Macca on: Newcastle United
WHUFC.com
Neil McDonald speaks to the press ahead of Saturday's game against his old
club Newcastle United
02.05.2013
Neil McDonald is looking forward to Saturday's Barlcays Premier League visit
of Newcastle United for more than one reason. Not only are the Hammers back
on home turf and aiming to consolidate their top-ten position in the table,
but the assistant manager comes up against a club for whom he played 206
games.
With manager Sam Allardyce and former Magpies duo Andy Carroll and Kevin
Nolan also preparing to face their old employers, West Ham are sure to be
well motivated to put one over the relegation-threatened Geordies.
First of all Neil, is there any injury news as all?
NMc: "No, nothing new from last week. We've almost got a fully fit squad to
choose from, so there's good competition for places."
At the start of the season if we'd have offered you where you are in the
league now, what would your reaction have been?
NMc: "We'd have snapped both hands off really. I think we've had a fantastic
season so far, and to be in a position where you're almost safe with three
games to go, and with a chance to put the points on board to get
mathematically there is great."
I've heard some good tales about how Sam has kept players motivated when
they've been safe with a few weeks to go, telling them if they win on
Saturday they're off until Thursday - things like that. What's he doing here
at the moment to keep them motivated?
NMc: "He has actually done that once this season and we've had a fantastic
response. Physically their levels went up, so it does work. They've been
working really, really hard in training and games for nine months, so to
have a little break, as long as they're not abusing their bodies, means they
come back fresh. We find that the work-rate and intensity goes up, so it
does work."
How excited is Andy Carroll about this weekend?
NMc: "He and Kevin Nolan are looking forward to the game. They've got some
fantastic memories from their experiences at Newcastle, With Andy being a
young kid coming through the ranks and Kevin having the success of putting
them back where they belong after a relegation, they're really looking
forward to the game."
Is it right that the England management, as we understand it, are keeping a
close eye on Andy at the moment?
NMc: "I think they should. He's in good goalscoring form, and in good form
itself. His contribution to the team and interlink play has been really good
and that's reflected in our results.
What sort of game do you expect?
NMc: "I think it'll be a tough one. I think they'll come and keep it nice
and tight. They're on the verge of getting involved [in the relegation
battle], but personally I think they've got enough points. They'll try to
keep a clean sheet and get something on the counter attack."
Do you like it when you hear tales that your opponents might not be
completely pulling in the right direction? Do you see that as an opportunity
that you can take advantage of?
NMc: "We try to concentrate on our own team really. Our atmosphere and team
spirit around the place is definitely pulling in the right direction. It's
always difficult when you sign players who come into the club from foreign
parts. to get them used to the culture and how the manager wants to play.
That takes time to settle in. I think when they [Newcastle's January
signings] first came in they hit the ground running. They've just gone
through a little sticky patch at the minute and I'm sure they'll come
through it, just after Saturday!"
Winston Reid signed a new deal this week, how big a boost is that?
NMc: "It's a brilliant boost, he's been our most consistent defender this
season and he thoroughly deserves his new contract. From when we first came
here two years ago there's been a vast improvement in all aspects of his
game. Maybe he could get a couple more goals from set plays, but on the
whole he's been tremendously consistent."
Wembley will have an all-German final in the UEFA Champions League. Is there
anything you've seen in the background coaching and looking at other methods
and models that we can learn from German football?
NMc: "I think organisation and players knowing their roles and
responsibilities has shone through, especially watching Bayern Munich. I saw
them in the earlier round against Arsenal, and they did to them what Arsenal
do to a lot of Premier League teams. They certainly played well on Wednesday
night and I think it'll be a fascinating final. Bayern Munich have the best
form coming into it and will start favourites."
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Hammers hit by heavy defeat
WHUFC.com
The Development Squad went down to a disappointing defeat at Saints'
Staplewood Training Ground
02.05.2013
West Ham United's Development Squad suffered a 5-2 Barclays Under-21 Premier
League defeat at Southampton, ending their hopes of a top-three Elite Group
finish. Though Elliot Lee and George Moncur had twice put the Hammers in the
ascendency, the Saints fought back courtesy of Corby Moore and then Lloyd
Isgrove to level at the break. It looked to be delicately poised after the
interval, until Sam Hoskins and Omar Rowe both struck in the space of three
mad second-half minutes to turn the contest decisively in the Saints'
favour. Jake Sinclair added a late fifth as an afternoon that had begun so
brightly ended in bitter disappointment.
While it will come as little consolation, West Ham had earlier flown out the
traps, with forward duo Lee and Sean Maguire continuing where they left off
against Liverpool. Reward for a fast start arrived after just four minutes,
with a goal that owed as much to the patience and persistence of Maguire as
it did the unerring finish of Lee. Ben Marlow fed Lee, whose first-time
flick allowed Maguire to bring the ball under his spell in the box, before
picking his moment to slide into the path of his strike partner. The
Hammers' No9 is in a rich vein of form just now and never looked like
missing, bending it delicately into the far corner to notch his third in as
many outings. Rather than awakening the hosts, West Ham continued on the
front foot and but for a brilliant stop, Lee would have been celebrating a
second. Maguire, again, was the architect, whipping over a centre from the
right-hand side. Lee's leap was timely and strong, but his header was clawed
away by 'keeper by Cody Cropper.
Eleven minutes in and there were more West Ham heads in hands. Moncur's deep
corner picked out Marlow, whose header required the goal-line intervention
of Moore. Having prevented a goal at one end, Moore was soon responsible for
the leveller at the other. Callum Chambers sped away down the right and
despite the best efforts of Sebastian Lletget, was able to pick out Moore.
The Saints forward finished every-bit as clinically as Lee before him,
slotting a measured drive back across Baxter. Far from surrendering the
impetus, West Ham continued to plug away and took the lead for a second time
in the 28th minute. Skipper Jack Stephens needlessly handled Pelly Ruddock's
header, prompting referee David Woolford to point to the spot. Moncur
stepped up and dispatched the spot-kick, sending 'keeper Cropper the wrong
way.
It was a lead that would last until the stroke of half-time, before the
scruffiest of goals squared things once more. Jake Sinclair burst into the
box and his mishit shot was prodded home by the outstretched leg of Isgrove.
As the hour-mark approached, Hoskins had a gilt-edged chance to put the
hosts in front, but headed Sinclair's pinpoint centre straight at Baxter. It
mattered not, however, as the Hammers' afternoon soon unravelled in the
space of three forgettable minutes. Midway through the second period,
miscommunication between Callum Driver and Baxter allowed Hoskins to nip in
and fire the Saints into the lead for the first time. And before the Hammers
had time to catch breath it was four, when Rowe dispossessed Ruddock and
drilled home. With less than five minutes to play, Rowe's corner was met by
the seemingly unmarked Sinclair at the far post, who compounded the Hammers'
misery with a fifth.
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Carroll pleased with scoring run
WHUFC.com
Andy Carroll is determined to keep his impressive run of form going against
his first club Newcastle United
02.05.2013
Andy Carroll may have ended up on the losing side at the Etihad Stadium on
Saturday afternoon, but the West Ham United striker still had plenty to be
proud of. Despite being disappointed to have lost out on points against
Manchester City in the 2-1 Barclays Premier League defeat, Carroll was
pleased to have notched yet another goal for the Hammers, bringing his
seasonal tally to seven - six of those in the last ten games. "Getting
another goal was good, really good, because that keeps the run [of goals]
going for me," said the No8. "I want to be scoring for the team all the
time, as many as I can, in every match if I can, so it was important to put
that one in. "But obviously at the end of the day we are disappointed
because we lost. You want to win and it is about the team, but I thought we
played well and kept it as tight as we could, even though they had a lot of
the ball so it was hard at times. The finish from Yaya Toure to get the
result for them was great. There was nothing any of us could do about that
strike."
Carroll grabbed one back for West Ham after he met Guy Demel's cross in
injury time to hit a low shot which squirmed under Joe Hart and crawled over
the line, much to the delight of the army of travelling Hammers fans behind
the England keeper's goal. "We kept going. Although we did lose, to get a
goal against them and make it 2-1 instead of 2-0, just made it that bit
closer. We battled to the end to make sure that, if we weren't going to win,
we would push them to the end."
Before the lunchtime kick-off against last season's Barclays Premier League
champions and this year's FA Cup with Budweiser finalists, the Hammers had
gone five games unbeaten. A good run of results at home at the Boleyn Ground
this season has seen West Ham edge that bit closer to securing their Premier
League status and it is something the team want to carry on until the end of
the season, with Newcastle United visiting this weekend for penultimate home
match
The visit of the Magpies, where it all started for the Geordie-born forward,
is something he is very much looking forward to. Carroll played his part
when the Hammers got a 1-0 away win at St James' Park earlier in the season,
the winning strike coming from club captain Kevin Nolan, who was also
playing against his old side. "It will be a tough game, it is always
difficult to play against them - they probably haven't had the season they
wanted in terms of where they are in the league, but can still be a force
and I am just looking forward to playing them. "We did have a great result
up there back in November, Kev got the goal. And we are playing really well
at home and getting the results here, so we will definitely be looking to
keep that going at the weekend as we feel confident.
"We went into Saturday's game on the back of five games unbeaten so it is
always disappointing when a run like that is broken. But as I said, we are
confident at home and it is all about making sure we finish the season in
the strongest way possible and we will be trying to do that again with
another good result at home on Saturday."
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OS to stage Rugby World Cup matches
KUMB.com
Filed: Thursday, 2nd May 2013
By: Staff Writer
The Olympic Stadium has been named as one of the venues to be used for the
2015 Rugby World Cup. The Stratford stadium, which West Ham United will be
moving into ahead of the 2016/17 Premier League season is one of 13 arenas
to have been chosen to host matches in the tournament, which takes place in
September 2015. Five of the tournament's 48 matches will be played at the
Olympic Stadium, which is one of ten football-based venues chosen to host
the games. Only three of the 13 grounds - Twickenham, Gloucester's Kingsholm
Stadium and Exeter's Sandy Park are dedicated to rugby.
The 54,000-capacity stadium will host two Pool D matches (France v TBC and
Ireland v Italy), one Pool C match (New Zealand v To Be Confirmed), one Pool
B match (South Africa v To Be Confirmed) plus the Bronze Final (aka third
place play-off) on Friday, 30th October. Manchester United's Old Trafford
was removed from the pool of prospective venues due to worries over the
impact matches might have on the playing surface. Tickets for the tournament
go on sale from next year.
The 13 Venues of Rugby World Cup 2015
In order of capacity
1. Wembley Stadium, London - 90,256
2. Twickenham, London - 81,605
3. Millennium Stadium, Cardiff - 74,154
4. Olympic Stadium (West Ham Utd) - 54,000
5. St James' Park (Newcastle Utd) - 52,090
6. City of Manchester Stadium (Man City) - 47,800
7. Villa Park (Aston Villa) - 42,785
8. Elland Road Leeds (Utd) - 37,914
9. King Power Stadium (Leicester City) - 32,312
10. Amex Stadium (Brighton) - 30,750
11. Stadium MK (MK Dons) - 30,717
12. Kingsholm Stadium (Gloucester Rugby) - 16,115
13. Sandy Park (Exeter Chiefs) - 12,300
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Hammers aiming to heap further misery on Pardew
KUMb.com
Filed: Thursday, 2nd May 2013
By: Staff Writer
Assistant manager Neil McDonald faced the press this morning ahead of this
weekend's Premier League clash with Newcastle, as Big Sam took another
temporary hiatus from duties.
Allardyce, whose current whereabouts are unknown left the press call to his
assistant ahead of Saturday's match, a win from which would see West Ham
mathematically assured of Premier League football next year.
However McDonald insisted that despite Newcastle's recent woes and slide
down the table, West Ham would still have to be at their best to secure what
would be a ninth home league win of the campaign.
"I think it'll be a tough one," he said. "I think they'll come and keep it
nice and tight. They're on the verge of getting involved [in the relegation
scrap] but I think they'll try to keep a clean sheet and get something on
the counter attack.
"We've had a fantastic season so far, and to be in a position where you're
almost safe with three games to go, and with a chance to put the points on
board to get there mathematically is great."
And McDonald also revealed that former Newcastle duo Andy Carroll and Kevin
Nolan - who were both on the scoresheet for the Magpies on the last occasion
on which the two clubs met at the Boleyn Ground, in 2011 - were itching to
play against their ex-employers.
"Andy and Kevin are looking forward to the game," he confirmed. "They've got
some fantastic memories from their experiences at Newcastle. With Andy
having come through the ranks there and Kevin having put them back where
they belong after a relegation, they're really looking forward to it."
Meanwhile former West Ham boss Alan Pardew, whose side are looking to bounce
back from last weekend's 6-0 home drubbing against Liverpool, the club's
worst home defeat for 88 years, has scotched rumours of dressing room
unrest.
Pardew, who lost his job at West Ham in 2006 after similar rumours spread
regarding what was referred to as a 'Baby Bentley culture' at the club said:
"As far as I'm concerned, the group is pulling together and trying to get a
result.
"The fact there are a lot of French players - and that there is a language
difficulty - has been turned into something else. There are no problems.
There haven't been words out of turn. To say players from foreign countries
aren't bothered is ridiculous, as their professionalism is on the line."
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West Ham duo Kevin Nolan and Andy Carroll relishing visit of former club
Newcastle
Last Updated: May 2, 2013 4:08pm
SSN
West Ham assistant boss Neil McDonald reckons Kevin Nolan and Andy Carroll
are relishing the visit of former club Newcastle on Saturday. Nolan scored
the only goal of the game to give the Hammers a rare away victory when the
teams met earlier in the campaign. But ex-Hammers manager Alan Pardew will
bring Newcastle to Upton Park with his team on a worrying slide, having
picked up just four points from a possible 18 in recent weeks. Defeat for
the visitors could see them drop into the bottom three if Wigan win their
game in hand, and McDonald insists there is no room for sentiment. "I think
Andy and Kevin are looking forward to the game," McDonald said. "Andy being
a young kid growing up there and Kevin having had a relegation and promotion
in his time."
McDonald is also backing Carroll for a return to Roy Hodgson's England squad
as the Liverpool loanee has rediscovered his scoring touch. "I think they
should," McDonald added. "He is in really good form and his contribution,
his inter-link play is very good and that reflects in our recent results."
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Can Ravel Morrison Make an Impact Next Season?
By S J Chandos
West Ham Till I Die
The answer is probably yes, but it also begs the supplementary question
whether will it be at West Ham, Birmingham City or elsewhere. Ravel Morrison
is a very talented young footballer. Indeed, he has the ability to become a
top PL forward. His talent has never bee in doubt, but it was feared that
the same could not be said about his attitude and application. That is
ultimately why Manchester Utd called time on Morrison and made the decision
to sell him to West Ham. There is no doubt that even the greatest natural
football talents can fail to make it if the hard work and correct attitude
is not present. It seemed that this was the very large dark cloud over the
shining light of his talent. And the fact that Morrison was loaned out so
quickly seemed to indicate that 'the writing was on the wall' for his West
Ham career.
Yet, there is new hope that Ravel Morrison may be buckling down and taking
his talent and career in the right direction. He has earnt some outstanding
reviews for his displays whilst on loan at Birmingham City and, his manager,
Lee Clark has commented that Morrison has made significant progress both on
and off the pitch. So much so, that Clark has stated that he would like to
secure Morrison's services on loan for a second season. It will certainly be
interesting to see how West Ham react in the summer. In particular, will
they acknowledge his progress and bring him back in to the West Ham first
team squad for pre-season training? We could certainly do with a forward of
his technique and ability, adding some much needed extra guile. It could
happen if Morrison proves that he has turned over a new leaf and now has
greater dedication and maturity to his unquestioned natural ability. Lets
hope that it goes the right way.
After the Manchester City match, Sam Allardyce made the point that West Ham
needed to improve the quality of the squad next season in order to push on.
Although he did not put it as diplomatically as he might have done. Perhaps
that was because he wanted to send out a clear and unambiguous message to
the West Ham board. Regardless, last Sunday's match perfectly illustrated
where we currently stand as a club. We have done exceptionally well this
season. We have some very good players and organisation and team spirit have
been the additional factors that have stood us in good stead. On Sunday, we
faced a team which player for player is unquestionably superior. Yet, we
overcome a ropey first 45 minutes and actually came back and made a game of
it in the second half. Yes, we went down 2-1, but we were competitive and
far from disgraced on the day. If only we can introduce improved quality in
to the mix then the team can improve next season.
The question is who will supply that additional quality? The names of new
summer acquisitions have started to circulate. These include: Romanian
international left-back Rat, QPR goal keeper Ceasar, his QPR team mate Remy,
Wilfred Bony, Jordan Rhodes, Noel Hunt and others. A collateral question is
therefore whether West Ham will pursue the signing of Andy Carroll or look
at other alternative options? Might the club try to pull off a surprise
signing of a young and emerging star, like Redmond at Birmingham City or
Hughes at Derby County? And what does all of this mean for the club
developing its own talent? Both Spence and Potts should gain greater first
team exposure next season, while the likes of Turgott, Lee, Moncur, Hall and
Chambers should all compete for starting places or the bench.
It also begs the question, who will be heading for the exit this summer.
Personally, I think that both O'Brien and O'Neill have underlined their
value to the squad, this season, and should stay with the club. Can one say
the same of Henderson, Demel, Taylor, Maiga, Diarra, Vaz Te and Carlton
Cole? Of these, Henderson's days seem to be numbered at the club, Maiga also
seems to be surplus to requirements (as unfair as that decision seems),
Taylor is past his sell by date at PL level and Diarra will almost
definitely make a permanent move away from Upton Park. While Demel has
recently been given a new contract and will probably be retained and Carlton
Cole is likely to be given a 'take it or leave it' of another 1 or 2 year
contract. As for Vaz Te, I think that he will still be with us next season.
Elsewhere, Robert Hall is allegedly out of contract in the summer and is
stalling on signing a new deal. That has to be an issue of concern, given
Hall's undoubted potential.
Finally, we face a relegated threatened Newcastle Utd side at home, this
Saturday. No doubt Carroll and Nolan will be eager to do well against their
former club. I am going for a 3-1 home victory. COYI!
SJ. Chandos.
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http://vyperz.blogspot.com
Friday, May 3
Thursday, May 2
Daily WHUFC News - 2nd May 2013
The Big Interview - Trevor Morley
WHUFC.com
whufc.com caught up with former Hammers striker Trevor Morley when he
dropped in at the Boleyn Ground
01.05.2013
Trevor Morley enjoyed five years scoring goals for the Hammers in the early
1990s and now spends his time analyising the Barclays Premier League action
for Norwegian television. The 52-year-old former Hammers, Manchester City
and Reading striker returned to east London last week to film a feature on
the Hammers and whufc.com stopped him for a chat.
First of all Trevor, what brings you back to the Boleyn Ground?
TM - "The weather! I live in Norway now and it's cold, but it's nice and
sunny here at the moment. No, I work on the Premier League [as a pundit] in
Norway. They're massive fans of the Premier League in Norway, they love it,
so my boss asked me to come over, check out West Ham, try to get a couple of
interviews and get a bit of footage for the people in Norway and
Scandinavia."
You spent five years here as a player in the early nineties. You must have
great memories of playing here?
TM - "Oh, it's amazing. Just to come back brings all the memories back -
it's a fantastic place, I loved my time here. The crowd were incredible
really and just to be stopped and asked for autographs after all these years
is brilliant."
When you come back here, which games stick in your memory from your time at
the Club?
TM - "The home form has been good this season and we used to love the night
games on Mondays or Wednesdays in my time too. The atmosphere was always
buzzing and it wasn't often that we got beaten here in the midweek games. I
miss the supporters, these East Enders are real supporters and I love them."
What have you made of West Ham's progress for their first year back in the
Barclays Premier League?
TM - "Excellent really. They've always kept themselves above the danger zone
and haven't ever really been sucked in. They've picked up wins when they've
needed to and never really had a bad run. You've seen teams like Norwich and
Villa have a real slump, but that hasn't happened to West Ham. They had a
good little run going up to the weekend and of course the home form has been
superb. All-in-all it's been more than satisfying to finish around mid-table
this season."
How big an achievement would it be for the Hammers to finish in the top ten,
considering it is the first season back?
TM - "It would be brilliant. I was there at the Play-Off final with my TV
crew and when you think of the fine margins that day, it was a 50-50 game
but West Ham won it. To come up and now be top ten in the table, that's
excellent. With the Premier League as strong as it is now, it's a good
return."
You talk about the special support the Club gets. There's the chance for it
to move forward with the Olympic Stadium now - how big an opportunity do you
think it is?
TM - "It's massive. I was actually a little sceptical at first, but I was
watching Karren Brady's video the other day and it's a chance you can't
miss. There are so many great memories here, but you have to move on. What a
stadium the Olympic Stadium is, and the Club will be able to get more
support coming in, with the extra finance that brings."
The accessibility will be better at the new stadium too, and I know the
Premier League is well supported in Norway. How big is it out there?
TM - "The Premier League is huge in Norway. When I last came back here I was
with the Scandinavian Hammers and there was quite a group of them.
Manchester United can get 2,000 people travelling to watch the games,
Liverpool too, so I think it's important for clubs like West Ham to attract
these people from all different parts of the world. They idolise the Premier
League."
In your time there were plenty of Norwegian players in the Premier League,
could there be a new crop in the future?
TM - "Not at the moment because they're not having the best of times. I
think it's more the African, Asian and American nations that are going to
come through now, Unfortunately the national team isn't at its strongest.
Fulham have Hangeland and of course there was Solsjkaer at Man Utd, but
maybe it's a couple of years before there are some more coming through."
Just finally there's a player who used to play here, and who you must have
come up against in your time, Brian Deane, who is currenly managing in
Norway for top flight team Sarpsborg. How is he getting on?
TM - ""He's had a good start. He's very enthusiastic and he knows what he
wants to do. I think it's a good idea for him to get away from England and
get a coaching job out there. I played in Norway and their training methods
were very advanced at that time, so he'll learn some different things from
being in a foreign country that you don't always get in England."
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O'Brien targets home success
WHUFC.com
Joey O'Brien is determined to keep West Ham United's fine home form going
until the end of the season
01.05.2013
Joey O'Brien believes the Hammers have what it takes to get back on track
when they host Newcastle United at the Boleyn Ground on Saturday. Having
taken seven points from their last three home fixtures, the defender says
being back in east London is just what they need. "We've been good at home
this season, in fact I think we've only lost four games at the Boleyn and we
would like to keep that record going until the end of the season," he told
whufc.com. "The fans have been great at home so hopefully we can give them
something to sing about on Saturday when we take on Newcastle." Although
they lost out to Manchester City last time out, the Republic of Ireland
international says the Hammers were no push over for Roberto Mancini's men.
He continued: "We were disappointed to lose the game at Manchester City and
end our five-game unbeaten run. Although in the first half we didn't really
perform, we gave it a right good go in the second. In the end we maybe could
have nicked it."
That was until the 83rd minute, when Yaya Toure picked the ball up on the
right hand side of the penalty area and launched a sensational left-footed
shot into the top corner to secure City's lead. O'Brien explained: "Their
second goal from Toure was unbelievable and kind of killed us a little bit.
We got a goal right at the end of the game but it wasn't enough. "The game
opened up in the second half and I thought we were the better team. We had a
few chances and I thought Matt Jarvis was smashing. He gave Zabaleta a
horrible time - he doesn't get many of them in a season. "It's a shame Andy
[Carroll's] goal didn't come a little bit sooner. He had a few half chances
and James Collins had a half chance when it was 1-0, so that could have made
it interesting should it have gone in."
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England put Carroll on recall alert
By SHAUN CUSTIS
Published: 5 hrs ago
The Sun
ENGLAND are ready to ask Andy Carroll to revive their World Cup hopes. Boss
Roy Hodgson is sending assistant Ray Lewington to run the rule over Carroll
on Saturday when West Ham take on Newcastle. It is expected to be a feisty
encounter at Upton Park with Hammers star Carroll fired up to do well
against his former Toon team-mates. The hitman, on loan from Liverpool, has
netted four goals in his last five games. Hodgson has asked Lewington to
report back and the plan is to track Carroll's performances through to the
end of the season in matches at Everton and home to Reading. The England
boss cannot watch Carroll himself because he is out of the country,
apparently on FA business, though they will not say what that is. But if
Carroll does well in front of Lewington and other England scouts he can
expect to be included in the party for the end-of-season friendlies at home
to the Republic of Ireland and away to Brazil. After those matches, England
will have only one other friendly, against Scotland at Wembley on August 14,
before their last four crucial qualifiers decide their World Cup fate.
Hodgson's team are currently two points behind Group H leaders Montenegro
having played the same number of games. Only one team will qualify
automatically for next year's finals in Brazil. Carroll has scored twice for
England in nine appearances and was chosen in Hodgson's Euro 2012 squad but
he has never had a run in the team. He showed what he is capable of with a
stunning header in the Euro finals victory over Sweden. But the striker was
dropped to the bench when Wayne Rooney returned from a two-match ban.
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http://vyperz.blogspot.com
WHUFC.com
whufc.com caught up with former Hammers striker Trevor Morley when he
dropped in at the Boleyn Ground
01.05.2013
Trevor Morley enjoyed five years scoring goals for the Hammers in the early
1990s and now spends his time analyising the Barclays Premier League action
for Norwegian television. The 52-year-old former Hammers, Manchester City
and Reading striker returned to east London last week to film a feature on
the Hammers and whufc.com stopped him for a chat.
First of all Trevor, what brings you back to the Boleyn Ground?
TM - "The weather! I live in Norway now and it's cold, but it's nice and
sunny here at the moment. No, I work on the Premier League [as a pundit] in
Norway. They're massive fans of the Premier League in Norway, they love it,
so my boss asked me to come over, check out West Ham, try to get a couple of
interviews and get a bit of footage for the people in Norway and
Scandinavia."
You spent five years here as a player in the early nineties. You must have
great memories of playing here?
TM - "Oh, it's amazing. Just to come back brings all the memories back -
it's a fantastic place, I loved my time here. The crowd were incredible
really and just to be stopped and asked for autographs after all these years
is brilliant."
When you come back here, which games stick in your memory from your time at
the Club?
TM - "The home form has been good this season and we used to love the night
games on Mondays or Wednesdays in my time too. The atmosphere was always
buzzing and it wasn't often that we got beaten here in the midweek games. I
miss the supporters, these East Enders are real supporters and I love them."
What have you made of West Ham's progress for their first year back in the
Barclays Premier League?
TM - "Excellent really. They've always kept themselves above the danger zone
and haven't ever really been sucked in. They've picked up wins when they've
needed to and never really had a bad run. You've seen teams like Norwich and
Villa have a real slump, but that hasn't happened to West Ham. They had a
good little run going up to the weekend and of course the home form has been
superb. All-in-all it's been more than satisfying to finish around mid-table
this season."
How big an achievement would it be for the Hammers to finish in the top ten,
considering it is the first season back?
TM - "It would be brilliant. I was there at the Play-Off final with my TV
crew and when you think of the fine margins that day, it was a 50-50 game
but West Ham won it. To come up and now be top ten in the table, that's
excellent. With the Premier League as strong as it is now, it's a good
return."
You talk about the special support the Club gets. There's the chance for it
to move forward with the Olympic Stadium now - how big an opportunity do you
think it is?
TM - "It's massive. I was actually a little sceptical at first, but I was
watching Karren Brady's video the other day and it's a chance you can't
miss. There are so many great memories here, but you have to move on. What a
stadium the Olympic Stadium is, and the Club will be able to get more
support coming in, with the extra finance that brings."
The accessibility will be better at the new stadium too, and I know the
Premier League is well supported in Norway. How big is it out there?
TM - "The Premier League is huge in Norway. When I last came back here I was
with the Scandinavian Hammers and there was quite a group of them.
Manchester United can get 2,000 people travelling to watch the games,
Liverpool too, so I think it's important for clubs like West Ham to attract
these people from all different parts of the world. They idolise the Premier
League."
In your time there were plenty of Norwegian players in the Premier League,
could there be a new crop in the future?
TM - "Not at the moment because they're not having the best of times. I
think it's more the African, Asian and American nations that are going to
come through now, Unfortunately the national team isn't at its strongest.
Fulham have Hangeland and of course there was Solsjkaer at Man Utd, but
maybe it's a couple of years before there are some more coming through."
Just finally there's a player who used to play here, and who you must have
come up against in your time, Brian Deane, who is currenly managing in
Norway for top flight team Sarpsborg. How is he getting on?
TM - ""He's had a good start. He's very enthusiastic and he knows what he
wants to do. I think it's a good idea for him to get away from England and
get a coaching job out there. I played in Norway and their training methods
were very advanced at that time, so he'll learn some different things from
being in a foreign country that you don't always get in England."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
O'Brien targets home success
WHUFC.com
Joey O'Brien is determined to keep West Ham United's fine home form going
until the end of the season
01.05.2013
Joey O'Brien believes the Hammers have what it takes to get back on track
when they host Newcastle United at the Boleyn Ground on Saturday. Having
taken seven points from their last three home fixtures, the defender says
being back in east London is just what they need. "We've been good at home
this season, in fact I think we've only lost four games at the Boleyn and we
would like to keep that record going until the end of the season," he told
whufc.com. "The fans have been great at home so hopefully we can give them
something to sing about on Saturday when we take on Newcastle." Although
they lost out to Manchester City last time out, the Republic of Ireland
international says the Hammers were no push over for Roberto Mancini's men.
He continued: "We were disappointed to lose the game at Manchester City and
end our five-game unbeaten run. Although in the first half we didn't really
perform, we gave it a right good go in the second. In the end we maybe could
have nicked it."
That was until the 83rd minute, when Yaya Toure picked the ball up on the
right hand side of the penalty area and launched a sensational left-footed
shot into the top corner to secure City's lead. O'Brien explained: "Their
second goal from Toure was unbelievable and kind of killed us a little bit.
We got a goal right at the end of the game but it wasn't enough. "The game
opened up in the second half and I thought we were the better team. We had a
few chances and I thought Matt Jarvis was smashing. He gave Zabaleta a
horrible time - he doesn't get many of them in a season. "It's a shame Andy
[Carroll's] goal didn't come a little bit sooner. He had a few half chances
and James Collins had a half chance when it was 1-0, so that could have made
it interesting should it have gone in."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
England put Carroll on recall alert
By SHAUN CUSTIS
Published: 5 hrs ago
The Sun
ENGLAND are ready to ask Andy Carroll to revive their World Cup hopes. Boss
Roy Hodgson is sending assistant Ray Lewington to run the rule over Carroll
on Saturday when West Ham take on Newcastle. It is expected to be a feisty
encounter at Upton Park with Hammers star Carroll fired up to do well
against his former Toon team-mates. The hitman, on loan from Liverpool, has
netted four goals in his last five games. Hodgson has asked Lewington to
report back and the plan is to track Carroll's performances through to the
end of the season in matches at Everton and home to Reading. The England
boss cannot watch Carroll himself because he is out of the country,
apparently on FA business, though they will not say what that is. But if
Carroll does well in front of Lewington and other England scouts he can
expect to be included in the party for the end-of-season friendlies at home
to the Republic of Ireland and away to Brazil. After those matches, England
will have only one other friendly, against Scotland at Wembley on August 14,
before their last four crucial qualifiers decide their World Cup fate.
Hodgson's team are currently two points behind Group H leaders Montenegro
having played the same number of games. Only one team will qualify
automatically for next year's finals in Brazil. Carroll has scored twice for
England in nine appearances and was chosen in Hodgson's Euro 2012 squad but
he has never had a run in the team. He showed what he is capable of with a
stunning header in the Euro finals victory over Sweden. But the striker was
dropped to the bench when Wayne Rooney returned from a two-match ban.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
http://vyperz.blogspot.com
Wednesday, May 1
Daily WHUFC News - 1st May 2013
Reid pens new contract
WHUFC.com
West Ham United defender Winston Reid has signed a two-year contract
extension with the Club
30.04.2013
West Ham United are delighted to announce that Winston Reid has signed a new
contract with the Club until summer 2015. The outstanding centre-back has
been a model of consistency for the previous two seasons, starring as a
virtual ever-present as the Hammers won promotion and then re-established
themselves in the Barclays Premier League. The New Zealand international has
added leadership to his formidable play, captaining both club and country
with responsibility and maturity. Reid told West Ham TV he was delighted to
have pledged his future to the Club. "I've really enjoyed being here,"
confirmed the No2. "It's a good club and we've done really well over the
last couple of years. Now, I'm looking forward to the next two years. "I
think I have played some good football over the last two years but that goes
for the whole team as well. Hopefully we can continue that. "Of course we
now plan to build on the last two seasons."
Reid arrived at the Boleyn Ground from Danish Superliga club FC Midtjylland
in summer 2010, having scored and defended superbly for the All Whites at
that year's FIFA World Cup finals in South Africa. Still only 24, the
Auckland-born player endured a difficult opening season in east London as
West Ham suffered relegation from the Premier League. Last season, however,
Reid roared back to form as West Ham won promotion from the Championship at
the first attempt, scoring an unforgettable winner against Millwall in
February 2012. This term, Reid has missed just two league games through
injury, forging formidable partnerships with both James Collins and James
Tomkins. He is expected to be among the front-runners for the Hammer of the
Year award when it is announced at the 2013 Awards Dinner in aid of the
Academy on Wednesday 8 May. Now his future has been secured, Reid is looking
forward to the prospect of the Club's impending move to the 54,000-capacity
Olympic Stadium. The Independent Supporter Consultation into the move to
Stratford ends on Tuesday 30 April at midnight and the defender has urged
fans to make sure their voice is heard before the deadline. "It is an
exciting time for the Club. The fans have a chance to give their opinions
and ideas this week with the consultation which is really important. They
are the ones who back us week after week and I am sure, even though it is
three years down the road, they are already looking forward to seeing what
can be done when we move there."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham defender Winston Reid signs new deal
BBC.co.uk
West Ham central defender Winston Reid has extended his deal with the club
through to summer 2015. The 24-year-old, who joined the Hammers in summer
2010, has been an ever-present this season, making 33 league appearances and
scoring one goal. "I've really enjoyed being here," said New Zealand
international Reid. Reid was born in New Zealand and moved to Denmark aged
10. He played for Denmark at Under-19, U20 and U21 level before deciding to
play for New Zealand in 2010. He played for Danish side FC Midtjylland until
his move to West Ham. "It's a good club and we've done really well over the
last couple of years. Now, I'm looking forward to the next two years."
West Ham were relegated from the Premier League after Reid's first season at
the club. But the centre-back helped the Upton Park outfit back into the
top-flight at the first attempt and has been one of their most consistent
performers this season, with West Ham's Premier League status all-but
guaranteed. "I think I have played some good football over the last two
years but that goes for the whole team as well," added Reid, speaking to the
official Hammers website. "Hopefully we can continue that. "Of course we now
plan to build on the last two seasons."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Raz ready to ratify West Ham move
KUMB.com
Filed: Tuesday, 30th April 2013
By: Staff Writer
Sam Allardyce has made his first signing of the summer, according to
reports. According to The Guardian, Shakhtar Donetsk full back Razvan Rat
has agreed to move to London on a free transfer. the 31-year-old Romanian is
set to sign a three-year contract worth £35,000 per week when his existing
contract expires this summer. Born in Piatra-Olt in the south of the
country, Rat has represented his country on 88 occasions since making his
debut in 2002 and has been a firm fixture in the Romanian team ever since.
He was part of the squad which featured in Euro 2008 and featured in his
country's most recent outing against the Netherlands last month.
Rat, who started his pro career at Rapid Bucharest has spent the last decade
playing his club football in the Ukraine with Shaktar Donetsk. During that
period he has won seven Ukrainian Premier League titles, the Ukrainian Cup
on four occasions and the Ukrainian Super Cup three times. He was also part
of the Donetsk side that won the UEFA Cup in 2009 for the only time in the
club's history, when they beat Werder Bremen 2-0 - and also featured when
his side were beaten 1-0 by Barcelona in the UEFA Super Cup (a one-off game
between the winners of the UEFA Cup and the Champions League) later that
year. It was thought that the player would join French club Marseille upon
the expiration of his contract at Shaktar, although West Ham are now
believed to have usurped the Ligue 1 side.
Razvan Rat: Career Statistics
Rapid Bucharest (1998-2003): Pld 97; Gls 5.
FCM Bacau (2000-01): Pld 14, Gls 2.
Shaktar Donetsk (2003-13): Pld 296; Gls 10.
Romania (2002-13); Pld 88; Gls 1.
Honours
Romanian League winner: 1998–99, 2002–03; Romanian Cup winner: 2001–02;
Romanian Super Cup winner: 2002–03; Ukrainian League winner: 2004–05,
2005–06, 2007–08, 2009–10, 2010–11, 2011–12; Ukrainian Cup winner: 2003–04,
2007–08, 2010–11, 2011–12; Ukrainian Super Cup winner: 2005, 2008, 2010;
UEFA Cup winner: 2008–09.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Reid signs two-year extension
KUMb.com
Filed: Tuesday, 30th April 2013
By: Staff Writer
Winston Reid has ended speculation regarding his future by putting pen to
paper on a two-year contract extention with West Ham. The popular Kiwi, who
joined West Ham in August 2010 in a £4million switch from Danish club FC
Midtjylland is firmly in the running for KUMB.com's Player of the Year Award
following an excellent season at the heart of West Ham's defence, where he
has formed a formidable partnership with james Collins. And it was announced
earlier today that Reid - who was out of contract this summer - has extended
his stay in east London until 2015, having signed a two-year contract
extension.
"I've really enjoyed being here," he told whufc.com. "It's a good club and
we've done really well over the last couple of years. Now, I'm looking
forward to the next two years. "I think I have played some good football
over the last two years but that goes for the whole team as well. Hopefully
we can continue that. Of course we now plan to build on the last two
seasons."
Reid looked a long way from the established Premier League player he
currently is when making his debut for West Ham at Aston Villa on the
opening day of the 2010/11 season. Played at right back by Avram Grant, the
24-year-old endured a nightmare start with his performance described as "a
horrible debut" on this very website. And it wasn't until the following
season - and West Ham's relegation to the Championship - that Reid began to
show signs of his obvious talent.
Voted by readers of KUMB.com as the club's Most Improved Player for the
2011/12 season - a far cry from the previous year when he was behind only
Robbie Keane and Pablo Barrera in the Worst Signing category - Reid was
instrumental in leading West Ham back to the Premier League at the first
attempt. Having now fully settled into life in England, Reid - who has made
79 appearances in claret and blue, scoring five goals in the process - is
now considered by Sam Allardyce to be one of the first names on his team
sheet.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Sam's still main man or Hammers
By CARL LONG
Published: 30th April 2013
The Sun
SAM ALLARDYCE is set to announce he has agreed a new contract at West Ham
within the next few days. After weeks of haggling, co-owners David Gold and
David Sullivan are understood to have hammered out a two-year deal with the
58-year-old manager. A source said: "Everything is agreed. There have been
no problems. "Everybody is pleased at the outcome." Allardyce could make an
announcement as soon as this weekend — after West Ham have played
relegation-threatened Newcastle, who fired him five years ago. Hammers
centre-back Winston Reid, 24, has signed a new contract that will keep him
at Upton Park until 2015. The New Zealand international said: "I've really
enjoyed being here."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Reiding and writing: Winston Reid signs new two-year deal at West Ham
30 Apr 2013 22:30
The Mirror
John Peters
Winston Reid has signed a new two-year contract at West Ham - and manager
Sam Allardyce could be next. New Zealand international Reid, a front runner
to be named Hammers player of the year tomorrow night, has committed his
future to Upton Park until 2015, a clear signal that Allardyce will also be
staying at the club beyond his current deal, which expires this month. Reid,
24, said: "It's an exciting time for the club - now we have to build on the
progress we've made over the last two seasons." Allardyce could cement West
Ham's bid for a top 10 finish by pushing his old club Newcastle further into
relegation trouble on Saturday. Toon owner Mike Ashley fired Allardyce to
make way for Kevin Keegan's short-lived second coming as manager on Tyneside
five years ago.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
http://vyperz.blogspot.com
WHUFC.com
West Ham United defender Winston Reid has signed a two-year contract
extension with the Club
30.04.2013
West Ham United are delighted to announce that Winston Reid has signed a new
contract with the Club until summer 2015. The outstanding centre-back has
been a model of consistency for the previous two seasons, starring as a
virtual ever-present as the Hammers won promotion and then re-established
themselves in the Barclays Premier League. The New Zealand international has
added leadership to his formidable play, captaining both club and country
with responsibility and maturity. Reid told West Ham TV he was delighted to
have pledged his future to the Club. "I've really enjoyed being here,"
confirmed the No2. "It's a good club and we've done really well over the
last couple of years. Now, I'm looking forward to the next two years. "I
think I have played some good football over the last two years but that goes
for the whole team as well. Hopefully we can continue that. "Of course we
now plan to build on the last two seasons."
Reid arrived at the Boleyn Ground from Danish Superliga club FC Midtjylland
in summer 2010, having scored and defended superbly for the All Whites at
that year's FIFA World Cup finals in South Africa. Still only 24, the
Auckland-born player endured a difficult opening season in east London as
West Ham suffered relegation from the Premier League. Last season, however,
Reid roared back to form as West Ham won promotion from the Championship at
the first attempt, scoring an unforgettable winner against Millwall in
February 2012. This term, Reid has missed just two league games through
injury, forging formidable partnerships with both James Collins and James
Tomkins. He is expected to be among the front-runners for the Hammer of the
Year award when it is announced at the 2013 Awards Dinner in aid of the
Academy on Wednesday 8 May. Now his future has been secured, Reid is looking
forward to the prospect of the Club's impending move to the 54,000-capacity
Olympic Stadium. The Independent Supporter Consultation into the move to
Stratford ends on Tuesday 30 April at midnight and the defender has urged
fans to make sure their voice is heard before the deadline. "It is an
exciting time for the Club. The fans have a chance to give their opinions
and ideas this week with the consultation which is really important. They
are the ones who back us week after week and I am sure, even though it is
three years down the road, they are already looking forward to seeing what
can be done when we move there."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham defender Winston Reid signs new deal
BBC.co.uk
West Ham central defender Winston Reid has extended his deal with the club
through to summer 2015. The 24-year-old, who joined the Hammers in summer
2010, has been an ever-present this season, making 33 league appearances and
scoring one goal. "I've really enjoyed being here," said New Zealand
international Reid. Reid was born in New Zealand and moved to Denmark aged
10. He played for Denmark at Under-19, U20 and U21 level before deciding to
play for New Zealand in 2010. He played for Danish side FC Midtjylland until
his move to West Ham. "It's a good club and we've done really well over the
last couple of years. Now, I'm looking forward to the next two years."
West Ham were relegated from the Premier League after Reid's first season at
the club. But the centre-back helped the Upton Park outfit back into the
top-flight at the first attempt and has been one of their most consistent
performers this season, with West Ham's Premier League status all-but
guaranteed. "I think I have played some good football over the last two
years but that goes for the whole team as well," added Reid, speaking to the
official Hammers website. "Hopefully we can continue that. "Of course we now
plan to build on the last two seasons."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Raz ready to ratify West Ham move
KUMB.com
Filed: Tuesday, 30th April 2013
By: Staff Writer
Sam Allardyce has made his first signing of the summer, according to
reports. According to The Guardian, Shakhtar Donetsk full back Razvan Rat
has agreed to move to London on a free transfer. the 31-year-old Romanian is
set to sign a three-year contract worth £35,000 per week when his existing
contract expires this summer. Born in Piatra-Olt in the south of the
country, Rat has represented his country on 88 occasions since making his
debut in 2002 and has been a firm fixture in the Romanian team ever since.
He was part of the squad which featured in Euro 2008 and featured in his
country's most recent outing against the Netherlands last month.
Rat, who started his pro career at Rapid Bucharest has spent the last decade
playing his club football in the Ukraine with Shaktar Donetsk. During that
period he has won seven Ukrainian Premier League titles, the Ukrainian Cup
on four occasions and the Ukrainian Super Cup three times. He was also part
of the Donetsk side that won the UEFA Cup in 2009 for the only time in the
club's history, when they beat Werder Bremen 2-0 - and also featured when
his side were beaten 1-0 by Barcelona in the UEFA Super Cup (a one-off game
between the winners of the UEFA Cup and the Champions League) later that
year. It was thought that the player would join French club Marseille upon
the expiration of his contract at Shaktar, although West Ham are now
believed to have usurped the Ligue 1 side.
Razvan Rat: Career Statistics
Rapid Bucharest (1998-2003): Pld 97; Gls 5.
FCM Bacau (2000-01): Pld 14, Gls 2.
Shaktar Donetsk (2003-13): Pld 296; Gls 10.
Romania (2002-13); Pld 88; Gls 1.
Honours
Romanian League winner: 1998–99, 2002–03; Romanian Cup winner: 2001–02;
Romanian Super Cup winner: 2002–03; Ukrainian League winner: 2004–05,
2005–06, 2007–08, 2009–10, 2010–11, 2011–12; Ukrainian Cup winner: 2003–04,
2007–08, 2010–11, 2011–12; Ukrainian Super Cup winner: 2005, 2008, 2010;
UEFA Cup winner: 2008–09.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Reid signs two-year extension
KUMb.com
Filed: Tuesday, 30th April 2013
By: Staff Writer
Winston Reid has ended speculation regarding his future by putting pen to
paper on a two-year contract extention with West Ham. The popular Kiwi, who
joined West Ham in August 2010 in a £4million switch from Danish club FC
Midtjylland is firmly in the running for KUMB.com's Player of the Year Award
following an excellent season at the heart of West Ham's defence, where he
has formed a formidable partnership with james Collins. And it was announced
earlier today that Reid - who was out of contract this summer - has extended
his stay in east London until 2015, having signed a two-year contract
extension.
"I've really enjoyed being here," he told whufc.com. "It's a good club and
we've done really well over the last couple of years. Now, I'm looking
forward to the next two years. "I think I have played some good football
over the last two years but that goes for the whole team as well. Hopefully
we can continue that. Of course we now plan to build on the last two
seasons."
Reid looked a long way from the established Premier League player he
currently is when making his debut for West Ham at Aston Villa on the
opening day of the 2010/11 season. Played at right back by Avram Grant, the
24-year-old endured a nightmare start with his performance described as "a
horrible debut" on this very website. And it wasn't until the following
season - and West Ham's relegation to the Championship - that Reid began to
show signs of his obvious talent.
Voted by readers of KUMB.com as the club's Most Improved Player for the
2011/12 season - a far cry from the previous year when he was behind only
Robbie Keane and Pablo Barrera in the Worst Signing category - Reid was
instrumental in leading West Ham back to the Premier League at the first
attempt. Having now fully settled into life in England, Reid - who has made
79 appearances in claret and blue, scoring five goals in the process - is
now considered by Sam Allardyce to be one of the first names on his team
sheet.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Sam's still main man or Hammers
By CARL LONG
Published: 30th April 2013
The Sun
SAM ALLARDYCE is set to announce he has agreed a new contract at West Ham
within the next few days. After weeks of haggling, co-owners David Gold and
David Sullivan are understood to have hammered out a two-year deal with the
58-year-old manager. A source said: "Everything is agreed. There have been
no problems. "Everybody is pleased at the outcome." Allardyce could make an
announcement as soon as this weekend — after West Ham have played
relegation-threatened Newcastle, who fired him five years ago. Hammers
centre-back Winston Reid, 24, has signed a new contract that will keep him
at Upton Park until 2015. The New Zealand international said: "I've really
enjoyed being here."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Reiding and writing: Winston Reid signs new two-year deal at West Ham
30 Apr 2013 22:30
The Mirror
John Peters
Winston Reid has signed a new two-year contract at West Ham - and manager
Sam Allardyce could be next. New Zealand international Reid, a front runner
to be named Hammers player of the year tomorrow night, has committed his
future to Upton Park until 2015, a clear signal that Allardyce will also be
staying at the club beyond his current deal, which expires this month. Reid,
24, said: "It's an exciting time for the club - now we have to build on the
progress we've made over the last two seasons." Allardyce could cement West
Ham's bid for a top 10 finish by pushing his old club Newcastle further into
relegation trouble on Saturday. Toon owner Mike Ashley fired Allardyce to
make way for Kevin Keegan's short-lived second coming as manager on Tyneside
five years ago.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
http://vyperz.blogspot.com
Tuesday, April 30
Daily WHUFC News - 30th April 2013
Colchester added to friendly schedule
WHUFC.com
West Ham United are delighted to announce details of a number of exciting
pre-season fixtures
29.04.2013
West Ham United are delighted to announce details of a number of exciting
pre-season fixtures ahead of the 2013/14 season. The Hammers will travel to
both the Republic of Ireland and Germany to face Cork City and Hamburger SV
respectively. Closer to home, the Club have also organised a trip to the
south coast to face AFC Bournemouth in a Testimonial for Academy of Football
graduate and long-time Cherries full-back Stephen Purches, along with a trip
to Essex to take on Colchester United. West Ham will also be making a return
to Blue Square Bet South club Boreham Wood, having been worked hard during a
pre-season fixture at Meadow Park in July 2012.
2013 Pre-season fixtures
Sunday 7 July v Cork City, Turners Cross Stadium, Cork City, Republic of
Ireland, 6pm
Wednesday 10 July v Boreham Wood, Meadow Park, Borehamwood. 7.30pm
Saturday 13 July v AFC Bournemouth, Goldsands Stadium, Bournemouth, 3pm
Tuesday 16 July v Colchester United, Weston Homes Community Stadium,
Colchester, 7.45pm
Tuesday 23 July v Hamburger SV, Flensburg, Germany (further details to
follow), 6.45pm
(*all kick-offs stated are local times)
Bundesliga club Hamburger SV are one of Germany's biggest and best-supported
clubs. Founded in 1887, the Rothosen won the European Cup in 1983 and
European Cup Winners' Cup in 1977, have been crowned German champions six
times and won the Germany Cup on three occasions.
Thorsten Fink's star-studded squad includes Netherlands and former Tottenham
Hotspur playmaker Rafael van der Vaart, Germany left-back Marcell Jansen,
South Korea starlet Heung-Min Son and ex-Chelsea defender Michael Mancienne.
West Ham right-back Guy Demel spent six seasons with Hamburger SV between
2005 and 2011, making 200 appearances, never finishing outside the
Bundesliga's top-eight and winning the UEFA Intertoto Cup in 2007. The
fixture will take place in the town of Flensburg in the north of the German
state of Schleswig-Holstein - the northernmost town in Germany just south of
the border with Denmark. Based in Ireland's second-largest city, League of
Ireland Premier Division side Cork City are two-time Irish champions and FAI
Cup winners.
The Rebel Army have competed regularly in European competition down the
years and the city itself has long been a hotbed of Irish football, with
Hammers greats Sir Trevor Brooking and Sir Geoff Hurst both turning out for
Cork Celtic at the end of their illustrious careers. Purches' Testimonial at
AFC Bournemouth comes after a hugely-successful season for the Cherries, who
have gained promotion to the Championship under manager Eddie Howe, whose
team have won their last eight League One matches.
West Ham Academy graduate Purches, now 33, has unfortunately missed the
entire season after suffering a broken leg while playing against Rochdale in
February 2012. The full-back has enjoyed a successful career, making nearly
450 appearances for Bournemouth and Leyton Orient. Colchester United secured
their npower League 1 status with a 2-0 victory at Carlisle United on the
final day of the season. The U's victory ensured Scunthorpe United would
finish below them and drop down to League 2, and Joe Dunne's men include
former Hammer Freddie Sears in their ranks. The Club will announce further
pre-season fixtures as and when dates and kick-off times have been confirmed
with opposition clubs. Ticket details for all pre-season fixtures will be
announced on whufc.com and the club's social media feeds as and when they
are confirmed.
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Captain urges fans to take poll
WHUFC.com
Kevin Nolan has urged fans to fill out the Olympic Stadium Independent
Supporter Consultation
29.04.2013
Hello everyone,
The Independent Supporter Consultation regarding our move to the Olympic
Stadium is underway and I'd encourage all of you to take part and make your
voice heard. I think, when you see all the drawings and the sketches, you
cannot fail to get excited about what we plan to do with it. It's going to
be a magnificent stadium and I'm just hoping I'm around to lead the team
out. It's an exciting time and it's about this Club moving forward. It's
definitely a positive step.
I played in a similar-sized home ground at Newcastle United and you never
knew the away fans were there - they would slot them up at the top and you
didn't know they were in the ground. The home support and everyone around
the ground was all you could hear. They also had a good family enclosure
there and I know we already have that here, so we can just enhance
everything at the Olympic Stadium on a much larger scale.
As I have said before, the traditionalist in me loves the Boleyn and doesn't
want to move, but I think if we want to move with the times and compete with
the top clubs in this league, it's definitely the right move and I'm looking
forward to playing in a West Ham shirt there. At another of my old clubs,
Bolton Wanderers, we moved into the Reebok Stadium when I was a teenager and
it only took a few years for the club to get into Europe. You only have to
look back and we went from Burnden Park to the Reebok and we had a
28,000-capacity stadium in a little, old town called Bolton with all these
big clubs coming to play us. To be honest, it was fantastic. The Bolton fans
who were lucky enough to be there when we moved to a new ground probably
didn't realise it would only be a few seasons until we were challenging the
very best. They are moments I'll always keep with me. Getting back to us, I
believe moving to the Olympic Stadium is just the right move for us. West
Ham should have always been in the higher echelons of the Premier League,
year-in, year-out, with the fanbase we have got.
With the Board plunging their money into the Club and this move to the
Olympic Stadium to look forward to, it's exciting times. Now, it's up to the
fans to make sure they are ready to go and I think they will when they see
everything that is going to go on over there. You have until midnight on
Tuesday 30 April to voice your opinions, so hopefully as many of you as
possible will log on to whufc.com and go from there. Get on there and voice
your opinion because we do want to hear it. From my point of view, you
shouldn't be anything but excited about this opportunity for the Club.
Kevin Nolan
Captain
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Manager on Monday
WHUFC.com
Sam Allardyce is targeting more goals on the road for the next Barclays
Premier League season
29.04.2013
Sam Allardyce has stated that his main aim for next season is to ensure his
team hit the target away from home on a more frequent basis. The West Ham
United manager was content with his side's efforts during Saturday's 2-1
defeat at Manchester City and in particular a spirited second-half show that
created plenty of concern for the home side's defence. Andy Carroll was
rewarded for the visitors' efforts by pulling one goal back late on after
Sergio Aguero and Yaya Toure had given Roberto Mancini's side a 2-0 lead,
but Big Sam wants to see his sides offer a more sustained challenge on their
travels next season. "I said to the lads at half time that we needed to keep
the ball better if we were to make a game of it and right from the very
start we did that," Big Sam said. "We started to pass and play the ball and
find our men better and started to create some opportunities. Our problem
all season has been that we've not taken enough of them when they've arisen
and we didn't again on Saturday. "We were a lot better in the second half;
we were better in possession, caused Manchester City problems defensively
and had a few chances come our way. Our problem is that you've got to put
the chances in the back of the net. "It was a much improved performance by
the players and there is very little you can do about Manchester City's
second goal. Yaya Toure hit an outstanding shot so I can't l really
criticise anyone for that. "Just before that we had our best chance when
James Collins didn't quite hit the target with Joe Hart on the floor. We
missed and then they went up the other end and scored a wonder goal."
Although the Hammers have impressed at times away from home this season
through wins at Queens Park Rangers, Newcastle United and Stoke City and
draws at West Bromwich Albion land Liverpool, the backbone of their hugely
successful return to the top flight has been borne through results at the
Boleyn Ground. It is no surprise then that the West Ham United faithful are
snapping up Season Tickets for the 2013/14 campaign in their droves, and
their loyalty is set to be rewarded with Big Sam expecting there to be some
exciting new arrivals by the time the 2013/14 season kicks-off in August.
"To improve we just need to add better players, it's a simple as that. If we
get better players then we improve. If we can do that then we get better and
we become an established Barclays Premier League side. "We need to score
more goals away from home next season. That hasn't been a problem at home
but that ratio needs to improve away from home to get up that little bit
more. If we can start putting performances with the results then we'll be
OK."
Other results at the weekend went in favour of Big Sam's side to ensure that
despite the defeat they proudly kept their place amongst the top ten teams
in the country. With a home game against Newcastle United to follow on
Saturday providing an opportunity for further points, Big Sam is happy with
where his side are at present. "At the moment we are far better than where
we expected to be. We didn't expect to be almost safe with four games to go.
I think we'll be OK with 42 points so we're way ahead of what we expected.
"As I say, we need to get a few more goals to get the points. We'll address
that in the summer and hopefully we'll find some better players to improve
the squad. Before that we've three very important games, two at home and one
away so we'll try to pick up as many points as we can."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
O'Neil eyes positive response
WHUFC.com
West Ham United midfielder Gary O'Neil believes his team can bounce back
from Saturday's defeat
29.04.2013
Gary O'Neil is determined the help the Hammers bounce back from Saturday's
2-1 defeat at Manchester City and get their push for a top-ten Barclays
Premier League finish back on track. West Ham put up a good fight at the
Etihad Stadium, but were undone by two moments of a real quality from the FA
Cup finalists - firstly a slick team move which led to Sergio Aguero's
opener, then a fine strike from outside the box by Yaya Toure. The reverse
was the Hammers' first in six games and O'Neil is sure they can brush it
aside to end the campaign strongly. He told West Ham TV: "I thought we did
ok. First half we hung in there - we weren't quite as good on the ball as we
wanted to be, but in the second half we managed to improve on that side of
it and probably could have nicked something. "They had a couple of chances,
which they're going to because they have top class players, but we had a
good few chances as well. So, second half we felt a little unlucky not to
get something out of the game. "We had a decent little spell going just
before they scored the second goal, then Toure put one in the top corner
with his weaker foot. Sometimes things like that happens when you play
against world class players. "There wasn't a lot we could have done about
that. The reaction was good, we were pushing at the end and it was just a
shame that the first goal came a little too late. "We've had good home form
all season, so we'll go into next weekend trying to get another three points
and see if we can stay in the top ten."
O'Neil's start was his ninth in succession and the 29-year-old midfielder is
delighted to be playing his part. He added: "I felt good, I started to get
more options as the game went on. The movement got a bit better in the
second half so it was easier to find people. We had a slightly better shape
and got people up the pitch. "It was nice to stay on [for the 90 minutes].
We've got a lot of players back now and I'm pleased to get another 90 under
my belt, but I'm disappointed that our unbeaten run has ended."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Lee loves scoring goals
WHUFC.com
Elliot Lee is hoping to fire the Development Squad to a top-three Elite
Group Stage finish
29.04.2013
West Ham United starlet Elliot Lee might have been under the weather in
recent weeks but the goals continue to come all the same. The 18-year-old
forward bagged his 13th of the season in Friday night's 2-1 Barclays
Under-21 Premier League win over Liverpool with another finish of the very
highest order.
Lee skipped past Reds captain Stephen Sama before clinically slotting into
the far corner, a sight that is happily becoming a familiar one. Like any
good marksman, Lee loves nothing more than hitting the back of the net and
was chuffed with the latest in an increasingly long line of goals. He told
West Ham TV: "As a striker and as a goalscorer, you've got to be confident
and composed in those positions. To be honest, I've done this since I was
Under-eight at this club, so I love being in those positions and I love
scoring goals. "It's going, really well. I've been ill for a week and off
training, but I came back last week and got a goal, [even though] I didn't
play my best. But this week I thought I played really well, I got my goal as
well and it was a great win for the team. "I'm just getting my sharpness
back and on Friday it looked like I'd got it back. I took on my man and slid
it in the corner, so I'm really happy with my goal."
Far from flying solo, Lee is a key part of an in-form Development Squad, on
the back of successive home wins. Those six points have propelled the
Hammers to within just four points of the top three and a place in the
end-of-season Play-Offs. He continued: "It's brilliant. We're loving our
football at the minute, as you can see. You can see on the pitch, we're
passing it around, there were some great moves out there and we thoroughly
deserved the win. "We went up to Liverpool earlier in the season and they
had a really strong side out. It wasn't quite so strong on Friday, but we
still beat them and were deserved winners. Manchester United lost as well,
so we've still got a chance of getting in the top three. "We're playing
really well at the minute, playing some great stuff, so hopefully we can go
to Southampton, get the three points, then again at West Brom and end up in
that top three."
While the prospect of the competition's semi-finals is motivation enough,
reward might also come in the form of a second senior run-out for Lee. The
Durham-born forward made his first-team bow at Old Trafford in January and
is hoping for more of the same before the season's end. "We've been told
that once the first-team is safe, hopefully they'll blood some of the
youngsters through and hopefully I'll be one of them. "It has been a
brilliant season, I've made my first-team debut, which was brilliant and
maybe I can get another appearance towards the end of the season. [I want
to] carry on scoring goals for the Development Squad and hopefully finish as
high as possible."
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Essex boys
KUMB.com
Filed: Monday, 29th April 2013
By: Staff Writer
West Ham United have added a trip to North Essex as part of their pre-season
programme.
The Hammers will face Colchester United - who currently play in League One -
at the Colchester Community Stadium on Tuesday, 16th July (7.45pm kick off).
It will be the second successive year in which West Ham have taken on The Us
at their new £14million ground, which was opened in 2008.
Last July, goals from Nicky Maynard and Mark Noble helped Sam Allardyce's
side to a 2-1 win - although the home side were unlucky not to earn a share
of the spoils when only the woodwork prevented Colchester from snatching a
late draw.
Having signed a three-year deal with the League One club last summer,
ex-Hammer Freddie Sears could be in line to face his former employers when
the two teams meet.
Sears, who emerged from the Chadwell Heath Academy made his first team debut
for West Ham in 2008 and spent four years at the club as a pro before
joining Colchester, for whom he has scored eight goals this season.
2013/14 (Current) Pre-Season Fixture List
7th July: Cork City (Turners Cross Stadium, 6.00pm)
10th July: Boreham Wood (Meadow Park, 7.30pm)
13th July: AFC Bournemouth (Dean Court, 3.00pm)
16th July: Colchester Utd (Colchester Community Stadium, 7.45pm)
23rd July: Hamburg SV (Flensburg Stadium, 6.45pm)
* Please note that all kick-offs stated are local times.
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Boycott planned for season finale
KUMb.com
Filed: Monday, 29th April 2013
By: Staff Writer
Reading supporters are planning to boycott their trip to Upton Park on the
final day of the 2012/13 Premier League season. The Berkshire club were
officially relegated last weekend after playing out an insipid goalless draw
with fellow strugglers Queens Park Rangers, who were also relegated as a
result. However instead of planning to enjoy their final game in the Premier
League, many Royals fans - who traditionally enjoy an 'inflatables day' on
their final away day of the season - are set to turn their backs on their
team and miss Reading's trip to West Ham on Sunday, 19th May. Royals
supporters are claiming to be outraged over West Ham's decision to charge
away fans £49 per ticket to see the game, for which there will be nothing to
play for but pride. As a result, many have declared they will boycott the
match. "We've already subsidised their folly of a stadium as a rate payer
and now we're being asked to do so again with their wallet busting ticket
price," said one poster on Reading forum Hob Nob Anyone? "I was keen to go
to this one as well." "I was thinking about it but that price has made my
decision pretty easy - I'm out," stated another - whilst a poster named Wimb
declared that "£50 for a meaningless game is a joke." However not all
supporters of Reading (who, incidentally, charged West Ham supporters £40 to
attend the corresponding fixture earlier this season) believe that the
pricing issue is the real reason for the planned stay away. "I bet if we
were sixth in the league and they were going down, there wouldn't be a
boycott," remarked one Royals follower.
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Reading striker Noel Hunt attracting interest from trio
Last Updated: April 29, 2013 12:07pm
SSN
Sky Sports understands West Ham United, Cardiff City and Hull City are all
tracking Reading striker Noel Hunt. Hunt will be out of contract at the
Madejski Stadium at the end of the season and would be available on a free
transfer. A number of clubs are understood to be monitoring his situation as
they consider their rebuilding plans for the summer. West Ham manager Sam
Allardyce has made it clear that he wants to strengthen his squad, while
Cardiff will also be looking to bring in new players after earning promotion
from the Championship and they could be joined in the Premier League by
Hull. Hunt has been with Reading since making the move from Dundee United in
2008, but his future is now unclear as new manager Nigel Adkins mulls over
what to do with his squad after relegation was confirmed. The 30-year-old
stated in January that he was hopeful of extending his contract with the
club, but nothing has yet been finalised.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Sam Jela fishing
By PHIL THOMAS
Published: 5 hrs ago
The Sun
WEST HAM are tracking Everton's Nikica Jelavic. The Croatian striker, 27,
hit 11 goals in 16 games after a £5.5million move from Rangers 15 months
ago.
But this season he has managed only eight, with another blank against Fulham
on Saturday making it just one goal in 18 games. Everton gaffer David Moyes
insists he wants him to stay. But having fallen behind Victor Anichebe in
the Goodison pecking order, Jelavic is considering his future, despite three
years left on his deal. Sam Allardyce's side, who do not have the cash to
make Andy Carroll's loan move from Liverpool permanent, will throw their hat
in the ring given any indication Jelavic wants out.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Well Jel: West Ham want Everton striker Nikica Jelavic as cut-price
alternative to Andy Carroll
29 Apr 2013 22:30
The Mirrir
Hammers tried to sign the Croatian from Rangers and could return for him,
despite a difficult second season
West Ham are eyeing Nikica Jelavic as a cut price alternative to Andy
Carroll. The Hammers have a £17million agreement to make the Liverpool
striker's Upton Park loan a permanent move at the end of the season, but
have already indicated that asking price is way out of their league.
Instead, they are monitoring the Croatian international's situation, after
initially making a bid to sign him from Rangers before he moved to Everton
15 months ago. The striker made an instant impact at Goodison, scoring 11
goals in just 16 games in a dream second half of last season's campaign. But
things have been very different this time around, and Jelavic was recently
banished to the reserves after managing just a solitary goal in his past 18
appearances. West Ham boss Sam Allardyce though remains a fan, and if he
sees the slightest encouragement from the 27-year-old will attempt to put
together a deal in the summer. Blues manager David Moyes insisted at the
weekend he retains faith in his striker, but the player himself is said to
be considering his position at Goodison, after losing his place as an
automatic choice. The Hammers have maintained for some weeks now they simply
don't have the finances to make Carroll's move permanent, but Jelavic would
prove a very different proposition, given he would cost less than half
Liverpool's asking price.
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http://vyperz.blogspot.com
WHUFC.com
West Ham United are delighted to announce details of a number of exciting
pre-season fixtures
29.04.2013
West Ham United are delighted to announce details of a number of exciting
pre-season fixtures ahead of the 2013/14 season. The Hammers will travel to
both the Republic of Ireland and Germany to face Cork City and Hamburger SV
respectively. Closer to home, the Club have also organised a trip to the
south coast to face AFC Bournemouth in a Testimonial for Academy of Football
graduate and long-time Cherries full-back Stephen Purches, along with a trip
to Essex to take on Colchester United. West Ham will also be making a return
to Blue Square Bet South club Boreham Wood, having been worked hard during a
pre-season fixture at Meadow Park in July 2012.
2013 Pre-season fixtures
Sunday 7 July v Cork City, Turners Cross Stadium, Cork City, Republic of
Ireland, 6pm
Wednesday 10 July v Boreham Wood, Meadow Park, Borehamwood. 7.30pm
Saturday 13 July v AFC Bournemouth, Goldsands Stadium, Bournemouth, 3pm
Tuesday 16 July v Colchester United, Weston Homes Community Stadium,
Colchester, 7.45pm
Tuesday 23 July v Hamburger SV, Flensburg, Germany (further details to
follow), 6.45pm
(*all kick-offs stated are local times)
Bundesliga club Hamburger SV are one of Germany's biggest and best-supported
clubs. Founded in 1887, the Rothosen won the European Cup in 1983 and
European Cup Winners' Cup in 1977, have been crowned German champions six
times and won the Germany Cup on three occasions.
Thorsten Fink's star-studded squad includes Netherlands and former Tottenham
Hotspur playmaker Rafael van der Vaart, Germany left-back Marcell Jansen,
South Korea starlet Heung-Min Son and ex-Chelsea defender Michael Mancienne.
West Ham right-back Guy Demel spent six seasons with Hamburger SV between
2005 and 2011, making 200 appearances, never finishing outside the
Bundesliga's top-eight and winning the UEFA Intertoto Cup in 2007. The
fixture will take place in the town of Flensburg in the north of the German
state of Schleswig-Holstein - the northernmost town in Germany just south of
the border with Denmark. Based in Ireland's second-largest city, League of
Ireland Premier Division side Cork City are two-time Irish champions and FAI
Cup winners.
The Rebel Army have competed regularly in European competition down the
years and the city itself has long been a hotbed of Irish football, with
Hammers greats Sir Trevor Brooking and Sir Geoff Hurst both turning out for
Cork Celtic at the end of their illustrious careers. Purches' Testimonial at
AFC Bournemouth comes after a hugely-successful season for the Cherries, who
have gained promotion to the Championship under manager Eddie Howe, whose
team have won their last eight League One matches.
West Ham Academy graduate Purches, now 33, has unfortunately missed the
entire season after suffering a broken leg while playing against Rochdale in
February 2012. The full-back has enjoyed a successful career, making nearly
450 appearances for Bournemouth and Leyton Orient. Colchester United secured
their npower League 1 status with a 2-0 victory at Carlisle United on the
final day of the season. The U's victory ensured Scunthorpe United would
finish below them and drop down to League 2, and Joe Dunne's men include
former Hammer Freddie Sears in their ranks. The Club will announce further
pre-season fixtures as and when dates and kick-off times have been confirmed
with opposition clubs. Ticket details for all pre-season fixtures will be
announced on whufc.com and the club's social media feeds as and when they
are confirmed.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Captain urges fans to take poll
WHUFC.com
Kevin Nolan has urged fans to fill out the Olympic Stadium Independent
Supporter Consultation
29.04.2013
Hello everyone,
The Independent Supporter Consultation regarding our move to the Olympic
Stadium is underway and I'd encourage all of you to take part and make your
voice heard. I think, when you see all the drawings and the sketches, you
cannot fail to get excited about what we plan to do with it. It's going to
be a magnificent stadium and I'm just hoping I'm around to lead the team
out. It's an exciting time and it's about this Club moving forward. It's
definitely a positive step.
I played in a similar-sized home ground at Newcastle United and you never
knew the away fans were there - they would slot them up at the top and you
didn't know they were in the ground. The home support and everyone around
the ground was all you could hear. They also had a good family enclosure
there and I know we already have that here, so we can just enhance
everything at the Olympic Stadium on a much larger scale.
As I have said before, the traditionalist in me loves the Boleyn and doesn't
want to move, but I think if we want to move with the times and compete with
the top clubs in this league, it's definitely the right move and I'm looking
forward to playing in a West Ham shirt there. At another of my old clubs,
Bolton Wanderers, we moved into the Reebok Stadium when I was a teenager and
it only took a few years for the club to get into Europe. You only have to
look back and we went from Burnden Park to the Reebok and we had a
28,000-capacity stadium in a little, old town called Bolton with all these
big clubs coming to play us. To be honest, it was fantastic. The Bolton fans
who were lucky enough to be there when we moved to a new ground probably
didn't realise it would only be a few seasons until we were challenging the
very best. They are moments I'll always keep with me. Getting back to us, I
believe moving to the Olympic Stadium is just the right move for us. West
Ham should have always been in the higher echelons of the Premier League,
year-in, year-out, with the fanbase we have got.
With the Board plunging their money into the Club and this move to the
Olympic Stadium to look forward to, it's exciting times. Now, it's up to the
fans to make sure they are ready to go and I think they will when they see
everything that is going to go on over there. You have until midnight on
Tuesday 30 April to voice your opinions, so hopefully as many of you as
possible will log on to whufc.com and go from there. Get on there and voice
your opinion because we do want to hear it. From my point of view, you
shouldn't be anything but excited about this opportunity for the Club.
Kevin Nolan
Captain
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Manager on Monday
WHUFC.com
Sam Allardyce is targeting more goals on the road for the next Barclays
Premier League season
29.04.2013
Sam Allardyce has stated that his main aim for next season is to ensure his
team hit the target away from home on a more frequent basis. The West Ham
United manager was content with his side's efforts during Saturday's 2-1
defeat at Manchester City and in particular a spirited second-half show that
created plenty of concern for the home side's defence. Andy Carroll was
rewarded for the visitors' efforts by pulling one goal back late on after
Sergio Aguero and Yaya Toure had given Roberto Mancini's side a 2-0 lead,
but Big Sam wants to see his sides offer a more sustained challenge on their
travels next season. "I said to the lads at half time that we needed to keep
the ball better if we were to make a game of it and right from the very
start we did that," Big Sam said. "We started to pass and play the ball and
find our men better and started to create some opportunities. Our problem
all season has been that we've not taken enough of them when they've arisen
and we didn't again on Saturday. "We were a lot better in the second half;
we were better in possession, caused Manchester City problems defensively
and had a few chances come our way. Our problem is that you've got to put
the chances in the back of the net. "It was a much improved performance by
the players and there is very little you can do about Manchester City's
second goal. Yaya Toure hit an outstanding shot so I can't l really
criticise anyone for that. "Just before that we had our best chance when
James Collins didn't quite hit the target with Joe Hart on the floor. We
missed and then they went up the other end and scored a wonder goal."
Although the Hammers have impressed at times away from home this season
through wins at Queens Park Rangers, Newcastle United and Stoke City and
draws at West Bromwich Albion land Liverpool, the backbone of their hugely
successful return to the top flight has been borne through results at the
Boleyn Ground. It is no surprise then that the West Ham United faithful are
snapping up Season Tickets for the 2013/14 campaign in their droves, and
their loyalty is set to be rewarded with Big Sam expecting there to be some
exciting new arrivals by the time the 2013/14 season kicks-off in August.
"To improve we just need to add better players, it's a simple as that. If we
get better players then we improve. If we can do that then we get better and
we become an established Barclays Premier League side. "We need to score
more goals away from home next season. That hasn't been a problem at home
but that ratio needs to improve away from home to get up that little bit
more. If we can start putting performances with the results then we'll be
OK."
Other results at the weekend went in favour of Big Sam's side to ensure that
despite the defeat they proudly kept their place amongst the top ten teams
in the country. With a home game against Newcastle United to follow on
Saturday providing an opportunity for further points, Big Sam is happy with
where his side are at present. "At the moment we are far better than where
we expected to be. We didn't expect to be almost safe with four games to go.
I think we'll be OK with 42 points so we're way ahead of what we expected.
"As I say, we need to get a few more goals to get the points. We'll address
that in the summer and hopefully we'll find some better players to improve
the squad. Before that we've three very important games, two at home and one
away so we'll try to pick up as many points as we can."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
O'Neil eyes positive response
WHUFC.com
West Ham United midfielder Gary O'Neil believes his team can bounce back
from Saturday's defeat
29.04.2013
Gary O'Neil is determined the help the Hammers bounce back from Saturday's
2-1 defeat at Manchester City and get their push for a top-ten Barclays
Premier League finish back on track. West Ham put up a good fight at the
Etihad Stadium, but were undone by two moments of a real quality from the FA
Cup finalists - firstly a slick team move which led to Sergio Aguero's
opener, then a fine strike from outside the box by Yaya Toure. The reverse
was the Hammers' first in six games and O'Neil is sure they can brush it
aside to end the campaign strongly. He told West Ham TV: "I thought we did
ok. First half we hung in there - we weren't quite as good on the ball as we
wanted to be, but in the second half we managed to improve on that side of
it and probably could have nicked something. "They had a couple of chances,
which they're going to because they have top class players, but we had a
good few chances as well. So, second half we felt a little unlucky not to
get something out of the game. "We had a decent little spell going just
before they scored the second goal, then Toure put one in the top corner
with his weaker foot. Sometimes things like that happens when you play
against world class players. "There wasn't a lot we could have done about
that. The reaction was good, we were pushing at the end and it was just a
shame that the first goal came a little too late. "We've had good home form
all season, so we'll go into next weekend trying to get another three points
and see if we can stay in the top ten."
O'Neil's start was his ninth in succession and the 29-year-old midfielder is
delighted to be playing his part. He added: "I felt good, I started to get
more options as the game went on. The movement got a bit better in the
second half so it was easier to find people. We had a slightly better shape
and got people up the pitch. "It was nice to stay on [for the 90 minutes].
We've got a lot of players back now and I'm pleased to get another 90 under
my belt, but I'm disappointed that our unbeaten run has ended."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Lee loves scoring goals
WHUFC.com
Elliot Lee is hoping to fire the Development Squad to a top-three Elite
Group Stage finish
29.04.2013
West Ham United starlet Elliot Lee might have been under the weather in
recent weeks but the goals continue to come all the same. The 18-year-old
forward bagged his 13th of the season in Friday night's 2-1 Barclays
Under-21 Premier League win over Liverpool with another finish of the very
highest order.
Lee skipped past Reds captain Stephen Sama before clinically slotting into
the far corner, a sight that is happily becoming a familiar one. Like any
good marksman, Lee loves nothing more than hitting the back of the net and
was chuffed with the latest in an increasingly long line of goals. He told
West Ham TV: "As a striker and as a goalscorer, you've got to be confident
and composed in those positions. To be honest, I've done this since I was
Under-eight at this club, so I love being in those positions and I love
scoring goals. "It's going, really well. I've been ill for a week and off
training, but I came back last week and got a goal, [even though] I didn't
play my best. But this week I thought I played really well, I got my goal as
well and it was a great win for the team. "I'm just getting my sharpness
back and on Friday it looked like I'd got it back. I took on my man and slid
it in the corner, so I'm really happy with my goal."
Far from flying solo, Lee is a key part of an in-form Development Squad, on
the back of successive home wins. Those six points have propelled the
Hammers to within just four points of the top three and a place in the
end-of-season Play-Offs. He continued: "It's brilliant. We're loving our
football at the minute, as you can see. You can see on the pitch, we're
passing it around, there were some great moves out there and we thoroughly
deserved the win. "We went up to Liverpool earlier in the season and they
had a really strong side out. It wasn't quite so strong on Friday, but we
still beat them and were deserved winners. Manchester United lost as well,
so we've still got a chance of getting in the top three. "We're playing
really well at the minute, playing some great stuff, so hopefully we can go
to Southampton, get the three points, then again at West Brom and end up in
that top three."
While the prospect of the competition's semi-finals is motivation enough,
reward might also come in the form of a second senior run-out for Lee. The
Durham-born forward made his first-team bow at Old Trafford in January and
is hoping for more of the same before the season's end. "We've been told
that once the first-team is safe, hopefully they'll blood some of the
youngsters through and hopefully I'll be one of them. "It has been a
brilliant season, I've made my first-team debut, which was brilliant and
maybe I can get another appearance towards the end of the season. [I want
to] carry on scoring goals for the Development Squad and hopefully finish as
high as possible."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Essex boys
KUMB.com
Filed: Monday, 29th April 2013
By: Staff Writer
West Ham United have added a trip to North Essex as part of their pre-season
programme.
The Hammers will face Colchester United - who currently play in League One -
at the Colchester Community Stadium on Tuesday, 16th July (7.45pm kick off).
It will be the second successive year in which West Ham have taken on The Us
at their new £14million ground, which was opened in 2008.
Last July, goals from Nicky Maynard and Mark Noble helped Sam Allardyce's
side to a 2-1 win - although the home side were unlucky not to earn a share
of the spoils when only the woodwork prevented Colchester from snatching a
late draw.
Having signed a three-year deal with the League One club last summer,
ex-Hammer Freddie Sears could be in line to face his former employers when
the two teams meet.
Sears, who emerged from the Chadwell Heath Academy made his first team debut
for West Ham in 2008 and spent four years at the club as a pro before
joining Colchester, for whom he has scored eight goals this season.
2013/14 (Current) Pre-Season Fixture List
7th July: Cork City (Turners Cross Stadium, 6.00pm)
10th July: Boreham Wood (Meadow Park, 7.30pm)
13th July: AFC Bournemouth (Dean Court, 3.00pm)
16th July: Colchester Utd (Colchester Community Stadium, 7.45pm)
23rd July: Hamburg SV (Flensburg Stadium, 6.45pm)
* Please note that all kick-offs stated are local times.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Boycott planned for season finale
KUMb.com
Filed: Monday, 29th April 2013
By: Staff Writer
Reading supporters are planning to boycott their trip to Upton Park on the
final day of the 2012/13 Premier League season. The Berkshire club were
officially relegated last weekend after playing out an insipid goalless draw
with fellow strugglers Queens Park Rangers, who were also relegated as a
result. However instead of planning to enjoy their final game in the Premier
League, many Royals fans - who traditionally enjoy an 'inflatables day' on
their final away day of the season - are set to turn their backs on their
team and miss Reading's trip to West Ham on Sunday, 19th May. Royals
supporters are claiming to be outraged over West Ham's decision to charge
away fans £49 per ticket to see the game, for which there will be nothing to
play for but pride. As a result, many have declared they will boycott the
match. "We've already subsidised their folly of a stadium as a rate payer
and now we're being asked to do so again with their wallet busting ticket
price," said one poster on Reading forum Hob Nob Anyone? "I was keen to go
to this one as well." "I was thinking about it but that price has made my
decision pretty easy - I'm out," stated another - whilst a poster named Wimb
declared that "£50 for a meaningless game is a joke." However not all
supporters of Reading (who, incidentally, charged West Ham supporters £40 to
attend the corresponding fixture earlier this season) believe that the
pricing issue is the real reason for the planned stay away. "I bet if we
were sixth in the league and they were going down, there wouldn't be a
boycott," remarked one Royals follower.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Reading striker Noel Hunt attracting interest from trio
Last Updated: April 29, 2013 12:07pm
SSN
Sky Sports understands West Ham United, Cardiff City and Hull City are all
tracking Reading striker Noel Hunt. Hunt will be out of contract at the
Madejski Stadium at the end of the season and would be available on a free
transfer. A number of clubs are understood to be monitoring his situation as
they consider their rebuilding plans for the summer. West Ham manager Sam
Allardyce has made it clear that he wants to strengthen his squad, while
Cardiff will also be looking to bring in new players after earning promotion
from the Championship and they could be joined in the Premier League by
Hull. Hunt has been with Reading since making the move from Dundee United in
2008, but his future is now unclear as new manager Nigel Adkins mulls over
what to do with his squad after relegation was confirmed. The 30-year-old
stated in January that he was hopeful of extending his contract with the
club, but nothing has yet been finalised.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Sam Jela fishing
By PHIL THOMAS
Published: 5 hrs ago
The Sun
WEST HAM are tracking Everton's Nikica Jelavic. The Croatian striker, 27,
hit 11 goals in 16 games after a £5.5million move from Rangers 15 months
ago.
But this season he has managed only eight, with another blank against Fulham
on Saturday making it just one goal in 18 games. Everton gaffer David Moyes
insists he wants him to stay. But having fallen behind Victor Anichebe in
the Goodison pecking order, Jelavic is considering his future, despite three
years left on his deal. Sam Allardyce's side, who do not have the cash to
make Andy Carroll's loan move from Liverpool permanent, will throw their hat
in the ring given any indication Jelavic wants out.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Well Jel: West Ham want Everton striker Nikica Jelavic as cut-price
alternative to Andy Carroll
29 Apr 2013 22:30
The Mirrir
Hammers tried to sign the Croatian from Rangers and could return for him,
despite a difficult second season
West Ham are eyeing Nikica Jelavic as a cut price alternative to Andy
Carroll. The Hammers have a £17million agreement to make the Liverpool
striker's Upton Park loan a permanent move at the end of the season, but
have already indicated that asking price is way out of their league.
Instead, they are monitoring the Croatian international's situation, after
initially making a bid to sign him from Rangers before he moved to Everton
15 months ago. The striker made an instant impact at Goodison, scoring 11
goals in just 16 games in a dream second half of last season's campaign. But
things have been very different this time around, and Jelavic was recently
banished to the reserves after managing just a solitary goal in his past 18
appearances. West Ham boss Sam Allardyce though remains a fan, and if he
sees the slightest encouragement from the 27-year-old will attempt to put
together a deal in the summer. Blues manager David Moyes insisted at the
weekend he retains faith in his striker, but the player himself is said to
be considering his position at Goodison, after losing his place as an
automatic choice. The Hammers have maintained for some weeks now they simply
don't have the finances to make Carroll's move permanent, but Jelavic would
prove a very different proposition, given he would cost less than half
Liverpool's asking price.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
http://vyperz.blogspot.com
Monday, April 29
Daily WHUFC News - 29th April 2013
Skipper rues City defeat
WHUFC.com
Kevin Nolan was disappointed that Manchester City ended West Ham United's
unbeaten run
28.04.2013
West Ham United skipper Kevin Nolan praised the battling qualities of his
team after they ran FA Cup finalists Manchester City close at the Etihad
Stadium on Saturday. The Hammers came out on the wrong side of a 2-1
scoreline, but Nolan was impressed with how they brushed off an indifferent
first half display to give the Citizens moments of concern after the break.
Ultimately Andy Carroll's injury-time strike was nothing more than a
consolation and Nolan was disappointed that the Hammers' five-game unbeaten
run had come to an end. He said: "First half it was backs against the wall
and when we got on the ball we just couldn't seem to keep it, which was very
frustrating. "We came in at 1-0 down and we said to try and keep in the game
as long as possible, and retain the ball a lot better. "In the second half
we did that, we came out firing on all cylinders, had a few early
opportunities, but the ball wasn't falling for us. "The goal came five
minutes too late for us, If we had scored in the 85th minute we could have
given it a real go. "But they're a top team, and goals like Yaya Toure's is
what they do. Out of nothing he strikes it with his weaker foot and it's in
the top corner - that just took all the pressure off them. "It's
disappointing because we've lost our five-game unbeaten run. It's a shame we
couldn't extend it to a sixth, but it's about us now going on a run until
the end of the season. "We've got Newcastle at home next, which is a massive
one for us, being at home. It's going to be a good day for me, Andy and Sam
with Newcastle coming to us, and we're looking forward to it. "We want to
win our home games, it's as simple as that. We've been a very good home team
this year, we love playing at the Boleyn. I will be looking to score again,
the big man will be as well, so we're excited about it."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Hurst backs poll importance
WHUFC.com
Sir Geoff Hurst says it is essential for all Hammers fans to take part in
the Supporter Consultation
27.04.2013
West Ham United legend Sir Geoff Hurst believes it is vital for all Hammers
fans to have their say in the Club's independent Supporter Consultation on
the Olympic Stadium. Hurst, an FA Cup and European Cup Winners' Cup winner
with the Hammers, as well as England's hero in the 1966 FIFA World Cup, was
present at the announcement last month that named the Club as the Stadium's
anchor concessionaire. He was excited by the plans and wants all supporters
to voice their opinions to help shape the Hammers' future He said: "I'm
delighted that the Hammers fans will have this opportunity to tell the Club
their opinions about the Olympic Stadium. It is essential that as many
supporters as possible take the opportunity to offer their opinions on this
exciting move. "I'm a fan and I know what I think about the move - it's a no
brainer. I wholeheartedly support it and I think it'll be a major step
forward for the Club. "For West Ham to move forward, we need a bigger
ground, we need better facilities, and that's what we'll get at the Olympic
Stadium. "The accessibility at Stratford is second to none, and we'll have
one of the best stadiums in the country, if not the world. "It's something
that I'll be looking forward to and I'm sure that the majority of fans will
be thinking the same, because it's such a fantastic opportunity for the
club. "I would urge everyone to have their say, whatever their opinion, on
what could be the biggest move our Club will ever make."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Guest Post: Why Sam Should Go Now
By Iain Dale
West Ham Till I Die
This is a guest post by a reader from Namibia, Brian Jones - it is his view,
and does not reflect the view of the site as whole, but it's a debate worth
having.
So Sam Allardyce has achieved what he was hired to do. We are back in the
Premiership and staying there. But should he be given a new contract? I
don't think so, and it has nothing to do with long balls (well almost
nothing). In a way, the long ball issue is a red herring, along with the
"West Ham way". There were times this season when we did play a lot of long
balls, but there were others when we mixed it up quite well and played some
good passing football.
No, what really concerns me is the defensive, negative tactics that Sam
employed too often this season. In too many games the team sat back, very
deep, inviting teams to come at them. The hope seemed to be that we would
soak up the pressure in the first half and then come out and win in the
second. Yes, this approach worked against Chelsea at home, but it just
doesn't work often enough against top teams - in the end the pressure will
tell and you end up chasing a goal or two. The problem with these tactics is
that players have to fall back on the long ball because the whole team is
playing too deep so the opposition presses forward and there is no space in
midfield to move the ball around. How many times did we see the defence
trying to move the ball forward, becoming bogged down in midfield, passing
back to Jussi, or Collins who then just punted it up field? It's not the
long ball itself that was the problem, but the tactics that led to us using
it so often almost as a defensive mechanism. Often the long ball wasn't a
deliberate tactic, we were simply forced into using it because we just had
no other option as the opposition closed us down. Even though Carroll is
really good at holding up the ball or nodding it on to another player, we
still ended up losing possession too often from the long ball, instead of it
helping us to set up an attack. Too many players were sitting deep and there
wasn't anyone available to take the knock down from Carroll.
There is a personal element to this. I feel betrayed as a fan by Sam's
tactics in two games in particular, the Arsenal and Aston Villa away games.
At Arsenal there was an opportunity to go out with a positive approach and
team selection and take them on. I was so looking forward to watching that
game! Instead we had Joe Cole on the bench and a defensive approach. We let
them play at us and they took us apart. The same story at Villa, although
different circumstances. Against Arsenal, nothing really to lose, why not go
for it? At Villa everything to gain against a team playing really poorly and
lacking confidence. Yet the same defensive, negative approach, and again,
look what happened.
To all of this I would add some really odd substitutions, particularly in
the first half of the season, an insistence on playing strikers such as
Maiga in wide positions, almost as wingers, and continued faith in an
under-performing Nolan (yes, I know he's our top scorer, but still, he does
disappear for large parts of the game). Joe Cole, Maiga and yes, even Vaz
Te, are potentially our most creative players in and around the box. When
they get into close positions they can make tight passes and open up a gap.
But they are not used in that role by Sam.
As a fan from 1964, I will still watch every game I can on TV, try to get to
England and the Boleyn when I can, and sing Bubbles in the off-key manner
that gets me banned by my musician wife from singing at any time other than
football matches. But it's time to say thank you Sam for what you've done
and look for someone who is willing to embrace some creativity and create a
team that will attract the extra fans needed to fill the Olympic Stadium.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Big Sam's travel bug
Published: 5 hrs ago
The Sun
SAM ALLARDYCE admits West Ham must cure their travel sickness if they are to
build on a solid first season back in the top flight. The Hammers have taken
only 13 points from 18 matches on the road and have relied heavily on their
form at Upton Park. More worryingly they have managed just 11 goals in those
matches, so Andy Carroll's late consolation here was a rare moment of cheer
for the club's travelling fans. Boss Big Sam said: "Our away goals return
has been too poor this season - not just the performances - and we must
improve on that. "We need to get more goals to get the points but we'll
address that in the summer. Hopefully I can find some better players,
improve the squad before the start of the new season. "That could help us do
better but we have three games left to try and do better and keep improving
our performances." Allardyce could at least take heart from his team's
display in the second 45 minutes as they could have taken a point. He said:
"I was very pleased with the way we played in the second half when you bear
in mind the quality of this Manchester City side. "They have players who can
turn a game."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
http://vyperz.blogspot.com
WHUFC.com
Kevin Nolan was disappointed that Manchester City ended West Ham United's
unbeaten run
28.04.2013
West Ham United skipper Kevin Nolan praised the battling qualities of his
team after they ran FA Cup finalists Manchester City close at the Etihad
Stadium on Saturday. The Hammers came out on the wrong side of a 2-1
scoreline, but Nolan was impressed with how they brushed off an indifferent
first half display to give the Citizens moments of concern after the break.
Ultimately Andy Carroll's injury-time strike was nothing more than a
consolation and Nolan was disappointed that the Hammers' five-game unbeaten
run had come to an end. He said: "First half it was backs against the wall
and when we got on the ball we just couldn't seem to keep it, which was very
frustrating. "We came in at 1-0 down and we said to try and keep in the game
as long as possible, and retain the ball a lot better. "In the second half
we did that, we came out firing on all cylinders, had a few early
opportunities, but the ball wasn't falling for us. "The goal came five
minutes too late for us, If we had scored in the 85th minute we could have
given it a real go. "But they're a top team, and goals like Yaya Toure's is
what they do. Out of nothing he strikes it with his weaker foot and it's in
the top corner - that just took all the pressure off them. "It's
disappointing because we've lost our five-game unbeaten run. It's a shame we
couldn't extend it to a sixth, but it's about us now going on a run until
the end of the season. "We've got Newcastle at home next, which is a massive
one for us, being at home. It's going to be a good day for me, Andy and Sam
with Newcastle coming to us, and we're looking forward to it. "We want to
win our home games, it's as simple as that. We've been a very good home team
this year, we love playing at the Boleyn. I will be looking to score again,
the big man will be as well, so we're excited about it."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Hurst backs poll importance
WHUFC.com
Sir Geoff Hurst says it is essential for all Hammers fans to take part in
the Supporter Consultation
27.04.2013
West Ham United legend Sir Geoff Hurst believes it is vital for all Hammers
fans to have their say in the Club's independent Supporter Consultation on
the Olympic Stadium. Hurst, an FA Cup and European Cup Winners' Cup winner
with the Hammers, as well as England's hero in the 1966 FIFA World Cup, was
present at the announcement last month that named the Club as the Stadium's
anchor concessionaire. He was excited by the plans and wants all supporters
to voice their opinions to help shape the Hammers' future He said: "I'm
delighted that the Hammers fans will have this opportunity to tell the Club
their opinions about the Olympic Stadium. It is essential that as many
supporters as possible take the opportunity to offer their opinions on this
exciting move. "I'm a fan and I know what I think about the move - it's a no
brainer. I wholeheartedly support it and I think it'll be a major step
forward for the Club. "For West Ham to move forward, we need a bigger
ground, we need better facilities, and that's what we'll get at the Olympic
Stadium. "The accessibility at Stratford is second to none, and we'll have
one of the best stadiums in the country, if not the world. "It's something
that I'll be looking forward to and I'm sure that the majority of fans will
be thinking the same, because it's such a fantastic opportunity for the
club. "I would urge everyone to have their say, whatever their opinion, on
what could be the biggest move our Club will ever make."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Guest Post: Why Sam Should Go Now
By Iain Dale
West Ham Till I Die
This is a guest post by a reader from Namibia, Brian Jones - it is his view,
and does not reflect the view of the site as whole, but it's a debate worth
having.
So Sam Allardyce has achieved what he was hired to do. We are back in the
Premiership and staying there. But should he be given a new contract? I
don't think so, and it has nothing to do with long balls (well almost
nothing). In a way, the long ball issue is a red herring, along with the
"West Ham way". There were times this season when we did play a lot of long
balls, but there were others when we mixed it up quite well and played some
good passing football.
No, what really concerns me is the defensive, negative tactics that Sam
employed too often this season. In too many games the team sat back, very
deep, inviting teams to come at them. The hope seemed to be that we would
soak up the pressure in the first half and then come out and win in the
second. Yes, this approach worked against Chelsea at home, but it just
doesn't work often enough against top teams - in the end the pressure will
tell and you end up chasing a goal or two. The problem with these tactics is
that players have to fall back on the long ball because the whole team is
playing too deep so the opposition presses forward and there is no space in
midfield to move the ball around. How many times did we see the defence
trying to move the ball forward, becoming bogged down in midfield, passing
back to Jussi, or Collins who then just punted it up field? It's not the
long ball itself that was the problem, but the tactics that led to us using
it so often almost as a defensive mechanism. Often the long ball wasn't a
deliberate tactic, we were simply forced into using it because we just had
no other option as the opposition closed us down. Even though Carroll is
really good at holding up the ball or nodding it on to another player, we
still ended up losing possession too often from the long ball, instead of it
helping us to set up an attack. Too many players were sitting deep and there
wasn't anyone available to take the knock down from Carroll.
There is a personal element to this. I feel betrayed as a fan by Sam's
tactics in two games in particular, the Arsenal and Aston Villa away games.
At Arsenal there was an opportunity to go out with a positive approach and
team selection and take them on. I was so looking forward to watching that
game! Instead we had Joe Cole on the bench and a defensive approach. We let
them play at us and they took us apart. The same story at Villa, although
different circumstances. Against Arsenal, nothing really to lose, why not go
for it? At Villa everything to gain against a team playing really poorly and
lacking confidence. Yet the same defensive, negative approach, and again,
look what happened.
To all of this I would add some really odd substitutions, particularly in
the first half of the season, an insistence on playing strikers such as
Maiga in wide positions, almost as wingers, and continued faith in an
under-performing Nolan (yes, I know he's our top scorer, but still, he does
disappear for large parts of the game). Joe Cole, Maiga and yes, even Vaz
Te, are potentially our most creative players in and around the box. When
they get into close positions they can make tight passes and open up a gap.
But they are not used in that role by Sam.
As a fan from 1964, I will still watch every game I can on TV, try to get to
England and the Boleyn when I can, and sing Bubbles in the off-key manner
that gets me banned by my musician wife from singing at any time other than
football matches. But it's time to say thank you Sam for what you've done
and look for someone who is willing to embrace some creativity and create a
team that will attract the extra fans needed to fill the Olympic Stadium.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Big Sam's travel bug
Published: 5 hrs ago
The Sun
SAM ALLARDYCE admits West Ham must cure their travel sickness if they are to
build on a solid first season back in the top flight. The Hammers have taken
only 13 points from 18 matches on the road and have relied heavily on their
form at Upton Park. More worryingly they have managed just 11 goals in those
matches, so Andy Carroll's late consolation here was a rare moment of cheer
for the club's travelling fans. Boss Big Sam said: "Our away goals return
has been too poor this season - not just the performances - and we must
improve on that. "We need to get more goals to get the points but we'll
address that in the summer. Hopefully I can find some better players,
improve the squad before the start of the new season. "That could help us do
better but we have three games left to try and do better and keep improving
our performances." Allardyce could at least take heart from his team's
display in the second 45 minutes as they could have taken a point. He said:
"I was very pleased with the way we played in the second half when you bear
in mind the quality of this Manchester City side. "They have players who can
turn a game."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
http://vyperz.blogspot.com
Sunday, April 28
Daily WHUFC News - 28th April 2013
Macca proud despite City defeat
WHUFC.com
Assistant manager Neil McDonald said West Ham United had been unlucky to
lose 2-1 at Manchester City
27.04.2013
Assistant manager Neil McDonald believes West Ham United were unfortunate to
leave Manchester City with nothing on Saturday. The Hammers travelled to the
Etihad Stadium to face Roberto Mancini's men and gave a good account of
themselves, only to be undone by world-class goals from Sergio Aguero and
Yaya Toure. Andy Carroll was rewarded for another good all-round performance
with a last-gasp goal, but it was not quite enough to avert a 2-1 Barclays
Premier League defeat. "It was a narrow defeat," said Macca. "We were really
disappointed with our possession in the first half but I thought we can out
in the second half, with instructions from the manager, and played how we
wanted to play. "We really dominated the first 15 minutes of the second half
and gave ourselves an opportunity to get back into it. We created chances
and then Toure went and popped it into the top corner from 25 yards. "All
credit to the boys because they kept the ball a lot better in the second
half and moved it on a bit more and got it into the box. We got crosses into
the box and did it well in the second half. "They went right to the final
whistle and we got our just rewards, really. We're slightly disappointed
that we lost the game, but there were a few positives, particularly that the
second half was a lot better than the first half was."
City's goals are both likely to feature in any April Goal of the Month
montage. The first, midway through the opening half, saw Samir Nasri and
Yaya Toure combine twice before the France international cut the ball back
for Sergio Aguero to convert from close-range. The second, seven minutes
from full-time, saw Toure collect 25 yards out before turning and unleashing
a Gareth Bale-esque rocket into the top left-hand corner. "They were super
goals, of course. The individual talent leads to the end product, whether it
is a good ball or a finish into the back of the net. They were top-class
goals and that is why they finished top of the league last year. "I think we
acquitted ourselves really well even if we were slightly disappointed with
our first half. The second half was much better and we'll be looking to play
like that for the rest of the season."
Carroll's goal was his seventh of the season and his sixth in ten
appearances. "Andy has got his reward for going to the end but, especially
with them scoring their second in the top corner, it's a shame because
otherwise his goal might have just got snatched us a draw," lamented Macca.
"The attitude of the players not giving in and the attitude of them in the
second half to do what the manager had told them were pleasing. "Every
credit to them but we have lost the game. We were on a bit of a run but
that's gone now, so we need to make sure we get back on it during the last
two or three games and finish on a high."
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Unbeaten run ended at City
WHUFC.com
Manchester City defeated West Ham United 2-1 at the Etihad Stadium on
Saturday
27.04.2013
West Ham United's five-game unbeaten run was brought to an end by Manchester
City on Saturday, who scored either side of half time through Sergio Aguero
and Yaya Toure to maintain their bid for a second-place finish. City may
have had their grip on the league title released this week by local rivals
Manchester United, but the FA Cup finalists still produced enough quality to
see off the Hammers. Their goals oozed class in different methods - Aguero's
for the slick team move which preceded it and Toure's for the arrow-like
thunderbolt from outside the area. West Ham showed great spirit and gave
their hosts moments of worry, particularly in the second period, and Andy
Carroll's injury time consolation at least gave their travelling supporters
something to cheer. After a low-key start to the game, City began to click
into gear and were not far away from taking an 18th minute lead when the
visitors only half cleared a corner and David Silva sent in a left-footed
drive which wistled past the post. Four minutes later they went even closer,
with only the woodwork saving West Ham on this occasion. Aguero should have
done better as Silva's pass inside deflected off Kevin Nolan and dropped
perfectly for him, but concerned by James Collins who was trying desperately
to get back, the Argentine scuffed his shot against the far post.
Both sets of supporters rose to applaud in the memory of Marc-Vivien Foe
with 23 minutes on the clock, and as their fitting tribute took place,
Mohamed Diame tested Joe Hart with a well-struck volley from the edge of the
box. City's threat was growing tangibly, however, and they opened the
scoring with a goal of real quality after 28 minutes. Aguero made amends for
his earlier miss, stroking home from six yards after Samir Nasri drove into
the box, played a neat one-two with Silva and squared for his striker to
finish. It was very nearly two immediately afterwards, but Jussi
Jaaskelainen made a double stop to save his side, springing up quickly after
he could not hold Nasri's drive to block Pablo Zabaleta on the follow up.
The Hammers struggled to affect the game as an attacking force before the
break, but they were able to force City onto the back foot at the start of
the second period as Sam Allardyce's men flew out of the traps.
Matt Jarvis was more involved and he supplied a couple of dangerous crosses,
but Carroll was being well marshalled by Vincent Kompany and he could not
get enough purchase on his headed chances.
West Ham appeared to grow in belief as the game wore on, but at the same
time City possessed a constant threat and Jaaskelainen had to stand up by
his near post to deny Nasri after the former Arsenal man found space inside
the box. Joey O'Brien then made an excellent block to divert Carlos Tevez'
close range effort over the bar. The former Hammer looked set to score after
strike partner Aguero danced away from James Collins inside the area and
knocked the ball square. With 18 minutes left Nasri was similarly
profligate, miskicking when left with the goal at his mercy by Tevez' low
cross. At the other end Collins dragged a left-footed shot just wide of the
mark after a Matt Taylor free kick bounced around the box. But seven minutes
from the end the Hammers' challenge was effectively killed off by a
thunderbolt from Yaya Toure, who fired into the top right-hand corner of
Jaaskelainen's net with his left foot from 25 yards. West Ham nevertheless
deserved a goal for their second half efforts and it arrived in the last
knockings when Carroll brought down Guy Demel's cross on his chest and
drilled through Joe Hart's attempted save to notch a consolation.
Manchester City: Hart; Zabaleta, Kompany, Lescott, Clichy; Y.Toure, Silva
(Milner 78), Barry, Nasri (K.Toure 87); Aguero, Tevez (Garcia 83)
Subs: Pantilimon (GK), Dzeko, Kolarov, Nastasic
Goals: Aguero 28, Y.Toure 83
Booked: Zabaleta
West Ham United: Jaaskelainen; Demel, Collins, Reid, O'Brien (C.Cole 81);
Diame, O'Neil, Nolan (Taylor 81); Vaz Te (Collison 66), Carroll, Jarvis
Subs: Henderson (GK), Noble, Pogatetz, J.Cole
Goal: Carroll 90+4
Booked: Carroll, Collison, O'Brien
Referee: Howard Webb
Attendance: 47,183
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U18s complete Reds double
WHUFC.com
Steve Potts' West Ham United U18s emulated the Development Squad by beating
Liverpool 2-1 on Saturday
27.04.2013
West Ham United secured a deserved 2-1 victory over Liverpool in their final
home game of the Premier U18 League Tier One Stage at Little Heath on
Saturday. Goals for the Hammers in the opening half-hour from Joe Ward and
Nathan Mavila (pictured) put the Hammers on course for victory; with Alex
O'Hanlon's second-half strike only a consolation for the visiting Reds. Both
sides named a host of young players in their starting line-ups, with Potts
giving starts to Vit Nemrava, Nathan Mavila, Reece Burke and Taylor Miles,
who were all part of Nick Haycock's Development Squad for their own 2-1
Barclays U21 Premier League victory over Liverpool on Friday evening. With
both teams aiming to get some points on the board before the end of the
season, the game started in very lively fashion. The visitors looked more
comfortable with the ball in the midfield, but West Ham were looking more
dangerous in attack.
The Hammers were ahead after ten minutes. As West Ham attacked regularly
down both wings, it was Mavila who was released down the left flank, making
a low cross to the unmarked Ward, who directed the ball into the bottom
left-hand corner of the net.
Liverpool tried to react straight away, but just ten minutes later, Ward and
Mavila linked up again on the counter attack. As Ward progressed over the
halfway line, Mavila sprinted through the defence to prepare to receive the
ball, but Ward failed to put enough pace on the ball and the pass was
intercepted.
Just before the half-hour mark, West Ham doubled their lead. A long ball
forward from Emmanuel Onaraise was aimed at Mavila, who turned his marker on
the halfway line to run through on goal, taking his time before powering his
shot into the corner of the net. Before the break, Liverpool had a clear
opportunity on goal to get back into the game. From a corner, the ball found
Danny Cleary in the box, but the defender sliced his effort straight into
the hands of schoolboy goalkeeper Nemrava.
After the break, Liverpool came out much quicker, looking to put pressure on
a strong Hammers defence. Ten minutes into the second half, the Merseysiders
got the goal they had been searching for. An unlikely mistake in the home
back line gave O'Hanlon a chance to run through on goal, and he kept his
cool to slot past Nemrava. The goal gave Liverpool inspiration to push for
the equaliser, but the Hammers stayed strong and cleared all the danger,
reducing their opponents to long-range shots. In the closing stages of the
game, Liverpool were starting to get frustrated. Despite the extensive
periods of possession and territory enjoyed by the visitors, West Ham held
on to take all three points.
West Ham end their Barclays U18 Premier League Tier One stage season with a
trip to Stoke City next Saturday..
West Ham United U18s: Nemrava, Knoyle, Page, Burke, Harney, Onaraise,
Makasi, Miles (Girdlestone) (Gogo), Ward (Boakye-Yiadom), Parfitt-Williams,
Mavila
Subs not used: Brown, Pike
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Man City 2 West Ham 1
27 April 2013
Last updated at 15:02
By Mandeep Sanghera
BBC Sport
Manchester City's first game since surrendering the Premier League title to
Manchester United ended with a hard-fought win over West Ham. Sergio Aguero
slotted in a low Samir Nasri cross to put the hosts ahead. City failed to
take their chances as Carlos Tevez blazed a shot high and Nasri mistimed a
shot from eight yards. Yaya Toure's curler into the top corner sealed City's
win, although Andy Carroll's shot squirmed past Joe Hart for a late Hammers
consolation goal.
City's 3-1 loss against Tottenham last Sunday allowed rivals Manchester
United to grab back the title with a 3-0 win over Aston Villa on Monday and
there was a subdued atmosphere at the Etihad. However, with the FA Cup final
against Wigan on 11 May, the hosts produced an impressive performance, which
only lacked more of a cutting edge as they tightened their grip on second
place. West Ham, whose top-flight safety is all-but guaranteed, had their
five-match unbeaten run ended by the defeat and, although they improved
after the break, they struggled to create chances. The match soon fell into
the pattern of City trying to prise a way through the massed Hammers ranks
and it did not take long for City's pressure and perseverance to pay off.
Only the woodwork denied the hosts after a David Silva pass deflected off
Hammers captain Kevin Nolan to let in Aguero, who scuffed his shot against
the post.
The Argentine did not take long to atone for his miss. Yaya Toure, Silva and
Nasri combined with some intricate build-up play before the latter teed up
Aguero to slot in at the near post. Almost immediately, City came close to
doubling their lead when a Nasri shot was parried by keeper Jussi
Jaaskelainen, who had to react quickly to turn Pablo Zabaleta's follow-up
around the upright. In a first half marked by a period of applause in a
touching tribute to Marc-Vivien Foe, who played for both clubs and died
playing for Cameroon nearly 10 years ago, West Ham's best chance came when
Mohamed Diame's volley was saved at the second attempt by Hart. City
capitulated when 1-0 up last week at Spurs and, when Tevez blazed over after
a well-worked move after the break, their failure to create more of a
cushion kept the Hammers in the game. The visitors thought they should have
had a penalty when a Matt Jarvis cross struck Zabaleta's arm, although it
was more ball to hand and the appeal was waved away by referee Howard Webb.
City could not find a finishing touch to some eye-catching passing moves as
Nasri had a shot saved and a Tevez effort was diverted over by a lunging
Joey O'Brien. An unmarked Nasri's failure to convert a Tevez cross only
added to City's anxieties and they were nearly punished for their profligacy
when Collins sent a shot just wide after the home side failed to clear a
corner. Yaya Toure finally settled his side's nerves and he did it in style
by sending a 20-yard curling left-foot shot into the top corner, with
Carroll's late goal little more than a nuisance for the hosts.
Manchester City manager Roberto Mancini: "I'm happy with this performance.
I'm unhappy for the goals we missed as we could have scored more goals but
this has been our problem this season. "I'm also happy we remembered
Marc-Vivien Foe, who was a great player for Manchester City. "West Ham are a
good team and have had a good season but we deserved to score four, five or
six goals."
West Ham boss Sam Allardyce: "The second-half performance was more like us
and, in the end, it was a stunning goal from Yaya Toure which secured the
game for them. "Our goals away from home have been poor this year and we
must improve on that next season. "We'll hopefully address that in the
summer but before that we have got three important games and we will try to
keep improving our performances."
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Top ten on the cards
KUMB.com
Filed: Saturday, 27th April 2013
By: Staff Writer
West Ham have remained in the top half of the Premier League after today's
round of matches, despite falling to defeat at Manchester City earlier in
the day.
United were beaten 2-1 at the City of Manchester Stadium earlier this
lunchtime, meaning that both Fulham and Southampton could have potentially
overtaken them later in the day.
However those fears failed to materialise with Fulham losing 1-0 to Everton
at Goodison Park and the Saints suffering a crushing 3-0 home defeat against
West Bromwich Albion.
Those results leave West Ham - who will play two of their remaining three
fixtures this season at the Boleyn Ground - in with a great chance of
recording their first top flight, top ten finish since Gianfranco Zola's
squad finished ninth (with 51 points) back in 2008/09.
First Season Back: How They Fared
Six of West Ham United's 14 full-time managers - Sam Allardyce, Alan Pardew,
Billy Bonds, John Lyall, Ted Fenton and Syd King - have taken charge of a
Hammers side newly promoted to the top flight - three of whom recorded a top
ten finish.
Here's how those teams finished in their first season back...
Sam Allardyce (2012/13): 10th*
Alan Pardew (2005/06): 9th
Billy Bonds (1993/94): 13th
Billy Bonds (1991/92): 22nd
John Lyall (1981/82): 9th
Ted Fenton (1958/59): 6th
Syd King (1923/24): 13th
*Position at time of writing
Remaining 2012/13 Fixtures
Current Premier League Table
Pos Team Pld Pts GD
9 Swansea 33 42 1
10 West Ham Utd 35 42 -8
11 Fulham 35 40 -9
12 Stoke City 35 40 -10
13 Southampton 35 39 -10
Left To Play
Swansea: Chelsea (a); Man City (h); Wigan (a); Man Utd (a); Fulham (h).
West Ham Utd: Newcastle Utd (h); Everton (a); Reading (h).
Fulham: Reading (h); Liverpool (h); Swansea (a).
Stoke City: Sunderland (a); Tottenham (h); Southampton (a).
Southampton: Tottenham (a); Sunderland (a); Stoke City (h).
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End of the road for Hearn
KUMB.com
Filed: Saturday, 27th April 2013
By: Staff Writer
Barry Hearn's challenge over the Olympic Stadium appears to be dead in the
water after he was told there would be no judicial review to examine the
process.
Hearn revealed at the beginning of March that he would be seeking judicial
review into the decision to award tenancy of the stadium to West Ham.
However it is reported that lawyers acting on behalf of other parties have
been informed that Hearn's appeal has been rejected.
The Dagenham-born former accountant, now 64, has long argued that West Ham's
relocation to Stratford could sound the death knell for his club, despite
the two having co-existed within a few miles of each other for more than 70
years since the League One club - formerly known as Clapton Orient - moved
into the area.
Opponents have claimed that Hearn cares little about the future of Orient,
London's second-oldest club and simply views the situation as a money-making
opportunity.
Hearn himself is yet to comment on the latest news but he admitted recently
that should his latest challenge fail, he would not continue his fight
against Wes tHam United's move to Stratford. "Eventually I will get beaten.
They may go through the motions," he said. "If I lose the judicial review, I
have got to walk. I've cost people a lot of money and spent a lot of money
myself, but I don't regret it because I think I am in the right."
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Man City 2-1 West Ham Utd
KUMB.com
Filed: Saturday, 27th April 2013
By: staf
West Ham United were predictably - yet narrowly - beaten at the City of
Manchester stadium in today's early kick off.
Goals from Sergio Aguero and Yaya Toure - one in either half - ensured the
reigning Premier League champions won all three points in the day's
lunchtime game, although Andy Carroll at least gave the travelling fans
something to cheer about with an injury time consolation effort.
It is often said that incorrect refereeing decisions even themselves out
over the season. However in terms of matches against the Premier League's
established 'big four', that is most certainly not the case as far as West
Ham are concerned this season.
Even prior to today's game, West Ham have been on the wrong end of a number
of key decisions in these games since last August.
Two goals incorrectly ruled out against Chelsea (one home, one away), Robin
Van Persie's offside goal at the Boleyn recently and Kevin Nolan's perfectly
legitimate strike in the corresponding fixture against Man City back in
November suggests that equality is not high on the agenda, nor ever likely
to be achieved in a league which positively favours those at its zenith.
And so it was the case again this afternoon when City defender Pablo
Zabaleta's arm twice made contact with the ball inside the penalty area in
the second half - and twice saw appeals go in his favour.
In fairness to the Argentinian, the first incident - in which the ball was
played against him - was certainly not a penalty and has it been given,
would have been extremely harsh. However the second - when he leaned towards
a shot and clearly made contact with his lower arm - definitely was.
One can only conclude that match official Howard Webb, whose impartiality
has been called into question on numerous occasions, failed to spot the
infringement.
In what was to prove a disappointing opening 45 minutes for West Ham, the
Citizens scored the only goal of the half on 28 minutes when a move
involving in excess of 15 passes on West Ham's right was completed by
£40million man Aguero, ghosting in on the blind side of the
otherwise-impeccable Winston Reid, to finish from close range.
However Sam Allardyce's side were a different proposition after the break
and, given a bit of luck, they may well have extended their unbeaten run to
six games today.
James Collins, Andy Carroll and Kevin Nolan all saw good opportunitties
spurned before Yaya Toure finally put the game beyond West Ham on the 82nd
minute. Having picked up the ball outside the box, City's midfield driving
force whipped a curling, dipping shot into Jussi Jaaskelainen's far corner.
To their credit, West Ham continued to push on and eventually got their
reward - even if they did have to wait until the fourth minute of added-on
time to get it. England 'keeper Joe Hart, who endured a bit of a nightmare
today allowed Andy Carroll's header to squirm between his legs and over the
line.
Manchester City 2-1 West Ham United: Match Facts
West Ham Utd: Jaaskelainen, Demel, Collins, Reid, O'Brien (C.Cole 81),
Diame, O'Neil, Nolan (Taylor 81), Vaz Te (Collison 66), Carroll, Jarvis.
Subs Not Used: Henderson, Pogatetz, Noble, J.Cole.
Goals: Carroll (90+3).
Booked: Carroll (20), Collison (71), O'Brien (78).
Shots On/Off Target: 6/3 (9).
Manchester City: Hart, Zabaleta, Kompany, Lescott, Clichy, Y.Toure, Silva
(Milner 78), Barry, Nasri (K.Toure 87), Aguero, Tevez (Garcia 83).
Subs Not Used: Pantilimon, Nastasic, Kolarov, Dzeko.
Goals: Aguero (28), Y.Toure (83).
Booked: Zabaleta (78).
Shots On/Off Target: 10/6 (16).
Possession: Man City 61%-39% West Ham Utd
Corners: Man City 9-4 West Ham Utd
Fouls: Man City 9-7 West Ham Utd
Referee: Howard Webb.
Attendance: 47,183.
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Allardyce: gulf in resources, not effort
KUMB.com
Filed: Saturday, 27th April 2013
By: Staff Writer
Sam Allardyce has praised his team for their efforts after West Ham were
narrowly beaten at the City of Manchester Stadium this afternoon.
Allardyce's West Ham went down 2-1 to the current Premier League champions
in their penultimate away game of the campaign thanks to goals from Sergio
Aguero - who alone cost City more than West Ham's entire starting XI today -
and Yaya Toure, with Andy Carroll grabbing an injury-time consolation for
the Hammers.
However Allardyce, who is poised to sign a new contract that will keep him
in charge at the Boleyn until West Ham move to the Olympic Stadium felt that
his side were never out of the game - and could have even snatched a point.
"At least we showed that we could have [taken something from the game] in
the second half," he said. "I was concerned at the respect our players were
showing the opposition in the first half; we had plenty of possession but
just gave it straight back, so we had to improve that.
"From the very start of the second half we got in their final third and
persisted in doing that the whole of the game. But as has been our problem
all season, we haven't scored enough goals. I know Andy's got one at the end
which is another one to add to his tally but it perhaps should have come a
little sooner.
"In the end, had Yaya Toure not scored that screamer - and you can't blame
your defenders for a goal like that, it was outstanding - who knows. But we
always stayed in the game and our second half performance was pleasing
against a top-quality team. "They've spent millions of pounds on it and
we've managed to match their levels on occasions in the second half and
cause them a few problems. Whilst the first half performance was below par
for us, the second - against this opposition - was very good."
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Zabaleta apologises for O'Brien spat
KUMB.com
Filed: Saturday, 27th April 2013
By: Staff Writer
Manchester City's Argentinian defender Pablo Zabaleta has apologised for his
part in the fracas that saw both him and West Ham United's Joey O'Brien
booked in the second half of today's Premier League clash. Zabaleta reacted
to a late tackle by the Irish Hammer of the Year contender by shoving
O'Brien in the chest - the consequence of which was a caution for both
players. But speaking to the press after the game, Zabaleta admitted that he
was wrong to react in the way that he did. "I think it was a bad tackle but
I have to say 'sorry' for my reaction," he said. "I know it wasn't the best
reaction, but I said that to the referee. Sometimes when you're on the pitch
it's different, sometimes you get angry and it was a bad tackle. But this
time it was a yellow card for both [of us] and that's ok."
Meanwhile City boss Roberto Mancini felt that his side had fully deserved to
win today's encounter, which finished 2-1 in favour of the hosts. "We could
have scored four, five, six goals, " he claimed. "But today it was important
to win. "We scored a fantastic first goal but sometimes we want our football
to be too beautiful. But it was important that we got three points."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham boss Sam Allardyce keen to add to squad after Man City defeat
Last Updated: April 27, 2013 4:59pm
SSN
Sam Allardyce admitted he would need to improve his West Ham United squad in
the summer after witnessing their 2-1 loss to Manchester City, but he was
encouraged by their second-half showing at the Etihad Stadium. City were
dominant in the first half as Sergio Aguero opened the scoring, but the game
was more evenly contested after the interval and the Hammers carved out
chances to draw level. However, Yaya Toure's fabulous shot left West Ham
with too much to do and they could only pull one goal back in stoppage-time
thanks to Andy Carroll. Asked if he felt West Ham could have got something
from the match, Allardyce told Sky Sports: "At least we showed that we
possibly could in the second half, because I was just a little bit concerned
about the players showing too much respect to City in the first half and
giving the ball straight back to them.
Allardyce wants better players
"We had to improve our play in possession and we persisted to do that
throughout the whole game but, as our problem has been all season, for the
chances created there are not enough goals scored. "Our second-half
performance was pleasing because they are a top-quality team who have spent
millions of pounds and we managed to get to their level at times in the
second half and cause them a few problems." West Ham remain comfortably
placed in mid-table despite Saturday's defeat but Allardyce is aware that he
will need to bring in reinforcements in the transfer window to keep the club
moving forward. Questioned on what he would need to add over the summer, he
replied: "Better players, it's as simple as that. Finding them and getting
them is the hard bit, but if we can then we will get better and hopefully
become an established Premier League side."
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Scouse proud: Andy Carroll drops hint at Anfield return by buying house in
Liverpool
27 Apr 2013 22:30
The Mirror
Ian Walton
Andy Carroll has provided the most significant clue yet that he's ready to
re-build his Liverpool career. The £35million striker is close to agreeing a
move - to a new house in Southport. And that could sabotage West Ham's hopes
of signing the 24 year-old England ace. Hammers boss Sam Allardyce wants
Carroll to stay after spending this season on loan from Anfield. But the
hitman wants to have another go at establishing himself at the Reds – and
boss Brendan Rodgers may need him with Luis Suarez's future uncertain.
Meanwhile, Sir Geoff Hurst has urged West Ham fans to make their views on
the switch to the Olympic Stadium known to the Upton Park board. Fans are
divided on the move and a consultation process has been started so they can
voice their opposition or support. West Ham are keen to hear from
supporters and England World Cup hero Hurst said: "I am delighted Hammers
fans will have this opportunity to tell the club their opinions about the
Olympic Stadium. "It is essential that as many supporters as possible use
the opportunity to offer their opinions on this exciting move. "I'm a fan
and I know what I think about the move. I wholeheartedly support it and it
will be a major step forward for the club. "For West Ham to move forward, we
need a bigger ground, we need better facilities and that is what we will
get at the Olympic Stadium. The accessibility at Stratford is second to
none. And we will have one of the best stadiums in the country, if not the
world. "It is something that I will be looking forward to and I am sure the
majority of fans will be thinking the same. "It is such a fantastic
opportunity for the club. I would urge everyone who can to have their say –
whatever their opinion."
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http://vyperz.blogspot.com
WHUFC.com
Assistant manager Neil McDonald said West Ham United had been unlucky to
lose 2-1 at Manchester City
27.04.2013
Assistant manager Neil McDonald believes West Ham United were unfortunate to
leave Manchester City with nothing on Saturday. The Hammers travelled to the
Etihad Stadium to face Roberto Mancini's men and gave a good account of
themselves, only to be undone by world-class goals from Sergio Aguero and
Yaya Toure. Andy Carroll was rewarded for another good all-round performance
with a last-gasp goal, but it was not quite enough to avert a 2-1 Barclays
Premier League defeat. "It was a narrow defeat," said Macca. "We were really
disappointed with our possession in the first half but I thought we can out
in the second half, with instructions from the manager, and played how we
wanted to play. "We really dominated the first 15 minutes of the second half
and gave ourselves an opportunity to get back into it. We created chances
and then Toure went and popped it into the top corner from 25 yards. "All
credit to the boys because they kept the ball a lot better in the second
half and moved it on a bit more and got it into the box. We got crosses into
the box and did it well in the second half. "They went right to the final
whistle and we got our just rewards, really. We're slightly disappointed
that we lost the game, but there were a few positives, particularly that the
second half was a lot better than the first half was."
City's goals are both likely to feature in any April Goal of the Month
montage. The first, midway through the opening half, saw Samir Nasri and
Yaya Toure combine twice before the France international cut the ball back
for Sergio Aguero to convert from close-range. The second, seven minutes
from full-time, saw Toure collect 25 yards out before turning and unleashing
a Gareth Bale-esque rocket into the top left-hand corner. "They were super
goals, of course. The individual talent leads to the end product, whether it
is a good ball or a finish into the back of the net. They were top-class
goals and that is why they finished top of the league last year. "I think we
acquitted ourselves really well even if we were slightly disappointed with
our first half. The second half was much better and we'll be looking to play
like that for the rest of the season."
Carroll's goal was his seventh of the season and his sixth in ten
appearances. "Andy has got his reward for going to the end but, especially
with them scoring their second in the top corner, it's a shame because
otherwise his goal might have just got snatched us a draw," lamented Macca.
"The attitude of the players not giving in and the attitude of them in the
second half to do what the manager had told them were pleasing. "Every
credit to them but we have lost the game. We were on a bit of a run but
that's gone now, so we need to make sure we get back on it during the last
two or three games and finish on a high."
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Unbeaten run ended at City
WHUFC.com
Manchester City defeated West Ham United 2-1 at the Etihad Stadium on
Saturday
27.04.2013
West Ham United's five-game unbeaten run was brought to an end by Manchester
City on Saturday, who scored either side of half time through Sergio Aguero
and Yaya Toure to maintain their bid for a second-place finish. City may
have had their grip on the league title released this week by local rivals
Manchester United, but the FA Cup finalists still produced enough quality to
see off the Hammers. Their goals oozed class in different methods - Aguero's
for the slick team move which preceded it and Toure's for the arrow-like
thunderbolt from outside the area. West Ham showed great spirit and gave
their hosts moments of worry, particularly in the second period, and Andy
Carroll's injury time consolation at least gave their travelling supporters
something to cheer. After a low-key start to the game, City began to click
into gear and were not far away from taking an 18th minute lead when the
visitors only half cleared a corner and David Silva sent in a left-footed
drive which wistled past the post. Four minutes later they went even closer,
with only the woodwork saving West Ham on this occasion. Aguero should have
done better as Silva's pass inside deflected off Kevin Nolan and dropped
perfectly for him, but concerned by James Collins who was trying desperately
to get back, the Argentine scuffed his shot against the far post.
Both sets of supporters rose to applaud in the memory of Marc-Vivien Foe
with 23 minutes on the clock, and as their fitting tribute took place,
Mohamed Diame tested Joe Hart with a well-struck volley from the edge of the
box. City's threat was growing tangibly, however, and they opened the
scoring with a goal of real quality after 28 minutes. Aguero made amends for
his earlier miss, stroking home from six yards after Samir Nasri drove into
the box, played a neat one-two with Silva and squared for his striker to
finish. It was very nearly two immediately afterwards, but Jussi
Jaaskelainen made a double stop to save his side, springing up quickly after
he could not hold Nasri's drive to block Pablo Zabaleta on the follow up.
The Hammers struggled to affect the game as an attacking force before the
break, but they were able to force City onto the back foot at the start of
the second period as Sam Allardyce's men flew out of the traps.
Matt Jarvis was more involved and he supplied a couple of dangerous crosses,
but Carroll was being well marshalled by Vincent Kompany and he could not
get enough purchase on his headed chances.
West Ham appeared to grow in belief as the game wore on, but at the same
time City possessed a constant threat and Jaaskelainen had to stand up by
his near post to deny Nasri after the former Arsenal man found space inside
the box. Joey O'Brien then made an excellent block to divert Carlos Tevez'
close range effort over the bar. The former Hammer looked set to score after
strike partner Aguero danced away from James Collins inside the area and
knocked the ball square. With 18 minutes left Nasri was similarly
profligate, miskicking when left with the goal at his mercy by Tevez' low
cross. At the other end Collins dragged a left-footed shot just wide of the
mark after a Matt Taylor free kick bounced around the box. But seven minutes
from the end the Hammers' challenge was effectively killed off by a
thunderbolt from Yaya Toure, who fired into the top right-hand corner of
Jaaskelainen's net with his left foot from 25 yards. West Ham nevertheless
deserved a goal for their second half efforts and it arrived in the last
knockings when Carroll brought down Guy Demel's cross on his chest and
drilled through Joe Hart's attempted save to notch a consolation.
Manchester City: Hart; Zabaleta, Kompany, Lescott, Clichy; Y.Toure, Silva
(Milner 78), Barry, Nasri (K.Toure 87); Aguero, Tevez (Garcia 83)
Subs: Pantilimon (GK), Dzeko, Kolarov, Nastasic
Goals: Aguero 28, Y.Toure 83
Booked: Zabaleta
West Ham United: Jaaskelainen; Demel, Collins, Reid, O'Brien (C.Cole 81);
Diame, O'Neil, Nolan (Taylor 81); Vaz Te (Collison 66), Carroll, Jarvis
Subs: Henderson (GK), Noble, Pogatetz, J.Cole
Goal: Carroll 90+4
Booked: Carroll, Collison, O'Brien
Referee: Howard Webb
Attendance: 47,183
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U18s complete Reds double
WHUFC.com
Steve Potts' West Ham United U18s emulated the Development Squad by beating
Liverpool 2-1 on Saturday
27.04.2013
West Ham United secured a deserved 2-1 victory over Liverpool in their final
home game of the Premier U18 League Tier One Stage at Little Heath on
Saturday. Goals for the Hammers in the opening half-hour from Joe Ward and
Nathan Mavila (pictured) put the Hammers on course for victory; with Alex
O'Hanlon's second-half strike only a consolation for the visiting Reds. Both
sides named a host of young players in their starting line-ups, with Potts
giving starts to Vit Nemrava, Nathan Mavila, Reece Burke and Taylor Miles,
who were all part of Nick Haycock's Development Squad for their own 2-1
Barclays U21 Premier League victory over Liverpool on Friday evening. With
both teams aiming to get some points on the board before the end of the
season, the game started in very lively fashion. The visitors looked more
comfortable with the ball in the midfield, but West Ham were looking more
dangerous in attack.
The Hammers were ahead after ten minutes. As West Ham attacked regularly
down both wings, it was Mavila who was released down the left flank, making
a low cross to the unmarked Ward, who directed the ball into the bottom
left-hand corner of the net.
Liverpool tried to react straight away, but just ten minutes later, Ward and
Mavila linked up again on the counter attack. As Ward progressed over the
halfway line, Mavila sprinted through the defence to prepare to receive the
ball, but Ward failed to put enough pace on the ball and the pass was
intercepted.
Just before the half-hour mark, West Ham doubled their lead. A long ball
forward from Emmanuel Onaraise was aimed at Mavila, who turned his marker on
the halfway line to run through on goal, taking his time before powering his
shot into the corner of the net. Before the break, Liverpool had a clear
opportunity on goal to get back into the game. From a corner, the ball found
Danny Cleary in the box, but the defender sliced his effort straight into
the hands of schoolboy goalkeeper Nemrava.
After the break, Liverpool came out much quicker, looking to put pressure on
a strong Hammers defence. Ten minutes into the second half, the Merseysiders
got the goal they had been searching for. An unlikely mistake in the home
back line gave O'Hanlon a chance to run through on goal, and he kept his
cool to slot past Nemrava. The goal gave Liverpool inspiration to push for
the equaliser, but the Hammers stayed strong and cleared all the danger,
reducing their opponents to long-range shots. In the closing stages of the
game, Liverpool were starting to get frustrated. Despite the extensive
periods of possession and territory enjoyed by the visitors, West Ham held
on to take all three points.
West Ham end their Barclays U18 Premier League Tier One stage season with a
trip to Stoke City next Saturday..
West Ham United U18s: Nemrava, Knoyle, Page, Burke, Harney, Onaraise,
Makasi, Miles (Girdlestone) (Gogo), Ward (Boakye-Yiadom), Parfitt-Williams,
Mavila
Subs not used: Brown, Pike
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Man City 2 West Ham 1
27 April 2013
Last updated at 15:02
By Mandeep Sanghera
BBC Sport
Manchester City's first game since surrendering the Premier League title to
Manchester United ended with a hard-fought win over West Ham. Sergio Aguero
slotted in a low Samir Nasri cross to put the hosts ahead. City failed to
take their chances as Carlos Tevez blazed a shot high and Nasri mistimed a
shot from eight yards. Yaya Toure's curler into the top corner sealed City's
win, although Andy Carroll's shot squirmed past Joe Hart for a late Hammers
consolation goal.
City's 3-1 loss against Tottenham last Sunday allowed rivals Manchester
United to grab back the title with a 3-0 win over Aston Villa on Monday and
there was a subdued atmosphere at the Etihad. However, with the FA Cup final
against Wigan on 11 May, the hosts produced an impressive performance, which
only lacked more of a cutting edge as they tightened their grip on second
place. West Ham, whose top-flight safety is all-but guaranteed, had their
five-match unbeaten run ended by the defeat and, although they improved
after the break, they struggled to create chances. The match soon fell into
the pattern of City trying to prise a way through the massed Hammers ranks
and it did not take long for City's pressure and perseverance to pay off.
Only the woodwork denied the hosts after a David Silva pass deflected off
Hammers captain Kevin Nolan to let in Aguero, who scuffed his shot against
the post.
The Argentine did not take long to atone for his miss. Yaya Toure, Silva and
Nasri combined with some intricate build-up play before the latter teed up
Aguero to slot in at the near post. Almost immediately, City came close to
doubling their lead when a Nasri shot was parried by keeper Jussi
Jaaskelainen, who had to react quickly to turn Pablo Zabaleta's follow-up
around the upright. In a first half marked by a period of applause in a
touching tribute to Marc-Vivien Foe, who played for both clubs and died
playing for Cameroon nearly 10 years ago, West Ham's best chance came when
Mohamed Diame's volley was saved at the second attempt by Hart. City
capitulated when 1-0 up last week at Spurs and, when Tevez blazed over after
a well-worked move after the break, their failure to create more of a
cushion kept the Hammers in the game. The visitors thought they should have
had a penalty when a Matt Jarvis cross struck Zabaleta's arm, although it
was more ball to hand and the appeal was waved away by referee Howard Webb.
City could not find a finishing touch to some eye-catching passing moves as
Nasri had a shot saved and a Tevez effort was diverted over by a lunging
Joey O'Brien. An unmarked Nasri's failure to convert a Tevez cross only
added to City's anxieties and they were nearly punished for their profligacy
when Collins sent a shot just wide after the home side failed to clear a
corner. Yaya Toure finally settled his side's nerves and he did it in style
by sending a 20-yard curling left-foot shot into the top corner, with
Carroll's late goal little more than a nuisance for the hosts.
Manchester City manager Roberto Mancini: "I'm happy with this performance.
I'm unhappy for the goals we missed as we could have scored more goals but
this has been our problem this season. "I'm also happy we remembered
Marc-Vivien Foe, who was a great player for Manchester City. "West Ham are a
good team and have had a good season but we deserved to score four, five or
six goals."
West Ham boss Sam Allardyce: "The second-half performance was more like us
and, in the end, it was a stunning goal from Yaya Toure which secured the
game for them. "Our goals away from home have been poor this year and we
must improve on that next season. "We'll hopefully address that in the
summer but before that we have got three important games and we will try to
keep improving our performances."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Top ten on the cards
KUMB.com
Filed: Saturday, 27th April 2013
By: Staff Writer
West Ham have remained in the top half of the Premier League after today's
round of matches, despite falling to defeat at Manchester City earlier in
the day.
United were beaten 2-1 at the City of Manchester Stadium earlier this
lunchtime, meaning that both Fulham and Southampton could have potentially
overtaken them later in the day.
However those fears failed to materialise with Fulham losing 1-0 to Everton
at Goodison Park and the Saints suffering a crushing 3-0 home defeat against
West Bromwich Albion.
Those results leave West Ham - who will play two of their remaining three
fixtures this season at the Boleyn Ground - in with a great chance of
recording their first top flight, top ten finish since Gianfranco Zola's
squad finished ninth (with 51 points) back in 2008/09.
First Season Back: How They Fared
Six of West Ham United's 14 full-time managers - Sam Allardyce, Alan Pardew,
Billy Bonds, John Lyall, Ted Fenton and Syd King - have taken charge of a
Hammers side newly promoted to the top flight - three of whom recorded a top
ten finish.
Here's how those teams finished in their first season back...
Sam Allardyce (2012/13): 10th*
Alan Pardew (2005/06): 9th
Billy Bonds (1993/94): 13th
Billy Bonds (1991/92): 22nd
John Lyall (1981/82): 9th
Ted Fenton (1958/59): 6th
Syd King (1923/24): 13th
*Position at time of writing
Remaining 2012/13 Fixtures
Current Premier League Table
Pos Team Pld Pts GD
9 Swansea 33 42 1
10 West Ham Utd 35 42 -8
11 Fulham 35 40 -9
12 Stoke City 35 40 -10
13 Southampton 35 39 -10
Left To Play
Swansea: Chelsea (a); Man City (h); Wigan (a); Man Utd (a); Fulham (h).
West Ham Utd: Newcastle Utd (h); Everton (a); Reading (h).
Fulham: Reading (h); Liverpool (h); Swansea (a).
Stoke City: Sunderland (a); Tottenham (h); Southampton (a).
Southampton: Tottenham (a); Sunderland (a); Stoke City (h).
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
End of the road for Hearn
KUMB.com
Filed: Saturday, 27th April 2013
By: Staff Writer
Barry Hearn's challenge over the Olympic Stadium appears to be dead in the
water after he was told there would be no judicial review to examine the
process.
Hearn revealed at the beginning of March that he would be seeking judicial
review into the decision to award tenancy of the stadium to West Ham.
However it is reported that lawyers acting on behalf of other parties have
been informed that Hearn's appeal has been rejected.
The Dagenham-born former accountant, now 64, has long argued that West Ham's
relocation to Stratford could sound the death knell for his club, despite
the two having co-existed within a few miles of each other for more than 70
years since the League One club - formerly known as Clapton Orient - moved
into the area.
Opponents have claimed that Hearn cares little about the future of Orient,
London's second-oldest club and simply views the situation as a money-making
opportunity.
Hearn himself is yet to comment on the latest news but he admitted recently
that should his latest challenge fail, he would not continue his fight
against Wes tHam United's move to Stratford. "Eventually I will get beaten.
They may go through the motions," he said. "If I lose the judicial review, I
have got to walk. I've cost people a lot of money and spent a lot of money
myself, but I don't regret it because I think I am in the right."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Man City 2-1 West Ham Utd
KUMB.com
Filed: Saturday, 27th April 2013
By: staf
West Ham United were predictably - yet narrowly - beaten at the City of
Manchester stadium in today's early kick off.
Goals from Sergio Aguero and Yaya Toure - one in either half - ensured the
reigning Premier League champions won all three points in the day's
lunchtime game, although Andy Carroll at least gave the travelling fans
something to cheer about with an injury time consolation effort.
It is often said that incorrect refereeing decisions even themselves out
over the season. However in terms of matches against the Premier League's
established 'big four', that is most certainly not the case as far as West
Ham are concerned this season.
Even prior to today's game, West Ham have been on the wrong end of a number
of key decisions in these games since last August.
Two goals incorrectly ruled out against Chelsea (one home, one away), Robin
Van Persie's offside goal at the Boleyn recently and Kevin Nolan's perfectly
legitimate strike in the corresponding fixture against Man City back in
November suggests that equality is not high on the agenda, nor ever likely
to be achieved in a league which positively favours those at its zenith.
And so it was the case again this afternoon when City defender Pablo
Zabaleta's arm twice made contact with the ball inside the penalty area in
the second half - and twice saw appeals go in his favour.
In fairness to the Argentinian, the first incident - in which the ball was
played against him - was certainly not a penalty and has it been given,
would have been extremely harsh. However the second - when he leaned towards
a shot and clearly made contact with his lower arm - definitely was.
One can only conclude that match official Howard Webb, whose impartiality
has been called into question on numerous occasions, failed to spot the
infringement.
In what was to prove a disappointing opening 45 minutes for West Ham, the
Citizens scored the only goal of the half on 28 minutes when a move
involving in excess of 15 passes on West Ham's right was completed by
£40million man Aguero, ghosting in on the blind side of the
otherwise-impeccable Winston Reid, to finish from close range.
However Sam Allardyce's side were a different proposition after the break
and, given a bit of luck, they may well have extended their unbeaten run to
six games today.
James Collins, Andy Carroll and Kevin Nolan all saw good opportunitties
spurned before Yaya Toure finally put the game beyond West Ham on the 82nd
minute. Having picked up the ball outside the box, City's midfield driving
force whipped a curling, dipping shot into Jussi Jaaskelainen's far corner.
To their credit, West Ham continued to push on and eventually got their
reward - even if they did have to wait until the fourth minute of added-on
time to get it. England 'keeper Joe Hart, who endured a bit of a nightmare
today allowed Andy Carroll's header to squirm between his legs and over the
line.
Manchester City 2-1 West Ham United: Match Facts
West Ham Utd: Jaaskelainen, Demel, Collins, Reid, O'Brien (C.Cole 81),
Diame, O'Neil, Nolan (Taylor 81), Vaz Te (Collison 66), Carroll, Jarvis.
Subs Not Used: Henderson, Pogatetz, Noble, J.Cole.
Goals: Carroll (90+3).
Booked: Carroll (20), Collison (71), O'Brien (78).
Shots On/Off Target: 6/3 (9).
Manchester City: Hart, Zabaleta, Kompany, Lescott, Clichy, Y.Toure, Silva
(Milner 78), Barry, Nasri (K.Toure 87), Aguero, Tevez (Garcia 83).
Subs Not Used: Pantilimon, Nastasic, Kolarov, Dzeko.
Goals: Aguero (28), Y.Toure (83).
Booked: Zabaleta (78).
Shots On/Off Target: 10/6 (16).
Possession: Man City 61%-39% West Ham Utd
Corners: Man City 9-4 West Ham Utd
Fouls: Man City 9-7 West Ham Utd
Referee: Howard Webb.
Attendance: 47,183.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Allardyce: gulf in resources, not effort
KUMB.com
Filed: Saturday, 27th April 2013
By: Staff Writer
Sam Allardyce has praised his team for their efforts after West Ham were
narrowly beaten at the City of Manchester Stadium this afternoon.
Allardyce's West Ham went down 2-1 to the current Premier League champions
in their penultimate away game of the campaign thanks to goals from Sergio
Aguero - who alone cost City more than West Ham's entire starting XI today -
and Yaya Toure, with Andy Carroll grabbing an injury-time consolation for
the Hammers.
However Allardyce, who is poised to sign a new contract that will keep him
in charge at the Boleyn until West Ham move to the Olympic Stadium felt that
his side were never out of the game - and could have even snatched a point.
"At least we showed that we could have [taken something from the game] in
the second half," he said. "I was concerned at the respect our players were
showing the opposition in the first half; we had plenty of possession but
just gave it straight back, so we had to improve that.
"From the very start of the second half we got in their final third and
persisted in doing that the whole of the game. But as has been our problem
all season, we haven't scored enough goals. I know Andy's got one at the end
which is another one to add to his tally but it perhaps should have come a
little sooner.
"In the end, had Yaya Toure not scored that screamer - and you can't blame
your defenders for a goal like that, it was outstanding - who knows. But we
always stayed in the game and our second half performance was pleasing
against a top-quality team. "They've spent millions of pounds on it and
we've managed to match their levels on occasions in the second half and
cause them a few problems. Whilst the first half performance was below par
for us, the second - against this opposition - was very good."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Zabaleta apologises for O'Brien spat
KUMB.com
Filed: Saturday, 27th April 2013
By: Staff Writer
Manchester City's Argentinian defender Pablo Zabaleta has apologised for his
part in the fracas that saw both him and West Ham United's Joey O'Brien
booked in the second half of today's Premier League clash. Zabaleta reacted
to a late tackle by the Irish Hammer of the Year contender by shoving
O'Brien in the chest - the consequence of which was a caution for both
players. But speaking to the press after the game, Zabaleta admitted that he
was wrong to react in the way that he did. "I think it was a bad tackle but
I have to say 'sorry' for my reaction," he said. "I know it wasn't the best
reaction, but I said that to the referee. Sometimes when you're on the pitch
it's different, sometimes you get angry and it was a bad tackle. But this
time it was a yellow card for both [of us] and that's ok."
Meanwhile City boss Roberto Mancini felt that his side had fully deserved to
win today's encounter, which finished 2-1 in favour of the hosts. "We could
have scored four, five, six goals, " he claimed. "But today it was important
to win. "We scored a fantastic first goal but sometimes we want our football
to be too beautiful. But it was important that we got three points."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham boss Sam Allardyce keen to add to squad after Man City defeat
Last Updated: April 27, 2013 4:59pm
SSN
Sam Allardyce admitted he would need to improve his West Ham United squad in
the summer after witnessing their 2-1 loss to Manchester City, but he was
encouraged by their second-half showing at the Etihad Stadium. City were
dominant in the first half as Sergio Aguero opened the scoring, but the game
was more evenly contested after the interval and the Hammers carved out
chances to draw level. However, Yaya Toure's fabulous shot left West Ham
with too much to do and they could only pull one goal back in stoppage-time
thanks to Andy Carroll. Asked if he felt West Ham could have got something
from the match, Allardyce told Sky Sports: "At least we showed that we
possibly could in the second half, because I was just a little bit concerned
about the players showing too much respect to City in the first half and
giving the ball straight back to them.
Allardyce wants better players
"We had to improve our play in possession and we persisted to do that
throughout the whole game but, as our problem has been all season, for the
chances created there are not enough goals scored. "Our second-half
performance was pleasing because they are a top-quality team who have spent
millions of pounds and we managed to get to their level at times in the
second half and cause them a few problems." West Ham remain comfortably
placed in mid-table despite Saturday's defeat but Allardyce is aware that he
will need to bring in reinforcements in the transfer window to keep the club
moving forward. Questioned on what he would need to add over the summer, he
replied: "Better players, it's as simple as that. Finding them and getting
them is the hard bit, but if we can then we will get better and hopefully
become an established Premier League side."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Scouse proud: Andy Carroll drops hint at Anfield return by buying house in
Liverpool
27 Apr 2013 22:30
The Mirror
Ian Walton
Andy Carroll has provided the most significant clue yet that he's ready to
re-build his Liverpool career. The £35million striker is close to agreeing a
move - to a new house in Southport. And that could sabotage West Ham's hopes
of signing the 24 year-old England ace. Hammers boss Sam Allardyce wants
Carroll to stay after spending this season on loan from Anfield. But the
hitman wants to have another go at establishing himself at the Reds – and
boss Brendan Rodgers may need him with Luis Suarez's future uncertain.
Meanwhile, Sir Geoff Hurst has urged West Ham fans to make their views on
the switch to the Olympic Stadium known to the Upton Park board. Fans are
divided on the move and a consultation process has been started so they can
voice their opposition or support. West Ham are keen to hear from
supporters and England World Cup hero Hurst said: "I am delighted Hammers
fans will have this opportunity to tell the club their opinions about the
Olympic Stadium. "It is essential that as many supporters as possible use
the opportunity to offer their opinions on this exciting move. "I'm a fan
and I know what I think about the move. I wholeheartedly support it and it
will be a major step forward for the club. "For West Ham to move forward, we
need a bigger ground, we need better facilities and that is what we will
get at the Olympic Stadium. The accessibility at Stratford is second to
none. And we will have one of the best stadiums in the country, if not the
world. "It is something that I will be looking forward to and I am sure the
majority of fans will be thinking the same. "It is such a fantastic
opportunity for the club. I would urge everyone who can to have their say –
whatever their opinion."
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