Everton match preview
WHUFC.com
All the stats, news and background information ahead of Saturday's match
against Everton at the Boleyn Ground
21.12.2012
WEST HAM UNITED v EVERTON
BARCLAYS PREMIER LEAGUE
SATURDAY 22 DECEMBER 2012
KICK-OFF: 3PM
REFEREE: ANTHONY TAYLOR
FULL AUDIO AND TEXT COMMENTARY - WEST HAM TV
Introduction
• Alou Diarra has returned to full training after recovering from a thigh
injury suffered in training.
• Momo Diame will be missing after picking up a hamstring injury in the 3-2
loss to Liverpool.
• George McCartney will also be absent after picking up a knee injury in
training.
• Andy Carroll (knee) and Ricardo Vaz Te (shoulder) are both making good
progress but are still some weeks from making a return.
Everton
• Captain Phil Neville will not feature after being ruled out for two months
following an operation on his knee. Full-back Tony Hibbert is also out after
undergoing calf surgery.
• Marouane Fellaini is unavailable after being banned by the FA for three
matches after headbutting Stoke City's Ryan Shawcross last weekend.
• Ross Barkley, who played in the Development Squad's 5-1 win over Everton
earlier this season, has been recalled from his loan at Sheffield Wednesday
and is likely to be on the bench.
• Former Hammers midfielder Thomas Hitzlsperger was on the bench for
Everton's 1-1 draw against Stoke City last weekend and could potentially
feature.
Background
• West Ham United and Everton have met 104 times in league matches. Everton
have won 51 times, West Ham have won 32 and there have been 21 draws.
Overall, the two clubs have met 124 times, with Everton winning 61, West Ham
36 and there being 27 draws.
• The Toffees are unbeaten in nine matches against their hosts, including
the last eight Premier League meetings. Everton have won 16 of the 32
Premier League meetings between the two, while West Ham United have won just
six. However, the most-recent three league games have ended in draws.
• The first-ever meeting between West Ham United and Everton was an FA Cup
second-round tie played on 2 February 1907. Harry Stapley scored for the
Hammers, who were then a Southern League side, but the Division One Toffees
ran out 2-1 winners through goals from Jimmy Settle and Jack Sharp. Everton
would go on to reach the final, losing 2-1 to The Wednesday at Crystal
Palace.
• West Ham United and Everton have met twice at the FA Cup semi-final stage,
with each club winning through once on their way to lifting the trophy at
Wembley. The Toffees scored a 2-1 victory at Molineux on 18 March 1933, when
Vic Watson's goal was cancelled out by Ted Critchley and James Dunn, before
beating Manchester City 3-0 at Wembley. The Division Two Hammers gained
their revenge on 16 April 1980, when Frank Lampard and Alan Devonshire
scored in a 2-1 replay victory at Elland Road. West Ham went on to beat
Arsenal 1-0 in the final.
• West Ham United have never scored more than four goals in a game against
Everton - achieving that feat on six occasions. The Hammers' biggest home
victor over the Toffees was a 4-0 Division One success on 11 February 1961,
when Harry Obeney scored twice and John Dick and Malcolm Musgrove once each.
• Vivian Gibbins scored a hat-trick in a 4-0 Division One win at Goodison
Park on 10 April 1929, while Jimmy Ruffell repeated the feat in a 4-2 home
Division One victory on 5 December 1931 - they remain the only two trebles
netted by West Ham United players against Everton.
• Everton's biggest victory at the Boleyn Ground came on 26 February 2000,
when the Toffees scored a 4-0 Premier League win. Nick Barmby scored a
hat-trick and American Joe-Max Moore added a fourth.
• Winston Reid scored past Everton goalkeeper Jan Mucha at the 2010 FIFA
World Cup when his last-minute header secured New Zealand a 1-1 group-stage
draw with Slovakia at the Royal Bafokeng Stadium in Rustenburg.
• Mohamed Diame lined up alongside Everton winger Magaye Gueye at the London
2012 Olympic Games, where the pair helped Senegal to reach the
quarter-finals
Last time out
Sunday 16 December 2012
Barclays Premier League
West Bromwich Albion 0-0 West Ham United
West Ham United: Jaaskelainen, Reid, O'Brien, Collins, Demel (Tomkins 81),
Nolan, Jarvis (Maiga 76), Taylor, Noble, O'Neil, Cole.
Subs not used: Spiegel, Spence, Moncur Lletget
Saturday 15 December 2012
Barclays Premier League
Stoke City 1-1 Everton
Everton: Howard, Baines, Jagielka, Distin, Coleman, Gibson, Osman, Pienaar,
Fellaini, Jelavic, Naismith (Barkley 70).
Subs not used: Mucha, Heitinga, Duffy, Oviedo, Hitzlsperger, Vellios.
Goals: Shawcross og 36.
Previous meeting
Everton and West Ham United drew 2-2 at Goodison Park in the Premier League
on 22 January 2011. Marouane Fellaini scored in added time to rescue a point
for Everton after an 84th-minute strike from Frederic Piquionne looked to
have sealed victory for West Ham United. Jonathan Spector opened the scoring
after 26 minutes before Diniyar Bilyaletdinov smashed home with 13 minutes
remaining. Piquionne put the Hammers ahead soon after heading in from Wayne
Bridge's cross but the forward was dismissed moments after for his
over-exuberant celebration. It was not to be though as Fellaini collected
Jack Rodwell's flick before turning and firing past Rob Green from 10-yards
to end the game 2-2.
Everton: Howard, Heitinga, Baines, Coleman, Distin, Neville (Rodwell 86),
Fellaini , Osman, Arteta, Anichebe (Bilyaletdinov 69), Beckford (Saha 45)
West Ham United: Green, Tomkins, Spector, Faubert, Bridge, Parker, Boa
Morte, Noble, Hines (Sears 81, Reid 90), Piquionne
Last six meetings (Premier League unless stated)
22 January 2011 - Everton 2-2 West Ham United
28 December 2010 - West Ham United 1-1 Everton
4 April 2010 - Everton 2-2 West Ham United
8 November 2009 - West Ham United 1-2 Everton
16 May 2009 - Everton 3-1 West Ham United
8 November 2008 - West Ham United 1-3 Everton
Overall record v Everton (all competitions) W 36 D 27 L 61
Ten-year records
West Ham United
2011/12 Championship 3rd (86 points - promoted via Play-Offs)
2010/11 Premier League 20th (33 points - relegated to Championship)
2009/10 Premier League 17th (35 points)
2008/09 Premier League 9th (51 points)
2007/08 Premier League 10th (49 points)
2006/07 Premier League 15th (41 points)
2005/06 Premier League 9th (55 points)
2004/05 Championship 6th (73 points - promoted via play-offs)
2003/04 Championship 4th (74 points)
2002/03 Premier League 18th (42 points - relegated to Championship)
Everton
2011/12 Premier League 7th (56 points)
2010/11 Premier League 7th (54 points)
2009/10 Premier League 8th (61 points)
2008/09 Premier League 5th (63 points)
2007/08 Premier League 5th (65 points)
2006/07 Premier League 6th (58 points)
2005/06 Premier League 11th (50 points)
2004/05 Premier League 4th (61 points)
2003/04 Premier League 17th (39 points)
2002/03 Premier League 7th (59 points)
Referee
• Saturday's referee will be Anthony Taylor.
• Taylor is in his third season on the Select Group of referees appointed to
control Barclays Premier League fixtures.
• The Greater Manchester-born official started refereeing in the Northern
Premier League in 2002 before being appointed to the Football League list at
the start of the 2006/07 season, refereeing his match between Wrexham and
Peterborough United in League Two on 12 August 2006.
• Taylor's first Premier League appointment was the 3 February 2010
encounter between today's visitors Fulham and former West Ham United manager
Avram Grant's Portsmouth, with the Cottagers winning 1-0.
• Taylor has taken charge of one West Ham United game this season, the 3-0
win over Fulham in September, and was the fourth official in the 0-0 draw
against Norwich City at Carrow Road.
• The 33-year-old took charge of the Hammers' final Barclays Premier League
fixture before they were relegated to the npower Championship in May 2011
when Sunderland secured a 3-0 win at the Boleyn Ground.
• When asked in an interview what his favourite match that he has refereed
was, he named British Gas Business Southern League Midland Division side
Chasetown's victory over Port Vale in the FA Cup second round in December
2007.
• Taylor will be assisted by Gary Beswick and Simon Long, Andy D'Urso is the
fourth official.
Old boys
• Everton midfielder Thomas Hitzlsperger spent the 2010/11 season at the
Boleyn Ground joining the club in June 2010. Injury hampered his spell at
the club and he did not make his debut until February 2011 when he played in
the FA Cup fifth round against Burnley. He made his league debut in a 3-1
win over Liverpool and he scored his first goal in a 3-0 win over Stoke City
on 5 March 2011.
• Among the players who have represented both clubs are Niclas
Alexandersson, Ray Atteveld, Slaven Bilic, Ian Bishop, Joe Blythe, David
Burrows, Tony Cottee, Charlie Crossley, George Eccles, William Kelly, George
Kitchen, Alex McCartney, Lucas Neill, John Russell, David Unsworth, Mark
Ward, William Wildman, Danny Williamson and Richard Wright.
General information
• Tickets are now SOLD OUT.
• Saturday's weather forecast at the Boleyn Ground is for light rain with
maximum temperatures reaching 10C (50F).
• West Ham United host Everton in the Barclays Premier League on Saturday as
they look to get back to winning ways following last weekend's 0-0 draw away
at West Bromwich Albion.
• Just four points separate the two sides in the Barclays Premier League
table, with the Toffees in sixth on 27 points and the Hammers in eleventh on
23 points. A win for the Toffees could see them end the day in third place
if other results go in their favour, while West Ham United could rise as
high as eighth if Norwich City, Stoke City and Swansea City all fail to win.
• Both sides have had mixed fortunes during December, Everton started with a
1-1 draw against champions Manchester City before beating Tottenham Hotspur
2-1 at home and drawing 1-1 at Stoke City. The Hammers started well too
beating Chelsea 3-1 before narrowly losing out 3-2 to Liverpool and drawing
0-0 at West Bromwich Albion.
• West Ham United's match with Everton is one of eight games in the Barclays
Premier League this Saturday, the rest are as follows (kick-off 3pm unless
stated): Liverpool v Fulham (5.30pm), Manchester City v Reading, Newcastle
United v QPR, Southampton v Sunderland, Tottenham Hotspur v Stoke City, West
Bromwich Albion v Norwich City, Wigan Athletic v Arsenal (12.45pm).
Team news
West Ham United
• Jack Collison made his return to action in the Development Squad's 3-1
defeat against Norwich City on Monday and is likely to be in the squad.
Collison has been nursing a knee problem and has not featured for the first
team since last season's npower Championship Play-Off final.
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Ginge relishing Toffees test
WHUFC.com
James Collins is looking forward to a big battle with Everton in Saturday's
Barclays Premier League fixture
21.12.2012
James Collins wants to help West Ham United get in the festive mood by
achieving a positive result against Everton on Saturday. The Wales
international defender admitted that the Toffees will be no pushovers.
However, Collins believes the Hammers will take the solid defensive display
they put on at West Bromwich Albion last weekend into this weekend's
Barclays Premier League fixture. Everton have lost just two of their 17
league matches and are on a five-match unbeaten run, but have drawn four of
those games. Meanwhile, West Ham have lost just two of their nine home
league matches and just three of 22 home league fixtures in 2012. "Everton
are well organised and have had a good season so far," said the No19. "Over
the years they have been a team that has started off slowly and then got
better as the season has gone on, but this year they have started off well,
made some good signings in the summer and had their players ticking from
the kick-off. One positive for West Ham and Collins in particular is the
absence of the suspended Belgium international Marouane Fellaini, who starts
a three-match ban on Saturday. However, the centre-back said the Hammers
will not be able to relax, even if Everton's biggest threat will not be on
the pitch. "Fellaini is a handful so it is good he is not playing, but I am
sure they will have someone who is just as much of a handful as he is to
take his place against us. So, we will have to be on our toes. "We are
expecting a tough game, but if we can defend like we know we can and
certainly how we did last Sunday and get something at the other end, then
hopefully we can get three points. That is the aim."
Collins is in fine form and enjoying being part of a West Ham defence that
has kept six clean sheets in the league and conceded just 20 goals in 17
matches. The big Welshman is also relishing playing alongside both Winston
Reid and James Tomkins. "I have played with some of the best centre halves
over the years. In my first season here I partnered Danny Gabbidon whom I
had also played with at Cardiff. Then I went to Aston Villa and played
alongside Richard Dunne. Since returning here, I have played mostly with
Winston and there is also Tonks [James Tomkins] and I have to put them in
the same bracket.
"I think Winston has been great. I watched a lot of the games in the
Championship last season and Reidy and Tonks were superb together.
Fortunately for me, I have come in and been able to get into the team. I
don't think Winston has had a bad game, really. He's solid and really
consistent and it is quite easy to play alongside him. "He is a strong and
commanding character and has presence on the pitch makes my job easier.
Partnerships can take time but he has international experience as well,
which helps. He is still young even though the way he plays makes him seem
older. I knew a lot of the boys when I returned from before, but not
Winston. Since I have arrived, he has been great with me on and off the
pitch, so all credit to him. If he can carry on the way he is playing, he
will have a terrific season and that can only be good for West Ham."
Although the Boxing Day fixture away to Arsenal has been postponed, there is
still a busy match schedule coming up. Following the visit of Everton is a
trip to Reading on 29 December and the New Year's Day home match with
Norwich City. One player who could play his part in those games is Jack
Collison, who has recently returned to action following a long-term knee
problem. Collins said his compatriot's presence would boost the Hammers over
the festive period. "Hopefully we will have the injured lads back sooner
than later. It has been frustrating for Jack. A lot of people won't know the
extent of the work he has been doing around the place to get back playing,
so it is massive news to see him back and he is such a terrific lad on and
off the field. It is vital for us if we can keep him fit."
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West Ham v Everton
KO 15:00
21 December 2012
Last updated at 10:57
By Steve Wilson
BBC Match of the Day commentator
BARCLAYS PREMIER LEAGUE
Venue: Upton Park Date: Saturday, 22 December
LINEUP, BOOKINGS (0) & SUBSTITUTIONS (0)
TEAM NEWS
Jack Collison is in the West Ham squad for the first time this season after
a serious knee injury. Fellow midfielder Yossi Benayoun has a knee problem
and is unlikely to be fit enough to play.
Everton will be without top scorer Marouane Fellaini, who begins a
three-match suspension. Phil Neville has recovered quicker than expected
from a knee injury but this weekend is likely to be too soon for his return.
MATCH PREVIEW
West Ham may have found wins tough to find recently, but they can be
reasonably satisfied with how they have dealt with a really tricky run of
fixtures: nine points from eight games against Manchester City, Newcastle,
Stoke, Spurs, Manchester United, Chelsea, Liverpool and West Brom is not too
bad at all - even if they have slipped from a heady sixth to a more
realistic 11th. Sam Allardyce deserves credit for getting the best out of an
achingly average squad, one touched by only a few sprinkles of real
stardust. He has also been helped by the distinctly patchy quality of most
of the teams around the middle reaches of the Premier League. There isn't a
club in the top half of the Championship that should be intimidated by
promotion and the prospect of rubbing shoulders with most of the top flight.
Everton, however, are a cut above; tenacious, quick, intelligent and
skilful, it's been some considerable time since they had such a good team at
Goodison Park. Unfortunately for David Moyes, Everton will not be at full
strength at West Ham. Marouane Fellaini's suspension is bad news, with Kevin
Mirallas and probably Phil Neville already sidelined. Fellaini has been
brilliant this season, and the prospect of him and Mohamed Diame coming face
to face would have had them strengthening the foundations of Upton Park to
cope with the shockwaves of the impact. Everton's loss is West Ham's gain.
Everton have lost only two of their last 26 Premier League games, drawing 13
of those matches. I would not be surprised if this is another to add to that
list.
MATCH FACTS
Head-to-head
The last three meetings between these teams have ended in a draw.
Everton are unbeaten in their last nine games in all competitions against
West Ham. They are unbeaten on their last four league visits to Upton Park,
winning on three of those occasions.
The Toffees' 4-0 win at West Ham in February 2000 remains their biggest
Premier League away win.
West Ham
West Ham have won just one of their last four home league games (W1, D2, L1)
- but they did beat Chelsea and hold Manchester City to a draw at Upton
Park.
Only four teams have conceded fewer than the 20 goals let in by The Hammers
in the league this season. They have kept six clean sheets.
So far in 2012-13, West Ham have won just one of their nine games against
clubs in the top half of the table (W1, D4, L4).
The Hammers are the only top-flight team not to have conceded a headed goal
in this league campaign.
Everton
Everton have lost just twice in the league this season - only Manchester
City have suffered fewer defeats.
David Moyes's side have drawn nine of their last 13 Premier League away
games and five of the last six (D5, L1).
The Toffees have conceded the first goal nine times in this season's top
flight, but on only one of those occasions have they gone on to lose the
match.
They have conceded in their last 12 league matches - their longest run
without a clean sheet in three years since a 12-match streak from October to
December 2009. They have not gone 13 without a clean sheet since a Premier
League club record 14-match streak from April to October 2008.
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West Ham United v Everton
KUMB.com
Filed: Friday, 21st December 2012
By: Preview Percy
Next up we have Everton who visit the Boleyn for a 3pm kick-off on Saturday.
Unless of course certain predictions in the Mayan calendar turn out to be
true. In which case kick-off might be delayed a bit. TfL have declared a
Christmas truce on engineering works on the tube so apart from a few bits of
the DLR here and there your journey by tube should be plain sailing.
The less arrogant half of Merseyside arrive in unusual circumstances. Over
the past few years it has been the tradition for them to start the season
slowly before picking up points and moving up the table. This season,
however, they have reversed their usual policy and have started well.
Following Arsenal's win on Monday night, they currently lie in sixth spot
with 27 points from 17 games. That's four points and five places above us as
things stand.
Recent form has been a bit mixed, admittedly. They've won just the one of
their last six – a highly amusing 2-1 victory over Tottenham in a match in
which they were 1-0 down as the clock turned 90. They've only lost the one
in that period, a 2-1 reverse at Reading in mid-November. The rest, you will
have worked out, ended up in draws. All of these ended up 1-1, the opponents
being Norwich and Arsenal at home and Man City and Stoke away.
The Stoke away fixture provided much to talk about, with the Belgian
Marouane Fellaini garnering most of the headlines over his contretemps with
Ryan Shawcross. I do have a tiniest thread of sympathy for Fellaini, given
that his opponents last weekend constantly and openly flout both the laws
and the spirit of the game. There can be few outside the Potteries who
haven't wanted to exact some sort of retribution on the likes of Shawcross
and Huth so one can understand the loss of discipline if not actually going
so far as to condone it.
It was quite refreshing also to hear David Moyes' comments on the subject.
Most managers asked about such an incident would either fudge the question
("I'm not going to comment on that – we'll deal with that internally") or,
if you're Arsene Wenger, just lie (I didn't see the incident that you have
video of me looking straight at"). So Moyes' comments that such actions are
unacceptable and that he had told the player so are a welcome change from
the usual rubbish.
I feel less impressed by the "apology" attributed to Fellaini himself mind –
that had all the hallmarks of "it's a fair cop guv" being released in the
hope that any retrospective action taken by the authorities might somehow be
mitigated by such a plea. As it happens, the three match ban that will keep
him out of this match is the minimum that he might have expected.
Looking at those who will be playing, Tim Howard will be their custodian of
the onion bag. Howard originally arrived from Man Utd on loan – and,
although the rules back then allowed players to play against their parent
cubs, Man Utd enforced a so-called "gentlemen's agreement" to ensure their
employee didn't play against them. His replacement had a poor game, which
Man Utd won.
Once the Premier League's kangaroo court had fined us for transgressing the
rules on third party influence it was pointed out that the Howard
arrangement was an actual (rather than theoretical) breach of the same
rules. Rather than hit Man Utd with the same punishment the authorities came
up with a "gentlemen's agreements don't count" fudge, which meant that they
didn't have to consider awarding the title to runners-up Chelsea. They
quickly followed this up with an amendment to the rules to prevent them
being caught in the embarrassing position of having to punish Man Utd again.
Howard famously suffers from Tourette's syndrome. Popular mythology would
have us believe that Tourette's sufferers pepper every conversation with
expletives though the truth is that happens in only the more extreme of
cases. Arse. Howard scored with a wind-assisted clearance against Bolton
last season though he refused to celebrate out of sympathy for Bogdan, his
opposite number. Not over the goal, more over the brightly red-haired
'keeper being forced to wear a pink shirt.
Left back Leighton Baines is one who is having a fine season. He's unlucky
to not have more caps for his country, often being behind Ashley Cole in the
pecking order, Cole's selection often being made out of habit than for any
logical reason involving form. The usual skipper is Phil Neville but he's
got an injured fetlock or something that he picked up in the defeat to
Reading so those of you working on some sort of taunt involving the fact
that he's not as good as his not-particularly-talented brother can put your
biros away.
This week we are able to combine the usual Crimewatch award with the
"ex-Hammer" slot. Herr Thomas Hitzlsperger looked to be a promising signing
at the start of our last relegation season. He even came with a readymade
nickname of "Der Hammer". However, his understandable desire to throw
himself into West Ham United culture meant that he became the 4,763rd player
to pick up a serious injury before he'd kicked a ball for us in anger.
By the time he finally got fit he was too late to influence things. For our
final game of the relegation season, Kevin Keen's pitch as caretaker manager
for the full job included making Hitzlsperger captain for the Sunderland
match, a position that it was implied would be made permanent should Keen
get the job. The job went to Mr Allardyce and Der Hammer didn't stick around
long enough to be introduced.
Hitzlsperger's Crimewatch Award is awarded for the chutzpah shown in
mitigation whilst being sentenced for speeding at 107mph on the A14. In a
desperate attempt to avoid a ban, the player claimed that, since he was
unemployed, he would need to be able to continue to drive in order to find a
new club. It seems not to have occurred to anyone that a professional
footballer earning many thousands a week might just have enough change down
the back of the sofa for a cab.
Or, failing that, that the agent of a professional footballer earning a
percentage of many thousands a week might just have their own car in which
to give their meal ticket a lift. Hitzlsperger therefore ended up with a
£750 fine and six points on his licence. I would be intrigued to find out if
anyone else out there is unemployed and escaped a ban in similar
circumstances.
Elsewhere in midfield, in one of Roy Hodgson's stranger moves, midfielder
Leon Osman gained his first cap in the recent England friendly in Sweden. A
steady performer, one can't nevertheless help but wonder about the thought
process that went into awarding a cap to a 31-year-old who is unlikely to
add too many to that total. Still his selection did mean that Mark Noble did
avoid injury from a non-competitive match, though I'd wager he'd have
preferred to have got his first cap.
With his nine siblings, Osman has had a successful recording career over the
years, though he wasn't the one who wrote the seminal ecology-based
anti-pollution anthem "Crazy Horses". He did, however, come up with that
wailing synth sound, following an accident involving an experiment with an
elastic band, a nine volt battery and the neighbour's cat. Strangely, this
is an experiment I intend to replicate once I've caught up with the Avram
Grant Rest Home For The Bewildered spotty work experience Herbert that was
responsible for this week's research.
Top scorer at present is the absent Fellaini who has eight – all in the
league. Second on that list is Croatian striker Nikica Jelavic whos six
goals thus far have also all come in the league. Jelavic arrived in January
from Rangers who tried to spark up a bidding war between ourselves and the
Toffeemen.
Our interest in the player cooled when it appeared that Rangers were after
£8m for the player whilst the player himself didn't appear too keen to
moderate his salary demands, something that would have been required if he'd
come to the Boleyn. In the end Everton shelled out a reported £5m, which was
closer to what we wanted to pay, though presumably they were more able to
meet the player's wage demands. Jelavic is what you might call an
"uncomplicated" player which means Ginge could be in for a bit of fun.
The other main striker is sweaty Stephen Naismith. Naismith is also an
alumnus of Rangers where he played alongside Jelavic for a while. He's
currently involved in a legal battle with those involved in "New Rangers" (a
bit like "New Coke" in that it leaves a nasty taste in the mouth). When "Old
Rangers" went down the pan the player contracts were transferred to "New
Rangers". However the legal niceties of such a move are subject to question.
The player maintains that the descent into insolvency of "Old Rangers" meant
that the original contract became void, leaving him to be a free agent. "New
Rangers" beg to differ.
Gers fans are bitter about the whole affair pointing out that Naismith had
spent much of the two years immediately preceding his departure recovering
from a serious knee injury so he's probably more popular at Parkhead than he
is in the Ibrox area at the moment. Naismith is also deployed in midfield
from time to time and both he and another possible alternative for a
striking role, Victor Anichebe, have three for the season thus far.
Anichebe has been used sparingly this season having made just the six
appearances of which four were from the bench and he wasn't about for the
Stoke match last week. Though born in Nigeria, for whom he plays at
international level, he's been in Liverpool since the age of one and is a
product of the Everton youth system. He probably won't be looking forward to
a reunion with Kevin Nolan.
A frankly disgraceful tackle from our skipper whilst playing for Newcastle
in 2009 put Anichebe out of the game for a whole year with a severely
damaged cartilage in his right knee. Anichebe's contract at the time
included a whole bunch of stuff that was appearance-based and Newcastle
ended up settling out of court with the player for what was a reported
six-figure sum for potential loss of earnings. Although Nolan did apologise
at the time I think it's fair to say that it wasn't the skipper's finest
hour.
Having written all that, I'm now told by the Avram Grant Rest Home for the
Bewildered spotty work experience Herbert that Anichebe has a knackered
hamstring so at least he'll be spared the embarrassing handshake moment. His
absence means that it would be pointless of me to point out that he is the
Everton player to have made the most substitute appearances in the club's
history. So I won't.
Us? A good point last week under the circumstances I thought. Winston Reid
once more was outstanding – a performance that was all the more poignant
given the nightmare that was his previous visit to the Hawthorns a few years
ago.
Injury news is the same as ever though the appearance of Jack Collison in a
Development Squad match during the week suggests that there is a pinprick of
light beginning to develop at the end of that particular tunnel. Yossi was
last seen hanging around West London, there being no room at our own physio
complex though some sources reckon that he may be close to a return to the
squad.
We're looking at a few weeks for Diarra, Carroll and Vaz Te, though Diarra
is apparently "in full training" according to Mr Gold on that there twitter
thing the other day.That means that the team just about picks itself really
– and being at home we should be able to muster a full complement of seven
subs, even if one of them has to be a spotty work experience Herbert. In the
meantime I reckon Mr Allardyce is far from gutted that the Boxing Day trip
to Arsenal is off, giving the players a few more days of recovery.
This will be a tough one. Our record in recent years against Everton at the
Boleyn has not been the greatest – though it has to be said that there have
been a couple of cases of daylight robbery in that time, where they've
somehow picked up all three points when even a single point would have
flattered them.
They've drawn a lot lately, and, in some of those games, they ought to have
put the game to bed well before the opposition picked up an equaliser. We
have that bare bones thing going on and, whilst the likely eleven starters
are decent enough, the bench is going to look thinner than the
suspiciously-shaped turkey that they'll be serving us here at the rest home.
Last week proved (again) that there are guts in our squad and we'll need
those qualities to see us through the holiday period to when we can look
forward to possibly seeing the return of one or two players. My instinct
therefore is to place the proceeds of the Avram Grant Rest Home For The
Bewildered collection to buy the spotty work experience Herbert a tube of
acne cream (£2.50) on a wager with Mr Winstone for the match to end up as a
1-1 draw.
Enjoy the game and merry Christmas!
When last we met at the Boleyn: Drew 1-1 (December 2010). An own goal from
Hibbert that Upton Girlie still claims belongs to the brass-botherer Kovac
was cancelled out by Coleman. Declared open season on Tomkins as a
succession of visiting players left the defender flattened on the ground.
Our match report notes an inability to beat the first man at corners. We've
had two years to sort that issue out….
Referee: Anthony Taylor. Last seen handling the 3-0 win over Fulham in
August. A relative newcomer to the Select Group he hasn't yet succumbed to
the Dean Syndrome of believing that we've all come to watch him.
Danger Man: Nickica Jelavic. There's a long tradition of players that we
were interested in but never signed turning up to bite us on the backside.
Here's another potential member of that club.
Daft Fact Of The Week: The mother of one of KUMB.com's moderators used to
work as a waitress in a posh restaurant in Hampshire which was often used by
former Everton hero Alan Ball when he was manager at Pompey. The mod's Mum –
who has never really kept up to date with football – was clearing away the
coffee cups and asked the diminutive late World Cup winner "do I know you
from somewhere?" Ball smiled patiently and informed the waitress that he was
a former professional footballer. "That's it!" exclaimed the waitress
"You're Bobby Charlton!"
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Christmas Carrolls or tight Spenders?
KUMB.com
Filed: Friday, 21st December 2012
By: Jason Eves
With Big Sam openly admitting we need a few fresh faces in the wake of the
upcoming transfer window, January could make or break of our season.
With our form suffering blips through the loss of up to seven players, we
are unenviably third in the Premier League physio room table trailing behind
the other stuttering campaigns of constant relegation battlers Wigan and
once resurgent powerhouses Newcastle.
With the owners remaining tight-lipped over our transfer funds for this
January window, possibly tactically to keep the cards close to their chest,
it's hard to tell whether we will splash the cash as we did over the summer
or whether we will wheel and deal.
Of course the constant press speculation will carry on long into the new
year. It's great drumming up speculation for the adoring fans of our club,
but there will always be pessimism (and maybe realism too) that we aren't
always going to sign our top targets.
I believe the biggest signing we can pull off this January is handing
Mohamed Diamé a bumper deal for his efforts this season. Recent speculation
suggested he has a release clause in his contract - something that led
several clubs to take notice - so the sooner he signs, the less concern for
Big Sam. It's said that talks are under way.
With Andy Carroll (again) struggling with injury, we need an established
striker to keep the in-form Carlton Cole on his heels. I've been sceptical
of Cole's ability in past years, but we now have some decent competition for
the coveted striker's role and he has stepped up to the mark with some
inspiring performances.
Cole's contract is up this summer, and with no news of contract talks on the
horizon should we cash in on Carlton while he's on form - or risk losing him
for free?
I believe Big Sam may also be tiring of Andy Carroll being constantly
wrapped in cotton wool, although he's an influential player when he plays.
For the wage he is picking up, I hope he can put in some more worthy
performances but with Liverpool inserting a recall clause which can be
activated in January, we could be seeing a premature end of Carroll's West
Ham career.
Time will tell if he is worthy of his £17million clause; a full season's
assessment of his ability and, more importantly, fitness under the tutelage
of Big Sam will allow the board to make a better judgement on parting with
such a large sum for him.
The return of Yossi Benayoun, another loan signing over the summer has so
far failed to live up to expectation. Being frozen out of the starting
line-ups during his time at Liverpool and Chelsea has clearly affected his
confidence and ability. Again, for the pay packet he is picking up, surely
I'm not alone in saying we should be expecting more from a player of his
ability.
Jack Collison's slow but steady return from injury should hasten the
departure of Benayoun, and also sway Sam from investing further in our most
congested part of the field. Having Jack put in some heart-on-sleeve
performances during our Championship run-in could have dealt some long term
repercussions to his health. With admissions that he may never fully
recover, again only time will tell on Jack's health, but it would be a shame
to lose a player with such promise.
With our youth setup recently awarded Category One status, we may not need
to invest so heavily for new players in the over-priced January market, with
a number of youth players making the subs bench for recent games. This is
either because our squad has been left so threadbare through injuries, or
because Allardyce reckons they are ready to be blooded into the first team.
We have an aspiring upcoming defender in Jordan Spence, who has skippered
England's youth set-up at various competitions. At the age of 22, with
various loan stints under his belt, if we suffer any injury setbacks to our
established defenders I believe Jordan should be given the chance to show
his worth and stake a claim for a place in the first team.
And with various youth players farmed out to continue their football
education elsewhere, I would like to hope we will continue our philosophy of
bringing our Academy players into our first team; hot prospects such as
upcoming goalkeeper Stephen Henderson, U21 International Danny Potts,
England U19 striker Robert Hall and Ravel Morrison being loaned to Ipswich,
Colchester and Birmingham respectively.
The January transfer window could make for a quick fix for West Ham in the
second half of our campaign and I believe Big Sam will work his magic on
whatever budget he has been handed by the board. He has an uncanny ability
of resurrecting players' careers (look at his record with Bolton as proof),
with the Bosman market surely to provide some interesting players that would
have previously been unavailable.
With a few cover players brought in, we can steady the ship and enjoy a
great second half to the season. I believe the future is looking bright, and
we have every reason to be feeling positive going into the new year.
In West Ham I trust.
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Everton travel to West Ham looking to continue top-four push
Last Updated: December 21, 2012 11:19am
SSN
Everton will look to continue their push for a top-four spot when they
travel to West Ham on Saturday. The Toffees have lost just twice this
season but nine draws have hampered their progress and David Moyes knows his
team's away form must improve if they are to challenge at the top. Everton
are on a run of six without a win away from Goodison Park and will be eager
to put that right with three points at Upton Park. But West Ham have saved
their best performances for their own supporters, winning four games and
losing just twice. One of those defeats came last time out against Everton's
city neighbours Liverpool as a second-half turnaround scuppered the Hammers'
hopes. Sam Allardyce will be anxious to avoid a repeat of that showing and a
victory will lift his side back into the top half of the Premier League and
within a point of the visitors.
West Ham
Last 6
0-0
2-3
3-1
1-0
3-1
1-1
West Ham welcome midfielder Jack Collison back into their squad for their
clash with Everton. Collison has not featured for the Hammers since last
season's play-off final but is back in action after recovering from a
serious knee injury. The return of the Wales international provides a
much-needed boost for Sam Allardyce as the Hammers boss is having to deal
with a lengthy injury list. Mohamed Diame (hamstring), Ricardo Vaz Te
(shoulder) and Alou Diarra (thigh) are all missing, while Andy Carroll and
Yossi Benayoun remain out with knee problems.
Everton
Last 6
1-1
2-1
1-1
1-1
1-1
2-1
Marouane Fellaini is unavailable for Everton as he serves the first of a
three-game suspension. The Belgium international was handed a ban by the
Football Association for his headbutt on Stoke's Ryan Shawcross last
weekend. Phil Neville is also out with a knee injury so there could be an
opportunity for Germany international Thomas Hitzlsperger against his former
club. And there remain doubts over Tony Hibbert and Kevin Mirallas who are
struggling with calf and hamstring injuries respectively.
Opta Facts
West Ham have won none of the last eight Premier League games against
Everton (W0 D4 L4), drawing the last three in a row.
Everton have scored in each of their last 14 Premier League games; the
longest-such run seen in the competition this season.
However, Everton have also conceded in their last 12 Premier League games -
no side are currently on such a long run.
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Colchester extend Potts loan
Last Updated: December 21, 2012 6:14pm
SSN
Colchester have extended the loan of defender Dan Potts from Premier League
outfit West Ham for a further month. Potts joined the U's from the Hammers
towards the end of November and will now remain with the League One club
until January 27 2013. Potts has made three appearances for Joe Dunne's side
and the extension means he will be available for another eight matches. The
first of those fixtures is the away game at Walsall on Saturday and he has
been included in the travelling party.
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Neil McDonald reveals Nikica Jelavic rejected West Ham before Everton move
Last Updated: December 21, 2012 2:45pm
SSN
West Ham assistant manager Neil McDonald is hoping Everton striker Nikica
Jelavic will not show the Hammers what they missed out on. The Croatia
international rejected the advances of the Hammers in favour of a switch to
Goodison Park when he left Rangers at the end of January. And the Toffees
have had a great return for the reported £5million fee they paid for the
27-year-old, who has since netted 17 goals for the Merseysiders. McDonald
said: "There was a definite interest there and we did speak to him.
Obviously he went to Everton and scored goals and proved he can play in the
Premier League. "When we saw him at Rangers we thought he could score goals
in the Premier League and he's proved that. That's Everton's gain."
McDonald admits it was hard to take on a missing out on a player like
Jelavic, but his rejection at least allowed the Hammers to bring in Andy
Carroll on loan from Liverpool. He said: "You are always disappointed when
you don't get players who come into the Premier League and do well but we
got Andy Carroll so there is a little bit of a pay-off there. "We are
pleased with Andy's contribution so far, even though he has got injured. If
you don't get one (target) you try and get another."
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Marseille insist they have no plans to sell Newcastle target Loic Remy
By Pete O'Rourke - Follow me: @skysportspeteo. Last Updated:
December 21, 2012 4:40pm
SSN
Marseille president Vincent Labrune has cooled talk linking Loic Remy with a
possible move to the Premier League. Newcastle are reported to be leading
the chase to sign the French international when the transfer window reopens
next month with Queens Park Rangers and West Ham also credited with an
interest.
The Magpies are thought to be drawing up a list of striking targets in case
Demba Ba leaves and Remy is thought to figure highly on it. Remy has
struggled to hold down a regular place in the Marseille side this season,
but Labrune insists he is not actively trying to sell the 25-year-old. "I'm
not looking for a way out for Loic," Labrune told Le Parisien. "I like him,
and I know his potential." Labrune claims Marseille are under no pressure to
sell Remy and that they are actually looking to bring in new faces rather
than lose anyone in January. "Our finances are healthy," added Labrune. "I
don't have to sell this winter, we're rather in a position to buy one or two
players to help continue the best start to a season the club has made in
nearly 20 years."
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Coll ready to roll for Hammers
By MATT PARKER
Published: 21st December 2012
The SUn
WEST HAM boss Sam Allardyce will rush Jack Collison back into the first team
today in a bid to ease their injury crisis. The midfield ace, 24, has been
out crocked since the Championship play-off final against Blackpool in May
with a long-term knee problem that will need to be carefully managed for the
rest of his career. But he completed his latest comeback by playing 45
minutes for the development squad against Norwich this week and is in line
for an early recall against Everton. With Ricardo Vaz Te, George McCartney,
Alou Diarra, Yossi Benayoun, Andy Carroll and Mohamed Diame all out until
the New Year, Big Sam could only name six subs for the 0-0 draw at West Brom
last Sunday. And only two of those had Premier League experience. And with
that in mind, assistant manager Neil McDonald confirmed Collison is likely
to be on the bench for the clash at Upton Park despite wanting to ease him
back gently. He said: "Jack needs more games and time on the training pitch
but no doubt he'll come in to the squad as we need him. "We had one less sub
on Sunday so if he gets through training it wouldn't surprise me if he's on
the bench. "We have other players that could possibly come on but if we need
him we know he can come on for a short space of time and even if he's not
100 per cent match fit he'll put pressure on everyone else. "He's important
to us as he's a good player. He scores goals as well as creating them. "He
is a positive lad and wants to play. Yes, he's had problems before but in my
time here I've never heard one person say he should call it day. "He's
proved, with hard work and dedication, you can come back." The Hammers face
an Everton side who have gained many admirers under David Moyes. McDonald
added: "I think they are a model for any club."
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Karren Brady's football diary – so glad about 'Nuddy'
By KARREN BRADY
Last Updated: 22nd December 2012
The Sun
SATURDAY, DECEMBER 15
JUST when it seemed the wicked art of headbutting had been whistled out of
the game, along comes Marouane Fellaini to show us it is alive and, well,
butting.
Everton manager David Moyes plays it exactly right. Many would have
delivered the Nelson 'I see no ships' card but Moyes comes clean and
immediately condemns the Belgian, whose later apology shouldn't save him
from Christmas in chains.
SUNDAY, DECEMBER 16
THE two priceless assets of any team are knowing how to win and knowing how
not to lose. West Ham have to employ defiance at The Hawthorns and, in a
way, I'm as proud of the goalless draw as I was in the defeat of Chelsea.
It's the result of training and coaching of a very high order. I take off my
Santa hat to our boys. You have only to check how many Chelsea and Spurs
have let in to see that preventing goals is not easy.
MONDAY, DECEMBER 17
TO my husband Paul's great relief, he takes a 6am call to hear that former
Blues winger Peter Ndlovu is off the danger list after a car crash in
Zimbabwe.
Paul room-shared with 'Nuddy' for four years and was in awe of his pulling
power. But sometimes his libido was bigger than his brain. Once a so-called
princess sitting on a fortune turned out to be a con-woman. The fortune she
was sitting on was Nuddy.
TUESDAY, DECEMBER 18
THERE is a lot of envy in the room at our Premier League funding meeting —
aimed mainly at Manchester City and Chelsea. They are the moneybags and
trying for a balanced agreement on players' wages and club sustainability is
like searching for one-size-fits-all on a knickers stall. Absolutely
impossible.
So we trundle along, ruing the power this gives to unscrupulous agents and
the difficulties in attempting to fit in with UEFA threats that might cost
one of us European competition. I fear Fulham's Mohamed Al-Fayed is correct
— ultimately, each of us is alone and must seek our own salvation. If the
League's chief executive Richard Scudamore can find one rule that suits
everyone, he deserves to find himself on the New Year's honours list!
WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 19
MARIO BALOTELLI withdraws his appeal against a £340,000 fine for his poor
disciplinary record last season. I hope his case was better than that of a
player who once took me to a tribunal on the basis he didn't think he should
have to pay the fine because he hadn't read the terms of his contract.
Needless to say he lost. The Manchester City striker seems to have decided
he didn't want to damage his relationship with the club, although it comes
as a surprise to some that he still had one. With three red cards last
season and the continuing reputation of a five-year-old boy with a short
attention span, Balotelli has now lost an awful lot of cash he could have
used on fireworks and a train set.
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 20
TWO Premier League CEOs and I go for lunch to reminisce about the era when
agents did not have control of the game. Two of us remember the 1990s — a
time when you did not need permission from the agent to have a meeting with
your own player. We all hope that one day soon the players will work out
that some agents are only worried about providing for their own families to
be bothered about the players. After lunch they ask me to help with their
Christmas shopping. One is buying for his wife and the other his girlfriend.
Girlfriends get twice as much spent on them as wives! The bad news later is
that our televised Boxing Day game against Arsenal is postponed because of a
tube strike.
FRIDAY, DECEMBER 21
YOU can bet Liverpool boss Brendan Rodgers, next door to Paul Lambert on the
Anfield touchline last Saturday, was coveting his neighbour's striker. And I
dare say he may be feeling a little that way about Dimitar Berbatov when
Fulham visit this weekend. It seems that every day we hear of Rodgers' hunt
through the highways and byways of football to find a lively front-man —
Daniel Sturridge and Theo Walcott to name but two. It's also a total
coincidence that the managers appointed to change the style of Liverpool and
Villa, two of England's most famous clubs, at minimum cost have left a total
of £60million worth of strikers in the refrigerator.
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Hello stranger! Forgotten man Jack Collison is back to solve West Ham's
injury crisis
The Mirror
21 Dec 2012 22:29
Ian Walton
Forgotten man Jack Collison is back from his career threatening injury and
ready to solve West Ham's injury crisis - but only once he has introduced
himself to his team-mates again. The Wales international, still just 24, has
a long-standing knee problem, similar to the one which forced Ledley King
into early retirement. West Ham boss Sam Allardyce revealed his career would
never be the same again and like King and Paul McGrath before him, he is
unable to train properly in the build-up to a big game. But West Ham have
worked out how to manage him properly and, after 45 minutes for the reserves
on Monday, Collison is set for his first involvement of the season with a
place on the bench for Saturday's visit of Everton to Upton Park. Hammers
assistant Neil McDonald said: "We had one less substitute on Sunday against
West Brom so it wouldn't surprise me if he makes the bench. "We have other
players that could possibly come on but if we need him we know he can come
on for a short space of time. He needs more game time and more time on the
raining pitch but no doubt he will come in to the squad because with the
injuries we need him."
Collison's presence on the training pitch at Chadwell Heath has been so rare
that his West Ham team-mates have pretended not to recognise him. But
McDonald reckons the midfielder's timely comeback will provide the entire
squad a healthy dose of festive cheer. "When you have a long-term injury you
spend a lot of time in the gym and with the physio," said McDonald. "But it
has given the rest of the squad a boost to have him back. "The lads have
been jibbing him, saying 'is this is a new player? Nice to meet you!' "He is
a very positive lad and he wants to play football. Yes, he's had problems
before but in my time here I've never heard one person say he should call it
a day. "We don't train him every day. We have to manage his knee to make
sure he is available for games. He's proved that with a little bit of hard
work and dedication you can come back, and hopefully he'll be the same
player he was before."
The news will come as an early Christmas present for Big Sam, whose squad
has been crippled by injuries this month. Fellow central midfielders Mohamed
Diame and Alou Diarra are both ruled out while on-loan striker Andy Carroll
is not expected to return until February. Allardyce described Collison as
his 'forgotten man' earlier this season, but McDonald is backing the
Welshman to remind everyone of his quality once he returns. The midfielder
was instrumental in West Ham's promotion from the Championship last season,
scoring both goals against Cardiff in their 2-0 play-off semi-final first
leg victory. He then played 90 minutes in their 2-1 win over Blackpool in
the Wembley final - his last appearance for the Hammers. Big Sam's No.2
added: "He's in a good place himself, he's full of confidence with his knee.
We look forward to having him back in the fold, even if he isn't match fit.
"He is important to us because he's a good player. He contributed to getting
us promoted last year. He scores goals as well as creating them and that's
what we need, especially in this league. "For someone of his experience,
even though he's a young lad, with all the games he's played at every level,
international level as well, it's good to have him back. Even if he's not
100% match fit he'll put pressure on everyone else. And if we do need him
for a short space of time he'll be able to come on no problem."
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http://vyperz.blogspot.com
Saturday, December 22
Friday, December 21
Daily WHUFC News - 21st December 2012
Macca on: Everton
WHUFC.com
Neil McDonald looks ahead to Saturday's game against his former side Everton
20.12.2012
Neil McDonald is looking ahead to facing his former club Everton on
Saturday. The West Ham United assistant manager played 90 games for The
Toffees during a three-year spell and knows they will provide a stern test
for Sam Allardyce's side during Saturday's meeting at the Boleyn Ground.
Jack Collison could be set for a place in the squad after coming through a
Development Squad game on Monday afternoon.
Macca, could you start by giving us an update on team news ahead of
Saturday's game?
NM: The team news is the same as it was for the game against West Bromwich
Albion. Jack Collison got through a reserve team game and will probably come
into the squad but he is still short of match practice. He has been training
with us this week and he has suffered no ill effects after making his
comeback on Monday.
Do you expect Jack to be involved over Christmas considering it is a very
busy period and you have a lot of injury problems?
NM: I think we have to take it slow with Jack because he has been out for a
long time. We have to manage his knee carefully but we got him through 45
minutes on Monday, which is great. We will see how he progresses but if we
need him he will be available because we know he can play at least 45
minutes.
Another player who is a big miss for you is on-loan forward Andy Carroll,
how is he progressing with his recovery?
NM: He is progressing well as are all the players with injuries so now it is
time for the healing process to take its course. Further down the line we
will have a better idea of what date he will be back.
Over the past few weeks your form has been largely inconsistent but
considering the standard of opposition you have faced you must be pleased
with the points you have recorded?
NM: We set a total going into the last eight games and we have reached it.
We had some very big games but the confidence is there. It is always going
to be difficult for a newly-promoted side to win games but we have the
points on the board. Last week we played a team who have been outstanding at
home but we went there and thoroughly deserved a point.
We are roughly at the halfway stage of the season so how would you assess it
so far because there were a few doubters at the start of the campaign?
NM: I think that is only natural for a promoted team. We are happy with
where we are right now and we need to carry it on and keep picking points
up. The more we do that the more confidence we will have and that will allow
us to pick up even more points. We are very much looking forward to the
second half of the season.
Were you confident at the beginning of the season that you could prove those
doubters wrong?
NM: It was always going to be difficult because I think a lot of people
expected us to be promoted automatically last season. We didn't and we went
up through the Play-Offs which was a fantastic achievement considering the
manager had only been at the club for one-year. The expectation for this
year was to pick up as many points as we can and we have done that,
hopefully we can continue to play well and as I say we are pleased with
where we are at the moment.
What would you consider a realistic goal going into the second part of the
season?
NM: Looking at where we are now you would expect us to push on and finish
near the middle of the table but if we replicate our form from the first
half of the season then a top ten position could be a possibility.
Everton are usually slow starters in the Barclays Premier League but they
have had a good start so far, how would you assess their start to the
season?
NM: I think they have been brilliant. They are obviously very organised
under David Moyes and they have got some fantastic players who give
everything for one another. The game on Saturday will be tough but we have
been very good at home and only lost twice to Arsenal and Liverpool. We look
forward to playing anybody at home but they have started well and are in the
top half for a reason so like I said it will be a tough game.
You will not be facing Marouane Fellaini who is a big part of how they play
so that must be a massive boost for you?
NM: He has been their talisman this season and not only is he a very good
midfielder he is also a big threat from set-pieces. They have lost a big
part of their game so we need to take advantage of that as much as we can.
Both clubs are trying to sort out their future stadium plans but on the
pitch are Everton a model for a club like West Ham United?
NM: I think that they are a model for any club. Over the past ten-years
since David has been there they have been in the top half the majority of
the time. They have showed that with a little bit of finance and a good
recruitment policy it is possible to get into the top six and push on
towards the top four. I would think David is very pleased with where they
are right now and they have a good platform going into the second half of
the season.
Do you expect to be active in the January transfer window?
NM: We have got a few injuries at the moment but they will be coming back
soon. It always helps to receive some backing in the transfer window and if
we can add a couple of extra players it will boost the squad and add more
competition for places.
What would you do to improve sportsmanship within football in 2013?
NM: I think if the players could take more responsibility when it comes to
diving that would make a big improvement. It is a big issue at the moment
and if the players can take it upon themselves to kick the ball out when a
player is injured that would also help. They are the two things that I would
put forward.
Do you think that not playing on Boxing Day will be an advantage for you as
it will give you more time to get players back to full fitness?
NM: I think you can look at it both ways, yes it gives us an extra couple of
days to get players back but it does mean we will have an even busier
January. We would probably have preferred to play the game and we are
slightly disappointed that it has been called off but we will be ready when
the game comes in January.
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The 43k Boleyn Ground
KUMB.com
Filed: Thursday, 20th December 2012
By: Staff Writer
11 years ago West Ham United were granted permission to redevelop the Boleyn
Ground to a stadium capable of hosting circa 43,000 people. However the
fully-revamped arena - as seen in the image below, which was recently
recovered from the KUMB.com archives - was never completed due to a lack of
available funds. Terry Brown, Chairman of West Ham United at the time the
plans were presented to and passed by Newham Council was forced to shelve
plans to redevelop the East Stand, the only part of the current stadium over
20 years old, following relegation from the Premiership in May 2003. And
that led to the large gap between the Chicken Run and the pitch which
remains to this day. Back in 2001, when the West Stand became the third
stand at the BG to be rebuilt within a decade, the pitch was moved closer to
the new stand in order to accomodate the new East Stand which would have
completed the rebuilding process. The proposed new stand, which would have
extended over and above Priory Road would have increased the Boleyn Ground's
capacity by some 7,000 - taking it to just under 43,000, or 11,000 less than
the Olympic Stadium will eventually hold. But that is unlikely to ever
happen now with the current board having ditched the plans in favour of
moving to the Olympic Stadium in Stratford some four years from now.
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Igoe goes
KUMB.com
Filed: Thursday, 20th December 2012
By: Staff Writer
West Ham United will say goodbye to long-term Financial Director Nick Igoe
at the end of the month. Igoe, who has been at the club for 15 years
officially parts company with West Ham at the end of December having
recently handed in his notice. He will be replaced by Andy Mollett, the
former CEO of Chrysalis Plc who has been working at the club since October.
Prior to joining West Ham under Terry Brown's regime in August 1997 - which,
coincidentally, is when KUMB.com first went online - Igoe had worked as
Finance Director for Wood Conversion Limited and the Tele-Cine Cell Group
plc. Never one to embrace publicity, Igoe - who leaves on amicable terms and
is expected to visit the Boleyn Ground frequently in the future - was in
charge of the books during the most turbulent financial period in West Ham
United's history. He had been at the club for six years when then-temporary
manager Trevor Brooking warned that the club would be unable to pay player's
wages unless a string of sales followed United's relegation from the
Premiership at the end of the 2002/03 season.
Much to the bemusement of many supporters Igoe - speaking in an interview
with Five Live - described relegation as "an immense opportunity", adding
that West Ham's potential earnings in the nation's second flight "will be
the envy of many clubs in the Nationwide". He was also left to face the
fury of hundreds of fans at the now infamous AGMs of 2002-03 which were
packed with supporters who had taken advantage of campaign group WHISTLE's
'single share' scheme.
Later, Igoe was also in control of the purse strings during the period of
Icelandic ownership, which left the club with almost £100million-worth of
debt - a potentially catastrophic situation that threatened West Ham
United's very existence. That was until current co-Chairman David Gold and
David Sullivan stepped in to purchase 50 per cent of the club; Igoe has
worked alongside the duo and vice-Chair Karren Brady for the last three
years.
Igoe's replacement is 51-year-old Andy Mollett, who graduated with a First
in History from Leicester University in 1982. He began his management career
with auditors KPMG that same year and spent five years there before going on
to brief stints at CIC video International, Newman Levinson and Studio
Editions.
In 1993 Mollett joined Virgin Radio where he became the founding Finance
Director, before later becoming CFO of Ginger Media Group when it acquired
the station.
Eight years later he was hired as CFO at Virgin Radio Asia, a new venture
funded by Virgin's UK arm. Just ten months into the post he was on the move
again, this time joining International Sportsworld Communicators. In
September 2003 Mollett became CFO of EMI Music Publishing's UK division, a
role he reamined in until summer 2007 when he became anon-executive director
of broadcasters Channel 4 - where he proudly boasts of not missing a Board
meeting for six years.
That role was interspersed with his employment by independent music
publishing company Chrysalis Plc, for whom he wroked from 2007 until July
2011 - his most recent post before being hired as replacement for the
outgoing Igoe
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Sam Allardyce wants to stay as West Ham boss beyond their move to the
Olympic Stadium in 2015
Last Updated: December 20, 2012 11:07am
SSN
West Ham boss Sam Allardyce has spoken of his desire to stay at the club for
the long-term. Allardyce's newly-promoted Hammers currently sit 11th in the
Premier League table, above a number of established top-flight sides
including Liverpool, Aston Villa and Fulham. Earlier in December, West Ham
were confirmed as the 'preferred bidders' to take over the Olympic Stadium
site in 2015 and Allardyce is eyeing the stadium move as a potential
milestone in his management at the club with a view to establishing himself
as "one of the longest-serving managers around".
Allardyce told the Daily Express: "For every manager, the sack is just
around the corner but the Olympic Stadium is a nice light at the end of the
tunnel.
"It would be a massive achievement for anyone to stay at a club that long
these days. But after a number of experiences, you get confidence in your
own abilities. If you don't have that, you won't survive."
In his last two jobs, at Blackburn and Newcastle, Allardyce was sacked
following protests and abuse from fans, but Allardyce stated his belief that
he has gradually won over any Upton Park sceptics. He said: "Even when we've
lost, the crowd have appreciated what we've tried to do. The Chelsea
turnaround (in a 3-1 victory at Upton Park) was a huge booster for
everybody." Allardyce is in the final season of a two-year contract with the
Hammers, although a decision on his future is thought to be unlikely to be
made until West Ham's Premier League safety is secured. West Ham currently
sit eight points off the drop zone after 17 league games.
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David Gold confident Mohamed Diame and Andy Carroll will remain at West Ham
Last Updated: December 20, 2012 9:29pm
SSN
West Ham United co-owner David Gold is confident Mohamed Diame and Andy
Carroll will see out the season at Upton Park. Gold revealed during a
question and answer session on Twitter that he expects the pair to remain
part of Sam Allardyce's plans throughout the 2012/13 campaign. Diame has
been strongly linked with a January switch elsewhere, having shone for the
Hammers since linking up with them as a free agent over the summer. Carroll,
meanwhile, is on a season-long loan from Liverpool, but it has been
suggested that agreement could be cut short due to the striker's inability
to steer clear of injury. A switch elsewhere in the New Year has also been
touted for the England international, which would bring an end to his stay
in the East End. Gold, though, has rubbished claims that a loan could be
cancelled due to injury and when asked if Carroll will end the season with
the Hammers, he said: "Yes, I believe so." The Hammers supremo was later
pressed on whether there was any truth in reports that Arsenal have
expressed an interest in Diame. He said: "I'm not aware of any offers."
He then went on to say 'I believe so' when asked if Diame would still be a
West Ham player next summer.
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West Ham's Neil McDonald would have preferred to play Arsenal next week
Last Updated: December 20, 2012 3:27pm
SSN
West Ham assistant manager Neil McDonald is disappointed about the
postponement of their Boxing Day derby clash with Arsenal. A strike by
London Underground staff means the game has had to be rescheduled, easing
the Hammers' festive congestion a little but adding to another busy spell at
the end of the transfer window. West Ham are dealing with a lengthy injury
list at the moment, naming only six subs against West Brom last weekend, but
McDonald still thinks they would have been better off playing Arsenal next
week. "I think you can look at it both ways; yes it gives us an extra couple
of days to get players back, but it does mean we will have an even busier
January," he said. "We would probably have preferred to play the game and we
are slightly disappointed that it has been called off, but we will be ready
when the game comes in January. "After the good performance against West
Brom away, keeping a clean sheet, and giving Arsenal a really good game
earlier in the season, we were looking forward to going to the Emirates. "I
know they have picked up over the past couple of games but putting them
under pressure would have been interesting to see."
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Sam Did his Home Work, as Allegedly the Race Hots Up for Remy!
By S J Chandos
West Ham till I Die
There is an interesting article today in the Daily Express, in which Sam
Allardyce talks about his position at West Ham and the home work that he
undertook before taking the Manager's job at Upton Park. In it, he talks
about the body blows of being subject to two brutally unfair sackings, at
Newcastle Utd and Blackburn, and his understanding of the culture and
tradition of West Ham as a football club.
Contrary to what some may think, Allardyce states that he had spoken to
hardened West Ham supporters before taking the job and was fully appraised
of the aspirations and beliefs associated with the club. He knew about the
fans appreciation of players that give 100% commitment to the shirt and our
famous tradition of cultured football. And he suggests that the trick is to
deliver this, whilst addressing the bread and butter issues, such as will to
win and defensive solidarity. He seems to indicate that latter issues have
been addressed and, that as we re-establish ourselves in the PL, attracting
top class signings along the way, the former will also come increasingly to
the fore. Allardyce notes that the fans instinctively understand that we are
currently making a transition from the 'creme dela creme' of the
Championship to to re-establishing ourselves amongst the elite. And the fans
have got behind him and everyone at the club in that key transitory
endeavour. The article talks of the 3-1 home defeat of Chelsea as being a
watershed moment in Allardyce's acceptance at West Ham and the development
of a new relationship with the fans, something, for instance, that never
happened during his time at Newcastle Utd.
Allardyce is right when he talks about addressing the issues that are in the
DNA of all successful sides, such as ability to defend as a team,
organisation/discipline and team spirit. And this interview would seem to
underline something that I have long hoped, that Allardyce can effect a
synthesis between these 'DNA' footballing issues and the, rightly treasured,
traditional culture and traditions of the club. Allardyce has a great
platform and project at West Ham. He has the unique opportunity to take a
great, but under-achieving club, and take it forward to a whole new level.
In doing so, he can transform for the better not only West Ham's more
negative image as a 'soft touch,' but his own false reputation as a coach
and Manager that can only play so-called one dimensional, 'long ball'
football. One of the great prevailing myths of the contemporary English
game.
Elsewhere, there are reports today that West Ham are battling with Newcastle
utd for the signature of the Loic Remy. West Ham are allegedly offering cash
plus Maiga in part-exchange and Newcastle Utd are supposedly offering cash
plus Obertan. Could this be a instance where the pulling power of London,
and a prospective move to the OS, might prove a positive factor; or will the
established French player contingent in the north-east be decisive?
Alternatively, if it is a 'two horse' race, will it all come down to the
basic issues of who offers the superior terms, allied to the respective
league positions of the two clubs this season? Signing Remy could be another
key watershed moment in itself and signal a significant shift in the way
that top quality players view the prospect of joining the club?
Other current transfer stories have linked West Ham with moves for Butland
at Birmingham City and Kalou at Lille. Butland has publicly stated that he
is ready to step up to the PL, which could be interpreted as a clear 'come
and get me message,' to interested PL clubs, in advance of the January
window. While Kalou has failed to settle at Lille, following his summer
Bosman move from Chelsea, and the French club are allegedly prepared to sell
at around a fee of £3.5m, which is quite reasonable for a player of his
pedigree and ability. Who knows if Kalou's personal terms might be a
sticking point? They are usually always enhanced at a club after a player
makes a Bosman move!
Making one or two top notch signings in January could re-vitalise and
refocus the squad &, accordingly, refresh our push to finish in the top
eight of the PL. Which, in itself, will raise the issue of whether Europa
Cup qualification is possible in this first season back in the top flight?
This could usher in a new, fresh paradigam, in which the club's sights are
formally raised from PL survival to the top 8 and European qualification.
Why not, if it is there for the taking, then we must be ambitious, bold and
not let it pass us by!
Because we have been there before recently, remember Zola's first season and
the missed opportunity to secure European qualification? Many argued that it
was too early and would prove counter-productive, the fact is that the
opportunity came, went and never presented itself again. In fact, it is
often 'counter-productive' to wait for opportunities to fit in with your
pre-conceived, deterministic plans. Often, events do not happen to an
'ideal' plan, some times you just need to grab an opportunity with both
hands and adjust your plans accordingly to achieve long-term success!
The prior history of West Ham Utd FC is often characterised by lost golden
opportunities, a fatal lack of ambition and frustrating under-achievement.
That must change once and for all in order to fully realise the true
potential of the club as one of the great names of English football. Surely,
that is an inspiring ambition and vision around which the board, manager,
players and fans can rally, to at long last, truly put the UNITED back in to
West Ham UNITED FC!
SJ. Chandos.
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Sounders good to me
Published: 19th December 2012
The Sun
WEST HAM are eyeing a move for Seattle Sounders midfielder Osvaldo Alonso.
The 27-year-old has impressed on trial this week and is seen as a
replacement for Mohamed Diame, who is out for two months with a hamstring
injury. Tough-tackling Alonso is valued at £1million.
Saints, West Ham go on the Rob
Published: 20th December 2012
FORMER England goalkeeper Paul Robinson is being sold by Blackburn. Premier
sides Southampton and West Ham could try to get him.
Big Sam fancies some Punch
Published: 19th December 2012
WEST HAM are lining up a £2million January bid for Saints' Jason Puncheon,
26. The winger's deal expires this season and fresh terms are yet to be
offered.
Newcastle are also keeping tabs.
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Hammer blow: West Ham line up swap for striker who'd rather join rivals
The Mirror
19 Dec 2012 22:30
Mike Hewitt
West Ham want to swap Modibo Maiga for Marseille's Loic Remy. But the
£8million-rated France striker Remy is keen on a move to Newcastle, Spurs or
Liverpool. Maiga only joined Hammers from another French side, Sochaux, this
summer and has managed four goals so far despite only starting twice in the
Premier League. Highly-rated Remy has also been linked with QPR, whose
manager Harry Redknapp was linked with him while Tottenham boss, and
Arsenal.
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http://vyperz.blogspot.com
WHUFC.com
Neil McDonald looks ahead to Saturday's game against his former side Everton
20.12.2012
Neil McDonald is looking ahead to facing his former club Everton on
Saturday. The West Ham United assistant manager played 90 games for The
Toffees during a three-year spell and knows they will provide a stern test
for Sam Allardyce's side during Saturday's meeting at the Boleyn Ground.
Jack Collison could be set for a place in the squad after coming through a
Development Squad game on Monday afternoon.
Macca, could you start by giving us an update on team news ahead of
Saturday's game?
NM: The team news is the same as it was for the game against West Bromwich
Albion. Jack Collison got through a reserve team game and will probably come
into the squad but he is still short of match practice. He has been training
with us this week and he has suffered no ill effects after making his
comeback on Monday.
Do you expect Jack to be involved over Christmas considering it is a very
busy period and you have a lot of injury problems?
NM: I think we have to take it slow with Jack because he has been out for a
long time. We have to manage his knee carefully but we got him through 45
minutes on Monday, which is great. We will see how he progresses but if we
need him he will be available because we know he can play at least 45
minutes.
Another player who is a big miss for you is on-loan forward Andy Carroll,
how is he progressing with his recovery?
NM: He is progressing well as are all the players with injuries so now it is
time for the healing process to take its course. Further down the line we
will have a better idea of what date he will be back.
Over the past few weeks your form has been largely inconsistent but
considering the standard of opposition you have faced you must be pleased
with the points you have recorded?
NM: We set a total going into the last eight games and we have reached it.
We had some very big games but the confidence is there. It is always going
to be difficult for a newly-promoted side to win games but we have the
points on the board. Last week we played a team who have been outstanding at
home but we went there and thoroughly deserved a point.
We are roughly at the halfway stage of the season so how would you assess it
so far because there were a few doubters at the start of the campaign?
NM: I think that is only natural for a promoted team. We are happy with
where we are right now and we need to carry it on and keep picking points
up. The more we do that the more confidence we will have and that will allow
us to pick up even more points. We are very much looking forward to the
second half of the season.
Were you confident at the beginning of the season that you could prove those
doubters wrong?
NM: It was always going to be difficult because I think a lot of people
expected us to be promoted automatically last season. We didn't and we went
up through the Play-Offs which was a fantastic achievement considering the
manager had only been at the club for one-year. The expectation for this
year was to pick up as many points as we can and we have done that,
hopefully we can continue to play well and as I say we are pleased with
where we are at the moment.
What would you consider a realistic goal going into the second part of the
season?
NM: Looking at where we are now you would expect us to push on and finish
near the middle of the table but if we replicate our form from the first
half of the season then a top ten position could be a possibility.
Everton are usually slow starters in the Barclays Premier League but they
have had a good start so far, how would you assess their start to the
season?
NM: I think they have been brilliant. They are obviously very organised
under David Moyes and they have got some fantastic players who give
everything for one another. The game on Saturday will be tough but we have
been very good at home and only lost twice to Arsenal and Liverpool. We look
forward to playing anybody at home but they have started well and are in the
top half for a reason so like I said it will be a tough game.
You will not be facing Marouane Fellaini who is a big part of how they play
so that must be a massive boost for you?
NM: He has been their talisman this season and not only is he a very good
midfielder he is also a big threat from set-pieces. They have lost a big
part of their game so we need to take advantage of that as much as we can.
Both clubs are trying to sort out their future stadium plans but on the
pitch are Everton a model for a club like West Ham United?
NM: I think that they are a model for any club. Over the past ten-years
since David has been there they have been in the top half the majority of
the time. They have showed that with a little bit of finance and a good
recruitment policy it is possible to get into the top six and push on
towards the top four. I would think David is very pleased with where they
are right now and they have a good platform going into the second half of
the season.
Do you expect to be active in the January transfer window?
NM: We have got a few injuries at the moment but they will be coming back
soon. It always helps to receive some backing in the transfer window and if
we can add a couple of extra players it will boost the squad and add more
competition for places.
What would you do to improve sportsmanship within football in 2013?
NM: I think if the players could take more responsibility when it comes to
diving that would make a big improvement. It is a big issue at the moment
and if the players can take it upon themselves to kick the ball out when a
player is injured that would also help. They are the two things that I would
put forward.
Do you think that not playing on Boxing Day will be an advantage for you as
it will give you more time to get players back to full fitness?
NM: I think you can look at it both ways, yes it gives us an extra couple of
days to get players back but it does mean we will have an even busier
January. We would probably have preferred to play the game and we are
slightly disappointed that it has been called off but we will be ready when
the game comes in January.
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The 43k Boleyn Ground
KUMB.com
Filed: Thursday, 20th December 2012
By: Staff Writer
11 years ago West Ham United were granted permission to redevelop the Boleyn
Ground to a stadium capable of hosting circa 43,000 people. However the
fully-revamped arena - as seen in the image below, which was recently
recovered from the KUMB.com archives - was never completed due to a lack of
available funds. Terry Brown, Chairman of West Ham United at the time the
plans were presented to and passed by Newham Council was forced to shelve
plans to redevelop the East Stand, the only part of the current stadium over
20 years old, following relegation from the Premiership in May 2003. And
that led to the large gap between the Chicken Run and the pitch which
remains to this day. Back in 2001, when the West Stand became the third
stand at the BG to be rebuilt within a decade, the pitch was moved closer to
the new stand in order to accomodate the new East Stand which would have
completed the rebuilding process. The proposed new stand, which would have
extended over and above Priory Road would have increased the Boleyn Ground's
capacity by some 7,000 - taking it to just under 43,000, or 11,000 less than
the Olympic Stadium will eventually hold. But that is unlikely to ever
happen now with the current board having ditched the plans in favour of
moving to the Olympic Stadium in Stratford some four years from now.
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Igoe goes
KUMB.com
Filed: Thursday, 20th December 2012
By: Staff Writer
West Ham United will say goodbye to long-term Financial Director Nick Igoe
at the end of the month. Igoe, who has been at the club for 15 years
officially parts company with West Ham at the end of December having
recently handed in his notice. He will be replaced by Andy Mollett, the
former CEO of Chrysalis Plc who has been working at the club since October.
Prior to joining West Ham under Terry Brown's regime in August 1997 - which,
coincidentally, is when KUMB.com first went online - Igoe had worked as
Finance Director for Wood Conversion Limited and the Tele-Cine Cell Group
plc. Never one to embrace publicity, Igoe - who leaves on amicable terms and
is expected to visit the Boleyn Ground frequently in the future - was in
charge of the books during the most turbulent financial period in West Ham
United's history. He had been at the club for six years when then-temporary
manager Trevor Brooking warned that the club would be unable to pay player's
wages unless a string of sales followed United's relegation from the
Premiership at the end of the 2002/03 season.
Much to the bemusement of many supporters Igoe - speaking in an interview
with Five Live - described relegation as "an immense opportunity", adding
that West Ham's potential earnings in the nation's second flight "will be
the envy of many clubs in the Nationwide". He was also left to face the
fury of hundreds of fans at the now infamous AGMs of 2002-03 which were
packed with supporters who had taken advantage of campaign group WHISTLE's
'single share' scheme.
Later, Igoe was also in control of the purse strings during the period of
Icelandic ownership, which left the club with almost £100million-worth of
debt - a potentially catastrophic situation that threatened West Ham
United's very existence. That was until current co-Chairman David Gold and
David Sullivan stepped in to purchase 50 per cent of the club; Igoe has
worked alongside the duo and vice-Chair Karren Brady for the last three
years.
Igoe's replacement is 51-year-old Andy Mollett, who graduated with a First
in History from Leicester University in 1982. He began his management career
with auditors KPMG that same year and spent five years there before going on
to brief stints at CIC video International, Newman Levinson and Studio
Editions.
In 1993 Mollett joined Virgin Radio where he became the founding Finance
Director, before later becoming CFO of Ginger Media Group when it acquired
the station.
Eight years later he was hired as CFO at Virgin Radio Asia, a new venture
funded by Virgin's UK arm. Just ten months into the post he was on the move
again, this time joining International Sportsworld Communicators. In
September 2003 Mollett became CFO of EMI Music Publishing's UK division, a
role he reamined in until summer 2007 when he became anon-executive director
of broadcasters Channel 4 - where he proudly boasts of not missing a Board
meeting for six years.
That role was interspersed with his employment by independent music
publishing company Chrysalis Plc, for whom he wroked from 2007 until July
2011 - his most recent post before being hired as replacement for the
outgoing Igoe
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Sam Allardyce wants to stay as West Ham boss beyond their move to the
Olympic Stadium in 2015
Last Updated: December 20, 2012 11:07am
SSN
West Ham boss Sam Allardyce has spoken of his desire to stay at the club for
the long-term. Allardyce's newly-promoted Hammers currently sit 11th in the
Premier League table, above a number of established top-flight sides
including Liverpool, Aston Villa and Fulham. Earlier in December, West Ham
were confirmed as the 'preferred bidders' to take over the Olympic Stadium
site in 2015 and Allardyce is eyeing the stadium move as a potential
milestone in his management at the club with a view to establishing himself
as "one of the longest-serving managers around".
Allardyce told the Daily Express: "For every manager, the sack is just
around the corner but the Olympic Stadium is a nice light at the end of the
tunnel.
"It would be a massive achievement for anyone to stay at a club that long
these days. But after a number of experiences, you get confidence in your
own abilities. If you don't have that, you won't survive."
In his last two jobs, at Blackburn and Newcastle, Allardyce was sacked
following protests and abuse from fans, but Allardyce stated his belief that
he has gradually won over any Upton Park sceptics. He said: "Even when we've
lost, the crowd have appreciated what we've tried to do. The Chelsea
turnaround (in a 3-1 victory at Upton Park) was a huge booster for
everybody." Allardyce is in the final season of a two-year contract with the
Hammers, although a decision on his future is thought to be unlikely to be
made until West Ham's Premier League safety is secured. West Ham currently
sit eight points off the drop zone after 17 league games.
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David Gold confident Mohamed Diame and Andy Carroll will remain at West Ham
Last Updated: December 20, 2012 9:29pm
SSN
West Ham United co-owner David Gold is confident Mohamed Diame and Andy
Carroll will see out the season at Upton Park. Gold revealed during a
question and answer session on Twitter that he expects the pair to remain
part of Sam Allardyce's plans throughout the 2012/13 campaign. Diame has
been strongly linked with a January switch elsewhere, having shone for the
Hammers since linking up with them as a free agent over the summer. Carroll,
meanwhile, is on a season-long loan from Liverpool, but it has been
suggested that agreement could be cut short due to the striker's inability
to steer clear of injury. A switch elsewhere in the New Year has also been
touted for the England international, which would bring an end to his stay
in the East End. Gold, though, has rubbished claims that a loan could be
cancelled due to injury and when asked if Carroll will end the season with
the Hammers, he said: "Yes, I believe so." The Hammers supremo was later
pressed on whether there was any truth in reports that Arsenal have
expressed an interest in Diame. He said: "I'm not aware of any offers."
He then went on to say 'I believe so' when asked if Diame would still be a
West Ham player next summer.
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West Ham's Neil McDonald would have preferred to play Arsenal next week
Last Updated: December 20, 2012 3:27pm
SSN
West Ham assistant manager Neil McDonald is disappointed about the
postponement of their Boxing Day derby clash with Arsenal. A strike by
London Underground staff means the game has had to be rescheduled, easing
the Hammers' festive congestion a little but adding to another busy spell at
the end of the transfer window. West Ham are dealing with a lengthy injury
list at the moment, naming only six subs against West Brom last weekend, but
McDonald still thinks they would have been better off playing Arsenal next
week. "I think you can look at it both ways; yes it gives us an extra couple
of days to get players back, but it does mean we will have an even busier
January," he said. "We would probably have preferred to play the game and we
are slightly disappointed that it has been called off, but we will be ready
when the game comes in January. "After the good performance against West
Brom away, keeping a clean sheet, and giving Arsenal a really good game
earlier in the season, we were looking forward to going to the Emirates. "I
know they have picked up over the past couple of games but putting them
under pressure would have been interesting to see."
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Sam Did his Home Work, as Allegedly the Race Hots Up for Remy!
By S J Chandos
West Ham till I Die
There is an interesting article today in the Daily Express, in which Sam
Allardyce talks about his position at West Ham and the home work that he
undertook before taking the Manager's job at Upton Park. In it, he talks
about the body blows of being subject to two brutally unfair sackings, at
Newcastle Utd and Blackburn, and his understanding of the culture and
tradition of West Ham as a football club.
Contrary to what some may think, Allardyce states that he had spoken to
hardened West Ham supporters before taking the job and was fully appraised
of the aspirations and beliefs associated with the club. He knew about the
fans appreciation of players that give 100% commitment to the shirt and our
famous tradition of cultured football. And he suggests that the trick is to
deliver this, whilst addressing the bread and butter issues, such as will to
win and defensive solidarity. He seems to indicate that latter issues have
been addressed and, that as we re-establish ourselves in the PL, attracting
top class signings along the way, the former will also come increasingly to
the fore. Allardyce notes that the fans instinctively understand that we are
currently making a transition from the 'creme dela creme' of the
Championship to to re-establishing ourselves amongst the elite. And the fans
have got behind him and everyone at the club in that key transitory
endeavour. The article talks of the 3-1 home defeat of Chelsea as being a
watershed moment in Allardyce's acceptance at West Ham and the development
of a new relationship with the fans, something, for instance, that never
happened during his time at Newcastle Utd.
Allardyce is right when he talks about addressing the issues that are in the
DNA of all successful sides, such as ability to defend as a team,
organisation/discipline and team spirit. And this interview would seem to
underline something that I have long hoped, that Allardyce can effect a
synthesis between these 'DNA' footballing issues and the, rightly treasured,
traditional culture and traditions of the club. Allardyce has a great
platform and project at West Ham. He has the unique opportunity to take a
great, but under-achieving club, and take it forward to a whole new level.
In doing so, he can transform for the better not only West Ham's more
negative image as a 'soft touch,' but his own false reputation as a coach
and Manager that can only play so-called one dimensional, 'long ball'
football. One of the great prevailing myths of the contemporary English
game.
Elsewhere, there are reports today that West Ham are battling with Newcastle
utd for the signature of the Loic Remy. West Ham are allegedly offering cash
plus Maiga in part-exchange and Newcastle Utd are supposedly offering cash
plus Obertan. Could this be a instance where the pulling power of London,
and a prospective move to the OS, might prove a positive factor; or will the
established French player contingent in the north-east be decisive?
Alternatively, if it is a 'two horse' race, will it all come down to the
basic issues of who offers the superior terms, allied to the respective
league positions of the two clubs this season? Signing Remy could be another
key watershed moment in itself and signal a significant shift in the way
that top quality players view the prospect of joining the club?
Other current transfer stories have linked West Ham with moves for Butland
at Birmingham City and Kalou at Lille. Butland has publicly stated that he
is ready to step up to the PL, which could be interpreted as a clear 'come
and get me message,' to interested PL clubs, in advance of the January
window. While Kalou has failed to settle at Lille, following his summer
Bosman move from Chelsea, and the French club are allegedly prepared to sell
at around a fee of £3.5m, which is quite reasonable for a player of his
pedigree and ability. Who knows if Kalou's personal terms might be a
sticking point? They are usually always enhanced at a club after a player
makes a Bosman move!
Making one or two top notch signings in January could re-vitalise and
refocus the squad &, accordingly, refresh our push to finish in the top
eight of the PL. Which, in itself, will raise the issue of whether Europa
Cup qualification is possible in this first season back in the top flight?
This could usher in a new, fresh paradigam, in which the club's sights are
formally raised from PL survival to the top 8 and European qualification.
Why not, if it is there for the taking, then we must be ambitious, bold and
not let it pass us by!
Because we have been there before recently, remember Zola's first season and
the missed opportunity to secure European qualification? Many argued that it
was too early and would prove counter-productive, the fact is that the
opportunity came, went and never presented itself again. In fact, it is
often 'counter-productive' to wait for opportunities to fit in with your
pre-conceived, deterministic plans. Often, events do not happen to an
'ideal' plan, some times you just need to grab an opportunity with both
hands and adjust your plans accordingly to achieve long-term success!
The prior history of West Ham Utd FC is often characterised by lost golden
opportunities, a fatal lack of ambition and frustrating under-achievement.
That must change once and for all in order to fully realise the true
potential of the club as one of the great names of English football. Surely,
that is an inspiring ambition and vision around which the board, manager,
players and fans can rally, to at long last, truly put the UNITED back in to
West Ham UNITED FC!
SJ. Chandos.
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Sounders good to me
Published: 19th December 2012
The Sun
WEST HAM are eyeing a move for Seattle Sounders midfielder Osvaldo Alonso.
The 27-year-old has impressed on trial this week and is seen as a
replacement for Mohamed Diame, who is out for two months with a hamstring
injury. Tough-tackling Alonso is valued at £1million.
Saints, West Ham go on the Rob
Published: 20th December 2012
FORMER England goalkeeper Paul Robinson is being sold by Blackburn. Premier
sides Southampton and West Ham could try to get him.
Big Sam fancies some Punch
Published: 19th December 2012
WEST HAM are lining up a £2million January bid for Saints' Jason Puncheon,
26. The winger's deal expires this season and fresh terms are yet to be
offered.
Newcastle are also keeping tabs.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Hammer blow: West Ham line up swap for striker who'd rather join rivals
The Mirror
19 Dec 2012 22:30
Mike Hewitt
West Ham want to swap Modibo Maiga for Marseille's Loic Remy. But the
£8million-rated France striker Remy is keen on a move to Newcastle, Spurs or
Liverpool. Maiga only joined Hammers from another French side, Sochaux, this
summer and has managed four goals so far despite only starting twice in the
Premier League. Highly-rated Remy has also been linked with QPR, whose
manager Harry Redknapp was linked with him while Tottenham boss, and
Arsenal.
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http://vyperz.blogspot.com
Thursday, December 20
Daily WHUFC News - 20th December 2012
Arsenal match postponed
WHUFC.com
The Boxing Day meeting with Arsenal has been called off due to proposed
industrial action
19.12.2012
As a result of Monday's strike ballot and the proposed industrial action on
London Underground on Boxing Day, West Ham United's Barclays Premier League
match against Arsenal at Emirates Stadium, originally planned for Wednesday
26 December, has been postponed.
West Ham United and Arsenal liaised closely with all the relevant agencies,
including the Metropolitan Police, Transport for London, London Underground,
The Premier League and Islington Council, in order to reach this decision.
The paramount concern was always the duty of care towards supporters of both
sides and everyone else who was planning to attend the match on Boxing Day.
In addition to the proposed industrial action on London Underground on
Boxing Day, there are extremely limited services operating on National Rail
train services into London on this day. Also, normal parking restrictions
close to the stadium still apply. This would have caused severe disruption,
or at worst, inability for supporters or matchday employees and workers to
get to Emirates Stadium.
We apologise for the inconvenience this may have caused supporters but we
feel that the right decision has been made. Tickets already purchased for
this match are still valid for the rearranged date, which is yet to be
confirmed. However, supporters should note that the rearranged fixture will
be played on either Wednesday 23 January (kick-off 7.45pm) or Saturday 26
January (kick-off 3pm). The date of the fixture will be determined by the
results in the FA Cup Third Round, which is being played on the weekend of
Saturday 5 January and Sunday 6 January. Please look out for updates on
whufc.com, the club's twitter and Facebook pages.
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Hammers delighted by 2017 choice
WHUFC.com
West Ham United are delighted with the news that the Olympic Stadium will be
hosting the 2017 Paralympic World Championships
19.12.2012
West Ham United are delighted by the announcement to name the Olympic
Stadium as the host for the 2017 Paralympic World Championships. The east
London club were recently named as the Highest-Ranked Bidder in the process
to find an anchor concessionaire for the iconic Stratford venue and would be
playing football at the stadium by the time the event begins. The club have
always maintained that the stadium must have a multi-sports capability
post-2012 and are excited about east London being given the chance to host
another world-renowned event.
West Ham United Vice-Chairman Karren Brady said: "I am absolutely thrilled
that the Olympic Stadium has been chosen to host the 2017 Paralympic World
Championships. With the 2017 World Athletics Championships taking place just
a month later, it means the people of East London can look forward to
another spectacular summer of sport. "This is exactly the kind of lasting
sporting legacy that has been part of our vision since we first signalled
our ambition to move to Stratford in 2017. Having a regular, high-profile
and well-supported tenant like West Ham using the stadium during the winter
months guarantees it will be available for the people of east London to
enjoy during the summer. "Our proposal means tens of thousands of sports
fans can enjoy the stadium all-year round, without a drain on the public
purse."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
The Big Interview - Winston Reid
WHUFC.com
West Ham United's No2 looks back on his man of the match display at West
Brom and forward to facing Everton
19.12.2012
West Ham United centre-back Winston Reid has enjoyed a truly outstanding
season so far. The New Zealand international has started all 17 Barclays
Premier League matches, helping the Hammers to keep six clean sheets and
scoring in the 3-0 win over Fulham in September. On Sunday, the No2 was in
imperious form at West Bromwich Albion, earning man of the match honours and
coming within inches of scoring an all-important goal shortly after the
half-hour mark.
In this week's Big Interview, Reid told whufc.com he feels he is
consistently playing the best football of his career so far and revealed
that he is looking forward to his first experience of Christmas football.
You certainly earned your money at West Bromwich Albion on Sunday, didn't
you?
WR - "Not only the back four defend well, but the whole team worked really
hard. We were playing against a West Brom side who had a very good home
record, so it was tough out there, but I thought we played a good game and
defensively we did well."
You maintained your positional discipline against a West Brom side who move
a lot off the ball and could easily have been pulled out of position, didn't
you?
WR - "Obviously we work on it through the week on how the opposition are
going to play. We had a feeling that if we could keep a clean sheet we could
maybe pop one in at the other end. On Sunday, it wasn't to be, but we came
away with a point and that is good."
You could have scored the winner yourself, couldn't you? Or had the referee
blown for a foul before you shot over the crossbar?
"He didn't blow and I really should have put that in, but life goes on. We
were under pressure for parts of the game, but you are always going to do
that away from home. It is just how you handle it and I thought we handled
it well. Obviously, they had some opportunities but overall I thought we did
well.
You picked up another man of the match award at The Hawthorns. Do you feel
this is the best you have ever played?
WR - "Obviously, we are playing at the highest level, so compared to the
first year [in the Premier League in 2010/11] when I didn't really get a run
in the team, this year I've been really pleased with my performances. I
think you are learning with every game and when you are training as well."
We have a hectic Christmas period coming up. Are you looking forward to it,
or would you rather be putting your feet up?
WR - "This will be the first Christmas where I have been playing full out,
so hopefully we will be able to pick up some points. Last year I was injured
with my shoulder so I only played the last game before the New Year. I was
training over Christmas, though. In my first season here I was not involved
in the team over Christmas."
We have another tough fixture coming on Saturday with the visit of Everton.
However, we know that a victory should see us in the top half at Christmas,
so you and your team-mates must be feeling confident of picking up three
points?
WR - "I think we are a side with the mentality that we are tough to break
down. The manager has instilled into us that we work really hard for each
other. These are exciting times, I am looking forward to the games coming
up. We take confidence from where we sit in the table, but the main thing is
to pick up points from every game we play and keep it up."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Arsenal's West Ham game called off over Underground strike
BBC.co.uk
Arsenal's Premier League match against West Ham on Boxing Day has been
called off because of possible industrial action on the London Underground.
The Tube network's drivers may strike over pay on 26 December. Arsenal said:
"We apologise for the inconvenience this may have caused supporters but we
feel that the right decision has been made." Top-flight fixtures at London
sides QPR and Fulham are set to go ahead. The Gunners were concerned about
the "difficulties of getting 60,000 supporters, plus matchday staff and
employees to the stadium safely in the event of disruption to public
transport on a public holiday" Arsenal officials spoke to police, Transport
for London, London Underground, The Premier League, West Ham United FC and
Islington Council before making the decision. Last season, the Gunners moved
their Boxing Day game with Wolves back a day because of industrial action.
The West Ham match will be staged on Wednesday, 23 January or Saturday 26
January.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Possible Early Transfer Stirrings and the Return of Der Hammer!
By S J Chandos
West Ham Till I Die
The are reports of some possible early stirrings on the transfer front,
ahead of the opening of the January window. Firstly, there is a report that
MLS Seattle Sounders midfielder, Osvaldo Alonso, is on a week long, training
attachment at the club. Note that this is not described as a formal trial,
but a 'training attachment.' Alonso is apparently a more than useful ball
winner, who can also pass it proficiently and push forward to get on the end
of knock downs. His background is interesting, as it appears that the 27
year old is Cuban, but defected to the US and has recently acquired American
citzenship. Alonso has attracted previous PL interest, having had a trial
with Everton FC in 2010. However, it should be noted that he has no
international caps and, without a EU passport, it is unlikely that he would
qualify for a UK work permit. So, realistically, I am not sure that this one
has that much of a chance of coming to pass!
More positively, it appears that West Ham have signed 18 year old, Waterford
Utd striker, Sean McGuire, on a two and a half year contract. By all
accounts McGuire is a decent prospect and is highly thought of in the Irish
League. A number of other PL clubs have shown an interest, but West Ham were
the first to make a decisive move. The Dunstable born youngster will go
straight in to the Development Squad and it will be interesting to watch his
progress over the remainder of this season.
This coming weekend will see us come face-to-face with a former Hammer,
Thomas Hitzlsperger. As supporters will recall, Hitzlsperger, or Der Hammer
as he was nick named by the Villa fans for his ability to strike the ball
hard, had a disasterous time with us in the 2010-11 relegation season. He
signed on a Bosman deal and was then badly injured in a pre-season friendly
with Germany and subsequently missed well over half the season. His best
game in a West Ham shirt was undoubtedly in the 3-1 home victory over
Liverpool, in which he scored and ran the midfield superbly. It was perhaps
a glimpse of what we had missed, but it also proved to be a bit of a false
dawn and he, arguably, never replicated the same authority or performance
levels demonstrated in that match. After the confirmation of the club's
relegation, he allegedly activated a release clause and moved to Wolfsburg,
in the German League, where he had a similarly disappointing time.
After being released by Wolfsburg at the end of last season, he was
unattached for a substantial period of the pre and early 2012-13 season. He
was eventually signed by Everton FC, as a free agent, to add depth and
experience to their squad. So far, Hitzlsperger, has only featured on the
Everton bench, as he seeks to build up his fitness. But with injuries and
suspensions, he could feature over the Christmas fixtures, perhaps even as
early as this Saturday at Upton Park? A video interview with Hitzlsperger is
currently being featured on the Everton website, in which he talks about his
frustrating season at West Ham and his hope for more pleasant memories
arising from his return with Everton. He is actually very complimentary
about the club and the Hammers fans and comes across as a very decent and
articulate fellow. Hitzlsperger is not a typical Hammers crowd villain, in
the mold of Ince, Lampard Jnr or Defoe, and I do not think that he is really
a worthy target of the supporters famous zeal for nurturing a grudge towards
those that transgress against our beloved club. While some others probably
deserve the stick, Der Hammer did not do too much terribly wrong in my book.
Although I am sure some fans will disagree with that assessment!
I was really pleased that my prediction was fulfilled that the injury
depleted Hammers team would dig deep to grind out a result at WBA. The now
familiar organisation and defensive discipline was a joy to behold. Yes, we
rode our luck once or twice, but Taylor, O'Brien, Nolan and Cole could also
have converted some good half chances during the course of the match. As
Steve Clarke, very honestly admitted, a draw was a fair result on the day.
As I have previously pointed out, this Hammers team is organised and
possesses fantastic team spirit and togetherness. Those are great qualities
to help a side through an injury crisis, as they amply demonstrated last
Sunday. But one can only concur with Sam Allardyce's post-match view that we
urgently need some of the absentees to return to fitness and to add some
good quality reinforcements in the forthcoming January window. Otherwise,
there is the danger that the current depleted squad will not be able to
continue to deliver results over a prolonged time frame; as a restricted
pool of players are over-extended, become increasingly tired and lose form &
suffer further injuries as a consequence. There is little doubt that the
club will move to avoid that at all costs and ensure that the hitherto
positive momentum to our season continues in its third and fourth and final
phases.
Can we beat Everton on Saturday? Yes, of course we can, but it is not likely
to be easy. Everton are a good team and they have had a bit of a hoodoo over
us at Upton Park in recent seasons (if you believe in that sort of thing?).
They will be missing Felainni, which is a real potential bonus for us. He
has been their biggest goal scoring threat so far this season, but they also
have Jelavic (the one that got away!). If we play it tight, defend as well
as we did against WBA and take our chances then we can win this one. It
would certainly be a massive bonus to take 3 points to achieve 12 points for
the 2nd phase up to the Norwich City match on New Years Day. Thus reaching
my projected, minimum, upper points tally for the phase.
However, a point against Everton is not to be sniffed at and would take us
to my lower, anticipated, minimum tally of 10 points. A victory is more than
possible, but I reckon that we could end up with a score draw. There is
always the away match against Reading FC on the 29 December to secure
further points in 2012! (With the increasing possibility of the Boxing Day
fixture at the Emirates being rearranged for next year). After all, don't we
owe Reading FC a defeat after the two significant reverses that they
inflicted on us last season? Still, it just goes to show that the qualities
that get teams automatic promotion from the Championship are not always
necessarily sufficient to ensure that they subsequently thrive in the PL!
SJ. Chandos.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Gary Hoops for Prem move
Published: 18th December 2012
The Sun
GARY HOOPER is eyeing the Premier League after talks over a new Celtic deal
stalled. Essex-born Hooper, 24, has hit 65 goals in 111 starts since joining
Celtic for £2.5m from Scunthorpe in 2010. West Ham, Sunderland, QPR and
Southampton could swoop.
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It's all Gho for Faouzi bid
Last Updated: 19th December 2012
The Sun
WEST HAM and Stoke are keen on St Etienne star Faouzi Ghoulam. Left-back
Ghoulam, 21, rated at £3milliion, is on the brink of a senior debut for
Algeria after switching allegiance to his parents' birthplace.
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http://vyperz.blogspot.com
WHUFC.com
The Boxing Day meeting with Arsenal has been called off due to proposed
industrial action
19.12.2012
As a result of Monday's strike ballot and the proposed industrial action on
London Underground on Boxing Day, West Ham United's Barclays Premier League
match against Arsenal at Emirates Stadium, originally planned for Wednesday
26 December, has been postponed.
West Ham United and Arsenal liaised closely with all the relevant agencies,
including the Metropolitan Police, Transport for London, London Underground,
The Premier League and Islington Council, in order to reach this decision.
The paramount concern was always the duty of care towards supporters of both
sides and everyone else who was planning to attend the match on Boxing Day.
In addition to the proposed industrial action on London Underground on
Boxing Day, there are extremely limited services operating on National Rail
train services into London on this day. Also, normal parking restrictions
close to the stadium still apply. This would have caused severe disruption,
or at worst, inability for supporters or matchday employees and workers to
get to Emirates Stadium.
We apologise for the inconvenience this may have caused supporters but we
feel that the right decision has been made. Tickets already purchased for
this match are still valid for the rearranged date, which is yet to be
confirmed. However, supporters should note that the rearranged fixture will
be played on either Wednesday 23 January (kick-off 7.45pm) or Saturday 26
January (kick-off 3pm). The date of the fixture will be determined by the
results in the FA Cup Third Round, which is being played on the weekend of
Saturday 5 January and Sunday 6 January. Please look out for updates on
whufc.com, the club's twitter and Facebook pages.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Hammers delighted by 2017 choice
WHUFC.com
West Ham United are delighted with the news that the Olympic Stadium will be
hosting the 2017 Paralympic World Championships
19.12.2012
West Ham United are delighted by the announcement to name the Olympic
Stadium as the host for the 2017 Paralympic World Championships. The east
London club were recently named as the Highest-Ranked Bidder in the process
to find an anchor concessionaire for the iconic Stratford venue and would be
playing football at the stadium by the time the event begins. The club have
always maintained that the stadium must have a multi-sports capability
post-2012 and are excited about east London being given the chance to host
another world-renowned event.
West Ham United Vice-Chairman Karren Brady said: "I am absolutely thrilled
that the Olympic Stadium has been chosen to host the 2017 Paralympic World
Championships. With the 2017 World Athletics Championships taking place just
a month later, it means the people of East London can look forward to
another spectacular summer of sport. "This is exactly the kind of lasting
sporting legacy that has been part of our vision since we first signalled
our ambition to move to Stratford in 2017. Having a regular, high-profile
and well-supported tenant like West Ham using the stadium during the winter
months guarantees it will be available for the people of east London to
enjoy during the summer. "Our proposal means tens of thousands of sports
fans can enjoy the stadium all-year round, without a drain on the public
purse."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
The Big Interview - Winston Reid
WHUFC.com
West Ham United's No2 looks back on his man of the match display at West
Brom and forward to facing Everton
19.12.2012
West Ham United centre-back Winston Reid has enjoyed a truly outstanding
season so far. The New Zealand international has started all 17 Barclays
Premier League matches, helping the Hammers to keep six clean sheets and
scoring in the 3-0 win over Fulham in September. On Sunday, the No2 was in
imperious form at West Bromwich Albion, earning man of the match honours and
coming within inches of scoring an all-important goal shortly after the
half-hour mark.
In this week's Big Interview, Reid told whufc.com he feels he is
consistently playing the best football of his career so far and revealed
that he is looking forward to his first experience of Christmas football.
You certainly earned your money at West Bromwich Albion on Sunday, didn't
you?
WR - "Not only the back four defend well, but the whole team worked really
hard. We were playing against a West Brom side who had a very good home
record, so it was tough out there, but I thought we played a good game and
defensively we did well."
You maintained your positional discipline against a West Brom side who move
a lot off the ball and could easily have been pulled out of position, didn't
you?
WR - "Obviously we work on it through the week on how the opposition are
going to play. We had a feeling that if we could keep a clean sheet we could
maybe pop one in at the other end. On Sunday, it wasn't to be, but we came
away with a point and that is good."
You could have scored the winner yourself, couldn't you? Or had the referee
blown for a foul before you shot over the crossbar?
"He didn't blow and I really should have put that in, but life goes on. We
were under pressure for parts of the game, but you are always going to do
that away from home. It is just how you handle it and I thought we handled
it well. Obviously, they had some opportunities but overall I thought we did
well.
You picked up another man of the match award at The Hawthorns. Do you feel
this is the best you have ever played?
WR - "Obviously, we are playing at the highest level, so compared to the
first year [in the Premier League in 2010/11] when I didn't really get a run
in the team, this year I've been really pleased with my performances. I
think you are learning with every game and when you are training as well."
We have a hectic Christmas period coming up. Are you looking forward to it,
or would you rather be putting your feet up?
WR - "This will be the first Christmas where I have been playing full out,
so hopefully we will be able to pick up some points. Last year I was injured
with my shoulder so I only played the last game before the New Year. I was
training over Christmas, though. In my first season here I was not involved
in the team over Christmas."
We have another tough fixture coming on Saturday with the visit of Everton.
However, we know that a victory should see us in the top half at Christmas,
so you and your team-mates must be feeling confident of picking up three
points?
WR - "I think we are a side with the mentality that we are tough to break
down. The manager has instilled into us that we work really hard for each
other. These are exciting times, I am looking forward to the games coming
up. We take confidence from where we sit in the table, but the main thing is
to pick up points from every game we play and keep it up."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Arsenal's West Ham game called off over Underground strike
BBC.co.uk
Arsenal's Premier League match against West Ham on Boxing Day has been
called off because of possible industrial action on the London Underground.
The Tube network's drivers may strike over pay on 26 December. Arsenal said:
"We apologise for the inconvenience this may have caused supporters but we
feel that the right decision has been made." Top-flight fixtures at London
sides QPR and Fulham are set to go ahead. The Gunners were concerned about
the "difficulties of getting 60,000 supporters, plus matchday staff and
employees to the stadium safely in the event of disruption to public
transport on a public holiday" Arsenal officials spoke to police, Transport
for London, London Underground, The Premier League, West Ham United FC and
Islington Council before making the decision. Last season, the Gunners moved
their Boxing Day game with Wolves back a day because of industrial action.
The West Ham match will be staged on Wednesday, 23 January or Saturday 26
January.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Possible Early Transfer Stirrings and the Return of Der Hammer!
By S J Chandos
West Ham Till I Die
The are reports of some possible early stirrings on the transfer front,
ahead of the opening of the January window. Firstly, there is a report that
MLS Seattle Sounders midfielder, Osvaldo Alonso, is on a week long, training
attachment at the club. Note that this is not described as a formal trial,
but a 'training attachment.' Alonso is apparently a more than useful ball
winner, who can also pass it proficiently and push forward to get on the end
of knock downs. His background is interesting, as it appears that the 27
year old is Cuban, but defected to the US and has recently acquired American
citzenship. Alonso has attracted previous PL interest, having had a trial
with Everton FC in 2010. However, it should be noted that he has no
international caps and, without a EU passport, it is unlikely that he would
qualify for a UK work permit. So, realistically, I am not sure that this one
has that much of a chance of coming to pass!
More positively, it appears that West Ham have signed 18 year old, Waterford
Utd striker, Sean McGuire, on a two and a half year contract. By all
accounts McGuire is a decent prospect and is highly thought of in the Irish
League. A number of other PL clubs have shown an interest, but West Ham were
the first to make a decisive move. The Dunstable born youngster will go
straight in to the Development Squad and it will be interesting to watch his
progress over the remainder of this season.
This coming weekend will see us come face-to-face with a former Hammer,
Thomas Hitzlsperger. As supporters will recall, Hitzlsperger, or Der Hammer
as he was nick named by the Villa fans for his ability to strike the ball
hard, had a disasterous time with us in the 2010-11 relegation season. He
signed on a Bosman deal and was then badly injured in a pre-season friendly
with Germany and subsequently missed well over half the season. His best
game in a West Ham shirt was undoubtedly in the 3-1 home victory over
Liverpool, in which he scored and ran the midfield superbly. It was perhaps
a glimpse of what we had missed, but it also proved to be a bit of a false
dawn and he, arguably, never replicated the same authority or performance
levels demonstrated in that match. After the confirmation of the club's
relegation, he allegedly activated a release clause and moved to Wolfsburg,
in the German League, where he had a similarly disappointing time.
After being released by Wolfsburg at the end of last season, he was
unattached for a substantial period of the pre and early 2012-13 season. He
was eventually signed by Everton FC, as a free agent, to add depth and
experience to their squad. So far, Hitzlsperger, has only featured on the
Everton bench, as he seeks to build up his fitness. But with injuries and
suspensions, he could feature over the Christmas fixtures, perhaps even as
early as this Saturday at Upton Park? A video interview with Hitzlsperger is
currently being featured on the Everton website, in which he talks about his
frustrating season at West Ham and his hope for more pleasant memories
arising from his return with Everton. He is actually very complimentary
about the club and the Hammers fans and comes across as a very decent and
articulate fellow. Hitzlsperger is not a typical Hammers crowd villain, in
the mold of Ince, Lampard Jnr or Defoe, and I do not think that he is really
a worthy target of the supporters famous zeal for nurturing a grudge towards
those that transgress against our beloved club. While some others probably
deserve the stick, Der Hammer did not do too much terribly wrong in my book.
Although I am sure some fans will disagree with that assessment!
I was really pleased that my prediction was fulfilled that the injury
depleted Hammers team would dig deep to grind out a result at WBA. The now
familiar organisation and defensive discipline was a joy to behold. Yes, we
rode our luck once or twice, but Taylor, O'Brien, Nolan and Cole could also
have converted some good half chances during the course of the match. As
Steve Clarke, very honestly admitted, a draw was a fair result on the day.
As I have previously pointed out, this Hammers team is organised and
possesses fantastic team spirit and togetherness. Those are great qualities
to help a side through an injury crisis, as they amply demonstrated last
Sunday. But one can only concur with Sam Allardyce's post-match view that we
urgently need some of the absentees to return to fitness and to add some
good quality reinforcements in the forthcoming January window. Otherwise,
there is the danger that the current depleted squad will not be able to
continue to deliver results over a prolonged time frame; as a restricted
pool of players are over-extended, become increasingly tired and lose form &
suffer further injuries as a consequence. There is little doubt that the
club will move to avoid that at all costs and ensure that the hitherto
positive momentum to our season continues in its third and fourth and final
phases.
Can we beat Everton on Saturday? Yes, of course we can, but it is not likely
to be easy. Everton are a good team and they have had a bit of a hoodoo over
us at Upton Park in recent seasons (if you believe in that sort of thing?).
They will be missing Felainni, which is a real potential bonus for us. He
has been their biggest goal scoring threat so far this season, but they also
have Jelavic (the one that got away!). If we play it tight, defend as well
as we did against WBA and take our chances then we can win this one. It
would certainly be a massive bonus to take 3 points to achieve 12 points for
the 2nd phase up to the Norwich City match on New Years Day. Thus reaching
my projected, minimum, upper points tally for the phase.
However, a point against Everton is not to be sniffed at and would take us
to my lower, anticipated, minimum tally of 10 points. A victory is more than
possible, but I reckon that we could end up with a score draw. There is
always the away match against Reading FC on the 29 December to secure
further points in 2012! (With the increasing possibility of the Boxing Day
fixture at the Emirates being rearranged for next year). After all, don't we
owe Reading FC a defeat after the two significant reverses that they
inflicted on us last season? Still, it just goes to show that the qualities
that get teams automatic promotion from the Championship are not always
necessarily sufficient to ensure that they subsequently thrive in the PL!
SJ. Chandos.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Gary Hoops for Prem move
Published: 18th December 2012
The Sun
GARY HOOPER is eyeing the Premier League after talks over a new Celtic deal
stalled. Essex-born Hooper, 24, has hit 65 goals in 111 starts since joining
Celtic for £2.5m from Scunthorpe in 2010. West Ham, Sunderland, QPR and
Southampton could swoop.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
It's all Gho for Faouzi bid
Last Updated: 19th December 2012
The Sun
WEST HAM and Stoke are keen on St Etienne star Faouzi Ghoulam. Left-back
Ghoulam, 21, rated at £3milliion, is on the brink of a senior debut for
Algeria after switching allegiance to his parents' birthplace.
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http://vyperz.blogspot.com
Wednesday, December 19
Daily WHUFC News - 19th December 2012
Matt and Coley meet Hammers fans
WHUFC.com
Matt Taylor and Carlton Cole were welcome visitors to the Stadium Superstore
on Tuesday
18.12.2012
Matt Taylor and Carlton Cole brought plenty of festive cheer when they met
supporters at the Stadium Superstore on Tuesday. Both West Ham United
players got straight into the Christmas spirit by wearing seasonal hats as
they signed autographs and posed for photographs. Supporters of all ages
queued to get shirts, footballs and other merchandise signed, including
gifts they are planning to hand out to family and friends on Christmas Day.
Midfielder Taylor said: "It was nice to meet our fans. Everyone said they
were looking forward to Christmas and also wished both us and the rest of
the team luck for our forthcoming matches, which was nice. We hope to carry
on from last weekend and get some good results over Christmas."
Meeting the Hammers supporters was also enjoyed by popular striker Cole. "It
was really good, as everyone was happy with what is happening on the pitch
and we hope to do more," he said. "It is good to meet our fans and give them
our time, sign autographs and everything, so it was really good."
Supporters still have time to purchase the perfect Christmas gift for
Hammers fans, with a wide range of official merchandise available, including
the 2012/13 Macron replica kit and trainingwear. You can order now here at
the Online Store, but you will have to hurry as the final delivery dates for
Christmas are fast approaching! To guarantee delivery to UK mainland
addresses for Christmas, orders must be placed on or before Thursday 20
December.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
'It was great to be back out there'
WHUFC.com
West Ham United midfielder Jack Collison was happy to return to action after
a spell on the sidelines
18.12.2012
Jack Collison was in positive mood after making his first West Ham United
appearance since last season's npower Championship Play-Off final. The
midfielder returned from a long-standing knee problem by starting the
Development Squad's 3-1 Barclays U21 Premier League Group 1 defeat at
Norwich City on Monday. Collison came through 45 minutes as planned before
being replaced at half-time. Speaking exclusively to whufc.com after the
game, the Wales international admitted he still has some way to go before he
can make a first-team return, but admitted he loved every minute of his
return. "It was great to be back out there again," said the No10, whose two
Play-Off semi-final goals at Cardiff City in May paved the way for the
Hammers' promotion. "I am obviously a little bit rusty but I have ticked a
box by completing 45 minutes and hopefully it will be onwards and upwards
from there. "I loved it. It was great to be playing football again, even
though it was not the best conditions out there. I thought the boys did well
and were unlucky to not to get a point out of it."
While a Development Squad appearance is an undoubted step in the right
direction, Collison will not pinpoint a date on a first-team return,
insteadd leaving it in the hands of Sam Allardyce and his backroom staff. "I
will leave that for the manager to decide. I have obviously been out for
quite a while so for me it is all about building up my fitness and getting
that sharpness back. "I am not sure whether the reserves will have any more
games or have arranged any friendlies [before the Elite Group Stage starts
in January] but I will be training more now so hopefully I can return as
quickly as possible."
However, with Mohamed Diame out with a hamstring injury and both Ricardo Vaz
Te and Yossi Benayoun also on the sidelines, Collison knows his first-team
chance could come sooner rather than later. "It is nice to be back and
unfortunately we have more than a few injuries at the moment so hopefully I
can help bolster the squad a little bit. Like I said, it will be whenever
the gaffer needs me and when he feels like the time is right, I will be
ready to step in."
While he would clearly have rather been on the pitch than in the stands,
Collison declared his admiration for way the Hammers have settled into life
back in the Barclays Premier League. "The boys have been brilliant and it
has been great to see them doing so well. It also helps me because, when I
am fit and ready to go back into the first team, it will be good to go into
a side that is enjoying playing football in the top flight."
Collison's absence has opened up a space in the first-team squad for a
number of his fellow Academy graduates in recent months - most notably
midfielders George Moncur and Sebastian Lletget. The young professionals
have been in and around Big Sam's matchday 18 for the last few matches and
the 24-year-old has been keeping tabs on their progress. "It is nice to see
so many youngsters coming through and developing, Sebby and Moncs have both
been on the bench for the last few games which is great to see. Hopefully it
is not too long before one of them gets their chance in the first team
because it was great to play with them and even better to see them doing so
well."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Jack Collison delighted with return after seven months out
BBC.co.uk
Wales midfielder Jack Collison said he was delighted after playing for the
first time following seven months out with a knee injury. Collison played 45
minutes for a West Ham development squad in an under-21 match against
Norwich on Monday. The 24-year-old hadn't played since the Hammers'
Championship play-off final victory over Blackpool in May. "It was great to
be back out there again," Collison told West Ham's official website . West
Ham lost 3-1, but Collison was happy to be back. "I am obviously a little
bit rusty, but I have ticked a box by completing 45 minutes and hopefully it
will be onwards and upwards from there," he said. "It was great to be
playing football again, even though it was not the best conditions out
there."
Collison's return is a welcome boost to injury-hit West Ham, who are without
the likes of Mohamed Diame, Ricardo Vaz Te and Yossi Benayoun. The player
has a long-standing knee problem and suffers with fluid on the joint, which
manager Sam Allardyce has said has to be managed carefully. Collison would
not pinpoint a date for his first-team return, focusing instead on
continuing his rehabilitation. "I will leave that for the manager to
decide," Collison said. Wales boss Chris Coleman, however, welcomed the
player's return. "I'm delighted for Jack. He's had such a traumatic time
with the injury. "He's still a good age Jack, it's all in front of him he's
just got to try and get himself fit. "He deserves to be back."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Hammers land Irish starlet
KUMB.com
Filed: Tuesday, 18th December 2012
By: Staff Writer
West Ham United have signed Irish teenager Sean Maguire, who impressed
during a recent trial. The 18-year-old former Waterford United striker, who
spent a fortnight at the club last month has put pen to paper on a
two-and-a-half year contract with the Hammers. Despite having been courted
by a string of clubs the 5'9", Luton-born striker opted to move to east
London where he will join the newly-promoted Nick Haycock's development
squad. A talented young forward, Maguire - whose family hail from Cois Na
hAbhann - played junior football for Deen Celtic and Ormonde Villa before
being snapped up by League of Ireland First Division side Waterford last
year. Having been almost instantly promoted to the Blues first team, he went
on to score 13 goals in the 2011/12 campaign helping his club to second
place in the First Division table. He has also represented the Republic of
Ireland under-18 Schools team. Speaking about the talented youngster, one
Irish KUMB member said: "I seen him a few times for Waterford last year and
he looks a decent prospect". Another Blues fan said: "I've been watching
Seani for the last two years at Waterford United, he's an amazing talent and
it was only a matter of time. It was inevitable that we'd lose him to a
bigger club."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Collison aiming for speedy return
KUMB.com
Filed: Tuesday, 18th December 2012
By: Staff Writer
Jack Collison had admitted that he is desperate to return to first team
football having taken the first step to recovery at Norwich last night. The
midfielder has not played competitive football since the play-off Final win
against Blackpool at Wembley on May 19th, but played a full 45 minutes in
the development squad's 3-1 defeat to the Canaries. And now the 24-year-old
has his sights firmly set on a speedy return to first team action. "I am
obviously a little bit rusty but I have ticked a box by completing 45
minutes and hopefully it will be onwards and upwards from there," he told
whufc.com. "I have obviously been out for quite a while so for me it is all
about building up my fitness and getting that sharpness back. I will be
training more now so hopefully I can return as quickly as possible.
"Unfortunately we have more than a few injuries at the moment so hopefully I
can help bolster the squad a little bit. It will be whenever the gaffer
needs me and when he feels like the time is right, I will be ready to step
in."
The Welsh international, who made his West Ham debut at Arsenal on New Years
Day 2008 has already had his short career punctuated by injuries - mostly as
the result of a persistent knee problem from which he has been told he will
never fully recover. In the 2010/11 season, Collison made just four
appearances - all in May - having undergone surgery to repair his knee that
kept him sidelined for 15 months. His most productive season came in the
Championship last term when he made 37 appearances.
Jack Collison: West Ham United FC Career Stats
2007/08: Pld 2
2008/09: Pld 25; Gls 2; Bkd 2
2009/10: Pld 24; Gls 2; Bkd 4
2010/11: Pld 4
2011/12: Pld 37; Gls 6; Bkd 1; S/o 1
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Tube strike leaves Arsenal's Boxing Day fixture under threat for second year
in succession
Last Updated: December 18, 2012 5:10pm
SSN
Arsenal expect to make a decision soon on whether to postpone their Boxing
Day derby against West Ham. The London Underground is likely to be closed if
planned industrial action by drivers goes ahead, and there are limited
mainline train services in and out of the capital. Arsenal warned earlier
this month they would consider rearranging the derby in the event of a
strike. And a statement on the club website read: "We are currently in
discussions with the Premier League, West Ham United, police and relevant
authorities over the possible postponement of the Boxing Day fixture. "The
match is in doubt due to the difficulties of getting 60,000 supporters, plus
matchday staff and employees to the stadium safely in the advent of
disruption to public transport on a public holiday. "The club will make a
further announcement as soon as a final decision is made."
Arsenal put back for 24 hours last year's Boxing Day fixture with Wolves in
similar circumstances, but Newcastle are due to visit on 29 December so it
would almost certainly be January before the West Ham game could be played.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Long-term injury absentee Jack Collison played 45 minutes for West Ham's
reserves
Last Updated: December 18, 2012 10:43am
SSN
Jack Collison took the first tentative steps on his comeback from a
long-term knee injury with a run-out in the West Ham development squad. The
Wales international, who has not featured since the Championship play-off
final, played 45 minutes of the U21 Premier League defeat at Norwich on
Monday. "It was great to be back out there again," the 24-year-old told the
club's official website. "I am obviously a little bit rusty, but I have
ticked a box by completing 45 minutes and hopefully it will be onwards and
upwards from there. "I loved it. It was great to be playing football again,
even though it was not the best conditions out there. I thought the boys did
well and were unlucky to not to get a point out of it."
The midfielder is still reluctant to put an exact date on his return to
first-team action, saying: "I will leave that for the manager to decide. "I
have obviously been out for quite a while so for me it is all about building
up my fitness and getting that sharpness back. "I am not sure whether the
reserves will have any more games or have arranged any friendlies (before
the Elite Group Stage starts in January) but I will be training more now so
hopefully I can return as quickly as possible."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Jack Collison steps up recovery
Published: 11 hrs ago
The Sun
WEST HAM'S Jack Collison has moved a step closer to a return to first-team
action after a long lay-off with a knee problem. The 24-year-old Welsh
midfield ace, who last featured for the Hammers in the Championship play-off
final in May, came through 45 minutes of a reserve team fixture against
Norwich yesterday. Collison said: "It was great to be back out there again.
"I am obviously a little bit rusty, but I have ticked a box by completing 45
minutes and hopefully it will be onwards and upwards from there. "I loved
it. It was great to be playing football again, even though it was not the
best conditions out there. I thought the boys did well and were unlucky to
not to get a point out of it." His return is a boost to the injury-hit
London club who are without Mohamed Diame, Ricardo Vaz Te and Yossi
Benayoun. On giving a date for a first-team return he said: "I will leave
that for the manager to decide. "I have obviously been out for quite a while
so for me it is all about building up my fitness and getting that sharpness
back. "I am not sure whether the reserves will have any more games or have
arranged any friendlies but I will be training more now so hopefully I can
return as quickly as possible."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Alonso to train with EPL club West Ham United
Posted by: Matt Gaschk
12/18/2012
www.soundersfc.com
The midfielder will travel across the pond to train with the English Premier
League side for a weeks time. During the MLS offseason, it's not uncommon
for players to train at top clubs around the world. Before the 2011 season,
Osvaldo Alonso and Steve Zakuani had separate, week-long stints training
with Everton in England. This year, Alonso is back across the pond with
another one-week training stint with West Ham United in England. Managed by
Sam Allardyce, West Ham features the likes of forwards Andy Carroll and
Carlton Cole and midfielders Kevin Nolan and Mark Noble.
Alonso has 151 career appearances for the Sounders in all competitions,
netting 14 goals and 15 assists. Last season, he started in all 30 MLS
matches that he played in, leading the Sounders with 2,688 minutes. In
addition to earning MLS Best XI honors, he is a two-time MLS All-Star and
was the 2012 US Open Cup Player of the Tournament after leading the Sounders
with four goals in their fourth consecutive run to the US Open Cup Final. It
was the fifth straight appearance in the Open Cup Final for Alonso, who
earned a trip to the final in 2008 while playing with the Charleston Battery
of the USL.
The three-time Sounders FC MVP, Alonso, 27, led the league in tackles and
recoveries in each of the last two seasons. In 2012, he had 166 tackles.
According to Opta, who compiles stats for Major League Soccer, no other
player in the league had more than 110 and only three others had more than
100. His 667 recoveries since the start of the 2011 season puts him 197
clear of the next highest field player.
Born in Cuba, Alonso played with the Cuban National Team until defecting to
the US in 2007 during the CONCACAF Gold Cup tournament. This year, he earned
his US citizenship, but his caps with the Cuban National Team have prevented
him from earning a spot on the US National Team.
He is scheduled for a one-week training stint with the London-based club
before returning to Seattle.
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http://vyperz.blogspot.com
WHUFC.com
Matt Taylor and Carlton Cole were welcome visitors to the Stadium Superstore
on Tuesday
18.12.2012
Matt Taylor and Carlton Cole brought plenty of festive cheer when they met
supporters at the Stadium Superstore on Tuesday. Both West Ham United
players got straight into the Christmas spirit by wearing seasonal hats as
they signed autographs and posed for photographs. Supporters of all ages
queued to get shirts, footballs and other merchandise signed, including
gifts they are planning to hand out to family and friends on Christmas Day.
Midfielder Taylor said: "It was nice to meet our fans. Everyone said they
were looking forward to Christmas and also wished both us and the rest of
the team luck for our forthcoming matches, which was nice. We hope to carry
on from last weekend and get some good results over Christmas."
Meeting the Hammers supporters was also enjoyed by popular striker Cole. "It
was really good, as everyone was happy with what is happening on the pitch
and we hope to do more," he said. "It is good to meet our fans and give them
our time, sign autographs and everything, so it was really good."
Supporters still have time to purchase the perfect Christmas gift for
Hammers fans, with a wide range of official merchandise available, including
the 2012/13 Macron replica kit and trainingwear. You can order now here at
the Online Store, but you will have to hurry as the final delivery dates for
Christmas are fast approaching! To guarantee delivery to UK mainland
addresses for Christmas, orders must be placed on or before Thursday 20
December.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
'It was great to be back out there'
WHUFC.com
West Ham United midfielder Jack Collison was happy to return to action after
a spell on the sidelines
18.12.2012
Jack Collison was in positive mood after making his first West Ham United
appearance since last season's npower Championship Play-Off final. The
midfielder returned from a long-standing knee problem by starting the
Development Squad's 3-1 Barclays U21 Premier League Group 1 defeat at
Norwich City on Monday. Collison came through 45 minutes as planned before
being replaced at half-time. Speaking exclusively to whufc.com after the
game, the Wales international admitted he still has some way to go before he
can make a first-team return, but admitted he loved every minute of his
return. "It was great to be back out there again," said the No10, whose two
Play-Off semi-final goals at Cardiff City in May paved the way for the
Hammers' promotion. "I am obviously a little bit rusty but I have ticked a
box by completing 45 minutes and hopefully it will be onwards and upwards
from there. "I loved it. It was great to be playing football again, even
though it was not the best conditions out there. I thought the boys did well
and were unlucky to not to get a point out of it."
While a Development Squad appearance is an undoubted step in the right
direction, Collison will not pinpoint a date on a first-team return,
insteadd leaving it in the hands of Sam Allardyce and his backroom staff. "I
will leave that for the manager to decide. I have obviously been out for
quite a while so for me it is all about building up my fitness and getting
that sharpness back. "I am not sure whether the reserves will have any more
games or have arranged any friendlies [before the Elite Group Stage starts
in January] but I will be training more now so hopefully I can return as
quickly as possible."
However, with Mohamed Diame out with a hamstring injury and both Ricardo Vaz
Te and Yossi Benayoun also on the sidelines, Collison knows his first-team
chance could come sooner rather than later. "It is nice to be back and
unfortunately we have more than a few injuries at the moment so hopefully I
can help bolster the squad a little bit. Like I said, it will be whenever
the gaffer needs me and when he feels like the time is right, I will be
ready to step in."
While he would clearly have rather been on the pitch than in the stands,
Collison declared his admiration for way the Hammers have settled into life
back in the Barclays Premier League. "The boys have been brilliant and it
has been great to see them doing so well. It also helps me because, when I
am fit and ready to go back into the first team, it will be good to go into
a side that is enjoying playing football in the top flight."
Collison's absence has opened up a space in the first-team squad for a
number of his fellow Academy graduates in recent months - most notably
midfielders George Moncur and Sebastian Lletget. The young professionals
have been in and around Big Sam's matchday 18 for the last few matches and
the 24-year-old has been keeping tabs on their progress. "It is nice to see
so many youngsters coming through and developing, Sebby and Moncs have both
been on the bench for the last few games which is great to see. Hopefully it
is not too long before one of them gets their chance in the first team
because it was great to play with them and even better to see them doing so
well."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Jack Collison delighted with return after seven months out
BBC.co.uk
Wales midfielder Jack Collison said he was delighted after playing for the
first time following seven months out with a knee injury. Collison played 45
minutes for a West Ham development squad in an under-21 match against
Norwich on Monday. The 24-year-old hadn't played since the Hammers'
Championship play-off final victory over Blackpool in May. "It was great to
be back out there again," Collison told West Ham's official website . West
Ham lost 3-1, but Collison was happy to be back. "I am obviously a little
bit rusty, but I have ticked a box by completing 45 minutes and hopefully it
will be onwards and upwards from there," he said. "It was great to be
playing football again, even though it was not the best conditions out
there."
Collison's return is a welcome boost to injury-hit West Ham, who are without
the likes of Mohamed Diame, Ricardo Vaz Te and Yossi Benayoun. The player
has a long-standing knee problem and suffers with fluid on the joint, which
manager Sam Allardyce has said has to be managed carefully. Collison would
not pinpoint a date for his first-team return, focusing instead on
continuing his rehabilitation. "I will leave that for the manager to
decide," Collison said. Wales boss Chris Coleman, however, welcomed the
player's return. "I'm delighted for Jack. He's had such a traumatic time
with the injury. "He's still a good age Jack, it's all in front of him he's
just got to try and get himself fit. "He deserves to be back."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Hammers land Irish starlet
KUMB.com
Filed: Tuesday, 18th December 2012
By: Staff Writer
West Ham United have signed Irish teenager Sean Maguire, who impressed
during a recent trial. The 18-year-old former Waterford United striker, who
spent a fortnight at the club last month has put pen to paper on a
two-and-a-half year contract with the Hammers. Despite having been courted
by a string of clubs the 5'9", Luton-born striker opted to move to east
London where he will join the newly-promoted Nick Haycock's development
squad. A talented young forward, Maguire - whose family hail from Cois Na
hAbhann - played junior football for Deen Celtic and Ormonde Villa before
being snapped up by League of Ireland First Division side Waterford last
year. Having been almost instantly promoted to the Blues first team, he went
on to score 13 goals in the 2011/12 campaign helping his club to second
place in the First Division table. He has also represented the Republic of
Ireland under-18 Schools team. Speaking about the talented youngster, one
Irish KUMB member said: "I seen him a few times for Waterford last year and
he looks a decent prospect". Another Blues fan said: "I've been watching
Seani for the last two years at Waterford United, he's an amazing talent and
it was only a matter of time. It was inevitable that we'd lose him to a
bigger club."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Collison aiming for speedy return
KUMB.com
Filed: Tuesday, 18th December 2012
By: Staff Writer
Jack Collison had admitted that he is desperate to return to first team
football having taken the first step to recovery at Norwich last night. The
midfielder has not played competitive football since the play-off Final win
against Blackpool at Wembley on May 19th, but played a full 45 minutes in
the development squad's 3-1 defeat to the Canaries. And now the 24-year-old
has his sights firmly set on a speedy return to first team action. "I am
obviously a little bit rusty but I have ticked a box by completing 45
minutes and hopefully it will be onwards and upwards from there," he told
whufc.com. "I have obviously been out for quite a while so for me it is all
about building up my fitness and getting that sharpness back. I will be
training more now so hopefully I can return as quickly as possible.
"Unfortunately we have more than a few injuries at the moment so hopefully I
can help bolster the squad a little bit. It will be whenever the gaffer
needs me and when he feels like the time is right, I will be ready to step
in."
The Welsh international, who made his West Ham debut at Arsenal on New Years
Day 2008 has already had his short career punctuated by injuries - mostly as
the result of a persistent knee problem from which he has been told he will
never fully recover. In the 2010/11 season, Collison made just four
appearances - all in May - having undergone surgery to repair his knee that
kept him sidelined for 15 months. His most productive season came in the
Championship last term when he made 37 appearances.
Jack Collison: West Ham United FC Career Stats
2007/08: Pld 2
2008/09: Pld 25; Gls 2; Bkd 2
2009/10: Pld 24; Gls 2; Bkd 4
2010/11: Pld 4
2011/12: Pld 37; Gls 6; Bkd 1; S/o 1
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Tube strike leaves Arsenal's Boxing Day fixture under threat for second year
in succession
Last Updated: December 18, 2012 5:10pm
SSN
Arsenal expect to make a decision soon on whether to postpone their Boxing
Day derby against West Ham. The London Underground is likely to be closed if
planned industrial action by drivers goes ahead, and there are limited
mainline train services in and out of the capital. Arsenal warned earlier
this month they would consider rearranging the derby in the event of a
strike. And a statement on the club website read: "We are currently in
discussions with the Premier League, West Ham United, police and relevant
authorities over the possible postponement of the Boxing Day fixture. "The
match is in doubt due to the difficulties of getting 60,000 supporters, plus
matchday staff and employees to the stadium safely in the advent of
disruption to public transport on a public holiday. "The club will make a
further announcement as soon as a final decision is made."
Arsenal put back for 24 hours last year's Boxing Day fixture with Wolves in
similar circumstances, but Newcastle are due to visit on 29 December so it
would almost certainly be January before the West Ham game could be played.
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Long-term injury absentee Jack Collison played 45 minutes for West Ham's
reserves
Last Updated: December 18, 2012 10:43am
SSN
Jack Collison took the first tentative steps on his comeback from a
long-term knee injury with a run-out in the West Ham development squad. The
Wales international, who has not featured since the Championship play-off
final, played 45 minutes of the U21 Premier League defeat at Norwich on
Monday. "It was great to be back out there again," the 24-year-old told the
club's official website. "I am obviously a little bit rusty, but I have
ticked a box by completing 45 minutes and hopefully it will be onwards and
upwards from there. "I loved it. It was great to be playing football again,
even though it was not the best conditions out there. I thought the boys did
well and were unlucky to not to get a point out of it."
The midfielder is still reluctant to put an exact date on his return to
first-team action, saying: "I will leave that for the manager to decide. "I
have obviously been out for quite a while so for me it is all about building
up my fitness and getting that sharpness back. "I am not sure whether the
reserves will have any more games or have arranged any friendlies (before
the Elite Group Stage starts in January) but I will be training more now so
hopefully I can return as quickly as possible."
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Jack Collison steps up recovery
Published: 11 hrs ago
The Sun
WEST HAM'S Jack Collison has moved a step closer to a return to first-team
action after a long lay-off with a knee problem. The 24-year-old Welsh
midfield ace, who last featured for the Hammers in the Championship play-off
final in May, came through 45 minutes of a reserve team fixture against
Norwich yesterday. Collison said: "It was great to be back out there again.
"I am obviously a little bit rusty, but I have ticked a box by completing 45
minutes and hopefully it will be onwards and upwards from there. "I loved
it. It was great to be playing football again, even though it was not the
best conditions out there. I thought the boys did well and were unlucky to
not to get a point out of it." His return is a boost to the injury-hit
London club who are without Mohamed Diame, Ricardo Vaz Te and Yossi
Benayoun. On giving a date for a first-team return he said: "I will leave
that for the manager to decide. "I have obviously been out for quite a while
so for me it is all about building up my fitness and getting that sharpness
back. "I am not sure whether the reserves will have any more games or have
arranged any friendlies but I will be training more now so hopefully I can
return as quickly as possible."
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Alonso to train with EPL club West Ham United
Posted by: Matt Gaschk
12/18/2012
www.soundersfc.com
The midfielder will travel across the pond to train with the English Premier
League side for a weeks time. During the MLS offseason, it's not uncommon
for players to train at top clubs around the world. Before the 2011 season,
Osvaldo Alonso and Steve Zakuani had separate, week-long stints training
with Everton in England. This year, Alonso is back across the pond with
another one-week training stint with West Ham United in England. Managed by
Sam Allardyce, West Ham features the likes of forwards Andy Carroll and
Carlton Cole and midfielders Kevin Nolan and Mark Noble.
Alonso has 151 career appearances for the Sounders in all competitions,
netting 14 goals and 15 assists. Last season, he started in all 30 MLS
matches that he played in, leading the Sounders with 2,688 minutes. In
addition to earning MLS Best XI honors, he is a two-time MLS All-Star and
was the 2012 US Open Cup Player of the Tournament after leading the Sounders
with four goals in their fourth consecutive run to the US Open Cup Final. It
was the fifth straight appearance in the Open Cup Final for Alonso, who
earned a trip to the final in 2008 while playing with the Charleston Battery
of the USL.
The three-time Sounders FC MVP, Alonso, 27, led the league in tackles and
recoveries in each of the last two seasons. In 2012, he had 166 tackles.
According to Opta, who compiles stats for Major League Soccer, no other
player in the league had more than 110 and only three others had more than
100. His 667 recoveries since the start of the 2011 season puts him 197
clear of the next highest field player.
Born in Cuba, Alonso played with the Cuban National Team until defecting to
the US in 2007 during the CONCACAF Gold Cup tournament. This year, he earned
his US citizenship, but his caps with the Cuban National Team have prevented
him from earning a spot on the US National Team.
He is scheduled for a one-week training stint with the London-based club
before returning to Seattle.
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