Daily WHUFC News - 13th January 2018

Huddersfield Town v West Ham United: All you need to know
WHUFC.com

A trip to Huddersfield Town awaits the Hammers this weekend as David Moyes's
side returns to league action.

Read on for everything you need to know about Saturday's fixture!

Where and when?

Huddersfield Town against West Ham United will be played at the John Smith's
Stadium on Saturday 13 January 2018.

The fixture is scheduled for a 3pm kick-off.

How to follow:

Unfortunately, due to being a 3pm kick-off the match is not available for
viewing in the UK. For worldwide broadcast schedules, click here.

Live match updates will be provided through the official West Ham Twitter
account.

You can also follow the game live via our Matchday Blog on whufc.com.

You can also follow the match on our official Instagram, Facebook and
Snapchat channels.

Team news:

David Moyes will provide a complete update in regards to his team news
during his pre-match press conference on Friday.

Stay tuned to the Club's official channels for extensive coverage ahead of
this weekend's contest with Huddersfield Town.

Match Officials:

Referee: Jonathan Moss
Assistant Referees: Eddie Smart and Andy Halliday
Fourth Official: Mike Dean

Last Five Meetings

West Ham United 2-0 Huddersfield Town, Premier League, September 11 2017
West Ham United 3-0 Huddersfield Town, League Cup, September 29 1997
Huddersfield Town 1-0 West Ham United, League Cup, September 16 1997
West Ham United 3-0 Huddersfield Town, Division One, March 4 1972
Huddersfield Town 4-2 West Ham United, FA Cup, February 26 1972

How to get there:

Trains are available from King's Cross and Euston, usually with one change,
and tends to take just under three hours. Huddersfield Railway station is
just a 15 minute walk away from the John Smith's Stadium

The majority of the drive to Huddersfield is up the M1, before joining the
A637. Join the A442 and then take a right onto Waterloo Road. Turn onto
Albany Road, then Crossley Lane, before following Long Lane to the Stadium.

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Attitude of players and staff has been spot on - Moyes
WHUFC.com

David Moyes has praised the attitude of his players and backroom staff alike
after making an encouraging start to life as West Ham United manager. The
Scot passed two months in charge having chalked up impressive Premier League
victories over Chelsea, Stoke City and West Bromwich Albion, as well as
creditable draws with Arsenal, Tottenham Hotspur, Leicester City and AFC
Bournemouth. Reflecting on his time the helm, Moyes told West Ham TV his
squad had responded well to his demanding methods. "I think there has been
progress in terms of what the team looked like," he began. "Slaven [Bilic]
is a good friend of mine and I would never be critical of anything that went
on before. "The players wanted a bit of direction and leadership and I think
we've tried to give them that. "As well as that, we've said 'Here are the
ground rules boys. If you don't want to stick to the ground rules, we'd
rather not have you, so just go away. But if you do though and you work at
it, we'll include everybody and we'll try to give you an opportunity'. "And,
to be fair, everybody has done it. They've all mucked in. We've had big
thrills with some of the results we've had, but we know that we need to make
massive progress on loads of other things."

It is all well and good asking players to run harder and further, of course,
but that alone will not be enough to stifle a Premier League attack. So,
just how have Moyes and his staff made West Ham a more difficult team to
break down? "We've done a lot of work. We've worked with the back four and
back five. In the opening games I had, we had a couple that could go either
way and then some really tough games, and it's the really tough games where
we've been well-organised, disciplined and hard to play against. "It's been
in some of the other games where we've had a bigger struggle, so that's the
bit we need to improve on.
"We've got a little bit of a model which we use against the better teams to
try and make sure that we don't lose, but ultimately we've got to find a
better model so we can win the games we should be winning with much more
ease or more often."

Key to finding that 'better model' will be Moyes' backroom staff, comprising
assistants Alan Irvine, Stuart Pearce and Billy McKinlay and goalkeeper
coach Chris Woods. And the manager revealed he could further expand his
team, should things continue to go well in the future. "I actually think
that when I was offered the chance to come to the club, I wanted to come
mob-handed with a staff, because I don't want to miss a trick here. I don't
want anything to go on that I don't know about. I want everything covered.
"I think you do need the staff. We work really long hours as it is, but what
you've got is they literally all offer me something different, which is
great. "Alan Irvine is like a professor with it. He is so detailed, he
spends hours and hours on it, he's a brilliant coach and a very
knowledgeable coach, so he gives me that. "Stuart Pearce gives me great
motivation and leadership and is somebody who you should look up to,
somebody who plays every game. He is full of it before every game and is
great with the players and is actually very good with the young players as
well, spending time with them. "Billy McKinlay is a bit more light-hearted,
but he was a very good midfield player and he has a really good eye for a
player as well. He's good at looking at players and spotting things. He is
somebody who worked with me just recently and I think he has got better and
he is improving all the time. "Chris Woods is one of the best goalkeeper
coaches there is and has been for a long time. "So, I've got a good team
around me and maybe in time we'll add and keep the staff growing to make
sure we give them all the best people."

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Club statement: Conclusion of Livermore incident
WHUFC.com

West Ham United have issued an indefinite ban to the supporter involved in a
verbal altercation with West Bromwich Albion's Jake Livermore. After a full
investigation conducted by the Club, which included statements from
supporters in close proximity of the incident and evidence from Jake
Livermore and West Bromwich Albion officials, the individual was found to
have violated a number of London Stadium ground regulations and will be
unable to attend home or away matches with immediate effect. Inciting or
abusive behaviour will not be tolerated at London Stadium, and we urge any
supporters who witness similar behaviour on matchdays to report it
anonymously by texting or calling 07860 404069, where all information is
treated in the strictest of confidence.

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Chicharito has crucial role to play for Hammers - Moyes
WHUFC.com

David Moyes is adamant Chicharito has a crucial role to play for West Ham
United this season despite admitting the form of other forwards has kept the
Mexican out of the starting XI in recent weeks. The incredible effort of
fellow summer signing Marko Arnautovic and energy of Michail Antonio has
limited Chicharito to a place on the substitutes bench in the last few
games, although the striker did start the FA Cup contest with Shrewsbury
Town last weekend. Rumours of a potential move away from West Ham for
Chicharito have circulated this week but Moyes has knocked away these
reports, hailing the 29-year-old's ability. Chicharito was injured when
Moyes took charge of the Hammers, prompting the Scotsman to consider other
options up front, but the boss is certain he will need the striker's knack
for finishing between now and the end of the campaign. "The form of Marko of
Marko Arnautovic and Michail Antonio, at the start, has probably made it
difficult," Moyes said. "When I joined, Javier was injured and we had to go
with Marko and Michail up front in different games. They've both done really
well.
"Chicharito is a really good player and his finishing ability is as good as
there is anywhere. He thrives on balls in the box and maybe in a lot of
games we've not had that service to give him. "We've got players like
Chicharito who need supplying in the box. We've got Andy Carroll who
probably needs to be supplied with crosses. We've got Andre Ayew who looks
for good balls into feet in and around the box. We've got very different
forward players who I think we will need at very different times in games.
"We can do with them all being fit so I've got options in the games."

Chicharito and Moyes previously worked together at Manchester United, with
the Mexican earning a reputation for scoring important goals from the bench
for the Red Devils. Moyes pointed to the level of competition at Manchester
United then and at West Ham now up front but insists he knows Chicharito has
the quality to be a regular starting striker for the Hammers. "At United,
Sir Alex Ferguson used to play him from the bench quite a lot," Moyes
recalled. "I was well aware, when I joined Manchester United, that
Chicharito would want more minutes. Also, I had Wayne Rooney, Robin van
Persie and Danny Welbeck, to name a few. "The competition at football clubs
is hard, but if you're a good player then you get there, and Chicharito is a
good player."

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Betway Insider's View of the Opposition - Huddersfield Town
WHUFC.com

Following their battling draw at Tottenham, West Ham have a real opportunity
to continue their climb up the Premier League table at Huddersfield on
Saturday. That point at Wembley moved the Hammers from 18th to 15th, and
means the club have taken five points from their previous three league games
– a fine return that reflects their improvement over the last month. David
Moyes' side have suffered just one defeat in eight top-flight matches, with
the 12 points they have accrued in that time more than twice as many as the
club managed in the first 15 games of the season. The Irons have played some
of their best football away from home, too. They are unbeaten in their last
three on the road, with the draw at Bournemouth and win at Stoke preceding
last week's result at Spurs.

Even better, Huddersfield's recent form at the John Smith's Stadium is not
great. The Terriers have failed to win any of their three previous home
matches in the league, with the defeat to Chelsea last month followed by
draws against Stoke and Burnley. Saturday's match should be an entertaining
one. West Ham have scored in each of their previous three matches on the
road, including two three-goal hauls at Stoke and Bournemouth respectively.
And even though Huddersfield have failed to net in their last two league
outings, they did score in four successive matches before that. That
sequence included four goals at Watford, while the Terriers will be
encouraged by the fact the Hammers have conceded in their last four league
matches. Don't be surprised if the match is defined by late drama, either.
Four of West Ham's last five league games have featured goals between the
75th and 90th minute. The Hammers scored three of them – against West Brom,
Bournemouth and Stoke respectively – claiming seven valuable points in the
process. Moyes should be confident of claiming at least one more on
Saturday.

Recommended bets
West Ham double chance and BTTS - 15/8
Time of last West Ham goal 75-90 minutes - 3/1
Over 2.5 goals - 7/5

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Moyes: Signings, away form, and a season-defining run
WHUFC.com

West Ham United manager David Moyes spoke to the media on Friday afternoon
ahead of this weekend's Premier League tie with Huddersfield Town. With the
January transfer window in full swing, the boss was asked about potential
signings and departures from the Hammers, as well as his available squad for
this Saturday's match, his thoughts on David Wagner, and much more…

Ins and outs?

As expected, much of the press conference centred on possible incomings and
exits at West Ham during the January transfer window. Media reports have
linked players both into and out of London Stadium this month, with Moyes
confirming the Club have entered bids for new players, but these offers have
been turned down, and therefore there is not anything to report. "We've got
nobody lined up just now or people we could say we're definitely going to be
bringing in," the manager confirmed. "We've made bid for players but they've
been turned down. I want to do my business right so I keep them private. I
respect the football clubs that we're talking to. "It's difficult with the
cost and I think why the questions have been about players being sold or
coming in. People are only really interested in that news but, there's not
much going on because of the cost." The Scotsman also revealed he wants to
keep all of his available strikers this month, and is only interested in
adding balance to his team. "I don't want any of my strikers to go. We've
got no players here that we want to leave. We need to add to our squad and
ideally, we will strengthen. "My intention is not to let anybody go. What I
will say is we've got four or five strikers and the competition is tough for
all of them. I'm happy with that though and it would take an awful lot of
money in this window to prise any of them out. "My interest is in balancing
up the squad and bringing people in in the areas we are short, rather than
areas we are full in. I need to get the areas we are short in fuller and
make sure we add to the squad if we can. If somebody comes in with offers we
can't stop them but we can stop them by saying no to anything we don't want
to have."

'We've got players coming back'

Moyes was asked about his squad for Saturday's match against Huddersfield
Town and which, if any, of his injured players would be available for a
return to action. Without putting a time frame on either's return, the
manager did indicate that defenders Jose Fonte and James Collin were nearing
a comeback. The boss confirmed: "We've had a lot of injuries. There's a few
who will make it back, and there's a few that we still have doubts about.
"We've got Jose Fonte on the way back and hopefully we've got Ginge on the
way back as well."
Moyes pointed to the busy fixture list as part of the reason behind his
side's, and indeed every Premier League teams', struggles with injuries. "I
think in this time of the season, after the amount of games players have
played at every Premier League club, you can't be sure about who is going to
be fit and who isn't. What I can say is we will have a few coming back for
this game, hopefully, against Huddersfield."

'This is a really important period for us'

The contest against Huddersfield Town on Saturday is the first of five
Premier League matches in which the Hammers will play teams that are tenth
or lower in the division, with all of them no more than five points away
from the relegation zone. Moyes believes this run of games will be of vital
importance to his team as they strive to secure their status in the English
top flight for next season. The Scotsman also reckons that the bottom half
of the division is so tight that any side could beat another without it
being a shock result. Moyes said: "This is a really important period for us.
We have come through a difficult period. When I joined the Club there were a
couple of games at the start but then we went into a heavy period, not only
in the number of fixtures but also with the teams we were playing. "I think
we're going to into a period of games where we're playing teams around us
and there's been no clear conclusion on any of our games. We lost to
Newcastle, we drew to Bournemouth, we beat West Brom and Stoke City, but I
think the games are very hard to call. "I think between now and the end of
the season, the bottom ten to 12 teams, the results between them won't be
foregone conclusions. We have to try and win the games to make sure we're a
Premier League club."

'We can bring Huddersfield into the relegation battle'

The Terriers sit 11th in the Premier League table but are without a win in
their last four matches in the top flight, and sit just two points above the
Hammers in the division. Having just been promoted from the Championship
last season, the job done by the Yorkshire Club has been praised by Moyes,
but the West Ham boss is eyeing a jump over Huddersfield this weekend. The
manager has warned however that David Wagner's men are capable of playing in
a number of ways, which could catch his men out. "Huddersfield have done
great," Moyes hailed. "They've got off to such a good start in the Premier
League. I think what it's meant is there is a lot of team who think they
might not be near the bottom, and we're all trying to grab them back and
bring them into the pack. If we can beat Huddersfield we'd bring
Huddersfield back in amongst us. "I think they are able to do a few things.
I think they can play, their style is good and they will play from the back
at the right times. I think they've got a team that has come up and is
confident in what they do. I think they come with momentum which helps them,
and overall, they've got some good attacking players that we will need to be
mindful of."

'Terrific Wagner'

"Huddersfield have always been one of the clubs I'd watch regularly at
different times and I think the job David Wagner has done there is
terrific," Moyes admitted during his press conference. Wagner took charge of
the Terriers in 2015 and, having kept the Terriers in the Championship,
guided the side to the Premier League through the play-offs in the 2016/17
campaign. That success has rightly earned the coach plaudits across the
globe and Moyes has added his voice to them. "I think the job he's doing in
the Premier League is terrific as well. They're more than fighting, they are
easily competing and showing they can do the job. Great credit to them.
They've come up the leagues and I think momentum is a big thing."

Home & Away

Huddersfield boast four wins and four draws from their home form in the
Premier League this campaign, ensuring a tough test for the Hammers this
weekend.
Despite this Moyes is confident that his side can claim the victory on
Saturday. The manager added: "I think they have six wins and they're going
really well, Huddersfield. It will be a hard game up there. Their home form
is how they probably got promoted. Hopefully we can come away with three
points." The Hammers claimed an unforgettable away win at Stoke City in
December, with goals from Mark Noble, Marko Arnautovic and Diafra Sakho
securing a big 3-0 win for the Irons. And the boss reckons it is this level
of away performance that will get his team results on the road. On the win
at Stoke Moyes said: "We nailed it that day and I think we need that level
of performance to come in a few more occasions. We've got quite a few games
coming at home at London Stadium between now and the end of the season, but
if we can get some wins away it will make our job much easier."

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Adrian: I wish to end my career at West Ham United
WHUFC.com

West Ham United goalkeeper Adrian has made clear his wish to finish his
career in Claret and Blue. Fresh from an impressive return to the first-team
during which his three clean sheets helped the Hammers climb out of the
relegation zone, the No13 has committed his future to the Club. The
recently-turned 31-year-old says he is benefiting from playing every week
again and will continue to give his all for the Club and fans with whom he
shares a special bond. "It's one of my wishes to finish playing here at West
Ham. I played the last five seasons here and 114 games in the Premier
League, even more in the cup," said Adrian, who could make his ninth
consecutive Premier League appearance at Huddersfield Town on Saturday. "My
contract expires at the end of next season, then we have to decide. I am now
31 and can probably still play for a long time. So why not West Ham? "I am
very happy here in London and at this Club. I have a special relationship
with the fans from the beginning of my time here. Now I have to enjoy
playing and give my best every week until the end of the season to stay in
the Premier League and to finish in the highest position possible."
The popular goalkeeper, who is an active social media user, says he likes to
show fans more of himself by sharing memorable moments from his daily life,
inside and outside the Club. "I like to share with them the moments that I
am living here – my life, my sensation after the game, before the game, or
in the week. I want to show the fans a bit of myself. "They see me on the
pitch but it's important in the era of social media to share with them a bit
of my everyday situations."

However, the No13 stopped short of allowing social media, or anything else
for that matter, distracting him from the pitch. The Spaniard remains stoic
in his commitment and professionalism for the Irons. "I always try to give
my best and I think we are in the best profession in the world because we
are doing something we love – playing football. "I like to show my passion,
and I like to show on the pitch that I am 100 per cent concentrated on the
game. I love winning games. I am very angry when I have lost. I get very sad
when I have lost. Some players don't show this but it's all down to the
personality of everyone."

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Westley hails U23's 'first-class performance' against Leicester
WHUFC.com

A 'first-class performance' against Leicester City caps a great week for the
West Ham United U23s, according to Academy Director Terry Westley, after his
side fought to a 0-0 draw with the Foxes. Leicester, sat second in Premier
League 2 Division 1, proved to be a tough test for the Hammers on Friday at
the Chigwell Construction Stadium, but a solid defensive and hardworking
outing by the Irons allowed the home team to claim a deserved draw and
point. The determined showing came just four days after West Ham beat
Manchester United U23s 3-0 away from home and Westley believes this most
recent match was just as good, albeit in a completely different way. "I
thought it was a first-class performance on a difficult pitch against a very
physical and strong side," A beaming Westley told whufc.com. "In many ways,
that was as good as our Manchester United performance, but in a totally
different way. Technically, against Man United, we were very good, but
tonight we had to be resolute. We had to defend set plays and long throws,
and balls going through the centre of the pitch."

Leicester boasted the likes of Premier League winner Robert Huth and
big-money signings Adrien Silva and Ahmed Musa in their team but the
Hammers, who named nine players aged 20 or under in their starting XI, were
more than worth their share of the points. The Academy Director couldn't be
more thrilled with the fighting spirit his team showed against these top
calibre players. Westley continued: "It was like an old-fashioned,
combination reserve team game from many years ago, when first team players
played. I counted about £47 million worth of players out on the pitch.
"Robert Huth is a very experienced Premier League champion so Toni Martinez
had to really fight him, and he showed what he could do and how hard he
works. The same could be said with Diangana, Samuelsen, Quina, Coventry and
Makasi. Without the football, they really worked hard tonight. "The two
centre-backs were colossus. Young Aji Alese is only 16 and it was only his
second game back. He was fully spent in the dressing room after the match.
It was an outstanding performance, for me."

Four points from the two games this week puts Westley's side on 21 points; a
number that he points out was enough to keep sides safe from relegation last
season. Now that amount has been reached Westley wants his side to push on
even more and reckons his player's efforts will see a few involved in the
first team on Tuesday, when Shrewsbury Town visit London Stadium in the FA
Cup. "We've now got 21 points. Everyone stayed up last year with 21 points.
Our first target, with nine games to go, has been reached, and our players
and staff deserve great credit," Westley added. "We said we want to make
sure we're not struggling and we haven't done that, touch wood. The next
target, which we set ourselves around Christmas, was if this group could
finish in the top six. A win against Leicester would have taken us third so
we are there or there about. "It's been a great week. We will report again
on Sunday and one or two of our side will be challenging to get in the
manager's plans for Tuesday against Shrewsbury Town at London Stadium.
That's obviously where we want people to be and this week has done nobody
any harm whatsoever."

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
David Moyes column: Michail Antonio injury fears could force West Ham to buy
a player in January
DAVID MOYES
ES Sport

We've negotiated the tough Christmas and New Year schedule pretty well but
just when you take a deep breath and look forward to some normality again,
that January transfer window opens up and all the speculation goes up
several gears. I discovered quickly that, at West Ham, not a day goes by
without us being mentioned with this or that player. The window has only
been open for less than two weeks but already, so I believe, we've been
linked with a grand total of 30 players. Like most, if not all managers, I
don't much like this window. I don't think it works for many people
although, having said that, it can be useful if something unforeseen happens
and your priority changes. We could have that scenario here. Michail Antonio
has not fully recovered from a groin problem. Our medical people believe it
could clear up in a couple of weeks but if not it could be more serious.
We're not sure yet but if it is the latter — and that would be a real shame
— we will need to go out to try to make a suitable signing this month
because we will need someone who plays down that righthand side. That apart
though, a lot about this window is an unwelcome distraction.

It's not unusual in the Premier League, for example, for players who are not
in their club teams to think they can move on when, in fact, they can't. Of
course, transfers are a vital part of football but I'm convinced, if you
look back over previous seasons, there have been too many deals done in
January, which haven't worked out. Sometimes the euphoria associated with
the signings has masked the reality they haven't actually been that good.
Maybe doing nothing much this month is the more sensible strategy and if you
are in the happy position of being 100 per cent safe and with a large, fit
squad, you can enjoy a quiet January.

If you're not in that fortunate place though — and not many are — you have
to look to see what you can do to improve your team. The problem is that
clubs are not, in the main, open to selling but if they are it's usually
players who are either not being selected regularly or who are coming
towards the end of their contracts. On the 30 or so players linked with us,
I am sure that West Ham fans will know the vast majority of those won't
happen but we will keep looking for a couple who will improve us. The agents
are working hard naturally but, in terms of strikers, I don't necessarily
believe we need another one this month. This can change in the next couple
of weeks but right now, there are other areas of the squad which I would
look at first. We've used all our strikers in this busy period and, for
example, we had Andre Ayew and Chicharito up front against Shrewsbury. In
other games, such as against Tottenham, we haven't had a great deal of the
ball and it has been tough for a player like Chicharito because we haven't
been able to provide him with the service upon which he thrives. I know
Chicharito well and he needs balls in the box and we need to get to the
by-line more and cut the ball back to him. He's an instinctive type of
striker with an ability to know where the ball is dropping in the box,
rather than someone you could build from or use in other ways. We're trying
to use all our assets up front, though, and give them an opportunity, when
we can, to showcase their talents.

The next group of games, starting at Huddersfield on Saturday, will be a big
test for us. The players involved in most, if not all the recent games, had
a couple of days off at the beginning of the week but they're back training
hard. There's not a lot between many teams in the Premier League. Against
West Brom it went to the 94th minute before we scored the winner and, at
Bournemouth, it could have gone either way but ended as a draw. Even against
Newcastle, we were behind, got back into the game and then missed a penalty
as we lost 3-2. These games coming up will be tight but we have to do better
because, although we've only lost one out of our past eight, we haven't
played as well as I would have hoped in some of them. We are making
progress. We are trying to be hard to beat but we're still conceding too
many goals. We have doubts about Winston Reid and Andy Carroll but James
'Ginge' Collins is back with us, as is Aaron Cresswell, Marko Arnautovic and
Manuel Lanzini. There is no hiding the fact that we didn't play well in the
FA Cup at Shrewsbury last Sunday but one of the positives was young Josh
Cullen in midfield. He was one of our best players and showed a great deal
of character and courage to play on after he had been kicked in the face and
lost a tooth. These things are noticed by people. They see you rolling up
your sleeves, going back and getting on with it and they are impressed. I'm
expecting him to be in the squad for tomorrow's game. We are trying to get a
gum shield made for him to protect his mouth.

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Huddersfield Town v West Ham United
SAT 13 JAN 2018PREMIER LEAGUE
15:00
Venue: John Smith's Stadium
BBC.co.uk

TEAM NEWS
Huddersfield new signings Terence Kongolo and Alex Pritchard are in line to
make league debuts for the club. Michael Hefele and Phillip Billing are back
in training but Chris Lowe, Martin Cranie and Collin Quaner will all miss
out.

Marko Arnautovic is in contention for the Hammers after recovering from a
hamstring strain, as is James Collins. However, Winston Reid is a doubt with
a groin injury and Aaron Cresswell remains sidelined by a back problem.

MOTD COMMENTATOR'S NOTES
Steve Wilson: "It may not have made too many headlines, but no team outside
the top five in the Premier League have taken more points from the last
seven games than West Ham. "Those who were sceptical about the appointment
of David Moyes may be having to think again. "Huddersfield aren't winning
too many, but they're winning just enough. Their season has been terrific so
far, but with 16 games left no sensible Terrier's fan should rule out the
possibility of their side running out of steam. "Mind you, any slump is
unlikely to be as dramatic as the one which afflicted their last top-flight
season. In 1971-72, Huddersfield failed to win any of their last 16 matches
and scored only four times, two of which were own goals!"

Twitter: @Wilsonfooty

WHAT THE MANAGERS SAY
Huddersfield Town head coach David Wagner: "To be totally honest the West
Ham away game was one of the performances, with Swansea maybe, where I think
we really underperformed. "We know that West Ham is a very big name, with a
great squad with very good individuals and a very good manager as well.
"They are in good form at the minute so there are a lot of reasons why we
have to be better than what we were in the first game; this is our aim to be
our best."

West Ham United manager David Moyes: "I think this is a really important
period for us. When I joined we went into a heavy period with a number of
fixtures and the teams we were playing. "Huddersfield have done great. If we
can beat Huddersfield we could bring them back in amongst us. "I used to
watch Huddersfield games quite regularly. The job Wagner has done is
terrific. They are more than fighting, they are competing and doing the job.
They deserve great credit."

LAWRO'S PREDICTION
Manchester City, Chelsea and Tottenham are the only teams to have beaten
Huddersfield at home this season, but I just don't see the Hammers losing
here.

Prediction: 1-1

MATCH FACTS
Head-to-head

West Ham registered their first Premier League win of the season in
September's return fixture, inflicting a first defeat on David Wagner's
side.
Huddersfield have won 10 of their last 12 home league games against West
Ham, but they have not hosted this fixture since November 1971.

Huddersfield Town

They have gone four games without a Premier League win since their 4-1
demolition of Watford on 16 December (D3, L1).
The Terriers have scored just two goals in those four games.
They have lost their last four Premier League matches against London
opposition by an aggregate score of 14-1.

West Ham United

The Hammers have lost just once in their last seven Premier League games
(W3, D3).
They have, though, registered just one away win all season; 3-0 v Stoke on
16 December.
West Ham are two short of 400 Premier League away goals.
If West Ham lose, it will be the fourth time they've lost to at least three
different promoted sides in the same Premier League season.
David Moyes is one shy of becoming the fourth manager to win 200 Premier
League matches, after Alex Ferguson (528), Arsene Wenger (468) and Harry
Redknapp (236).
Marko Arnautovic has scored four goals in his last four Premier League
appearances.
Andy Carroll has eight goals in his last eight Premier League starts in the
month of January.

SAM's verdict
Most probable score: 1-1 Probability of draw: 28%
Probability of home win: 42% Probability of away win: 30%
SAM (Sports Analytics Machine) is a super-computer created by @ProfIanMcHale
at the University of Liverpool that is used to predict the outcome of
football matches.

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Antonio concern could force transfer window move
KUMB.com
Filed: Friday, 12th January 2018
By: Staff Writer

David Moyes says that the continuing uncertainly regarding Michail Antonio's
groin injury could lead to him having to sign a replacement during the
current transfer window. Antonio has not featured for the Hammers since
being withdrawn an hour into West Ham's 3-2 defeat at home to Newcastle on
December 23. And according to Moyes, he could be sidelined for some time yet
- leaving the club with no option but to seek an alternative. "Our medical
people believe it could clear up in a couple of weeks but if not, it could
be more serious," Moyes said in his latest column for the Standard. "We're
not sure yet but if it is the latter - and that would be a real shame - we
will need to go out to try to make a suitable signing this month because we
will need someone who plays down that right-hand side."
With regards to other injury news ahead of this weekend's trip to
Huddersfield, Moyes revealed that James Collins is one of several players
available for selection once again - whilst confirming that long-term injury
victim Jose Fonte is likely to be ready again shortly. However there are
fresh problems for the manager to content with ahead of this weekend's
Premier League clash. "We have doubts about Winston Reid and Andy Carroll,"
stated Moyes, "but James Collins is back with us - as are Aaron Cresswell,
Marko Arnautovic and Manuel Lanzini."

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Moyes: all quiet on the Sakho front
KUMB.com
Filed: Friday, 12th January 2018
By: Staff Writer

David Moyes says that he is "not aware" of any impending bids for wantaway
striker Diafra Sakho. The Senegal international was closely linked with a
£12million move to Crystal Palace earlier this week but according to Moyes,
there is no indication that the move is imminent - or welcome, according to
the manager. "I'm not aware of anything with Diafra Sakho so I couldn't give
you an update on that," he told the media at his pre-match press conference.
"We're more than happy to keep Diafra. We like him and he's been good since
we've been here. "I don't want any of our strikers to go. We need to add to
our squad. We need to strengthen and my intention is not to let anybody go.
It would take a lot of money to prise any of them out of West Ham."

However Moyes was rather less dismissive when asked about the possibility of
fellow forward Javier Chicharito moving on at some point this month -
insisting that his place was under threat due to the excellent performances
of others. "I think the form of Marko Arnautovic and Michail Antonio has
made it difficult for Javier Hernandez," he added. " "When I joined he was
injured, so I had to go without him up front. Chicharito is a really good
player. His finishing ability is a good as anyone. At Manchester United I
also had Wayne Rooney, Van Persie and Danny Welbeck. Competition at football
clubs is hard."

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Crystal Palace boss Roy Hodgson keeps 'quiet' on Diafra Sakho deal
By Calum Wilson
Last Updated: 12/01/18 3:39pm
SSN

Roy Hodgson is keeping "quiet" Crystal Palace's linked move for Diafra Sakho
but says the club are "working overtime" on signings. According to Sky
sources, Palace have agreed a fee with West Ham for Sakho understood to be
between £10m and £12m. The Senegal international is yet to start a Premier
League game for the Hammers this season, scoring four goals in the 17 games
he has featured in this term. The Palace boss is keen to sign another
striker in January, with first-choice forward Christian Benteke having
scored just once so far in this campaign. Asked about the club's pursuit of
Sakho, Hodgson said: "I'm not prepared to talk about any players. There is
bound to be conflicting reports. "It would be very foolish of me to start
commenting on anybody at the moment. "We are doing it as best we can and as
professionally as we can. "It is better to keep quiet on the subject."
Hodgson has previously revealed that Palace need to sign up to seven players
in the January window and the former England boss says everyone at Selhurst
Park is working hard to bring players in. "Our plans have never changed,"
Hodgson said. "We have known almost from the moment I came to the club that
we were light in certain areas. "We didn't have enough of a certain type of
player in areas of the field. "We have always been thinking that when the
January transfer window comes around that we will try and resolve some of
these problems. "We have been thinking about that since I came in September
and the people who are working on this, our scouting department, Doug
Freedman, Steve Parish and our owners are working overtime to try and
identify people."

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
David Moyes has no intention of selling Andy Carroll and Javier Hernandez
Last Updated: 12/01/18 4:03pm
SSN

David Moyes has no intention of letting Andy Carroll and Javier Hernandez
leave during the January transfer window, despite the West Ham manager
admitting he has plenty of attacking options. National newspaper reports
have linked Carroll with a move to Premier League defending champions
Chelsea while Hernandez has struggled for game time since Moyes' arrival in
November. West Ham also have Andre Ayew, Michail Antonio and Marko
Arnautovic as forward options but Moyes said it would take a substantial
offer "to prize them away". "I don't want any of them to go," Moyes said,
ahead of the Hammers' trip to face Huddersfield. "We have got no players
here who we want to leave. We need to add to our squad. So, ideally, we
strengthen. My intention is not to let anyone go. "What I will say is we
have got four or five strikers and the competition is tough for all of them.
"If we were (to let them go) it would take an awful lot of money in this
window to prize them away."

Hernandez, a £16m summer arrival from Bayer Leverkusen, has been limited to
four goals in his 21 appearances for West Ham and made one league start
since Moyes' tenure began. The former Manchester United manager insisted the
Mexico international is a "really good player", despite suggestions he did
not fit Moyes' game plan. "You would have to say the form of Arnautovic and
Antonio at the start (of my tenure) has made it difficult," added Moyes.
Huddersfield, who may give new signing Alex Pritchard his debut, can move
closer to top-flight safety by beating fellow strugglers West Ham on
Saturday. "When I joined, nine-10 weeks ago, Javier was injured so we had to
go with Marko and Michail up front in different games. "They have both done
really well. Chicharito is a really good player. His finishing ability is as
good as there is. He thrives on balls in the box. "Maybe in a lot of games
we have not been able to give him that service. You would be hard pushed to
say he would necessarily be playing ahead of the two other players I
mentioned at the moment."

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Huddersfield Town v West Ham United preview: Alex Pritchard set for Terriers
debut
Last Updated: 12/01/18 4:50pm
SSN

Huddersfield Town, who may give new signing Alex Pritchard his debut, can
move closer to Premier League safety with victory in a six-pointer against
West Ham United on Saturday. David Wagner's team have picked up 16 of their
24 points this season at home, but have not won in their last three games -
if they fail to secure victory this weekend, it will be their longest run
without a win in the Premier League. West Ham, meanwhile, won the meeting
earlier this season 2-0 to hand Huddersfield their first-ever Premier League
defeat. The Hammers have taken 12 points from their last seven games as
David Moyes has built a team which is now hard to beat - as shown by the
recent 1-1 draw at Tottenham Hotspur. Pritchard could make his debut against
West Ham. The midfielder completed his permanent move to the John Smith's
Stadium from Norwich on Friday morning and is expected to go straight into
Wagner's squad. Recent loan signing Terence Kongolo hopes to make his
Premier League bow in central defence, but forward Collin Quaner, plus
defenders Chris Lowe and Martin Cranie, will miss out through injury.
Meanwhile, Michail Antonio is still missing from the West Ham squad for the
trip to Huddersfield. The winger's groin problem is taking longer than
expected to clear up, while defender Winston Reid and striker Andy Carroll
are doubts. But James Collins, Aaron Cresswell, Marko Arnautovic and Manuel
Lanzini have all shaken off knocks to return to the squad.

Opta stats
Huddersfield have won 10 of their last 12 home league games against West Ham
(W10 D1 L1), though this is the first such meeting since a 1-0 win in
November 1971.
The Hammers lost their last visit in any competition to face Huddersfield -
1-0 in a League Cup match in September 1997. However, they won the second
leg 3-0 to progress on aggregate.
West Ham have picked up five points in their last three Premier League away
games (W1 D2 L0), two more than they had earned in their opening nine on the
road this season (W0 D3 L6).
If West Ham lose, it will be the fourth time they have lost to at least
three different promoted sides in the same Premier League season (2001-02,
2006-07 and 2009-10). As it stands, only Middlesbrough (5) and Sunderland
(4) have done this on that many occasions.

Merson's prediction
Another six-pointer! West Ham are another inconsistent side, having held
Tottenham before never looking like scoring at Shrewsbury in the FA Cup -
they wouldn't have scored if they were still playing now! The Terriers are
strong at home, though, and I'm not sure whether West Ham will be able to
cope with their pressing game. With that in mind, I fancy David Wagner's men
to get another huge three points for their survival bid. PAUL PREDICTS: 2-1
(9/1 with Sky Bet)

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Crystal Palace's move for West Ham striker Diafra Sakho in doubt
Last Updated: 12/01/18 7:44pm
SSN

Crystal Palace's move for West Ham striker Diafra Sakho is in doubt,
according to Sky sources. It was reported on Thursday that Palace had agreed
a fee for Sakho of between £10m and £12m. However, sources close to the deal
now suggest not everybody at Palace is convinced they should be trying to
sign Sakho. One source close to the deal has even suggested Roy Hodgon's
side have pulled out of the move. Hodgson was asked about the Sakho deal on
Friday but refused to be drawn on the issue, saying he preferred to keep
"quiet". With the Sakho deal seemingly on the rocks, the south London side's
focus may now move to Fiorentina striker Khouma Babacar. Sky Italy reported
on Thursday that Palace have put in a bid for the 24-year-old Senegalese
striker.

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham offered chance to sign Newcastle centre-back Chancel Mbemba
By Sky Sports News
Last Updated: 12/01/18 11:53am
SSN

West Ham have been offered the chance to sign Newcastle centre-back Chancel
Mbemba, according to Sky sources. Mbemba moved to Newcastle from Anderlecht
for £8m in 2015 but has had limited opportunities to play this season. West
Ham are keen to sign a central defender this month, with Swansea's Alfie
Mawson their top target, but the Welsh club are reluctant to sell the
England U21. Newcastle would want to make sure they have a replacement
before sanctioning the sale of Mbemba. And West Ham would be happy to
include Diafra Sakho, who is in talks over a £10m move to Crystal Palace, as
part of any potential deal. There are now doubts over whether Palace's deal
for striker Sakho, who has struggled for first-team games at the Hammers,
will be completed. Whatever happens, Sky Sports News has been told that
Sakho will definitely be leaving West Ham this month.

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
MATCH PREVIEW: HUDDERSFIELD V WEST HAM
By Dan Coker 12 Jan 2018 at 08:00
WTID

22nd November 1952 – West Ham United recorded a 1-0 win at Huddersfield, Al
Martino was number one with 'Here In My Heart', George Cole was in UK
cinemas in British comedy Top Secret and, three days later, Agatha
Christie's play The Mousetrap started its run at the New Ambassadors Theatre
in London – it is still running in London 65 years later, having transferred
next door to St Martin's Theatre in 1974.


25-year-old Irish centre-forward Freddie Kearns (pictured) scored the only
goal of the game at Leeds Road in front of 22,267, Ted Fenton's Hammers
securing our second (and most recent) league win away to the Terriers. The
Irons' only victory at Huddersfield since came in the FA Cup in 1969.

The Hammers went on to finish the 1952/53 Second Division season in 14th
place, while Andy Beattie's Huddersfield ended up second and were promoted.
Kearns was the Irons' top goalscorer with twelve goals from 23 appearances.
Sheffield United topped the Second Division, Arsenal won the First Division
title and Blackpool won the FA Cup in the 'Matthews Final'.

West Ham United: Ernie Gregory, George Wright, Malcolm Allison, Harry
Kinsell, Frank O'Farrell, Derek Parker, Terry Woodgate, John Gregory,
Freddie Kearns, Albert Foan, Ken Tucker.

Club Connections

A small number of players have worn the shirts of both West Ham United and
Huddersfield Town. 2008 Hammer of the Year Robert Green is currently on the
Terriers' books but is yet to make an appearance for them. Others who have
represented both clubs include:

Defenders: Kenny Brown, Dickie Pudan, Archie Taylor, Simon Webster, Elliott
Ward, David Unsworth.

Midfielders: Peter Butler, Diego Poyet, Mark Ward.

Strikers: Dave Mangnall, Jack Foster, George Crowther.

Lou Macari managed both clubs, while Chris Powell played for West Ham and
managed Huddersfield. Sam Allardyce played for the Terriers and managed the
Hammers.

Today's focus though falls on a former Hammers defender who had a loan spell
at Huddersfield. Steve Walford was born on the 5th January 1958 in Highgate
and began his career as a centre-back at Tottenham in 1975. After struggling
to make it at White Hart Lane, Walford became part of a select club to swap
Tottenham white for Arsenal red when Terry Neill signed the 19-year-old for
£25,000 in 1977. He featured as a late substitute in the 1979 FA Cup Final,
when the Gunners beat Manchester United 3-2. Walford signed for former
Hammer Ken Brown's Norwich for £125,000 in March 1981 and experienced
relegation and promotion with the Canaries.

After just over two seasons at Carrow Road, the 25-year-old Walford signed
for John Lyall's West Ham United in the summer of 1983 for £160,000. He made
his debut at left-back in a 4-0 home win over Birmingham on 27th August 1983
and scored his first goal for the club in his next appearance two days
later, the winner in a 1-0 victory at Everton. Walford made it two goals in
his opening four appearances in claret and blue when he netted in a 3-1 home
win over Leicester on 6th September 1983 but this would prove to be his
final league goal for the club, despite this early flourish. The Hammers'
early season form in 1983/84 saw them top the First Division table
throughout September but the club would fall away to finish ninth.

Walford would only score two more goals for the club, both in the League Cup
second round tie against Bristol City in 1984/85 – he scored in the 2-2
first leg draw at Ashton Gate before netting again in the 6-1 second leg win
at the Boleyn Ground. His goal in the first leg can be viewed in the video
below


Walford would make 33 appearances in the famous 1985/86 campaign, with 27 of
these games coming in the league as the Hammers claimed their highest ever
league finish of third. The emergence of George Parris put Walford's
position under threat however and he only made 13 league appearances in
1986/87. Walford's final appearance for the Hammers was on 7th March 1987 in
a 2-1 First Division defeat at Charlton but he would remain at the club
until 1989, by which time Julian Dicks had arrived from Birmingham and made
the left-back berth his own – first-team football did arrive for Walford
though through a two-month loan spell at Huddersfield in 1987, for whom he
made twelve appearances. Walford also had loan spells at Gillingham in 1988
and West Brom in 1989. After registering 147 appearances for West Ham
United, and scoring four goals, the 31-year-old Walford moved to Lai Sun in
Hong Kong.

Walford returned to England to play for Wycombe under Martin O'Neill the
following year and, after a brief spell at Wealdstone, returned to Wycombe
as O'Neill's assistant. He has since worked with the Northern Irishman at
Norwich, Leicester, Celtic, Aston Villa and Sunderland and has won the
English League Cup twice, the Scottish Premier League three times, the
Scottish Cup three times and the Scottish League Cup once. Walford, who
turned 60 last Friday, is currently assistant manager of the Republic of
Ireland (he is pictured above at Euro 2016) and also had a brief spell
doubling up as Neil Lennon's assistant at Bolton.

Referee

The referee on Saturday will be Jonathan Moss. The Yorkshire-based official
has sent off a player in six of his last nine appointments involving the
Hammers – the 4-3 defeat to Bournemouth in August 2015 saw Carl Jenkinson
sent off, while the 2-1 win over Chelsea last October saw Nemanja Matic
dismissed (then-Blues manager Jose Mourinho was also sent to the stands).
Moss issued a red card to Jordan Ayew of Aston Villa in February with the
Hammers going on to win 2-0 while, going further back, Burnley's Michael
Duff was also sent off by Moss in our 1-0 home win over the Clarets in May
2015.

Moss also issued a red card to Cheikhou Kouyate in the 5-1 FA Cup fifth
round win at Blackburn in February, although this was later rescinded.
Arguably the 47-year-old's most controversial Hammers appointment was the
2-2 draw at Leicester in April 2016 when he sent off Jamie Vardy and awarded
two penalties, the second arriving deep into stoppage time as the Foxes
rescued a precious point. Moss' most recent match in charge of the Hammers
was last month's goalless draw with Arsenal at London Stadium.

Possible line-ups

David Wagner is likely to be missing centre-backs Martin Cranie and Jon
Stankovic, left-back Chris Lowe and strikers Elias Kachunga and Collin
Quaner. New loan signing from Monaco, Terence Kongolo, could start in the
centre of defence.

David Moyes could have Aaron Cresswell, Reece Oxford and Marko Arnautovic
available but Jose Fonte, Edimilson Fernandes and Diafra Sakho are injured.
Winston Reid and Michail Antonio are doubts, while James Collins is back in
training but may not be risked. Sam Byram is also nearing a return.

Possible Huddersfield Town XI: Lossl; Smith, Zanka, Kongolo, Malone; Mooy,
Williams; van La Parra, Ince, Lolley; Mounie.

Possible West Ham United XI: Adrian; Zabaleta, Rice, Ogbonna, Cresswell,
Masuaku; Noble, Obiang, Lanzini; Arnautovic, Carroll.

Enjoy the game – Come On You Irons!

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
David Moyes calls on Premier League to look abroad in order to revitalise
January transfer window
JACK ROSSER
ES Sport

David Moyes feels that a tweaks to the January transfer window would make it
a more enjoyable experience for everyone. The West Ham boss, who is keen to
add to his squad this month as they fight against relegation, said he wasn't
surprised with the amount of players the Hammers had been linked with in
recent weeks - his count was 30. With clubs often forced into panicked deals
during the winter window, it is a notoriously difficult time for business to
be done. With the announced changes to the summer window this year setting
the precedent for the January window to be altered, Moyes feels something
can be done to improve the experience.
"I think that we need something to be able to change if we want a window,"
the Scotsman told reporters. "I don't think we need a month, I think we
should probably take it down to a week and then we wouldn't have all the
problems. "Maybe there's a week where the work has to get done and if it
doesn't get done then you don't do it. Something like that would quicken it
up and make it much easier. "I think it can be unsettling for players but
also it can be a time when you can improve your side if you can find the
players to do so."
While he admitted a cutting the window to a week may be somewhat of a
drastic move, the former Manchester United boss cited an example from the
continent as a way of streamlining proceedings in the UK. In Italy, on
deadline day, clubs are each allocated a room at a Milan hotel. Gathered are
directors, executives, agents, journalists and occasionally players
finalising all their business in a swift manner, before delivering the
required paperwork to the governing body in an adjacent building, before the
deadline.

When is the winter transfer window open around the world?
Country Active
Argentina January 8 to February 7
Australia January 3 to January 31
Austria January 7 to February 6
Belgium January 1 to January 31
Brazil January 10 to April 2
China January 1 to February 28
Colombia December 11 to February 9
Denmark January 5 to January 31
England January 1 to January 31
France January 1 to January 31
Germany January 1 to January 31
Italy January 3 to January 31
Mexico January 1 to January 31
Netherlands January 3 to January 31
Northern Ireland January 1 to January 31
Norway January 8 to March 31
Poland February 1 to February 28
Portugal January 3 to February 2
Republic of Ireland December 1 to February 22
Russia January 23 to February 22
Scotland January 1 to January 31
Spain January 1 to January 31
Sweden January 8 to March 31
Switzerland January 16 to February 15
Ukraine January 31 to March 2
USA February 7 to May 1
Wales January 1 to January 31

It's a well oiled system, and one Moyes thinks could work in the Premier
League. "In Italy all the clubs come to same hotel for one day," he added.
"All the chief execs all the people and they do the transfer business in the
one day. "I don't think the January is one that managers enjoy, it gives you
the chance to add but it can also be unsettling as well.
er
"Could it work in the Premier League?
"Cameras and that get into the meeting and they try to get the deals done on
the day. That's the way it works in Italy and it's done by midnight. "You
have to get it done by midnight to rubber stamp the deals, agents everybody
is in there.. "Maybe it would be better if we had a day like that here in
England, instead of transfer deadline day where everyone is wearing a yellow
tie?"

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Javier Hernandez not tempted by Los Angeles move as West Ham prepare to
offload £16m striker
West Ham set to offload striker Javier Hernandez after just six months at
club
They signed the Mexico international from Bayer Leverkusen last summer
But £16m Hernandez has failed to hold down a first-team place this season
Hernandez is keen to remain in the Premier League despite LAFC offer
By Matt Barlow for MailOnline
PUBLISHED: 12:14, 12 January 2018 | UPDATED: 12:14, 12 January 2018

Javier Hernandez is not tempted by a move to the United States despite
interest from new MLS team LAFC. West Ham are prepared to listen to offers
for Hernandez who was signed for £16million from Bayer Leverkusen last
summer. The Mexican has scored only four times and has been unable to hold
down a regular place in the side under either Slaven Bilic or David Moyes.
LAFC declared an interest in the 29-year-old striker and were keen for him
to link up with Mexico team-mate Carlos Vela. Hernandez, however, has made
it clear his preferred option would be to stay in Europe, and ideally in the
Premier League if he is to leave West Ham.

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
David Moyes' comments on what West Ham players wanted are another sad
indictment on Bilic
HITC
Antony Martin

The West Ham United players have made huge strides under Moyes. Hammers boss
David Moyes spoke exclusively with the club's official website, and opened
up on how the players wanted a more organised regime when he took the reigns
at the London Stadium following the sacking of Slaven Bilic. Moyes has
actually performed admirably in his role as West Ham boss, guiding his side
out of the relegation zone up into 15th position in the table, and he has
overseen some superb results including a win over Chelsea and draws with
Arsenal and Tottenham. The Scot's appointment as manager of the Hammers was
not exactly greeted with much optimism in east London, but it is fair to say
that their opinion has changed over the past couple of months, with the West
Ham players putting in real shifts every week. Moyes spoke to the club's
official website, and explained how his no-nonsense approach to the Hammers
job has paid dividends thus far, highlighting how the players needed
direction and leadership when he took over: "The players wanted a bit of
direction and leadership and I think we've tried to give them that. As well
as that, we've said 'Here are the ground rules boys. If you don't want to
stick to the ground rules, we'd rather not have you, so just go away. But if
you do though and you work at it, we'll include everybody and we'll try to
give you an opportunity'."

Whilst the Scot's words are undoubtedly true, they seem to be another
damning indictment on Slaven Bilic's time in charge. It was painfully
evident that the West Ham players seemed lost and utterly without any kind
of direction during the Croatian's latter days in charge, and Moyes words
have now all but confirmed that.
It is debatable whether it was Bilic who should have been giving his players
better direction, or if the players themselves should have been more
proactive, but one thing is for sure, Moyes has found a solution to the
Hammers' problems since he replaced the 49-year-old in November.

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::

http://vyperz.blogspot.com