West Ham United v Southampton: All you need to know
WHUFC.com
West Ham United next play Southampton in the Premier League, after a three-week break without a competitive fixture.
Read on for all the information you need ahead of this weekend's contest.
Where and when?
The Hammers will welcome Southampton to London Stadium on Saturday 31 March 2018.
The contest is scheduled for a 3pm kick-off.
How to follow:
This match is not being broadcast live in the UK, however supporters overseas may be able to watch on television. Click here for broadcast details in your territory.
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.
Safety and security update:
A series of measures have been implemented to ensure the safety of supporters attending Saturday's Premier League game against Southampton at London Stadium.
Heightened measures will include a significantly enhanced number of police officers and security personnel at London Stadium, as well a dynamic pitch response team.
To assist with creating the safest environment possible for all and following direction from the Safety Advisory Group, several security gates will also be in operation throughout the Stadium both on the bridges within the lower tier and on the internal concourses, which will restrict fans' migration around the stadium.
With these new measures in place, supporters are advised to allow extra time to take their seats before the 3pm kick-off.
For more information, see the full article here.
Team news:
West Ham United will be able to call on Arthur Masuaku for this fixture after the pace left-sided player completed a six-match suspension.
Pedro Obiang, Winston Reid and Sam Byram remain unavailable for the Hammers.
Manager David Moyes will offer more insight into his available team during his pre-match press-conference on Friday afternoon.
What they say: "We're out of the bottom three at the moment and we have a massive game coming against Southampton, they're on 28 and we're on 30 points. We have to go and win the match." Declan Rice
Match Officials:
Referee: Jonathan Moss
Assistant Referees: Simon Bennett and Andrew Halliday
Fourth Official: Graham Scott
Last five meetings:
How to get there:
There are four stations that supporters should utilise to reach London Stadium: Stratford Station, Stratford International, Hackney Wick and Pudding Mill Lane.
Fans are advised that:
Southend Victoria / Southminster services will have a Rail Replacement Bus service to Newbury Park connecting into the Central line toward London.
Ipswich, Clacton-on-Sea, Colchester and Norwich services will terminate at Ingatestone with a Rail Replacement Bus service to Newbury Park connecting into the Central line toward London.
Cambridge, Stansted Airport, Bishops & Hertford East services will be diverted via Stratford.
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Moyes: The supporters will be right behind West Ham on Saturday
WHUFC.com
David Moyes sat down with the media on Good Friday afternoon to discuss this weekend's Premier League fixture with Southampton at London Stadium. The West Ham United manager says team spirit is high after a productive three-week break from competitive action and the players will be fully prepared for a 'must-win' game against the Saints. Moyes also backed the Claret and Blue Army to have a positive impact on Saturday's match and challenged his players to give the supporters plenty to cheer…
We're very together and will work hard to win for each other We had five days together in Miami and I thought it was really good. I thought it was the right time, we certainly had good weather and, with the way things went after the Burnley game, I thought it was a good time to take the players away as well. All in all, it gave us time to get the players together and train. It was nothing to do with it being a defeat or a win in our final game before the international break, but because it was the right time to go away. We had three weeks off and we thought it was the best time to try and take a few days away. I think, in most cases, we'd have wanted to get back out there and play another game, but there was nothing we could do about it. We were out of the FA Cup, so there was nothing we could do about that, so we thought it was the best chance and, after the way things went, it was good to get away and let the dust settle. The players are very together and it's given us a chance to emphasise the importance not only of being in the Premier League, but the importance of being good teammates and working together. They've been tough on themselves, because they know we've got to do better.
It is a vital game, but I've had vital games since day one. They're getting more vital, if I can say that, as we're running out of games as well. But we're positive. When I took over, we were in the bottom three and we've had some brilliant results, so that's what we're looking to do again. We've used the time to emphasise to the players that that's what we've got to get back to and, by hook or by crook, we'll get those wins. I think we're all quite relaxed and we certainly know what we've got to do and that's perform well. If we get good performances, we'll get good results, and for long periods of our last game we performed really well.
What we need to do is do that again and take our chances and hopefully we'll get the points. I'm hoping we can pick up points from every game we play, but I think you can look at Southampton and Stoke at home as must-win games, which they are, but I think we have a chance of picking up points from all the other games as well. Southampton is one of eight games we've got between now and the end of the season which we must win. I don't think there is anything between the bottom ten clubs and on their day, one can beat another, so I think it will go right to the end, until the last week or two of the season.
West Ham supporters have an important role to play on Saturday I think the role of the crowd has been important, not just at West Ham but, wherever you go, you want the crowd behind you If you're playing well, the crowd will always get behind you and when you're not, they're maybe not as good, wherever you go.
West Ham have got such a strong following and such a powerful support base that, when it's good it's really good, but when you're not doing well they let you know. That's part of West Ham. I think the supporters will be right behind West Ham. They know the importance of the game and the importance of all the games and let's make sure they help the team. The team will give everything to give them something to shout about, so we'll try and play our part, so we want them to make sure they play their part. I think the atmosphere will be great, as it has apart from one occasion since I've been here. I've got no worries about the supporters, that's for sure, as they'll be right behind the team and I think they'll show that as well.
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Team news: Masuaku returns, Lanzini's fitness race, Carroll nearing comeback
WHUFC.com
David Moyes will welcome Arthur Masuaku and Edimilson Fernandes back into his matchday squad for Saturday's Premier League fixture with Southampton. West Ham United host the Saints at London Stadium in what the manager has termed a 'must-win' game, and his hand has been strengthened by the return of the winger from suspension and the midfielder from a long-term ankle injury. Moyes also conceded that Manuel Lanzini will be a game-time decision after suffering a minor knee injury in Argentina's friendly win over Italy, while James Collins is also facing a race against time to recover from the hamstring problem he suffered at Dagenham & Redbridge. "We've got a problem with Lanzini, who took a knock and didn't play in the second game for Argentina [in Spain]," he revealed. "He's got a problem with his knee so we're assessing it. He's done a good bit of running, so we're hoping he's got a chance. "Ginge had a bit of a hamstring injury and we're going to have to assess it as well. After that, people are improving. Andy Carroll is improving and getting closer to being ready to play, so we've got one or two coming back. "Edi Fernandes is back and Arthur is back after it seems like the eternity of his ban, but he deserved it. He's back now. We've got a couple back and are getting closer to having two more back."
When asked to expand on the potential return of England centre forward Carroll, the manager believes the No9 could have a big part to play over the closing weeks of the season. "I think he's got a chance, Andy. He's really improved, he's running, he's doing a lot of changing of direction. "So, can we get him fit for 90 minutes? I'm not sure we can get him fit for 90 minutes, but if I can get him fit to play between 20 and 30 minutes in games between now and the end of the season, I think it'll be really good."
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Easter Bunny Evra surprises young patients at Newham Hospital
WHUFC.com
Easter Bunny Patrice Evra hopped down to Newham University Hospital to wish young patients a happy Easter! The West Ham United defender dressed up in a rabbit costume to hand out chocolate eggs, high-five and dance with children at the hospital in Plaistow, east London. Evra, who has four million followers on the social media platform Instagram, later posted a heart-warming 60-second video showcasing his surprise visit. "So guys, Easter Bunny, I love this game, I have a job to do so see you later guys. Don't forget – I love this game!" he said in the opening of the video. Following his visit, Evra posted on Instagram: "What a day... 😁I just want to say thanks to the kids and staff at hospital who do incredible work. ♥️🙏🏼Easter is for #happiness, #family , #sharing and chocolate. I love this bunny and I always love this game!"
Evra, who could make his home debut for West Ham in Saturday's Premier League fixture with Southampton at London Stadium, is a prolific and popular user of social media, with his videos regularly attracting hundreds of thousands of views.
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'When you put the shirt on, you are playing for all the people who come to watch the game'
WHUFC.com
Patrice Evra has vowed to use all his experience to help West Ham United to Premier League safety. The full-back joined the Hammers in February on a short-term deal until the end of the season, and is determined to make sure his stay in east London is a happy one. And, with 275 Premier League appearances – just 46 of which ended in defeat – five titles and 81 international caps under his belt, Evra is hoping his winning mentality will rub off when West Ham host Southampton on Saturday. "I've only been here for a month or so and I didn't play at home yet, but I can say that when I saw the 50,000 fans from the bench against Watford and Burnley, I was like 'Wow! Those West Ham fans love their team," he told whufc.com. "When we perform, they will be behind us, so I understand their frustration and we have talked enough. We need to perform for them on the pitch. "I won't ask them to sing for us, because just the fact that they come to the stadium, 50,000 people, is enough for us to understand and we have to respect them. I can't wait for Saturday. This has been my mentality throughout this three-week break "We have to perform. It's easy for us to say that, but talk is not enough. We must do it. Nobody can hide from this situation. "We need to thrive on the pressure, because there will be a lot of pressure, and the senior players need to take responsibility and perform and realise how lucky we are. While he may not have played in front of the Claret and Blue Army at London Stadium as yet, Evra is proud to be part of a Club which he has always had a huge amount of respect for. "Playing for West Ham is an honour and I always used to remember how hard it was to play against this Club when I was with Manchester United. "West Ham is a really popular club and I love this kind of club because, when you put the shirt on, you are playing for all the people who come to watch the game, who have sacrificed other things to buy their ticket. We should all think about that when we start the game. "I want them to be happy, to see me fighting for their shirt and playing well. That's my message."
On Saturday, Evra will come up against another former Manchester United star in the shape of Southampton manager Mark Hughes, who will take charge of the Saints for the first time in the Premier League. "When a new manager comes in, all the team react well for the first three or four games so it's going to be tough, because they know they have to win because they are behind us. "We should be excited to play under that kind of pressure, in that kind of game. Don't hide, ask for the ball and play without putting pressure on yourself, because otherwise you are playing with ten kilos on your back and you can't do anything. "Don't play the game before the game. When the referee blows the whistle for kick-off, be ready. That's it."
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West Ham United v Southampton
SAT 31 MAR 2018PREMIER LEAGUE
15:00
Venue: London Stadium
TEAM NEWS
Arthur Masuaku returns for West Ham after completing a six-game ban and Edimilson Fernandes is fit again. The Hammers will assess the players involved in international duty, including Manuel Lanzini, who suffered a knock whilst representing Argentina.
Southampton striker Charlie Austin is back in contention after three months out with a hamstring injury. Steven Davis may return after missing five games with a similar problem. Ryan Bertrand is expected to play, having withdrawn from England duty as a precaution because of hamstring tightness.
MOTD COMMENTATOR'S NOTES
John Motson: "West Ham have had three weeks to deal with the fall-out from their home defeat by Burnley, which was overshadowed by pitch invasions and protests in front of the directors' box. "There will be a bigger police presence on Saturday but amid the backdrop of security concerns it should not be forgotten that this is a huge game for West Ham, who would drop below Saints - and probably into the relegation zone - if they lose. "Five of the Hammers' remaining eight matches are at the London Stadium, but that won't prove much of an advantage if the atmosphere remains toxic. "Southampton made a winning start under Mark Hughes by beating Wigan in the FA Cup, but this will be his first league match, and their record of one win in 17 top-flight games means that Premier League survival - rather than cup success - is his immediate priority."
WHAT THE MANAGERS SAY
West Ham manager David Moyes: "We have got such a strong and powerful support base that when it's good, it's good but when it's not, they let you know.
"We have to make sure that we are in the game, we've got to make sure we don't let anything alter our mindset. I think the players are in a different mindset now. They are prepared."
Southampton manager Mark Hughes: "This is a key game for both sides. At this end of the season you can damage your rivals' prospects while enhancing your own. "This is a great club with some exceptional people and we've got the tools to get the job done in this eight weeks."
LAWRO'S PREDICTION
This is a massive game for both teams, and it is very tricky to call. I am sure Mark Hughes will see his Southampton side get the bounce that most new managers get, with improved performances as well as results - but he might have to wait for it.
Prediction: 2-1
MATCH FACTS
Head-to-head
Southampton have won three of the last four meetings.
They could complete a league double against the Hammers for the first time since the 1997-98 season.
The last three meetings between these sides have produced a total of 12 goals - including five when Saints beat the Hammers 3-2 in August's reverse fixture.
West Ham United
West Ham have lost three league games in a row by a margin of three or more goals for the first time since March 2008.
The last English top-flight side to lose four matches in a row by such a margin were Nottingham Forest in 1968.
If they lose, the Hammers will become the 16th club to suffer 1,000 defeats in the English top flight.
West Ham could fail to score in consecutive home league games for the first time since November 2013.
Marko Arnautovic has not scored or provided an assist in any of his last three Premier League appearances. He had contributed seven goals and three assists in his previous nine games in the division.
Southampton
Saints have won only two away games in the Premier League this season, which both came against the side who were bottom of the table at the time: Crystal Palace in September and West Brom in February.
Southampton have won just once in their last 17 league fixtures (D9, L7).
Mark Hughes will become only the second person to manage six different clubs in the Premier League. Sam Allardyce has been in charge of seven.
Hughes has not won his first league match in charge of a club since September 2004 at Blackburn - in his four subsequent jobs he has drawn once (with Fulham) and lost three (with Manchester City, QPR and Stoke).
Saints' last seven managers in the Premier League have failed to win their opening top-flight game since Paul Sturrock oversaw a 2-0 victory against Liverpool on 14 March 2004.
SAM's verdict
Most probable score: 1-1 Probability of draw: 28%
Probability of home win: 37% Probability of away win: 35%
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.
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Late fitness test for Lanzini
KUMB.cm
Filed: Friday, 30th March 2018
By: Staff Writer
Manuel Lanzini is considered 50/50 for tomorrow's vital Premier League clash against Southampton. The Argentine international missed his nation's 6-1 thrashing at the hands of Spain in midweek as a result of a knee injury sustained in an earlier friendly against Italy, a week ago today. However David Moyes will wait until the last possible minute before making a decision on whether or not to include the 25-year-old in his match day squad; prior to this morning, Lanzini hadn't trained since returning from international duty. There was however a more positive update on the injury front for Moyes with the news that James Collins - who pulled up during the first half of West Ham's 3-1 friendly win at Dagenham & Redbridge last week - has passed a fitness test and is expected to feature against The Saints.
And forgotten man Edimilson Fernandes - who has been out of action for four months with an ankle injury - is also expected to be named in the 18-man match day squad having featured for Switzerland's Under 21s on Tuesday.
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FSF blast Mayor's false report
WHUFC.com
Filed: Friday, 30th March 2018
By: Staff Writer
The Football Supporters' Federation have responded to reports that incorrectly reported the number of arrests and incidents which occurred during the recent West Ham v Burnley match. Following the match and a subsequent meeting of the local Safety Advisory Board (SAB), London Mayor Sadiq Khan falsely claimed that there has been "150 incidents of trouble". He also insisted that the disruptions during the game were part of an organised plot by "a known group of individuals" - even though it is virtually impossible for most supporters to receive a phone signal inside the stadium.
Following Khan's wild and unsubstantiated claims, both the Met police and West Ham United confirmed that the details had not been supplied them - whilst representatives of stadium operators LS185 refused to comment. And police have since confirmed that there were actually a total of 41 recorded incidents on the day, incidents that included the releasing of balloons and a missing child; considerably less than the figure given to Khan.
Posting on twitter this morning in response to Khan's comments, the FSF's Amanda Jacks hit out at the unnamed sources who provided the false figures. "The shift from 150 incidents at the West Ham v Burnley game including 40 assaults and accusations of conspiracy that were publicly condemned by London's Mayor, to a police-recognised 41 incidents including the release of black balloons and a missing child is really quite something," she wrote. West Ham face Southampton at the Olympic Stadium tomorrow, the first time the arena has been used to host football since the Burnley clash. Supporters are planning at least two anti-Board demonstrations before the game.
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David Moyes says West Ham players will be 'mentally stronger'
By Richard Cooke
Last Updated: 30/03/18 3:49pm
SSN
David Moyes says his West Ham players will be "mentally stronger" when they play Southampton at the London Stadium on Saturday, adding the home support will be "right behind the team". It is West Ham's first home match since the shameful scenes which marred their game against Burnley three weeks ago, when supporters invaded the pitch on several occasions as Moyes' side conceded three second-half goals. However, Moyes expects a more positive atmosphere against Southampton, with 17th-placed West Ham two points clear and one spot above Mark Hughes' side ahead of the match. "I think the atmosphere will be great at our stadium," Moyes said. "It has been great, with the exception of one occasion, since I've been here. I've got no worries about the supporters. "The supporters are right behind the team here and I still think they are right behind the team and I think they will show it as well."
"Our first-half performance [against Burnley] was really good, but I've got to say Nick Pope made two fantastic saves which probably altered the game. "Burnley started the second half better, got the goal and then things changed. It was a dramatic change not just because of the goal but because of the whole atmosphere which the players didn't enjoy. "But we're prepared now, the players are prepared. If it happens again and we get in that situation we'll be much better, we'll be mentally stronger and hopefully do the right things."
West Ham will implement "heightened" security measures for the match which will cost the taxpayer in London £60,000, according to Sky sources. lmost 20 fans have been issued with lifetime bans following the trouble on March 10, but Moyes says the players can do their bit to ensure the atmosphere is less volatile this time. "Wherever you go, you want the crowd behind you," he added. "If you perform well, you'll have the crowd behind you. "When it's good, it's really good. When you're not doing well, they let you know. That's part of West Ham, who have a really passionate fan base. "We've got to make sure, if we go a goal behind, we come from behind like we did against West Brom. "We played well in the game against Burnley, so we've got to make sure that we don't let any disruptions affect our minds. "I think the supporters will be right behind West Ham. They know the importance of the game. We'll try to do our part, so I'd ask the fans to do their part, too."
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West Ham v Southampton preview: Hammers look for much-needed win
Last Updated: 30/03/18 2:23pm
SSN
West Ham will be hoping to lift the mood at the London Stadium when they face Southampton on Saturday. West Ham's last home game, a 3-0 defeat by Burnley, was marred by pitch invasions and protests against owners David Sullivan and David Gold. The Hammers are set to implement "heightened" security measures this weekend in a bid to avoid similar troubles. West Ham have lost four of their last five Premier League matches and are 17th in the table, two points above Southampton, who occupy the final spot in the relegation zone. Mark Hughes will be taking charge of his first league match as Southampton manager, having started with an FA Cup quarter-final win over Wigan. "It's a key game for both sides," he said. "West Ham have their own problems to deal with, it seems, with their home games so we have got to take the opportunity, if it presents itself, to be able to exert pressure on them and maybe affect the atmosphere in the ground and what seemed to occur against Burnley. "We've got to affect the confidence of their group. Clearly there is some anxiety surrounding the club at the moment.
"That's a negative and it certainly affected them in the last game, going by what some of their players talked about afterwards."
Team news
Charlie Austin is in contention for Southampton after recovering from the hamstring injury which had kept him out since Christmas. Captain Steven Davis is also close to returning from his hamstring problem.
Edimilson Fernandes is available again for West Ham after four months out with an ankle injury. Arthur Masuaku is also back after completing a six-match ban.
However, Manuel Lanzini is a doubt with a knee injury and James Collins faces a late fitness test.
Opta stats
West Ham haven't lost back to back home league matches against Southampton since April 1992 - they lost 3-0 at London Stadium last season. The Saints haven't completed a league double over the Hammers since the 1997-98 campaign. Since winning 3-0 at London Stadium last season, Southampton have lost five of their six Premier League trips to London (W1). West Ham have lost their last three league games, each by a margin of at least three goals. The last English top-flight side to lose four in a row by such a margin were Nottingham Forest back in April 1968.
Saints have won only two away games in the Premier League this season, with both of those wins coming against the side who were bottom of the table at the time (Crystal Palace in September and West Brom in February). Mark Hughes will take charge of his sixth different Premier League club in this match, making him only the second person to manage six different clubs in the competition (after Sam Allardyce with seven).
Merson's prediction
I think this is a 30-minute football match. If West Ham aren't winning after 30 minutes, I can't see how they win this with how it is at the stadium, I think it will be toxic. West Ham got well beat last time out against Burnley, who aren't even free scoring, but won 3-0 and slaughtered them. I'm worried for West Ham and the fans are good at reuniting and getting right behind their team, but it's an ageing side with not a lot of pace so I worry about them.
For Southampton, I like Mark Hughes and he's a good manager. He's one of those that can win six out of nine or lose eight out of eight and I think here, they have to make sure they don't lose this game. Like I said, it's a 30-minute football match and if they're not losing after half an hour, I can't see how Southampton don't get a result.
PAUL PREDICTS: 1-2 (9/1 with Sky Bet)
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MATCH PREVIEW: WEST HAM V SOUTHAMPTON
By Dan Coker 30 Mar 2018 at 08:00
WTID
Blast from the past
Allow me to take you back 45 years, to another Good Friday, 20th April 1973. Edward Heath was Prime Minister, Tony Orlando and Dawn were number one with 'Tie A Yellow Ribbon Round The Ole Oak Tree' and the Ringo Starr-directed Born To Boogie starring T-Rex and Elton John was in UK cinemas.
An 11am kick-off saw West Ham United take on Southampton in front of 33,039 at The Boleyn Ground – it was to be a particularly good Friday for the Hammers and a great one for Bryan 'Pop' Robson as the Sunderland-born striker netted a hat-trick to lead West Ham to a 4-3 win over the Saints in the old First Division. Two goals in four minutes early on from Robson put the Hammers in a commanding position but, rather typically, the lead had been thrown away by half-time as Paul Gilchrist scored a brace of his own to level the match.
Robson completed his hat-trick in the 66th minute, leaping high to head in a Trevor Brooking cross and restore the hosts' lead. Brooking turned from goal-maker to goal-taker to effectively clinch the game for the Irons in the 83rd minute, but there was still time for Mick Channon to net a further consolation for the visitors in this seven-goal thriller.
The win put West Ham level with Ipswich in joint-fourth place, with three matches to play. It was to prove the Hammers' final victory of 1972/73 however, as we closed the campaign with two draws and a defeat. In doing so, West Ham equalled their (at the time) highest-ever position of sixth in a campaign that saw Bobby Moore overtake Jimmy Ruffell's record number of league appearances for the club, a record that had stood unbeaten since 1936. Southampton finished 13th, Liverpool won the league and Sunderland won the FA Cup.
'Pop' Robson, the hat-trick hero against the Saints (pictured with the matchball from the game), finished 1972/73 as the leading goal-scorer in England's top four divisions, with twenty-eight goals from forty-two appearances, winning him the Adidas-sponsored Golden Boot award. Twenty-six of these goals were from open play, with only two from the penalty spot. He was also, unsurprisingly, that season's recipient of the Hammer of the Year award, with Brooking runner-up.
West Ham United: Peter Grotier, John McDowell (Bertie Lutton), Kevin Lock, Bobby Moore, Frank Lampard, Billy Bonds, Pat Holland, Trevor Brooking, Clyde Best, Bryan 'Pop' Robson, Ted McDougall.
Southampton: Eric Martin, Jim Steele (Billy Beaney), Dave Walker, Paul Bennett, Joe Kirkup, Brian O'Neil, Wayne Talkes, Hugh Fisher, Terry Paine, Mick Channon, Paul Gilchrist.
Club Connections
Michail Antonio welcomes his former club. An array of West Ham United's good, bad and ugly have also turned out for Southampton:
Goalkeepers: Richard Wright, George Kitchen.
Defenders: Richard Hall, Christian Dailly, Joe Kirkup, Wayne Bridge, Neil Ruddock, Jose Fonte, Bill Adams, Darren Powell, Albie Roles, Horace Glover, Calum Davenport.
Midfielders: Jimmy Carr, Bobby Weale, Luis Boa Morte, Nigel Quashie, Eyal Berkovic, Robbie Slater, Peter Cowper, Paul Allen.
Strikers: Vic Watson, Justin Fashanu, David Speedie, David Connolly, Iain Dowie, Ted MacDougall, Henri Camara, Alex McDonald, Frank Costello, Fred Harrison, Walter Pollard, Arthur Wilson, Jimmy Harris, Jack Foster.
In addition, George Kay played for the Hammers and managed the Saints while Harry Redknapp and Alan Pardew have managed both clubs.
Today's focus is on a defender who enjoyed six and a half years with West Ham before later spending a brief loan spell at Southampton. Ian Pearce was born in Bury St. Edmunds, Suffolk on 7th May 1974. He started his career at Oxted & District before signing for Chelsea during the 1991/92 season. Pearce was part of the England Under-20 team that came third in the 1993 FIFA World Youth Championship in Australia, playing in all six matches and scoring one goal. He was capped three times for England at Under-21 level in the mid-1990s but would never make the senior side. Pearce moved to Blackburn in October 1993, scoring the winning goal for Rovers in a 2-1 win at West Ham in April 1994 before winning the Premier League title the following season.
The 23-year-old Pearce joined Harry Redknapp's upwardly-mobile West Ham United for a fee of £2.3m in September 1997. He made his Hammers debut in a 1-0 home defeat to Newcastle on 20th September 1997 and quickly forged a young, promising central defensive trio alongside Rio Ferdinand and fellow new boy David Unsworth. Pearce scored his first goal for his boyhood club in a 1-1 FA Cup quarter-final draw at eventual Double winners Arsenal on 8th March 1998. He scored his first league goal in claret and blue, and his first at Upton Park, in a 3-0 win over Leeds twenty years ago today, on 30th March 1998, a match which saw Pearce playing at right wing-back. Pearce made 39 appearances in 1997/98 as the Hammers finished eighth (their highest position for 12 years) and reached the quarter-finals in both cup competitions.
Pearce made 36 appearances and was runner-up to Shaka Hislop in the Hammer of the Year voting in 1998/99 as the Irons finished fifth and qualified for the InterToto Cup. He scored in a 2-1 home win over Nottingham Forest on 13th February 1999 and bagged his second of the campaign in his next home game, a 2-0 win over former club Blackburn two weeks later. Pearce played in both legs of the InterToto Cup semi-final against Heerenveen in the summer of 1999 before injuring knee ligaments 37 minutes into the opening day of the Premier League season in a 1-0 win over Tottenham – he was to be ruled out for 14 months.
Making his comeback in October 2000 in a 1-0 home win over Newcastle, Pearce made 17 appearances in 2000/01, scoring his only goal of the season in a 4-1 home win over Manchester City on 11th November 2000. He was injured again in April 2001 and would be out for ten months, making only nine appearances under new manager Glenn Roeder in 2001/02 – he did, however, score a stunning and dramatic last-minute equaliser at White Hart Lane on 13th April 2002, lashing home a left-footed piledriver from distance. His second goal of the campaign was the final act of the campaign, a late winner in a 2-1 home triumph against Bolton on the final day of the season.
Pearce made 33 appearances in 2002/03 as the Hammers were ultimately relegated from the top flight. He was sent off in a 3-2 defeat at Tottenham on 15th September 2002 for a professional foul on future Hammer Robbie Keane and was forced to play as an emergency striker in a winter which saw the Hammers deprived of Paolo Di Canio and Frederic Kanoute. He scored two goals during his stint up front, in a 2-2 draw at Middlesbrough on 7th December 2002 and in a 1-1 home draw with Bolton two weeks later. Pearce was red carded for the second time in a crucial and infamous 1-0 defeat at Bolton on 19th April 2003 – his late tackle on Pierre-Yves Andre led to a melee and, minutes later when the match had ended, a subsequent fracas in the tunnel.
The first half of the 2003/04 First Division campaign saw Pearce make 26 appearances under three different managers – Roeder, caretaker Trevor Brooking and Alan Pardew. His final goal for the club was the winner in a 3-2 home win over Sunderland on 13th December 2003, completing a Hammers comeback from 2-0 down. He made his last appearance in claret and blue in a 2-1 home defeat to Preston on 10th January 2004 – after scoring ten goals in 163 appearances for West Ham United, the 29-year-old Pearce returned to the Premier League, signing for Fulham with £1m and Andy Melville heading the other way to east London. All of Pearce's ten goals in claret and blue can be viewed in my video below:
After just over four years with the Cottagers, the 33-year-old Pearce joined Championship side Southampton on a month's loan in February 2008. His time at St Mary's was disrupted by injury and his sole appearance for the club under new manager Nigel Pearson came in a 1-1 draw at Scunthorpe on 22nd February 2008 – Pearce conceded the penalty from which Scunthorpe scored.
Pearce returned to the club where it all began for him, Oxted & District, in the Surrey South Eastern Combination League in August 2008. He signed for Isthmian League Premier Division outfit Kingstonian in August 2009 but joined Lincoln as player-assistant manager to former Blackburn team-mate Chris Sutton two months later. He left when Sutton resigned in September 2010 and returned to Kingstonian in March 2011; he also played for Surrey-based Lingfield later that year. Pearce, now 43, joined Brighton as a scout in 2014.
Referee
The referee on Saturday will be Jonathan Moss. The Yorkshire-based official has sent off a player in six of his last ten 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 took charge of the corresponding fixture last season when Southampton won 3-0 in east London. Moss' most recent matches in charge of the Hammers were December's goalless draw with Arsenal at London Stadium and our 4-1 win at Huddersfield in January.
Possible line-ups
David Moyes is without Sam Byram, James Collins, Winston Reid, Pedro Obiang and Andy Carroll, while Manuel Lanzini is a doubt. Arthur Masuaku returns from his six-match suspension for spitting at an opponent, while Cheikhou Kouyate is expected to recover from illness.
New Southampton manager Mark Hughes is likely to have Ryan Bertand, Steven Davis and Charlie Austin available, with no expected injury concerns.
Possible West Ham United XI: Hart; Zabaleta, Rice, Ogbonna, Cresswell, Masuaku; Kouyate, Noble, Mario; Antonio, Arnautovic.
Possible Southampton XI: McCarthy; Soares, Hoedt, Stephens, Bertrand; Redmond, Lemina, Davis, Boufal; Carrillo, Gabbiadini.
Enjoy the game – Come On You Irons!
Please check back after the match for the results.
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Police release images of 15 West Ham fans they want to speak to over London Stadium disorder
The 3-0 defeat against Burnley was marred by violent clashes between fans, the players and the club owners in the director's box
Jack de Menezes @JackdeMenezes
The Independent Sport
Police are seeking 15 people believed to be West Ham fans in connection to the events that unfolded at the London Stadium during the Premier League defeat by Burnley two weeks ago.
Metropolitan Police issued a statement on Friday along with images of 14 men and one woman who they wish to speak to, and asked for members of the public to assist in identifying them.
The 3-0 defeat for David Moyes' side triggered an angry reaction from large sections of the home support, with some fans running onto the pitch to confront the players as emotions boiled over. West Ham co-owner David Sullivan, who was sat in the directors' box, was struck by a coin thrown from the home support, while protests against him and David Gold were chanted throughout the match.
Around 30 coins were believed to have been thrown at the 81-year-old, who was in tears as he left the game.
West Ham are also conducting an internal investigation into the incidents on the 10 March, which saw captain Mark Noble clash with one supporter after he ran onto the pitch to berate the players for their first-half performance.
"People have got to realise we are footballers and we are targets, but we have got to protect ourselves," Noble said after the defeat that leaves the club two points above the Premier League relegation zone in 17th place.
"Obviously there were a number of fans that got on the pitch and a lot of them were running over to where the chairmen were sat.
"But if someone approaches me personally, I'm going to protect myself, for sure."
Police has asked anyone with information about the 15 sought-after individuals to contact the Public Order investigation team on 020 8246 9386, or contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or at crimestoppers-uk.org, quoting the image reference number.
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It's make or break for West Ham and Mark Noble will step up, says Danny Murphy
DANNY MURPHY
ES Sport
If West Ham lose at home to Southampton then I would really fear for them. Win and I think they will be all right but lose and they are in big trouble. That is how important this game is for them. It is the biggest game of the season by a long way. You could argue the atmosphere is already toxic but if you do not get a positive result against another struggling team that could send it down another notch. A Hammers win could make the difference because it will take the pressure off. They will feel they can nick a few more points and just stay clear of trouble. On top of giving them some breathing space, it will also help the stability of the club and ease the discontent that was so evident in their last home game. The pressure on West Ham when they play at home is becoming so big now that if Southampton start the game well and score first you do not see West Ham having the confidence to come back. They capitulated against Burnley when they went a goal down.
West Ham showed when they first played under David Moyes they can dig in to nick a point here and there, but more recently they have been shipping goals and they look like a team devoid of confidence. They need their best players to stand up and be counted and get on the ball under pressure. If after 20 minutes Southampton are doing well and the fans are turning, you need players who are going to get you out of it. West Ham have good attacking players but who is going to get the ball to them? Manuel Lanzini may have to come deeper for possession but Mark Noble is the one who has got the pressure on him. He is the only one who has the capability to get on the ball and get them out. Noble is never going to hide. If you are a West Ham supporter, he would be the one player you want in the trenches with you because he takes responsibility.
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http://vyperz.blogspot.com
Saturday, March 31
Friday, March 30
Daily WHUFC News - 30th March 2018
Safety and security update ahead of Southampton fixture
WHUFC.com
A series of measures have been implemented to ensure the safety of supporters attending Saturday's Premier League game against Southampton at London Stadium.
In light of the regrettable actions of a small minority of individuals during West Ham's fixture with Burnley, the Club has worked closely alongside stadium operators LS185, E20, the Metropolitan Police, London Borough of Newham and fans - via the Supporter Advisory Board – to implement a number of proactive steps with the safety and security of everyone coming to the game our foremost priority. Heightened measures will include a significantly enhanced number of police officers and security personnel at London Stadium, as well a dynamic pitch response team.
To assist with creating the safest environment possible for all and following direction from the Safety Advisory Group, several security gates will also be in operation throughout the Stadium both on the bridges within the lower tier and on the internal concourses, which will restrict fans' migration around the stadium. With these new measures in place, supporters are advised to allow extra time to take their seats before the 3pm kick-off. The Club are, as always, committed to providing fans with the best matchday experience possible, with these procedures only in place for the safety and security of all inside London Stadium.
Every ticket holder is an ambassador for this Club and we would like to remind those coming to London Stadium on Saturday of their responsibilities to themselves, their fellow supporters, the team and everyone associated with the Club to support West Ham United in a passionate, respectful manner. Lifetime bans were issued to individuals who crossed safety barriers to enter the field of play during the Burnley fixture, while a number of others were banned for life for violently throwing coins or objects with intent to injure or harm on the bridge directly in front of the Directors' Box. As part of an ongoing thorough investigation, the Club expect additional bans to be confirmed imminently. During the second half of that Burnley game, we witnessed scenes that none of us would like to see repeated and this Saturday we encourage you all to join us in backing the team in a hugely important fixture and make us all feel proud of West Ham United again.
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West Ham United hold emergency SAB meeting
WHUFC.com
West Ham United have met with the Supporter Advisory Board (SAB) in an emergency meeting at London Stadium. With the Club and stakeholders committed to ensuring the safety, comfort and securing of all supporters attending matches at London Stadium, following the events which marred the Premier League fixture with Burnley on Saturday 10 March, SAB members were invited to discuss the situation in detail. Representatives from across the Club's wide and diverse fanbase sat down with Vice-Chairman Karren Brady, Sir Trevor Brooking, members of the senior management team and stakeholders for a positive two-hour meeting focused on the key issues. Summarising, the Vice-Chairman said: "The scenes we saw at the Burnley game were very sad for all of us and for any supporter of West Ham United. "The objective of the meeting was to offer reassurance to our supporters in terms of the plans in place to ensure that London Stadium will be safe and secure for Saturday's match against Southampton and beyond. "The most important thing on Saturday is that all supporters attending feel safe and comfortable, and that our players have an environment that enables them to perform at their very best in what is a hugely important match."
The Vice-Chairman continued by telling the SAB that the Board accept the unhappiness and frustration of some fans and how they are absolutely committed to putting things right, on and off the pitch. She confirmed that the Club's number-one priority will always be the security of supporters inside London Stadium and explained the remedial actions taken to that end, including the imposition of life bans and introduction of enhanced safety measures at future matches. The Vice-Chairman also revealed the positive news that West Ham United has received the Premier League Equality Standard, showing the Hammers' commitment to achieving and promoting equality and diversity across all areas of the Club. SAB members were then invited to ask questions to the panel, with topics including stewarding, communications, safety and security for accessibility supporters, the Club's relationship with London Stadium stakeholders, enhancing the matchday experience and plans for improved supporter consultation.
Sir Trevor Brooking spoke passionately about his love for the Club and asked supporters to get behind the team and the Club for the remainder of the season and that, once Premier League safety is assured, the issues can be tackled. He stated his view that without Premier League status many of the things supporters wish to see happen would prove impossible to deliver so that must be the focus for everyone associated with the Club. The meeting closed with members being asked to provide ideas for potential themes for future matchdays at London Stadium, which the wider fanbase will vote on ahead of Saturday's fixture with Southampton.
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Carlton Cole calls for West Ham fans to get behind team as he hangs up his boots
WHUFC.com
If there is one person who knows the qualities needed to battle through adversity and tough times at West Ham United, it is Carlton Cole. The former Hammers striker, who made a total of 293 appearances for the Club in two separate spells between 2006 and 2015, experienced plenty of ups and downs in almost a decade in Claret and Blue. A member of the side that pulled off the Great Escape in 2007, he suffered the pain of relegation in 2011 and then played a key role in helping the Hammers to bounce back at the first attempt. In 2013, he was released but, having fought to prove his fitness and worth, was re-signed just months later and went on to make a valuable contribution over the next two years, cementing his reputation as a true hero among the fanbase.
In an exclusive interview with West Ham TV, he had a message of solidarity and strength for anyone who has Claret and Blue in their hearts. "The scenes I saw a few weeks ago at the Burnley game were upsetting, for me and my family, and I had a lot of people asking me what was going on," he said. "It's now time to come together and push in the same direction. Any qualms the fans have – let's just leave that until the end of the season and first make sure we are safe. In the summer, we can assess everything, but now is not the time. For now, the fans have got to get behind the team. "One thing every player must do is give 100 per cent every time he steps out on the pitch. You need to have strength of character when the pressure is on. West Ham definitely have the players who can lead the team to success, but they need the fans with them. "The support of the fans is vital right now and I hope they can see that. It's a massive game on Saturday, for both teams, and it is not going to be easy. We've got to go out there, put our battle gear on, and get the result we need."
Carlton, who until recently had been training with AFC Wimbledon following spells in Scotland, the United States and Indonesia, also revealed to West Ham TV that, after an illustrious 16-year playing career that began at Chelsea and also stopped off at Wolverhampton Wanderers, Charlton Athletic and Aston Villa, he has now turned his focus to developing the next generation of talented youngsters in his native London. "This is a bit of an exclusive actually!" he laughed. "I'm still getting offers to play, but the fact is that I feel I am in a different space right now and I want to move on with my life and help others. "I have been mentoring a few kids who are aspiring to play football and I've set up my own consultancy business aimed at youngsters – aimed at grass roots level, getting them off the streets and hopefully giving them better opportunities to make it at the top level. "It is something I am very passionate and serious about and I want to give it my full focus now."
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West Ham's Mr Versatile is willing to do anything to keep the Hammers up
WHUFC.com
Aaron Cresswell has been West Ham United's Mr Versatile this season, and the No3 has insisted he will do whatever it takes to keep the Hammers in the Premier League. The Liverpool-born star has been an important figure for West Ham this season, at both ends of the pitch. Not only has he played 13 times as a centre-half, but he has also registered a team-high six Premier League assists and delivered 32 key passes for his grateful teammates. Cresswell has been committed, reliable and flexible, but he is experienced enough to know he cannot win games on his own. "To be honest, as long as we get three points or we get a result, I couldn't care less who scores, who sets the goals up or what position I play in," he told Saturday's Official Programme for the vital Premier League visit of Southampton. "For me, it's all about the team and if someone had said to me I'd play that many games as a centre-half this season last summer, I'd have probably laughed, but the circumstances we've had this season and the injuries we've had, I've happily played there and we've had some good games and results. "It's not just about individuals, though, and I know all the lads would put the team and winning games before themselves."
The Hammers kick-off the eight-match run-in with the visit of Southampton and, with the Saints sitting two points and one place below West Ham in the table, Cresswell says the hosts will need to be fully focused on the job in hand. "It's extremely tight at the bottom of the table and I think there are at least six or seven teams who are still right in it. "If you're asking me how many points will keep us up, I'd say another three wins and nine points should do it, especially if we win the big, important games against the likes of Southampton and Stoke. If we win those two games, that will take us a few points clear of them. "It's easy saying that, but we need to go out there and get those three-point hauls. We've got eight cup finals left and we've got to win a few of them, at least."
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West Ham United publish Gender Pay Report
WHUFC.com
Under government rules introduced last year - the Equality Act 2010 (Gender Pay Gap Information) Regulations 2017 - as a company with 250 or more employees, West Ham United are requested to annually disclose figures comparing men and women's average pay on 14 data points across the organisation.
West Ham United have conducted a review of its remuneration and employment procedures and, for the first time, today publish its figures on gender pay disparity. These numbers are solely for West Ham United and do not include West Ham United Ladies or West Ham United Foundation.
The findings as of 5 April 2017 show:
Across the organisation the mean gender pay gap currently stands at 87.4%
But when male first team players, management and coaches are removed, the gap currently stands at -9.76%
Breakdown
The mean pay gap of 87.4% for the whole workforce, including the male playing staff, is not a true representation of the gender pay gap because the highly-paid male football players and male football management salaries dominate the workforce and distort the figures. When male first-team players, management and coaches are removed, the gap stands at -9.76% - this reflects favourably on West Ham with a national pay gap at 18.4%. Over three quarters of the wage bill is spent on less than 15% of the core workforce which are all male first-team players.
Similarly, the mean bonus figure is also distorted by the male football-related staff whom make up 64% of the workforce receiving bonuses and they take over 50% of the total bonus payments.
Men and Women in each quartile
Women are under-represented in each quartile and only account for the third of the workforce, however, females represent 14% of the workforce in the first and second quartiles combined.
There are more males in the fourth quartile than expected because male scouts and male coaches are part-time, more than most workforces, and males make up almost half of the match day casual workforce.
It is important to note that the Club pays equal pay for men and women performing equal jobs. Categorically, men and women doing the same job are paid the same rate of pay.
What the Club has done so far
The Board has worked very hard in the last six years to address the gender issues faced in football. This has been achieved through the promotion and development of existing staff and positive action in external recruitment. We are now at a point where 50% of the Vice-Chairman's direct reports are female and two women sit on the Board. The Club undertakes equality audits on HR policies and procedures to promote equality of opportunity and eliminate discrimination.
The Club is also very supportive of its female workforce who have children; 80% of female employees who have been on maternity leave in the past two years have returned to the Club and all flexible working requests have been granted.
Additionally, West Ham United FC has paid the equivalent of London Living Wage to all full-time and part-time permanent members of staff since June 2015 and became an accredited London Living Wage Employer in December 2017.
And, to recognise the good work West Ham United is currently undertaking, the Club was awarded the Premier League Equality Standard (preliminary level) in 2016 and the intermediate level in March 2018.
What West Ham United will do next
The Club will to continue to encourage women in its recruitment activities to increase the number of women working in the Club, particularly at management level. The Club already monitors recruitment data for applicants to ascertain where women are falling out of the process and we will take action to encourage more female applicants.
Over the next 18 months the Club will also work to achieve its advance Premier League Equality Standard. And, through the West Ham Skills School, the Club will continue to provide diversity and unconscious bias training to staff and focus on developing underrepresented groups within the workforce. The Club always values feedback and will reach out to the female workforce to assess gender inclusivity in the workplace.
Commenting on the report, West Ham United Vice-Chairman Karren Brady said: "As a woman working in football, I am of course pleased to see this report published and I would like to put on the record my thanks to all the highly dedicated and committed staff at the Club who work so hard to eradicate pay disparity.
"West Ham United believe that remuneration should always be based on merit and on individuals' talent and should never be a reflection of their gender. Of course, at a professional male football club the numbers will always be skewed, but West Ham can categorically state that men and women doing the same job will always receive the same rate of pay while working at the Club.
"When male first team players, management and coaching staff are removed from the figures, West Ham United's pay gap stand at -9.76%. With a national average of 18.4%, I believe this reflects favourably on West Ham and its current employment procedures.
"West Ham already has a proud record of internal promotion and development of existing female staff - we have two female Board members, 50% of my direct reports are women and we will work even harder to get more women into senior management positions over the coming year. I am also proud that all flexible working requests have been granted during my time at the Club.
"We know we cannot be complacent when there is so much more to do be done but we are proud of the work we have done off the pitch and we will continue to build on those good practices to make sure all those working at West Ham achieve their fullest potential."
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West Ham v Southampton: Extra security for London Stadium game to cost taxpayers £60,000
By Simon Stone
BBC Sport
About £60,000 of taxpayers' money will be used to pay for increased security at West Ham's home Premier League match against Southampton on Saturday.
The match will be the first at London Stadium since trouble flared at the 3-0 defeat by Burnley on 10 March. Twenty fans were given life bans, including four for invading the pitch. A substantially increased security presence includes measures to stop fans getting in front of the directors' box as occurred during the Burnley game. Under the terms of the Hammers' 99-year lease at the former Olympic Stadium, security is paid for by the centrally funded body that runs the venue. London Mayor Sadiq Khan wants West Ham to make a financial contribution for similar security arrangements at the club's remaining home matches this season.
The Safety Advisory Group, the body responsible for supplying the safety certificate to allow the game to proceed, has warned any repeat of the trouble will result in matches being played behind closed doors. Khan said: "The safety of all supporters and visitors to London Stadium is of paramount importance. Nobody wants to witness scenes like those during the last home game, which were caused by a small minority."
In a statement, West Ham reminded fans of "their responsibilities to themselves, their fellow supporters, the team and everyone associated with the club". Every ticket holder is an ambassador for this club," it read. "We encourage you all to join us in backing the team in a hugely important fixture and make us all feel proud of West Ham United again."
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Only one disabled fan moved, say West Ham
KUMB.com
Filed: Thursday, 29th March 2018
By: Staff Writer
West Ham United say that just ONE supporter has been moved to make room for additional security measures. Earlier this week a member of the KUMB Forum, who is also a disabled season ticket holder at West Ham, was informed that he was being re-seated with immediate effect in order to make way for the installation of new security gates by the Directors' Box at the Olympic Stadium. However a club source told KUMB the supporter in question is the ONLY season ticket holder to have been moved as a result of the stadium upgrades, which are understood to have been suggested by a Safety Advisory Group panel that met in response to the disturbances witnessed during the recent match against Burnley.
The source stated that it had been necessary to move the fan in question as "the gates has been installed too closely" to his seat - adding that the supporter has since accepted a seat in the Corporate area as an alternative. In additional to the new gates that have been installed around the Directors' Box ahead of Saturday's Premier League meeting with Southampton, several segregation gates have been added around the stadium to prevent the free movement of fans around the arena.
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'Moyes effect' results in small improvement
KUMB.com
Filed: Thursday, 29th March 2018
By: Staff Writer
David Moyes' first 19 Premier League games in charge of West Ham have resulted in a minor improvement to West Ham United's form since parting company with Slaven Bilic. West Ham's 3-0 defeat at home to Burnley in their most recent Premeir League outing meant that Moyes had been in charge for 19 league meetings since succeeding the Croat - exactly half-a-season in terms of divisional fixtures. During that period his team has managed to secure an average of just 1.11 points per game - which represents a minor improvement to the 0.89 points per game Bilic secured during his final 19 Premier League fixtures.
However that form replicated over the course of an entire season would leave the Hammers on just 42 points (the number with which the club were relegated at the end of the 2002/03 season) and fighting relegation - as is the case now. The forme Everton and Manchester United boss, who is working on a short-term contract has achieved Premier League wins over just five teams so far since joining the Hammers - those being Chelsea, Stoke City, West Bromwich Albion, Huddersfield and Watford. A sixth win - a 1-0 defeat of League One Shrewsbury in an FA Cup third round replay - was achieved in extra time at the Olympic Stadium thanks to youngster Reece Burke's very late winner. Additionally Moyes' average points per game figure falls slightly when taking into account all fixtures, including EFL and FA Cup dates. In total he has taken charge of 23 matches, with an equivalent average points tally of 1.09.
David Moyes: first 19 Premier League fixtures (half-a-season)
Won: 5
Drawn: 6
Lost: 8
Points: 21
Average Points Per Game: 1.11
Slaven Bilic: last 19 Premier League fixtures (half-a-season)
Won: 4
Drawn: 5
Lost: 10
Points: 17
Average Points Per Game: 0.89
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Smolov seeking West Ham move
KUMB.com
Filed: Thursday, 29th March 2018
By: Staff Writer
Sources in Russia say that Fyodor Smolov wants to secure a move to West Ham before the World Cup commences this June. The 28-year-old striker, who currently features for Krasnodar and has been repeatedly linked with a move to east London this season is reported to have told associates that he wants to complete his on/off move as soon as possible. However much will depend on the Hammers being willing to meet his asking price, said to be in the region of £12-£15million. West Ham were first linked with a move for the Russian captain, who already speaks fluent English, a matter of days after David Moyes was installed as the club's latest manager last November. Smolov is said to be particularly keen to move to London despite having also been linked with clubs such as Schalke and Bayer Leverkusen in recent months.
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Moyes wants players to 'instigate' positive mood
KUMB.com
Filed: Thursday, 29th March 2018
By: Staff Writer
David Moyes has challenged his players to be the "instigators" of a positive atmosphere at the Olympic Stadium this weekend. The Hammers boss, speaking in his latest weekly piece for the Evening Standard called for the fans to get behind the team against Southampton this Saturday - but has also ordered his players to give the crowd something to cheer. Some sections of the 50,000+ crowd turned on the Board immediately after Burnley scored their first goal in the recent 3-0 defeat, leading the chaotic scenes and a number of frustrated fans invading the pitch.
And Moyes admits his team simply can't afford the same situation to arise this weekend. "My message to the players is we have to be the instigators," he said. "We need to be the ones to start things off, set the mood and give the supporters something on which they can focus their support. "I can tell our fans that the players are really together. They've been hard on themselves since the Burnley defeat and they are ready for the remaining eight games of this season. It will make our job so much easier if everyone is behind us on Saturday — and I'm sure they will be. "The problems which occurred against Burnley didn't help us. After the first goal there was a long break because of the issues on the pitch and the players' statistics dropped off dramatically. That proves the importance of the support — and if that can happen so spectacularly when things go wrong, then the opposite is true if we feel that unified support."
Moyes also welcomed the return of Arthur Masuaku, whose trickery and guile have been badly missed during the six matches for which he has been suspended. "Arthur gives us some balance on the left-hand side of the team and he has that pace which worries the opposition," he added. "The FA Cup tie at Wigan a couple of months ago was a big negative for us, not only because we lost but also due to Arthur's own stupidity and a nasty knee injury to Pedro Obiang, who we have really missed in midfield. "We've been patching up since then, and it's great to have Arthur back for the business end of the season."
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Carroll to return before end of season
KUMB.com
Filed: Thursday, 29th March 2018
By: Staff Writer
David Moyes has revealed that he expects Andy Carroll to return to first team action earlier than previously predicted. The 29-year-old striker, who was linked with a loan move to Chelsea shortly before being sidelined was expected to miss the rest of the campaign with his latest injury, an ankle problem, sustained back in January. However manager Moyes has confirmed that the former England international is expected to return to first team action within the next few weeks - meaning that he should be able to play a role in West Ham's last "four or five" games this season. "Andy Carroll is still a very important member of our squad and I hope he will be available for the final four or five games, even if it is off the bench at times," Moyes told the Standard. "Before his injury, Andy scored two unbelievably good goals against West Brom in a really important victory for us and I wanted him in Miami to see how I work on a trip like that and also what I expect of him. He is ahead of schedule in terms of his recovery and I am positive that the trip helped him." Carroll has featured just 14 times for West Ham thus far this season, scoring twice and being booked on six occasions.
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West Ham United v Southampton
KUMB.com
Filed: Thursday, 29th March 2018
By: Preview Percy
Preview Percy's back and he's not happy. And he has calmed down a hellova lot during the Cup/International break. Not that it shows. Here's his take on this weekend's visit of Southampton.....
And so, after what appears to have been a break that lasted a long as a close season without a World Cup or Euros to fill the gap, we return to action. Kick-off is 3pm and our visitors will be Southampton. Had the "most successful stadium move in the world, ever, it really was, honest" (Copyright K. Brady) not resulted in our home ground being unavailable at the start of the season this game would have been played on the south coast. It wasn't so here we are.
Trains are their usual shambles in and out of Liverpool Street and you can add some diversions into the mix on the C2C where there is nothing between Grays and Rainham. So if you have ever fancied a visit to Ockendon this weekend would be a good time to try it. Oh and if you happen to be coming up from Southampton RMT have called another one of their strikes but I don't expect anyone will notice the difference.
So Southampton then. They currently occupy the final relegation spot with 28 points from the 30 played so far. Which is 3 points and one place behind us. They've won 1 drawn 3 and lost 2 of their last 6 in the league, a run of form that saw them dispense with services of Pellegrino and turn to the oh so subtle talents of Mark Hughes. The general impression one gets of the appointment is that Hughes wouldn't have been the average Saints fan's first choice to take the helm but needs must when the devil vomits in your kettle as it was so eloquently put in one of the Blackadder series.
Hughes got off to a winning start with a 2-0 win at Wigan in the Cup with the home side finally having run out of referees willing to give penalties like the one they got against us. However, the vagaries of the international break system mean that this will be Hughes' first league match in charge so, having had a free pass for his first game it's from here where the real work starts.
A quick look at the transfer window courtesy of the work experience kid of as yet to be determined gender wearing a hoodie who seems only able to communicate with some strange grunting noises might suggest that the departure of Virgil Van Dijk (imagine Thunderbird 2 piloted by a chimney sweep with a dodgy cockney accent) to Liverpool (where else?) might have led to a slump in form. However, the player effectively left for Liverpool back in the summer when yet again the Scousers got caught red handed breaching every transfer rule in the book. In fact the Dutch defender played only 12 times in the league this season and his last match in Saints colours was as early as 13 December. Just after Christmas it was announced that the player would officially be a Liverpool player with effect from 1 January. There were dark mutterings that the £75m fee contained some sort of premium in Southampton's favour in return for leaving the player out of their December squads and for not taking the transfer rule breaches any further. Let's put it this way, it wouldn't have been the first time Liverpool have paid off rival clubs to avoid trouble with the authorities – eh Tottenham?
The £75m received for Van Dijk didn't send Pellegrino rushing out to the shops, though they did break their transfer record in spending a reported £19m on Monaco's Argentinian striker Guido Carillo. Carillo netted 21 times in 95 appearances in all competitions in the principality. Prior to Monaco Carillo plied his trade at Estudiantes, an Argentinian club that those of us of a certain age will remember getting involved in a brutal Intercontinental Cop tie with Man Utd back in 1968. The Estudiantes side contained a number of players from the Argentinian squad labelled as "animals" by Sir Alf Ramsey in the 1966 World Cup and their conduct two years later did little to counter that description. All of which has nothing to do with this weekend's game but hey it was an amusing diversion down memory lane nonetheless. Back here in Blighty Carillo has yet to open his account in a Southampton shirt which probably only means one thing…..
Top goalscorer at present is Charlie Austin who has 6 in 16 league appearances. Austin was, of course, the subject of one of those "public relations disasters" that never take place according to the Baroness, when David Sullivan opened his gob and proved once again why he should leave the running of a football club to someone who might know what they are doing. George out of Rainbow, for example, wouldn't have done anything as stupid as claiming another club's player was shot as Sullivan did with Austin who, understandably, had slightly different views on the matter. The aftermath was that Sullivan ended up having to issue another of those apologies for a public relations disaster of the sort that never take place according to the Baroness. Worryingly, it seems that Austin is winning his battle against a thigh injury and has, at the time of writing, a 50-50 chance of appearing at the weekend, which probably means only one thing…….
Another who is likely to be fit is full-back Ryan Bertrand. Bertrand withdrew from the England squad for the recent friendlies against The Netherlands and Italy suffering from a back problem though the withdrawal seems to have been "precautionary" in nature, though not as precautionary as Man Utd's constant withdrawal of fully fit players from international friendlies as a precaution against them possibly getting injured over the years. Now that Giggs is managing Wales I do so hope managers start treating him in the same way as he treated Wales managers over the years – what was it one friendly in 9 years?
But I digress.
So what has happened since last we met? Well every time I think this club can't get any lower it does. Let's look at Burnley then. Now as a very old supporter who was brought up on the promise of a thick ear from my Dad if I so much as thought about running onto the pitch, I can't condone incursions of the nature we saw at Burnley. However, I sure as hell understand the sentiment behind them. And there has been a complete load of utter twaddle spoken about the situation much of it from people who know the square root of sod all about football in general and our club in particular.
Take Mayor Khan for example. According to him the crowd unrest was "planned and co-ordinated". Now I don't know who is feeding him such b*llocks but as a senior elected politician really he ought to know better than to open his gob on stuff he knows nothing about. Apparently the evidence for the "planned and co-ordinated" trouble was that it all kicked off at the same time. Clearly Khan and his info suppliers have never tried to make a mobile call within the confines of the stadium. Remember last year even the old bill couldn't get their radios to work in the place. The only communications system that would really work would be a series of tin cans linked with string and I didn't see too many of those about did you?
No, unrest had been building up over a number of weeks culminating in the cancellation of the march that had been due to take place that day. By all accounts the club had been going out of its way to try and ensure that the march didn't take place. If that was the case it was a plan that blew up in their faces in the most spectacular manner with the pitch incursions (and please let's not pander to the gutter press by referring to them as "invasions") and the protests in front of the directors' seats garnering infinitely more publicity than the march ever would have done.
The fact that unrest started simultaneously had more to do with the fact that it had Burnley's first goal as a trigger. Or do they think we ring each other up on those rare occasions we actually score a goal and say "ready to cheer in 3,2,1……."?. So yet another public relations disaster of the sort that we never have according to the Baroness then.
As mentioned column miles have been written about the protests, some wise some less so. A number of columnists have made great play about David Gold's age. Now rightly or wrongly Gold is portrayed as the junior partner of the ruling junta and maybe there is some truth in the notion that his involvement is far less than Sullivan's. Gold's public utterances are certainly less "foot in mouth" than those of his co-chair or his vice-chair. He usually shoehorns in the fact that he lived opposite the Boleyn much in the same way as dodgy Dave Whelan mentions that he broke his leg in a cup final, but that's about it. However, the idea that his age somehow exempts him from criticism is a bit ageist. I do believe that the chap isn't in the rudest of health – and I sincerely wish him no ill in that respect – but football matches always take place in something of a confrontational atmosphere and directors up and down the country know that. Given that, outside some video channels and the occasional other website or blog, only three people in the world think our club is actually well-run, if the criticism is too much for someone of advanced years wouldn't it be a good idea to plan for a comfy retirement? How about a word with that woman who was putting together a group to buy Newcastle until she got fed up with Ashley messing her about? We would probably cost more than the Geordies but on the up side we are in London – I know this because it says so on the bloody badge.
I 'spose I ought to talk about football at some stage (please – Ed). The injury list looks like this:
1) Andy Carroll – broken foot – estimated return possibly Arsenal if they can make their bloody minds up when it's being played
2) Sam Byram – ankle – looks like he's out for the season
3) Pedro Obiang – knee ligaments – he's definitely out for the season
4) Manuel Lanzini – "knock" – picked up a worryingly vague mystery spot of "muscular discomfort" on international duty and is rated 50-50 for this one
5) Cheikh Kouyate – sick – apparently he's been under the weather with an attack of the vapours or some such. Nothing too serious and is 75% likely to play
6) Winston Reid – knee ligaments – out for the season
7) James Collins – hamstring – as predicted Collins' hamstring flared up after the Burnley game and he his rated with only a 25% chance of playing.
On the brighter side Fernandes' ankle has healed enough for him to be in contention. Masuaku is available for selection having a) served out his deserved suspension and b) emerged unscathed from the international break having joined three other players in walking out from the DR Congo squad in a Roy Keane stylie due to a "complete lack of organisation". A spokesman for DR Congo said "We thought he was missing West Ham. We were only trying to make him feel at home" I expect.
With Arthur having decided that the delights of playing for a country hitherto famous only for its appearance as a pointless answer on that quiz show that I can't remember the name of are not for him, and Ogbonna thankfully not being thrown on for the England Italy match, we came away from the international break relatively clear of injury – assuming Lanzini's "knock" isn't too serious. We are struggling at the moment for numbers in defence with Collins' advancing years meaning that he will take a while to recover and Reid's ligaments being horrifyingly knackered pro-tem. With Byram also having an early summer holiday to avoid school holiday time you can expect to see a lot more of young Rice in the starting XI. By the way congrats are due to the lad for his full international debut for Ireland during the break.
Arnie looked in good nick in midweek. On Saturday he should be reminded of a few things and wound up and told to channel his anger at beating this weekend's opponents in the same way he vented his spleen at Stoke away this season. Just remind him of the elbows to the face he took down at their place only to be punished for retaliation. With Mark Hughes now pitch side tell him it's Stoke again, there's the goal now get on with it. Incidentally Hughes's foul-mouth tirade at Arnie when the player was subbed at Stoke this season saw no action from the authorities. Odd that.
So prediction time. Up to now the crowd have been content to boo when the performances have been sub-standard. Burnley changed all that. Although the protests were rightly aimed at the board, the pent-up rage they contained should have brought home to the players just how dissatisfied we all are at the moment infinitely more than half a season's worth of booing has done. So that will have gone down one of two ways. Either we get a reaction which involves sleeves rolled up, teeth gritted and some sheer bloody-mindedness and a determination to win. If we get that Burnley will turn out to have been the low point and the catalyst and kick up the backside that was needed to get something out of the players. If we don't get that reaction Burnley will just turn out to have been a yet another stopping off point en route to the inevitable.
The latter option doesn't bear thinking about and whilst I don't think I will be right I am going to predict a nervy home win on the grounds that I really want to be proved wrong so it's off to Winstone's I will go with the £2.50 I was going to chip in to the club's coffers for a new corner flag (every little helps) and place it on a nervy 2-1 win to us.
Enjoy the game!
When last we met at the Olympic: Lost 0-3 (Premier League 2016)
Remember how we rolled over against a mediocre Brighton side at home this season? It was like that with different coloured stripes.
Referee: Jon Moss
Won his place having successfully completed the phrase "I think I should be a referee because" on the coupon cut out from the side of cornflakes packet. Spent the rest of the week hoovering up cornflakes that had fallen out of the hole in the packet as a result. Incidentally it was confirmed this week that no English referees wold take part at the World Cup. Nice one Riley.
Danger Man: Charlie Austin
Inevitable, isn't it.
Percy's poser:
Last time out we asked you why the good burghers of Burnley are getting in a tizzy about something called "Pexit" as well as the "now in it's 30th year" matter of "Brexit". Thanks are due to Mrs Juliette Disgruntled of Great Baddow who was first out of the digital hat with the answer that "Pexit" is the name given to the plan by a number of East Lancashire's local authorities to leave Lancashire and set up their own unitary authority as a reaction to being "ruled by Preston". Quite what they are going to do with the Yorkshire border remains to be see, Well done Juliette.
For this week's poser we look at the world of public transport. We're not big fans of buses here at the Avram Grant Olympic Rest Home For The Bewildered – too many poor people from council estates all in one place for our liking. However, we do have to slum it once in a while and we are very quick to fill out the compensation forms whenever our journey is delayed or otherwise interrupted. So this week we ask you what happened on a Southampton bus this week that would have had us demanding eye-watering levels of compo? Clue: It involved some horrific crimes against music – and Southampton has produced enough of those for you to be getting on with….
First prize will be a set of ear plugs.
Good luck!
Please note that the opinions expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily represent the views of, nor should be attributed to, KUMB.com.
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Russia striker Fyodor Smolov wants to join West Ham before the World Cup
By Sky Sports News
Last Updated: 29/03/18 11:51am
SSN
Russia striker Fyodor Smolov wants to join West Ham before the World Cup starts this summer, Sky Sports News understands. A source close to the player says West Ham "can end the Cold War" by signing the Krasnodar striker. The 28-year-old scored for Russia in their 3-1 loss to France in St Petersburg on Tuesday. He also scored twice in a friendly against Spain in November 2017. Smolov is valued at between £10m and £13m by Krasnodar and Sky Sports News understands he is expected to leave the Russian club this summer. West Ham were in talks to sign him last summer but manager David Moyes was not convinced that he was strong enough to play in the Premier League. Ligue 1 side Marseille are also interested in a deal for Smolov but the player himself would prefer to move to London. Smolov has scored 50 goals in 67 games for Krasnodar and 12 times in 30 games for Russia.
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BUILDING A FORTRESS
By Blind Hammer 29 Mar 2018 at 08:00
WTID
Blind Hammer argues for proudly building atmosphere.
We are entering the business end of a campaign which could define our future for the next decade. In an extraordinary season all sections of the Club, from Board, management, Players and finally , some supporters, have lurched towards pressing a self-destruct button. This year will mark my 50th anniversary of my first visit to Upton Park. With the possible exception of the Bond Scheme, I have never known a time in during which we have shot ourselves in the foot not once but regularly in a weird kind of masochistic frenzy.
The determination for self-annihilation has at times astonished me. Despite what people think I am not blind to issues. We can, at the end of the Season, reflect on multiple areas. In future THE Board should refrain from denigration of players still on our Wage bill. Tony Henry's surreal RACIST assertion to, of all people, an agent of a Cameroon player, that West Ham would not recruit African players defies not only decency but basic intelligence. The inexplicable continuation of playing Antonio by successive Managers in anything but his strongest position defies logic. Throughout the season we have suffered from various acts of avoidable player madness, the lowlight of which was Masuaku losing his discipline if not his mind by spitting at Wigan's Nick Powell. No I am not blind to these issues but they most definitely need parking.
What we can do from now until the end of the season is provide the best environment in which our players can perform. It is often said that a Football Club is not defined by its Board, not its Manager, or its Players. All these move on. The constant is its supporters. I will add one more condition; a club is also not defined by its Ground. I loved going to Upton Park but I am a West Ham United and not an Upton Park supporter. Football clubs move. My Father lived through the transition from the Memorial Ground to Upton Park. I am living through the transition from Upton Park to the London Stadium. All Football clubs will, over time, change and move on. West Ham will carry on at the LS just as they carried on after leaving the memorial Ground. Yet the sadness I felt at departing Upton Park is now overwhelmed by despair at the destructive futile negativity from those, even now, determined to create a feel bad climate about the London stadium. Quite how they feel this helps our club in its current predicament bewilders me. Even with Upton Park demolished, some are still loudly branding the LS as a "soulless Athletics Bowl". I respect the right to free speech but I am genuinely puzzled by how anybody can think how this helps our team?
It is also manifestly untrue. Last season, hours before the Spurs game , the Guardian ran its normal lazy and gleeful anti- West Ham article declaring how West Ham were now playing under the handicap of a Stadium with no atmosphere. On the night my sighted guide was a Sheffield Wednesday supporter. He was awestruck by the atmosphere both during and after this memorable victory. He described it as the loudest game he had ever attended. Paul has returned to guide me this season. Although West Ham is gradually becoming his second team he remains essentially neutral and has no axe to grind. He recently attended Arsenal's Emirates Stadium and was amazed at the lack of atmosphere despite their 4-1 victory. He is convinced that comparatively there is far more atmosphere at the LS. If West Ham were winning 4-1 there would have been scenes of delirious excitement.
He is not alone in this assessment. Another Guide, actually an Ipswich town supporter, compared the LS with his attendance at Chelsea, his nearest club. He found criticism of our atmosphere odd. He not only believes the Stadium is far superior to Stamford Bridge, but also that atmosphere exceeds what he experiences at Chelsea.
It is a myth that we are disadvantaged amongst rival cauldrons of positive atmosphere in the Premiership. The atmosphere at grounds with traditionally loyal supporters like West Brom and Stoke has been described as toxic this season. Atmosphere is an issue even for successful clubs like Manchester United. Despite their huge 75,000 capacity, Mourinho has consistently criticised their quietness. Last week the BBC reported United's efforts to wake up their sepulchral crowd with plans for cheerleaders with megaphones and the distribution of Song Sheets. Imagine the field day the Guardian would have had if this was an idea emanating from West Ham.
This is not a problem limited to the united side of Manchester. Over the last 12 months Guardiola and city players have complained about the quiet Etihad atmosphere. In response the City Fan group 1894 launched a campaign to try and rectify this.
This is also not a phenomenon restricted to new Stadia. Only a few months ago Paul Merson was commenting on how quiet it was at Everton's Goodison Park compared to years gone by.
Now of course atmosphere when we are playing badly at the LS is poor. Despite what people say this was also true for Upton Park. It is also clear that when we play well, especially against the best teams, we can make the Stadium rock. The atmosphere early in the season, when we beat Chelsea, was fantastic.
So negative whining about a soulless athletics bowl is precisely that. It is negative and self-defeating. We have nothing to be ashamed of. Our atmosphere can be as good as and probably better than the majority of clubs in the league. It is our job to deliver this in the crucial weeks ahead.
COYI
David Griffith
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WEST HAM FACE STRONG COMPETITION FOR SOUTH AMERICAN MIDFIELDER
ELLIOTT CUFF @CuffWrites
ReadWestHam
West Ham are keen on signing Argentine midfielder Rodrigo Battaglia this summer, according to Portuguese sources. The Hammers have made signing a new midfielder one of their highest priorities, and the Sporting Lisbon enforcer is the latest man to be linked with a switch to the English capital. Portuguese outlet O Jogo, as reported by Sport Witness, claim that several clubs are interested in signing the 26-year old this summer, one of whom are West Ham. Reportedly, West Ham attempted to sign Battaglia in the January transfer window but were unsuccessful. The Lions expect an offer of €30million to begin talks, whereas David Moyes' side only offered €20million, which was rejected. The London Stadium outfit are still pursuing the midfielder, although they haven't yet made another offer. Meanwhile, Italian trio Roma, Napoli and Inter Milan are all said to be interested. Sporting are expected to make a decision on Battaglia's future next month, and given the amount of interest in his services, could well demand more money if they decide to sell.
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http://vyperz.blogspot.com
WHUFC.com
A series of measures have been implemented to ensure the safety of supporters attending Saturday's Premier League game against Southampton at London Stadium.
In light of the regrettable actions of a small minority of individuals during West Ham's fixture with Burnley, the Club has worked closely alongside stadium operators LS185, E20, the Metropolitan Police, London Borough of Newham and fans - via the Supporter Advisory Board – to implement a number of proactive steps with the safety and security of everyone coming to the game our foremost priority. Heightened measures will include a significantly enhanced number of police officers and security personnel at London Stadium, as well a dynamic pitch response team.
To assist with creating the safest environment possible for all and following direction from the Safety Advisory Group, several security gates will also be in operation throughout the Stadium both on the bridges within the lower tier and on the internal concourses, which will restrict fans' migration around the stadium. With these new measures in place, supporters are advised to allow extra time to take their seats before the 3pm kick-off. The Club are, as always, committed to providing fans with the best matchday experience possible, with these procedures only in place for the safety and security of all inside London Stadium.
Every ticket holder is an ambassador for this Club and we would like to remind those coming to London Stadium on Saturday of their responsibilities to themselves, their fellow supporters, the team and everyone associated with the Club to support West Ham United in a passionate, respectful manner. Lifetime bans were issued to individuals who crossed safety barriers to enter the field of play during the Burnley fixture, while a number of others were banned for life for violently throwing coins or objects with intent to injure or harm on the bridge directly in front of the Directors' Box. As part of an ongoing thorough investigation, the Club expect additional bans to be confirmed imminently. During the second half of that Burnley game, we witnessed scenes that none of us would like to see repeated and this Saturday we encourage you all to join us in backing the team in a hugely important fixture and make us all feel proud of West Ham United again.
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West Ham United hold emergency SAB meeting
WHUFC.com
West Ham United have met with the Supporter Advisory Board (SAB) in an emergency meeting at London Stadium. With the Club and stakeholders committed to ensuring the safety, comfort and securing of all supporters attending matches at London Stadium, following the events which marred the Premier League fixture with Burnley on Saturday 10 March, SAB members were invited to discuss the situation in detail. Representatives from across the Club's wide and diverse fanbase sat down with Vice-Chairman Karren Brady, Sir Trevor Brooking, members of the senior management team and stakeholders for a positive two-hour meeting focused on the key issues. Summarising, the Vice-Chairman said: "The scenes we saw at the Burnley game were very sad for all of us and for any supporter of West Ham United. "The objective of the meeting was to offer reassurance to our supporters in terms of the plans in place to ensure that London Stadium will be safe and secure for Saturday's match against Southampton and beyond. "The most important thing on Saturday is that all supporters attending feel safe and comfortable, and that our players have an environment that enables them to perform at their very best in what is a hugely important match."
The Vice-Chairman continued by telling the SAB that the Board accept the unhappiness and frustration of some fans and how they are absolutely committed to putting things right, on and off the pitch. She confirmed that the Club's number-one priority will always be the security of supporters inside London Stadium and explained the remedial actions taken to that end, including the imposition of life bans and introduction of enhanced safety measures at future matches. The Vice-Chairman also revealed the positive news that West Ham United has received the Premier League Equality Standard, showing the Hammers' commitment to achieving and promoting equality and diversity across all areas of the Club. SAB members were then invited to ask questions to the panel, with topics including stewarding, communications, safety and security for accessibility supporters, the Club's relationship with London Stadium stakeholders, enhancing the matchday experience and plans for improved supporter consultation.
Sir Trevor Brooking spoke passionately about his love for the Club and asked supporters to get behind the team and the Club for the remainder of the season and that, once Premier League safety is assured, the issues can be tackled. He stated his view that without Premier League status many of the things supporters wish to see happen would prove impossible to deliver so that must be the focus for everyone associated with the Club. The meeting closed with members being asked to provide ideas for potential themes for future matchdays at London Stadium, which the wider fanbase will vote on ahead of Saturday's fixture with Southampton.
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Carlton Cole calls for West Ham fans to get behind team as he hangs up his boots
WHUFC.com
If there is one person who knows the qualities needed to battle through adversity and tough times at West Ham United, it is Carlton Cole. The former Hammers striker, who made a total of 293 appearances for the Club in two separate spells between 2006 and 2015, experienced plenty of ups and downs in almost a decade in Claret and Blue. A member of the side that pulled off the Great Escape in 2007, he suffered the pain of relegation in 2011 and then played a key role in helping the Hammers to bounce back at the first attempt. In 2013, he was released but, having fought to prove his fitness and worth, was re-signed just months later and went on to make a valuable contribution over the next two years, cementing his reputation as a true hero among the fanbase.
In an exclusive interview with West Ham TV, he had a message of solidarity and strength for anyone who has Claret and Blue in their hearts. "The scenes I saw a few weeks ago at the Burnley game were upsetting, for me and my family, and I had a lot of people asking me what was going on," he said. "It's now time to come together and push in the same direction. Any qualms the fans have – let's just leave that until the end of the season and first make sure we are safe. In the summer, we can assess everything, but now is not the time. For now, the fans have got to get behind the team. "One thing every player must do is give 100 per cent every time he steps out on the pitch. You need to have strength of character when the pressure is on. West Ham definitely have the players who can lead the team to success, but they need the fans with them. "The support of the fans is vital right now and I hope they can see that. It's a massive game on Saturday, for both teams, and it is not going to be easy. We've got to go out there, put our battle gear on, and get the result we need."
Carlton, who until recently had been training with AFC Wimbledon following spells in Scotland, the United States and Indonesia, also revealed to West Ham TV that, after an illustrious 16-year playing career that began at Chelsea and also stopped off at Wolverhampton Wanderers, Charlton Athletic and Aston Villa, he has now turned his focus to developing the next generation of talented youngsters in his native London. "This is a bit of an exclusive actually!" he laughed. "I'm still getting offers to play, but the fact is that I feel I am in a different space right now and I want to move on with my life and help others. "I have been mentoring a few kids who are aspiring to play football and I've set up my own consultancy business aimed at youngsters – aimed at grass roots level, getting them off the streets and hopefully giving them better opportunities to make it at the top level. "It is something I am very passionate and serious about and I want to give it my full focus now."
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West Ham's Mr Versatile is willing to do anything to keep the Hammers up
WHUFC.com
Aaron Cresswell has been West Ham United's Mr Versatile this season, and the No3 has insisted he will do whatever it takes to keep the Hammers in the Premier League. The Liverpool-born star has been an important figure for West Ham this season, at both ends of the pitch. Not only has he played 13 times as a centre-half, but he has also registered a team-high six Premier League assists and delivered 32 key passes for his grateful teammates. Cresswell has been committed, reliable and flexible, but he is experienced enough to know he cannot win games on his own. "To be honest, as long as we get three points or we get a result, I couldn't care less who scores, who sets the goals up or what position I play in," he told Saturday's Official Programme for the vital Premier League visit of Southampton. "For me, it's all about the team and if someone had said to me I'd play that many games as a centre-half this season last summer, I'd have probably laughed, but the circumstances we've had this season and the injuries we've had, I've happily played there and we've had some good games and results. "It's not just about individuals, though, and I know all the lads would put the team and winning games before themselves."
The Hammers kick-off the eight-match run-in with the visit of Southampton and, with the Saints sitting two points and one place below West Ham in the table, Cresswell says the hosts will need to be fully focused on the job in hand. "It's extremely tight at the bottom of the table and I think there are at least six or seven teams who are still right in it. "If you're asking me how many points will keep us up, I'd say another three wins and nine points should do it, especially if we win the big, important games against the likes of Southampton and Stoke. If we win those two games, that will take us a few points clear of them. "It's easy saying that, but we need to go out there and get those three-point hauls. We've got eight cup finals left and we've got to win a few of them, at least."
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West Ham United publish Gender Pay Report
WHUFC.com
Under government rules introduced last year - the Equality Act 2010 (Gender Pay Gap Information) Regulations 2017 - as a company with 250 or more employees, West Ham United are requested to annually disclose figures comparing men and women's average pay on 14 data points across the organisation.
West Ham United have conducted a review of its remuneration and employment procedures and, for the first time, today publish its figures on gender pay disparity. These numbers are solely for West Ham United and do not include West Ham United Ladies or West Ham United Foundation.
The findings as of 5 April 2017 show:
Across the organisation the mean gender pay gap currently stands at 87.4%
But when male first team players, management and coaches are removed, the gap currently stands at -9.76%
Breakdown
The mean pay gap of 87.4% for the whole workforce, including the male playing staff, is not a true representation of the gender pay gap because the highly-paid male football players and male football management salaries dominate the workforce and distort the figures. When male first-team players, management and coaches are removed, the gap stands at -9.76% - this reflects favourably on West Ham with a national pay gap at 18.4%. Over three quarters of the wage bill is spent on less than 15% of the core workforce which are all male first-team players.
Similarly, the mean bonus figure is also distorted by the male football-related staff whom make up 64% of the workforce receiving bonuses and they take over 50% of the total bonus payments.
Men and Women in each quartile
Women are under-represented in each quartile and only account for the third of the workforce, however, females represent 14% of the workforce in the first and second quartiles combined.
There are more males in the fourth quartile than expected because male scouts and male coaches are part-time, more than most workforces, and males make up almost half of the match day casual workforce.
It is important to note that the Club pays equal pay for men and women performing equal jobs. Categorically, men and women doing the same job are paid the same rate of pay.
What the Club has done so far
The Board has worked very hard in the last six years to address the gender issues faced in football. This has been achieved through the promotion and development of existing staff and positive action in external recruitment. We are now at a point where 50% of the Vice-Chairman's direct reports are female and two women sit on the Board. The Club undertakes equality audits on HR policies and procedures to promote equality of opportunity and eliminate discrimination.
The Club is also very supportive of its female workforce who have children; 80% of female employees who have been on maternity leave in the past two years have returned to the Club and all flexible working requests have been granted.
Additionally, West Ham United FC has paid the equivalent of London Living Wage to all full-time and part-time permanent members of staff since June 2015 and became an accredited London Living Wage Employer in December 2017.
And, to recognise the good work West Ham United is currently undertaking, the Club was awarded the Premier League Equality Standard (preliminary level) in 2016 and the intermediate level in March 2018.
What West Ham United will do next
The Club will to continue to encourage women in its recruitment activities to increase the number of women working in the Club, particularly at management level. The Club already monitors recruitment data for applicants to ascertain where women are falling out of the process and we will take action to encourage more female applicants.
Over the next 18 months the Club will also work to achieve its advance Premier League Equality Standard. And, through the West Ham Skills School, the Club will continue to provide diversity and unconscious bias training to staff and focus on developing underrepresented groups within the workforce. The Club always values feedback and will reach out to the female workforce to assess gender inclusivity in the workplace.
Commenting on the report, West Ham United Vice-Chairman Karren Brady said: "As a woman working in football, I am of course pleased to see this report published and I would like to put on the record my thanks to all the highly dedicated and committed staff at the Club who work so hard to eradicate pay disparity.
"West Ham United believe that remuneration should always be based on merit and on individuals' talent and should never be a reflection of their gender. Of course, at a professional male football club the numbers will always be skewed, but West Ham can categorically state that men and women doing the same job will always receive the same rate of pay while working at the Club.
"When male first team players, management and coaching staff are removed from the figures, West Ham United's pay gap stand at -9.76%. With a national average of 18.4%, I believe this reflects favourably on West Ham and its current employment procedures.
"West Ham already has a proud record of internal promotion and development of existing female staff - we have two female Board members, 50% of my direct reports are women and we will work even harder to get more women into senior management positions over the coming year. I am also proud that all flexible working requests have been granted during my time at the Club.
"We know we cannot be complacent when there is so much more to do be done but we are proud of the work we have done off the pitch and we will continue to build on those good practices to make sure all those working at West Ham achieve their fullest potential."
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West Ham v Southampton: Extra security for London Stadium game to cost taxpayers £60,000
By Simon Stone
BBC Sport
About £60,000 of taxpayers' money will be used to pay for increased security at West Ham's home Premier League match against Southampton on Saturday.
The match will be the first at London Stadium since trouble flared at the 3-0 defeat by Burnley on 10 March. Twenty fans were given life bans, including four for invading the pitch. A substantially increased security presence includes measures to stop fans getting in front of the directors' box as occurred during the Burnley game. Under the terms of the Hammers' 99-year lease at the former Olympic Stadium, security is paid for by the centrally funded body that runs the venue. London Mayor Sadiq Khan wants West Ham to make a financial contribution for similar security arrangements at the club's remaining home matches this season.
The Safety Advisory Group, the body responsible for supplying the safety certificate to allow the game to proceed, has warned any repeat of the trouble will result in matches being played behind closed doors. Khan said: "The safety of all supporters and visitors to London Stadium is of paramount importance. Nobody wants to witness scenes like those during the last home game, which were caused by a small minority."
In a statement, West Ham reminded fans of "their responsibilities to themselves, their fellow supporters, the team and everyone associated with the club". Every ticket holder is an ambassador for this club," it read. "We encourage you all to join us in backing the team in a hugely important fixture and make us all feel proud of West Ham United again."
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Only one disabled fan moved, say West Ham
KUMB.com
Filed: Thursday, 29th March 2018
By: Staff Writer
West Ham United say that just ONE supporter has been moved to make room for additional security measures. Earlier this week a member of the KUMB Forum, who is also a disabled season ticket holder at West Ham, was informed that he was being re-seated with immediate effect in order to make way for the installation of new security gates by the Directors' Box at the Olympic Stadium. However a club source told KUMB the supporter in question is the ONLY season ticket holder to have been moved as a result of the stadium upgrades, which are understood to have been suggested by a Safety Advisory Group panel that met in response to the disturbances witnessed during the recent match against Burnley.
The source stated that it had been necessary to move the fan in question as "the gates has been installed too closely" to his seat - adding that the supporter has since accepted a seat in the Corporate area as an alternative. In additional to the new gates that have been installed around the Directors' Box ahead of Saturday's Premier League meeting with Southampton, several segregation gates have been added around the stadium to prevent the free movement of fans around the arena.
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'Moyes effect' results in small improvement
KUMB.com
Filed: Thursday, 29th March 2018
By: Staff Writer
David Moyes' first 19 Premier League games in charge of West Ham have resulted in a minor improvement to West Ham United's form since parting company with Slaven Bilic. West Ham's 3-0 defeat at home to Burnley in their most recent Premeir League outing meant that Moyes had been in charge for 19 league meetings since succeeding the Croat - exactly half-a-season in terms of divisional fixtures. During that period his team has managed to secure an average of just 1.11 points per game - which represents a minor improvement to the 0.89 points per game Bilic secured during his final 19 Premier League fixtures.
However that form replicated over the course of an entire season would leave the Hammers on just 42 points (the number with which the club were relegated at the end of the 2002/03 season) and fighting relegation - as is the case now. The forme Everton and Manchester United boss, who is working on a short-term contract has achieved Premier League wins over just five teams so far since joining the Hammers - those being Chelsea, Stoke City, West Bromwich Albion, Huddersfield and Watford. A sixth win - a 1-0 defeat of League One Shrewsbury in an FA Cup third round replay - was achieved in extra time at the Olympic Stadium thanks to youngster Reece Burke's very late winner. Additionally Moyes' average points per game figure falls slightly when taking into account all fixtures, including EFL and FA Cup dates. In total he has taken charge of 23 matches, with an equivalent average points tally of 1.09.
David Moyes: first 19 Premier League fixtures (half-a-season)
Won: 5
Drawn: 6
Lost: 8
Points: 21
Average Points Per Game: 1.11
Slaven Bilic: last 19 Premier League fixtures (half-a-season)
Won: 4
Drawn: 5
Lost: 10
Points: 17
Average Points Per Game: 0.89
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Smolov seeking West Ham move
KUMB.com
Filed: Thursday, 29th March 2018
By: Staff Writer
Sources in Russia say that Fyodor Smolov wants to secure a move to West Ham before the World Cup commences this June. The 28-year-old striker, who currently features for Krasnodar and has been repeatedly linked with a move to east London this season is reported to have told associates that he wants to complete his on/off move as soon as possible. However much will depend on the Hammers being willing to meet his asking price, said to be in the region of £12-£15million. West Ham were first linked with a move for the Russian captain, who already speaks fluent English, a matter of days after David Moyes was installed as the club's latest manager last November. Smolov is said to be particularly keen to move to London despite having also been linked with clubs such as Schalke and Bayer Leverkusen in recent months.
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Moyes wants players to 'instigate' positive mood
KUMB.com
Filed: Thursday, 29th March 2018
By: Staff Writer
David Moyes has challenged his players to be the "instigators" of a positive atmosphere at the Olympic Stadium this weekend. The Hammers boss, speaking in his latest weekly piece for the Evening Standard called for the fans to get behind the team against Southampton this Saturday - but has also ordered his players to give the crowd something to cheer. Some sections of the 50,000+ crowd turned on the Board immediately after Burnley scored their first goal in the recent 3-0 defeat, leading the chaotic scenes and a number of frustrated fans invading the pitch.
And Moyes admits his team simply can't afford the same situation to arise this weekend. "My message to the players is we have to be the instigators," he said. "We need to be the ones to start things off, set the mood and give the supporters something on which they can focus their support. "I can tell our fans that the players are really together. They've been hard on themselves since the Burnley defeat and they are ready for the remaining eight games of this season. It will make our job so much easier if everyone is behind us on Saturday — and I'm sure they will be. "The problems which occurred against Burnley didn't help us. After the first goal there was a long break because of the issues on the pitch and the players' statistics dropped off dramatically. That proves the importance of the support — and if that can happen so spectacularly when things go wrong, then the opposite is true if we feel that unified support."
Moyes also welcomed the return of Arthur Masuaku, whose trickery and guile have been badly missed during the six matches for which he has been suspended. "Arthur gives us some balance on the left-hand side of the team and he has that pace which worries the opposition," he added. "The FA Cup tie at Wigan a couple of months ago was a big negative for us, not only because we lost but also due to Arthur's own stupidity and a nasty knee injury to Pedro Obiang, who we have really missed in midfield. "We've been patching up since then, and it's great to have Arthur back for the business end of the season."
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Carroll to return before end of season
KUMB.com
Filed: Thursday, 29th March 2018
By: Staff Writer
David Moyes has revealed that he expects Andy Carroll to return to first team action earlier than previously predicted. The 29-year-old striker, who was linked with a loan move to Chelsea shortly before being sidelined was expected to miss the rest of the campaign with his latest injury, an ankle problem, sustained back in January. However manager Moyes has confirmed that the former England international is expected to return to first team action within the next few weeks - meaning that he should be able to play a role in West Ham's last "four or five" games this season. "Andy Carroll is still a very important member of our squad and I hope he will be available for the final four or five games, even if it is off the bench at times," Moyes told the Standard. "Before his injury, Andy scored two unbelievably good goals against West Brom in a really important victory for us and I wanted him in Miami to see how I work on a trip like that and also what I expect of him. He is ahead of schedule in terms of his recovery and I am positive that the trip helped him." Carroll has featured just 14 times for West Ham thus far this season, scoring twice and being booked on six occasions.
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West Ham United v Southampton
KUMB.com
Filed: Thursday, 29th March 2018
By: Preview Percy
Preview Percy's back and he's not happy. And he has calmed down a hellova lot during the Cup/International break. Not that it shows. Here's his take on this weekend's visit of Southampton.....
And so, after what appears to have been a break that lasted a long as a close season without a World Cup or Euros to fill the gap, we return to action. Kick-off is 3pm and our visitors will be Southampton. Had the "most successful stadium move in the world, ever, it really was, honest" (Copyright K. Brady) not resulted in our home ground being unavailable at the start of the season this game would have been played on the south coast. It wasn't so here we are.
Trains are their usual shambles in and out of Liverpool Street and you can add some diversions into the mix on the C2C where there is nothing between Grays and Rainham. So if you have ever fancied a visit to Ockendon this weekend would be a good time to try it. Oh and if you happen to be coming up from Southampton RMT have called another one of their strikes but I don't expect anyone will notice the difference.
So Southampton then. They currently occupy the final relegation spot with 28 points from the 30 played so far. Which is 3 points and one place behind us. They've won 1 drawn 3 and lost 2 of their last 6 in the league, a run of form that saw them dispense with services of Pellegrino and turn to the oh so subtle talents of Mark Hughes. The general impression one gets of the appointment is that Hughes wouldn't have been the average Saints fan's first choice to take the helm but needs must when the devil vomits in your kettle as it was so eloquently put in one of the Blackadder series.
Hughes got off to a winning start with a 2-0 win at Wigan in the Cup with the home side finally having run out of referees willing to give penalties like the one they got against us. However, the vagaries of the international break system mean that this will be Hughes' first league match in charge so, having had a free pass for his first game it's from here where the real work starts.
A quick look at the transfer window courtesy of the work experience kid of as yet to be determined gender wearing a hoodie who seems only able to communicate with some strange grunting noises might suggest that the departure of Virgil Van Dijk (imagine Thunderbird 2 piloted by a chimney sweep with a dodgy cockney accent) to Liverpool (where else?) might have led to a slump in form. However, the player effectively left for Liverpool back in the summer when yet again the Scousers got caught red handed breaching every transfer rule in the book. In fact the Dutch defender played only 12 times in the league this season and his last match in Saints colours was as early as 13 December. Just after Christmas it was announced that the player would officially be a Liverpool player with effect from 1 January. There were dark mutterings that the £75m fee contained some sort of premium in Southampton's favour in return for leaving the player out of their December squads and for not taking the transfer rule breaches any further. Let's put it this way, it wouldn't have been the first time Liverpool have paid off rival clubs to avoid trouble with the authorities – eh Tottenham?
The £75m received for Van Dijk didn't send Pellegrino rushing out to the shops, though they did break their transfer record in spending a reported £19m on Monaco's Argentinian striker Guido Carillo. Carillo netted 21 times in 95 appearances in all competitions in the principality. Prior to Monaco Carillo plied his trade at Estudiantes, an Argentinian club that those of us of a certain age will remember getting involved in a brutal Intercontinental Cop tie with Man Utd back in 1968. The Estudiantes side contained a number of players from the Argentinian squad labelled as "animals" by Sir Alf Ramsey in the 1966 World Cup and their conduct two years later did little to counter that description. All of which has nothing to do with this weekend's game but hey it was an amusing diversion down memory lane nonetheless. Back here in Blighty Carillo has yet to open his account in a Southampton shirt which probably only means one thing…..
Top goalscorer at present is Charlie Austin who has 6 in 16 league appearances. Austin was, of course, the subject of one of those "public relations disasters" that never take place according to the Baroness, when David Sullivan opened his gob and proved once again why he should leave the running of a football club to someone who might know what they are doing. George out of Rainbow, for example, wouldn't have done anything as stupid as claiming another club's player was shot as Sullivan did with Austin who, understandably, had slightly different views on the matter. The aftermath was that Sullivan ended up having to issue another of those apologies for a public relations disaster of the sort that never take place according to the Baroness. Worryingly, it seems that Austin is winning his battle against a thigh injury and has, at the time of writing, a 50-50 chance of appearing at the weekend, which probably means only one thing…….
Another who is likely to be fit is full-back Ryan Bertrand. Bertrand withdrew from the England squad for the recent friendlies against The Netherlands and Italy suffering from a back problem though the withdrawal seems to have been "precautionary" in nature, though not as precautionary as Man Utd's constant withdrawal of fully fit players from international friendlies as a precaution against them possibly getting injured over the years. Now that Giggs is managing Wales I do so hope managers start treating him in the same way as he treated Wales managers over the years – what was it one friendly in 9 years?
But I digress.
So what has happened since last we met? Well every time I think this club can't get any lower it does. Let's look at Burnley then. Now as a very old supporter who was brought up on the promise of a thick ear from my Dad if I so much as thought about running onto the pitch, I can't condone incursions of the nature we saw at Burnley. However, I sure as hell understand the sentiment behind them. And there has been a complete load of utter twaddle spoken about the situation much of it from people who know the square root of sod all about football in general and our club in particular.
Take Mayor Khan for example. According to him the crowd unrest was "planned and co-ordinated". Now I don't know who is feeding him such b*llocks but as a senior elected politician really he ought to know better than to open his gob on stuff he knows nothing about. Apparently the evidence for the "planned and co-ordinated" trouble was that it all kicked off at the same time. Clearly Khan and his info suppliers have never tried to make a mobile call within the confines of the stadium. Remember last year even the old bill couldn't get their radios to work in the place. The only communications system that would really work would be a series of tin cans linked with string and I didn't see too many of those about did you?
No, unrest had been building up over a number of weeks culminating in the cancellation of the march that had been due to take place that day. By all accounts the club had been going out of its way to try and ensure that the march didn't take place. If that was the case it was a plan that blew up in their faces in the most spectacular manner with the pitch incursions (and please let's not pander to the gutter press by referring to them as "invasions") and the protests in front of the directors' seats garnering infinitely more publicity than the march ever would have done.
The fact that unrest started simultaneously had more to do with the fact that it had Burnley's first goal as a trigger. Or do they think we ring each other up on those rare occasions we actually score a goal and say "ready to cheer in 3,2,1……."?. So yet another public relations disaster of the sort that we never have according to the Baroness then.
As mentioned column miles have been written about the protests, some wise some less so. A number of columnists have made great play about David Gold's age. Now rightly or wrongly Gold is portrayed as the junior partner of the ruling junta and maybe there is some truth in the notion that his involvement is far less than Sullivan's. Gold's public utterances are certainly less "foot in mouth" than those of his co-chair or his vice-chair. He usually shoehorns in the fact that he lived opposite the Boleyn much in the same way as dodgy Dave Whelan mentions that he broke his leg in a cup final, but that's about it. However, the idea that his age somehow exempts him from criticism is a bit ageist. I do believe that the chap isn't in the rudest of health – and I sincerely wish him no ill in that respect – but football matches always take place in something of a confrontational atmosphere and directors up and down the country know that. Given that, outside some video channels and the occasional other website or blog, only three people in the world think our club is actually well-run, if the criticism is too much for someone of advanced years wouldn't it be a good idea to plan for a comfy retirement? How about a word with that woman who was putting together a group to buy Newcastle until she got fed up with Ashley messing her about? We would probably cost more than the Geordies but on the up side we are in London – I know this because it says so on the bloody badge.
I 'spose I ought to talk about football at some stage (please – Ed). The injury list looks like this:
1) Andy Carroll – broken foot – estimated return possibly Arsenal if they can make their bloody minds up when it's being played
2) Sam Byram – ankle – looks like he's out for the season
3) Pedro Obiang – knee ligaments – he's definitely out for the season
4) Manuel Lanzini – "knock" – picked up a worryingly vague mystery spot of "muscular discomfort" on international duty and is rated 50-50 for this one
5) Cheikh Kouyate – sick – apparently he's been under the weather with an attack of the vapours or some such. Nothing too serious and is 75% likely to play
6) Winston Reid – knee ligaments – out for the season
7) James Collins – hamstring – as predicted Collins' hamstring flared up after the Burnley game and he his rated with only a 25% chance of playing.
On the brighter side Fernandes' ankle has healed enough for him to be in contention. Masuaku is available for selection having a) served out his deserved suspension and b) emerged unscathed from the international break having joined three other players in walking out from the DR Congo squad in a Roy Keane stylie due to a "complete lack of organisation". A spokesman for DR Congo said "We thought he was missing West Ham. We were only trying to make him feel at home" I expect.
With Arthur having decided that the delights of playing for a country hitherto famous only for its appearance as a pointless answer on that quiz show that I can't remember the name of are not for him, and Ogbonna thankfully not being thrown on for the England Italy match, we came away from the international break relatively clear of injury – assuming Lanzini's "knock" isn't too serious. We are struggling at the moment for numbers in defence with Collins' advancing years meaning that he will take a while to recover and Reid's ligaments being horrifyingly knackered pro-tem. With Byram also having an early summer holiday to avoid school holiday time you can expect to see a lot more of young Rice in the starting XI. By the way congrats are due to the lad for his full international debut for Ireland during the break.
Arnie looked in good nick in midweek. On Saturday he should be reminded of a few things and wound up and told to channel his anger at beating this weekend's opponents in the same way he vented his spleen at Stoke away this season. Just remind him of the elbows to the face he took down at their place only to be punished for retaliation. With Mark Hughes now pitch side tell him it's Stoke again, there's the goal now get on with it. Incidentally Hughes's foul-mouth tirade at Arnie when the player was subbed at Stoke this season saw no action from the authorities. Odd that.
So prediction time. Up to now the crowd have been content to boo when the performances have been sub-standard. Burnley changed all that. Although the protests were rightly aimed at the board, the pent-up rage they contained should have brought home to the players just how dissatisfied we all are at the moment infinitely more than half a season's worth of booing has done. So that will have gone down one of two ways. Either we get a reaction which involves sleeves rolled up, teeth gritted and some sheer bloody-mindedness and a determination to win. If we get that Burnley will turn out to have been the low point and the catalyst and kick up the backside that was needed to get something out of the players. If we don't get that reaction Burnley will just turn out to have been a yet another stopping off point en route to the inevitable.
The latter option doesn't bear thinking about and whilst I don't think I will be right I am going to predict a nervy home win on the grounds that I really want to be proved wrong so it's off to Winstone's I will go with the £2.50 I was going to chip in to the club's coffers for a new corner flag (every little helps) and place it on a nervy 2-1 win to us.
Enjoy the game!
When last we met at the Olympic: Lost 0-3 (Premier League 2016)
Remember how we rolled over against a mediocre Brighton side at home this season? It was like that with different coloured stripes.
Referee: Jon Moss
Won his place having successfully completed the phrase "I think I should be a referee because" on the coupon cut out from the side of cornflakes packet. Spent the rest of the week hoovering up cornflakes that had fallen out of the hole in the packet as a result. Incidentally it was confirmed this week that no English referees wold take part at the World Cup. Nice one Riley.
Danger Man: Charlie Austin
Inevitable, isn't it.
Percy's poser:
Last time out we asked you why the good burghers of Burnley are getting in a tizzy about something called "Pexit" as well as the "now in it's 30th year" matter of "Brexit". Thanks are due to Mrs Juliette Disgruntled of Great Baddow who was first out of the digital hat with the answer that "Pexit" is the name given to the plan by a number of East Lancashire's local authorities to leave Lancashire and set up their own unitary authority as a reaction to being "ruled by Preston". Quite what they are going to do with the Yorkshire border remains to be see, Well done Juliette.
For this week's poser we look at the world of public transport. We're not big fans of buses here at the Avram Grant Olympic Rest Home For The Bewildered – too many poor people from council estates all in one place for our liking. However, we do have to slum it once in a while and we are very quick to fill out the compensation forms whenever our journey is delayed or otherwise interrupted. So this week we ask you what happened on a Southampton bus this week that would have had us demanding eye-watering levels of compo? Clue: It involved some horrific crimes against music – and Southampton has produced enough of those for you to be getting on with….
First prize will be a set of ear plugs.
Good luck!
Please note that the opinions expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily represent the views of, nor should be attributed to, KUMB.com.
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Russia striker Fyodor Smolov wants to join West Ham before the World Cup
By Sky Sports News
Last Updated: 29/03/18 11:51am
SSN
Russia striker Fyodor Smolov wants to join West Ham before the World Cup starts this summer, Sky Sports News understands. A source close to the player says West Ham "can end the Cold War" by signing the Krasnodar striker. The 28-year-old scored for Russia in their 3-1 loss to France in St Petersburg on Tuesday. He also scored twice in a friendly against Spain in November 2017. Smolov is valued at between £10m and £13m by Krasnodar and Sky Sports News understands he is expected to leave the Russian club this summer. West Ham were in talks to sign him last summer but manager David Moyes was not convinced that he was strong enough to play in the Premier League. Ligue 1 side Marseille are also interested in a deal for Smolov but the player himself would prefer to move to London. Smolov has scored 50 goals in 67 games for Krasnodar and 12 times in 30 games for Russia.
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BUILDING A FORTRESS
By Blind Hammer 29 Mar 2018 at 08:00
WTID
Blind Hammer argues for proudly building atmosphere.
We are entering the business end of a campaign which could define our future for the next decade. In an extraordinary season all sections of the Club, from Board, management, Players and finally , some supporters, have lurched towards pressing a self-destruct button. This year will mark my 50th anniversary of my first visit to Upton Park. With the possible exception of the Bond Scheme, I have never known a time in during which we have shot ourselves in the foot not once but regularly in a weird kind of masochistic frenzy.
The determination for self-annihilation has at times astonished me. Despite what people think I am not blind to issues. We can, at the end of the Season, reflect on multiple areas. In future THE Board should refrain from denigration of players still on our Wage bill. Tony Henry's surreal RACIST assertion to, of all people, an agent of a Cameroon player, that West Ham would not recruit African players defies not only decency but basic intelligence. The inexplicable continuation of playing Antonio by successive Managers in anything but his strongest position defies logic. Throughout the season we have suffered from various acts of avoidable player madness, the lowlight of which was Masuaku losing his discipline if not his mind by spitting at Wigan's Nick Powell. No I am not blind to these issues but they most definitely need parking.
What we can do from now until the end of the season is provide the best environment in which our players can perform. It is often said that a Football Club is not defined by its Board, not its Manager, or its Players. All these move on. The constant is its supporters. I will add one more condition; a club is also not defined by its Ground. I loved going to Upton Park but I am a West Ham United and not an Upton Park supporter. Football clubs move. My Father lived through the transition from the Memorial Ground to Upton Park. I am living through the transition from Upton Park to the London Stadium. All Football clubs will, over time, change and move on. West Ham will carry on at the LS just as they carried on after leaving the memorial Ground. Yet the sadness I felt at departing Upton Park is now overwhelmed by despair at the destructive futile negativity from those, even now, determined to create a feel bad climate about the London stadium. Quite how they feel this helps our club in its current predicament bewilders me. Even with Upton Park demolished, some are still loudly branding the LS as a "soulless Athletics Bowl". I respect the right to free speech but I am genuinely puzzled by how anybody can think how this helps our team?
It is also manifestly untrue. Last season, hours before the Spurs game , the Guardian ran its normal lazy and gleeful anti- West Ham article declaring how West Ham were now playing under the handicap of a Stadium with no atmosphere. On the night my sighted guide was a Sheffield Wednesday supporter. He was awestruck by the atmosphere both during and after this memorable victory. He described it as the loudest game he had ever attended. Paul has returned to guide me this season. Although West Ham is gradually becoming his second team he remains essentially neutral and has no axe to grind. He recently attended Arsenal's Emirates Stadium and was amazed at the lack of atmosphere despite their 4-1 victory. He is convinced that comparatively there is far more atmosphere at the LS. If West Ham were winning 4-1 there would have been scenes of delirious excitement.
He is not alone in this assessment. Another Guide, actually an Ipswich town supporter, compared the LS with his attendance at Chelsea, his nearest club. He found criticism of our atmosphere odd. He not only believes the Stadium is far superior to Stamford Bridge, but also that atmosphere exceeds what he experiences at Chelsea.
It is a myth that we are disadvantaged amongst rival cauldrons of positive atmosphere in the Premiership. The atmosphere at grounds with traditionally loyal supporters like West Brom and Stoke has been described as toxic this season. Atmosphere is an issue even for successful clubs like Manchester United. Despite their huge 75,000 capacity, Mourinho has consistently criticised their quietness. Last week the BBC reported United's efforts to wake up their sepulchral crowd with plans for cheerleaders with megaphones and the distribution of Song Sheets. Imagine the field day the Guardian would have had if this was an idea emanating from West Ham.
This is not a problem limited to the united side of Manchester. Over the last 12 months Guardiola and city players have complained about the quiet Etihad atmosphere. In response the City Fan group 1894 launched a campaign to try and rectify this.
This is also not a phenomenon restricted to new Stadia. Only a few months ago Paul Merson was commenting on how quiet it was at Everton's Goodison Park compared to years gone by.
Now of course atmosphere when we are playing badly at the LS is poor. Despite what people say this was also true for Upton Park. It is also clear that when we play well, especially against the best teams, we can make the Stadium rock. The atmosphere early in the season, when we beat Chelsea, was fantastic.
So negative whining about a soulless athletics bowl is precisely that. It is negative and self-defeating. We have nothing to be ashamed of. Our atmosphere can be as good as and probably better than the majority of clubs in the league. It is our job to deliver this in the crucial weeks ahead.
COYI
David Griffith
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WEST HAM FACE STRONG COMPETITION FOR SOUTH AMERICAN MIDFIELDER
ELLIOTT CUFF @CuffWrites
ReadWestHam
West Ham are keen on signing Argentine midfielder Rodrigo Battaglia this summer, according to Portuguese sources. The Hammers have made signing a new midfielder one of their highest priorities, and the Sporting Lisbon enforcer is the latest man to be linked with a switch to the English capital. Portuguese outlet O Jogo, as reported by Sport Witness, claim that several clubs are interested in signing the 26-year old this summer, one of whom are West Ham. Reportedly, West Ham attempted to sign Battaglia in the January transfer window but were unsuccessful. The Lions expect an offer of €30million to begin talks, whereas David Moyes' side only offered €20million, which was rejected. The London Stadium outfit are still pursuing the midfielder, although they haven't yet made another offer. Meanwhile, Italian trio Roma, Napoli and Inter Milan are all said to be interested. Sporting are expected to make a decision on Battaglia's future next month, and given the amount of interest in his services, could well demand more money if they decide to sell.
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http://vyperz.blogspot.com
Wednesday, March 28
Daily WHUFC News - 29th March 2018
Positive Patrice Evra plans to keep making fans smile
WHUFC.com
Every Monday, Patrice Evra's latest Instagram video is a must-watch for his
four million-plus followers. The West Ham United defender posts a weird and
wonderful clip of himself to kick-off each week, all of them with a positive
message and all of them ending with his inspiring catchphrase 'I love this
game!' and his infectious laugh. The Frenchman loves making his videos, and
spreading positivity, almost as much as he loves football. "For me, a lot of
people ask me where my ideas come from, but it's just me," he explained.
"Like I always say, the Patrice Evra is the one on the pitch, and Patrice is
the one you see sharing happiness and smiling and being funny and positive.
"To be fair, I don't prepare anything. I just wake up and it's just my brain
playing with me. I'm happy giving a lot of positive attitude to the people
and sometimes I receive messages from people saying they have watched my
video and it's given them a smile during a tough time. "It's funny, but it's
helping a lot of people so I'm really happy because I'm honest with people.
It's not because I'm a football player, but it's because it's me and I'm not
fake and I'm doing it with pleasure."
Evra posted a hilarious video featuring a phone box and some outstanding
dance moves on signing for West Ham in February, but perhaps his most
memorable post since joining the Hammers featured the defender and his
brother riding in a traditional London black cab. The Frenchman revealed
that the securing the vehicle had taken some serious persuasion! "The taxi
driver didn't want me to borrow his taxi. I saw the taxi and asked if I
could drive it, but he said he could lose his licence and he didn't want to
do it. He recognised me and said 'OK, because it's you!' so we did it! "It
was a crazy idea. It was outside my house and I asked him and at the
beginning he thought I wanted him to take me somewhere, but then I asked him
to use the taxi for a video. He said 'No chance', so I said 'Please! It's
really quick! I won't show your registration in the pictures' and then he
accepted and now his cab is really famous. "I have created a monster, to be
fair. I was already known as a footballer, but now people stop me not for a
picture, but for a video of me saying 'I love this game!'. It's nice, and I
created this monster, so I will never complain."
Evra's entertaining clips may have gone viral on a weekly basis, but he is
quick to point out that his number one responsibility is not to make people
laugh, but to work hard and win football matches. "I am not encouraging
people to do what I am doing, because I am doing it after I have fulfilled
my different responsibility on the pitch. "If young guys want to make silly
videos and make people laugh, but not take any responsibility on the pitch,
this is really difficult. I can manage that with my experience because I
don't think I would do that kind of video when I was 20 because now I know
how to focus on my work. "It's only one minute in my life. Some people think
I spend all morning but, actually, I do one shot and it's nothing for me.
It's not changing my life, but it's changing the lives of other people."
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West Ham rookie Rice aiming to make history
WHUFC.com
Declan Rice wants to help Republic of Ireland U21s make history after
securing a dramatic victory over Azerbaijan on Tuesday evening. Rice, who
had returned to U21 duty after making his senior debut in Turkey on Friday,
and his fellow Boys in Green had dominated their European Championship Group
5 qualifier in Dublin, but found Azeri goalkeeper Karim Ibrahimov in
unbeatable form at Tallaght Stadium – until the ninth minute of added time!
It was then that Queens Park Rangers midfielder Ryan Manning curled a
free-kick into the penalty area, the ball was knocked down and Yeovil Town's
Shaun Donnellan bundled it into the net, sparking wild celebrations on the
pitch and in the stands. Leading those celebrations was Rice – alongside
jubilant West Ham United teammate and captain Josh Cullen – and the teenager
now has his sights set on helping Ireland's U21s qualify for the European
finals for the first time in their history. "To motivate myself to get back
[for the U21 match] was an easy thing to do," Rice told RTE Sport. "It was a
must-win game and after the high that I had in Turkey, I knew that this
would be a more important game to be honest, as it was a qualifier. "I was
just looking forward to getting out there for the 21s, getting another
appearance and getting a win." "We want to be the first team to do it. I've
come back tonight to play a massive game, it's great been away but it helped
that was the week before and I could come back again and play for Ireland
Under-21s. I think it's important that I keep playing international football
whatever level it is."
The 19-year-old's composed performance in a deep-lying midfield role earned
praise from his U21s manager Noel King, who was delighted with the Hammers'
commitment and maturity. "It was a very difficult evening for Declan to come
back," said King. "He is a terrific player and the expectation maybe that
people had on him to be a Messi because of what he's done [against Turkey,
when he was named Man of the Match]. He acquitted himself excellently."
Tuesday's victory means Rice, Cullen, King and company sit second in Group
5, three points behind leaders Germany, but with a game in-hand against
Kosovo in early September. Win that and the Irish will take on the Germans
in two winner-takes-all ties to complete the qualifying round. The nine
qualifying group winners qualify for next summer's finals automatically,
while the four runners-up with the best records will play-off for two
remaining spots. Rice is determined that Ireland are among the 12 teams
competing for the big prize in Italy. "To get the win coming so late makes
it special. With Germany and Kosovo drawing, that works in our favour with
us winning. "Noel and the backroom team have been excellent throughout the
campaign. The boys, we're all level-headed lads. We're all looking to Italy
in 2019 and that's where we want to go. No one has qualified before and we
want to be the first team to do it."
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Hammers U18s claim 2-0 win over Tottenham
WHUFC.com
Goals from Odysseas Spyridis and Korrey Henry earned West Ham United U18s a
2-0 win over Tottenham Hotspur and extended the side's winning run to four
matches. A close first half saw both sides miss opportunities but Spyridis
continued his fine goalscoring form since his return from injury with a
confident effort ten minutes into the second period. Korrey Henry would then
double West Ham's advantage, powering home from the penalty spot after
Spyridis was fouled in the area. The result continues the U18s' excellent
form, with the side winning their last four fixtures. It took the Hammers
just 15 seconds to register a decent chance on goal as Rosaire Longelo burst
into space on the left flank. Just before he could pull the trigger, a
strong tackle saw the ball go out for a corner. Spyridis fired an effort
just over from the right before Bernardo Rosa just missed after a good move.
A terrific period of play then allowed Jeremy Ngakia to drive forward and
cause trouble for Tottenham on the right, but once again the ball was over
the bar. Despite controlling the first half possession, Tottenham saw
opportunities limited and could only muster one effort – a shot from
distance that went over the cross-bar.
Debutant goalkeeper Joseph Anang was forced into a good save just a few
minutes after the restart, before the Hammers opened the scoring a few
moments later.
Spurs goalkeeper De Bie failed to deal with a ball into the box, which fell
kindly for Spyridis, with the Cyprian gratefully slotting home for his
fourth goal in three contests. The striker was heavily involved for West
Ham's second as well. Excellent work from Spyridis got the forward into the
box, where he was brought down. Henry stepped up and confidently dispatched
the resulting penalty. There were also chances for Rosaire Longelo and
Jeremy Ngakia, while Tottenham pressed to get back into the game. The
closest the away side came almost resulted in a goal, only for captain Ben
Wells to cap an excellent performance with a block on the line.
West Ham United: Anang, Barrett, Mingi, Wells, Nkagia, Henry, Lewis, R
Longelo, Bernardo, Watson (Adarkwa 78), Spyridis (Wilson-Esbrand 81)
Subs not used: Matrevics, El Mhassani, Constaninou
Goals: Spyridis 55, Henry 74
Tottenham Hotspur: De Bie, Hinds, Reynolds, Oakley-Boothe, Skipp, Dinzeyi,
Mukendi (Markanday 60), Shashoua (Thorpe 71), Griffiths, Patterson, Richards
Subs not used: Lock, Freeman, Statham
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Wells praises 'great team effort' in Spurs victory
WHUFC.com
West Ham United U18s captain Ben Wells has hailed the tremendous team effort
by the side in the 2-0 win over Tottenham Hotspur. Second-half finishes by
Odysseas Spyridis and Korrey Henry secured a fourth straight win for the
young Hammers after a tough fought match in difficult conditions at Little
Heath. Wells recognises the quality that Wednesday's opponents possessed
but is delighted with how West Ham worked as a unit to earn another three
points. "It was a great team effort by the boys," Wells told whufc.com. "We
knew our tactics and the guys kept to it really well. We worked our socks
off so credit to the entire team. It was really a great team effort and,
when we got our chances, we took them. "Tottenham deserve praise as well,
they're a good side and they are good technically. They pass the ball well
and we had to be patient and wait for our chance. We knew our opportunities
would come and, once they did, we took them and scored the two goals. It's a
great result of us."
The win over Spurs means the U18s have now claimed victories in their last
four league matches, having also beaten Norwich City, Brighton and Hove
Albion, and Leicester City. Wells puts that run of form down to a switch in
formation, with the side now operating with a three-man defensive line, and
insists that the consecutive wins have been a major boost for the side. He
continued: "This run of form we're on has been amazing for our confidence.
We've changed our formation to play with three centre-backs and then
wing-backs, and I think we've been more solid because of that. "We all know
our roles and our responsibilities, and everyone is taking a real interest
in how we can be better. The mood because of that has been excellent."
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Chicharito dreams of World Cup glory after reaching 100 caps
WHUFC.com
Chicharito is dreaming of winning the FIFA World Cup after making yet more
history with the Mexico national team. The West Ham United striker won his
100th cap in a friendly with Croatia in Miami on Tuesday evening, joining a
select band of just 13 players to have reached a century of appearances for
El Tri. While Mexico ended up on the losing side as Barcelona's Ivan Rakitic
scored the game's only goal from the penalty spot, Chicharito is not giving
up on fulfilling his ambition of adding a World Cup winner's medal to an
already impressive collection of titles. "Nobody told me that I couldn't
join the best leagues in the world, win the Premier League twice, reach a
Champions League final," said the 29-year-old, who is just one goal short of
50 for his country. "No one told Hugo [Sanchez] that he couldn't go to the
best club in the world, Real Madrid, be the 'Pentapichichi' (leading
goalscorer in Spanish football). No-one told Rafa [Marquez] that he couldn't
win two Champions Leagues or play in all the World Cups he has. "We want to
be world champions, of course, and that's why we're going [to Russia]. We
don't want to put limits in any way. A lot of people complain that it's not
realistic and we're not realists, but the reality is that people who don't
dream and aspire to more and more are maybe the ones that are confused."
Chicharito is set to go to his third World Cup finals with Mexico, having
appeared in South Africa in 2010 and Brazil in 2014, but he will be acutely
aware that they have never gone past the quarter-finals in 16 previous
attempts. Juan Carlos Osorio's squad have been drawn in Group F alongside
reigning champions Germany, Sweden and South Korea at this summer's finals.
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Sparky's nightmare
KUMB.com
Filed: Wednesday, 28th March 2018
By: Staff Writer
Marko Arnautovic will be aiming to make new Southampton boss Mark Hughes eat
his words when the latter visits the Olympic Stadium this weekend. Hughes -
known as 'Sparky' during his playing career - was recently appointed as the
new Saints manager, but was still in charge of Stoke when he accused the
Austrian international of "burning his bridges" with City supporters last
December. The Welshman was also seen gesticulating angrily towards
Arnautovic - whom he referred to as a "f***ing ungrateful f***er" - when the
latter was substituted by David Moyes towards the end of West Ham's 3-0 win
at the bet365 Stadium.
And now West Ham's number seven will be hoping to rub further salt into
Hughes' wounds when the two go head-to-head again this weekend in what is a
must-win game for both teams, given their precarious positions in the
Premier League. Arnautovic goes into the game in peak form having scored
twice for his country on Friday evening against Slovenia before grabbing
another goal on Tuesday night in a 4-0 win over European minnows Luxembourg
(see above). He has already scored seven times for West Ham so far in his
last 14 games, having failed to score in his first 13 appearances after
moving from Stoke in a club record £25million switch.
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SOME TIMES YOU JUST NEED TO TAKE A BREAK, BUT .....
By S J Chandos 28 Mar 2018 at 08:00
WTID
Firstly, apologies to my readers for not posting on the site recently. This
was partly because I was a bit over-extended at work, but also because I was
genuinely stunned and disappointed by the relative lack of activity in the
winter transfer window. That allied to the decision to sell Ayew to Swansea
City (a obvious relegation rival), put Burke back out on loan and flog Fonte
were moves that I struggled to comprehend. It made a dangerously 'thin'
squad even thinner and particularly vulnerable to the adverse impact of
injuries and suspensions. Do not get me wrong, I can understand the club
wanting to sell these players, but just not in the winter transfer window,
in the midst of a relegation battle. In my view, if they were to be sold it
should have been delayed until the summer. Unfortunately, it appears that
the club made the decision to take the inflated fees offered by other clubs
at that juncture, which presumably may not have been on offer in the summer.
But with no adequate replacements coming in to the squad it was always a
decidedly dicey strategy and so it proved.
When the almost inevitable happened, Reid, Collins, Byram, Obiang, Lanzini,
Arnautovic et al all fell injured (at various times and durations), the
squad become very stretched. Of the players brought in Mario looks decent,
without so far overly impressing, and one can only speculate on the
rationale for bringing Jordan Hughill in to the club. He has looked out of
his depth, when he has appeared, so far, and this is probably the reason for
his failure to hitherto start any PL matches. Perhaps there are hidden
depths to Hughill's talents, if so lets hope he reveals them soon, because
if Arnautovic and Hernandez get injured over the next few key matches, he is
going to have to be pressed in to first team action!
In short, the squad was left far too thin in the summer. Admittedly
Hernandez and Arnautovic were good additions, but too many players were
allowed to leave without signing replacements. Then those mistakes were
further compounded in the winter window. Remember this was the opportunity
to augment the strength of the squad and better equip us for the impending
relegation battle. And the club blew it right royally. Why? It appears from
reports that the club did not have the transfer funds readily available to
buy new players outright and they ended up scrambling around trying to get
players in on loan with a view to a permanent deal. The board might say that
it was all down to the Financial Fair Play (FFP) rules, well maybe so, but
one has to ask why these seem to regularly restrict/limit our transfer
activities more than other PL clubs (and I am not referring to the so-called
top four elite)?
Naturally, all of this led to fan unrest and the formation of action groups
protesting the situation at the club. In turn, this gave rise to plans to
stage a protest march prior to the Burnley game, which was then subsequently
postponed at the last moment. And on the back of that occurred the horrible
spectacle at the Burnley match. I fully understand the anger of fans and the
feeling that they have been misled and badly let down. In essence the board
broke a golden rule, which is that if you raise expectations to
unprecedented levels (i.e. promises of Champions League football played in a
world class arena) then you bloody well better deliver! In fairness,
expectations were probably also raised by the performance of the team in the
final season at Upton Park. However the subsequent two seasons at the London
Stadium have been extremely disappointing. In both of the last two seasons
the club have had c.57,000 sell outs at the LS and that is a clear
demonstration that the fans bought in to the board's vision of the club's
future. And there is also no escaping the conclusion that they have been
badly let down in that respect.
In all honesty I am ok with the London Stadium and I recognise its potential
(in the right circumstances) to assist the club's future progress. There is
undoubtedly a lot of residual nostalgia for Upton Park and that was
inevitable to a certain extent. However, I firmly believe that if we were
watching an exciting and aspirant team every week, challenging at the top
end of the PL, most fans would be, if not happy, at least accepting of the
LS as our new home. In a nutshell, the poor performance of the team has
focused and exacerbated the malcontent that we are witnessing. A successful
team would have facilitated our acclimatisation to a new (and very
different) stadium environment, lack of success has done the opposite. So,
if the board are feeling the heat from fans than they must recognise that
they bare ultimate responsibility for that unfortunate state of affairs.
Now, in addition, we have the media and others using the Burnley
disturbances as a stick to beat the club. The Mayor of London would
obviously like to re-negotiate key aspects of the club's agreement with the
Stadium company. Unfortunately for him, West Ham's board have a water tight
99 year contract and that can only be revised with the club's consent. The
club are probably prepared in principle to stomp up more cash, but the price
for that must be more control over the stadium. In turn, the Mayor's only
current weapon is to use the weight of public opinion against the club to
force concessions. Within that context, the Burnley disturbances were
probably a bit fortuitous for the Mayor and he arguably was not above
exploiting for his own purposes. Hopefully, the recent meeting between the
Mayor and Brady will see an end to posturing on both sides and the adoption
of a more realistic and co-operative approach. We shall see?
And on the pitch, can we pull away from the relegation zone in the coming
weeks? The current relegation battle is the closest that I can remember.
Usually, a bit of daylight forms between the bottom three or four clubs and
the rest. This year it is so close that any one of eight or nine teams could
be relegated. The pundits have grown pessimistic about West Ham's chances
because of the dramatic decline in our results since the Watford victory.
After all, losing three matches in a row 4-1, 4-1 and 3-0 is not exactly
good at this vital stage of the season. Fortunately the three week FA
Cup/International break may have come at just the right time for us. It has
allowed Moyes to give the squad warm weather training and concentrate upon
sorting out the problems on the pitch. Was the Miami trip worthwhile? As
they say, 'the proof of the pudding is in the eating' and we will see if the
team's form takes an upturn this Saturday, versus Southampton.
The importance of this match cannot be over-stated and the
performance/result will tell us much about the probability of our survival.
In essence, we must defeat Southampton and follow it up with another home
victory against Stoke City. I think that our survival necessitates a minimum
of six points from our next three matches. As for Chelsea away, I am not
banking on getting a positive result, but if we could grind out a draw (a la
the home match against Arsenal and the away fixture at Spurs) so much the
better for our chances of survival.
The one thing that cannot be stressed enough is that we supporters must be
totally focused on supporting the team in the next two vital home matches.
Protests can wait, we are entering the business end of the season and it is
absolutely crucial that we end it as a PL club. If we stay in the PL, we can
hopefully turn things around, if we are relegated it becomes a whole
different, unstable and problematic situation. This is not the 1970s, 1980s
or even early 1990s, PL finance is king, clubs do not necessarily bounce
straight back and relegation can lead to a club being stripped of key
playing assets and going in to long-term stagnation. The fans have made
their views known, now they must give the team 100% support as only West Ham
fans can. Remember, at the end of the day players come and players go, but
the fans are constant. We, the loyal fans, will be the only ones without an
escape clause from Championship football. So, lets do all we can, personally
and collectively, to make sure that toxic scenario does not transpire. Our
club is in trouble and we must answer the call to arms via our staunch
support.
As I said, in the title, sometimes you just need to take a break, but ……
love of this club always draws you back to the fight!
SJ. Chandos.
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http://vyperz.blogspot.com
WHUFC.com
Every Monday, Patrice Evra's latest Instagram video is a must-watch for his
four million-plus followers. The West Ham United defender posts a weird and
wonderful clip of himself to kick-off each week, all of them with a positive
message and all of them ending with his inspiring catchphrase 'I love this
game!' and his infectious laugh. The Frenchman loves making his videos, and
spreading positivity, almost as much as he loves football. "For me, a lot of
people ask me where my ideas come from, but it's just me," he explained.
"Like I always say, the Patrice Evra is the one on the pitch, and Patrice is
the one you see sharing happiness and smiling and being funny and positive.
"To be fair, I don't prepare anything. I just wake up and it's just my brain
playing with me. I'm happy giving a lot of positive attitude to the people
and sometimes I receive messages from people saying they have watched my
video and it's given them a smile during a tough time. "It's funny, but it's
helping a lot of people so I'm really happy because I'm honest with people.
It's not because I'm a football player, but it's because it's me and I'm not
fake and I'm doing it with pleasure."
Evra posted a hilarious video featuring a phone box and some outstanding
dance moves on signing for West Ham in February, but perhaps his most
memorable post since joining the Hammers featured the defender and his
brother riding in a traditional London black cab. The Frenchman revealed
that the securing the vehicle had taken some serious persuasion! "The taxi
driver didn't want me to borrow his taxi. I saw the taxi and asked if I
could drive it, but he said he could lose his licence and he didn't want to
do it. He recognised me and said 'OK, because it's you!' so we did it! "It
was a crazy idea. It was outside my house and I asked him and at the
beginning he thought I wanted him to take me somewhere, but then I asked him
to use the taxi for a video. He said 'No chance', so I said 'Please! It's
really quick! I won't show your registration in the pictures' and then he
accepted and now his cab is really famous. "I have created a monster, to be
fair. I was already known as a footballer, but now people stop me not for a
picture, but for a video of me saying 'I love this game!'. It's nice, and I
created this monster, so I will never complain."
Evra's entertaining clips may have gone viral on a weekly basis, but he is
quick to point out that his number one responsibility is not to make people
laugh, but to work hard and win football matches. "I am not encouraging
people to do what I am doing, because I am doing it after I have fulfilled
my different responsibility on the pitch. "If young guys want to make silly
videos and make people laugh, but not take any responsibility on the pitch,
this is really difficult. I can manage that with my experience because I
don't think I would do that kind of video when I was 20 because now I know
how to focus on my work. "It's only one minute in my life. Some people think
I spend all morning but, actually, I do one shot and it's nothing for me.
It's not changing my life, but it's changing the lives of other people."
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West Ham rookie Rice aiming to make history
WHUFC.com
Declan Rice wants to help Republic of Ireland U21s make history after
securing a dramatic victory over Azerbaijan on Tuesday evening. Rice, who
had returned to U21 duty after making his senior debut in Turkey on Friday,
and his fellow Boys in Green had dominated their European Championship Group
5 qualifier in Dublin, but found Azeri goalkeeper Karim Ibrahimov in
unbeatable form at Tallaght Stadium – until the ninth minute of added time!
It was then that Queens Park Rangers midfielder Ryan Manning curled a
free-kick into the penalty area, the ball was knocked down and Yeovil Town's
Shaun Donnellan bundled it into the net, sparking wild celebrations on the
pitch and in the stands. Leading those celebrations was Rice – alongside
jubilant West Ham United teammate and captain Josh Cullen – and the teenager
now has his sights set on helping Ireland's U21s qualify for the European
finals for the first time in their history. "To motivate myself to get back
[for the U21 match] was an easy thing to do," Rice told RTE Sport. "It was a
must-win game and after the high that I had in Turkey, I knew that this
would be a more important game to be honest, as it was a qualifier. "I was
just looking forward to getting out there for the 21s, getting another
appearance and getting a win." "We want to be the first team to do it. I've
come back tonight to play a massive game, it's great been away but it helped
that was the week before and I could come back again and play for Ireland
Under-21s. I think it's important that I keep playing international football
whatever level it is."
The 19-year-old's composed performance in a deep-lying midfield role earned
praise from his U21s manager Noel King, who was delighted with the Hammers'
commitment and maturity. "It was a very difficult evening for Declan to come
back," said King. "He is a terrific player and the expectation maybe that
people had on him to be a Messi because of what he's done [against Turkey,
when he was named Man of the Match]. He acquitted himself excellently."
Tuesday's victory means Rice, Cullen, King and company sit second in Group
5, three points behind leaders Germany, but with a game in-hand against
Kosovo in early September. Win that and the Irish will take on the Germans
in two winner-takes-all ties to complete the qualifying round. The nine
qualifying group winners qualify for next summer's finals automatically,
while the four runners-up with the best records will play-off for two
remaining spots. Rice is determined that Ireland are among the 12 teams
competing for the big prize in Italy. "To get the win coming so late makes
it special. With Germany and Kosovo drawing, that works in our favour with
us winning. "Noel and the backroom team have been excellent throughout the
campaign. The boys, we're all level-headed lads. We're all looking to Italy
in 2019 and that's where we want to go. No one has qualified before and we
want to be the first team to do it."
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Hammers U18s claim 2-0 win over Tottenham
WHUFC.com
Goals from Odysseas Spyridis and Korrey Henry earned West Ham United U18s a
2-0 win over Tottenham Hotspur and extended the side's winning run to four
matches. A close first half saw both sides miss opportunities but Spyridis
continued his fine goalscoring form since his return from injury with a
confident effort ten minutes into the second period. Korrey Henry would then
double West Ham's advantage, powering home from the penalty spot after
Spyridis was fouled in the area. The result continues the U18s' excellent
form, with the side winning their last four fixtures. It took the Hammers
just 15 seconds to register a decent chance on goal as Rosaire Longelo burst
into space on the left flank. Just before he could pull the trigger, a
strong tackle saw the ball go out for a corner. Spyridis fired an effort
just over from the right before Bernardo Rosa just missed after a good move.
A terrific period of play then allowed Jeremy Ngakia to drive forward and
cause trouble for Tottenham on the right, but once again the ball was over
the bar. Despite controlling the first half possession, Tottenham saw
opportunities limited and could only muster one effort – a shot from
distance that went over the cross-bar.
Debutant goalkeeper Joseph Anang was forced into a good save just a few
minutes after the restart, before the Hammers opened the scoring a few
moments later.
Spurs goalkeeper De Bie failed to deal with a ball into the box, which fell
kindly for Spyridis, with the Cyprian gratefully slotting home for his
fourth goal in three contests. The striker was heavily involved for West
Ham's second as well. Excellent work from Spyridis got the forward into the
box, where he was brought down. Henry stepped up and confidently dispatched
the resulting penalty. There were also chances for Rosaire Longelo and
Jeremy Ngakia, while Tottenham pressed to get back into the game. The
closest the away side came almost resulted in a goal, only for captain Ben
Wells to cap an excellent performance with a block on the line.
West Ham United: Anang, Barrett, Mingi, Wells, Nkagia, Henry, Lewis, R
Longelo, Bernardo, Watson (Adarkwa 78), Spyridis (Wilson-Esbrand 81)
Subs not used: Matrevics, El Mhassani, Constaninou
Goals: Spyridis 55, Henry 74
Tottenham Hotspur: De Bie, Hinds, Reynolds, Oakley-Boothe, Skipp, Dinzeyi,
Mukendi (Markanday 60), Shashoua (Thorpe 71), Griffiths, Patterson, Richards
Subs not used: Lock, Freeman, Statham
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Wells praises 'great team effort' in Spurs victory
WHUFC.com
West Ham United U18s captain Ben Wells has hailed the tremendous team effort
by the side in the 2-0 win over Tottenham Hotspur. Second-half finishes by
Odysseas Spyridis and Korrey Henry secured a fourth straight win for the
young Hammers after a tough fought match in difficult conditions at Little
Heath. Wells recognises the quality that Wednesday's opponents possessed
but is delighted with how West Ham worked as a unit to earn another three
points. "It was a great team effort by the boys," Wells told whufc.com. "We
knew our tactics and the guys kept to it really well. We worked our socks
off so credit to the entire team. It was really a great team effort and,
when we got our chances, we took them. "Tottenham deserve praise as well,
they're a good side and they are good technically. They pass the ball well
and we had to be patient and wait for our chance. We knew our opportunities
would come and, once they did, we took them and scored the two goals. It's a
great result of us."
The win over Spurs means the U18s have now claimed victories in their last
four league matches, having also beaten Norwich City, Brighton and Hove
Albion, and Leicester City. Wells puts that run of form down to a switch in
formation, with the side now operating with a three-man defensive line, and
insists that the consecutive wins have been a major boost for the side. He
continued: "This run of form we're on has been amazing for our confidence.
We've changed our formation to play with three centre-backs and then
wing-backs, and I think we've been more solid because of that. "We all know
our roles and our responsibilities, and everyone is taking a real interest
in how we can be better. The mood because of that has been excellent."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Chicharito dreams of World Cup glory after reaching 100 caps
WHUFC.com
Chicharito is dreaming of winning the FIFA World Cup after making yet more
history with the Mexico national team. The West Ham United striker won his
100th cap in a friendly with Croatia in Miami on Tuesday evening, joining a
select band of just 13 players to have reached a century of appearances for
El Tri. While Mexico ended up on the losing side as Barcelona's Ivan Rakitic
scored the game's only goal from the penalty spot, Chicharito is not giving
up on fulfilling his ambition of adding a World Cup winner's medal to an
already impressive collection of titles. "Nobody told me that I couldn't
join the best leagues in the world, win the Premier League twice, reach a
Champions League final," said the 29-year-old, who is just one goal short of
50 for his country. "No one told Hugo [Sanchez] that he couldn't go to the
best club in the world, Real Madrid, be the 'Pentapichichi' (leading
goalscorer in Spanish football). No-one told Rafa [Marquez] that he couldn't
win two Champions Leagues or play in all the World Cups he has. "We want to
be world champions, of course, and that's why we're going [to Russia]. We
don't want to put limits in any way. A lot of people complain that it's not
realistic and we're not realists, but the reality is that people who don't
dream and aspire to more and more are maybe the ones that are confused."
Chicharito is set to go to his third World Cup finals with Mexico, having
appeared in South Africa in 2010 and Brazil in 2014, but he will be acutely
aware that they have never gone past the quarter-finals in 16 previous
attempts. Juan Carlos Osorio's squad have been drawn in Group F alongside
reigning champions Germany, Sweden and South Korea at this summer's finals.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Sparky's nightmare
KUMB.com
Filed: Wednesday, 28th March 2018
By: Staff Writer
Marko Arnautovic will be aiming to make new Southampton boss Mark Hughes eat
his words when the latter visits the Olympic Stadium this weekend. Hughes -
known as 'Sparky' during his playing career - was recently appointed as the
new Saints manager, but was still in charge of Stoke when he accused the
Austrian international of "burning his bridges" with City supporters last
December. The Welshman was also seen gesticulating angrily towards
Arnautovic - whom he referred to as a "f***ing ungrateful f***er" - when the
latter was substituted by David Moyes towards the end of West Ham's 3-0 win
at the bet365 Stadium.
And now West Ham's number seven will be hoping to rub further salt into
Hughes' wounds when the two go head-to-head again this weekend in what is a
must-win game for both teams, given their precarious positions in the
Premier League. Arnautovic goes into the game in peak form having scored
twice for his country on Friday evening against Slovenia before grabbing
another goal on Tuesday night in a 4-0 win over European minnows Luxembourg
(see above). He has already scored seven times for West Ham so far in his
last 14 games, having failed to score in his first 13 appearances after
moving from Stoke in a club record £25million switch.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
SOME TIMES YOU JUST NEED TO TAKE A BREAK, BUT .....
By S J Chandos 28 Mar 2018 at 08:00
WTID
Firstly, apologies to my readers for not posting on the site recently. This
was partly because I was a bit over-extended at work, but also because I was
genuinely stunned and disappointed by the relative lack of activity in the
winter transfer window. That allied to the decision to sell Ayew to Swansea
City (a obvious relegation rival), put Burke back out on loan and flog Fonte
were moves that I struggled to comprehend. It made a dangerously 'thin'
squad even thinner and particularly vulnerable to the adverse impact of
injuries and suspensions. Do not get me wrong, I can understand the club
wanting to sell these players, but just not in the winter transfer window,
in the midst of a relegation battle. In my view, if they were to be sold it
should have been delayed until the summer. Unfortunately, it appears that
the club made the decision to take the inflated fees offered by other clubs
at that juncture, which presumably may not have been on offer in the summer.
But with no adequate replacements coming in to the squad it was always a
decidedly dicey strategy and so it proved.
When the almost inevitable happened, Reid, Collins, Byram, Obiang, Lanzini,
Arnautovic et al all fell injured (at various times and durations), the
squad become very stretched. Of the players brought in Mario looks decent,
without so far overly impressing, and one can only speculate on the
rationale for bringing Jordan Hughill in to the club. He has looked out of
his depth, when he has appeared, so far, and this is probably the reason for
his failure to hitherto start any PL matches. Perhaps there are hidden
depths to Hughill's talents, if so lets hope he reveals them soon, because
if Arnautovic and Hernandez get injured over the next few key matches, he is
going to have to be pressed in to first team action!
In short, the squad was left far too thin in the summer. Admittedly
Hernandez and Arnautovic were good additions, but too many players were
allowed to leave without signing replacements. Then those mistakes were
further compounded in the winter window. Remember this was the opportunity
to augment the strength of the squad and better equip us for the impending
relegation battle. And the club blew it right royally. Why? It appears from
reports that the club did not have the transfer funds readily available to
buy new players outright and they ended up scrambling around trying to get
players in on loan with a view to a permanent deal. The board might say that
it was all down to the Financial Fair Play (FFP) rules, well maybe so, but
one has to ask why these seem to regularly restrict/limit our transfer
activities more than other PL clubs (and I am not referring to the so-called
top four elite)?
Naturally, all of this led to fan unrest and the formation of action groups
protesting the situation at the club. In turn, this gave rise to plans to
stage a protest march prior to the Burnley game, which was then subsequently
postponed at the last moment. And on the back of that occurred the horrible
spectacle at the Burnley match. I fully understand the anger of fans and the
feeling that they have been misled and badly let down. In essence the board
broke a golden rule, which is that if you raise expectations to
unprecedented levels (i.e. promises of Champions League football played in a
world class arena) then you bloody well better deliver! In fairness,
expectations were probably also raised by the performance of the team in the
final season at Upton Park. However the subsequent two seasons at the London
Stadium have been extremely disappointing. In both of the last two seasons
the club have had c.57,000 sell outs at the LS and that is a clear
demonstration that the fans bought in to the board's vision of the club's
future. And there is also no escaping the conclusion that they have been
badly let down in that respect.
In all honesty I am ok with the London Stadium and I recognise its potential
(in the right circumstances) to assist the club's future progress. There is
undoubtedly a lot of residual nostalgia for Upton Park and that was
inevitable to a certain extent. However, I firmly believe that if we were
watching an exciting and aspirant team every week, challenging at the top
end of the PL, most fans would be, if not happy, at least accepting of the
LS as our new home. In a nutshell, the poor performance of the team has
focused and exacerbated the malcontent that we are witnessing. A successful
team would have facilitated our acclimatisation to a new (and very
different) stadium environment, lack of success has done the opposite. So,
if the board are feeling the heat from fans than they must recognise that
they bare ultimate responsibility for that unfortunate state of affairs.
Now, in addition, we have the media and others using the Burnley
disturbances as a stick to beat the club. The Mayor of London would
obviously like to re-negotiate key aspects of the club's agreement with the
Stadium company. Unfortunately for him, West Ham's board have a water tight
99 year contract and that can only be revised with the club's consent. The
club are probably prepared in principle to stomp up more cash, but the price
for that must be more control over the stadium. In turn, the Mayor's only
current weapon is to use the weight of public opinion against the club to
force concessions. Within that context, the Burnley disturbances were
probably a bit fortuitous for the Mayor and he arguably was not above
exploiting for his own purposes. Hopefully, the recent meeting between the
Mayor and Brady will see an end to posturing on both sides and the adoption
of a more realistic and co-operative approach. We shall see?
And on the pitch, can we pull away from the relegation zone in the coming
weeks? The current relegation battle is the closest that I can remember.
Usually, a bit of daylight forms between the bottom three or four clubs and
the rest. This year it is so close that any one of eight or nine teams could
be relegated. The pundits have grown pessimistic about West Ham's chances
because of the dramatic decline in our results since the Watford victory.
After all, losing three matches in a row 4-1, 4-1 and 3-0 is not exactly
good at this vital stage of the season. Fortunately the three week FA
Cup/International break may have come at just the right time for us. It has
allowed Moyes to give the squad warm weather training and concentrate upon
sorting out the problems on the pitch. Was the Miami trip worthwhile? As
they say, 'the proof of the pudding is in the eating' and we will see if the
team's form takes an upturn this Saturday, versus Southampton.
The importance of this match cannot be over-stated and the
performance/result will tell us much about the probability of our survival.
In essence, we must defeat Southampton and follow it up with another home
victory against Stoke City. I think that our survival necessitates a minimum
of six points from our next three matches. As for Chelsea away, I am not
banking on getting a positive result, but if we could grind out a draw (a la
the home match against Arsenal and the away fixture at Spurs) so much the
better for our chances of survival.
The one thing that cannot be stressed enough is that we supporters must be
totally focused on supporting the team in the next two vital home matches.
Protests can wait, we are entering the business end of the season and it is
absolutely crucial that we end it as a PL club. If we stay in the PL, we can
hopefully turn things around, if we are relegated it becomes a whole
different, unstable and problematic situation. This is not the 1970s, 1980s
or even early 1990s, PL finance is king, clubs do not necessarily bounce
straight back and relegation can lead to a club being stripped of key
playing assets and going in to long-term stagnation. The fans have made
their views known, now they must give the team 100% support as only West Ham
fans can. Remember, at the end of the day players come and players go, but
the fans are constant. We, the loyal fans, will be the only ones without an
escape clause from Championship football. So, lets do all we can, personally
and collectively, to make sure that toxic scenario does not transpire. Our
club is in trouble and we must answer the call to arms via our staunch
support.
As I said, in the title, sometimes you just need to take a break, but ……
love of this club always draws you back to the fight!
SJ. Chandos.
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http://vyperz.blogspot.com
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