Everton match preview
WHUFC.com
All the essential details ahead of West Ham United's final away game of the
season at Goodison Park
10.05.2013
EVERTON v WEST HAM UNITED
BARCLAYS PREMIER LEAGUE
SUNDAY 12 MAY 2013
KICK-OFF: 3PM
REFEREE: MIKE JONES
FULL AUDIO AND TEXT COMMENTARY - WEST HAM TV
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Introduction
• West Ham have lost just two of their previous nine Barclays Premier League
fixtures.
• David Moyes' Everton go into the weekend sixth in the Barclays Premier
League table, having collected 60 points from 36 matches played. Victory
this Saturday would mean the Toffees will definitely finish in the top six
and maintain their hopes of leapfrogging Tottenham Hotspur into fifth
position and a UEFA Europa League place.
• Moyes will take charge of Everton at Goodison Park for the final time
after eleven years in charge of the club. The Toffees confirmed on Thursday
that the Scot will leave the club when his contract expires at the end of
the season.
• Everton have been outstanding at home this season, winning eleven, drawing
six and losing just one of their 18 home Barclays Premier League fixtures.
Everton's sole home defeat of the season came at the hands of Chelsea (1-2)
on 30 December 2012.
• There have been just two goals scored in Everton's previous four Barclays
Premier League fixtures. Goalless draws at Arsenal and Liverpool have come
either side of a 1-0 defeat at Sunderland and 1-0 home win over Fulham.
• West Ham and Everton have met 125 previously in competitive fixtures. The
Hammers have had the worst of things over the years, winning 36 to Everton's
62, with 27 draws. In the league, Everton have recorded 56 victories to the
Hammers' 32.
• The Hammers have not won on any of their last five visits to Goodison
Park. West Ham's most-recent success at Everton came on 14 December 2005,
when Bobby Zamora and a David Weir own-goal secured a 2-1 Premier League
victory. However, the Hammers' two most-recent visits have both ended in 2-2
Premier League draws.
Team news
West Ham United
• Centre-back James Tomkins will hope to be in contention after missing the
last three games with a groin injury.
• Left-back George McCartney is ruled out through a knee injury that will
keep him sidelined for the remainder of the season.
• Rob Hall, Ravel Morrison and Paul McCallum are all back in training at
Chadwell Heath after completing their loan spells with Bolton Wanderers,
Birmingham City and Aldershot Town respectively.
Everton
• Captain Phil Neville could miss out on making a farewell appearance at
Goodison Park due to a knee injury.
Background
• West Ham United and Everton have met 105 times in league matches. Everton
have won 52 times, West Ham have won 32 and there have been 21 draws.
Overall, the two clubs have met 125 times, with Everton winning 62, West Ham
36 and there being 27 draws.
• The Toffees are unbeaten in ten matches against their hosts, including the
last eight Premier League meetings. Everton have won 17 of the 33 Premier
League meetings between the two, while West Ham United have won just six.
• The first-ever meeting between West Ham United and Everton was an FA Cup
second-round tie played on 2 February 1907. Harry Stapley scored for the
Hammers, who were then a Southern League side, but the Division One Toffees
ran out 2-1 winners through goals from Jimmy Settle and Jack Sharp. Everton
would go on to reach the final, losing 2-1 to The Wednesday at Crystal
Palace.
• West Ham United and Everton have met twice at the FA Cup semi-final stage,
with each club winning through once on their way to lifting the trophy at
Wembley. The Toffees scored a 2-1 victory at Molineux on 18 March 1933, when
Vic Watson's goal was cancelled out by Ted Critchley and James Dunn, before
beating Manchester City 3-0 at Wembley. The Division Two Hammers gained
their revenge on 16 April 1980, when Frank Lampard and Alan Devonshire
scored in a 2-1 replay victory at Elland Road. West Ham went on to beat
Arsenal 1-0 in the final.
• West Ham United have never scored more than four goals in a game against
Everton - achieving that feat on six occasions. The Hammers' biggest home
victor over the Toffees was a 4-0 Division One success on 11 February 1961,
when Harry Obeney scored twice and John Dick and Malcolm Musgrove once each.
• Vivian Gibbins scored a hat-trick in a 4-0 Division One win at Goodison
Park on 10 April 1929, while Jimmy Ruffell repeated the feat in a 4-2 home
Division One victory on 5 December 1931 - they remain the only two trebles
netted by West Ham United players against Everton.
• Everton's biggest home win over West Ham came on 22 October 1927, when
they romped to a 7-0 Division One victory at Goodison Park. Tommy White
(two), Ted Critchley, Dick Forshaw, Anthony Weldon, a Jack O'Donnell penalty
and a William Henderson own-goal were on the scoresheet.
• Winston Reid scored past Everton goalkeeper Jan Mucha at the 2010 FIFA
World Cup when his last-minute header secured New Zealand a 1-1 group-stage
draw with Slovakia at the Royal Bafokeng Stadium in Rustenburg.
• Mohamed Diame lined up alongside Everton winger Magaye Gueye, who is
currently on loan at French club Stade Brestois, at the London 2012 Olympic
Games, where the pair helped Senegal to reach the quarter-finals.
• John Campbell scored on his debut in the first-ever league meeting between
the West Ham and Everton on 15 March 1924 - a game which ended in a 2-1 home
Division One victory for the Hammers. Born in South Shields, Campbell scored
eleven goals in 29 appearances for the Hammers before joining Clapton Orient
in 1929.
• Academy graduate Mick Beesley was just 18 when he scored on his debut
against Everton on 24 September 1960, but could not prevent West Ham falling
to a 4-1 Division One defeat at Goodison Park. He would make just one more
first-team appearance before joining Southend United in summer 1962.
• David Unsworth made his West Ham debut against Everton just days after
completing a £1million move to the Hammers from the Merseyside club. The
centre-back ended on the losing side as the Toffees won 2-1 in a Premier
League fixture at Goodison Park on 23 August 1997.
• Trevor Sinclair scored twice on his West Ham debut in a 2-2 Premier League
draw with Everton at the Boleyn Ground on 31 January 1998.
• Charlton Athletic loanee goalkeeper Sasa Ilic endured a debut to forget as
West Ham suffered a 4-0 home Premier League defeat by Everton on 26 February
2000. Ilic would never play for the Hammers again.
• George Eastman (18 April 1925), Jimmy Andrews (24 November 1951), Johnny
Cartwright (17 October 1959), Ron Tindall (25 November 1961), Hayden Foxe
(31 March 2001) and James Tomkins (22 March 2008) also made their West Ham
debuts against Everton.
Last time out
Saturday 4 May 2013
Barclays Premier League
West Ham United 0-0 Newcastle United
West Ham United: Jaaskelainen, Reid, O'Brien, Collins, Demel (Taylor 80),
Nolan, Diame, O'Neil, Jarvis (J.Cole 84), Vaz Te (Collison 58), Carroll
Subs not used: Henderson, Pogatetz, Noble, C.Cole
Sunday 5 May 2013
Barclays Premier League
Liverpool 0-0 Everton
Everton: Howard, Baines, Jagielka, Distin, Coleman, Gibson, Osman, Pienaar,
Fellaini, Mirallas (Jelavic 75), Anichebe
Subs not used: Mucha, Hibbert, Heitinga, Duffy, Oviedo, Naismith
Previous meeting
Everton came from behind to secure a 2-1 Barclays Premier League victory at
West Ham United on 22 December 2012. Carlton Cole put the Hammers in front
with a smart touch and finish from outside the penalty area on 14 minutes.
The Toffees played some good football and levelled matters when Victor
Anichebe became the first opposition player to score a header against the
Hammers this season on 64 minutes. David Moyes' side then hit the front when
Steven Pienaar scrambled the ball home with 16 minutes remaining - just
seconds after Cole had been harshly sent-off after catching Leighton Baines.
Cole's red card was later rescinded, as was that of Everton's Darron Gibson,
who caught Mark Mark Noble with a high boot late on.
West Ham United: Jaaskelainen, Reid, O'Brien (Spence 81), Tomkins, Collins,
Nolan, Jarvis (Collison 88), Taylor, Noble, O'Neil (Maiga 58), C.Cole
Subs not used: Spiegel, Diarra, Moncur, Lletget
Everton: Howard, Baines, Heitinga, Jagielka, Distin, Neville (Naismith 85),
Gibson, Osman, Pienaar (Oviedo 88), Jelavic, Anichebe (Duffy 90)
Subs not used: Mucha, Hitzlsperger, Barkley, Vellios
Last six meetings (Premier League unless stated)
22 December 2012 - West Ham United 1-2 Everton
22 January 2011 - Everton 2-2 West Ham United
28 December 2010 - West Ham United 1-1 Everton
4 April 2010 - Everton 2-2 West Ham United
8 November 2009 - West Ham United 1-2 Everton
16 May 2009 - Everton 3-1 West Ham United
Overall record v Everton (all competitions) W 36 D 27 L 62
Ten-year records
West Ham United
2011/12 Championship 3rd (86 points - promoted via Play-Offs)
2010/11 Premier League 20th (33 points - relegated to Championship)
2009/10 Premier League 17th (35 points)
2008/09 Premier League 9th (51 points)
2007/08 Premier League 10th (49 points)
2006/07 Premier League 15th (41 points)
2005/06 Premier League 9th (55 points)
2004/05 Championship 6th (73 points - promoted via play-offs)
2003/04 Championship 4th (74 points)
2002/03 Premier League 18th (42 points - relegated to Championship)
Everton
2011/12 Premier League 7th (56 points)
2010/11 Premier League 7th (54 points)
2009/10 Premier League 8th (61 points)
2008/09 Premier League 5th (63 points)
2007/08 Premier League 5th (65 points)
2006/07 Premier League 6th (58 points)
2005/06 Premier League 11th (50 points)
2004/05 Premier League 4th (61 points)
2003/04 Premier League 17th (39 points)
2002/03 Premier League 7th (59 points)
Referee
• Sunday's referee will be Mike Jones.
• An experienced official, Jones was promoted to the Football League list of
referees in 1997, with his first match in charge being Mansfield Town versus
Hull City on 9 August of that year.
• Jones has refereed more than 30 matches every season since the 1997/98
campaign, totalling more than 500 senior matches over the last 14 years.
• The official has also taken charge of his fair share of big matches, being
selected to referee the 2007 League Two Play-Off final between Bristol
Rovers and Shrewsbury Town, and the 2007 FA Trophy final between Stevenage
Borough and York City.
• Jones became a Select Group Referee in 2008 and his first match in the
top-flight was Hull City versus Wigan Athletic on 30 August 2008.
• Jones has taken charge of 12 West Ham United matches, the most-recent
being the 1-0 Barclays Premier League defeat at Manchester United on 28
November 2012.
Old boys
• Everton midfielder Thomas Hitzlsperger spent the 2010/11 season at the
Boleyn Ground joining the club in June 2010. Injury hampered his spell at
the club and he did not make his debut until February 2011 when he played in
the FA Cup fifth round against Burnley. He made his league debut in a 3-1
win over Liverpool and he scored his first goal in a 3-0 win over Stoke City
on 5 March 2011.
• Among the players who have represented both clubs are Niclas
Alexandersson, Ray Atteveld, Slaven Bilic, Ian Bishop, Joe Blythe, David
Burrows, Tony Cottee, Charlie Crossley, George Eccles, William Kelly, George
Kitchen, Alex McCartney, Lucas Neill, John Russell, David Unsworth, Mark
Ward, William Wildman, Danny Williamson and Richard Wright.
General information
• All Standard tickets for Sunday's trip to Goodison Park are now SOLD OUT.
Nine pairs of Wheelchair/Carer tickets are still available for this fixture.
Click here for details.
• Saturday's weather forecast at the Goodison Park is for light rain with
maximum temperatures reaching 11C (52F).
• West Ham United travel to Everton for their final Barclays Premier League
away match of 2012/13 on Sunday looking to secure a victory that will keep
them inside the top ten.
• The Hammers have collected 43 points from 36 matches, chalking up three
victories on their travels at Queens Park Rangers (2-1), Newcastle United
(1-0) and Stoke City (1-0). Sam Allardyce's side have also picked up draws
at Norwich City, West Bromwich Albion, Liverpool (all 0-0) and Southampton
(1-1).
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Big Sam on: Everton
WHUFC.com
Big Sam spoke to the press ahead of the Hammers' Barclays Premier League
visit to Everton
10.05.2013
Sam Allardyce insists it will be business as usual for his side, as West Ham
United travel to Goodison Park in what will be David Moyes' final home game
in charge of Everton. While Big Sam fully expects it to be a momentous
occasion for his opposite number, he doesn't foresee any let-up from the
high-flying Toffees. As for Moyes' appointment as Manchester United manager,
the Hammers boss reckons he is the ideal man to succeed Sir Alex Ferguson,
even if it takes time to acclimatise.
It's going to be a strange atmosphere on Sunday. What do you think it will
be like?
SA: "I don't know quite how it's going to be to be honest with you. I
suppose that it's a difficult situation, albeit not for us. We'll go into
the game as professional as ever wanting to try and, if we can, claim three
points at Everton. "In terms of the last home game of David's reign as
Everton manager, it will be an emotional affair for him. But I'm sure,
knowing David as well as I do, that he'll be professional enough and calm
enough to control his emotions and do his very best to prepare the team to
go and win. So I don't expect any favours whatsoever. "I would have thought
and hoped from his point of view that the crowd appreciate what he has done
and show their appreciation. At the end of the day, it's an enormous move
for him and his career has gone to the next level. For what he has done at
Everton over the last eleven years, I don't think anyone can do anything
other than applaud him."
Were you surprised that Sir Alex Ferguson himself recommended David Moyes to
the Manchester United board?
SA: "I'm not surprised. Apart from his talent as a manager, I think it's his
stability that he's shown at Everton. Manchester United need to move on and
try to establish the same sort of stability Sir Alex has given them over the
last 27 years. I think David Moyes is a perfect candidate to try and emulate
what Sir Alex has done, which will be the hardest job he has ever faced.
Having known David for many years, how do you think he will approach it?
SA: "Head on. He'll try to establish his personality and his ideas. I'm sure
he'll adjust but not too quickly. I think it's something he'll do relatively
slowly and he'll try to move the club forward on the same level that it has
been before. It's a huge task for him and the staff that he takes with him.
It is one of the biggest jobs in the world of club football, so it's a
fantastic opportunity for him."
Were you surprised by the timing of Sir Alex's announcement?
SA: "Having had a few days to look at it, probably not, because it's all
timed for the last home game on Sunday, that he's appreciated by the
thousands of supporters that turn out at Old Trafford. Not just picking up
the Barclays Premier League trophy, but also Sir Alex's last home game. So I
suppose from that point of view, that's why it has come out when it as.
"David Moyes has done eleven years at Everton under very difficult
circumstances and managed to secure his position there in this volatile
industry of ours. I'm sure David will see this as the final move of his
career, he hasn't had many. In longevity terms, as long as he wins trophies
at Manchester United David Moyes will stay there."
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Bow's not ready for retirement
WHUFC.com
West Ham United fan and former midfielder Lee Bowyer reveals his plans for
the future
10.05.2013
Lee Bowyer has been keeping a low profile of late - at least since scoring
the winner at the Boleyn Ground for Ipswich Town last season. As it turns
out, the midfielder, who hails from Canning Town, declined a coaching role
or two in the summer, if only because he's not quite ready to call time on
his playing career.
The 36-year-old had long aspired to play for his boyhood club come his West
Ham United debut against last weekend's visitors Newcastle United in January
2003. Much to his anguish, it was to prove a turbulent few months as injury
and the Hammers' relegation left a decidedly bitter taste. "I think West Ham
were bottom when I arrived and things obviously weren't going well," he
recalled. "I could have stayed at Leeds or joined Newcastle but I followed
my heart. "I tried to come and help them get out of the relegation fight but
I wasn't fully fit. I came with a dodgy ankle and had to have an operation
before the end of the season, so it wasn't a particularly nice ending."
With unfinished business at the Boleyn Ground, Bowyer returned in the summer
of 2006, determined to make amends for that first painful six-month stint.
"The second spell was a much better time," he continued. "They were two
completely different scenarios. I felt like I didn't really show everyone
what I was capable of first time round. I wanted an opportunity to put
things right and hopefully I did that to some extent. "As a kid all I wanted
was to play for West Ham and I was fortunate enough to do that. I would
never change it. There aren't many players out there who get to play for the
club they supported."
Bowyer rightly predicted that last Saturday's clash with the Magpies -
another of his former clubs - would end in a draw, and the midfielder
believes West Ham can now relax and enjoy their remaining two fixtures at
Everton and at home to relegated Reading. "West Ham are safe anyway, they've
had a great season and can start planning for the next. Sam Allardyce knows
how to keep sides in the Premier League. For as long as he's there, West Ham
will be in the Premier League every year, I guarantee that."
Bowyer's own whereabouts have been something of a mystery since departing
Portman Road at the end of last term. But far from falling off the face of
football, he is still keen on getting a club for next season. "I'm doing my
coaching badges at the moment and spending time with my family. I might try
to nick another year as a player next season. I could have played this year
but it wasn't really right. Paul Jewell wanted to keep me on as a coach at
Ipswich but I wasn't quite was ready for that. "I got offered a
player-coaching role at Gillingham with Martin Allen but didn't really fancy
it either. I don't think you can be a player and a coach because when you
walk into the dressing room the players will think 'He's going to be the
teacher's pet.' I didn't want to be put in that position. "With the people
that I've worked with and played under it would be criminal not to go into
coaching. I've worked under five former England managers and learned a hell
of a lot in the game. I'm not interested in being a manager, but I'd like to
coach youngsters, perhaps U16s or U18s and guide them with my experience."
*This interview with Lee Bowyer originally appeared in Saturday's Official
Programme for the visit of Newcastle United.
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Diame scoops awards treble
WHUFC.com
West Ham United midfielder Mohamed Diame enjoyed a fruitful Awards Dinner
this week
10.05.2013
Hammer of the Year Winston Reid was not the only player to be honoured at
the Club's 2012/13 Awards Dinner this week. Mohamed Diame left the Grosvenor
House Hotel clutching a fistful of awards, having claimed three of the
supporter-voted prizes. The 25-year-old midfielder was named as Best
Signing, sponsored by Higgins Group, holding off competition from Andy
Carroll and Jussi Jaaskelainen to land that award. In addition, his
memorable strike in the 2-2 Barclays Premier League draw with Manchester
United was selected as Goal of the Season, sponsored by Carbon Neutral
Investments, but Hammers supporters. Diame's personal treble was completed
with the honour of Best Individual Performance, sponsored by Mulalley and Co
Limited, for his game-changing role in the famous 3-1 home win over Chelsea
in December. The No21 was delighted to receive such recognition for a fine
campaign. Talking to West Ham TV about his Goal of the Season, he said: "It
was very special. There was a good combination between Guy [Demel] and
Ricardo [Vaz Te] down the right and I just tried to find the right power
with the shot and it was great to see it go in. "You are always happy when
you do well in a game against a big team like Manchester United. You want to
do well every time and it was a good match for me."
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Everton v West Ham
KO 15:00
10 May 2013
Last updated at 13:38
By Alistair Mann
BBC Match of the Day commentator
BARCLAYS PREMIER LEAGUE
Venue: Goodison Park Date: Sunday, 12 May
TEAM NEWS
Everton defender Phil Neville is denied a Goodison Park swansong due to
injury as he prepares to leave the club in a playing capacity. Departing
manager David Moyes has no other injury concerns to contend with in what is
also his last home match in charge of the Toffees.
West Ham manager Sam Allardyce has no fresh injury concerns ahead of the
trip to Merseyside. Defensive duo James Tomkins and George McCartney are the
only players missing.
MATCH PREVIEW
There's unlikely to be a greater indication that Manchester United have
chosen wisely in their new appointment than the send off David Moyes is sure
to receive from the Everton fans this weekend. Fully aware of their outgoing
manager's credentials, his last appearance in the home dug out will
doubtlessly provoke feelings of gratitude and an understanding of his
decision, rather than any bitterness. Most will feel that if he did have to
end his long association with the club, then at least it has been for the
biggest job in the country. "This game could end up being a media side-show
with all eyes on Everton manager David Moyes after it was announced he will
succeed Sir Alex Ferguson at Manchester United this summer. It is his last
game in charge at Goodison Park and I think Moyes' players will want to put
on a performance for him. This is his team and a win would be a way of
saying 'thank-you and good luck in your new job'"
While a flotilla of flash bulbs will accompany his every move on Sunday,
Moyes will again demonstrate one of his most admirable qualities and remain
totally focused on events on the pitch. After all, a win against West Ham
will ensure Everton a second successive top-flight finish above Liverpool -
something they've not achieved since 1937! That would certainly be a
significant addition to Moyes' CV. In reality the match itself will feel
like a sideshow to both supporters and media alike, as questions about the
future will be much more pressing. Everton's European hopes are all but
beyond them, while the Hammers' Premier League status is guaranteed. The
main topic of debate among those occupying the Gwladys Street End therefore
will surely be about Moyes' successor, as names such as Michael Laudrup,
Roberto Martinez and even Philip Neville have been prevalent on Merseyside.
Despite the many distractions, what is for certain is that Moyes won't want
his final home game to simply fizzle out. Like each of his previous 425
Premier League games at Everton's helm, he'll demand a fully committed
performance - and the three points. Already guaranteed to end the campaign
with his fewest defeats, two more victories would also earn him his
biggest-ever points total as Everton boss. It would be a fitting way to
conclude his reign.
MATCH FACTS
Head-to-head
West Ham are without a win in nine league matches against Everton.
The Hammers have won only six of their 33 Premier League matches against the
Toffees.
And they have won just twice at Goodison Park in that time.
No side has conceded more goals in the opening 15 minutes of games than
Everton and West Ham United (both 11) this season.
This is the 126th meeting between the sides. Everton have won 62, West Ham
36 and there have been 27 draws.
Everton
Everton have drawn 15 matches this season - the most in the Premier League,
but only the two Manchester clubs have lost less than their six matches.
The Toffees have kept clean sheets in four of their last five league games.
Leighton Baines is the only outfield player to play every minute (3150) of
every league game this season.
Marouane Fellaini committed his 77th and 78th fouls of the season against
Liverpool last weekend, which is the most in the top flight.
Leon Osman has completed more dribbles (58) than any other player in the
Premier League this campaign.
West Ham
West Ham have drawn four of their last six Premier League games.
The Hammers have lost just one of their last eight Premier League home games
(W4 D3 L1), but won just one of their last eight away from Upton Park.
Andy Carroll won the same number of aerial duels (nine) as the whole
Newcastle team put together last Saturday, but the striker has hit the
target with just four of his last 19 shots on target.
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Everton v West Ham United
KUMB.com
Filed: Friday, 10th May 2013
By: Preview Percy
And as the season draws slowly to a close we find ourselves heading for our
final away match where Everton will be our hosts for a 3pm kick off on
Saturday, er Sunday, probably. Excellent.
There are various engineering works on the tube, particularly on the Central
and Met lines so if they form part of your usual trip to Euston you may want
to bear that in mind when planning your trip. Or perhaps go by car.
Our hosts look likely to miss out on a European slot this term, lying as
they do in 6th spot with 60 points from 36 matches. That leaves them 6
points behind Gareth Bale with just the two matches left to play. They've
stuttered a bit during the run in with two wins, three draws and the one
defeat in the last six. The wins both came at home to QPR (2-0) and against
Fulham (1-0). They'll be ruing not having been able to convert one of the
away draws at Bale (2-2), Arsenal (0-0) and at Liverpool (0-0) where they
were on the receiving end of the traditional generosity to the home side at
that ground when Distin had a perfectly good goal disallowed. The single
defeat came up at Sunderland (1-0).
The big news of course is that thug, bully and all-round nasty excuse of a
human being Alex Ferguson has announced his retirement from moaning. For
many years Everton boss David Moyes has been fairly high up in the frame to
replace the obnoxious one come the glorious day, and, with Moyes being
conveniently out of contract at the end of the season, the Salford mob won't
even have to go to the bother of paying compensation or even going behind
Everton's back, a tactic they use all the time with player signings. Either
way it'll be interesting to see whether Moyes is allowed to take anyone with
him along the M62 during the summer. In the meantime you can't help feeling
that Moyes is leaving a club with a bit of soul for a corporation that never
had any. It's no coincidence that the bully's departure was announced first
to the New York Stock Exchange.
Moyes' impending departure will bring focus on the more interesting question
of who will be replacing him in the summer. Swansea's Laudrup has been
mooted but a more likely punt might be Martinez at Wigan. Whelan spent all
last summer with pound signs in his eyes as first the Liverpool job then the
Spurs job became vacant. Wigan's precarious state might push things along a
bit. The down side of a Wigan relegation is that the bill for incontinence
pants here at the Avram Grant Olympic Rest Home For The Bewildered will go
through the roof. Reading, QPR and Wigan all down? Let's face it it's not
just us old 'uns who will be wetting themselves laughing.
Meanwhile at Everton they have no injury worries ahead of Moyes' penultimate
swansong. Phil Neville, inexplicably a former England international, has
effectively gone, having announced that he'll be leaving at the end of the
season. His knee injury will keep him out past the expiry of his contract.
At the back they will feature Leighton Baines, who, over the past 12 months
or so, has established himself as a credible alternative to Ashley "Nokia"
Cole. Arguably, given that Cole has been one of the most overrated players
of his time, Baines is the better option at international level.
His fellow England teammate in the back four is Phil Jagielka. The role
played by Jagielka in the disgraceful Wigan v Sheffield United match during
our Great Escape season has never been satisfactorily been examined. You
might recall that, in the event of us losing at Old Trafford, a win for
Wigan would have sent us down. At 1-1 up popped Jagielka to give away an
inexplicable penalty by sticking his hand up to palm a non dangerous cross
away. Thankfully we did our bit by getting all three points in Salford – a
draw would have done in the circumstances but the whole thing stunk to high
heaven.
Up front they've been preferring Scouse-Nigerian Victor Anichebe to one-time
Hammers target Nikica Jelavic. Anichebe it was who was supposed to have
committed the foul that resulted in what would have been the winner against
Liverpool being disallowed last weekend.
We're unlikely to be seeing ex-Hammer Thomas Hitzlsperger at the weekend,
He's made only 9 appearances in all competitions this season – and all but
four of those came from the bench. "Der Hammer" spent one injury hit season
with us before legging it so fast that he was caught speeding on the A14.
His speed would normally have been enough to have earned him a driving ban
but his brief managed to keep him on the road with the hilarious argument
that his client needed his car to look for work what with him being
unemployed and all. I'm sure that that argument works all the time for
jobseekers.
As for us, there was a distinct end of season-ness about the whole
proceedings last weekend. Hopefully Newcastle's lack of ambition up front
won't count against them in the long run – if they went down and Wigan
stayed up it'd be a pain.
Other news during the week is that Winston Reid got both the Hammer Of The
Year and the Players' version – deservedly in my opinion. He's also likely
to get the not quite as coveted Avram Grant Olympic Rest Home award once
I've remembered who I voted for. JJ getting save of the season was the most
bizarre award – you'd have thought that they'd have thrown in something
gathered by Henderson in the League Cup, if only to introduce a bit of
tension to the proceedings.
Team news is that the same lot are available for this as were about for the
Newcastle match, meaning Tomkins and Linda will both miss out. I suspect
we'll see some changes from last week's starting XI – one or two out there
looked a bit jaded to be honest. Joe Cole and Mark Noble are both looking
for starts for example.
This will be Moyes' last home match – funny how that sort of thing occurs to
us so often. It will be a difficult place to go to and win. However, I can
see us grabbing a point – especially if the emotion of the whole thing gets
too much for them. So for my penultimate prediction of the season I'll be
putting the Avram Grant Olympic Rest Home For The Bewildered's emergency
incontinence pants fund (£2.50) on us to pick up a 1-1 draw.
Enjoy the game!
When Last We Met At Goodison Park: Drew 2-2 Spector put us one up.
Bilyaletdinov equalised but then Piquionne put us 2-1 up with moments to go.
Ref Walton considered Piquionne's celebration worth a second yellow – a
disgraceful decision from a ref unaware of the laws of the game – Piquionne
did nothing wrong. The decision cost us and Fellaini equalised in stoppage
time. To cost us two points.
Referee:Mike Jones Dishonest referee who likes to influence matches by
making "correcting" decisions. See Stoke FA Cup QF a few seasons ago for an
example – a match that should have seen him arrested and jailed for fraud.
Instead Grant got fined £20,000 for suggesting that a performance like that
wasn't up to scratch. Shoot the messenger.
Danger Man:Marouane Fellaini – strangely-coiffeured but handy player also
useful at the so-called "dark arts". Some fun to be had then.
Daft Fact Of The Week: Everton used to play at Anfield but moved after an
argument with the landlord who then formed his own team, based on the
principles of match fixing, diving, biting, cheating and illegal transfer
deals. These principles have been held dear by his followers ever since. He
also invented the black armband and the condolence book, inventions that
nets his descendants millions each year from the red side of Liverpool, who
hold a minute's silence every time a bus is late.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Everton face West Ham in final home game under David Moyes
Last Updated: May 10, 2013 12:32pm
SSN
David Moyes will take in his final home game as Everton boss on Sunday when
West Ham United travel to Goodison Park. It was announced on Thursday that
Moyes has agreed to fill the void created by Sir Alex Ferguson's imminent
retirement at Manchester United. He will, however, see out the season in his
current post, with a six-year contract at Old Trafford due to start on 1st
July. Moyes will be hoping to bow out on a high, and will be determined to
bid a fond farewell to the Goodison faithful this weekend. After 11 years on
Merseyside he has cemented legend status in the eyes of Everton supporters
and they will likely applaud him to the rafters on Sunday - win, lose or
draw. West Ham will make the journey north hoping to spoil the party, with
the capital outfit looking to wrap up a top-half finish. A run which has
brought just one defeat in seven has lifted Sam Allardyce's side into 10th
place. They may be playing for little more than pride at this late stage,
but that does not mean that they will roll over and allow Moyes to enjoy his
moment in the spotlight. The Hammers' record against the Toffees does not
bode well, though, as they have gone 10 games without a win in all
competitions and have won just twice at Goodison Park in the Premier League
era.
Everton
Last 6
0-0
1-0
1-0
0-0
2-0
2-2
As Moyes bids farewell to Everton, Phil Neville will be denied the
opportunity to make a final appearance at Goodison Park on Sunday through
injury. The Toffees' club captain, who will see his contract expire in the
summer, is nursing a knee complaint. Moyes has no other injury or suspension
concerns to contend with, so may decide to stick with the starting XI which
played out a goalless draw with arch-rivals Liverpool last time out.
West Ham
Last 6
0-0
2-1
2-0
2-2
1-1
0-0
James Tomkins is hoping to come back into contention for West Ham after
sitting out their last three games with a groin problem. Left-back George
McCartney will spend the remainder of the season on the sidelines with a
knee injury. Rob Hall, Ravel Morrison and Paul McCallum have returned to
Upton Park from their loan spells at Bolton Wanderers, Birmingham City and
Aldershot Town respectively, so may be drafted into Allardyce's plans.
Opta stats
The Toffees have been involved in more draws this season than any other
Premier League side (15).
Everton have failed to score in their last three penultimate games of the
season (2010-2012).
West Ham have lost their last Premier League away game of the season ever
since winning at Man Utd in 2007 to stay up (four successive defeats).
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Sam Allardyce to sign new contract 'early next week'
Last Updated: May 10, 2013 11:11pm
SSN
West Ham boss Sam Allardyce expects to sign a new contract with the club
early next week. Allardyce's future at Upton Park has been in question
despite his insistence over the last couple of months that he would be
signing a new deal 'very soon' after productive talks with owners David Gold
and David Sullivan.
Although that contract offer remains unsigned, Allardyce says it will
finally be completed next week after the club's final away game of the
season, at Everton on Sunday. Allardyce said: "I will be signing my contract
very shortly. Early next week will be the right time. "It's Friday today -
we are getting ready to travel on Saturday and we are concentrating on
Everton. But by early or next midweek I will be looking to put pen to paper.
"There were processes we had to go through and put it together in the right
way, which it has now. I never thought there would be any problem - and
there hasn't. "There has been some issue with the legal jargon in the
contract which I couldn't understand so that has to go to both sides lawyers
to agree and then it gets signed. The size of a manager's contract is pretty
substantial in terms of responsibilities."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Sam Allardyce backs David Moyes to cope during Everton's game with West Ham
Last Updated: May 10, 2013 3:57pm
SSN
West Ham manager Sam Allardyce thinks David Moyes will have no trouble
keeping the lid on his emotions when the Hammers visit Goodison Park on
Sunday.
The match will be the Scot's last home game in charge of Everton ahead of
his summer switch to Manchester United to replace Sir Alex Ferguson as boss.
Allardyce, who used to coach Moyes at Preston, said: "It will be the last
game at home for David as manager so it will be an emotional affair for him,
but I'm sure, knowing David as I do, that he will be able to control and
calm his emotions and do his very best to get the team to win. "I don't
expect any favours whatsoever and I hope the crowd appreciate what he has
done and that they show their appreciation. "I think David Moyes is the
perfect candidate for Manchester United. "He will bring the same sort of
stability and he will try and emulate what Sir Alex Ferguson has done. It
will be the hardest job he has ever faced. "It's an enormous move for him
and his career then has gone to the next level, but I don't think anyone can
do anything other than applaud him for what he has done for Everton over the
last 11 years."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Nailed on: West Ham's Sam Allardyce says he will sign his new contract
within days
10 May 2013 22:30
The Mirror
Sam Allardyce says he will finally sort out his West Ham future next week.
Allardyce's reign at Upton Park has been up in the air all season, with his
current deal expiring this summer. But, after guiding the Hammers to
mid-table safety on their first season back in the Premier League, Big Sam
will be rewarded with a three-year contract. He said: "We will be putting
pen to paper next week and I am looking forward to it. "I never thought
there would be a problem and there hasn't been. It's been about this
get-safe scenario." Allardyce wants to celebrate his new deal by playing
party-pooper at David Moyes' Goodison Park farewell on Sunday. He added: "If
there's a bit of easing off then we'll want to take advantage of that. It's
a difficult situation but not for us because we are there to try to win some
points." Allardyce first met Moyes in 1993 when he was a coach at Preston
and the Scot was nearing the end of his playing career. He said: "It will be
an emotional affair for him, but I'm sure, knowing David as I do, that he
will be able to control and calm his emotions and do his very best to get
the team to win."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
http://vyperz.blogspot.com
Saturday, May 11
Friday, May 10
Daily WHUFC News - 10th May 2013
Carroll delighted to be Chairmen's pick
WHUFC.com
Andy Carroll was happy to cap an enjoyable season by being named Chairmen's
Player of the Year
09.05.2013
Andy Carroll has capped a fine season with West Ham United by being named
Chairmen's Player of the Year. David Sullivan and David Gold picked the
England centre forward as their standout performer of 2012/13, with the big
man receiving his award from sponsors S.14 (2012) Limited director Michael
Pryke. Carroll was naturally happy to receive the accolade and told West Ham
TV how much has has enjoyed his first campaign with the Hammers. "I've
certainly never been Chairmen's Player of the Year before," admitted the
No8, who celebrated a successful season at the Player Awards at London's
Grosvenor House Hotel on Wednesday. "It's a new award here and I didn't know
it was going to come along, but obviously I'm over the moon with it.
"Coming down here to London, it's a long way from home but I've enjoyed
every minute of it. I knew a few of the lads down here already and all the
others have welcomed me into the squad, so it's been great. "My Mum and Dad
also love coming down and staying at mine and coming to the games. I enjoy
seeing them too and they're made very welcome. West Ham is a great club."
Carroll has been superb in claret and blue this season, scoring seven goals
and creating many more for his team-mates as the Hammers have made a strong
start to life back in the Barclays Premier League. Central to the striker's
success has been the faith shown in him by manager Sam Allardyce, who has
made it clear that the 24-year-old is his first-choice centre forward.
"Obviously I need to stay fit and show what I can do in training, because it
is not in my head that I will start every week if I am fit. If I don't train
and play well then I'm not going to be first-choice any more, so I've still
got to work my hardest and put myself about in training and see where it
takes me."
In recent weeks, Carroll has played some of the best football of his career,
scoring regularly and causing untold problems to some of the best defences
in English football. At the defensive end, he is also more than willing to
help out, whether it be clearing corners and free-kicks or tracking back to
assist his team-mates. "I think I have done well since I came back to
fitness in February, not just with the goals that I've scored but I've also
created quite a bit as well. I've put myself about as much as I can and
that's really what I'm about. As long as I'm in and around the box, I can do
things. "It doesn't really matter what happens, I will work hard for the
team I am playing for. This season has been great for me. When I'm fit, I
try my hardest and I run about and put myself about and I feel that's what
I'm about - if I didn't have that then I would have lost half of my game."
Carroll is approaching the end of a season-long loan spell from Liverpool.
Looking back on his nine months in east London, the Gateshead-born player
says he has thoroughly enjoyed his time down south. "It's been unbelievable.
The lads in the dressing room and at the training ground and the banter have
been unbelievable, as have the fans. With the football, it's been a great
season for me. "There is a lot of talk about me from people who don't know
me, who say things about me but have never met me. People have heard stories
and I came here and maybe a lot of the lads thought that as well, but I feel
now that most, if not all, of them are close friends. I spend every day with
them and it's been great. "I've enjoyed every minute of it."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Winston Reid Crowned Hammer of the Year!
By S J Chandos
West Ham TillI Die
So the inevitable has come to pass and the impressive displays of Winston
Reid have been rewarded with the Hammer of the Year title for 2012-13. Reid
has been the stand out performer this season, achieving a consistently high
standard throughout the current season. The transformation of Reid from
hapless new signing to defensive rock has been remarkable. He had the
misfortune to debut in the disastrous relegation season, under Avram Grant,
and to many supporters seemed a poor signing. Yet, he dug in and really
proved his mettle in last season's promotion campaign, alongside the equally
impressive James Tomkins. That season turned the tide and he followed it up
this season with a fantastic return to the top flight. Reid deserves the
award and lets hope that he improves even further on it next season.
There were numerous sponsored awards at this evening's bash. But the other
stand out award was Billy Bonds being awarded the club's first ever 'Life
Time Achievement Award.' Billy Bonds is an absolute legend at the club, who
was an inspiration and an idol to generations of Hammers fans. It is an
incredible fact that Billy Bonds joined the club in 1967 (in the era of
Moore, Hurst and Peters) and played his last match for the club in 1988. In
that time, players came and players left, but Bonds was a constant in the
West Ham first team. This was a player who started at right-back, excelled
in midfield and later thrived at centre-back. That illustrated the
adaptability of Billy Bonds in a career that covered three decades. He was
also an inspirational captain and combative player, who put his heart and
soul in to each and every match he played; as well as the best exponent of
the art of tackling that I have ever seen. It should also be added that he
was a very good footballer who was confident in possession and, like all
Hammers players of that era, could pass the ball. I know that it has often
been said, but he was definitely one of the best players never to win a full
England cap, in an era when the national team badly needed a player and
leader like him.
Latterly, Billy Bonds joined the coaching staff under John Lyall and Lou
Macari and was eventually appointed to the Manager's position. Under his
management, we suffered a disappointing relegation, sandwiched between two
excellent 2nd Division promotion campaigns. He left the club in difficult
circumstances and one feels that this resulted in a breach with the club.
However, hopefully this award will finally heal any old wounds and reconcile
the club with one of its all time greatest players. It is hugely deserved
and a fitting honour to bestow on a man who was the heart beat of successive
West Ham teams in the late 1960s, 1970s and 1980s.
So, it seems that we will be signing four or five players this summer,
according to some media reports. But the key issue is not so much quantity,
as quality. We need to sign players that markedly improve the quality of the
squad and take us to the next level. I reckon we probably need a keeper, a
left-back, a midfielder, a wide player and a striker. Of course this may
change, depending on who actually leaves the club this summer. High on the
list to exit is likely to be Henderson, Diarra, Vaz Te and Taylor.
Personally, I would resist the temptation to cash-in on Maiga and give him a
further season to prove himself. Another player with a question mark over
his future is Carlton Cole, who I feel will still be at the club come
pre-season. He is a good squad player and can still do a good for a season
or two. Finally, I would like to see a couple of youngsters make the break
through next season. The mostly likely candidates are Leo Chambers, Robert
Hall, George Moncur and Elliott Lee. Although there are others in the frame.
Finally, we are now mathematically save from relegation. Although only the
most pessimistic fan seriously thought that there was any real danger once
we had amassed 42 points. Still its nice to have it confirmed. Now the
planning has to start for next season. There must be no 'second season
syndrome' for West Ham. We must make the signings to ensure that we
positively build upon this successful first season back in the PL.
SJ. Chandos.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Carroll's a mover
The Sun
Exclusive
By SHAUN CUSTIS
Published: 09th May 2013
ANDY CARROLL is making plans for a return to Liverpool. SunSport can reveal
the striker's advisors are looking to rent a property for him on a one-year
lease back in the north-west. Carroll gave up his previous place when the
Reds shipped him off on loan to West Ham last summer. But there is no deal
agreed for the Hammers to sign him permanently. Liverpool boss Brendan
Rodgers does not see the England man as part of his long-term plans. But
with Luis Suarez banned for the first six games of next season, Carroll may
have a role to play in the short-term.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Could be Andy! Liverpool and West Ham set for Carroll talks - but Spurs and
Newcastle fancy hitman too
9 May 2013 22:30
The Mirror
West Ham are set to open talks with Liverpool over a permanent move for loan
striker Andy Carroll - and hope to clinch a deal in the next few weeks.
But Sam Allardyce's men could face a battle to bag the 24-year-old
centre-forward from the Anfield giants, as he also interests Tottenham and
his first club, Newcastle. Hammers co-owner David Sullivan said: "We would
love to keep him beyond this season and we will soon be sitting down with
Andy and -Liverpool to make some progress on that front. "Andy has battled
back from injury twice to put in a series of tireless shifts for the team.
His game is about so much more than just scoring goals. "He is so often the
focal point of -everything good we do going forward." Despite facing lengthy
periods on the sidelines with knee and hamstring -problems, the England
international has still managed to score seven goals and played his part in
helping West Ham -challenge for a top-half finish.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Sir Alex Ferguson's call fooled Paolo Di Canio
The Express
SUNDERLAND boss Paolo Di Canio still cannot quite believe he turned down Sir
Alex Ferguson - not just once, but twice.
By: Niall HickmanPublished: Fri, May 10, 2013
Di Canio, who will lead his side out against Southampton at the Stadium of
Light on Sunday knowing that a win over the Saints will secure their Premier
League status, was a player at West Ham when Ferguson called him out of the
blue, offering him a move to Old Trafford. Ferguson has recently admitted
not signing Di Canio was one of his biggest regrets in football, but the
Italian initially thought it was a crank call. "At first I thought it was a
friend of mine pretending to be him," said Di Canio. "I thought it was a
joke call. Then I realised it was him. He rang me over the Christmas period
two years in a row. I thought he must have been mad, or drunk. "I never
regretted it because it was a life decision. I said I cannot trade West Ham,
but it made me feel very good. Sir Alex Ferguson tried to sign Di Canio back
in the early 2000s At first I thought it was a friend of mine pretending to
be him, "We didn't negotiate anything because I said I was captain at West
Ham and they brought me in when I left Sheffield Wednesday. We left each
other in a good way." Di Canio was working as a TV commentator at the 2008
Champions League final and bumped into Ferguson just minutes after United
had won their second title. "I went down to the car park and he was on the
team coach," said Di Canio. "He saw me, came out of the coach and said,
'Paolo, how are you?' and came over to talk to me. It was an incredible
moment and it made me realise why he was the best."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
http://vyperz.blogspot.com
WHUFC.com
Andy Carroll was happy to cap an enjoyable season by being named Chairmen's
Player of the Year
09.05.2013
Andy Carroll has capped a fine season with West Ham United by being named
Chairmen's Player of the Year. David Sullivan and David Gold picked the
England centre forward as their standout performer of 2012/13, with the big
man receiving his award from sponsors S.14 (2012) Limited director Michael
Pryke. Carroll was naturally happy to receive the accolade and told West Ham
TV how much has has enjoyed his first campaign with the Hammers. "I've
certainly never been Chairmen's Player of the Year before," admitted the
No8, who celebrated a successful season at the Player Awards at London's
Grosvenor House Hotel on Wednesday. "It's a new award here and I didn't know
it was going to come along, but obviously I'm over the moon with it.
"Coming down here to London, it's a long way from home but I've enjoyed
every minute of it. I knew a few of the lads down here already and all the
others have welcomed me into the squad, so it's been great. "My Mum and Dad
also love coming down and staying at mine and coming to the games. I enjoy
seeing them too and they're made very welcome. West Ham is a great club."
Carroll has been superb in claret and blue this season, scoring seven goals
and creating many more for his team-mates as the Hammers have made a strong
start to life back in the Barclays Premier League. Central to the striker's
success has been the faith shown in him by manager Sam Allardyce, who has
made it clear that the 24-year-old is his first-choice centre forward.
"Obviously I need to stay fit and show what I can do in training, because it
is not in my head that I will start every week if I am fit. If I don't train
and play well then I'm not going to be first-choice any more, so I've still
got to work my hardest and put myself about in training and see where it
takes me."
In recent weeks, Carroll has played some of the best football of his career,
scoring regularly and causing untold problems to some of the best defences
in English football. At the defensive end, he is also more than willing to
help out, whether it be clearing corners and free-kicks or tracking back to
assist his team-mates. "I think I have done well since I came back to
fitness in February, not just with the goals that I've scored but I've also
created quite a bit as well. I've put myself about as much as I can and
that's really what I'm about. As long as I'm in and around the box, I can do
things. "It doesn't really matter what happens, I will work hard for the
team I am playing for. This season has been great for me. When I'm fit, I
try my hardest and I run about and put myself about and I feel that's what
I'm about - if I didn't have that then I would have lost half of my game."
Carroll is approaching the end of a season-long loan spell from Liverpool.
Looking back on his nine months in east London, the Gateshead-born player
says he has thoroughly enjoyed his time down south. "It's been unbelievable.
The lads in the dressing room and at the training ground and the banter have
been unbelievable, as have the fans. With the football, it's been a great
season for me. "There is a lot of talk about me from people who don't know
me, who say things about me but have never met me. People have heard stories
and I came here and maybe a lot of the lads thought that as well, but I feel
now that most, if not all, of them are close friends. I spend every day with
them and it's been great. "I've enjoyed every minute of it."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Winston Reid Crowned Hammer of the Year!
By S J Chandos
West Ham TillI Die
So the inevitable has come to pass and the impressive displays of Winston
Reid have been rewarded with the Hammer of the Year title for 2012-13. Reid
has been the stand out performer this season, achieving a consistently high
standard throughout the current season. The transformation of Reid from
hapless new signing to defensive rock has been remarkable. He had the
misfortune to debut in the disastrous relegation season, under Avram Grant,
and to many supporters seemed a poor signing. Yet, he dug in and really
proved his mettle in last season's promotion campaign, alongside the equally
impressive James Tomkins. That season turned the tide and he followed it up
this season with a fantastic return to the top flight. Reid deserves the
award and lets hope that he improves even further on it next season.
There were numerous sponsored awards at this evening's bash. But the other
stand out award was Billy Bonds being awarded the club's first ever 'Life
Time Achievement Award.' Billy Bonds is an absolute legend at the club, who
was an inspiration and an idol to generations of Hammers fans. It is an
incredible fact that Billy Bonds joined the club in 1967 (in the era of
Moore, Hurst and Peters) and played his last match for the club in 1988. In
that time, players came and players left, but Bonds was a constant in the
West Ham first team. This was a player who started at right-back, excelled
in midfield and later thrived at centre-back. That illustrated the
adaptability of Billy Bonds in a career that covered three decades. He was
also an inspirational captain and combative player, who put his heart and
soul in to each and every match he played; as well as the best exponent of
the art of tackling that I have ever seen. It should also be added that he
was a very good footballer who was confident in possession and, like all
Hammers players of that era, could pass the ball. I know that it has often
been said, but he was definitely one of the best players never to win a full
England cap, in an era when the national team badly needed a player and
leader like him.
Latterly, Billy Bonds joined the coaching staff under John Lyall and Lou
Macari and was eventually appointed to the Manager's position. Under his
management, we suffered a disappointing relegation, sandwiched between two
excellent 2nd Division promotion campaigns. He left the club in difficult
circumstances and one feels that this resulted in a breach with the club.
However, hopefully this award will finally heal any old wounds and reconcile
the club with one of its all time greatest players. It is hugely deserved
and a fitting honour to bestow on a man who was the heart beat of successive
West Ham teams in the late 1960s, 1970s and 1980s.
So, it seems that we will be signing four or five players this summer,
according to some media reports. But the key issue is not so much quantity,
as quality. We need to sign players that markedly improve the quality of the
squad and take us to the next level. I reckon we probably need a keeper, a
left-back, a midfielder, a wide player and a striker. Of course this may
change, depending on who actually leaves the club this summer. High on the
list to exit is likely to be Henderson, Diarra, Vaz Te and Taylor.
Personally, I would resist the temptation to cash-in on Maiga and give him a
further season to prove himself. Another player with a question mark over
his future is Carlton Cole, who I feel will still be at the club come
pre-season. He is a good squad player and can still do a good for a season
or two. Finally, I would like to see a couple of youngsters make the break
through next season. The mostly likely candidates are Leo Chambers, Robert
Hall, George Moncur and Elliott Lee. Although there are others in the frame.
Finally, we are now mathematically save from relegation. Although only the
most pessimistic fan seriously thought that there was any real danger once
we had amassed 42 points. Still its nice to have it confirmed. Now the
planning has to start for next season. There must be no 'second season
syndrome' for West Ham. We must make the signings to ensure that we
positively build upon this successful first season back in the PL.
SJ. Chandos.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Carroll's a mover
The Sun
Exclusive
By SHAUN CUSTIS
Published: 09th May 2013
ANDY CARROLL is making plans for a return to Liverpool. SunSport can reveal
the striker's advisors are looking to rent a property for him on a one-year
lease back in the north-west. Carroll gave up his previous place when the
Reds shipped him off on loan to West Ham last summer. But there is no deal
agreed for the Hammers to sign him permanently. Liverpool boss Brendan
Rodgers does not see the England man as part of his long-term plans. But
with Luis Suarez banned for the first six games of next season, Carroll may
have a role to play in the short-term.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Could be Andy! Liverpool and West Ham set for Carroll talks - but Spurs and
Newcastle fancy hitman too
9 May 2013 22:30
The Mirror
West Ham are set to open talks with Liverpool over a permanent move for loan
striker Andy Carroll - and hope to clinch a deal in the next few weeks.
But Sam Allardyce's men could face a battle to bag the 24-year-old
centre-forward from the Anfield giants, as he also interests Tottenham and
his first club, Newcastle. Hammers co-owner David Sullivan said: "We would
love to keep him beyond this season and we will soon be sitting down with
Andy and -Liverpool to make some progress on that front. "Andy has battled
back from injury twice to put in a series of tireless shifts for the team.
His game is about so much more than just scoring goals. "He is so often the
focal point of -everything good we do going forward." Despite facing lengthy
periods on the sidelines with knee and hamstring -problems, the England
international has still managed to score seven goals and played his part in
helping West Ham -challenge for a top-half finish.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Sir Alex Ferguson's call fooled Paolo Di Canio
The Express
SUNDERLAND boss Paolo Di Canio still cannot quite believe he turned down Sir
Alex Ferguson - not just once, but twice.
By: Niall HickmanPublished: Fri, May 10, 2013
Di Canio, who will lead his side out against Southampton at the Stadium of
Light on Sunday knowing that a win over the Saints will secure their Premier
League status, was a player at West Ham when Ferguson called him out of the
blue, offering him a move to Old Trafford. Ferguson has recently admitted
not signing Di Canio was one of his biggest regrets in football, but the
Italian initially thought it was a crank call. "At first I thought it was a
friend of mine pretending to be him," said Di Canio. "I thought it was a
joke call. Then I realised it was him. He rang me over the Christmas period
two years in a row. I thought he must have been mad, or drunk. "I never
regretted it because it was a life decision. I said I cannot trade West Ham,
but it made me feel very good. Sir Alex Ferguson tried to sign Di Canio back
in the early 2000s At first I thought it was a friend of mine pretending to
be him, "We didn't negotiate anything because I said I was captain at West
Ham and they brought me in when I left Sheffield Wednesday. We left each
other in a good way." Di Canio was working as a TV commentator at the 2008
Champions League final and bumped into Ferguson just minutes after United
had won their second title. "I went down to the car park and he was on the
team coach," said Di Canio. "He saw me, came out of the coach and said,
'Paolo, how are you?' and came over to talk to me. It was an incredible
moment and it made me realise why he was the best."
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http://vyperz.blogspot.com
Thursday, May 9
Daily WHUFC News - 9th May 2013
Reid crowned Hammer of the Year
WHUFC.com
Central defender Winston Reid has been named as the 2013/14 Hammer of the
Year
08.05.2013
Winston Reid has been crowned 2012/13 Hammer of the Year sponsored by Alpari
(UK). The defender rounded off an outstanding campaign by collecting the
prestigious award, as voted for by West Ham United supporters. Reid
collected his prize from Alpari (UK) Chief Commercial Officer Mushegh
Tovmasyan and Chief Marketing Officer Dave Hodge at the Club's fifth annual
Player Awards Dinner at the Grosvenor House Hotel on Park Lane. The
24-year-old Reid polled a convincing 45 per cent of the vote to fend off
strong competition from second placed Jussi Jaaskelainen and Mohamed Diame
in third. "I think every single player tries to do their best for the team
and I do the same," said Reid. "As an individual it's nice to pick up this
award. "It is quite an accolade to be named Hammer of the Year. Like I said
on stage, I have basically been here nearly three years at the Club and I
feel at home, so it's nice to feel appreciated. Other players have done
well, too, so it's been really good. "I think every single player believes
in themselves and believes they can do well, but you obviously have to have
a bit of luck and fortune now and then throughout the season, but when you
work hard you get the things you deserve - I'm not saying that in a selfish
way because there are a lot of other players who have done well this season.
"I am really pleased with the season that I have had and I'm looking forward
to my holiday and then I'm looking forward to the new season!"
Central defender Reid has been a model of consistency in the heart of the
Hammers' defence this term, starting 34 of the Club's 36 Barclays Premier
League fixtures to date and notching in the 3-0 Boleyn Ground victory over
Fulham in September. As part of the back four for ten of the Hammers' eleven
clean sheets this season, Reid has played a central role to helping Sam
Allardyce's men not only establish themselves back in the top flight, but
push for a top half finish.
Resolute displays against the likes of Manchester City, who left E13 without
being able to score, and Chelsea, who were defeated 3-1 at the Boleyn
Ground, characterised their strong start to the season, while an equally
impressive finish, which has seen West Ham lose just one of their last seven
fixtures, means the Hammers can look back on 2012/13 as one of considerable
progress. That applies to Reid too, who is now in his third season with the
Club, but started only three league fixtures in their last Premier League
campaign. With 34 starts under his belt this time, there can be no doubting
that Reid has earned the right to be crowned Hammer of the Year.
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Bonzo honoured at Awards Night
WHUFC.com
West Ham United legend Billy Bonds MBE has received the Club's first
Lifetime Achievement Award
08.05.2013
West Ham United have had many great players down the years, but only a few
can be considered as true Hammers legends. One man who is definitely in that
category is the one and only Billy Bonds MBE. At the 2012/13 Player Awards,
Bonds was honoured with the Club's first-ever Lifetime Achievement Award,
sponsored by Locke Lord. Here, Bonds speaks at length with Evening Standard
correspondent Ken Dyer about his glittering career in claret and blue. In an
era where some players seek a loyalty bonus if they see out their three-year
contract, no-one deserves West Ham's first Lifetime Achievement Award more
than William Arthur Bonds MBE. 'Bonzo', as he is affectionately known, spent
most of his working life at the club, first as a player between 1967-88 and
then coach and manager from 1988-94. During a playing career spanning more
than two decades, Bonzo made 793 senior appearances for the Hammers, ran a
million miles, launched himself into a zillion tackles - and had a few
fights. He played the game as he lives his life - straight down the line, no
messing, honest and trustworthy. If you happened to be in the Blackwall
Tunnel at just after 5pm on a Saturday afternoon between the mid-1960s and
the end of the 1980s you might have caught a glimpse of Bill, hair still wet
from a quick shower, driving back home after a game to his first love - his
family. They are with him tonight, his wife Marilyn plus daughters Claire
and Katie. We Hammers fans were lucky to have Bill at our club for what is
certainly, in football terms, 'a lifetime.' He played under four managers
during a 24-year playing career. "I played under two managers at Charlton,
Frank Hill and Bob Stokoe. At West Ham, I was lucky because I had two great
coaches - Ron Greenwood and John Lyall. I have them to thank for making
every day such a pleasure. "They both taught me so much. They improved
players on the training ground and that was a real skill. "They planted
little ideas in your head. Ron, for example, used to say 'Your eyes are like
a camera, always look around and get pictures in your head so that when that
ball arrives, you know where everyone is.' It's commonplace now, I suppose
but back then it was ground-breaking stuff. "One day he said to me 'If the
space isn't in front, it must be behind.' I hadn't thought about it before
but he was right - if the opposition were playing a high line I could play
the ball into the space behind them. "Ron also talked about being sideways
on, always being on the half-turn, either as a midfield player receiving the
ball or as a defender marking. "I wouldn't have achieved what I did without
the other players either. I thank them all because, in their own way, they
all played their part."
At 66, Bill still looks as though he could jog the London Marathon and then
do five hundred sit-ups. His fitness, commitment and energy are legendary,
as they needed to be for someone who was still playing at the top level past
his 41st birthday. "I spent most of my working life at West Ham," he says,
"and I wouldn't have changed a thing. I enjoyed every minute of it and would
love to do it all again. "This is a lovely award and a nice honour. I've
never been one for too much pomp or anything like that but I really
appreciate what the club have done tonight."
So what are the highlights of his playing career, his cherished memories?
Bill's answer is typical. "There's so many. Every day was special to me. I
was in a job that most people would have loved to have been doing. "I played
until I was 41 but, if I had been a Sunday morning footballer, I would have
probably gone on until I was 50, I loved the game so much. "Obviously FA Cup
finals still stick in the memory, as do the four League Cup ties with Stoke
in the early 1970s. We also had some great European nights at Upton Park. "I
made my league debut for Charlton in 1965 and played my last game for West
Ham in 1988 so I had a good run for my money."
Happy days then - but there must have been disappointments too? "There
aren't that many really. When we were relegated in 1978 was one and another
was when John Lyall left the club". There have inevitably been one or two
anxieties and dramas along the way. "Before the 1975 FA Cup final against
Fulham, I was only about 70 per cent fit. I was having cortisone injections
for a groin problem and as soon as the season finished I went straight into
hospital for an operation. "I honestly thought I might not play again. We
were even beginning to talk about what we would do if I had to pack up so
I'm thankful to the surgeon because he gave me another 13 years. "I had
another worry just before the 1980 final when, in a game against Birmingham,
me and Colin Todd had a bit of a set-to. We were both sent off and I
remember I was sitting in the bath when someone came in and told me that I
could miss the final. "'What have I done?' I thought. I don't know what I
would have done if I had missed that final - it would have slaughtered me.
"Luckily for me Ron Greenwood, who was by then England manager, put in a
good word for me, they allowed me to play in the final and we beat Arsenal."
So many more memories come flooding out. "I've played against many other
great players in those 800 games. With Liverpool, for example, I've been up
against three generations of strikers - Ian St John and Roger Hunt in the
'60s, Kevin Keegan and John Toshack in the '70s followed by Kenny Dalglish
and Ian Rush in the '80s. "George Best was one of the best. They tell me
there's a video of me trying to tackle him in one game. I've tried to tackle
him once but he's hurdled me. Then I get back to him and have another try
but he gets away again. I think I have two more tries but he just keeps
going! "I played full-back, midfield and centre half but I loved playing in
midfield. It suited my game. I could get amongst everything. "Someone
recently asked me what it was like being a holding midfield player but I
never played in that position. Neither Ron nor John ever asked me to sit in
front of the back four. "If I wanted to run beyond Trevor Brooking - I
would. I finished with 13 goals one season." Bill stayed at the club when he
eventually retired, first as a coach and then, from 1990-94, as manager. "I
enjoyed my early time as a West Ham manager," he says. "We went 25 games
unbeaten early on - still a club record I believe. I remember Terry Venables
ringing me and asking me how I was enjoying it. 'It's OK,' I said. "'Come on
Bill,' Terry said. 'It doesn't get any better than that.' "He was right, it
didn't. No long after that the club launched the ill-famed Bond scheme and
that was the worst year of my life. "Not only were things difficult because
of that but I lost my dad and my father-in-law. It was a bad year."
Fast forward to the present day and Bonds understands the reasons for the
Club's move to the Olympic Stadium. "I have spoken with David Gold and he
has explained to me why they need to move. I'll be sad like all old-timers
but it's a nostalgia thing because all my fond memories are connected with
Upton Park - Brooking taking Eintracht Frankfurt apart in the European Cup
Winners' Cup, Bobby Moore nicking the ball off an opponent, Geoff Hurst
taking a ball on his chest, Martin Peters - all great players."
Add Bonzo to that list.
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Awards Dinner as it happened
WHUFC.com
All the winners and reaction from West Ham United's 2012/13 Awards Dinner in
aid of the Academy
08.05.2013
West Ham United 2012/13 Awards Dinner in aid of the Academy
11.00pm - That's it for tonight. Thanks for sharing a fantastic evening
with us.
10.50pm - Now the Hammer of the Year sponsored by Alpari (UK) will be
announced.
It's Winston Reid! The defender has beaten off competition from Jussi
Jaaskelainen in second and third placed Mohamed Diame to land the
prestigious award.
10.45pm - It's time for a very special award...Billy Bonds is the recipient
of the Club's first ever Lifetime Achievement Award. Read more about it
here.
10.35pm - Auctioneer Jonny Gould is back on stage inviting bids for our
fantastic lots, and we'll be back shortly with the big one...Hammer of the
Year.
10.30pm - Joint-Chairmen David Sullivan and David Gold have picked Andy
Carroll as their Player of the Year, and the big Geordie is now on stage to
take the prize from S.14 (2012) Limited Director Michael Pryke.
The England striker, who joined the Hammers on a season-long loan from
Liverpool last August, is currently the Club's joint top scorer with Kevin
Nolan despite missing a large chunk of the campaign with injury.
Since returning to the fold in January, Carroll has been in sparkling form
with six goals from his last eleven games.
With an important winner against Swansea City and crucial double against
West Bromwich Albion amongst those strikes, his value to the Hammers is
unquestioned.
10.25pm - Higgins Group Chairman Richard Higgins now presents Mohamed Diame
with his third award of the night after the Senegal international was chosen
by supporters as the Signing of the Season.
Diame, a summer 2012 arrival from Wigan Athletic on a free transfer, took
42% of the vote to knock Andy Carroll into second. Goalkeeper Jussi
Jaaskelainen is third.
The 25-year-old's drive from midfield has been a real feature of the
Hammers' play this season, and he has supplemented his 32 league appearances
with three goals - a stunning effort against Manchester United which won the
Goal of the Season prize, along with spectacular strikes against Arsenal and
Chelsea.
Diame's arrival added to a squad fresh from their triumph in the
Championship Play-Offs last term and he has certainly played a key role in
the Hammers' successful return to top flight football.
10.20pm - The West Ham United first team squad have chosen defender Winston
Reid as their Players' Player of the Year, and he collects his trophy from
Ark Build Plc Managing Director Michael Finlay.
New Zealander Reid, who took over the captaincy of his national side this
season, has shone in the heart of the Hammers' backline this season, only
missing two Barclays Premier League fixtures through injury.
The 24-year-old's performances have been marked by their consistency - a
fact recognised by his fellow players.
We've got some reaction to the prize from Winston's teammates.
Matt Jarvis: "He's been exceptional all season, a real rock at the back for
us. He puts himself about on the pitch, diving around in front of all sorts
to stop the ball going in the back of the net.
"He's a leader, pulling us all back into shape and making sure that
everyone's doing their jobs. He leads by example."
Joe Cole: "He's solid, a proper centre half and I've been very impressed
with him since he's come back. He's had a great season and deserves the
award."
James Collins: "He's been bang on in every game, made very few, if any,
mistakes and is a great lad to have around as well.10.18pm First of all we
have the Best Team Performance sponsored by Call Print.
10.20pm - The resounding winner of the fan vote for the Best Team
Performance is the Hammers' memorable victory over European champions
Chelsea at the Boleyn Ground.
The three goalscorers from the night - Carlton Cole, Mohamed Diame and
Modibo Maiga - plus captain Kevin Nolan take to the stage to collect the
award from Call Print Managing Director Steve Cheek.
Sam Allardyce's men roared back from a goal down to claim all three points
in a storming second half against the Blues. Trailing to Juan Mata's early
opener, West Ham were not overawed by the size of their task and left the
west Londoners stunned.
Carlton Cole levelled on 63 minutes, getting up above Branislav Ivanovic to
nod Matt Jarvis' cross home, and Mohamed Diame made it 2-1 four minutes from
time with a fierce strike.
Modibo Maiga wrapped it up at the death, and it was this game that shone for
the supporters, with 65% picking it as their standout performance. The 2-2
draw with Manchester United was second, while the early-season 3-0 win over
Fulham was third.
10.16pm - On to the second half of our awards for this evening and we are
about to discover who the supporters have picked as the winner of Best
Individual Performance - sponsored by Mulalley & Co Limited
Mohamed Diame collects his second trophy of the evening thanks to his
match-changing performance in the 3-1 Barclays Premier League victory over
Chelsea at the Boleyn Ground in December.
Diame, who won 49 per cent of the vote for his outstanding show against the
Blues, receives his award from Mulalley & Co Limited Director Eamon
O'Malley.
James Collins finished in second place with 18 per cent of the vote for his
two-goal show in the 2-2 FA Cup with Budweiser third-round draw with
Manchester United in January, while goalkeeper Jussi Jaaskelainen came third
with 17.8 per cent for his virtuoso display against Tottenham Hotspur in
February.
10.15pm - We're back with the next set of awards...
9.15pm - We've just caught up with Elliot Lee after he picked up the Academy
Player of the Season award.
He told us: "Brilliant, I'm delighted. I couldn't be any happier. It has
just capped off a great season and to get this at the end of the campaign is
brilliant. I love scoring goals!"
Andy Carroll and Kevin Nolan receive their Top Goalscorer award sponsored by
England Environmental Services and Southern Asbestos Services
9.00pm - That concludes the first set of awards, and the guests are now
bidding for some fantastic auction prizes before they tuck into their
deserts. We'll be back shortly with the next batch of awards. Remember we
still have to crown this season's Hammer of the Year!
8.55pm - We are onto award number five and the winner, or rather winners,
can again be safely predicted!
Captain Kevin Nolan and Andy Carroll have been vying for the Top Goalscorer
award, sponsored by England Environmental Services and Southern Asbestos
Services, for much of the season.
The close friends have each netted seven goals, all in the Barclays Premier
League, and are level pegging with two fixtures still to be played.
The pair, who both scored in the Mitchell Cole Benefit Match at Stevenage FC
on Tuesday evening, join Directors John England and Peter Drayton on stage
to collect their awards.
8.53pm - Tonight's fourth award is unquestionably the most predictable of
the evening - Save of the Season, sponsored by Thomas Fredrick Willetts
Foundation.
Jussi Jaaskelainen is the sole nominee, with five of the flying Finn's top
stops being nominated for the award, which will be presented by Thomas
Fredrick Willetts Foundation Board member and Trustee Raphael Sukaj.
All five saves were outstanding in their own way, but it is no surprise to
learn that it was Jaaskelainen's amazing fingertip stop to deny Tottenham
Hotspur's Gareth Bale on 25 February that has won the day with 51 per cent
of the vote.
The 38-year-old's reaction stop to push Romelu Lukaku's deflected free-kick
onto the post against West Bromwich Albion in March ranked second with 21
per cent, while his full-length save to deny Wayne Rooney in the Barclays
Premier League fixture at Manchester United in November was voted into third
place with 14 per cent of the vote.
8.50pm - George Moncur, Sebastian Lletget and Dan Potts are the three
players nominated by Academy Director Tony Carr MBE for our third award of
the evening - Young Hammer of the Year, sponsored by Scan Print.
Midfielders Moncur and Lletget have been regulars for the Development Squad
this season, amassing 50 Barclays U21 Premier League appearances and four
goals between them, while defender Potts has continued his development by
making six first-team appearances and enjoying a productive loan spell at
League One club Colchester United.
Carr has selected Moncur as his Young Hammer of the Year, with the central
midfielder impressing many with his strong all-round game.
The 19-year-old arrives on stage and is wearing a broad grin as he collects
his award from Scan Print's Financial Director Paul Yelland and poses for
photographs to mark his big night.
8.45pm - Now it's time for our second award, which is Academy Player of the
Year - sponsored by Shore Capital
Our second award this evening is Academy Player of the Year, sponsored by
Shore Capital, with Academy Director Tony Carr MBE selecting prolific
striker Elliot Lee, Republic of Ireland U19 attacking midfielder Kieran
Sadlier and Development Squad left-back Frazer Shaw as his three nominees.
While Sadlier has finished as leading scorer for the Under-18s and Shaw has
been promoted to the Club's Under-21s while still a scholar, it is no
surprise to learn that Lee is the winner.
The young forward has enjoyed another prolific campaign, capped by a
first-team debut in the FA Cup with Budweiser third-round replay at
Manchester United in January.
Shore Capital Director Rupert Armitage is the man to present Lee with his
award, with the 18-year-old beaming ear to ear as he receives his trophy.
8.40pm - The first award to be handed out is Goal of the Season - sponsored
by Carbon Neutral Investments
Our first winner of the night is midfielder Mohamed Diame, who collects the
Goal of the Season award from sponsor Carbon Neutral Investments' Managing
Director Ed Carlton.
Diame had two nominations for the award - one for his individual strike
against Arsenal in October and the other for his curling rocket against
Manchester United in the 2-2 league draw at the Boleyn Ground in April.
And it is the Senegal captain's outstanding goal against the newly-crowned
Barclays Premier League champions that has won the day, scooping 49 per cent
of the vote.
Andy Carroll's superb controlled volley in the 3-1 home victory over West
Bromwich Albion in March ranked second, receiving 25 per cent of the vote,
while Diame's finish against the Gunners came third with 18 per cent.
8.35pm - We're just about to get the awards part of the evening underway!
7.10pm - The players and guests have arrived at the Grosvenor House Hotel
here on London's Park Lane. The stage is set for what promises to be a
thrilling evening, with 12 awards to be presented, capped by a Lifetime
Achievement Award for the great Billy Bonds MBE and the crowning of the
Hammer of the Year! We will keep you updated throughout the evening here on
whufc.com and on our official twitter feed @whufc_official. You can also
enjoy an exclusive Facebook gallery that we will be updating continually
throughout the evening.
Good evening and welcome to the Grosvenor House Hotel in London's Park Lane
for tonight's West Ham United 2012/13 Awards Dinner in aid of the Academy.
It promises to be another memorable event in Hammers history as Sam
Allardyce's squad vie for most prestigious title in football - that of
Hammer of the Year, sponsored by Alpari (UK).
With a total of 12 awards up for grabs, there will be plenty of reasons to
celebrate as West Ham come to the end of a fine first season back in the
Barclays Premier League.
Hammers legend Billy Bonds MBE, who was crowned Hammer of the Year himself
on no fewer than four occasions, will be the recipient of the Club's
first-ever Lifetime Achievement Award, sponsored by Locke Lord. Bonzo, of
course, played nearly 800 times in claret and blue between 1967 and 1988 and
later spent three seasons in the Boleyn Ground dugout as manager during the
early 1990s.
We also already know that Jussi Jaaskelainen will take home the Save of the
Season award, sponsored by Thomas Fredrick Willetts Foundation, while the
Top Goalscorer award, sponsored by England Environmental and Southern
Asbestos Services, will be shared - for now - by Andy Carroll and Kevin
Nolan.
However, there are nine other awards up for grabs, including the coveted
Players' Player of the Year, sponsored by Ark Build PLC, Best Team
Performance, sponsored by Call Print, and Best Individual Performance,
sponsored by Mulalley and Company Limited.
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'He has had an unbelievable career'
WHUFC.com
Hammers boss Sam Allardyce pays his tribute to retiring Manchester United
manager Sir Alex Ferguson
08.05.2013
Sam Allardyce has paid tribute to Sir Alex Ferguson following the Manchester
United manager's announcement that he will retire at the end of the season.
The West Ham United boss has enjoyed many duels with Sir Alex down the
years, while also striking up a friendship with his long-time managerial
adversary.
Big Sam admitted to being shocked by news that the Red Devils boss is to
move into a new role as a director and ambassador at Old Trafford after more
than 26 years in the dugout. "I spoke to Sir Alex recently and I had no
inkling that he was considering retiring from his position at Manchester
United," said the Hammers manager. "So, like for everyone else, it has come
as a bit of a shock. " think it's clear he was going to announce this at the
end of the season, but whispers have got out somewhere, so he probably had
to make it official right now. "For himself, his wife Kathy and the rest of
his family, I hope they can enjoy his retirement, the time they will have
together and see things they have always wanted to see."
Big Sam and Sir Alex have locked horns no fewer than 45 times as managers,
with the most-recent being the thrilling 2-2 Barclays Premier League draw at
the Boleyn Ground on 17 April. "Sir Alex has had an unbelievable career, not
just at Manchester United, but when he first started [at Aberdeen in
Scotland]. For me, he is the greatest club manager that has ever been
produced, certainly in this country, if not Europe. "However many managers
there were before him, the huge task he had was to achieve what Sir Matt
Busby had done before him. For him to have done that and more, to have won
the treble for Manchester United, and the joy and satisfaction of doing that
gave was fantastic. "To build as many teams as he has built over the
seasons, on and off the field, was brilliant. He changed the backroom staff
to support what he was trying to do and as a man, he is a fantastic human
being. "We will all sadly miss him, many others will too. Manchester United
now have a massive task to replace him."
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Carroll seeing reward for hard work
WHUFC.com
SBOBET Player of the Month for April Andy Carroll is delighted with his
current form
08.05.2013
Since returning from injury it is fair say Hammers striker Andy Carroll has
certainly found his stride in claret and blue. The Club's joint top scorer
again picked up the SBOBET Player of the Month for April at the weekend -
just four weeks after collecting the same prize for March. And with six
goals from his last eleven games, the big Geordie is hoping to add to that
tally in the final two fixtures of the campaign. He told West Ham TV: "I've
been working hard, the fans have been seeing me playing well and it's good
to get the award for the second month running. I'm happy. "It's great for
the fans to have a vote and I am over moon with collecting it two months in
a row. But obviously, it's a team game and everybody puts their all in every
week." Following West Ham's goalless draw at the Boleyn Ground against
Newcastle United on Saturday, the striker admits it felt strange playing
against his boyhood team. He continued: "It was a tough game, Newcastle are
a great side but they're struggling at the minute down at the bottom. It was
a tough game and I thought we could have nicked it and they maybe could have
nicked it as well. It was a good result after all."
Looking ahead to the trip to Merseyside Carroll is eager to see the team end
the season with a winning streak. He added: "It would be nice to get a
result at Everton on Sunday. We hoped to get a result last Saturday but only
managed a point but that's good enough. I hope we get six points from our
last two games.
"I missed a lot of the season through injury so I've kept myself fit and put
in the work to stay like this. Now it's paying off and I'm happy. I could
still go for another few. I'm not ready for the rest yet."
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Haycock foresees bright future
WHUFC.com
Nick Haycock lauded a successful season as the Barclays U21 Premier League
drew to a close
08.05.2013
Nick Haycock refused to let an end-of-season defeat at West Bromwich Albion
dampen his spirits, as the Development Squad coach looked forward to a
bright future for his young charges. A deflected free-kick on the stroke of
half time settled an otherwise even contest in the midlands, a result that
saw the Hammers end the Barclays Under-21 Premier League Elite Group in
sixth spot. The U21s boss subsequently insisted that his side's final
position was scant reward for their collective efforts throughout the
campaign, but was beaming with pride nonetheless. He told West Ham TV:
"Taking this game away, I'm delighted with the players this season. We've
given young players a chance on a regular basis and a stat revealed we're
the youngest team in the U21s league, which is great news. The league has
been a fantastic thing for West Ham United. "This place is full of good
young players who are getting challenged now, playing up, playing with and
against older players. I can only see us going onto bigger and brighter
things. We've more than competed in this Elite Group and I think we
warranted being in that top three. Having previously suffered a 5-2 reverse
at Southampton, Haycock was intent on provoking a reaction from his players,
one that was certainly evident in the second half against the Baggies. He
continued: "The message throughout the week was that we didn't want to go
out on a whimper, with the poor second-half display against at Southampton.
I wouldn't say we got going quite as well as we would have liked, but even
then in the first half we still had four or five great opportunities. It was
probably an even game. "We gave a poor goal away right on the stroke of half
time and that ended up costing us the game. The second-half display was much
better. It showed that we had the quality to score and on another day we
might have had two or three."
While Haycock had obviously been keen to end the campaign on a high,
successive defeats were not about to detract from all the good work that has
proceeded the season's final two outings, both on and off the pitch. "There
are individuals in there who have played the majority of the games. I think
George Moncur has had a good campaign, as has Seb Lletget. Of the younger
ones coming through, Pelly Ruddock has dropped back into centre-half and has
done a fantastic job. Leo Chambers did well prior to Christmas and Elliot
Lee has shown that he's a goalscorer at this level. "We've played this
second half of the campaign, regularly without four England schoolboys and
some senior players, in terms of U21s, who have been injured. So we know
what we've got in that dressing room, and it's just making sure they're
professionals on and off the pitch. "This was our first year as a Category
One Academy and we've made great strides. It's a thriving time, and I've
told the players, it's down to them as to how far they go. It's all there
for them, the opportunity being the main thing, because it's a club that has
always had a tradition of producing players. Three years down the line,
we're hoping some of this lot are going to be playing in the Olympic
Stadium."
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Goodbye, Taggart
KUMb.com
Filed: Wednesday, 8th May 2013
By: Staff Writer
Alex Ferguson has confirmed that he will be retiring from his post at
Manchester United at the end of the season.
In tribute to the 71-year-old Scot's 27 years in charge at Old Trafford, we
decided to compile a list of our favourite Fergie moments - that is, our
favourite five occasions on which Ferguson's (crimson red) nose had been put
out of joint...
5. I See Red, People (2013)
Having watched his side battered by Sam Allardyce's class of 2013, Ferguson
- perhaps forgetting that his side only escaped from the Boleyn Ground with
a 2-2 draw thanks to a clearly offside Robin Van Persie - chose to
(mis)direct his anger at poor Andy Carroll, who was guilty of the heinous
crime of performing like an effective Premier League striker.
"They are very, very aggressive," blasted the apoplectic Scot, before
forcing a room full of journalists to stifle their laughter by stating -
without a hint of irony: "you hope there's a strong referee. I'm not so sure
we got that.
"It [Carroll's challenge on goalkeeper De Gea] was a red card. There is not
a doubt about that. The referee did see it but didn't see it as a red card.
I think it's obvious. We had to stand up to a lot there."
4. Specsy Boy (2011)
It can never be said that Jonathan Spector had an easy time of it at West
Ham. Constantly overlooked by a succession of managers the American
international never complained (publicly, at least), choosing instead to get
on with his job.
It is said the every dog has his day and Spector was finally rewarded for
his patience in November 2010 when, due to a succession of injuries, he was
selected to start against that season's league champions Ferguson's Reds -
in a Carling Cup, quarter final tie.
With the Irons having been granted home advantage - and snow swirling around
the ground on a bitterly cold night - Spector took to his former club like a
man possessed. Fifteen minutes in and a first effort was ruled out for
offside. Unphased, the midfielder continued as he had begun and put his team
1-0 up on 22 minutes with a diving header - as rare a thing as you will ever
see.
However that wasn't enough for Scott Parker's stand-in and he duly added a
second 15 minutes later, before two second half goals from Carlton Cole
confirmed West Ham's first and only four-goal haul against a Ferguson team.
3. Taxi For Barthez (2001)
Having disposed of Walsall in the third round by three goals to two, West
Ham were left cursing their luck when they were drawn away to Ferguson's
all-conquering Manchester United in the fourth round.
Few gave the Hammers a cat-in-Hell's chance of toppling the mighty Mancs -
yet not even the fact that ITV were broadcasting the game live would prevent
9,000 happy Hammers fans from making the 200-mile trip up the M1.
However there wasn't a single fan regretting the journey when Paolo Di Canio
was on hand to score the game's only goal with just 14 minute remaining.
Put through on goal by Freddie Kanoute, the Italian strode towards goal; Man
U 'keeper Fabien Barthez bizarrely attempted to psyche the striker out by
raising his arm for an offside that never was - and Di Canio swept the ball
beyond the crazy Frenchman to send 9,000 Eastenders delirious and West Ham
into the fifth round.
2. Ludo's Games (1995)
Tipped for the drop by many and having dipped in and out of the relegation
zone for much of the season it was a therefore a pleasant surprise when
Harry Redknapp's side went into the final game of the 1994/95 campaign safe
in 14th spot.
But whilst Redknapp's team - minus injured talisman Julian Dicks - may have
had little but pride to play for, Ferguson's Man United needed a win to
stand a chance of securing the Premiership title.
Michael Hughes threw a huge spanner in the works by giving West Ham a 31st
minute lead much to the delight of the majority in the 24,783 crowd - an
advantage Redknapp's side carried into the half time break. But with danger
man Mark Hughes thrown into the mix at the interval, Man U were a different
prospect - and it was no surprise when they pulled level through Brian
McClair just seven minutes after the restart.
With news that Blackburn were behind at Anfield, Ferguson's side sniffed
victory and a Championship - but Ludo Miklosko had other ideas. Time after
time the big Czech 'keeper denied Man U; even still, a second goal seemed
inevitable due to the visitors' total domination of the game.
When Andy Cole was presented with a gilt-edged opportunity with moments to
go it looked like West Ham's staunch resistance had all been for nothing -
until Miklosko pulled off a stunning close-range save that sent the title to
Blackburn instead.
1. Golden Brown (1992)
Already doomed to relegation with three games still to play, there was no
pressure on Billy Bonds' team as they prepared to face Ferguson's
title-chasers at the Boleyn in April 1992.
Man United - who hadn't won a League title for 25 years - went into the game
knowing that only a win would be enough to keep them in the race for the
crown having lost at home to Nottingham Forest earlier in the week. However
Kenny Brown, for one, was to have other ideas.
With 66 minutes on the clock and the game still goalless Stuart Slater set
off down the left. His cross was inadvertently diverted into the path of the
full back who slammed home the game's only goal in front of his father,
former Hammers great Ken, watching in the stands.
The goal gave West Ham three pointless points as they finished bottom of the
table whilst Manchester United saw the title go to rivals Leeds United.
Ferguson was left incensed by West Ham daring to actually try and win the
match, bizarrely describing the efforts of Billy Bonds' team as "obscene".
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West Bromwich Albion 1-0 West Ham Utd
KUMB.com
Filed: Tuesday, 7th May 2013
By: Staff Writer
West Ham United's Development Squad ended their season in disappointing
fashion by going down 1-0 against bottom club West Bromwich Albion this
afternoon. The hosts scored the only goal of the game - a deflected free
kick by Adil Nabi - in the FIFTH minute of added-on time at the end of the
first half to record only their second win of the (14-match) league
campaign. As well as falling to defeat at Albion's training ground, West Ham
also lost 19-year-old Matthias Fanimo to a nasty injury, with the midfielder
being stretchered off towards the end of the first half. The reversal means
West Ham's youngsters end the Elite Group phase in a disappointing sixth
place, ahead of only Wolves and today's opponents. You may see the current
league table here.
West Ham Utd: Larkins, Driver, Mavila, Bywater, Ruddock, Spence, Hall,
Moncur, McCallum (Sadlier 71), Lee, Fanimo (Maguire 32).
Subs Not Used: Nemrava, Miles, Burke.
West Bromwich Albion: Lewis, Atkinson, Smart, O'Neil, Daniels, Gayle, Birch,
Brown (N'Kumu 71), Sawyers, A Nabi, S Nabi.
Subs Not Used: Rose, Pace, Jones, N'Kumu, Molyneux.
Goals: Nabi (45+5).
Referee: Martin Dexter.
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West Ham co-owner David Sullivan wants to improve squad
Last Updated: May 8, 2013 10:18am
SSN
West Ham co-owner David Sullivan has indicated that he intends to bolster
the squad in the summer, with a new striker top of the agenda. In their
first season back in the Premier League, the Hammers have excelled and are
on course for a top-half finish, despite boss Sam Allardyce coming under
much scrutiny earlier in the season. And with the club due to move into the
Olympic Stadium in 2016, the future looks even more promising for the east
London club. "Our planning has already started to make sure next season is
even better," Sullivan told The Sun. "A crucial factor will be recruiting
the right players in the right positions."
Goals have been hard to come by on their return to the top flight, and
leading scorer Andy Carroll looks unlikely to make his switch to Upton Park
permanent due to his excessive wage demands. Sullivan knows that should
Carroll return to his parent club Liverpool, then he and boss Allardyce must
make the acquisition of a striker their priority. "We want to bring in at
least one proven goalscorer to bolster our attack," he added. "We want to
strengthen the squad and provide manager Sam Allardyce with greater options
and variety."
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Sullivan's big move
Published: 07th May 2013
The Sun
WEST HAM co-owner David Sullivan has revealed they are targeting at least
four summer signings — including a big-time striker. The East London club
have enjoyed a successful first season back in the Premier League and are
challenging for a top-10 finish. And with the Hammers gearing up for a move
to the Olympic Stadium in 2016, they are planning for their top-flight
future. Sullivan said: "Our planning has already started to make sure next
season is even better.
"A crucial factor will be recruiting the right players in the right
positions. "Our aim is to bring in four or five players that will strengthen
the squad and provide manager Sam Allardyce with greater options and
variety. "We want to bring in at least one proven goalscorer to bolster our
attack.
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JOE COLE THANKS STEVENAGE FANS
Stevenagefc.com
PUBLISHED
12:15 8th May 2013
by Mitchell Jones
West Ham United star Joe Cole spoke to press after Tuesday night's Match for
Mitch at the Lamex Stadium and he paid tribute to the Stevenage fans for
making the night such a success. "I would like to thank all the fans who
turned up, my team-mates and everyone at Stevenage Football Club," said The
Hammers' No26. Cole, along with West Ham teammates Andy Carroll, Mark Noble,
Matt Jarvis, Kevin Nolan and James Collins, all played the first 45 minutes
of the game for the Cole XI, and took a commanding 6-2 victory in at the
break. Speaking at half time, Cole continued: "The guys who came tonight are
all big names. It is a long season and I cannot thank the lads enough."
Mitchell, who passed away in December 2012 of the heart condition
hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, was Cole's brother-in-law. Joe said: "It was a
good send-off for Mitchell and we raised a lot of money for charity, which
is the main thing. We all had a good night. I didn't manage to score but I
will save that for the weekend!"
Cole said his brother-in-law was a fine player and that it was only his
health issues that prevented him from being a Premier League star. "I think
Mitchell's ability was unquestioned. He was diagnosed with a heart condition
at the age of 15 so it affected him from a young age. If he hadn't of had
it, he would have been a top Premier League player. "Anyone who worked with
him will tell you he had a great left foot. He had a decent career in the
lower leagues but he was doing it in second gear because he couldn't push
his body as much as he wanted to. "Technically, he had a great left foot, he
was quick and he really was talented. The condition, affected him but he had
a good career, he was a good family man and a great fella. "We all loved him
and it was great to see such a send-off for him."
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No Wonder Reid Wants To Be Part Of West Ham
Date: 8th May 2013 at 9:39 pm
Written by: Kwame Boakye
Foreverwestham.com
So last week it was announced that Winston Reid had signed a new two year
deal at the club.
I still remember Reidy's debut at right-back in that ill-fated 3-0 defeat to
Aston Villa on the opening day of our relegation season…he looked all over
the shop to put it mildly, but then again so did the rest of uncle Avram's
motley crue that day.
Reidy however was one of the first after relegation was confirmed to step up
and say he was willing to stay and help the club fight for promotion and it
turned out to be the best decision he could've made.
Great defenders are often forged in the brutality that is the Championship;
the relentless fixtures, the battles with big burly centre forwards who
aren't so much in-vogue in the Premier League these days but still rule the
roost in the league below, the endless crosses and high-looping balls…all
have to be dealt with and if you should survive…you emerge a man, a man
baptised in what English football is all about and ready for greater
challenges that lie ahead.
Winston definitely shook off his tag as a 'soft touch' during our promotion
winning campaign and has gone on to prove himself as the no. 1 centre back
at the club, his partnership with a certain James Collins has been rock
solid all season and as our most consistent performer of the campaign surely
a first Hammer of the year award is on its way.
It's a great sign that a player with so much talent, potential and promise
is already signed up and professing how much he's looking forward to running
out at the Olympic stadium.
There's a real feel-good aurora around West Ham at the moment: we're safe
from relegation, we have just announced a new deal with Adidas (which in my
humble opinion is a massive step up from Macron!) We're moving to a new
stadium and now our best talent are committing their futures.
Truly these are exciting times, it's no wonder Reidy wants to be a part of
it all.
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Monaco join West Ham in race for Ivorian strike star
By talkSPORT | Wednesday, May 8, 2013
West Ham face a fight to sign free-scoring Ivorian Wilfried Bony after
Monaco joined the chase for the Vitesse Arnhem front man. The Hammers have
revealed they plan to sign a proven goalscorer this summer and Bony is among
manager Sam Allardyce's main transfer priorities should he fail to land
on-loan Liverpool star Andy Carroll on a permanent basis. Bony, 24, has been
in blistering form for Vitesse this term, scoring 31 goals in 29 Eredivisie
games to alert clubs across the continent. Monaco are in pole position to
clinch promotion from the second tier of French football and their Russian
owner Dmitry Rybolovlev is ready to splash the cash ahead of a return to
Ligue 1. Vitesse are aware of Bony's desire to leave Holland and their
technical director Ted van Leeuwen has hinted the forward could be on his
way to the principality. He told JeuneAfrique.com: "I have heard about the
interest of Monaco."
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You wouldn't mess with him! Alvin Martin hails ex-team-mate Billy Bonds as
Hammers hand legend lifetime achievement award
By JOE BERNSTEIN, MAIL ON SUNDAY
PUBLISHED: 13:45, 8 May 2013 | UPDATED: 13:45, 8 May 2013
West Ham United will honour club legend Billy Bonds in a glittering ceremony
tonight to revive memories of an era when players were free to say what they
thought and bring team-mates into line. Bonds, who served the Hammers for 27
years as player, captain, coach and manager, will collect a Lifetime
Achievement award from the club at their player of the year awards night at
London's Grosvenor House, a long-overdue recognition for the man who twice
led the Hammers to FA Cup wins at Wembley but left Upton Park in acrimonious
circumstances when he resigned as manager in 1994. Former team-mate Alvin
Martin, who stood alongside Bonds when they beat Arsenal as a Second
Division club to win the cup in 1980, reveals there has never been a
straighter or more respected figure to wear the famous claret-and-blue.
'I was his little protégé and he was my mentor. Sometimes he taught me by
talking to me, sometimes by booting me,' recalls Martin. 'In those days I
was a little bit full of myself, I took risks in front of goal I shouldn't
have done, and he brought me down a peg. 'I remember on one occasion
nutmegging one of the senior players John McDowell in training. Two minutes
later, I was on the floor. Bill had dished out a challenge just to let me
know what I'd done wasn't right.
'As a pairing we were perfectly balanced. Most teams played with a big
striker and little striker, I'd look after the first ball in the air and
Bill would do the rest. I played for West Ham for 22 years and I didn't have
a defensive partner that got anywhere close to him.' Bonds played 663 games
for West Ham in a 21-year spell to 1988. He was later the club's manager for
four seasons, twice helping them win promotion to the top-flight but then
resigning suddenly to allow his assistant Harry Redknapp to take charge.
Bonds is regarded as one of the best players ever not to win an England cap,
unfortunately getting injured before he was due to make his debut under Ron
Greenwood in 1981. More than statistics though, Martin believes Bonds
epitomised the spirit of playing for West Ham s much as the club's other
renowned legends World Cup-winning captain Bobby Moore and Trevor Brooking.
'He was just a traditional football man, honest, hard but fair; never made
excuses. If we were going into a big game, and saw Bill there, you'd think
you had a chance,' said Martin. There was an incident that summed him up
perfectly. We played Castilla in the Cup Winners Cup in the Bernabeu and
after the game there were reports of crowd trouble and West Ham fans
urinating on the Spanish supporters. 'Bill was asked about it at the
airport afterwards and, honest as always, said if anyone had done that, they
were animals.
BILL BONDS - WEST HAM LEGEND
AS A PLAYER (1967-88)
663 games, 48 goals
Two FA Cup winners medals (1975, 1980), Second Division championship
1980/81, two England under-23 caps
AS MANAGER (1990-94)
Two promotions to the First Division
Billy Bonds' longevity as a West Ham player provided the punchline for
stand-up comedians in the 1980s.. American soldiers visiting a remote
Pacific Island were attacked by some Japanese veterans unaware the Second
World War had ended forty years earlier. As the Americans explained the war
was over, the Japanese looked at them quizzically and asked: 'Churchill?'
"Dead," said the Americans. "What about Eisenhower?" "Dead". "Stalin?"
"Dead, a long long time ago". 'Well, tell me one thing," said the Japanese
commander. "Billy Bonds – he still play for West Ham?"
'Some West Ham fans took exception to what Bill said and the following
weekend (v Watford) there was a pocket of supporters who booed him when he
got the ball. It must have been disconcerting for him given what he'd given
to West Ham, but all Bill did in reaction was to go up and the pitch for 90
minutes running more, tackling harder. By the end of the game, every tackle
he made was being given a huge ovation by the 99 per cent of fans who were
on his side. That was him, Billy Bonds. 'You always get banter flying around
a football club particularly on night out, but Bill was above that. You
wouldn't mess around with him.' In recent years, Bonds has been a very
infrequent visitor to The Boleyn, possibly feeling aggrieved that Redknapp
had helped engineer his departure nearly two decades ago. But the new
ownership of David Sullivan, David Gold and Karren Brady have been keen to
celebrate West Ham's past and tonight Bonds will be watched on in awe by the
current generation of players including Joe Cole and Andy Carroll. 'I think
what there is now is a recognition of the history of the club,' said Martin.
'All clubs need to have that and the fact he is getting this award is very
well-deserved.'
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http://vyperz.blogspot.com
WHUFC.com
Central defender Winston Reid has been named as the 2013/14 Hammer of the
Year
08.05.2013
Winston Reid has been crowned 2012/13 Hammer of the Year sponsored by Alpari
(UK). The defender rounded off an outstanding campaign by collecting the
prestigious award, as voted for by West Ham United supporters. Reid
collected his prize from Alpari (UK) Chief Commercial Officer Mushegh
Tovmasyan and Chief Marketing Officer Dave Hodge at the Club's fifth annual
Player Awards Dinner at the Grosvenor House Hotel on Park Lane. The
24-year-old Reid polled a convincing 45 per cent of the vote to fend off
strong competition from second placed Jussi Jaaskelainen and Mohamed Diame
in third. "I think every single player tries to do their best for the team
and I do the same," said Reid. "As an individual it's nice to pick up this
award. "It is quite an accolade to be named Hammer of the Year. Like I said
on stage, I have basically been here nearly three years at the Club and I
feel at home, so it's nice to feel appreciated. Other players have done
well, too, so it's been really good. "I think every single player believes
in themselves and believes they can do well, but you obviously have to have
a bit of luck and fortune now and then throughout the season, but when you
work hard you get the things you deserve - I'm not saying that in a selfish
way because there are a lot of other players who have done well this season.
"I am really pleased with the season that I have had and I'm looking forward
to my holiday and then I'm looking forward to the new season!"
Central defender Reid has been a model of consistency in the heart of the
Hammers' defence this term, starting 34 of the Club's 36 Barclays Premier
League fixtures to date and notching in the 3-0 Boleyn Ground victory over
Fulham in September. As part of the back four for ten of the Hammers' eleven
clean sheets this season, Reid has played a central role to helping Sam
Allardyce's men not only establish themselves back in the top flight, but
push for a top half finish.
Resolute displays against the likes of Manchester City, who left E13 without
being able to score, and Chelsea, who were defeated 3-1 at the Boleyn
Ground, characterised their strong start to the season, while an equally
impressive finish, which has seen West Ham lose just one of their last seven
fixtures, means the Hammers can look back on 2012/13 as one of considerable
progress. That applies to Reid too, who is now in his third season with the
Club, but started only three league fixtures in their last Premier League
campaign. With 34 starts under his belt this time, there can be no doubting
that Reid has earned the right to be crowned Hammer of the Year.
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Bonzo honoured at Awards Night
WHUFC.com
West Ham United legend Billy Bonds MBE has received the Club's first
Lifetime Achievement Award
08.05.2013
West Ham United have had many great players down the years, but only a few
can be considered as true Hammers legends. One man who is definitely in that
category is the one and only Billy Bonds MBE. At the 2012/13 Player Awards,
Bonds was honoured with the Club's first-ever Lifetime Achievement Award,
sponsored by Locke Lord. Here, Bonds speaks at length with Evening Standard
correspondent Ken Dyer about his glittering career in claret and blue. In an
era where some players seek a loyalty bonus if they see out their three-year
contract, no-one deserves West Ham's first Lifetime Achievement Award more
than William Arthur Bonds MBE. 'Bonzo', as he is affectionately known, spent
most of his working life at the club, first as a player between 1967-88 and
then coach and manager from 1988-94. During a playing career spanning more
than two decades, Bonzo made 793 senior appearances for the Hammers, ran a
million miles, launched himself into a zillion tackles - and had a few
fights. He played the game as he lives his life - straight down the line, no
messing, honest and trustworthy. If you happened to be in the Blackwall
Tunnel at just after 5pm on a Saturday afternoon between the mid-1960s and
the end of the 1980s you might have caught a glimpse of Bill, hair still wet
from a quick shower, driving back home after a game to his first love - his
family. They are with him tonight, his wife Marilyn plus daughters Claire
and Katie. We Hammers fans were lucky to have Bill at our club for what is
certainly, in football terms, 'a lifetime.' He played under four managers
during a 24-year playing career. "I played under two managers at Charlton,
Frank Hill and Bob Stokoe. At West Ham, I was lucky because I had two great
coaches - Ron Greenwood and John Lyall. I have them to thank for making
every day such a pleasure. "They both taught me so much. They improved
players on the training ground and that was a real skill. "They planted
little ideas in your head. Ron, for example, used to say 'Your eyes are like
a camera, always look around and get pictures in your head so that when that
ball arrives, you know where everyone is.' It's commonplace now, I suppose
but back then it was ground-breaking stuff. "One day he said to me 'If the
space isn't in front, it must be behind.' I hadn't thought about it before
but he was right - if the opposition were playing a high line I could play
the ball into the space behind them. "Ron also talked about being sideways
on, always being on the half-turn, either as a midfield player receiving the
ball or as a defender marking. "I wouldn't have achieved what I did without
the other players either. I thank them all because, in their own way, they
all played their part."
At 66, Bill still looks as though he could jog the London Marathon and then
do five hundred sit-ups. His fitness, commitment and energy are legendary,
as they needed to be for someone who was still playing at the top level past
his 41st birthday. "I spent most of my working life at West Ham," he says,
"and I wouldn't have changed a thing. I enjoyed every minute of it and would
love to do it all again. "This is a lovely award and a nice honour. I've
never been one for too much pomp or anything like that but I really
appreciate what the club have done tonight."
So what are the highlights of his playing career, his cherished memories?
Bill's answer is typical. "There's so many. Every day was special to me. I
was in a job that most people would have loved to have been doing. "I played
until I was 41 but, if I had been a Sunday morning footballer, I would have
probably gone on until I was 50, I loved the game so much. "Obviously FA Cup
finals still stick in the memory, as do the four League Cup ties with Stoke
in the early 1970s. We also had some great European nights at Upton Park. "I
made my league debut for Charlton in 1965 and played my last game for West
Ham in 1988 so I had a good run for my money."
Happy days then - but there must have been disappointments too? "There
aren't that many really. When we were relegated in 1978 was one and another
was when John Lyall left the club". There have inevitably been one or two
anxieties and dramas along the way. "Before the 1975 FA Cup final against
Fulham, I was only about 70 per cent fit. I was having cortisone injections
for a groin problem and as soon as the season finished I went straight into
hospital for an operation. "I honestly thought I might not play again. We
were even beginning to talk about what we would do if I had to pack up so
I'm thankful to the surgeon because he gave me another 13 years. "I had
another worry just before the 1980 final when, in a game against Birmingham,
me and Colin Todd had a bit of a set-to. We were both sent off and I
remember I was sitting in the bath when someone came in and told me that I
could miss the final. "'What have I done?' I thought. I don't know what I
would have done if I had missed that final - it would have slaughtered me.
"Luckily for me Ron Greenwood, who was by then England manager, put in a
good word for me, they allowed me to play in the final and we beat Arsenal."
So many more memories come flooding out. "I've played against many other
great players in those 800 games. With Liverpool, for example, I've been up
against three generations of strikers - Ian St John and Roger Hunt in the
'60s, Kevin Keegan and John Toshack in the '70s followed by Kenny Dalglish
and Ian Rush in the '80s. "George Best was one of the best. They tell me
there's a video of me trying to tackle him in one game. I've tried to tackle
him once but he's hurdled me. Then I get back to him and have another try
but he gets away again. I think I have two more tries but he just keeps
going! "I played full-back, midfield and centre half but I loved playing in
midfield. It suited my game. I could get amongst everything. "Someone
recently asked me what it was like being a holding midfield player but I
never played in that position. Neither Ron nor John ever asked me to sit in
front of the back four. "If I wanted to run beyond Trevor Brooking - I
would. I finished with 13 goals one season." Bill stayed at the club when he
eventually retired, first as a coach and then, from 1990-94, as manager. "I
enjoyed my early time as a West Ham manager," he says. "We went 25 games
unbeaten early on - still a club record I believe. I remember Terry Venables
ringing me and asking me how I was enjoying it. 'It's OK,' I said. "'Come on
Bill,' Terry said. 'It doesn't get any better than that.' "He was right, it
didn't. No long after that the club launched the ill-famed Bond scheme and
that was the worst year of my life. "Not only were things difficult because
of that but I lost my dad and my father-in-law. It was a bad year."
Fast forward to the present day and Bonds understands the reasons for the
Club's move to the Olympic Stadium. "I have spoken with David Gold and he
has explained to me why they need to move. I'll be sad like all old-timers
but it's a nostalgia thing because all my fond memories are connected with
Upton Park - Brooking taking Eintracht Frankfurt apart in the European Cup
Winners' Cup, Bobby Moore nicking the ball off an opponent, Geoff Hurst
taking a ball on his chest, Martin Peters - all great players."
Add Bonzo to that list.
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Awards Dinner as it happened
WHUFC.com
All the winners and reaction from West Ham United's 2012/13 Awards Dinner in
aid of the Academy
08.05.2013
West Ham United 2012/13 Awards Dinner in aid of the Academy
11.00pm - That's it for tonight. Thanks for sharing a fantastic evening
with us.
10.50pm - Now the Hammer of the Year sponsored by Alpari (UK) will be
announced.
It's Winston Reid! The defender has beaten off competition from Jussi
Jaaskelainen in second and third placed Mohamed Diame to land the
prestigious award.
10.45pm - It's time for a very special award...Billy Bonds is the recipient
of the Club's first ever Lifetime Achievement Award. Read more about it
here.
10.35pm - Auctioneer Jonny Gould is back on stage inviting bids for our
fantastic lots, and we'll be back shortly with the big one...Hammer of the
Year.
10.30pm - Joint-Chairmen David Sullivan and David Gold have picked Andy
Carroll as their Player of the Year, and the big Geordie is now on stage to
take the prize from S.14 (2012) Limited Director Michael Pryke.
The England striker, who joined the Hammers on a season-long loan from
Liverpool last August, is currently the Club's joint top scorer with Kevin
Nolan despite missing a large chunk of the campaign with injury.
Since returning to the fold in January, Carroll has been in sparkling form
with six goals from his last eleven games.
With an important winner against Swansea City and crucial double against
West Bromwich Albion amongst those strikes, his value to the Hammers is
unquestioned.
10.25pm - Higgins Group Chairman Richard Higgins now presents Mohamed Diame
with his third award of the night after the Senegal international was chosen
by supporters as the Signing of the Season.
Diame, a summer 2012 arrival from Wigan Athletic on a free transfer, took
42% of the vote to knock Andy Carroll into second. Goalkeeper Jussi
Jaaskelainen is third.
The 25-year-old's drive from midfield has been a real feature of the
Hammers' play this season, and he has supplemented his 32 league appearances
with three goals - a stunning effort against Manchester United which won the
Goal of the Season prize, along with spectacular strikes against Arsenal and
Chelsea.
Diame's arrival added to a squad fresh from their triumph in the
Championship Play-Offs last term and he has certainly played a key role in
the Hammers' successful return to top flight football.
10.20pm - The West Ham United first team squad have chosen defender Winston
Reid as their Players' Player of the Year, and he collects his trophy from
Ark Build Plc Managing Director Michael Finlay.
New Zealander Reid, who took over the captaincy of his national side this
season, has shone in the heart of the Hammers' backline this season, only
missing two Barclays Premier League fixtures through injury.
The 24-year-old's performances have been marked by their consistency - a
fact recognised by his fellow players.
We've got some reaction to the prize from Winston's teammates.
Matt Jarvis: "He's been exceptional all season, a real rock at the back for
us. He puts himself about on the pitch, diving around in front of all sorts
to stop the ball going in the back of the net.
"He's a leader, pulling us all back into shape and making sure that
everyone's doing their jobs. He leads by example."
Joe Cole: "He's solid, a proper centre half and I've been very impressed
with him since he's come back. He's had a great season and deserves the
award."
James Collins: "He's been bang on in every game, made very few, if any,
mistakes and is a great lad to have around as well.10.18pm First of all we
have the Best Team Performance sponsored by Call Print.
10.20pm - The resounding winner of the fan vote for the Best Team
Performance is the Hammers' memorable victory over European champions
Chelsea at the Boleyn Ground.
The three goalscorers from the night - Carlton Cole, Mohamed Diame and
Modibo Maiga - plus captain Kevin Nolan take to the stage to collect the
award from Call Print Managing Director Steve Cheek.
Sam Allardyce's men roared back from a goal down to claim all three points
in a storming second half against the Blues. Trailing to Juan Mata's early
opener, West Ham were not overawed by the size of their task and left the
west Londoners stunned.
Carlton Cole levelled on 63 minutes, getting up above Branislav Ivanovic to
nod Matt Jarvis' cross home, and Mohamed Diame made it 2-1 four minutes from
time with a fierce strike.
Modibo Maiga wrapped it up at the death, and it was this game that shone for
the supporters, with 65% picking it as their standout performance. The 2-2
draw with Manchester United was second, while the early-season 3-0 win over
Fulham was third.
10.16pm - On to the second half of our awards for this evening and we are
about to discover who the supporters have picked as the winner of Best
Individual Performance - sponsored by Mulalley & Co Limited
Mohamed Diame collects his second trophy of the evening thanks to his
match-changing performance in the 3-1 Barclays Premier League victory over
Chelsea at the Boleyn Ground in December.
Diame, who won 49 per cent of the vote for his outstanding show against the
Blues, receives his award from Mulalley & Co Limited Director Eamon
O'Malley.
James Collins finished in second place with 18 per cent of the vote for his
two-goal show in the 2-2 FA Cup with Budweiser third-round draw with
Manchester United in January, while goalkeeper Jussi Jaaskelainen came third
with 17.8 per cent for his virtuoso display against Tottenham Hotspur in
February.
10.15pm - We're back with the next set of awards...
9.15pm - We've just caught up with Elliot Lee after he picked up the Academy
Player of the Season award.
He told us: "Brilliant, I'm delighted. I couldn't be any happier. It has
just capped off a great season and to get this at the end of the campaign is
brilliant. I love scoring goals!"
Andy Carroll and Kevin Nolan receive their Top Goalscorer award sponsored by
England Environmental Services and Southern Asbestos Services
9.00pm - That concludes the first set of awards, and the guests are now
bidding for some fantastic auction prizes before they tuck into their
deserts. We'll be back shortly with the next batch of awards. Remember we
still have to crown this season's Hammer of the Year!
8.55pm - We are onto award number five and the winner, or rather winners,
can again be safely predicted!
Captain Kevin Nolan and Andy Carroll have been vying for the Top Goalscorer
award, sponsored by England Environmental Services and Southern Asbestos
Services, for much of the season.
The close friends have each netted seven goals, all in the Barclays Premier
League, and are level pegging with two fixtures still to be played.
The pair, who both scored in the Mitchell Cole Benefit Match at Stevenage FC
on Tuesday evening, join Directors John England and Peter Drayton on stage
to collect their awards.
8.53pm - Tonight's fourth award is unquestionably the most predictable of
the evening - Save of the Season, sponsored by Thomas Fredrick Willetts
Foundation.
Jussi Jaaskelainen is the sole nominee, with five of the flying Finn's top
stops being nominated for the award, which will be presented by Thomas
Fredrick Willetts Foundation Board member and Trustee Raphael Sukaj.
All five saves were outstanding in their own way, but it is no surprise to
learn that it was Jaaskelainen's amazing fingertip stop to deny Tottenham
Hotspur's Gareth Bale on 25 February that has won the day with 51 per cent
of the vote.
The 38-year-old's reaction stop to push Romelu Lukaku's deflected free-kick
onto the post against West Bromwich Albion in March ranked second with 21
per cent, while his full-length save to deny Wayne Rooney in the Barclays
Premier League fixture at Manchester United in November was voted into third
place with 14 per cent of the vote.
8.50pm - George Moncur, Sebastian Lletget and Dan Potts are the three
players nominated by Academy Director Tony Carr MBE for our third award of
the evening - Young Hammer of the Year, sponsored by Scan Print.
Midfielders Moncur and Lletget have been regulars for the Development Squad
this season, amassing 50 Barclays U21 Premier League appearances and four
goals between them, while defender Potts has continued his development by
making six first-team appearances and enjoying a productive loan spell at
League One club Colchester United.
Carr has selected Moncur as his Young Hammer of the Year, with the central
midfielder impressing many with his strong all-round game.
The 19-year-old arrives on stage and is wearing a broad grin as he collects
his award from Scan Print's Financial Director Paul Yelland and poses for
photographs to mark his big night.
8.45pm - Now it's time for our second award, which is Academy Player of the
Year - sponsored by Shore Capital
Our second award this evening is Academy Player of the Year, sponsored by
Shore Capital, with Academy Director Tony Carr MBE selecting prolific
striker Elliot Lee, Republic of Ireland U19 attacking midfielder Kieran
Sadlier and Development Squad left-back Frazer Shaw as his three nominees.
While Sadlier has finished as leading scorer for the Under-18s and Shaw has
been promoted to the Club's Under-21s while still a scholar, it is no
surprise to learn that Lee is the winner.
The young forward has enjoyed another prolific campaign, capped by a
first-team debut in the FA Cup with Budweiser third-round replay at
Manchester United in January.
Shore Capital Director Rupert Armitage is the man to present Lee with his
award, with the 18-year-old beaming ear to ear as he receives his trophy.
8.40pm - The first award to be handed out is Goal of the Season - sponsored
by Carbon Neutral Investments
Our first winner of the night is midfielder Mohamed Diame, who collects the
Goal of the Season award from sponsor Carbon Neutral Investments' Managing
Director Ed Carlton.
Diame had two nominations for the award - one for his individual strike
against Arsenal in October and the other for his curling rocket against
Manchester United in the 2-2 league draw at the Boleyn Ground in April.
And it is the Senegal captain's outstanding goal against the newly-crowned
Barclays Premier League champions that has won the day, scooping 49 per cent
of the vote.
Andy Carroll's superb controlled volley in the 3-1 home victory over West
Bromwich Albion in March ranked second, receiving 25 per cent of the vote,
while Diame's finish against the Gunners came third with 18 per cent.
8.35pm - We're just about to get the awards part of the evening underway!
7.10pm - The players and guests have arrived at the Grosvenor House Hotel
here on London's Park Lane. The stage is set for what promises to be a
thrilling evening, with 12 awards to be presented, capped by a Lifetime
Achievement Award for the great Billy Bonds MBE and the crowning of the
Hammer of the Year! We will keep you updated throughout the evening here on
whufc.com and on our official twitter feed @whufc_official. You can also
enjoy an exclusive Facebook gallery that we will be updating continually
throughout the evening.
Good evening and welcome to the Grosvenor House Hotel in London's Park Lane
for tonight's West Ham United 2012/13 Awards Dinner in aid of the Academy.
It promises to be another memorable event in Hammers history as Sam
Allardyce's squad vie for most prestigious title in football - that of
Hammer of the Year, sponsored by Alpari (UK).
With a total of 12 awards up for grabs, there will be plenty of reasons to
celebrate as West Ham come to the end of a fine first season back in the
Barclays Premier League.
Hammers legend Billy Bonds MBE, who was crowned Hammer of the Year himself
on no fewer than four occasions, will be the recipient of the Club's
first-ever Lifetime Achievement Award, sponsored by Locke Lord. Bonzo, of
course, played nearly 800 times in claret and blue between 1967 and 1988 and
later spent three seasons in the Boleyn Ground dugout as manager during the
early 1990s.
We also already know that Jussi Jaaskelainen will take home the Save of the
Season award, sponsored by Thomas Fredrick Willetts Foundation, while the
Top Goalscorer award, sponsored by England Environmental and Southern
Asbestos Services, will be shared - for now - by Andy Carroll and Kevin
Nolan.
However, there are nine other awards up for grabs, including the coveted
Players' Player of the Year, sponsored by Ark Build PLC, Best Team
Performance, sponsored by Call Print, and Best Individual Performance,
sponsored by Mulalley and Company Limited.
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'He has had an unbelievable career'
WHUFC.com
Hammers boss Sam Allardyce pays his tribute to retiring Manchester United
manager Sir Alex Ferguson
08.05.2013
Sam Allardyce has paid tribute to Sir Alex Ferguson following the Manchester
United manager's announcement that he will retire at the end of the season.
The West Ham United boss has enjoyed many duels with Sir Alex down the
years, while also striking up a friendship with his long-time managerial
adversary.
Big Sam admitted to being shocked by news that the Red Devils boss is to
move into a new role as a director and ambassador at Old Trafford after more
than 26 years in the dugout. "I spoke to Sir Alex recently and I had no
inkling that he was considering retiring from his position at Manchester
United," said the Hammers manager. "So, like for everyone else, it has come
as a bit of a shock. " think it's clear he was going to announce this at the
end of the season, but whispers have got out somewhere, so he probably had
to make it official right now. "For himself, his wife Kathy and the rest of
his family, I hope they can enjoy his retirement, the time they will have
together and see things they have always wanted to see."
Big Sam and Sir Alex have locked horns no fewer than 45 times as managers,
with the most-recent being the thrilling 2-2 Barclays Premier League draw at
the Boleyn Ground on 17 April. "Sir Alex has had an unbelievable career, not
just at Manchester United, but when he first started [at Aberdeen in
Scotland]. For me, he is the greatest club manager that has ever been
produced, certainly in this country, if not Europe. "However many managers
there were before him, the huge task he had was to achieve what Sir Matt
Busby had done before him. For him to have done that and more, to have won
the treble for Manchester United, and the joy and satisfaction of doing that
gave was fantastic. "To build as many teams as he has built over the
seasons, on and off the field, was brilliant. He changed the backroom staff
to support what he was trying to do and as a man, he is a fantastic human
being. "We will all sadly miss him, many others will too. Manchester United
now have a massive task to replace him."
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Carroll seeing reward for hard work
WHUFC.com
SBOBET Player of the Month for April Andy Carroll is delighted with his
current form
08.05.2013
Since returning from injury it is fair say Hammers striker Andy Carroll has
certainly found his stride in claret and blue. The Club's joint top scorer
again picked up the SBOBET Player of the Month for April at the weekend -
just four weeks after collecting the same prize for March. And with six
goals from his last eleven games, the big Geordie is hoping to add to that
tally in the final two fixtures of the campaign. He told West Ham TV: "I've
been working hard, the fans have been seeing me playing well and it's good
to get the award for the second month running. I'm happy. "It's great for
the fans to have a vote and I am over moon with collecting it two months in
a row. But obviously, it's a team game and everybody puts their all in every
week." Following West Ham's goalless draw at the Boleyn Ground against
Newcastle United on Saturday, the striker admits it felt strange playing
against his boyhood team. He continued: "It was a tough game, Newcastle are
a great side but they're struggling at the minute down at the bottom. It was
a tough game and I thought we could have nicked it and they maybe could have
nicked it as well. It was a good result after all."
Looking ahead to the trip to Merseyside Carroll is eager to see the team end
the season with a winning streak. He added: "It would be nice to get a
result at Everton on Sunday. We hoped to get a result last Saturday but only
managed a point but that's good enough. I hope we get six points from our
last two games.
"I missed a lot of the season through injury so I've kept myself fit and put
in the work to stay like this. Now it's paying off and I'm happy. I could
still go for another few. I'm not ready for the rest yet."
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Haycock foresees bright future
WHUFC.com
Nick Haycock lauded a successful season as the Barclays U21 Premier League
drew to a close
08.05.2013
Nick Haycock refused to let an end-of-season defeat at West Bromwich Albion
dampen his spirits, as the Development Squad coach looked forward to a
bright future for his young charges. A deflected free-kick on the stroke of
half time settled an otherwise even contest in the midlands, a result that
saw the Hammers end the Barclays Under-21 Premier League Elite Group in
sixth spot. The U21s boss subsequently insisted that his side's final
position was scant reward for their collective efforts throughout the
campaign, but was beaming with pride nonetheless. He told West Ham TV:
"Taking this game away, I'm delighted with the players this season. We've
given young players a chance on a regular basis and a stat revealed we're
the youngest team in the U21s league, which is great news. The league has
been a fantastic thing for West Ham United. "This place is full of good
young players who are getting challenged now, playing up, playing with and
against older players. I can only see us going onto bigger and brighter
things. We've more than competed in this Elite Group and I think we
warranted being in that top three. Having previously suffered a 5-2 reverse
at Southampton, Haycock was intent on provoking a reaction from his players,
one that was certainly evident in the second half against the Baggies. He
continued: "The message throughout the week was that we didn't want to go
out on a whimper, with the poor second-half display against at Southampton.
I wouldn't say we got going quite as well as we would have liked, but even
then in the first half we still had four or five great opportunities. It was
probably an even game. "We gave a poor goal away right on the stroke of half
time and that ended up costing us the game. The second-half display was much
better. It showed that we had the quality to score and on another day we
might have had two or three."
While Haycock had obviously been keen to end the campaign on a high,
successive defeats were not about to detract from all the good work that has
proceeded the season's final two outings, both on and off the pitch. "There
are individuals in there who have played the majority of the games. I think
George Moncur has had a good campaign, as has Seb Lletget. Of the younger
ones coming through, Pelly Ruddock has dropped back into centre-half and has
done a fantastic job. Leo Chambers did well prior to Christmas and Elliot
Lee has shown that he's a goalscorer at this level. "We've played this
second half of the campaign, regularly without four England schoolboys and
some senior players, in terms of U21s, who have been injured. So we know
what we've got in that dressing room, and it's just making sure they're
professionals on and off the pitch. "This was our first year as a Category
One Academy and we've made great strides. It's a thriving time, and I've
told the players, it's down to them as to how far they go. It's all there
for them, the opportunity being the main thing, because it's a club that has
always had a tradition of producing players. Three years down the line,
we're hoping some of this lot are going to be playing in the Olympic
Stadium."
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Goodbye, Taggart
KUMb.com
Filed: Wednesday, 8th May 2013
By: Staff Writer
Alex Ferguson has confirmed that he will be retiring from his post at
Manchester United at the end of the season.
In tribute to the 71-year-old Scot's 27 years in charge at Old Trafford, we
decided to compile a list of our favourite Fergie moments - that is, our
favourite five occasions on which Ferguson's (crimson red) nose had been put
out of joint...
5. I See Red, People (2013)
Having watched his side battered by Sam Allardyce's class of 2013, Ferguson
- perhaps forgetting that his side only escaped from the Boleyn Ground with
a 2-2 draw thanks to a clearly offside Robin Van Persie - chose to
(mis)direct his anger at poor Andy Carroll, who was guilty of the heinous
crime of performing like an effective Premier League striker.
"They are very, very aggressive," blasted the apoplectic Scot, before
forcing a room full of journalists to stifle their laughter by stating -
without a hint of irony: "you hope there's a strong referee. I'm not so sure
we got that.
"It [Carroll's challenge on goalkeeper De Gea] was a red card. There is not
a doubt about that. The referee did see it but didn't see it as a red card.
I think it's obvious. We had to stand up to a lot there."
4. Specsy Boy (2011)
It can never be said that Jonathan Spector had an easy time of it at West
Ham. Constantly overlooked by a succession of managers the American
international never complained (publicly, at least), choosing instead to get
on with his job.
It is said the every dog has his day and Spector was finally rewarded for
his patience in November 2010 when, due to a succession of injuries, he was
selected to start against that season's league champions Ferguson's Reds -
in a Carling Cup, quarter final tie.
With the Irons having been granted home advantage - and snow swirling around
the ground on a bitterly cold night - Spector took to his former club like a
man possessed. Fifteen minutes in and a first effort was ruled out for
offside. Unphased, the midfielder continued as he had begun and put his team
1-0 up on 22 minutes with a diving header - as rare a thing as you will ever
see.
However that wasn't enough for Scott Parker's stand-in and he duly added a
second 15 minutes later, before two second half goals from Carlton Cole
confirmed West Ham's first and only four-goal haul against a Ferguson team.
3. Taxi For Barthez (2001)
Having disposed of Walsall in the third round by three goals to two, West
Ham were left cursing their luck when they were drawn away to Ferguson's
all-conquering Manchester United in the fourth round.
Few gave the Hammers a cat-in-Hell's chance of toppling the mighty Mancs -
yet not even the fact that ITV were broadcasting the game live would prevent
9,000 happy Hammers fans from making the 200-mile trip up the M1.
However there wasn't a single fan regretting the journey when Paolo Di Canio
was on hand to score the game's only goal with just 14 minute remaining.
Put through on goal by Freddie Kanoute, the Italian strode towards goal; Man
U 'keeper Fabien Barthez bizarrely attempted to psyche the striker out by
raising his arm for an offside that never was - and Di Canio swept the ball
beyond the crazy Frenchman to send 9,000 Eastenders delirious and West Ham
into the fifth round.
2. Ludo's Games (1995)
Tipped for the drop by many and having dipped in and out of the relegation
zone for much of the season it was a therefore a pleasant surprise when
Harry Redknapp's side went into the final game of the 1994/95 campaign safe
in 14th spot.
But whilst Redknapp's team - minus injured talisman Julian Dicks - may have
had little but pride to play for, Ferguson's Man United needed a win to
stand a chance of securing the Premiership title.
Michael Hughes threw a huge spanner in the works by giving West Ham a 31st
minute lead much to the delight of the majority in the 24,783 crowd - an
advantage Redknapp's side carried into the half time break. But with danger
man Mark Hughes thrown into the mix at the interval, Man U were a different
prospect - and it was no surprise when they pulled level through Brian
McClair just seven minutes after the restart.
With news that Blackburn were behind at Anfield, Ferguson's side sniffed
victory and a Championship - but Ludo Miklosko had other ideas. Time after
time the big Czech 'keeper denied Man U; even still, a second goal seemed
inevitable due to the visitors' total domination of the game.
When Andy Cole was presented with a gilt-edged opportunity with moments to
go it looked like West Ham's staunch resistance had all been for nothing -
until Miklosko pulled off a stunning close-range save that sent the title to
Blackburn instead.
1. Golden Brown (1992)
Already doomed to relegation with three games still to play, there was no
pressure on Billy Bonds' team as they prepared to face Ferguson's
title-chasers at the Boleyn in April 1992.
Man United - who hadn't won a League title for 25 years - went into the game
knowing that only a win would be enough to keep them in the race for the
crown having lost at home to Nottingham Forest earlier in the week. However
Kenny Brown, for one, was to have other ideas.
With 66 minutes on the clock and the game still goalless Stuart Slater set
off down the left. His cross was inadvertently diverted into the path of the
full back who slammed home the game's only goal in front of his father,
former Hammers great Ken, watching in the stands.
The goal gave West Ham three pointless points as they finished bottom of the
table whilst Manchester United saw the title go to rivals Leeds United.
Ferguson was left incensed by West Ham daring to actually try and win the
match, bizarrely describing the efforts of Billy Bonds' team as "obscene".
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West Bromwich Albion 1-0 West Ham Utd
KUMB.com
Filed: Tuesday, 7th May 2013
By: Staff Writer
West Ham United's Development Squad ended their season in disappointing
fashion by going down 1-0 against bottom club West Bromwich Albion this
afternoon. The hosts scored the only goal of the game - a deflected free
kick by Adil Nabi - in the FIFTH minute of added-on time at the end of the
first half to record only their second win of the (14-match) league
campaign. As well as falling to defeat at Albion's training ground, West Ham
also lost 19-year-old Matthias Fanimo to a nasty injury, with the midfielder
being stretchered off towards the end of the first half. The reversal means
West Ham's youngsters end the Elite Group phase in a disappointing sixth
place, ahead of only Wolves and today's opponents. You may see the current
league table here.
West Ham Utd: Larkins, Driver, Mavila, Bywater, Ruddock, Spence, Hall,
Moncur, McCallum (Sadlier 71), Lee, Fanimo (Maguire 32).
Subs Not Used: Nemrava, Miles, Burke.
West Bromwich Albion: Lewis, Atkinson, Smart, O'Neil, Daniels, Gayle, Birch,
Brown (N'Kumu 71), Sawyers, A Nabi, S Nabi.
Subs Not Used: Rose, Pace, Jones, N'Kumu, Molyneux.
Goals: Nabi (45+5).
Referee: Martin Dexter.
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West Ham co-owner David Sullivan wants to improve squad
Last Updated: May 8, 2013 10:18am
SSN
West Ham co-owner David Sullivan has indicated that he intends to bolster
the squad in the summer, with a new striker top of the agenda. In their
first season back in the Premier League, the Hammers have excelled and are
on course for a top-half finish, despite boss Sam Allardyce coming under
much scrutiny earlier in the season. And with the club due to move into the
Olympic Stadium in 2016, the future looks even more promising for the east
London club. "Our planning has already started to make sure next season is
even better," Sullivan told The Sun. "A crucial factor will be recruiting
the right players in the right positions."
Goals have been hard to come by on their return to the top flight, and
leading scorer Andy Carroll looks unlikely to make his switch to Upton Park
permanent due to his excessive wage demands. Sullivan knows that should
Carroll return to his parent club Liverpool, then he and boss Allardyce must
make the acquisition of a striker their priority. "We want to bring in at
least one proven goalscorer to bolster our attack," he added. "We want to
strengthen the squad and provide manager Sam Allardyce with greater options
and variety."
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Sullivan's big move
Published: 07th May 2013
The Sun
WEST HAM co-owner David Sullivan has revealed they are targeting at least
four summer signings — including a big-time striker. The East London club
have enjoyed a successful first season back in the Premier League and are
challenging for a top-10 finish. And with the Hammers gearing up for a move
to the Olympic Stadium in 2016, they are planning for their top-flight
future. Sullivan said: "Our planning has already started to make sure next
season is even better.
"A crucial factor will be recruiting the right players in the right
positions. "Our aim is to bring in four or five players that will strengthen
the squad and provide manager Sam Allardyce with greater options and
variety. "We want to bring in at least one proven goalscorer to bolster our
attack.
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JOE COLE THANKS STEVENAGE FANS
Stevenagefc.com
PUBLISHED
12:15 8th May 2013
by Mitchell Jones
West Ham United star Joe Cole spoke to press after Tuesday night's Match for
Mitch at the Lamex Stadium and he paid tribute to the Stevenage fans for
making the night such a success. "I would like to thank all the fans who
turned up, my team-mates and everyone at Stevenage Football Club," said The
Hammers' No26. Cole, along with West Ham teammates Andy Carroll, Mark Noble,
Matt Jarvis, Kevin Nolan and James Collins, all played the first 45 minutes
of the game for the Cole XI, and took a commanding 6-2 victory in at the
break. Speaking at half time, Cole continued: "The guys who came tonight are
all big names. It is a long season and I cannot thank the lads enough."
Mitchell, who passed away in December 2012 of the heart condition
hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, was Cole's brother-in-law. Joe said: "It was a
good send-off for Mitchell and we raised a lot of money for charity, which
is the main thing. We all had a good night. I didn't manage to score but I
will save that for the weekend!"
Cole said his brother-in-law was a fine player and that it was only his
health issues that prevented him from being a Premier League star. "I think
Mitchell's ability was unquestioned. He was diagnosed with a heart condition
at the age of 15 so it affected him from a young age. If he hadn't of had
it, he would have been a top Premier League player. "Anyone who worked with
him will tell you he had a great left foot. He had a decent career in the
lower leagues but he was doing it in second gear because he couldn't push
his body as much as he wanted to. "Technically, he had a great left foot, he
was quick and he really was talented. The condition, affected him but he had
a good career, he was a good family man and a great fella. "We all loved him
and it was great to see such a send-off for him."
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No Wonder Reid Wants To Be Part Of West Ham
Date: 8th May 2013 at 9:39 pm
Written by: Kwame Boakye
Foreverwestham.com
So last week it was announced that Winston Reid had signed a new two year
deal at the club.
I still remember Reidy's debut at right-back in that ill-fated 3-0 defeat to
Aston Villa on the opening day of our relegation season…he looked all over
the shop to put it mildly, but then again so did the rest of uncle Avram's
motley crue that day.
Reidy however was one of the first after relegation was confirmed to step up
and say he was willing to stay and help the club fight for promotion and it
turned out to be the best decision he could've made.
Great defenders are often forged in the brutality that is the Championship;
the relentless fixtures, the battles with big burly centre forwards who
aren't so much in-vogue in the Premier League these days but still rule the
roost in the league below, the endless crosses and high-looping balls…all
have to be dealt with and if you should survive…you emerge a man, a man
baptised in what English football is all about and ready for greater
challenges that lie ahead.
Winston definitely shook off his tag as a 'soft touch' during our promotion
winning campaign and has gone on to prove himself as the no. 1 centre back
at the club, his partnership with a certain James Collins has been rock
solid all season and as our most consistent performer of the campaign surely
a first Hammer of the year award is on its way.
It's a great sign that a player with so much talent, potential and promise
is already signed up and professing how much he's looking forward to running
out at the Olympic stadium.
There's a real feel-good aurora around West Ham at the moment: we're safe
from relegation, we have just announced a new deal with Adidas (which in my
humble opinion is a massive step up from Macron!) We're moving to a new
stadium and now our best talent are committing their futures.
Truly these are exciting times, it's no wonder Reidy wants to be a part of
it all.
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Monaco join West Ham in race for Ivorian strike star
By talkSPORT | Wednesday, May 8, 2013
West Ham face a fight to sign free-scoring Ivorian Wilfried Bony after
Monaco joined the chase for the Vitesse Arnhem front man. The Hammers have
revealed they plan to sign a proven goalscorer this summer and Bony is among
manager Sam Allardyce's main transfer priorities should he fail to land
on-loan Liverpool star Andy Carroll on a permanent basis. Bony, 24, has been
in blistering form for Vitesse this term, scoring 31 goals in 29 Eredivisie
games to alert clubs across the continent. Monaco are in pole position to
clinch promotion from the second tier of French football and their Russian
owner Dmitry Rybolovlev is ready to splash the cash ahead of a return to
Ligue 1. Vitesse are aware of Bony's desire to leave Holland and their
technical director Ted van Leeuwen has hinted the forward could be on his
way to the principality. He told JeuneAfrique.com: "I have heard about the
interest of Monaco."
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You wouldn't mess with him! Alvin Martin hails ex-team-mate Billy Bonds as
Hammers hand legend lifetime achievement award
By JOE BERNSTEIN, MAIL ON SUNDAY
PUBLISHED: 13:45, 8 May 2013 | UPDATED: 13:45, 8 May 2013
West Ham United will honour club legend Billy Bonds in a glittering ceremony
tonight to revive memories of an era when players were free to say what they
thought and bring team-mates into line. Bonds, who served the Hammers for 27
years as player, captain, coach and manager, will collect a Lifetime
Achievement award from the club at their player of the year awards night at
London's Grosvenor House, a long-overdue recognition for the man who twice
led the Hammers to FA Cup wins at Wembley but left Upton Park in acrimonious
circumstances when he resigned as manager in 1994. Former team-mate Alvin
Martin, who stood alongside Bonds when they beat Arsenal as a Second
Division club to win the cup in 1980, reveals there has never been a
straighter or more respected figure to wear the famous claret-and-blue.
'I was his little protégé and he was my mentor. Sometimes he taught me by
talking to me, sometimes by booting me,' recalls Martin. 'In those days I
was a little bit full of myself, I took risks in front of goal I shouldn't
have done, and he brought me down a peg. 'I remember on one occasion
nutmegging one of the senior players John McDowell in training. Two minutes
later, I was on the floor. Bill had dished out a challenge just to let me
know what I'd done wasn't right.
'As a pairing we were perfectly balanced. Most teams played with a big
striker and little striker, I'd look after the first ball in the air and
Bill would do the rest. I played for West Ham for 22 years and I didn't have
a defensive partner that got anywhere close to him.' Bonds played 663 games
for West Ham in a 21-year spell to 1988. He was later the club's manager for
four seasons, twice helping them win promotion to the top-flight but then
resigning suddenly to allow his assistant Harry Redknapp to take charge.
Bonds is regarded as one of the best players ever not to win an England cap,
unfortunately getting injured before he was due to make his debut under Ron
Greenwood in 1981. More than statistics though, Martin believes Bonds
epitomised the spirit of playing for West Ham s much as the club's other
renowned legends World Cup-winning captain Bobby Moore and Trevor Brooking.
'He was just a traditional football man, honest, hard but fair; never made
excuses. If we were going into a big game, and saw Bill there, you'd think
you had a chance,' said Martin. There was an incident that summed him up
perfectly. We played Castilla in the Cup Winners Cup in the Bernabeu and
after the game there were reports of crowd trouble and West Ham fans
urinating on the Spanish supporters. 'Bill was asked about it at the
airport afterwards and, honest as always, said if anyone had done that, they
were animals.
BILL BONDS - WEST HAM LEGEND
AS A PLAYER (1967-88)
663 games, 48 goals
Two FA Cup winners medals (1975, 1980), Second Division championship
1980/81, two England under-23 caps
AS MANAGER (1990-94)
Two promotions to the First Division
Billy Bonds' longevity as a West Ham player provided the punchline for
stand-up comedians in the 1980s.. American soldiers visiting a remote
Pacific Island were attacked by some Japanese veterans unaware the Second
World War had ended forty years earlier. As the Americans explained the war
was over, the Japanese looked at them quizzically and asked: 'Churchill?'
"Dead," said the Americans. "What about Eisenhower?" "Dead". "Stalin?"
"Dead, a long long time ago". 'Well, tell me one thing," said the Japanese
commander. "Billy Bonds – he still play for West Ham?"
'Some West Ham fans took exception to what Bill said and the following
weekend (v Watford) there was a pocket of supporters who booed him when he
got the ball. It must have been disconcerting for him given what he'd given
to West Ham, but all Bill did in reaction was to go up and the pitch for 90
minutes running more, tackling harder. By the end of the game, every tackle
he made was being given a huge ovation by the 99 per cent of fans who were
on his side. That was him, Billy Bonds. 'You always get banter flying around
a football club particularly on night out, but Bill was above that. You
wouldn't mess around with him.' In recent years, Bonds has been a very
infrequent visitor to The Boleyn, possibly feeling aggrieved that Redknapp
had helped engineer his departure nearly two decades ago. But the new
ownership of David Sullivan, David Gold and Karren Brady have been keen to
celebrate West Ham's past and tonight Bonds will be watched on in awe by the
current generation of players including Joe Cole and Andy Carroll. 'I think
what there is now is a recognition of the history of the club,' said Martin.
'All clubs need to have that and the fact he is getting this award is very
well-deserved.'
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http://vyperz.blogspot.com
Wednesday, May 8
Daily WHUFC News - 8th MAy 2013
Hammers pay tribute to Mitchell Cole
WHUFC.com
Six West Ham United players honoured the memory of the late Mitchell Cole at
a special Benefit Match
07.05.2013
Six West Ham United players joined thousands in honouring the memory of the
late Mitchell Cole at a special Benefit Match at Stevenage on Tuesday.
Hammers Academy graduate Cole passed away in December 2012 of the heart
condition hypertrophic cardiomyopathy. He was just 27. The late winger's
brother-in-law Joe Cole played a central role in organising the Benefit
Match at Mitchell's old club Stevenage FC between a Boro XI and a Cole XI.
Mark Noble, Matt Jarvis, Kevin Nolan, James Collins and Andy Carroll were
all on target during an entertaining first half that saw the Cole XI -
captained by the Hammers midfielder - recover from a goal down to take a 6-2
half-time lead. The game finished 7-4. Cole said Mitchell would have been
proud of the send-off he received and also thanked the players and
supporters who turned out in his memory. "I would like to thank all the fans
who turned up, my team-mates and everyone at Stevenage Football Club," said
the No26. "The guys who came tonight are all big names. It is a long season
and I cannot thank the lads enough.
"It was a good send-off for Mitchell and we raised a lot of money for
charity, which is the main thing. We all had a good night. I didn't manage
to score but I will save that for the weekend!"
Cole said his brother-in-law was a fine player and that it was only his
health issues that prevented him from being a Premier League star. "I think
Mitchell's ability was unquestioned. He was diagnosed with a heart condition
at the age of 15 so it affected him from a young age. If he hadn't of had
it, he would have been a top Premier League player. "Anyone who worked with
him will tell you he had a great left foot. He had a decent career in the
lower leagues but he was doing it in second gear because he couldn't push
his body as much as he wanted to. "Technically, he had a great left foot, he
was quick and he really was talented. The condition, affected him but he had
a good career, he was a good family man and a great fella. "We all loved him
and it was great to see such a send-off for him."
In a fitting tribute to Cole, 2,306 fans watched a thrilling, light-hearted
match that featured many of his former team-mates from Stevenage, Grays
Athletic, Southend United, Northampton Town and Oxford United - as well as
Hammers stars Kevin Nolan, James Collins, Mark Noble, Matt Jarvis and Andy
Carroll.
All proceeds from an enjoyable yet poignant evening will be split between
the Cole family and its chosen charity, The Cardiomyopathy Association.
After a minute's applause accompanied by a chorus of 'Mitchell Cole' to the
tune of Spandau Ballet's 'Gold', the game began in exciting fashion. Carroll
- playing up front alongside new partner Collins - had already shot narrowly
wide before former Stevenage striker Chris Beardsley tapped the Boro XI in
front on five minutes. The Hammers contingent then took centre-stage. Cole
hit the inside of the post, Carroll saw his header blocked and Collins
blasted out of the stadium before the makeshift striker's header down was
tapped in by Noble on 15 minutes. The goals continued to flow as Jarvis and
Nolan both produced outstanding first-time finishes before Charlton Athletic
midfielder Lawrie Wilson pulled a goal back for the Boro XI amid applause to
mark the No21 shirt worn by Cole.
On 24 minutes, it was 4-2 when Carroll whipped in a left-wing cross for
Collins to volley home superbly before Jarvis got his second six minutes
before half-time, rounding goalkeeper Ashley Bayes and slotting into the
unguarded net. Carroll became the fifth Hammer to hit the target two minutes
before the break, slotting home after Bayes had parried Collins' first-time
shot - a goal that led to chants of 'Sign him up!' from the Stevenage fans.
As agreed, the six West Ham players took their leave at half-time, but the
goals kept coming after the break, with former Fulham striker Barry Hayles
among the scorers as the Cole XI ran out 7-4 winners on an emotional and
memorable evening for everyone concerned.
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West Ham United and adidas
WHUFC.com
West Ham United have agreed a lucrative commercial partnership with global
sportswear giant adidas
07.05.2013
West Ham United and adidas are delighted to announce a lucrative commercial
partnership which sees the global sportswear giant become the Club's
Official Technical Supplier from 1 June 2013. The agreement will see adidas
produce the Hammers' team kit, replica kit, trainingwear and equipment for
the 2013/14 and 2014/15 seasons and will feature adidas performance fabrics
ClimaCool and ClimaLite technology, a mixture of heat and moisture
controlling materials, ventilation channels and 3D fabrics which improve air
flow to the skin and in key heat zones. The Hammers have enjoyed a rich
history with the world-famous sports brand and wore the company's strips for
their best-ever league finish of third in 1986 and in the 1981 League Cup
final. Indeed, some of the most legendary players ever to pull on the claret
and blue did so in an adidas kit, including Billy Bonds MBE, Sir Trevor
Brooking and Tony Cottee, and now many more stories are set to be told with
the Club now clad in the famous three stripes again.
The choice of adidas also reflects the suggestions made by the Club's
Supporter Advisory Board in discussions held about the Hammers' choice of
technical partner. West Ham United Vice-Chairman Karren Brady said: "We are
delighted to team up with adidas at such an exciting time in the Club's
history. They are an ideal partner due to their proven technical experience,
innovation in product design and renowned quality of sportswear. "The
agreement with a world-famous sports brand provider is another signifier of
our Club's growing global standing. adidas is a brand that West Ham United
have a proud association with and we are looking forward to creating many
more glorious memories playing in the famous three stripes. "As our detailed
independent Olympic Stadium supporter consultation showed, we always listen
to our supporters' opinions and I am pleased we have been able to act on
their wants by reuniting us with adidas."
Steve Holland, Senior Manager - Commercial Clubs at adidas, said: "To
partner with West Ham United again, considering there has been such an
iconic past relationship, meant that there was genuine excitement from both
parties as we agreed the deal. adidas is confident the Hammers fans will
truly appreciate the quality and design of the new kits and extended ranges
and we wish the club every continued success on pitch for the coming
seasons."
West Ham's Technical Partner for the past three years has been Macron. The
Italian sportswear company's CEO Gianluca Pavanello said the two would part
on amicable terms. "adidas will take over from Macron as the club's official
technical partner," said Pavanello "We would very much like to thank West
Ham United FC, as we have very much enjoyed a great relationship with the
West Ham family over these past three years, where we feel both brands have
received international exposure. "We very much enjoyed producing each
season's bespoke kit and to everyone at the club with whom we have had the
privilege of working. We wish them every success for the future."
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Diame wins Goal of the Month
WHUFC.com
Senegal midfielder wins award for cracker against Manchester United
07.05.2013
Mohamed Diame's cracker against Manchester United has won the West Ham
United Goal of the Month prize for April. Diame struck to put the Hammers
2-1 up in a pulsating game that would eventually end all-square at 2-2 and
his goal took the honours in a vote on the Club's Official Facebook Page.
The Senegal international's goal polled an overwhelming 72% of the vote,
comfortably beating Kevin Nolan's strike against Wigan Athletic (18%) into
second. Diame's third of the season was a truly memorable one, collecting
possession from Guy Demel before losing Wayne Rooney with a deft drop of the
shoulder and cracking a curling left-footed shot beyond David de Gea's dive
and into the bottom left corner.
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Hammers edged out by Baggies
WHUFC.com
A first-half free-kick proved the difference as the Hammers lost out at West
Bromwich Albion
07.05.2013
West Ham United's Development Squad succumbed to a slender 1-0 defeat at
West Bromwich Albion's training ground, rounding off their Barclays Under-21
Premier League campaign. The game's only goal arrived deep into first-half
stoppage time, as Adil Nabi's free-kick took a wicked deflection on its way
past the stranded Jake Larkins. Thereafter Shane Lewis pulled of a stunning
stop to foil Elliot Lee, while the crossbar then denied him once more to
preserve the hosts' narrow advantage. It was rough justice on Nick Haycock's
men who were, in the end, good value for a point at the very least and will
count themselves mightily unlucky to end the Elite Group stage down in
sixth. The Hammers might not have begun the afternoon in particularly fluent
fashion, but it was they who created an early chance, as Lee's angled drive
forced Lewis to parry into the six-yard box, though Paul McCallum was unable
to bundle home. Centre-forward McCallum then went close again after 17
minutes, spinning on the edge of box, before watching his drive whistle past
the far post. With both sides trading blows, the game ground to an
unfortunate halt just before the half-hour mark, as the returning Matthias
Fanimo fell to earth after a collision with Tom Smart. The West Ham winger
would subsequently depart the scene on a stretcher, to be replaced by Sean
Maguire. Meanwhile, Adil Nabi began to influence proceedings, thudding a
long-range drive against the bar. And it was he who would break the
deadlock, albeit in the fifth minute of first-half stoppage time.
Nathan Mavila saw his attempted cross charged down, prompting a swift break
down the Hammers' left. The Baggies tore forward and were rewarded with a
free-kick on the edge of the box. Nabi took charge and was soon celebrating
as his set piece ricocheted off Spence before nestling in the back of the
visitors' net.
In reply, West Ham were inches away from levelling matters five minutes
after the resumption, when McCallum was desperately close to applying a
telling touch to Kieran Bywater's centre. Elsewhere, George Moncur teed up
Robert Hall with a quick free-kick, but his shot flashed across the face of
the goal, after Pelly Ruddock's curled effort had also drifted beyond the
far stick. Step forward Elliot Lee, who on another day might well have won
the game for his side, let alone drawn it. He firstly drew a brilliant
finger-tip stop from Lewis with a thumping drive from distance, before his
expertly struck free-kick cannoned back of the crossbar. After a late
penalty shout for handball had come and gone, the Baggies were able to cling
onto the three points, a win to avenge a 2-0 reverse at Rush Green earlier
in the Elite Group. Recent disappointments aside, West Ham's second string
can now reflect on a job well done, having topped Group One prior to
Christmas, as well as playing a full part in a wholly competitive Elite
Group with the youngest team on show.
West Ham United: Larkins, Driver, Mavila, Bywater, Ruddock, Spence, Hall,
Moncur, McCallum (Miles 71), Lee, Fanimo (Maguire 30).
Subs: Nemrava, Miles, Sadlier, Burke.
West Bromwich Albion: Lewis, Atkinson, Smart, O'Neil, Daniels, Gayle, Birch,
Brown (N'Kumu 71), Sawyers, A Nabi, S Nabi.
Subs: Pace, Rose, Jones, Molyneux
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Ladies come unstuck at Lewes
WHUFC.com
West Ham United's Ladies suffered a 3-0 defeat at Lewes on Sunday
07.05.2013
West Ham United Ladies' wait for a win goes on after they were defeated 3-0
by Lewes in the FA Women's Premier League Southern Division on Sunday.
The Hammers have not tasted victory since their win over Lewes in the
reverse fixture in early March, and there was to be no repeat as the Sussex
side ran out comfortable winners. For Lewes, the three-point haul was their
fourth in succession and moved them up above the Hammers and into fifth
place in the table.. Andriea Veiga's powerful drive put the Rookettes 1-0
up, before Tash Wells headed home to double their lead by half time. Kelly
Newton's header in the closing stages completed the scoring and left the
visitors well beaten. West Ham's season concludes this coming Sunday with a
trip to title-chasing Reading.
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U18s: Albion 1-0 West Ham Utd
KUMB.com
Filed: Tuesday, 7th May 2013
By: Staff Writer
West Ham United's under 18s ended their season in disappointing fashion by
going down 1-0 against bottom club West Bromwich Albion this afternoon.
The hosts scored the only goal of the game - a deflected free kick by Adil
Nabi - in the FIFTH minute of added-on time at the end of the first half to
record only their second win of the (14-match) league campaign. As well as
falling to defeat at Albion's training ground, West Ham also lost
19-year-old Matthias Fanimo to a nasty injury, with the midfielder being
stretchered off towards the end of the first half. The reversal means West
Ham's youngsters end the Elite Group phase in a disappointing sixth place,
ahead of only Wolves and today's opponents. You may see the current league
table here.
West Ham Utd: Larkins, Driver, Mavila, Bywater, Ruddock, Spence, Hall,
Moncur, McCallum (Sadlier 71), Lee, Fanimo (Maguire 32).
Subs Not Used: Nemrava, Miles, Burke.
West Bromwich Albion: Lewis, Atkinson, Smart, O'Neil, Daniels, Gayle, Birch,
Brown (N'Kumu 71), Sawyers, A Nabi, S Nabi.
Subs Not Used: Rose, Pace, Jones, N'Kumu, Molyneux.
Goals: Nabi (45+5).
Referee: Martin Dexter.
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West Ham announce Adidas partnership
KUMB.com
Filed: Tuesday, 7th May 2013
By: Staff Writer
One of West Ham's worst-kept secrets was finally revealed today when the
club announced they would be teaming up with shirt sponsor Adidas from this
summer. The iconic German brand will replace existing Italian kit
manufacturer Macron, with West Ham set to wear Adidas shirts for the next
three seasons. In addition to supplying kit, the sportswear company will
provide a range of training wear and equipment. West Ham vice-chair Karren
Brady, speaking via whufc.com, said this morning: "We are delighted to team
up with Adidas at such an exciting time in the Club's history. They are an
ideal partner due to their proven technical experience, innovation in
product design and renowned quality of sportswear. "The agreement with a
world-famous sports brand provider is another signifier of our Club's
growing global standing. Adidas is a brand that West Ham United have a proud
association with and we are looking forward to creating many more glorious
memories playing in the famous three stripes."
News of West Ham's (re)association with the company that was set up by
Bavarian Adolf 'Adi' Dassler in 1948 has received a positive welcome from
supporters, many of whom associate the brand with the promotion-winning West
Ham side of the early 1980s. Considered by many to be the finest West Ham
kit ever made, Adidas' 1980 classic - which the Hammers wore for the next
three seasons - is still highly sought after with originals changing hands
for good prices on auction websites.
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Sullivan's big move
Published: 07th May 2013
The Sun
WEST HAM co-owner David Sullivan has revealed they are targeting at least
four summer signings — including a big-time striker. The East London club
have enjoyed a successful first season back in the Premier League and are
challenging for a top-10 finish. And with the Hammers gearing up for a move
to the Olympic Stadium in 2016, they are planning for their top-flight
future. Sullivan said: "Our planning has already started to make sure next
season is even better.
"A crucial factor will be recruiting the right players in the right
positions. "Our aim is to bring in four or five players that will strengthen
the squad and provide manager Sam Allardyce with greater options and
variety. "We want to bring in at least one proven goalscorer to bolster our
attack."
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Wages chop is a Reo-Choker
By MIKE McGRATH
Published: 07th May 2013
The Sun
NIGEL REO-COKER'S amazing drop in wages has been revealed by the MLS — just
six years after he was branded part of the "Baby Bentley" gang. The
midfielder, 28, joined Vancouver Whitecaps in January and their accounts
show his base salary at £130,000 per YEAR. He was on that a MONTH at Aston
Villa after joining from West Ham in 2007. It was at Upton Park where boss
Alan Curbishley lashed out at a "Baby Bentley" culture in which players were
more interested in cars than winning. But money is not the big factor for
some players moving to America now. Tottenham youngster John Bostock, on
loan at Toronto FC, is on just £65,000 a year, while former Wales star Rob
Earnshaw is on £90,000 annually at the same club. Robbie Keane is now the
top MLS earner with £2.6million base a year at LA Galaxy. But his overall
earnings including bonuses are about the same as Thierry Henry at New York
Red Bulls, at £2.8m
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Finnish him? West Ham want Blackburn keeper Jake Kean to compete with ageing
Jussi Jaaskelainen
7 May 2013 22:30
The Mirror
West Ham want to sign Blackburn keeper Jake Kean to boost their
shot-stopping options. Hammers boss Sam Allardyce is eying a new keeper to
compete with Jussi Jaaskelainen, who is now 38 years old. The Finnish
veteran has had a decent season and has earned a new one-year deal. But
ex-Ewood Park chief Allardyce knows Kean, 22, is a decent prospect after
being in charge when they snapped him up from Derby in 2009, aged 18. Kean
has since been capped up by England U-20s and made 25 first team starts for
Blackburn. He had a brilliant game in February as Blackburn knocked Arsenal
out of the FA Cup at the Emirates 1-0. He became Rovers' No.1 this term when
Paul Robinson got injured until picking up a knee injury himself last month.
Meanwhile, West Ham are reported to be lining up a move for Stoke beanpole
Peter Crouch.
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http://vyperz.blogspot.com
WHUFC.com
Six West Ham United players honoured the memory of the late Mitchell Cole at
a special Benefit Match
07.05.2013
Six West Ham United players joined thousands in honouring the memory of the
late Mitchell Cole at a special Benefit Match at Stevenage on Tuesday.
Hammers Academy graduate Cole passed away in December 2012 of the heart
condition hypertrophic cardiomyopathy. He was just 27. The late winger's
brother-in-law Joe Cole played a central role in organising the Benefit
Match at Mitchell's old club Stevenage FC between a Boro XI and a Cole XI.
Mark Noble, Matt Jarvis, Kevin Nolan, James Collins and Andy Carroll were
all on target during an entertaining first half that saw the Cole XI -
captained by the Hammers midfielder - recover from a goal down to take a 6-2
half-time lead. The game finished 7-4. Cole said Mitchell would have been
proud of the send-off he received and also thanked the players and
supporters who turned out in his memory. "I would like to thank all the fans
who turned up, my team-mates and everyone at Stevenage Football Club," said
the No26. "The guys who came tonight are all big names. It is a long season
and I cannot thank the lads enough.
"It was a good send-off for Mitchell and we raised a lot of money for
charity, which is the main thing. We all had a good night. I didn't manage
to score but I will save that for the weekend!"
Cole said his brother-in-law was a fine player and that it was only his
health issues that prevented him from being a Premier League star. "I think
Mitchell's ability was unquestioned. He was diagnosed with a heart condition
at the age of 15 so it affected him from a young age. If he hadn't of had
it, he would have been a top Premier League player. "Anyone who worked with
him will tell you he had a great left foot. He had a decent career in the
lower leagues but he was doing it in second gear because he couldn't push
his body as much as he wanted to. "Technically, he had a great left foot, he
was quick and he really was talented. The condition, affected him but he had
a good career, he was a good family man and a great fella. "We all loved him
and it was great to see such a send-off for him."
In a fitting tribute to Cole, 2,306 fans watched a thrilling, light-hearted
match that featured many of his former team-mates from Stevenage, Grays
Athletic, Southend United, Northampton Town and Oxford United - as well as
Hammers stars Kevin Nolan, James Collins, Mark Noble, Matt Jarvis and Andy
Carroll.
All proceeds from an enjoyable yet poignant evening will be split between
the Cole family and its chosen charity, The Cardiomyopathy Association.
After a minute's applause accompanied by a chorus of 'Mitchell Cole' to the
tune of Spandau Ballet's 'Gold', the game began in exciting fashion. Carroll
- playing up front alongside new partner Collins - had already shot narrowly
wide before former Stevenage striker Chris Beardsley tapped the Boro XI in
front on five minutes. The Hammers contingent then took centre-stage. Cole
hit the inside of the post, Carroll saw his header blocked and Collins
blasted out of the stadium before the makeshift striker's header down was
tapped in by Noble on 15 minutes. The goals continued to flow as Jarvis and
Nolan both produced outstanding first-time finishes before Charlton Athletic
midfielder Lawrie Wilson pulled a goal back for the Boro XI amid applause to
mark the No21 shirt worn by Cole.
On 24 minutes, it was 4-2 when Carroll whipped in a left-wing cross for
Collins to volley home superbly before Jarvis got his second six minutes
before half-time, rounding goalkeeper Ashley Bayes and slotting into the
unguarded net. Carroll became the fifth Hammer to hit the target two minutes
before the break, slotting home after Bayes had parried Collins' first-time
shot - a goal that led to chants of 'Sign him up!' from the Stevenage fans.
As agreed, the six West Ham players took their leave at half-time, but the
goals kept coming after the break, with former Fulham striker Barry Hayles
among the scorers as the Cole XI ran out 7-4 winners on an emotional and
memorable evening for everyone concerned.
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West Ham United and adidas
WHUFC.com
West Ham United have agreed a lucrative commercial partnership with global
sportswear giant adidas
07.05.2013
West Ham United and adidas are delighted to announce a lucrative commercial
partnership which sees the global sportswear giant become the Club's
Official Technical Supplier from 1 June 2013. The agreement will see adidas
produce the Hammers' team kit, replica kit, trainingwear and equipment for
the 2013/14 and 2014/15 seasons and will feature adidas performance fabrics
ClimaCool and ClimaLite technology, a mixture of heat and moisture
controlling materials, ventilation channels and 3D fabrics which improve air
flow to the skin and in key heat zones. The Hammers have enjoyed a rich
history with the world-famous sports brand and wore the company's strips for
their best-ever league finish of third in 1986 and in the 1981 League Cup
final. Indeed, some of the most legendary players ever to pull on the claret
and blue did so in an adidas kit, including Billy Bonds MBE, Sir Trevor
Brooking and Tony Cottee, and now many more stories are set to be told with
the Club now clad in the famous three stripes again.
The choice of adidas also reflects the suggestions made by the Club's
Supporter Advisory Board in discussions held about the Hammers' choice of
technical partner. West Ham United Vice-Chairman Karren Brady said: "We are
delighted to team up with adidas at such an exciting time in the Club's
history. They are an ideal partner due to their proven technical experience,
innovation in product design and renowned quality of sportswear. "The
agreement with a world-famous sports brand provider is another signifier of
our Club's growing global standing. adidas is a brand that West Ham United
have a proud association with and we are looking forward to creating many
more glorious memories playing in the famous three stripes. "As our detailed
independent Olympic Stadium supporter consultation showed, we always listen
to our supporters' opinions and I am pleased we have been able to act on
their wants by reuniting us with adidas."
Steve Holland, Senior Manager - Commercial Clubs at adidas, said: "To
partner with West Ham United again, considering there has been such an
iconic past relationship, meant that there was genuine excitement from both
parties as we agreed the deal. adidas is confident the Hammers fans will
truly appreciate the quality and design of the new kits and extended ranges
and we wish the club every continued success on pitch for the coming
seasons."
West Ham's Technical Partner for the past three years has been Macron. The
Italian sportswear company's CEO Gianluca Pavanello said the two would part
on amicable terms. "adidas will take over from Macron as the club's official
technical partner," said Pavanello "We would very much like to thank West
Ham United FC, as we have very much enjoyed a great relationship with the
West Ham family over these past three years, where we feel both brands have
received international exposure. "We very much enjoyed producing each
season's bespoke kit and to everyone at the club with whom we have had the
privilege of working. We wish them every success for the future."
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Diame wins Goal of the Month
WHUFC.com
Senegal midfielder wins award for cracker against Manchester United
07.05.2013
Mohamed Diame's cracker against Manchester United has won the West Ham
United Goal of the Month prize for April. Diame struck to put the Hammers
2-1 up in a pulsating game that would eventually end all-square at 2-2 and
his goal took the honours in a vote on the Club's Official Facebook Page.
The Senegal international's goal polled an overwhelming 72% of the vote,
comfortably beating Kevin Nolan's strike against Wigan Athletic (18%) into
second. Diame's third of the season was a truly memorable one, collecting
possession from Guy Demel before losing Wayne Rooney with a deft drop of the
shoulder and cracking a curling left-footed shot beyond David de Gea's dive
and into the bottom left corner.
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Hammers edged out by Baggies
WHUFC.com
A first-half free-kick proved the difference as the Hammers lost out at West
Bromwich Albion
07.05.2013
West Ham United's Development Squad succumbed to a slender 1-0 defeat at
West Bromwich Albion's training ground, rounding off their Barclays Under-21
Premier League campaign. The game's only goal arrived deep into first-half
stoppage time, as Adil Nabi's free-kick took a wicked deflection on its way
past the stranded Jake Larkins. Thereafter Shane Lewis pulled of a stunning
stop to foil Elliot Lee, while the crossbar then denied him once more to
preserve the hosts' narrow advantage. It was rough justice on Nick Haycock's
men who were, in the end, good value for a point at the very least and will
count themselves mightily unlucky to end the Elite Group stage down in
sixth. The Hammers might not have begun the afternoon in particularly fluent
fashion, but it was they who created an early chance, as Lee's angled drive
forced Lewis to parry into the six-yard box, though Paul McCallum was unable
to bundle home. Centre-forward McCallum then went close again after 17
minutes, spinning on the edge of box, before watching his drive whistle past
the far post. With both sides trading blows, the game ground to an
unfortunate halt just before the half-hour mark, as the returning Matthias
Fanimo fell to earth after a collision with Tom Smart. The West Ham winger
would subsequently depart the scene on a stretcher, to be replaced by Sean
Maguire. Meanwhile, Adil Nabi began to influence proceedings, thudding a
long-range drive against the bar. And it was he who would break the
deadlock, albeit in the fifth minute of first-half stoppage time.
Nathan Mavila saw his attempted cross charged down, prompting a swift break
down the Hammers' left. The Baggies tore forward and were rewarded with a
free-kick on the edge of the box. Nabi took charge and was soon celebrating
as his set piece ricocheted off Spence before nestling in the back of the
visitors' net.
In reply, West Ham were inches away from levelling matters five minutes
after the resumption, when McCallum was desperately close to applying a
telling touch to Kieran Bywater's centre. Elsewhere, George Moncur teed up
Robert Hall with a quick free-kick, but his shot flashed across the face of
the goal, after Pelly Ruddock's curled effort had also drifted beyond the
far stick. Step forward Elliot Lee, who on another day might well have won
the game for his side, let alone drawn it. He firstly drew a brilliant
finger-tip stop from Lewis with a thumping drive from distance, before his
expertly struck free-kick cannoned back of the crossbar. After a late
penalty shout for handball had come and gone, the Baggies were able to cling
onto the three points, a win to avenge a 2-0 reverse at Rush Green earlier
in the Elite Group. Recent disappointments aside, West Ham's second string
can now reflect on a job well done, having topped Group One prior to
Christmas, as well as playing a full part in a wholly competitive Elite
Group with the youngest team on show.
West Ham United: Larkins, Driver, Mavila, Bywater, Ruddock, Spence, Hall,
Moncur, McCallum (Miles 71), Lee, Fanimo (Maguire 30).
Subs: Nemrava, Miles, Sadlier, Burke.
West Bromwich Albion: Lewis, Atkinson, Smart, O'Neil, Daniels, Gayle, Birch,
Brown (N'Kumu 71), Sawyers, A Nabi, S Nabi.
Subs: Pace, Rose, Jones, Molyneux
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Ladies come unstuck at Lewes
WHUFC.com
West Ham United's Ladies suffered a 3-0 defeat at Lewes on Sunday
07.05.2013
West Ham United Ladies' wait for a win goes on after they were defeated 3-0
by Lewes in the FA Women's Premier League Southern Division on Sunday.
The Hammers have not tasted victory since their win over Lewes in the
reverse fixture in early March, and there was to be no repeat as the Sussex
side ran out comfortable winners. For Lewes, the three-point haul was their
fourth in succession and moved them up above the Hammers and into fifth
place in the table.. Andriea Veiga's powerful drive put the Rookettes 1-0
up, before Tash Wells headed home to double their lead by half time. Kelly
Newton's header in the closing stages completed the scoring and left the
visitors well beaten. West Ham's season concludes this coming Sunday with a
trip to title-chasing Reading.
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U18s: Albion 1-0 West Ham Utd
KUMB.com
Filed: Tuesday, 7th May 2013
By: Staff Writer
West Ham United's under 18s ended their season in disappointing fashion by
going down 1-0 against bottom club West Bromwich Albion this afternoon.
The hosts scored the only goal of the game - a deflected free kick by Adil
Nabi - in the FIFTH minute of added-on time at the end of the first half to
record only their second win of the (14-match) league campaign. As well as
falling to defeat at Albion's training ground, West Ham also lost
19-year-old Matthias Fanimo to a nasty injury, with the midfielder being
stretchered off towards the end of the first half. The reversal means West
Ham's youngsters end the Elite Group phase in a disappointing sixth place,
ahead of only Wolves and today's opponents. You may see the current league
table here.
West Ham Utd: Larkins, Driver, Mavila, Bywater, Ruddock, Spence, Hall,
Moncur, McCallum (Sadlier 71), Lee, Fanimo (Maguire 32).
Subs Not Used: Nemrava, Miles, Burke.
West Bromwich Albion: Lewis, Atkinson, Smart, O'Neil, Daniels, Gayle, Birch,
Brown (N'Kumu 71), Sawyers, A Nabi, S Nabi.
Subs Not Used: Rose, Pace, Jones, N'Kumu, Molyneux.
Goals: Nabi (45+5).
Referee: Martin Dexter.
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West Ham announce Adidas partnership
KUMB.com
Filed: Tuesday, 7th May 2013
By: Staff Writer
One of West Ham's worst-kept secrets was finally revealed today when the
club announced they would be teaming up with shirt sponsor Adidas from this
summer. The iconic German brand will replace existing Italian kit
manufacturer Macron, with West Ham set to wear Adidas shirts for the next
three seasons. In addition to supplying kit, the sportswear company will
provide a range of training wear and equipment. West Ham vice-chair Karren
Brady, speaking via whufc.com, said this morning: "We are delighted to team
up with Adidas at such an exciting time in the Club's history. They are an
ideal partner due to their proven technical experience, innovation in
product design and renowned quality of sportswear. "The agreement with a
world-famous sports brand provider is another signifier of our Club's
growing global standing. Adidas is a brand that West Ham United have a proud
association with and we are looking forward to creating many more glorious
memories playing in the famous three stripes."
News of West Ham's (re)association with the company that was set up by
Bavarian Adolf 'Adi' Dassler in 1948 has received a positive welcome from
supporters, many of whom associate the brand with the promotion-winning West
Ham side of the early 1980s. Considered by many to be the finest West Ham
kit ever made, Adidas' 1980 classic - which the Hammers wore for the next
three seasons - is still highly sought after with originals changing hands
for good prices on auction websites.
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Sullivan's big move
Published: 07th May 2013
The Sun
WEST HAM co-owner David Sullivan has revealed they are targeting at least
four summer signings — including a big-time striker. The East London club
have enjoyed a successful first season back in the Premier League and are
challenging for a top-10 finish. And with the Hammers gearing up for a move
to the Olympic Stadium in 2016, they are planning for their top-flight
future. Sullivan said: "Our planning has already started to make sure next
season is even better.
"A crucial factor will be recruiting the right players in the right
positions. "Our aim is to bring in four or five players that will strengthen
the squad and provide manager Sam Allardyce with greater options and
variety. "We want to bring in at least one proven goalscorer to bolster our
attack."
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Wages chop is a Reo-Choker
By MIKE McGRATH
Published: 07th May 2013
The Sun
NIGEL REO-COKER'S amazing drop in wages has been revealed by the MLS — just
six years after he was branded part of the "Baby Bentley" gang. The
midfielder, 28, joined Vancouver Whitecaps in January and their accounts
show his base salary at £130,000 per YEAR. He was on that a MONTH at Aston
Villa after joining from West Ham in 2007. It was at Upton Park where boss
Alan Curbishley lashed out at a "Baby Bentley" culture in which players were
more interested in cars than winning. But money is not the big factor for
some players moving to America now. Tottenham youngster John Bostock, on
loan at Toronto FC, is on just £65,000 a year, while former Wales star Rob
Earnshaw is on £90,000 annually at the same club. Robbie Keane is now the
top MLS earner with £2.6million base a year at LA Galaxy. But his overall
earnings including bonuses are about the same as Thierry Henry at New York
Red Bulls, at £2.8m
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Finnish him? West Ham want Blackburn keeper Jake Kean to compete with ageing
Jussi Jaaskelainen
7 May 2013 22:30
The Mirror
West Ham want to sign Blackburn keeper Jake Kean to boost their
shot-stopping options. Hammers boss Sam Allardyce is eying a new keeper to
compete with Jussi Jaaskelainen, who is now 38 years old. The Finnish
veteran has had a decent season and has earned a new one-year deal. But
ex-Ewood Park chief Allardyce knows Kean, 22, is a decent prospect after
being in charge when they snapped him up from Derby in 2009, aged 18. Kean
has since been capped up by England U-20s and made 25 first team starts for
Blackburn. He had a brilliant game in February as Blackburn knocked Arsenal
out of the FA Cup at the Emirates 1-0. He became Rovers' No.1 this term when
Paul Robinson got injured until picking up a knee injury himself last month.
Meanwhile, West Ham are reported to be lining up a move for Stoke beanpole
Peter Crouch.
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