Daily WHUFC News - 6th January 2018

Moyes relishing FA Cup return to Shrewsbury
WHUFC.com

David Moyes returns to familiar surroundings when he takes his West Ham United team to face Shrewsbury Town in the Emirates FA Cup third round on Sunday.
The Hammers boss spent three years with the Shrews as a player between 1987 and 1990, making 108 appearances and scoring 12 goals for the Shropshire club, while also developing his coaching skills by working at a local independent school. On a less positive note, Moyes also suffered one of the lowest points of his football career in the town back in January 2003, when his Everton side were knocked out of the FA Cup by a Shrewsbury team then struggling near the foot of the old Third Division. "I managed against Shrewsbury last season in the League Cup with Sunderland and we beat them at home, but I've got to say that FA Cup tie was one of my darkest days and when I talk about my biggest disappointments in football, losing at Shrewsbury with Everton was definitely one of them," he recalled. "I had great memories of playing there though as, when I went there in 1987, there were lots of Scottish boys there at the time. The manager who signed me was a Scot, Ian McNeill, and I was in a squad with the likes of John McGinlay, Dougie Bell, Jim Melrose and Doug Rougvie. Shrewsbury were doing OK then, too. We were in what is now the Championship. "I was a qualified coach by the time I went to Shrewsbury, having done by badges while I was at Cambridge United and Bristol City, and I worked at a coach at a local school, Concord College, too, which was very enjoyable."

With senior players having contested two high-octane Premier League matches in midweek, beating West Bromwich Albion and holding Tottenham Hotspur, Moyes is expected to make changes to his squad at Montgomery Waters Meadow. The manager confirmed that former Shrewsbury star Joe Hart will start in goal, while young professionals Sead Haksabanovic, Domingos Quina and Toni Martinez could also be involved. There is also the possibility that, with their loan spells with Borussia Monchengladbach and Bolton Wanderers having ended, Reece Oxford, Josh Cullen and Reece Burke could travel. "I'd like to say we won't make a lot of changes on Sunday, because I try to be consistent, but the bigger problem is the number of players we have available and the fatigue due to the amount of effort they're putting into the games for us just now. Plus, we've got injuries, but if I have my way I'll put out as strong a team as I possibly can there. "Joe will play on Sunday, but Joe will play a lot of Premier League games this season as well. I'm sure he's not overly happy with the current situation, but he's a top professional and I'm sure he's had an understudy to him for 90 per cent of his career and I think he's acting in a really good manner. "He has been really professional and, as I've said, I'm in no doubt that Joe Hart will play games between now and the end of the season. "Sunday's Emirates FA Cup tie is really important, but not as important as being a Premier League club next season."

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Dominant Declan earns Reid respect
WHUFC.com

Winston Reid says he is 'really pleased' for Declan Rice after his young West Ham United teammate won the first Premier League Man of the Match award of his fledgling career. Vice-captain Reid had a grandstand view as 18-year-old Rice produced an impeccable display in Thursday's 1-1 draw with Tottenham Hotspur at Wembley Stadium, stifling in-form striker Harry Kane to help the Hammers collect a hard-earned point. And the No2, who himself debuted at senior level for Danish club Midtjylland at the age of 17, has not been in the slightest bit surprised by the positive impact Rice has made at first-team level. "Declan is not really new [to senior football] because he's been up with us for a while now," Reid observed. "He's always really willing to learn and is a good young kid and I'm really, really pleased for him. "I remember when I was 18, coming in and playing senior football, so I'm really pleased for him."

While Rice took the Premier League and Sky Sports plaudits, Reid was also back to his best against Mauricio Pochettino's side. The centre-half blocked a team-high four shots, made five clearances and two interceptions as part of a resilient defensive display based on true team work, discipline and hard work. "Going to Wembley, it was always going to be tough as Spurs are a very good team, but we had a gameplan and we stuck to it, dug in and put in a really good performance," said the New Zealand captain. "I thought the boys worked really, really well, considering we played two days earlier [against West Bromwich Albion]. "It comes down to hard work. The guys have got good character and they're putting in the hard yards on the training pitch and you can see we are getting the benefits and the results. "We've gone to Wembley and got a point. We'd obviously loved to have won the game, but fair play to Spurs because they scored a good goal as well. We'll take the point and move on." "Tottenham are a quality side and are always going to create chances, but I thought we tried to limit them as much as possible and everyone who started and came on put a big effort in. It's tough during this period, with all the games, so credit to the guys and we move forward."

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Teenage blocks - Rookie Rice leads by example
WHUFC.com

When Declan Rice was informed he had won the Premier League's Man of the Match award for his performance in Thursday's 1-1 draw with Tottenham Hotspur, his reaction was one of almost stunned disbelief. However, that disbelief quickly turned to pride as the teenager reflected on a job immaculately well done at Wembley Stadium, where the teenager excelled on English football's biggest stage for the second time this season. Still just 18, Rice played a starring role in the shackling of Harry Kane and company, impressing with his positioning, composure and ability to rise to the occasion. His heatmap (right) shows how the No41 had a big influence on the game, playing on the left of West Ham's three centre-halves. Playing just his 16th first-team match, the rookie made seven vital clearances, including six from inside his own penalty area and a vital early one from inside his own six-yard box to deny Kane a tap-in, as well as an interception and a tackle. Rice also blocked two Tottenham shots, including a last-minute effort from Spurs substitute Fernando Llorente, and three crosses. The Irishman is also an intelligent user of the ball too, passing accurately with either foot to lift the pressure on his team. Rice's display may have caught the eye, but he was not the only West Ham player to excel in his defensive role at the Home of Football. Indeed, it is all too easy these days to dismiss organised, disciplined play as 'parking the bus'.
Rather than give supposedly inferior teams credit for finding a way to avoid a chastening defeat against superior opposition, some members of the media are quick to criticise for a perceived lack of ambition and entertainment value. On Thursday, without the injured attacking duo of Marko Arnautovic and Michail Antonio, David Moyes unashamedly parked his West Ham bus on the Wembley pitch and invited Mauricio Pochettino to try and plot a route past it. For 90 minutes, the massed ranks of Claret and Blue held firm, blocking, interception, tackling, heading or saving everything their illustrious hosts could throw at them. West Ham sat deep, with a five-man defence shielded by Mark Noble, Pedro Obiang and Cheikhou Kouyate. Ahead of them, Manuel Lanzini and Chicharito, and later Andre Ayew and Andy Carroll, defended from the front whenever possible. Indeed, the average position of the Hammers' players showed just striker Chicharito spent more time in the Tottenham half than his own, and even then it was only by a matter of a few yards. Spurs also played into West Ham's hands somewhat, employing a narrow 4-2-3-1 formation with Son Heung-Min and Moussa Sissoko tucked in narrow alongside Dele Alli and ahead of Christian Eriksen and Eric Dier. Such were Tottenham's tactics that they rarely got wide and in behind Moyes' men. But that should take nothing away from the way West Ham put everything on the line to take a very hard-earned point back around the North Circular. The Hammers blocked no fewer than 14 of Tottenham's 31 shots, including four in one dramatic 30-second spell deep into added time, when Rice, Noble, Kouyate and Winston Reid flung themselves in front of goalbound efforts from Fernando Llorente, Son, Victor Wanyama and Christian Eriksen. And when Spurs did breach the West Ham back line, goalkeeper Adrian was – Son's unstoppable 30-yard shot seven minutes from time aside – in unbeatable form. The Spaniard made seven saves, keeping out first-half efforts from Harry Kane, Son and Eriksen, and two second-half strikes apiece from the Denmark midfielder and England centre forward. And so, driven by the indefatigable, unflappable Declan Rice, West Ham's bus deservedly drove away from Wembley with a Premier League point safely secured, and there was absolutely no shame in that whatsoever.

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Arnautovic up for Premier League Player of the Month - vote now!
WHUFC.com

Marko Arnautovic has been nominated for the Premier League's Player of the Month prize for December - with voting open here now, The Austria international enjoyed an outstanding month, scoring five goals in the games against Chelsea, Stoke City, Newcastle United and AFC Bournemouth, helping the Hammers climb out of the relegation zone. His form has not gone unnoticed and he is nominated for the monthly award, alongside a host of top names.
Liverpool's Mohamed Salah and Roberto Firmino, Chelsea's Marcos Alonso, Manchester City's Nicolas Otamendi, Manchester United's Jesse Lingard, Riyad Mahrez of Leicester City and Tottenham Hotspur's Harry Kane are the other players nominated.

Voting closes at 11.59pm on Monday and you can help Arnie win by voting here.
https://potm.easports.com

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Ngakia aiming to make versatility count for U18s against Southampton
WHUFC.com

It is very rare for a young footballer to not have a favourite player, an idol they try to copy, or a hero who inspires that spark to follow in their footsteps. For Jeremy Ngakia though, trying to copy just one player does not make sense. He wants to take the best attributes from them all! "I wouldn't say that there's a single player who I try to emulate," the 17-year-old says, after taking a minute to consider his answer. "It's more a case of watching as much football as I can, watching the players who play in my position, and trying to learn from what they do."
Ngakia's reasoning for this is highly logical; no two players are the same. "Some do certain things excellently, whereas others might be better at other parts of the game. It doesn't make sense to just say I want to be like one specific player. I want to take all those good points and bring them into my game."

Despite his age, Ngakia shows a maturity towards football that players years into their prime would be proud of. The youngster is wise enough to recognise that he still does not know which role on the pitch he is best suited to yet. The U18s return to action on Saturday with a test away to Southampton, a game that Ngakia could feature in, with the youngster only too happy to play where he is needed. "I've been playing at right-back and on the right wing for the U18s this season," he explained. "To be honest I don't feel like I've discovered my best position yet. "I like playing at right-back or on either wing. That versatility is helpful for the team and is a good quality to have, but I'd like to figure out where I am best at so I can specialise. "It will be down to the coaches though. I'll play anywhere for the team, happily, including against Southampton."

First-team player Michail Antonio, like Ngakia, has a history of featuring at full-back despite making his trade as a winger, and it is the West Ham No30 that the youngster most sees himself in, from the senior side. "He's such a hard worker," Ngakia said of Antonio. "He always gives 100 per cent and more! Against Chelsea he literally collapsed, he had worked so hard, and to give that for the team is just incredible. "He's so quick as well. He kicks the ball and runs after it and, because he's got so much speed, he always gets there first. That's what I try to do as well, use my speed to get ahead. I'd say that's my strongest attribute. "

Once again though, Ngakia's maturity shines through as the youngster recognises he has a long way to in football. "There's always room to improve. Mark Phillips and Steve Potts, they are always pushing me to be better. They want me to reach my maximum potential and help me to make the right decisions. They're really good coaches and I work really well with them. "I've been trying to play my best week in, week out for the U18s. Hopefully I'm being noticed and considered me for the U23s. I'd like to push for that this season."

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Georgiou: Beating Gillingham would be the best start to 2018
WHUFC.com

West Ham United Ladies are determined to get 2018 off to a bang with a win against Gillingham Ladies this Sunday, according to Andria Georgiou. The Ladies return to action with their first match of the year this weekend when Karen Ray's side welcomes the Gills to Rush Green Stadium. This fixture comes after the team returned to training this week, following a mini festive break, and Georgiou says the side is ready to get going again. And the midfielder says there is a real drive to open January and 2018 with a positive result. "It feels really good to be back from the Christmas break," the 21-year-old told whufc.com. "We were off for around two weeks but it felt like longer. It was brilliant to get that first session done and there's a real buzz around the team heading into 2018. "We really want to start 2018 with a win against Gillingham, in front of our home fans. There would be no better way to open the New Year."

The reverse fixture was West Ham Ladies' first match of the 2017/18 campaign, in which the Hammers suffered a narrow 1-0 defeat. Georgiou, who signed for West Ham in November, wasn't part of the team then but she and the team are keen to pick up more points this weekend. She continued: "I wasn't here for the first game with Gillingham but the other girls have told me it was a really narrow loss, and we're all eager to rectify that with a win against them at Rush Green. I'm excited to play against them, as I am with every game."

The Ladies were bested 2-1 by Crystal Palace in their last game but the side was heavily praised by Ray for what is considered one of the team's best showings of the season. That sentiment has been echoed by Georgiou and the midfielder reckons the positives from that match will show themselves again against Gillingham.
"Despite losing that last game against Palace I actually think we put out one of our best performances," Georgiou added. "There were so many positives to take from that game, and we shouldn't have lost really. As a team, we know that was a really good match for us. "We went into our little break on a bit of a high, which may sound weird given it was after a loss. But given how we played we were really happy, and we're only going to get better in 2018. "If we train well we go into the weekend with more confidence. Good performances build confidence and, despite failing to win over Palace, we know we played well, and we're taking that good feeling into this game. "We just have to try a bit harder against Gillingham. If we've keep being positive I'm certain our strong team can claim even more victories, starting this Sunday."

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Shrewsbury Town v West Ham United
SUN 07 JAN 2018FA CUP - THIRD ROUND
14:00
Venue: Montgomery Waters Meadow

BBC coverage
How to follow:
Watch on BBC One from 14:00 GMT, listen on BBC Radio 5 live and BBC local radio; text commentary on the BBC Sport website

TEAM NEWS
Shrewsbury's second choice keeper Craig MacGillivray will be in goal as Dean Henderson has not been given permission to play by parent club Manchester United.
Left-back Max Lowe is available after signing from Derby County on loan.

West Ham have injury doubts over a host of players so boss David Moyes is likely to select a weakened team. Joe Hart is expected to play in goal, while Sam Byram, Edmilson Fernandes and Jose Fonte remain out.

COMMENTATOR'S NOTES
Steve Wilson: "Even without being understandably distracted by playing Premier League games on Tuesday and Thursday, this looked a tricky game for West Ham.
"Shrewsbury are the surprise package of League One. Tipped for relegation they are actually pushing for automatic promotion. "Their success has been based on solid defensive principles which have seen then concede only four league goals at home, the joint best record in all four of the top divisions. "If Shrewsbury-born Joe Hart - who played for the town's cricket club as well as the football team - tweeted his delight at the draw; David Moyes kept rather quieter. Moyes is also a former Shrewsbury player, but will also recall all too well losing there in his first FA Cup tie as Everton's manager 15 years ago."

Twitter: @wilsonfooty

WHAT THE MANAGERS SAY
Shrewsbury Town manager Paul Hurst: "We aren't all going to go home and think that's the end of the road and our season's over if we lose against West Ham on Sunday, so I want us to try and be as positive as possible, but with it in mind that we are playing against higher quality players and if we leave too many gaps the chances are we will get exploited."

West Ham manager David Moyes: "Do I want to win the FA Cup? One hundred per cent. But I don't think it can be where we can damage our league season.
"If I could win the cup I would definitely try to win the cup, but I couldn't do it if I thought it would affect the Premier League."

MATCH FACTS
Head-to-head

West Ham have never previously met Shrewsbury in a knockout competition.
Their four previous meetings were in back-to-back seasons in the old Division Two and resulted in two wins apiece.
Shrewsbury's win over West Ham at Upton Park in April 1980 came just two weeks before the Hammers lifted the last of their three FA Cups.

Shrewsbury Town

Shrewsbury reached the FA Cup quarter-finals in 1979 and 1982.
They have only gone beyond the third round once in the last 14 years.
This is Shrewsbury's first FA Cup third round tie against Premier League opposition since January 2003, when they eliminated David Moyes' Everton.

West Ham United

The Hammers are three-time winners of the FA Cup in 1964, 1975 and 1980. They were also runners-up in 1923 and 2006.
They have been knocked out of the FA Cup third round five times in the last eight seasons.
The Hammers have lost just two of their last eight matches in all competitions.

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CAULKER-YOU MUST BE JOKING!!
AUTHOR: EXWHUEMPLOYEE. PUBLISHED: 5 JANUARY 2018 AT 10:24PM
TheWestHamWay.co.uk
Written by Kevin Slade @S_D_C_C

As we all know, 'silly season' is in full swing at the moment with all sorts of rumours flying around the internet since the January transfer window has opened. Andy Carroll to Chelsea? Andre Ayew back to Swansea? Or maybe a loan move for William Carvalho (again)? Stranger things have definitely happened in the wacky world of West Ham United. But the most bizarre one currently doing the rounds is we are supposedly handing a trial to Steven Caulker, who has recently just had his contract terminated by a struggling QPR in the championship. For the life of me I can't see how this rumour would have any legs whatsoever. Firstly, he isn't good enough. He wouldn't take the place of any of the current three centre backs challenging for the starting eleven (Ogbonna, Reid, Collins). Not to mention Declan Rice has come on leaps & bounds since making his first team debut earlier on in the season. And let's not forget the recall of Reece Oxford from the Bundesliga? Before I continue, there is the argument of "well what about Alfie Mawson being linked then?" Thrown into the mix – Alfie Mawson is a completely different kettle of fish to Steven Caulker. Not only is he a few years younger, he also shows enormous potential in being a regular England international, and is on the cusp of achieving that. Steven Caulker's career is clearly on the decline – all you have to do is look at his CV & who he's played for.

I have had authority from an extremely good source that this definitely isn't the case at present for possibly the reasons I have stated above. However, it was also said that the player "Shirks responsibility on the pitch" and "is a bad apple off the pitch" in so many words. This wouldn't benefit the club during our current state, would it? Would the club take such a risk if this was the case now the team is galvanised? David Moyes has said in many interviews that if his players don't work, they won't play. We all know the board love a loan and/or a free transfer every window, but this is one that wouldn't improve us in any way, shape, or form. If anything, he'd be cleaning the boots of Declan Rice 😉
Kevin Slade
(Sex, Drugs, & Carlton Cole)

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West Ham interested in Swansea's Alfie Mawson
By Sky Sports News
Last Updated: 05/01/18 1:51pm
SSN

West Ham are interested in signing Swansea defender Alfie Mawson, according to Sky sources. Sky Sports News understands Hammers boss David Moyes is targeting a new centre-back during the January transfer window after losing Jose Fonte to injury in October. Mawson has 18 months left on his current contract, but would still command a fee of around £25m. The 23-year-old joined Swansea from Barnsley in August 2016 and chairman Huw Jenkins is reluctant to let him leave the club. Moyes revealed in December that he was looking to add to his squad as he attempts to secure his side's Premier League status. "I would like to bring in one or two reinforcements, but every manager will tell you it's not an easy time to do business," he said. "It's also an expensive month. We'll try and do it but there's no guarantee."
Mawson, capped six times at U21 level by England, has made 57 appearances for the Swans since moving to the Liberty Stadium.

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Newcastle not keen on West Ham's Andy Carroll following talks
By Sky Sports News
Last Updated: 05/01/18 2:31pm
SSN

Newcastle have held discussions about the possibility of bringing Andy Carroll back to the club this month, according to Sky sources. But, despite holding internal discussions about a potential move, Sky Sports News understands Newcastle boss Rafa Benitez is currently not keen on the prospect of signing the West Ham forward. Sky Sports News also understands Benitez is hoping to add four new signings to his squad during the January transfer window. Carroll scored his first two goals of the season in the 2-1 victory over West Brom on Tuesday and came on as a substitute in Thursday's 1-1 draw with Tottenham. The 28-year-old, who scored 33 goals in 91 appearances for Newcastle, has been plagued by a catalogue of injuries since joining the Hammers from Liverpool in 2012. Carroll has 18 months remaining on his present contract, although West Ham have the option to extend his deal by a further two years.

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Shrewsbury v West Ham preview: Joe Hart to return against former club
Last Updated: 05/01/18 5:55pm
SSN

Joe Hart is set to return in goal for West Ham United and face his former club Shrewsbury in the FA Cup. The goalkeeper has lost his place to Adrian in the last few weeks but will step in for the trip to New Meadow. After a spell of positive results, including the 1-1 draw with Tottenham on Thursday, the Hammers will be hoping to avoid getting knocked out at this stage like they have in four of the six previous years.
This is Shrewsbury's first FA Cup third-round tie against Premier League opposition since January 2003, when they eliminated David Moyes' Everton.

Team news
Shrewsbury will have goalkeeper Craig MacGillivray between the sticks for the third-round clash as first-choice 'keeper Dean Henderson was not given permission by parent club Manchester United to compete in the competition.
Marko Arnautovic (hamstring), Michail Antonio (groin) and Aaron Cresswell (back) are unlikely to be risked for West Ham while Jose Fonte (ankle) and Sam Byram (hamstring) are still out.

Opta stats
This is the first meeting between these sides since February 1981, with West Ham winning 2-0 in a league fixture with goals from Alan Devonshire and David Cross.

West Ham's last defeat to Shrewsbury came in April 1980, just 14 days before they won the 1980 FA Cup final.

West Ham have progressed from each of their last five FA Cup ties as a Premier League side against teams from the third tier or below, last going out to Swansea City in 1998/99 after a replay.

Charlie Nicholas' prediction
This is difficult for West Ham because this is the last thing they need after their back-to-back games and the lack of numbers David Moyes is down to. It could be a troubling day for them and you worry whether they'll able to match their hosts' energy after tough games on Tuesday and Thursday. Charlie predicts: 1-2 (15/2 with Sky Bet)

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Antonio Conte unsure on reports linking Andy Carroll with Chelsea
By Rory O'Callaghan
Last Updated: 05/01/18 10:59pm
SSN

Antonio Conte has refused to be drawn on reports linking West Ham striker Andy Carroll with a move to Chelsea. Carroll, who has just one full season left on his Hammers contract, scored twice against West Brom on Tuesday. And The Sun have reported that the 28-year-old is on Chelsea's shortlist of January signings.
However, speaking on Friday before the signing of Ross Barkley was confirmed, Chelsea boss Conte said: "As I've said before, I don't know. I gave my opinion to the club but the club then decides the players we can buy or we can sell." Speaking to Sky Italy earlier this week, Conte claimed that he is currently working under an "austerity programme" at Chelsea and the former Juventus manager confirmed he does not have the final say with regards to transfers at Stamford Bridge.
"It is the club that signs the players, not me. Recruitment is not my job," said Conte. "The club try to do the best for this team and try to improve this team. "I am a coach and I give my opinion if the club asks for it. But it is the club that decides on the players."
However, Conte insists he is happy at Chelsea and played down rumours linking Atletico Madrid boss Diego Simeone with the managerial role at Stamford Bridge.
"This is my job and there are a lot of rumours," said Conte. "This season there is a lot of speculation but it is normal. When you are an important coach this is your life."

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MATCH PREVIEW: SHREWSBURY V WEST HAM
By Dan Coker 6 Jan 2018 at 08:00
WTID

West Ham United have never met Shrewsbury Town in the FA Cup before, so today's focus falls on a previous league meeting between the two clubs.

John Lennon was number one with 'Woman', the first Lennon single released after his death two months previously and knocking his re-released 'Imagine' off the top spot in the charts; Neil Diamond and Laurence Olivier were in UK cinemas in The Jazz Singer; and actor Tom Hiddleston was born two days later as FA Cup holders West Ham United took on the Shrews in a Second Division match on 7th February 1981. It was the fourth, and most recent, occasion that the two clubs have met – Shrewsbury had done the double over West Ham in 1979/80, winning 3-0 at home and 3-1 at Upton Park, just two weeks before the Hammers lifted the last of their three FA Cups, but the Irons gained revenge in 1980/81, beating Graham Turner's Shrews 3-0 at the Boleyn before this 2-0 win at Gay Meadow in February 1981, courtesy of goals from Alan Devonshire (pictured below) and David Cross. Devonshire would score six goals in 56 appearances in 1980/81, with 'Psycho' Cross finishing as the club's top scorer with 33 goals from 60 matches.

The Irons would end the 1980/81 season as champions of the Second Division, securing a return to the top flight after a three-year absence. They also reached the League Cup Final but were knocked out of the FA Cup in the third round in a second replay by Wrexham. The Hammers also reached the third round of the European Cup Winners' Cup only to be knocked out by an outstanding Dinamo Tbilisi side. Shrewsbury finished 14th in Division Two and were knocked out of the FA Cup in a fourth round replay by Ipswich. Tottenham won the 1981 FA Cup.

West Ham United: Phil Parkes, Ray Stewart, Alvin Martin, Billy Bonds, Frank Lampard, Jimmy Neighbour, Geoff Pike, Trevor Brooking, Alan Devonshire, Paul Goddard (Bobby Barnes), David Cross.

Club Connections

West Ham United manager David Moyes was a player with Shrewsbury Town between 1987 and 1990. The Hammers' on-loan goalkeeper Joe Hart made 58 appearances for the Shrews, with whom he started his career in the Conference National and League Two as a teenager. Other players to have represented both clubs include:

Midfielders: John Arnott and Jimmy Lindsay.

Striker: Mark Watson.

Ken Brown and John Bond both played for West Ham and managed Shrewsbury. Jimmy Quinn played for both clubs and managed the Shrews.

Today's focus though is on an outside-right who played for West Ham United before departing for Shrewsbury Town. Bill Edwards was born in Aston, Birmingham in 1896 and joined the Hammers from Newport in 1923 in an exchange deal which saw fellow outside-right Bill Charlton sign for the Welsh club. Edwards made his debut for the Irons in a 5-1 win at Crystal Palace on 31st March 1923. This would be his only appearance in the Hammers' promotion season of 1922/23 and he would play no part in the club's run to the first FA Cup Final staged at Wembley.


Edwards' best run in the first team came in the First Division in 1923/24 when he made 27 appearances. His first goal for the Hammers came in a 2-1 defeat at Nottingham Forest on 15th December 1923. He scored twice more that season, in a 2-1 triumph over Everton at Upton Park on 15th March 1924 and a 3-1 home win over Preston on 12th April 1924. His playing time was reduced over the following two campaigns as he played only seven matches in 1924/25 and just four games in 1925/26 before departing for Shrewsbury. Edwards (pictured) had scored three goals in 39 appearances for the Hammers.

Edwards returned to Wales after his spell with the Shrews, moving first to Llanelli before returning to Newport. He retired from football to become a licensee in Hereford. A very good bowls player, Edwards was a leading light in the Hereford Bowls Club and a member of their team which won the English Bowling Association's triple championship in 1950. Bill Edwards passed away on 4th June 1952.

Referee

Sunday's referee is 37-year-old Paul Tierney. The Lancashire-based official has refereed the Hammers twice before, first in the 1-1 draw with Everton in November 2015 which saw James McCarthy's tackle on Dimitri Payet put the Frenchman out of action for two months (pictured below). His most recent Irons appointment was for our 0-0 draw at West Brom in September 2017, when he chose to issue just a yellow card to Ben Foster for his late tackle on Chicharito.

Possible line-ups

It was only two years ago that Shrewsbury reached the fifth round of the FA Cup, only to be knocked out by Manchester United. The Shrews also knocked out David Moyes' Everton in the third round back in 2003 and reached the FA Cup quarter-finals in 1979 and 1982. Shrewsbury beat Aldershot 5-0 in the first round and Morecambe 2-0 in the second round to reach this third round tie with West Ham United. 24-year-old goalkeeper Craig MacGillivray, who kept clean sheets in the previous two rounds, will be in goal as Dean Henderson has not been given permission to play by parent club Manchester United. 43-year-old manager Paul Hurst, who has managed Shrewsbury for the last 14 months and is attracting interest from Championship side and boyhood club Sheffield Wednesday, is likely to start with a 4-1-4-1 formation. The club narrowly avoided relegation to League Two last season. In a remarkable turnaround of fortunes Shrewsbury, who beat Oldham 1-0 on New Year's Day, are currently second in League One, in an automatic promotion spot behind Wigan. Shrewsbury have lost just one of 13 home matches in the league and FA Cup this season and have conceded just four goals in those games at New Meadow this season. They last conceded at home on 25th November, when they lost 1-0 to Bradford.

West Ham United could rest a host of players for their first cup tie with Shrewsbury and their first ever game at New Meadow. Former Shrewsbury goalkeeper Joe Hart is likely to start between the posts while Ben Johnson, Reece Burke, Moses Makasi, Domingos Quina, Josh Cullen, Saed Haksabanovic and Toni Martinez could all come into consideration. Sam Byram, Jose Fonte, James Collins, Aaron Cresswell, Edimilson Fernandes, Marko Arnautovic, Michail Antonio and Diafra Sakho are all expected to be out while Reece Oxford is a doubt. The Hammers are three-time winners of the FA Cup in 1964, 1975 and 1980; they were also runners-up in 1923 and 2006.

Possible Shrewsbury Town XI: MacGillivray; Bolton, Nslala, Beckles, Sadler; Ogogo; Whalley, Godfrey, Nolan, Rodman; Payne.

Possible West Ham United XI: Hart; Johnson, Burke, Oxford, Rice, Masuaku; Haksabanovic, Quina, Cullen, Ayew; Martinez.

Enjoy the game – Up The Hammers!

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