Mayor of Basildon, David Harrison, was also in attendance at the Store signing and was on hand to welcome Zabaleta, Ogbonna and Martinez to the borough. "I think this store means a lot for Basildon and a lot for the borough," Mayor Harrison beamed. "There's so many West Ham fans in this area. I'm looking at the crowds here and I can tell this is going to be wonderful. "I say welcome to West Ham United. Seeing the players making all the kids happy is absolutely brilliant. I've been chatting to the players. They're so pleased to be here and I think that's important to see. It's what West Ham in the community is about." For 15-year-old Lewis, a lifelong West Ham fan, the chance to meet three of his heroes was too good to pass up. "I only live five minutes away but I couldn't miss this," Lewis said. "It has been amazing. I got my shirt signed, I got pictures. It's been brilliant to see them and have a store here in Basildon."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Pablo Zabaleta: It's time for us to step up
WHUFC.com
Pablo Zabaleta has welcomed the impact new manager David Moyes has had on the West Ham squad and feels there are reasons to be positive for the season ahead. The double Premier League title winner who joined the Hammers this summer said the training sessions under the new coaching team have been well received. "Trainings been pretty good" said the 32 year-old. "We've been working really well over the past few days." Zabaleta joined teammate Angelo Ogbonna and U23 star Toni Martinez to meet fans at the Club's new shop in Basildon's Eastgate shopping centre. More than 350 supporters descended on the store to meet the Hammers stars. Zabaleta, who is available for squad selection in this Sunday's clash at Watford after serving his suspension against Liverpool, added: "Of course, it's going to be a tough game but we have a good squad – we need to work well and be focused on our next game." "If you look at the performances this season – especially against the top sides – we need to improve in every way – offensively, defensively and we need to be a more creative team, we need to try and not concede too many goals – we need to step up." The Buenos Aires-born star continued: "It is time to be positive and look forward to the season. There's a long way to go and everything depends on us which is good.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Hernandez seeking January move?
KUMB.com
Filed: Wednesday, 15th November 2017
By: Staff Writer
West Ham United striker Javier Hernandez is being linked with a return to Mexico - just six months after he moved to London. According to Claro Sports journalist Nicolas Romay, the 29-year-old forward requested to leave the club in order to join Chivas in the forthcoming winter transfer window - only to have his appeal instantly rejected by West Ham. The former Manchester United and Bayer Leverkusen striker is reported to have been upset by the decision to replace Slaven Bilic with David Moyes, under whom he worked briefly at Old Trafford.
Jessie Cervantes ✔@jessiecervantes
.@NicolasRomay nos informa que @CH14_ pidió permiso al @WestHamUtd para jugar en @Chivas el año previo a #Rusia2018 hasta ahora se lo niegan. #chicharito #JessieEnExa
1:51 PM - Nov 15, 2017
2 2 Replies 8 8 Retweets 10 10 likes
Hernandez started just five Premier League fixtures under Moyes before the latter was fired just nine months into his tenure as replacement for Alex Ferguson. Earlier this week Moyes stated that Hernandez would be given a clean slate. "He's a top goal scorer, a brilliant finisher," said Moyes. "It was difficult for him at Manchester United because I had Robin van Persie, Wayne Rooney, Danny Welbeck and Shinji Kagawa, so there was lots of competition. "But he'll be treated the same here. If he's playing well and scoring, no problems - if he's not, it will be the same as the rest."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
International Hammers
KUMB.com
Filed: Wednesday, 15th November 2017
By: Staff Writer
Several Hammers were in action last night as a host of international friendlies were staged around the globe. Cheik Kouyate was involved as the Teranga Lions downed visitors South Africa in the Stade Leopold Senghor with a 2-1 win in their final World Cup qualifier. Goals from Opa Nguette and Kara Mbodji - the latter's coming deep into added-on time - were enough to give Senegal, who ended Group D with 12 points from six games the win. Fellow Hammer Diafra Sakho was an unuused substitute. Over in Austria, West Ham's record signing Marko Arnautovic played for 86 minutes as his country secured a surprise 2-1 win over Uruguay. Leipzig's Marcel Sabitzer opened the scoring before Edison Cavani levelled for the visitors. Moments after the 29-year-old Hammer was replaced, Austria - who have failed to qualify for next summer's World Cup Finals - grabbed the winning goal through Louis Schaub, ending the South American's five-match unbeaten run.
West Ham's only other full international on show was on-loan Joe Hart, who played a full 90 minutes for England as they laboured to a goalless draw with Brazil at Wembley.
A host of Hammers youngsters were involved at various other levels; Declan Rice and Josh Cullen featured for the Republic of Ireland as they went down 2-1 in Norway, a game in which Martin Sameulsen was an unused substitute. Meanwhile Domingos Quina (Portugal Under 19s), Reece Oxford (England Under 20s) and Rihards Matrevics (Latvia Under 19s) also represented their respective nations last night.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
It's your own fault, says Obiang
KUMB.com
Filed: Wednesday, 15th November 2017
By: Staff Writer
West Ham midfielder Pedro Obiang says that Italy's failure to qualify for next summer's World Cup Finals is the result of too many foreigners in the youth systems of Serie A clubs. The Spanish midfielder spent five years in Italy having moved from Atletico Madrid to Sampdoria as a 16-year-old, so is ideally placed to comment on the emphasis on attracting foreign talent. And whilst that policy may boost the chances of Serie A clubs competing at the highest level in European club competition, the effect on the national team has been devastating, according to the Hammers midfielder.
Last night the Azzurri failed to qualify for the World Cup Finals for the first time since 1958 after failing to overturn a 1-0 deficit from the first leg of their World Cup qualifying play off against Sweden. And according to the 25-year-old Hammer, that is largely due to the sheer number of non-domestic players involved at Serie A clubs and their secondary squads. "In your Academies there is more attention paid to foreigners," Obiang told Il Secondo XIX in the wake of Italy's exit. "But it is pointless to make scapegoats of foreigners - after all you have won the World Cup with [Argentine-born] Mauro Camoranesi and [Brazilian born] Eder has scored some great goals for Italy."
Gian Piero Ventura's side were sent crashing out of the tournament after drawing 0-0 with the Swedes, having lost the first leg 1-0. A tearful Gianlugi Buffon announced his international retirement immediately after the final whistle.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Holland happy with op
KUMB.com
Filed: Wednesday, 15th November 2017
By: Staff Writer
Hammers youngster Nathan Holland says he is looking forward to playing again after undergoing an operation to repair a torn hamstring. The teenager underwent surgery yesterday after he sustained the injury during a training session at Rush Green - but told followers on Twitter that the op "couldn't have gone any better".
Meanwhile Academy Director Terry Westley revealed that the doctor who performed the operation was equally happy with the result. "It's been successful. The surgeon is very happy and now he needs to recover," he said. "He is bitterly disappointed as he will miss out on the chance to show David Moyes and Alan Irvine what he can do over the next few weeks. "But I know that Nathan will return stronger when he is fit to play again around February. He will stay close to the group, and we will send him to games. He will watch a lot of football and focus on that side of his development during the time he'll be off the pitch."
Holland joined West Ham in January of this year on a free transfer from Everton and had been tipped to make the bench for a Premier League match due to his excellent recent form. He is expected to be out of action for several weeks.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
David Moyes says West Ham must sort out defence
Last Updated: 15/11/17 7:19am
SSN
David Moyes says West Ham would be "stupid" not to sort out their defence ahead of his first game in charge at Watford on Sunday, live on Sky Sports. West Ham, who hired Moyes last week after sacking Slaven Bilic, have conceded 23 goals in 11 games, the worst defensive record in the league. The Scot said: "We would be stupid if we didn't look back. "We've looked at the goals we've conceded and we have got the worst defensive record in the league. We've got to try and find a way of stopping that."
West Ham are currently 18th in the Premier League standings and Moyes feels a change in attitude is needed in the London club. "Ultimately, they've got to be a bit more humble for each other, work for the team, and score goals together and defend together. "We must start from scratch and give the players a chance to start again."
The former Manchester United boss revealed his priority is to make his squad work harder in order to get more wins than his critics have forecast under him.
"I can only do that by getting the players onside and making sure they are doing the right things," he added. "They're telling me they want to work hard, be organised and disciplined. I hope once I've done that, they won't be complaining." This week Moyes added Stuart Pearce, Alan Irvine and Billy McKinlay to his management at West Ham.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
THE RETURN OF 'PSYCHO': MOYES' COACHING APPOINTMENTS
By Dan Coker 15 Nov 2017 at 18:15
WTID
Back in June 2015, I wrote a piece introducing Bilic's Backroom Boys. Now that David Moyes has confirmed his own backroom team, I thought it would be a good opportunity to introduce the new coaching team at West Ham United.
First up – Alan Irvine. The Glasgow-born 59-year-old was a winger who started his career with Queen's Park in 1977 before spending three years at Everton between 1981 and 1984. He moved to Crystal Palace, making over 100 appearances for the Eagles, before returning to Scotland in 1987 with Dundee United. He closed his career with a three-year spell at Blackburn, retiring in 1992 after helping Kenny Dalglish's men win promotion to the Premier League.
Irvine was Academy Director at Ewood Park between 1993 and 1998 and held a similar role at Newcastle from 2001 to 2005, bringing through Steven Taylor and Peter Ramage. He then moved to Everton in 2005 where he became David Moyes' assistant. He graduated to management in November 2007 with Preston, guiding them from a relegation battle to 15th place at the end of his first season. He took them to the play-offs in his only full campaign in charge, but lost to Sheffield United in the semi-final. After a run of one win in ten games, he was sacked in December 2009.
Irvine was appointed manager of Sheffield Wednesday in January 2010 but the club were relegated to League One at the end of the season. He was dismissed in February 2011. He returned to Everton in the summer of 2011 to become manager of the club's academy. Three years later, Irvine was back in management, this time at Premier League level with West Bromwich Albion. He was sacked after seven months, in late December 2014. In the summer of 2016 he became assistant manager at Norwich and became caretaker manager eight months later after the departure of Alex Neil, steering the Canaries through the final two months of the campaign.
Billy McKinlay is a 48-year-old former midfielder who won 29 caps for Scotland, appearing for his country at Euro '96 and the World Cup in 1998. Like Moyes and Irvine, he was born in Glasgow. Starting his career with Dundee United, for whom he made over 200 appearances, McKinlay moved south of the border to reigning Premier League champions Blackburn in 1995. He spent five years with Rovers before spells at Bradford, Clydebank, Leicester and Fulham. His coaching career began as reserve team manager at Craven Cottage and he was also named as assistant manager of Northern Ireland. He left Fulham in December 2013 and was appointed first team coach at Watford nine months later. He was very quickly named head coach after the departure of Oscar Garcia, but was himself replaced after just eight days in charge, Slavisa Jokanovic being named as his replacement.
McKinlay worked under Moyes at Real Sociedad between November 2014 and November 2015. After leaving Spain he was named manager of Norwegian side Stabaek but he resigned in July 2016 after less than eight months with the club. He worked as a scout under Moyes at Sunderland and became first team coach at the Stadium of Light just last month – he was appointed joint caretaker manager alongside former Hammer Robbie Stockdale but has since relinquished this role to move to the Hammers.
And last but not least – Stuart Pearce. 'Psycho' needs very little introduction to West Ham supporters, having spent two years at the club between 1999 and 2001. He made his Hammers debut in a 1-0 win over Tottenham on the opening day of the 1999/2000 season and even made an England return in September 1999 at the age of 37 – he was the third-oldest outfield player to appear for England after Stanley Matthews and Leslie Compton. The official West Ham United website this week released a 'Six things you probably didn't know about Stuart Pearce' article – point three on the list was that Pearce played for the Hammers in Europe as a member of the InterToto Cup-winning side which got the Hammers into the UEFA Cup. This is, in fact, not true – 'Psycho' did not play a single minute of any of the six InterToto games and was out with a broken leg when the Hammers competed in the UEFA Cup.
Pearce made five league appearances in claret and blue before suffering the aforementioned broken leg against Watford – typically, he wanted to carry on playing! He made a return to action in February 2000 but only lasted three games before breaking the same leg. 2000/01 saw better times for Pearce though – he played in 34 of the Irons' Premier League matches, with a further eight appearances coming in the domestic cups. Pearce ended the season as a 39-year-old but had played 40 matches at the top level of English football. He also scored three goals for the club: a consolation direct from a free-kick in a 2-1 home defeat to Arsenal in October 2000; a typically thunderous strike to give the Hammers a 2-1 lead at Southampton a month later in a game the Hammers would win 3-2; and an equaliser to make it 1-1 in an FA Cup quarter-final with Tottenham at a rain-drenched Upton Park in March 2001, a game the Irons would sadly lose 3-2. He was voted Hammer of the Year at the end of the 2000/01 season.
Hammersmith-born Pearce had started his career at non-league Wealdstone in 1978 before moving to Coventry in 1983. Two years later he was signed by Brian Clough's Nottingham Forest and he would make over 400 appearances for the club. He turned down a move to the Hammers in 1997 to sign for Newcastle but did team up with Harry Redknapp two years later. After being beaten to the vacant managerial post at Upton Park by Glenn Roeder in the summer of 2001, Pearce left east London after 50 appearances to end his playing days with Manchester City, who romped to the First Division title and promotion to the Premier League under Kevin Keegan. Pearce had also won 78 caps for England and was part of the team which reached the World Cup semi-finals in 1990 and the last four of Euro '96 – England's two greatest performances at a tournament since 1966.
Pearce's first stint as a manager came as caretaker at Nottingham Forest in 1997. He became a coach under Keegan at Manchester City before becoming manager of the club in 2005. He became manager of the England Under-21 team in February 2007 whilst still in charge at City but was sacked by his club three months later. He guided the Under-21s to the semi-finals of the European Championships in 2007 and the Final in 2009 – his captains at both tournaments were provided by the Hammers, Nigel Reo-Coker and Mark Noble respectively. He also worked as a coach with the England senior team under Fabio Capello and managed the Great Britain Olympic team at London 2012. He left his role as Under-21 manager in the summer of 2013 and spent seven months back in charge at Forest in the 2014/15 campaign.
Welcome to all three, and good luck. Best wishes too to Winston Reid tonight, as his New Zealand side look to claim the last remaining place at the 2018 World Cup in their play-off in Peru.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
WILL YOUTH GET MORE FIRST TEAM OPPORTUNITIES UNDER DAVID MOYES?
By S J Chandos 15 Nov 2017 at 08:00
WTID
No one can fail to have been impressed with the performances of the young England sides, in the recent friendlies, against Germany and Brazil. England coach Gareth Southgate has shown a clear determination to give young players a run out in these games and it has seemingly paid off. This has occurred against the background of the recent U-20s and U-17s England World Cup victories and a renewed confidence about the quality of young English footballers in the pipe line. Yet, the fact remains that the majority of of those youngsters are very likely to be frozen out of the first team picture at their parent clubs and loaned out. This shows that regardless of potential or actual capability most PL clubs are currently still prioritising expensive foreign imports over home grown talent. However, many people in the English game are increasingly asking why this should continue to be the case? The view gaining currency that PL clubs must increase the first team opportunities for this emerging domestic talent for the long term good of the English game.
West Ham are a club renowned for their Academy and the production of top class talent. Unfortunately, however, in recent years Hammers managers have shown a distinct reluctance to give youngsters adequate first team opportunities. Sam Allardyce never seemed to have any faith in our Academy and Slaven Bilic also showed a surprising reluctance to hand youth their chance. Yes, Bilic blooded Reece Oxford, as a 16 year old, against Arsenal, but he subsequently failed to show sufficient commitment to developing his talent at first team level. Admittedly he called up Declan Rice this season, but also quickly dropped him after the Irish youngster made a mistake against Newcastle United. While, Reece Burke performed admirably whenever called to first team duty, but regardless has been continually loaned out to gain further experience; and Bilic also showed a real caution in calling up prolific U-23s striker, Toni Martinez, to the first team squad, even when injury and suspension decimated our available striker options.
New Hammers manager, David Moyes, has commented on the situation of young English talent failing to break through at PL level. He has expressed his admiration for the performance of the England U-17s, in winning the WC at their age range, and suggested that perhaps PL squads are too 'cluttered' and this is stopping youngsters making the break through. Moyes quickly followed this up by calling up a number of the U-23s to train with the first team squad and hinted heavily that they will get their opportunities under his managerial regime. Obviously, Declan Rice is reasonably well established now in the senior squad and others, such as Martinez, Samuelson and Holland, are pushing hard for inclusion. In addition, it is more than possible (considering his lack of game time in Germany) that Moyes could call Reece Oxford back from his loan deal in January and re-integrate the youngster back in to the senior squad.
Naturally, while we struggle, in and around the relegation zone, the emphasis will be upon experienced players lifting us clear of trouble. However, there is little doubt that, in the right circumstances, Moyes will give youngsters their big break. And that is the way that it should be at a club with West Ham's long standing reputation for youth development. The hope is that we can pull away from trouble quickly and afford ourselves the opportunity to fully test the abilities of the likes of Martinez at first team level. Indeed, the opportunity for the Spanish goal poacher could even come, sooner rather than later, if Hernandez fails to recover from injury in time for the Watford match. With Carroll likely to start, then Martinez could possibly claim at least a place on the bench for this Sunday's match.
Arguably, PL squads should benefit from having good quality youngsters performing well and pushing for first team places. It keeps the senior players on their toes and gives them the extra motivation to maintain their own standards. One of the problems at West Ham has been that regardless of how well a youngster is doing in the U-23s, or indeed in training, there was little chance that he would be promoted. The Academy needs to continue producing players that are going to lay claim to a first team place and add to the competitive mix of the squad.
Hopefully, Moyes understands that and will deliver on his promising early statements/actions relating to our U-23s. I certainly think that it will go a long way to getting Hammers fans to warm to Moyes if he is seen to be serious about developing the Academy and promoting players to first team duty.
SJ. Chandos.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham target Brighton's Lewis Dunk to be their first transfer under new boss David Moyes
Club with the Premier League's worst defensive record want centre-back now earning calls for an England place
The Mirror
ByAlex Crook
22:30, 14 NOV 2017
West Ham boss David Moyes wants to make Brighton star Lewis Dunk his first Hammers buy. Centre-back Dunk has impressed during the promoted Seagulls' solid start to life in the Premier League and Moyes believes he would improve the brittle backline he has inherited from the sacked Slaven Bilic. The third-bottom Hammers have conceded a Premier League worst 23 goals after 11 games, keeping only three clean-sheets in those matches. However, Albion would demand a huge fee to sell the 25-year-old, who only signed a new five-year contract in August. Brighton-born, 6ft 4in Dunk has played 180 league games for his hometown club in League One, the Championship and now the top flight since his debut seven years ago. His partnership with Republic of Ireland ace Shane Duffy has led to calls for him to be named in the England squad.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham's Javier Hernandez to miss David Moyes' first THREE matches in charge after injury on international duty
That's the bad news for the Hammers' new manager — but there is also good news about a long-term transfer target
The Mirror
ByDarren Lewis
22:30, 14 NOV 2017
New West Ham boss David Moyes has been hit by a huge blow with the news that Javier Hernandez is out for two weeks. The former Manchester United and Real Madrid striker damaged a hamstring in Mexico's 3-3 draw with Belgium last Friday and will miss manager Moyes ' first game in charge, at Watford on Sunday.
Hernandez, signed from Germany's Bayer Leverkusen for £17million in the summer, will also be absent for subsequent matches at home to Leicester and away to one of Moyes' former clubs, Everton. West Ham are also likely to be without defender Winston Reid, who is not expected to return from international duty — the second leg of New Zealand's World Cup qualification play-off in Peru doesn't kick off until the early hours of Thursday UK time — until Friday.
Meanwhile, the Hammers could be set for a boost with Portuguese heavyweights Sporting Lisbon ready to reopen talks over a move to the London Stadium for Portugal international midfielder William Carvalho. A bitter row erupted after West Ham's aborted late summer move for the 25-year-old. It led to vicious insults being traded between the clubs. But Sporting's president Bruno de Carvalho has now suggested a deal could yet be done said: "There was this soap opera regarding West Ham, but it is not interesting. "It is not important because there was nothing. He added: "If we close this soap opera [I will deal with West Ham again]. It is not good for anybody, because the fans deserve better — the truth, our respect. The fans are the most important thing at the club."
:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
http://vyperz.blogspot.com
WHUFC.com
West Ham United's Joe Hart kept an impressive clean sheet for England on Tuesday as the Three Lions held Brazil to a 0-0 draw. Hart had to watch from the side-lines on Friday as the Three Lions drew with Germany, with Everton's Jordan Pickford given the nod to play between the sticks in that contest by manager Gareth Southgate. But the 30-year-old was returned to the national side starting XI in Tuesday's match and gave an excellent performance in goal. Notably, Hart was forced into strong saves from efforts by Philippe Coutinho and Paulinho, and the shot-stopper did no harm to his chances of representing England at next summer's World Cup in Russia.
Elsewhere in international friendlies, Marko Arnautovic played 86 minutes for Austria as his side claimed a 2-1 win over Uruguay. The 28-year-old started up front for his nation in this match and was taken off just moments before his side secured the win with an 87th minute winner.
Senegal boasted two West Ham players in their squad in Cheikhou Kouyate and Diafra Sakho, and the former featured in the whole contest as their side bested South Africa in a World Cup qualification match. The win came from a very late winner for Senegal with Kouyate impressing in defence, while Sakho remained an unused substitute.
Declan Rice and Josh Cullen both started and played the full match for the Republic of Ireland U21s against Norway in their UEFA U21s Championship qualification contest. The two Hammers youngsters were on the wrong end of a 2-1 defeat by the Norwegians, but remain second in their group.
Martin Samuelsen, despite being in Norway's squad, did not feature in the contest.
Reece Oxford was named a part of the England U20s for their friendly with Germany but the Three Lions fell to a 2-1 defeat, with two first half goals doing the damage against the loaned defender's team.
At U19s level Domingos Quina scored for Portugal in their friendly against Spain to help his nation comeback to claim a 2-1 win. The Spanish U19s side took the lead in the 21st minute but Quina equalised in the 73rd minute, before Portugal won the tie in time at the very end of the match.
Elsewhere Academy goalkeeper Rihards Matrevics played the full 90 minutes between the sticks for the Latvia U19s in their UEFA U19s Championship Qualification match against San Marino U19s.
Matrevics and his teammates claimed victory thanks to a finish in first half-stoppage time and three further goals in an 18-minute spell in the second period, which puts Latvia U19s second in Group 1.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Skipper craving winning return at London Stadium
WHUFC.com
West Ham United U23 captain Moses Makasi is craving a winning return to the side when his team host Derby County at London Stadium. The midfielder has missed the Hammers' last four matches due to an ankle injury but is fit and ready for his comeback in the Premier League 2 fixture on Friday. Makasi's side have coped well in his absence, picking up three wins – against Manchester United and Manchester City's U23s as well as League One Bristol Rovers – and a goalless draw with Chelsea. And a victory over Derby in Terry Westley's side's second London Stadium fixture of the season would see the Hammers climb two places into second in the league table. "Personally, coming back from injury feels great and I'm ready to go again in the Derby game," said Makasi ahead of the clash. "Coping with injuries from a mental point of view is hard because all you know is playing football, so watching on the sidelines is never easy. "But you have just got to get on with it, stay focused and get back into the best possible shape and be ready for selection. That's what I think I have done and I'm ready to go again."
With Makasi on the sidelines, 17-year-old Conor Coventry and Portuguese youth international Domingos Quina have been the side's regular deep-lying midfielders, while the likes of Grady Diangana and Joe Powell, both of whom naturally play in wide positions, have also filled in. And the U23s' senior man has been impressed to see them perform so well in recent weeks to maintain the Hammers' impressive positioning in Division One. "They've done really well to get some positive results in the last few games and it just shows the depth in the squad that we have. "We've had some great younger players like Conor coming in, stepping in and showing they're ready for this level of football. It's really positive and hopefully it continues for the rest of the season."
In their last fixture at London Stadium, Toni Martinez bagged a hat-trick as the hosts beat Manchester United 4-2, while last season, the side picked up four points in their three main stadium games. And Makasi hopes that good form in front of the home supporters in E20 can continue this week. "Stadium games are always exciting to play in as we don't get that many opportunities to do so. We always want to put on a good performance for the fans and let's we do that against Derby.
"Our style of attacking football gets supporters excited and we want to continue that against a good Derby team. "They've scored a lot of goals this season and will be a good test for us, but we believe we can come out with another victory."
West Ham Season Ticket Holders and Claret Members can attend Friday's fixture free of charge, while adults and concessions are priced at £5 and £3 respectively.
All supporters do, however, have to book their seat in advance of visiting London Stadium and can do so here.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Nathan Holland will return stronger – Terry Westley
WHUFC.com
Academy manager Terry Westley has backed Nathan Holland to return stronger after the Hammers youngster underwent surgery on a hamstring tear on Tuesday.
The 19-year-old midfielder has been in terrific form for West Ham's U23 side this term, scoring three goals in eight league games to help propel the team into the top four of the Premier League 2 Division 1 table. Holland has also made his first team debut this term, coming off the bench in September's 3-0 Carabao Cup victory over Bolton Wanderers, but now faces a spell on the sidelines after suffering his injury. Westley said: "Nathan has undergone surgery and it has been successful. The surgeon is very happy and now he needs to recover. "There is never a good time to get injured and he is bitterly disappointed as he will miss out on the chance to show David Moyes and Alan Irvine – two people he knows from his time at Everton – what he can do over the next few weeks. "But I know that Nathan will return stronger when he is fit to play again around February. He will stay close to the group, and we will send him to games. "He will watch a lot of football and focus on that side of his development during the time he'll be off the pitch."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Hart – We're building momentum with England
WHUFC.com
Joe Hart was delighted to keep the 42nd clean sheet of his England career as the Three Lions resisted a Brazil team full of attacking talent in Tuesday's friendly draw at Wembley. Hart has a good record against five-time World Cup winners Brazil, having never lost to the South Americans in three meetings – and saving a penalty from Ronaldinho in 2013 – so a second draw of the week to follow up Friday's goalless stalemate with Germany represented a good international period for the 30-year-old. He had to watch from the sidelines as his young deputy Jordan Pickford was given the chance to shine against Germany, but Hart was ready to reclaim his place between the posts for his 75th cap against Brazil, saving well from Phillippe Coutinho and with his chest from Barcelona's Paulinho late on. He explained: "I've got to use everything that's in my armoury and that last one he hit it hard. I felt that if I tried to adjust and use my hands it would have gone through me, so I just knew my angles and threw my body at it. "Of course it was important to keep a clean sheet. [We're building] momentum and the lads performed well in front of me and they didn't give me much to do. "It was certainly a night where we had to dig in. They are a fantastic team with so much attacking threat, but we minimalised their chances, and I had to be there when they did get them. "It doesn't put any extra pressure on me that I was the most experienced player on the back line, because there's no pressure when you've got the quality that I've got in front of me. "It doesn't matter how old you are, all the greats in the game had to start at some point and I'm sure they were brilliant when they started. We've got people who are young in age, but they're in one of the most competitive leagues in the world and they're performing well for their country. "The only way we can get people back on our side, is by performing as we have, showing guts, determination and will to play for our country, and turn that into wins."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Reid ready for World Cup decider
WHUFC.com
Winston Reid is looking to use his big game experience as New Zealand aim for just their third appearance at a FIFA World Cup. The All Whites face Peru in the second leg of their intercontinental play-off in the early hours of Thursday morning knowing a victory – or score draw – will send them to Russia. Reid has figured at a World Cup before, in South Africa seven years ago, and having played a starring role in Saturday's 0-0 draw against the South Americans, he is ready to upset the odds again. "We're used to playing in big environments," he said. "We play big games outside of our country against big opponents so we're well travelled. If you look at our recent history we play all of our big games away from home. "We're used to pressure, we're used to playing a play-off game every four years and we're looking forward to the game – we're all very excited. "Peru have not qualified for a World Cup for 30 years. There is pressure on Peru to win the game. We're used to pressure and travel so we are confident about the game."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Zabaleta, Ogbonna and Martinez delight supporters at new Basildon Store
WHUFC.com
West Ham United fans grabbed the chance to meet Pablo Zabaleta, Angelo Ogbonna and Toni Martinez on Tuesday at a signing event to mark the opening of the Club's new Store in Basildon. Hundreds of supporters flocked to the new Store at Basildon's Eastgate Shopping Centre to meet the Hammers trio, pose for photographs with the players and receive autographs. Zabaleta has met West Ham fans before at a signing event at the Stadium Store in Stratford and the defender was once again delighted to have the opportunity in Basildon. "It's brilliant," Zabaleta told whufc.com: "We really appreciate the fans waiting to come and see us and it's good to spend some time with them. We're enjoying ourselves and we're glad to see the supporters are as well." he Argentinian's sentiments were echoed by teammates Ogbonna and Martinez, who were also thrilled to give fans a memorable experience at the Basildon store. Ogbonna continued: "It's really good to be here seeing all these fans. I'm really proud to represent the Club here in Basildon." "It's always great to meet the fans," Martinez added: "We're are lucky to have such a loyal fan base who want to come and see us, and I am really enjoying it." The Mayor of Basildon, David Harrison, was also in attendance at the Store signing and was on hand to welcome Zabaleta, Ogbonna and Martinez to the borough. "I think this store means a lot for Basildon and a lot for the borough," Mayor Harrison beamed. "There's so many West Ham fans in this area. I'm looking at the crowds here and I can tell this is going to be wonderful. "I say welcome to West Ham United. Seeing the players making all the kids happy is absolutely brilliant. I've been chatting to the players. They're so pleased to be here and I think that's important to see. It's what West Ham in the community is about." For 15-year-old Lewis, a lifelong West Ham fan, the chance to meet three of his heroes was too good to pass up. "I only live five minutes away but I couldn't miss this," Lewis said. "It has been amazing. I got my shirt signed, I got pictures. It's been brilliant to see them and have a store here in Basildon."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Pablo Zabaleta: It's time for us to step up
WHUFC.com
Pablo Zabaleta has welcomed the impact new manager David Moyes has had on the West Ham squad and feels there are reasons to be positive for the season ahead. The double Premier League title winner who joined the Hammers this summer said the training sessions under the new coaching team have been well received. "Trainings been pretty good" said the 32 year-old. "We've been working really well over the past few days." Zabaleta joined teammate Angelo Ogbonna and U23 star Toni Martinez to meet fans at the Club's new shop in Basildon's Eastgate shopping centre. More than 350 supporters descended on the store to meet the Hammers stars. Zabaleta, who is available for squad selection in this Sunday's clash at Watford after serving his suspension against Liverpool, added: "Of course, it's going to be a tough game but we have a good squad – we need to work well and be focused on our next game." "If you look at the performances this season – especially against the top sides – we need to improve in every way – offensively, defensively and we need to be a more creative team, we need to try and not concede too many goals – we need to step up." The Buenos Aires-born star continued: "It is time to be positive and look forward to the season. There's a long way to go and everything depends on us which is good.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Hernandez seeking January move?
KUMB.com
Filed: Wednesday, 15th November 2017
By: Staff Writer
West Ham United striker Javier Hernandez is being linked with a return to Mexico - just six months after he moved to London. According to Claro Sports journalist Nicolas Romay, the 29-year-old forward requested to leave the club in order to join Chivas in the forthcoming winter transfer window - only to have his appeal instantly rejected by West Ham. The former Manchester United and Bayer Leverkusen striker is reported to have been upset by the decision to replace Slaven Bilic with David Moyes, under whom he worked briefly at Old Trafford.
Jessie Cervantes ✔@jessiecervantes
.@NicolasRomay nos informa que @CH14_ pidió permiso al @WestHamUtd para jugar en @Chivas el año previo a #Rusia2018 hasta ahora se lo niegan. #chicharito #JessieEnExa
1:51 PM - Nov 15, 2017
2 2 Replies 8 8 Retweets 10 10 likes
Hernandez started just five Premier League fixtures under Moyes before the latter was fired just nine months into his tenure as replacement for Alex Ferguson. Earlier this week Moyes stated that Hernandez would be given a clean slate. "He's a top goal scorer, a brilliant finisher," said Moyes. "It was difficult for him at Manchester United because I had Robin van Persie, Wayne Rooney, Danny Welbeck and Shinji Kagawa, so there was lots of competition. "But he'll be treated the same here. If he's playing well and scoring, no problems - if he's not, it will be the same as the rest."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
International Hammers
KUMB.com
Filed: Wednesday, 15th November 2017
By: Staff Writer
Several Hammers were in action last night as a host of international friendlies were staged around the globe. Cheik Kouyate was involved as the Teranga Lions downed visitors South Africa in the Stade Leopold Senghor with a 2-1 win in their final World Cup qualifier. Goals from Opa Nguette and Kara Mbodji - the latter's coming deep into added-on time - were enough to give Senegal, who ended Group D with 12 points from six games the win. Fellow Hammer Diafra Sakho was an unuused substitute. Over in Austria, West Ham's record signing Marko Arnautovic played for 86 minutes as his country secured a surprise 2-1 win over Uruguay. Leipzig's Marcel Sabitzer opened the scoring before Edison Cavani levelled for the visitors. Moments after the 29-year-old Hammer was replaced, Austria - who have failed to qualify for next summer's World Cup Finals - grabbed the winning goal through Louis Schaub, ending the South American's five-match unbeaten run.
West Ham's only other full international on show was on-loan Joe Hart, who played a full 90 minutes for England as they laboured to a goalless draw with Brazil at Wembley.
A host of Hammers youngsters were involved at various other levels; Declan Rice and Josh Cullen featured for the Republic of Ireland as they went down 2-1 in Norway, a game in which Martin Sameulsen was an unused substitute. Meanwhile Domingos Quina (Portugal Under 19s), Reece Oxford (England Under 20s) and Rihards Matrevics (Latvia Under 19s) also represented their respective nations last night.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
It's your own fault, says Obiang
KUMB.com
Filed: Wednesday, 15th November 2017
By: Staff Writer
West Ham midfielder Pedro Obiang says that Italy's failure to qualify for next summer's World Cup Finals is the result of too many foreigners in the youth systems of Serie A clubs. The Spanish midfielder spent five years in Italy having moved from Atletico Madrid to Sampdoria as a 16-year-old, so is ideally placed to comment on the emphasis on attracting foreign talent. And whilst that policy may boost the chances of Serie A clubs competing at the highest level in European club competition, the effect on the national team has been devastating, according to the Hammers midfielder.
Last night the Azzurri failed to qualify for the World Cup Finals for the first time since 1958 after failing to overturn a 1-0 deficit from the first leg of their World Cup qualifying play off against Sweden. And according to the 25-year-old Hammer, that is largely due to the sheer number of non-domestic players involved at Serie A clubs and their secondary squads. "In your Academies there is more attention paid to foreigners," Obiang told Il Secondo XIX in the wake of Italy's exit. "But it is pointless to make scapegoats of foreigners - after all you have won the World Cup with [Argentine-born] Mauro Camoranesi and [Brazilian born] Eder has scored some great goals for Italy."
Gian Piero Ventura's side were sent crashing out of the tournament after drawing 0-0 with the Swedes, having lost the first leg 1-0. A tearful Gianlugi Buffon announced his international retirement immediately after the final whistle.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Holland happy with op
KUMB.com
Filed: Wednesday, 15th November 2017
By: Staff Writer
Hammers youngster Nathan Holland says he is looking forward to playing again after undergoing an operation to repair a torn hamstring. The teenager underwent surgery yesterday after he sustained the injury during a training session at Rush Green - but told followers on Twitter that the op "couldn't have gone any better".
Meanwhile Academy Director Terry Westley revealed that the doctor who performed the operation was equally happy with the result. "It's been successful. The surgeon is very happy and now he needs to recover," he said. "He is bitterly disappointed as he will miss out on the chance to show David Moyes and Alan Irvine what he can do over the next few weeks. "But I know that Nathan will return stronger when he is fit to play again around February. He will stay close to the group, and we will send him to games. He will watch a lot of football and focus on that side of his development during the time he'll be off the pitch."
Holland joined West Ham in January of this year on a free transfer from Everton and had been tipped to make the bench for a Premier League match due to his excellent recent form. He is expected to be out of action for several weeks.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
David Moyes says West Ham must sort out defence
Last Updated: 15/11/17 7:19am
SSN
David Moyes says West Ham would be "stupid" not to sort out their defence ahead of his first game in charge at Watford on Sunday, live on Sky Sports. West Ham, who hired Moyes last week after sacking Slaven Bilic, have conceded 23 goals in 11 games, the worst defensive record in the league. The Scot said: "We would be stupid if we didn't look back. "We've looked at the goals we've conceded and we have got the worst defensive record in the league. We've got to try and find a way of stopping that."
West Ham are currently 18th in the Premier League standings and Moyes feels a change in attitude is needed in the London club. "Ultimately, they've got to be a bit more humble for each other, work for the team, and score goals together and defend together. "We must start from scratch and give the players a chance to start again."
The former Manchester United boss revealed his priority is to make his squad work harder in order to get more wins than his critics have forecast under him.
"I can only do that by getting the players onside and making sure they are doing the right things," he added. "They're telling me they want to work hard, be organised and disciplined. I hope once I've done that, they won't be complaining." This week Moyes added Stuart Pearce, Alan Irvine and Billy McKinlay to his management at West Ham.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
THE RETURN OF 'PSYCHO': MOYES' COACHING APPOINTMENTS
By Dan Coker 15 Nov 2017 at 18:15
WTID
Back in June 2015, I wrote a piece introducing Bilic's Backroom Boys. Now that David Moyes has confirmed his own backroom team, I thought it would be a good opportunity to introduce the new coaching team at West Ham United.
First up – Alan Irvine. The Glasgow-born 59-year-old was a winger who started his career with Queen's Park in 1977 before spending three years at Everton between 1981 and 1984. He moved to Crystal Palace, making over 100 appearances for the Eagles, before returning to Scotland in 1987 with Dundee United. He closed his career with a three-year spell at Blackburn, retiring in 1992 after helping Kenny Dalglish's men win promotion to the Premier League.
Irvine was Academy Director at Ewood Park between 1993 and 1998 and held a similar role at Newcastle from 2001 to 2005, bringing through Steven Taylor and Peter Ramage. He then moved to Everton in 2005 where he became David Moyes' assistant. He graduated to management in November 2007 with Preston, guiding them from a relegation battle to 15th place at the end of his first season. He took them to the play-offs in his only full campaign in charge, but lost to Sheffield United in the semi-final. After a run of one win in ten games, he was sacked in December 2009.
Irvine was appointed manager of Sheffield Wednesday in January 2010 but the club were relegated to League One at the end of the season. He was dismissed in February 2011. He returned to Everton in the summer of 2011 to become manager of the club's academy. Three years later, Irvine was back in management, this time at Premier League level with West Bromwich Albion. He was sacked after seven months, in late December 2014. In the summer of 2016 he became assistant manager at Norwich and became caretaker manager eight months later after the departure of Alex Neil, steering the Canaries through the final two months of the campaign.
Billy McKinlay is a 48-year-old former midfielder who won 29 caps for Scotland, appearing for his country at Euro '96 and the World Cup in 1998. Like Moyes and Irvine, he was born in Glasgow. Starting his career with Dundee United, for whom he made over 200 appearances, McKinlay moved south of the border to reigning Premier League champions Blackburn in 1995. He spent five years with Rovers before spells at Bradford, Clydebank, Leicester and Fulham. His coaching career began as reserve team manager at Craven Cottage and he was also named as assistant manager of Northern Ireland. He left Fulham in December 2013 and was appointed first team coach at Watford nine months later. He was very quickly named head coach after the departure of Oscar Garcia, but was himself replaced after just eight days in charge, Slavisa Jokanovic being named as his replacement.
McKinlay worked under Moyes at Real Sociedad between November 2014 and November 2015. After leaving Spain he was named manager of Norwegian side Stabaek but he resigned in July 2016 after less than eight months with the club. He worked as a scout under Moyes at Sunderland and became first team coach at the Stadium of Light just last month – he was appointed joint caretaker manager alongside former Hammer Robbie Stockdale but has since relinquished this role to move to the Hammers.
And last but not least – Stuart Pearce. 'Psycho' needs very little introduction to West Ham supporters, having spent two years at the club between 1999 and 2001. He made his Hammers debut in a 1-0 win over Tottenham on the opening day of the 1999/2000 season and even made an England return in September 1999 at the age of 37 – he was the third-oldest outfield player to appear for England after Stanley Matthews and Leslie Compton. The official West Ham United website this week released a 'Six things you probably didn't know about Stuart Pearce' article – point three on the list was that Pearce played for the Hammers in Europe as a member of the InterToto Cup-winning side which got the Hammers into the UEFA Cup. This is, in fact, not true – 'Psycho' did not play a single minute of any of the six InterToto games and was out with a broken leg when the Hammers competed in the UEFA Cup.
Pearce made five league appearances in claret and blue before suffering the aforementioned broken leg against Watford – typically, he wanted to carry on playing! He made a return to action in February 2000 but only lasted three games before breaking the same leg. 2000/01 saw better times for Pearce though – he played in 34 of the Irons' Premier League matches, with a further eight appearances coming in the domestic cups. Pearce ended the season as a 39-year-old but had played 40 matches at the top level of English football. He also scored three goals for the club: a consolation direct from a free-kick in a 2-1 home defeat to Arsenal in October 2000; a typically thunderous strike to give the Hammers a 2-1 lead at Southampton a month later in a game the Hammers would win 3-2; and an equaliser to make it 1-1 in an FA Cup quarter-final with Tottenham at a rain-drenched Upton Park in March 2001, a game the Irons would sadly lose 3-2. He was voted Hammer of the Year at the end of the 2000/01 season.
Hammersmith-born Pearce had started his career at non-league Wealdstone in 1978 before moving to Coventry in 1983. Two years later he was signed by Brian Clough's Nottingham Forest and he would make over 400 appearances for the club. He turned down a move to the Hammers in 1997 to sign for Newcastle but did team up with Harry Redknapp two years later. After being beaten to the vacant managerial post at Upton Park by Glenn Roeder in the summer of 2001, Pearce left east London after 50 appearances to end his playing days with Manchester City, who romped to the First Division title and promotion to the Premier League under Kevin Keegan. Pearce had also won 78 caps for England and was part of the team which reached the World Cup semi-finals in 1990 and the last four of Euro '96 – England's two greatest performances at a tournament since 1966.
Pearce's first stint as a manager came as caretaker at Nottingham Forest in 1997. He became a coach under Keegan at Manchester City before becoming manager of the club in 2005. He became manager of the England Under-21 team in February 2007 whilst still in charge at City but was sacked by his club three months later. He guided the Under-21s to the semi-finals of the European Championships in 2007 and the Final in 2009 – his captains at both tournaments were provided by the Hammers, Nigel Reo-Coker and Mark Noble respectively. He also worked as a coach with the England senior team under Fabio Capello and managed the Great Britain Olympic team at London 2012. He left his role as Under-21 manager in the summer of 2013 and spent seven months back in charge at Forest in the 2014/15 campaign.
Welcome to all three, and good luck. Best wishes too to Winston Reid tonight, as his New Zealand side look to claim the last remaining place at the 2018 World Cup in their play-off in Peru.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
WILL YOUTH GET MORE FIRST TEAM OPPORTUNITIES UNDER DAVID MOYES?
By S J Chandos 15 Nov 2017 at 08:00
WTID
No one can fail to have been impressed with the performances of the young England sides, in the recent friendlies, against Germany and Brazil. England coach Gareth Southgate has shown a clear determination to give young players a run out in these games and it has seemingly paid off. This has occurred against the background of the recent U-20s and U-17s England World Cup victories and a renewed confidence about the quality of young English footballers in the pipe line. Yet, the fact remains that the majority of of those youngsters are very likely to be frozen out of the first team picture at their parent clubs and loaned out. This shows that regardless of potential or actual capability most PL clubs are currently still prioritising expensive foreign imports over home grown talent. However, many people in the English game are increasingly asking why this should continue to be the case? The view gaining currency that PL clubs must increase the first team opportunities for this emerging domestic talent for the long term good of the English game.
West Ham are a club renowned for their Academy and the production of top class talent. Unfortunately, however, in recent years Hammers managers have shown a distinct reluctance to give youngsters adequate first team opportunities. Sam Allardyce never seemed to have any faith in our Academy and Slaven Bilic also showed a surprising reluctance to hand youth their chance. Yes, Bilic blooded Reece Oxford, as a 16 year old, against Arsenal, but he subsequently failed to show sufficient commitment to developing his talent at first team level. Admittedly he called up Declan Rice this season, but also quickly dropped him after the Irish youngster made a mistake against Newcastle United. While, Reece Burke performed admirably whenever called to first team duty, but regardless has been continually loaned out to gain further experience; and Bilic also showed a real caution in calling up prolific U-23s striker, Toni Martinez, to the first team squad, even when injury and suspension decimated our available striker options.
New Hammers manager, David Moyes, has commented on the situation of young English talent failing to break through at PL level. He has expressed his admiration for the performance of the England U-17s, in winning the WC at their age range, and suggested that perhaps PL squads are too 'cluttered' and this is stopping youngsters making the break through. Moyes quickly followed this up by calling up a number of the U-23s to train with the first team squad and hinted heavily that they will get their opportunities under his managerial regime. Obviously, Declan Rice is reasonably well established now in the senior squad and others, such as Martinez, Samuelson and Holland, are pushing hard for inclusion. In addition, it is more than possible (considering his lack of game time in Germany) that Moyes could call Reece Oxford back from his loan deal in January and re-integrate the youngster back in to the senior squad.
Naturally, while we struggle, in and around the relegation zone, the emphasis will be upon experienced players lifting us clear of trouble. However, there is little doubt that, in the right circumstances, Moyes will give youngsters their big break. And that is the way that it should be at a club with West Ham's long standing reputation for youth development. The hope is that we can pull away from trouble quickly and afford ourselves the opportunity to fully test the abilities of the likes of Martinez at first team level. Indeed, the opportunity for the Spanish goal poacher could even come, sooner rather than later, if Hernandez fails to recover from injury in time for the Watford match. With Carroll likely to start, then Martinez could possibly claim at least a place on the bench for this Sunday's match.
Arguably, PL squads should benefit from having good quality youngsters performing well and pushing for first team places. It keeps the senior players on their toes and gives them the extra motivation to maintain their own standards. One of the problems at West Ham has been that regardless of how well a youngster is doing in the U-23s, or indeed in training, there was little chance that he would be promoted. The Academy needs to continue producing players that are going to lay claim to a first team place and add to the competitive mix of the squad.
Hopefully, Moyes understands that and will deliver on his promising early statements/actions relating to our U-23s. I certainly think that it will go a long way to getting Hammers fans to warm to Moyes if he is seen to be serious about developing the Academy and promoting players to first team duty.
SJ. Chandos.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham target Brighton's Lewis Dunk to be their first transfer under new boss David Moyes
Club with the Premier League's worst defensive record want centre-back now earning calls for an England place
The Mirror
ByAlex Crook
22:30, 14 NOV 2017
West Ham boss David Moyes wants to make Brighton star Lewis Dunk his first Hammers buy. Centre-back Dunk has impressed during the promoted Seagulls' solid start to life in the Premier League and Moyes believes he would improve the brittle backline he has inherited from the sacked Slaven Bilic. The third-bottom Hammers have conceded a Premier League worst 23 goals after 11 games, keeping only three clean-sheets in those matches. However, Albion would demand a huge fee to sell the 25-year-old, who only signed a new five-year contract in August. Brighton-born, 6ft 4in Dunk has played 180 league games for his hometown club in League One, the Championship and now the top flight since his debut seven years ago. His partnership with Republic of Ireland ace Shane Duffy has led to calls for him to be named in the England squad.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham's Javier Hernandez to miss David Moyes' first THREE matches in charge after injury on international duty
That's the bad news for the Hammers' new manager — but there is also good news about a long-term transfer target
The Mirror
ByDarren Lewis
22:30, 14 NOV 2017
New West Ham boss David Moyes has been hit by a huge blow with the news that Javier Hernandez is out for two weeks. The former Manchester United and Real Madrid striker damaged a hamstring in Mexico's 3-3 draw with Belgium last Friday and will miss manager Moyes ' first game in charge, at Watford on Sunday.
Hernandez, signed from Germany's Bayer Leverkusen for £17million in the summer, will also be absent for subsequent matches at home to Leicester and away to one of Moyes' former clubs, Everton. West Ham are also likely to be without defender Winston Reid, who is not expected to return from international duty — the second leg of New Zealand's World Cup qualification play-off in Peru doesn't kick off until the early hours of Thursday UK time — until Friday.
Meanwhile, the Hammers could be set for a boost with Portuguese heavyweights Sporting Lisbon ready to reopen talks over a move to the London Stadium for Portugal international midfielder William Carvalho. A bitter row erupted after West Ham's aborted late summer move for the 25-year-old. It led to vicious insults being traded between the clubs. But Sporting's president Bruno de Carvalho has now suggested a deal could yet be done said: "There was this soap opera regarding West Ham, but it is not interesting. "It is not important because there was nothing. He added: "If we close this soap opera [I will deal with West Ham again]. It is not good for anybody, because the fans deserve better — the truth, our respect. The fans are the most important thing at the club."
:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
http://vyperz.blogspot.com
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
Posts
