Daily WHUFC News - 25th August 2013

Stalemate at St James'
WHUFC.com
West Ham United drew 0-0 at Newcastle United on Saturday
24.08.2013

Newcastle United 0-0 West Ham United
Barclays Premier League

West Ham United kept their second clean sheet in succession as they
collected a useful point at Newcastle United on Saturday. Genuine chances
were few and far between on a wet afternoon on Tyneside as the Hammers kept
their hosts at arm's length. Their best effort came right at the death as
Sammy Ameobi's attempted cross came back off a post and Yoan Gouffran
knocked over the top, but had that gone in it would have been very harsh on
Sam Allardyce's men.
Newcastle, fresh from their 4-0 hammering at Manchester City on Monday, were
clearly happy to keep it tight in the opening stages and the first half was
a cagey affair. With seven minutes on the clock Newcastle won a free kick 25
yards from goal and Hatem Ben Arfa opted to take the shot on, but he could
not keep his effort down. Off-target Magpies shooting was a feature of the
afternoon's play - Newcastle had eleven efforts before the break, but all
were from range and all failed to trouble Jussi Jaaskelainen. The closest
Newcastle came before half time actually came from a Hammers foot as Winston
Reid intercepted a Ben Arfa pass intended for Papiss Cisse and only just
missed Jaaskelainen's far post. Reid was also involved at the other end on
27 minutes, beating Tim Krul to Modibo Maiga's knockdown following a
Jaaskelainen free kick, but he knocked over the top under pressure from the
home goalkeeper. Matt Jarvis also got in behind Mathieu Debuchy dangerously
and stood up a cross for Stewart Downing, but Mapou Yanga-M'Biwa marshalled
the ball behind for a goal kick with Maiga lurking.

The second period began with the home side trying to lift their side, but it
also began with the Magpies failing to hit the target, as Davide Santon
advanced from left back on 55 minutes, but sent his cross-shot comfortably
over the top. Four minutes later, Kevin Nolan had a great chance to notch
against his old club - just as he did at St James' Park last year, but did
not get his header right from a wickedly inswinging Stewart Downing cross
and the ball flew wide. As the game wore on, it became increasingly likely
that just one moment of magic would settle it, and it nearly came from Joe
Cole six minutes from time as he wrapped his foot around the ball to fire
goalwards following a lay-off from sub Ravel Morrison, but could not get
quite enough curl on his effort. At the other end, Sammy Ameobi's cross
sailed over Jaaskelainen and struck the far post in stoppage time, but there
was no way through as the Hammers made their point.

Newcastle United: Krul; Debuchy, Yanga-M'Biwa, Coloccini, Santon; Marveaux
(Sa.Ameobi 66), Anita, Sissoko, Ben Arfa; Sh.Ameobi, Cisse (Gouffran 72)
Subs: Elliot (GK), Gosling, Bigrimana, Vuckic, Dummett

West Ham United: Jaaskelainen; Demel, Collins, Reid, O'Brien; Nolan, Noble,
Diame (Morrison 75); Downing (Cole 63), Maiga, Jarvis
Subs: Adrian (GK), Tomkins, Rat, Vaz Te, Diarra
Booked: O'Brien

Referee: Phil Dowd
Attendance: 49,622

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Downing reflects on Newcastle draw
WHUFC.com
Stewart Downing was pleased to play a positive role in Saturday's 0-0 draw
at Newcastle United
24.08.2013

Stewart Downing believes West Ham United were unfortunate not to collect all
three Barclays Premier League points on his full Hammers debut at Newcastle
United. The England winger was in lively form as Sam Allardyce's side put in
a committed and resolute performance at St James' Park that, on another day,
would have been rewarded with a victory. Downing himself could have chalked
up his first goal and assist in claret and blue, seeing a goal-bound shot
saved by Tim Krul, a header bounce wide and a superb cross headed
uncharacteristically wide by captain Kevin Nolan. "I enjoyed and I certainly
thought we could have won the game with the chances we had," the new No23
told West Ham TV. "I think we played good counter-attacking football and
certainly had chances to win it. "It was always going to be difficult going
to Newcastle for their first home game but we got a result and I think we
did really well."

In the first half, Downing repeatedly benefitted from West Ham pressing high
up the pitch and winning back possession in the middle third of the pitch.
From one such attack, the winger rose high at the far post to head Matt
Jarvis' cross, knocking the ball back across goal when he could have aimed
for the target himself. "It wouldn't quite happen and wouldn't quite drop
for us in the first half. I think we did everything right until the final
bit, but in the second half when it started to get more open we had a few
chances we started to get the ball into the box "We had some chances in the
first half too, especially with my header which I didn't know whether to go
for goal or to pull it back. I should have gone for goal instead of pulling
it back. "I heard a shout 'Pull it back' and I was running that fast to get
on the end of it so that's what I did. The manager wants me to get on that
back stick. Maybe I should have gone for goal, but that's the way it is. "It
was unlucky, but I think if anyone was going to win the game it would have
been us."

In the second half, Downing saw one well-struck effort saved by Krul before
turning provider for Nolan, only for the skipper to head his cross wide when
well-placed. "I think he didn't realise how much time he had and it's quite
hard to head balls that come across your body. "The positive thing is that
we had people in the box and if we keep putting balls in like that, we've
got a chance of scoring goals."

Downing also showed his defensive qualities, using his pace and fitness to
track Newcastle's adventurous Italy international left-back Davide Santon.
The 29-year-old said he was happy to work up and down the flanks for his
team. "Away from home, especially, you have to work hard for the team. At
some places where they keep possession of the ball, you have to do more
running off the ball then you do with it. "The manager wants me to get up
and down and it was a tough 60 minutes. I've not played a lot of football so
this was a game I certainly enjoyed."

Having missed a section of pre-season before moving to West Ham from
Liverpool, Downing is now hoping to work himself closer to full fitness by
featuring in Tuesday's Capital One Cup second-round clash with Cheltenham
Town at the Boleyn Ground. Having reached the League Cup final with all
three of his former clubs - Middlesbrough, Aston Villa and Liverpool - and
been named Man of the Match in the Reds' 2012 final victory over Cardiff
City, he has a lot of time for the competition. "I'm not sure if I'll be
involved at the moment, but I know the manager will want to do well in that
competition. "The squad is obviously not massive so I expect everyone will
be involved and the Gaffer might change around a few. For me personally, I
just want to keep playing and get as fit as I can and get a good run at it.
"A lot of teams disregard the League Cup a little bit but I always think
that if you go strong in it, you've got every chance. "Certainly at
Middlesbrough and Liverpool we had that and I also got to the final with
Aston Villa. I think we should just go for it because a few teams do
disregard it."

Looking further forward to next Saturday's home Barclays Premier League
fixture with Stoke City, Downing believes a victory would be the perfect way
to finish the first month of the 2013/14 season. "We're a little
disappointed we didn't get all three points at Newcastle but getting a point
is still good. "If we can win at home next week, that point looks even
better. We'll be up for it and Stoke will come and have a go at us, so I'm
looking forward to it."

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Hendon happy with Toon point
WHUFC.com
First-team coach Ian Hendon said West Ham United deserved a positive result
at Newcastle United
24.08.2013

Ian Hendon said West Ham United could be proud of their start to the 2013/14
Barclays Premier League season after earning a deserved point at Newcastle
United. The Hammers kept their second clean sheet in succession to secure a
goalless draw at St James' Park, and could even had won all three had Modibo
Maiga, Winston Reid or Kevin Nolan put presentable chances away. As it was,
Newcastle came within inches of stealing victory themselves when Sammy
Ameobi's 93rd-minute cross hit the inside of the post and Yoan Gouffran
fired the rebound over the crossbar with the goal gaping. First-team coach
Hendon reflected on a cagey game that could have gone either way in an
exclusive interview with West Ham TV. "I think, if you look at the chances
over the 90 minutes, we had better opportunities than Newcastle and should
possibly have got all three points," he said. "Having said that, we could
have lost it right at the end when they have hit one against the post and it
has fallen to their lad, who has put it over. "If you'd said before we got
to Newcastle that we'd have got a point, at the end of the day we'd have
probably taken it."

As a former centre-back himself, Hendon was rightly proud of the Hammers'
defensive efforts. In the first half, West Ham pressed their hosts high up
the pitch and repeatedly won possession in advanced areas. In the second
period, with Newcastle on the offensive, the whole team worked immensely
hard to restrict the Magpies to a grand total of zero shots on target. "I
think we've got to be proud of two clean sheets out of two so far. I can't
remember Jussi Jaaskelainen having to make a save in the two games we've
played so far, so that's credit to the back four and the rest of the team
for the way they are defending."

While the team make-up may change, Hendon wants to see a similarly resolute
display when West Ham host League Two outfit Cheltenham Town in the Capital
One Cup second round on Tuesday evening. "It will be a different sort of
challenge. It's going to be their cup final and, as we saw a couple of years
ago against Aldershot, these games are never easy. "We need to be up and at
them from the start. We want to progress in this competition. "I'm not sure
what the team will be yet, but I'm sure one or two lads will get their
opportunity and it's up to them to stake their claim for a place in the team
on Saturday."

Looking further forward, Hendon is relishing next Saturday's Barclays
Premier League visit of Stoke City to the Boleyn Ground. The Potters picked
up their first win of the season at home to Crystal Palace on Saturday and
the former Notts County captain knows Mark Hughes' side will be a tough and
physical unit to break down. That said, Hendon believes the Hammers have the
necessary qualities to continue their unbeaten start to the Barclays Premier
League campaign.
"Of course, we want to build on our good start against Stoke. We've got an
international break after that and, if we can go into that with seven points
out of nine, that would be nice. "It's not a foregone conclusion, but it
would be good to get through the first three games without a defeat with
seven points on the board. "We'll have a little break and a few lads will be
away and then we'll pick up and be ready to go again."

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Under-18s edged out by Chelsea
WHUFC.com
Hammers' youngsters lose in Barclays Under-18 Premier League clash with
Chelsea
24.08.2013

West Ham United's Under-18s were defeated 2-1 by Chelsea in their latest
Barclays Under-18 Premier League game at the Blues' Cobham training complex
on Saturday. Kieran Bywater gave the visitors an early lead, but Chelsea
turned the game on its head by the break to take the spoils. Bywater's goal
was one to remember, however, as he showed great technique to hammer a
volley home off the underside of the crossbar. West Ham enjoyed their fair
share of possession, but Chelsea showed a greater clinical edge on their way
to victory. Under-18s boss Steve Potts still took heart from his youngsters'
display. He said: It was a good test for us, even if the result did not go
our way. We've played Manchester United and Chelsea now and that's the
benchmark at this level.
"We beat Manchester United last week and were a little unlucky not to get a
result against Chelsea. We've come out with a lot of credit from both of
them.
"That said, there are elements to our game which we know we can improve on
and Chelsea showed the clinical side that you need to win games."

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Newcastle 0 West Ham 0
24 August 2013
Last updated at 17:41
By Tim Oscroft
BBC Sport

Newcastle picked up their first Premier League point this season with a
goalless draw against West Ham. West Ham's Winston Reid went close to
scoring an own goal in the first half before twice just failing to get a
touch to set-pieces at the other end. Hatem Ben Arfa was the home side's
main threat with several efforts from long range, while Joe Cole shot just
inches over the bar for the visitors. Yoan Gouffran wasted a fine chance for
Newcastle late on from close range. While West Ham created the better
chances throughout, Gouffran's missed opportunity deep into time added on
was the closest the game came to a goal. It means that West Ham boss Sam
Allardyce left Tyneside unbeaten for the third time since being sacked by
Newcastle in 2008. The Hammers have picked up four points from their opening
two games, following a 2-0 opening-day win over Cardiff. Alan Pardew, in his
100th Premier League game as Newcastle manager, was without Yohan Cabaye for
the second match in a row. The France midfielder was also left out of the
4-0 defeat by Manchester City in the wake of what Newcastle deemed a
"derisory" offer of £10m from Arsenal.

Hammers defender Reid featured in the first half's three best chances, the
first of which saw him touch the ball wide of his own goal posts under
pressure from Papiss Cisse. The New Zealander twice nearly latched on to
set-pieces inside the Newcastle area, while the home side's main openings
before half-time were Ben Arfa's three off-target shots from distance.
Stewart Downing, making his first start for West Ham since his transfer from
Liverpool, set up Kevin Nolan with a cross on the hour but, having found
space, the Londoners' skipper headed wide against his former club. With
heavy rain falling after the break, neither side could threaten despite a
number of substitutions from both managers, including Cole replacing Downing
shortly after Nolan's chance. Cole went close to his second goal of the
season when he lashed a Matt Jarvis cross just a few inches over the corner
of Krul's post and bar. But with time beginning to run out, both sides went
close to grabbing a goal with West Ham's Modibo Maiga flagged for offside as
he netted from a deflected Ravel Morrison shot. However the hosts nearly
grabbed a 93rd-minute winner when Sammy Ameobi hit the inside of the post
with a looping effort and Gouffran could not hit the target with Jussi
Jaaskelainen stranded.

West Ham manager Sam Allardyce: "It's really disappointing to have had three
golden chances, and then we got a goal that would have killed off Newcastle
but that was ruled offside, although that was probably correct. "On the
other side, defensively we were absolutely superb. Playing away from home,
and the home team having zero shots on target in 90 minutes, shows our
defensively resilient qualities today. "Sadly our creative qualities were
there, but there was nobody on the end to finish it off and make us go home
very, very happy with three points instead of one."

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Roger Rojas to join West Ham on loan?
KUMB.com
Filed: Sunday, 25th August 2013
By: Staff Writer

West Ham are set to sign Honduran forward Roger Rojas on loan for the rest
of the season, say reports in his native country tonight. Rojas, 23,
currently plies his trade for reigning HPNFL champions Club Deportivo
Olimpia whose president, Rafael Villeda, claimed via social network Twitter
on Saturday night that the striker - whose nickname is 'Rorro' - will fly to
the UK tomorrow [Sunday] to complete a season-long loan. Tegucigalpa-born
Rojas - who stands just 5'8" tall and on whom Villeda says West Ham will
have the option to make the deal permanent - has spent his entire career at
Olimpia, for whom he has made in excess of 100 appearances and scored over
50 goals including three in his first three matches of this season. He made
his debut for Honduras in 2010 and has since gone on to represent his
country 18 times - meaning that the issue of insufficient international
appearances, which ended Colombian Duvan Zapata's hopes of joining West Ham,
should not be an issue this time. Rojas is understood to have told the media
following last night's 1-0 win over Grills One, in which he played for 67
minutes before being substituted, that reports he was heading to England
were indeed correct.

Since David Sullivan and David Gold took control of the Club three years
ago, West Ham have signed a series of South Americans as varied as Ilan,
Wellington Paulista, Brian Montenegro and Pablo Barrera. Talking in his
recent exclusive interview with KUMB - the second and final part of which
we'll bring you this week - Sullivan revealed that the club maintain an
active presence in that corner of the globe. "We've got an agent who
supplies [players] and Martin [Margetson, West Ham's Head of Recruitment]
has been down there two or three times on scouting missions," he explained.
"We nearly signed Duvan Zapata, but we didn't think we could get a work
permit."

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Newcastle Utd 0-0 West Ham Utd
KUMB.com
Filed: Saturday, 24th August 2013
By: Staff Writer

West Ham are still to concede a goal in the Premier League this season after
they nullified an admittedly toothless Newcastle attack at St James' Park
this afternoon.

Alan Pardew's side, heavily beaten in their opening fixture at Manchester
City failed to fashion a single shot on target out of their 16 efforts on
goal as Jussi Jaaskelainen enjoyed one of the easiest afternoons he will
ever have in the Premier League.

However his opposite number Tim Krul wasn't exactly pushed either, with only
Stewart Downing's 49th minute effort being on target from a West Ham
perspective.

Sam Allardyce opted to start with the same team that comfortably disposed of
Cardiff last weekend but for one exception, with new signing Stewart Downing
replacing the unlucky Joe Cole - who had been superb against the Premier
League newcomers - to make his first start.

Newcastle, still smarting from Monday's 4-0 defeat proved just as toothless
again in a dire opening half in which their best attacks emanated from the
foraging runs of Hatem Ben Arfa - even if the Frenchman's three efforts on
goal ended up either wide of the target or somewhere close to Row Z.

The closest Newcastle came to scoring ahead of the break came (predictably
perhaps) from the boot of a West Ham player, when Winston Reid's hurried
back pass just 13 minutes in wrong footed Jussi Jaaskelainen before rolling
inches wide of the far post, much to the relief of the big Finn.

Ironically it was Reid who came closest to opening West Ham's account when a
long punt from James Collins on the half hour mark found its way to the Kiwi
who had stolen behind the home defence. Unfortunately for the Hammers, Reid
was unable to find the slightest touch which was all that was needed to
divert the ball beyond Tim Krul.

Modibo Maiga, standing in once again for Andy Carroll was also heavily
involved in West Ham's other two chances of the first half. The Mali
international should have done better when Guy Demel wriggled his way to the
byeline before delivering a great cross that he could only head wide.

Maiga was heavily involved again seven minutes before the break when Matt
Jarvis lost his man before delivering a deep cross towards Stewart Downing.
Downing's decision to nod the back into the centre instead of going for goal
was a poor one, even before Maiga stumbled as he tried - but failed - to
make contact.

After Coloccini had nodded an early corner wide of its intended target,
Downing was involved once more when set through on goal - however the
England winger drifted wide before firing a weak shot straight at Krul. It
was to be the game's only shot on target.

Kevin Nolan, who loves scoring goals against his old club was presented with
a golden opportunity to do it again with an hour played when the cross of
the day from Downing found West Ham's captain free at the near post.
Unusually, Nolan made a complete hash of his header which floated harmlessly
over the bar.

As the home side continued to huff and puff, it was West Ham who were
looking the more dangerous and likely to score the goal which would almost
certainly win the contest. As the game entered its closing stages Cole, on
for (a very disappointed) Downing went close with a dipping effort that
curled inches wide of the post.

Modibo Maiga, who had been anonymous for much of the game did eventually
have the ball in the back of the net in the final minute but was
disappointed to discover that his effort - a tap-in from substitute and
Premier League debutant Ravel Morrison's deflected shot - was ruled out for
offside.

That was before the home side almost stole what would have been a hugely
undeserved three points when Sammy Ameobi's misdirected cross looped over
Jaaskelainen and cannoned back into the path of fellow sub Gouffran, who
somehow poked the ball over the bar from just three yards out.

It was Newcastle's 16th effort on goal in the game - and the 16th time
they'd missed the target.

So in the end the draw was probably a fair result, as neither team managed
to supply any invention or creativity in the final third of the pitch. Look
forward to West Ham - currently second in the Premier League with four
points from two games - being last on Match of the Day tonight.


Match Facts: Newcastle Utd 0-0 West Ham Utd
West Ham Utd: Jaaskelainen, Demel, O'Brien, Collins, Reid, Noble, Diame
(Morrison 75), Nolan (c), Downing (Cole 63), Jarvis, Maiga.
Subs not used: Adrian, Rat, Tomkins, Diarra, Vaz Te.
Booked: O'Brien (44).
Possession: 45%.
Shots (on/off target): 6 (1/5).

Newcastle Utd: Krul, Debuchy, Santon, Coloccini (c), Yanga-Mbiwa, Anita,
Sissoko, Marveaux (Sa.Ameobi 65), Ben Arfa, Sh.Ameobi, Cisse (Gouffran 72).
Subs not used: Elliott, Bigirmana, Gosling, Vuckic, Dummett.
Possession: 55%.
Shots (on/off target): 16 (0/16).
Referee: Phil Dowd.

Assistants: S Bennett, D Bryan.
Fourth Official: K Friend.
Attendance: 49,622 (2,200 away).

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Newcastle draw 0-0 with West Ham at St James' Park
Last Updated: August 24, 2013 7:05pm
SSN

Newcastle are still looking for their first win of the season after being
held to a goalless draw by West Ham at St James' Park.

Best of the match

Man of the match: No one really stood out over the course of 90 minutes, and
a little bit more, of goalless action, but Matthew Jarvis showed great
enterprise and pace out wide for West Ham, and delivered several searching
balls into the 18-yard area.

Moment of the match: Substitute Yoan Gouffran fluffed Newcastle's best
chance of the game deep into added time after he failed to tap in Sammy
Ameobi's rebounded cross-come-shot off the right upright.

Attempt of the match: Clear-cut chances on goal were few and far between,
but the Hammers came close through Modido Maiga's header on from Jussi
Jaaskelainen's ball forward in the 27th minute to Winston Reid, but the
defender just could not keep his attempt on goal down and over Tim Krul.

Save of the match: Neither 'keeper had much to do in terms of heroics, but
Jaaskelainen did have to make a hasty clearance under pressure in the 51st
minute from Shola Ameobi and Papiss Cisse.

Talking point: Maiga tapped in from close range a minute from full-time off
Ravel Morrison's parried shot from Tim Krul, but the linesman's flag was up
for offside and it looked to be a good call.

Chances were few and far between in a disappointing affair, and the closest
either side came to scoring was in stoppage-time when substitute Sammy
Ameobi's cross came back off the post and Yoan Gouffran somehow missed the
rebound from four yards out. After a quiet start West Ham almost gifted
Newcastle the lead on 12 minutes when Winston Reid, under pressure from
Papiss Cisse, rolled the ball just wide of his own far post with goalkeeper
Jussi Jaaskelainen stranded. West Ham created the first chance of the game
five minutes later when Guy Demel dug out a cross from right to the unmarked
Modibo Maiga, but he could only head his effort wide of the target.

Newcastle were struggling to deal with long balls into their box and on 26
minutes West Ham went close to scoring when Reid got on the end of Maiga's
flick-on, but under pressure from Tim Krul the defender could only lift his
shot over the crossbar. Newcastle's defence was all at sea again on 32
minutes when they failed to deal with James Collins' deep free-kick into the
box and Reid was just inches away from diverting the ball into the net.

All the home side could offer in response were a couple of efforts from
Hatem Ben Arfa and Moussa Sissoko which both flew well wide of the target.
Stewart Downing, on his full debut for West Ham, should have done better
eight minutes before the break when Matt Jarvis burst down the left and
picked out the former Liverpool man inside the six-yard box, but the winger
failed to direct his header on target and the chance went begging.

Alan Pardew believes his Newcastle side should have beaten West Ham in their
first home match of the season. The visitors continued to look the side most
likely to score at the start of the second half and West Ham really should
have broken the deadlock on the hour mark when Downing sent over an inviting
cross to an unmarked Kevin Nolan inside the box, but the former Newcastle
midfielder got his attempted header all wrong as it ended up coming off his
shoulder and drifted wide.

Newcastle continued to huff and puff in search of a goal, but they could not
get past a resolute West Ham defence with Jaaskelainen rarely troubled. West
Ham boss Sam Allardyce says he is disappointed to leave St James' Park with
only a point after their game against Newcastle. West Ham substitute Joe
Cole was inches away from scoring on 84 minutes when he turned on the edge
of the box and fizzed his curling shot just wide of the target. West Ham
thought they had won it in the closing stages when Maiga slotted home from
close range, but his celebrations were cut short by an offside flag.
Newcastle then almost stole the three points deep into stoppage-time when
Sammy Ameobi's cross came back off the far post and Gouffran then somehow
missed the rebound with the goal at
his mercy.

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West Ham boss Sam Allardyce felt his side should have won at Newcastle
Last Updated: August 24, 2013 6:22pm
SSN

West Ham boss Sam Allardyce was left to rue missed chances after seeing his
side draw 0-0 with Newcastle at St James' Park. In a disappointing
encounter, West Ham had the better chances in a tight contest, but could not
find a way to goal, with Kevin Nolan missing the best opportunity to net the
winner against his former club. Allardyce was happy with his side's
performance, but felt they should have been rewarded with all three points
after restricting Newcastle to no real goalscoring opportunities. "We are
not disappointed, but we know we should have won this game and can only
blame ourselves for our lack of finishing quality," Allardyce told Sky
Sports. West Ham boss Sam Allardyce says he is disappointed to leave St
James' Park with only a point after their game against Newcastle. It is not
that often when you play away from home and create three or four clear-cut
goalscoring chances - one for Stewart Downing, one for Modibo Maiga and one
for Kevin Nolan, but unfortunately our heading ability was not up to
scratch. "The point is well received, but we all know we should have had all
three today. "It is very satisfying to come away from home and get a point,
so four points from two games is a good start."

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NEWCASTLE: A GOOD POINT BUT WE SHOULD HAVE GOT THREE
By Iain Dale 24 Aug 2013 at 16:55
West Ham Till I Die

I only heard the radio commentary so I can't do a full match report, but
from what I heard, we were phenomenally unlucky not to come away with three
points. It just goes to show what happens when you don't have a proven
goalscorer in your team. There seemed to be at least two cast iron chances
which a predatory striker would have undoubtedly tucked away. But the fact
is we put in a great performance and the two central defenders can be very
proud of the shift they put in.

It was also good to see Ravel Morrison get on at the end, and he very nearly
tucked home a winner. Indeed, he would have done had Maiga not touched it on
from an offside position. Morrison will undoubtedly start against Cheltenham
on Tuesday.

Anyway, for a few hours at least, we are second in the league!

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Newcastle United 0-0 West Ham United: Magpies fans protest against Joe
Kinnear during dour stalemate
24 Aug 2013 22:30
The Mirror

Kevin Nolan could have dumped Alan Pardew in a ton of trouble in the
manager's 100th Premier League game in charge of Newcastle, writes John
Wardle at St James' Park. The former Toon midfielder failed to take a
glorious 60th-minute chance to extend his impressive scoring record against
his former club. A goal at that stage would certainly have put the Toon Army
in a sour mood, with Pardew one of the chief ­targets for their anger.
­Instead, Newcastle survived to earn their first point of the season – and
would have emerged with all three, if Yoan Gouffran had not been guilty of
an incredible miss from point-blank range after Sammy Ameobi's cross came
back off a post in the final seconds. That was among 16 ­Newcastle efforts
that failed to trouble keeper Jussi Jaaskelainen and Pardew said: "Our
shooting was off today. We had so many ­off-target, which was ­unfortunate.
If we could have hit the target, we have a good poacher in Papiss Cisse.
"You want world-class quality and it was missing a little bit, but Loic Remy
will give us that when he is fit."

It was the first time in four visits, since he was fired by Newcastle, that
West Ham boss Sam Allardyce had failed to win at St James' Park. But
Allardyce, who lasted just 24 games on Tyneside, was still content as his
side built on their opening-day victory against Cardiff.He said: "There were
zero shots on our goal in 90 ­minutes and, when you are playing away from
home against Newcastle, that's a pretty good achievement. "We are satisfied
with a point and another clean sheet, but very disappointed we didn't take
any of the very good chances we created. "I watched Chelsea v Aston Villa in
midweek and ­Chelsea won 2-1, but didn't create as many chances as we did
here. I'd have been sick, though, if that fluke cross had gone in the back
of the net at the end, so I've got to be satisfied with a point."

Owner Mike Ashley was not at St James's Park to ­witness Newcastle failing
to score for the fourth ­successive home game – nor were a few other
regulars.
The attendance dropped below 50,000, suggesting a few thousand fans have had
enough of Ashley's failure to invest in new ­signings. At least the players,
who conceded 10 goals in their final three home games of last season, looked
far more equipped for the Premier League than they did at ­Manchester City
on Monday. But, for all the probing of Hatem Ben Arfa and the ­midfield
energy of Vurnon Anita, they struggled to ­create goal threats, particularly
before the break.

One came courtesy of West Ham defender Winston Reid, who almost nudged the
ball past his own keeper in the 11th minute, the other from Mapou
Yanga-Mbwia's 35th minute header. West Ham were little better before the
break. Modibo Maiga failed to hit the target with a header, while Reid
­exposed uncertainty in Newcastle's defence when he twice came close to a
decisive final touch in the ­six-yard area. The second-half was only
marginally more enterprising.

It saw Stewart Downing stretch ­Newcastle keeper Tim Krul with a ­long-range
effort in the 48th minute. And Downing's cross should have brought a goal on
the hour when Nolan failed to connect cleanly with a close-range header.
West Ham sub Joe Cole also drilled a shot narrowly wide and Maiga was
offside when he diverted the ball past Krul in the 89th minute. But the best
chance of breaking the deadlock came deep into stoppage time when Sammy
Ameobi's cross came back off the post and Gouffran poked the ball over from
three yards. "He'll be sweating on the Christmas gaffes of the season
feature," said Pardew.

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West Ham boss Sam Allardyce's Silvestre Varela plan
Express.co.uk

WEST HAM will switch their attention to Porto striker Silvestre Varela if
they fail to agree a deal for Juventus forward Fabio Quagliarella.
Varela-has-scored-25-goals-in-90-games-for-Juventus Varela has scored 25
goals in 90 games for Juventus Club record signing Andy Carroll is out with
a heel injury and with Modibo Maiga the only other recognised forward at
Upton Park, boss Sam Allardyce is keen to bring in another front man before
the transfer window closes. Varela has scored 25 goals in 90 games for the
Portuguese champions.

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http://vyperz.blogspot.com

Daily WHUFC News - 24th August 2013

Jussi eyes another clean sheet
WHUFC.com
Defensive solidity key to another positive result says goalkeeper
24.08.2013

West Ham United goalkeeper Jussi Jaaskelainen is determined to build on last week's solid start with another positive result against Newcastle United on Saturday. The Hammers kept a clean sheet against Cardiff City and Jaaskelainen is sure another shut out would provide the key for another three point haul.
First of all, though, the Londoners will have to beware a backlash from the Geordies following their 4-0 loss to Manchester City on Monday. "It was a great start," the Finn said. "When you play against promoted teams they normally carry on a high from last season, but we got the goal in the first half then second half made sure they didn't get any chances. "We scored at crucial times to take the pressure off the defending. We used our chances to score and we need to keep on building what we were doing at the end of last season now. "We got a great 1-0 win at Newcastle last year, but obviously it's a new year now. They're going to have a reaction from their defeat on Monday night and we have to keep patient, defend well and keep their crowd quiet, "We have to be ready for their reaction and with the experience we have hopefully we can cope with that well."

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Newcastle United match preview
WHUFC.com
The essential pre-match info ahead of Saturday's match at Newcastle United
23.08.2013

NEWCASTLE UNITED v WEST HAM UNITED
BARCLAYS PREMIER LEAGUE
ST JAMES' PARK
SATURDAY 24 AUGUST 2013
KICK-OFF: 3PM
REFEREE: PHIL DOWD

Introduction
• West Ham United travel to Newcastle United this weekend for their first Barclays Premier League away match of the campaign.
• Sam Allardyce's men made the perfect start last week, defeating Cardiff City 2-0 thanks to goals from midfield men Joe Cole and former Magpie Kevin Nolan.
• Newcastle United endured a less-productive first match, losing defender Steven Taylor to a red card and Argentine international Jonas Gutierrez to a hamstring injury along the way to a 4-0 defeat at Manchester City.
• This will be the 124th meeting between West Ham and the Magpies in all competitions. The Hammers have won 38 to Newcastle's 49, while there have been 36 draws played out between the teams.
• Magpies boss and one time Hammers manager Alan Pardew will be celebrating his 100th match in charge of Newcastle.
• Pardew's side will hope to better last season's disappointing form, when they followed up qualifying for the UEFA Europa League by going through a relegation battle along the way to a 16th place finish.
• The Hammers will have good memories of last season's trip to the north east, as Kevin Nolan scored on his return to St James' Park, turning home a Joey O'Brien shot, to give Big Sam's team a 1-0 victory - a three-point haul that lifted them to sixth in the Premier League table.
Team news
West Ham United
• The Hammers will be without ex-Newcastle striker Andy Carroll, who continues his comeback from a heel injury at Chadwell Heath. He is set to step up his training imminently, but remains unavailable for selection. George McCartney, meanwhile, is closing in on a return from his knee problem and could make his comeback for Tuesday's Capital One Cup clash with Cheltenham Town.
Newcastle United
• Defender Steven Taylor is suspended for Saturday's visit of the Hammers after being sent off for a clash with Sergio Aguero in the Magpies' 4-0 defeat to Manchester City on Monday night. Jonas Gutierrez limped off with a hamstring injury in the same game, while striker Loic Remy, a summer arrival from QPR, is out with a nagging calf problem.
• Remy is Newcastle's only summer arrival to date, while Yohan Cabaye sat out the defeat to Manchester City after Newcastle received an approach from Arsenal for his services.

Last Time Out
West Ham United
Saturday 17 August
Barclays Premier League
West Ham United 2-0 Cardiff City
West Ham United: Jaaskelainen; Demel, Reid, Collins, O'Brien; Nolan, Noble, Diame (Diarra 82); Cole (Vaz Te 90), Maiga, Jarvis (Downing 71)
Subs not used: Adrian, Tomkins, Rat, Morrison
Goals: Cole 13, Nolan 76

Newcastle United
Monday 19 August
Manchester City 4-0 Newcastle United
Newcastle United: Krul; Yanga-M'Biwa, S.Taylor, Coloccini, Debuchy; Sissoko, Gutierrez (Anita 44), Tiote; Gouffran (Dummett 45), Cisse, Ben Arfa (Sh.Ameobi 65)
Subs not used: Elliot, Marveaux, Obertan, Sa.Ameobi

Previous meeting
Saturday 4 May 2013
Barclays Premier League
West Ham United 0-0 Newcastle United
West Ham United: Jaaskelainen; Demel (Taylor 80), Reid, Collins, O'Brien; Nolan, O'Neil, Diame; Vaz Te (Collison 59), Carroll, Jarvis (J.Cole 84)
Subs not used: Henderson, Pogatetz, Noble, C.Cole
Newcastle United: Elliot, Coloccini, Simpson, Yanga-M'Bwia, Taylor, Cabaye, Ben Arfa (Sh.Ameobi 65), Gutierrez, Tiote, Cisse, Gouffran (Gosling 77)
Subs not used: Harper, Williamson, Perch, Anita, Campbell

Ten-year records
West Ham United
2012/13 Premier League 10th
2011/12 Championship 3rd (promoted via Play-Offs)
2010/11 Premier League 20th (relegated to Championship)

2009/10 Premier League 17th

2008/09 Premier League 9th

2007/08 Premier League 10th

2006/07 Premier League 15th

2005/06 Premier League 9th

2004/05 Championship 6th (promoted to Premier League via Play-Offs)

2003/04 Division One 4th

Newcastle United
2012/13 Premier League 16th
2011/12 Premier League 5th
2010/11 Premier League 12th
2009/10 Championship 1st
2008/09 Premier League 18th
2007/08 Premier League 12th
2006/07 Premier League 13th
2005/06 Premier League 7th
2004/05 Premier League 14th
2003/04 Premier League 5th

Referee
• Saturday's referee will be Phil Dowd.
• Dowd is in his 13h season as a Select Group official, having initially been promoted to the Barclays Premier League list of referees in 2001.

• Dowd began refereeing in local leagues in 1984, officiating in the Staffordshire Senior League and Midland Football Alliance. He was appointed to the Football League list of assistant referees in 1992, before joining the League's full list of referees in 1997, aged 34.

• The 49-year-old is commonly considered to be one of England's best match officials, an opinion backed by his appointments as the referee for the 2012 FA Cup and 2010 Football League Cup finals.

• Previously, Dowd was the fourth official at the 2006 FA Cup final between West Ham United and Liverpool at Cardiff's Millennium Stadium.

• Dowd has refereed 23 West Ham fixtures in total, the most-recent being the last day of the season 4-2 victory over Reading in May.
• He will be assisted by Simon Bennett and Dave Bryan, while the fourth official is Kevin Friend.

General Information
• There are only a handful of tickets remaining for this fixture. Click here for full information.
• The weather forecast for Saturday is for light rain at 3pm, with temperatures at 17C (63F).

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Potts primed for Chelsea test
WHUFC.com
Steve Potts' youngsters travel to Chelsea in the Barclays U18 Premier League on Saturday
23.08.2013

Steve Potts has challenged his West Ham United youngsters to rise to the challenge again when they travel to Chelsea on Saturday. The Hammers started their Barclays U18 Premier League season in sensational style by defeating Manchester United 2-1 at Little Heath last weekend. Now, Potts and his players face another difficult encounter when they take on the FA Youth Cup runners-up at Cobham. "I've said before what a good league this is and how it's going to test the boys," said the U18s manager. "You couldn't ask for a harder test than our start at home to Manchester United and away to Chelsea. "I know it will be a real test. Chelsea are probably the benchmark in U18s football at the moment because of the money they have thrown at their Academy, especially at youth-team level, so it will be a good test for us. "It hit home a couple of years ago when we went to play Chelsea in the FA Youth Cup and people were saying that their team cost £11m to put together and ours cost £20,000! "I just think it will be a great test for our boys to see what they are all about and find the level they need to be at."

Reflecting on last weekend's 2-1 win over Manchester United, Potts was proud of his players' efforts in both attack and defence. Lewis Page and Jerry Amoo put the Hammers two goals up, but the Red Devils put their hosts under intense pressure in the second half and set-up a nervy finish with a penalty just a few minutes from full-time. "I just thought it was an all-round good team performance on top of all the individual stuff. The key to it was how well they played as a group. "Unless you are like that, you are going to find it difficult and I couldn't ask for any more from that point of view. "Manchester United at home didn't need any building up at all and the boys didn't surprise me with how well they reacted to playing against them. The only doubt is if they are going to play the name rather than the team, but they went about it the right way and their football came out. "In the first half we were excellent. In the second half, Manchester United had a lot of the ball, but we defended well and the pleasing thing was that we thoroughly deserved the win, I thought."

While West Ham's Academy sides will always play good football, anyone who saw the U18s' victory over Manchester United will have also enjoyed the resilience and determination shown to maintain their advantage. Potts said those same qualities will definitely be required at Chelsea, who started their own Barclays U18 Premier League campaign with a 3-0 win over Sunderland. "We only conceded from a penalty towards the end and there was a bit of everything in the game. There was some good football played, some intelligent play with and without the ball and when it came to putting our bodies on the line, the nitty gritty and our defending, I thought we did that well too. "I was pleased and the key now is not getting carried away with that one result. We're going to go all over the country this season and it's going to throw up all sorts of challenges for the boys, like long trips up north in the winter and different styles of football.
"On Saturday we'll be up against a footballing Chelsea team, that's for sure, so I'm looking forward to seeing how the boys react to it."

Watch out for live coverage of Saturday's trip to Chelsea on twitter @whufc_official from 11am.

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Chadwell Chatter
WHUFC.com
Hammers right-back Guy Demel pens the latest player blog ahead of Saturday's trip to Newcastle
23.08.2013

West Ham United full-back Guy Demel was as pleased as anyone to see Stewart Downing rock up at the Boleyn Ground in recent weeks, having twice had to marshal the England winger last season. The Ivorian international is now keen to team up with the 29-year-old, knowing that the Hammers' new No23 will cause many an opposing full-back a headache this term.

Everyone's feeling good after Saturday's win. It makes it a pleasure to come into work and easy to turn up at the training ground. Everyone's got a smile on their face. It's really good to work with such a great set of lads. When you win, everything becomes easier. That's why we're looking forward to getting a good result at Newcastle as well. Back-to-back wins for the first two games of the season would be fantastic. It will make us even more confident, so it's another win that we're looking for.

I knew Stewart before he signed for West Ham. I played against him last year, and he was playing on my side, so I knew he was good! When he came on, I'm not sure exactly how long he played for, he showed what he's about, very skilful and quick. That's exactly what we need. Competition for places is tough now. Don't forget, Joe Cole scored and he's a first-class player as well. It's always good to play with that calibre of player, whether it's Downing or Joe Cole, because they've got quality. It's good to have them.

It's good when a winger in front of me gives the opposition full-back a tough time, because then he'll call the winger to help him. So it will be less pressure for me and makes my life a whole lot easier! It's really good to play with those guys in front of me. Looking ahead to Saturday, it won't be easy up at Newcastle, it never is. Even Cardiff wasn't easy, maybe we made it look that way, but it wasn't. So against Newcastle, it's going to be tougher from the start, because they obviously lost their first game - so they're going to want to impress. But if we can keep a clean sheet and withstand the pressure, we've got every chance of coming back with the win.

As ever, there's a lot of chat at the training ground, some big characters. But to be fair, everybody's in the gym most of the time, working hard because it's still early days in the season. Everyone's looking to get into shape. But it's a good laugh in the gym, we play music and we push each other. Men and their egos! So for now, that's where we're spending most of our time, but as the season goes on, we'll be more relaxed and there'll be more time to enjoy. Right now it's all work and no play, as we're still in that pre-season mentality.

Safe trip to all those travelling up on Saturday, see you there!

Guy

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Nolan wants St James' Park repeat
WHUFC.com
Hammers skipper Kevin Nolan is looking to begin with a bang on the road at his old club
23.08.2013

West Ham United skipper Kevin Nolan says his team know exactly what is required if they are to start their away Barclays Premier League programme in the manner they crave at Newcastle United on Saturday. The Hammers' campaign began with a 2-0 victory over Cardiff City on Saturday, helped by an early goal from Joe Cole, and now Nolan's focus is on improving last season's away win tally of three. He spent two-and-a-half years at St James' Park so knows more than most what kind of threat the Hammers will have to deal with on Tyneside. "When the fixtures came out, I went down, saw Liverpool, all the big clubs, and obviously I looked out for Newcastle having been transferred here from there," he told West Ham TV. "We have them as the first away game of the season, and going back there will be tough but it's one I'm looking forward to after such a fantastic start. "It was quite surreal the last time I went back, but I really enjoyed it. It's a fantastic stadium to play in, and the fans are so passionate. Hopefully we can replicate what we did last season - I thought we were brilliant, gave a solid performance and getting the goal was fantastic. "We want to start off what will become a successful season away from home. We need to address our away form and hopefully that will begin from this weekend. "We need to at least double the amount of away wins we had last season, if we do that'll put us right in the mix in that top ten, as long as we carry on with the home form. "We've changed a few things, I can't say here what as they might be reading, but hopefully we'll see a stronger side to us, and with the new acquisitions that will make things a bit easier."

Newcastle were defeated 4-0 at Manchester City in their opening fixture, but Nolan believes they will provide a sterner test on this occasion. He continued: "One thing I always found is that when you play for Newcastle, when you walk out at St James' Park and you play for them, they demand everything you've got. Believe me, they'll be a different side on Saturday to the one the world saw on Monday. "We have to be prepared for that, Alan Pardew's a fighter, he's not going to lie down and let us steamroller them. He'll be having them right fired up for it, we need to deal with that, the crowd and the occasion. "What we need to happen is keep them quiet for 20 or 30 minutes, get the crowd on their backs and then stamp our authority on the match. "That's what I'm hoping for on Saturday and we need to be not too fazed by what happened [to them] on Monday."

On a personal level, Nolan began the season with a bang by notching the Hammers' second in the victory over Cardiff. He ended up with ten to take the accolade of the Club's top scorer last season and wants to keep on experiencing the feeling of scoring vital goals. He added: "When I look back on my season, if I score 15 goals and seven of them haven't meant anything, they don't really count for me. The ones which count are the goals like last week, when people are a little jittery, but then we've finished Cardiff off after a fantastic move. "That's when you need the goals, and that's what I like to think I'm about as a leader, being able to pop up with one."

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Kevin Nolan: West Ham captain retains England hope
BBC.co.uk

West Ham captain Kevin Nolan has not given up on representing England. The 31-year-old midfielder has scored 62 goals in over 330 Premier League appearances but is yet to receive an international call-up. He told BBC London 94.9: "I would love a call-up - there is nothing that would make me and my family more proud. "I think I have deserved a call throughout my career. When I see the people who have got caps, I think I should have had a few."

Liverpool-born Nolan, who has been capped by England at Under-18 and Under-21 levels, acknowledges competition for national places is stiff but believes his record speaks for itself. "When you look at the likes of Frank Lampard, who is still doing it in the Premier League, I think he has probably been the main culprit of why I haven't got many caps," Nolan continued. "Him and Steven Gerrard, and the way they have performed over the last 10 to 15 years. "I have been growing up with them. If I was coming up with this new crop I think I might have got a few here and there.

Kevin Nolan's career
Bolton (Trainee-Jan 2009): 345 appearances, 50 goals
Newcastle (Jan 09-June 11): 86 appearances, 30 goals
West Ham (June 11-present): 85 appearances, 24 goals

"I have never been too far behind them. In terms of Premier League goals I am up there with the best. That is something I am proud of and it is never too late, as I feel I am getting stronger and fitter and better."

The former Bolton Wanderers and Newcastle United man believes his move from the Magpies to Upton Park in 2011 has helped breathe new life into his career. After linking up with manager Sam Allardyce for the second time in his career, Nolan has scored 24 goals in his first two seasons in east London.
"I know what Sam Allardyce does to clubs and what he does for players," he said. "As an individual, I knew that if I was to stay with Sam he would get the best out of me in my latter years as a professional footballer and give me the best chance to stay at the top of my game for as long as I can. "In the past two seasons I have only got stronger and I am hoping to get better again this year. "I am feeling great and staying clear of injury and that is a big bonus for me."

Nolan, who is now in his 14th full season as a professional having made his first-team debut as a 17-year-old for Bolton in 2000, also says that seeing Southampton striker Rickie Lambert score on his international debut for England last week has convinced him that he too has something to offer his country.
"You only have to look at Rickie the other day," he said. "He's the same age as me and I grew up with him, playing in teams in Liverpool with him and I was delighted for him. "Hopefully I might get that call and if I do hopefully I'll take the chance, push on and maybe get a few caps and not just be a one-cap wonder."

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Newcastle v West Ham
KO 15:00
23 August 2013
Last updated at 13:20
By Alistair Mann
BBC Match of the Day commentator

BARCLAYS PREMIER LEAGUE
Venue: St James' Park Date: Saturday, 24 August
Continue reading the main story

Newcastle boss Alan Pardew must decide whether to recall Yohan Cabaye, who was left out of Monday's defeat at Manchester City following a transfer bid by Arsenal. Steven Taylor is suspended, Cheick Tiote faces a fitness test on a groin problem, and Jonas Gutierrez and Loic Remy are definitely out.

West Ham remain without injured pair Andy Carroll and George McCartney. There could be a debut for Razvan Rat and a first start for Stewart Downing.

MATCH PREVIEW

A former Newcastle United player once famously likened being at the club to living in a goldfish bowl, such was the intensity of the scrutiny that players and staff were constantly under. As a one-club city and statistically the third best-supported side in the Premier League, every situation does appear to be viewed with enormous significance, so the developing feelings of angst which greeted the 4-0 mauling at the Etihad Stadium on Monday were to be expected.
"After what has happened at Newcastle this summer, including Joe Kinnear's appointment as director of football which I think has undermined manager Alan Pardew, I would expect a noisy reaction from the Magpies fans for their first home game of the season."

In reality, the result itself merely accentuated the overriding sense of negativity with which supporters have viewed the lack of transfer activity during the summer. Their only addition, loanee Loic Remy, is injured so manager Alan Pardew currently has the same players with which he ended last season - less Yohan Cabaye, whose departure now seems imminent. Pardew has admitted that a new arrival would inject a much-needed morale boost. That new face won't be in place in time for the visit of West Ham, a match for which he'll also be without the suspended Steven Taylor and injured Jonas Gutierez, two more consequences of the damaging defeat at Manchester City.

By contrast, the visitors will arrive in buoyant mood, not just because of their efficient opening-day win against Cardiff City but also with almost all their own squad assembly now complete. Latest recruit Stewart Downing could well be in line for his first start in a side that will contain Newcastle's former skipper Kevin Nolan. His committed two and half years on Tyneside are still appreciated, despite his winning goal for the Hammers in the same fixture last year.
That another ex Magpie Sam Allardyce has won at St James' Park on his last three visits only adds to the intrigue.

MATCH FACTS

Head-to-head
This is the 124th game between the two clubs in all competitions. Newcastle lead by 46 wins to West Ham's 38.
The last time Newcastle won this fixture was in January 2011 when Kevin Nolan scored in a 5-0 thrashing - their biggest ever win over West Ham
West Ham won at St James' Park for the first time in 10 attempts last season, with ex-Magpie Nolan the match-winner.
Sam Allardyce's team were the only side that managed to keep a clean sheet both home and away against Newcastle United in the Premier League last season.

Newcastle
Alan Pardew's side have only earned five points from their last seven matches and sit bottom of the Premier League on goal difference.
Monday's drubbing was Newcastle's heaviest opening-day defeat in the top flight since 1988 (0-4 v Everton).
Newcastle are trying to avoid losing a fourth Premier League game in a row for the first time.
Steven Taylor's red card on Monday was Newcastle's fifth since the start of last season; only Arsenal (6) have had more dismissals over the same period.

West Ham
West Ham were the only team not to win consecutive Premier League games last season.
The Hammers have won just one of their last 14 away games in the Premier League.
Sam Allardyce has presided over victories in his last three visits to Newcastle with West Ham, Blackburn Rovers and Bolton Wanderers.
Allardyce was sacked by Newcastle after 24 games in 2008, describing it as one of the "lowest points in his career".
Kevin Nolan has scored in three of the last four Premier League encounters between these two sides, although two of those goals came for Newcastle United.

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Duke pleased with West Ham trial
KUMB.com
Filed: Friday, 23rd August 2013
By: Staff Writer

Aussie forward Mitchell Duke admitted that he was "star struck" when first arriving at Chadwell Heath on loan. The Central Coast Mariners striker was invited to England earlier this month in order to train with West Ham's first team but returned home last weekend without a contract offer. Despite failing to land an extended stay in the UK, Duke - who admits to being an Arsenal supporter - believes that the experience will only serve him well for the future - even if he was slightly daunted by the quality of players he found himself training alongside. "It was an unreal experience, getting the chance to play at what is just a different level of quality," the 22-year-old told The Advertiser. "Just watching the players you realise it's a different pace, they're making different runs. There's so much quality. "Every player there is big and powerful physically, you realise the power they have to have. Andy Carroll was injured but to train with the likes of Stuart Downing, Joe Cole and Alou Diarra was almost surreal. "I had a few little chats here and there but you know, no one was there to teach me. That's how it is in football, it was all about seeing how I stood on my own two feet. Hopefully in the long run I can get more of a taste of that level. "I thought I fitted in well, didn't look too out of place and hopefully that's going to feed into my confidence in the A-League next season. From that point of view, the really important part of the week for me was to see how I stood in relation to the level of football we're talking about and I felt reasonably comfortable."

* Former Hammer Carlton Cole, still without a club having been released by West Ham at the end of last season is being linked with a move to France. St Etienne, who were rumoured to be keen to land Modibo Maiga on loan from the Hammers are reported to have turned their attention to the former England international.

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Newcastle United v West Ham United
KUMB.com
Filed: Friday, 23rd August 2013
By: Preview Percy

It's Friday which can mean only one thing. But before that Preview Percy takes a look at this weekend's opponents. You might want to give it a bit of a swerve if you're Joe Kinnear. Or even if you're not....

Next up we face a 560+ mile round trip up the A1 to Newcastle United. You can add another mile or two to that distance just by climbing up to the away section of the ground. Kick-off this Saturday is the traditional 3pm. Which is good.

Regular readers will recall that when I do a Newcastle preview I usually go to to one of my oldest friends in the form of Geordie Preview Alastair for a bit of background. In getting ready for this one we met in our local, The Swan and Superinjunction over a pint or two of Allardyce's Best. It was a convivial session with shared memories of our playing days much to the fore. Then I mentioned Joe Kinnear, whereupon my companion went as white as a sheet, pulled out a bottle of those special pills he has marked "to be taken only in moments of extreme stress" and swallowed six of them before starting to weep uncontrollably whilst curled up on the floor in a foetal position.

You see It's been an "interesting" few months for the Magpies, even by their standards. The announcement of the arrival of somewhat bonkers Joe Kinnear would have been sensational enough on its own. However, the manner in which the news appeared was even madder. Firstly, Kinnear went about telling everyone he'd been appointed before, as is usually the case, the club announced it. Then there were the interviews themselves. Kinnear, it seems, has a rather tenuous grip on reality.

I guess you could forgive the odd inexactitude in the interest of bigging up the old CV. Such as having played over 400 times for Spurs (he didn't), having won the Manager Of The Year award three times (he didn't), having made a big profit on John Hartson who he had signed on a free (er, signed for £7,5m), having signed current Magpies 'keeper Tim Krul for the club (Krul arrived two years before Kinnear) etc etc. Problem is that anyone with a computer could check such facts. So to finish the interview by claiming you're much more intelligent than your supporters is a bit of an own goal.

Kinnear's arrival prompted the departure of MD Derek Llambias. You'd have though that Kinnear might have kept a low profile after first interview. Nope. Back he came claiming to be "head and shoulders" over everyone else. Whilst the manufacturers of a well known dandruff treatment were considering legal action over this comment, Kinnear went into overdrive, He started out by pointing out that every club had a director of football (nope). Then, seemingly oblivious to the old adage "when in a hole stop digging" he went on and on: "I've been a manager for 35 years" proving his grasp of maths is about as strong as his grasp on reality. "I've won every award there is as a player" well, except the league Joe. And the European Cup. And the (much missed) Cup-Winners Cup. And I must have missed the Republic Of Ireland's Euro and World Cup triumphs. "I had two years at Forest" (less than a year), "two years winning promotion at Luton" (one relegation, one promotion), and almost two years at Newcastle (er, 8 months. If you include three of sick leave). There's no justice is there really. I mean Kinnear comes out with all that sort of stuff and it's ME that has to spend my twilight years in the Avram Grant Olympic Rest Home For The Bewildered!

All this has prompted much speculation over the future of one A Pardew esquire. Certainly, if there have been transfer targets this window there's been little success in getting them in. Carroll was linked with a return to his first club but it has been suggested that a proposed move was blocked by Kinnear. Similarly, all thoughts of signing Darren Bent seem to have disappeared (though frankly that's probably no bad thing). The one big arrival of the summer has been striker Loic Remy from QPR on loan. The Geordies reportedly pipped ourselves to the striker, though their enthusiasm has been tempered by the fact that he is a) injured and b) may possibly be unavailable for "legal reasons" after September when he has ben bailed to return to have a chat with plod in connection with an alleged rape incident. All of which makes one wonder how long our former manager is likely to put up with such interference in his job.

The Geordies' version of kumb is nufc.com – a web address which our mate Biffa had the foresight to register before it occurred to the club – something that still irritates the people behind their official site. A look through the news pages on there suggests that owner Mike Ashley may be turning his attentions elsewhere. Having already invested in a stake with Rangers north of the border, it has been rumoured that the man who single-handedly dresses 50% of those one might meet at a jobcentre or White Hart Lane (Primark have got the other 50%) may be looking to up sticks and throw his lot all in north of the border. There have also been some intriguing rumours as to who might take over in the event of Ashley's departure – which nufc.com will only refer to as "Americans". All good stuff.

As if all the madness surrounding Kinnear wasn't enough to be dealing with they then had the Cisse affair. Cisse, you will recall, expressed his major disapproval of the club's new shirt sponsors, Wonga.com, on the grounds that profiting from interest on loans is against Islamic law. So far, so very principled. It got as far as the first XI squad disappearing abroad for pre-season training whilst leaving the striker behind on Tyneside to train alone. With his mates all away he was left at a bit of a loose end of an evening so where better to wind down after a day's hard solo training than, er, a casino. The problem is that everyone has a cameraphone these days and, well, you can imagine the discussions that took place over the finer points of Sharia Law once the Newcastle management returned to resolve the issue.

The fixture computer sent them to Man City on the opening day. Sky told the fixture computer to think again and moved the match to Monday. By that time Arsenal had been beaten hilariously by Villa at home, prompting the traditional early-season moaning from their supporters over their lack of spending, Which, in turn, prompted the traditional early-season attempts at panic buying from Wenger, who offered £10m for midfielder Yohan Cabaye. ("Johan Kebab" – Joe Kinnear). Cabaye was sent back to the North East by Pardew prior to the Man City match for not being in the "right frame of mind" with Pardew clearly being angry at the timing of Arsenal's bid. Presumably Pardew is equally unimpressed by reports linking the player to a move to French moneybags PSG.

Whether or not Cabaye would have made a difference in the match itself is probably unlikely. In goal Krull was a busy chap, making at least three point-blank saves before the Citizens took the lead. The Magpies' cause was not helped by Steven Taylor's daft cuffing of Aguero around the noggin resulting in an instant red card. They also lost Gutierrez through injury which will put pressure on a squad that would appear to lack depth.

Taylor's dismissal will put paid to all thoughts of a reunion with Andy Carroll – though it seems unlikely that the latter will be fit in any case. They have a chequered history those two – Carroll's hand and Taylor's jaw both being broken during a training ground bust up involving text messages and a woman. Best not to ask.

In defence they will at least have Fabricio Coloccini available for selection. He was linked with a return to his boyhood club San Lorenzo. However, despite alleged Papal intervention, Coloccini has remained on Tyneside, where he is regularly serenaded with that song we used to sing about Christian Dailly all those years ago.

Indications are that Remy is another week away from making an appearance at the earliest. They went with Cisse alone up front against Man City but there may be a place for Shola Ameobi ("Ammamobi" – Joe Kinnear) who, bless him, is still there despite a less than spectacular record in front of goal over the many years that he has been with the club.

Ameobi's kid brother, midfielder Sammy, is also on the books – he came on as sub at Eastlands or whatever it's called on Monday. Ameobi jr was less than impressed with Kinnear's pronunciation of the family name and went onto twitter to say so. At least when Bobby Robson got players' names wrong it was as a result of an endearing absent-mindedness rather than some clumsy attempt to be "funny" – when Shola A. was asked by Howard Wilkinson what Robson usually called him Ameobi is reported to have replied "Carl Cort".

As for us, last week's win was a thoroughly satisfactory 90 minutes. Some might point to a lack of cutting edge from the visitors but you can only beat what's in front of you. It was a solid, nay professional performance featuring two excellent goals. Not much mention of hoof ball in the papers this weekend was there?! I must admit I was even pleasantly surprised by the form of Downing in his brief spell on the pitch. Another player rescued from ruination at the hands of Liverpool?

Other than Carroll and the unfortunate McCartney there are no injuries to speak of which gives the manager the nice problem of having to decide who to leave out. The bench last weekend consisted of Adrian, Tomkins, Rat, Morrison, Vaz Te, Diarra, and Downing which looked pretty strong to me. Add to those the fact that Collison and Taylor couldn't get a look in and we have a bit of depth for once.

The one area which could perhaps do with a bit of beefing up is, of course the striking dept. Maiga looks ok when we play to his strengths but that's something that we sometimes don't do. And with Carroll out we look rather short were anything to happen to Maiga. We'd still have to shift players out to get someone in – Taylor and Vaz Te seem to be near the top of that particular list – thanks to the new wage rules. At time of writing there's still no sign of that happening.

So prediction time then. Newcastle were well beaten against Man City and the big question is how much of that defeat can be attributed to how well the home side played and how much was down to Newcastle playing badly. Clearly, internally, they are a club in some disarray internally at the moment and I would normally think of going for a win under those circumstances. However, with only one game played this season I have no idea whether we're going to be a bit more adventurous on the road this term. So, with an air of caution in mind, the AGORHFTB has borrowed a sum of money (£2.50) from Newcastle's sponsors and we've placed it on a 1-1 draw in the hope that our winnings will enable us to make the appropriate repayment of £2,226,597 which will be due on Matron's payday.

Enjoy the game!

When Last We Met At St James' Park: Won 1-0 (November 2012).
Nolan's first half effort – turning in a wayward shot from JO'B – was enough to give us all three points – though Jaaskalainen had to make a couple of good saves late on to ensure a rare away win.

Referee: Phil Dowd. Lucky to still be on the list last season after failing the fitness tests. Reports suggest that he's slimmed down a bit this close season which is just as well. Last seen conducting the Bobby Moore Stand's rendition of "you're too fat to referee" in the fixture between the two clubs at the Boleyn in May, before the effort of waving his arms in time to the tune proved too exhausting for him and he had to go for a lie down.

Danger Man: Papisse Cisse ("Sisseeeee" – Joe Kinnear) – difficult to single anyone out so early in the season but Cisse topped their score charts last term. Just don't ask him for a sub until payday.

Daft Fact Of The Week: According to an un-broadcast part of his interview with Talksport, Joe Kinnear was the first man on the moon, can speak thirty-six languages (including Klingon), and is currently also the lead singer with the as popular as they are talentless boy band One Direction.

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Sam staying schtum
KUMB.com
Filed: Friday, 23rd August 2013
By: Staff Writer

Sam Allardyce says new acquisitions ahead of the transfer deadline 11 days for now are "unlikely" - though few, it seems, believe him. Allardyce, speaking ahead of this weekend's trip to Newcastle told reporters that although the squad is unbalanced, due to the financial restraints imposed by FFP new arrivals ahead of the September 1 were improbable. "It's unlikely that there will be any ins and outs," he revealed. "You never say never, but we're not actively looking at any players to bring in nor are we actively looking at selling any players either. "I've got the squad I've got and that's it; if there is a new player to come in we'll need to sell first. But I don't envisage that happening and I'm not looking at doing it because I'm happy with the squad I've got at the moment.
"It's not frustrating for me. There's a new set of regulations that says you've got a limit on your wages, set by these new rules. I've hit my limit and that's it, we move on. "I'm not panicking and I'm not anxious about any transfers like a lot of managers will be in the next few weeks, because we did our business as quick as we possibly could and that's it. We've got a very good squad."

Despite Big Sam's insistence that the club's summer business has been concluded, few supporters believe that the squad won't be enhanced by at least one new arrival ahead of the deadline. However one player almost certainly not on his way to east London - permanently, at least - is triallist Mitchel Duke, who has returned to Australia following a week spent training with the first tea squad at Chadwell Heath.

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Pards on Big Sam
KUMB.com
Filed: Friday, 23rd August 2013
By: Staff Writer

Former Hammers boss Alan Pardew believes that West Ham are in safe hands with current manager Sam Allardyce.

Pardew, who managed West Ham between 2003 and 2006 has been on Tyneside since succeeding Chris Hughton (now at Norwich) in 2010. The 52-year-old, whose own position has looked less than secure in recent weeks insists that the Hammers - whom his Newcastle side meet tomorrow - are a good shout for another top half finish.

"Sam's an experienced manager," Pardew told the Gazette. "There's no danger of West Ham going down, they've got good players. You like to think they're in the same bracket as us. So it's a big game for us. A big three points in that little group I think we're in."

Meanwhile Allardyce believes that despite Newcastle's 4-0 drubbing at the hands of Manchester City last Monday, the Magpies - whom he briefly managed in 2007 - will provide a far tougher proposition on their own turf.

"Even though Newcastle had, probably a poor performance Alan would say in the end, that was only brought about by circumstances and Manchester City being absolutely brilliant," he said. "First game of the season at St James' Park and the fans will lift the players, so we will have to be on top form to make sure we get a result."

One player Pardew could well be without this weekend is midfielder Yohan Cabaye, who was the subject of a £10million bid from Arsenal earlier in the week. The 27-year-old failed to play in Monday's 4-0 drubbing at the hands of Manchester City and Pardew refused to state either way whether the French international would be involved.

"There's a solution that he goes. There's also a solution that he stays," Pardew explained. "If he stays, he has to be in a position where he produces his best football. He has to have faith in the manager, and he has faith in the group around him.

"I have to support him, and I will, until such time that there is a solution. For me, he is a great player that will be difficult to replace. I'd like him to stay like our fans do. He's a special player, but we'll have to wait and see."

Pardew, who is already without the services of Jonas Gutierrez (hamstring) could also be missing Cheik Tiote who is struggling to overcome a groin strain.

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West Ham boss Sam Allardyce wants to continue five-year unbeaten run against Newcastle
Last Updated: August 23, 2013 5:19pm
SSN

West Ham boss Sam Allardyce is hoping to continue his personal unbeaten run against Newcastle on Saturday. Allardyce has not lost to Newcastle since United sacked him after an eight-month spell in January 2008. He has taken them on as Blackburn and West Ham boss and is yet to lose since, and the Hammers beat Newcastle 1-0 at St James' Park last season, former Magpie Kevin Nolan scoring the only goal. The upcoming fixture would have carried extra significance for Allardyce in the past but now any lingering issues with his departure are forgotten. "I've been back quite a few times," he said. "From my point of view, it's always been a very positive result whenever I've gone back. I haven't gone back and been beaten yet, so I want the lads to keep that record up for me if they can. It's a difficult place to go and a difficult place to get points. "As the years go by any (antipathy) soon diminishes, you look to the future and look to build your career. Thinking about the past is not in my make up, it's not my philosophy to keep going backwards."

"As the years go by any (antipathy) soon diminishes, you look to the future and look to build your career. Thinking about the past is not in my make up, it's not my philosophy to keep going backwards. "It's always about what's going to happen next, how we're going to build a better future, how we're going to become better as a team and improve the club."

West Ham won their season opener 2-0 against Cardiff last weekend, whilst Newcastle were hammered 4-0 at Manchester City. But Allardyce will not allow his players to become over-confident going in to the match on Saturday. "We all know that we were poor away from home last season, even if Newcastle wasn't one of the venues that we slipped up on away from home last year," he said. "I'll just remind the lads over the next couple of days that we had a great start last season and then went to Swansea and got beaten 3-0, and that could have been four or five. "The Premier League is obviously a very difficult place to play your football and without 100 per cent commitment and focus on every single game, you won't get the result that you're looking for. "You cannot ease off, every time you do that in this league you get punished. We have to be 100 per cent focused and we have to improve our away form from last season, starting with Saturday's game at Newcastle. "Even though Newcastle had probably a poor performance, Alan (Pardew) would say that was only brought about by circumstances and Manchester City being absolutely brilliant."

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Newcastle take on West Ham at St James' Park
Last Updated: August 23, 2013 2:07pm
SSN

West Ham travel to face Newcastle at St James' Park with Sam Allardyce aiming to pile the misery on his former club. Alan Pardew celebrates his 100th Premier League game in charge of Newcastle with the visit of former club West Ham. Pardew will be looking for a response from his side after their disappointing 4-0 defeat to Manchester City on Monday night. West Ham on the other hand kicked off their campaign with a comfortable 2-0 win over Cardiff and they will be confident ahead of their trip to Tyneside. The Hammers won on their last visit to St James' Park with former Newcastle man Kevin Nolan scoring the winner.

Paul Merson's prediction

So Sam Allardyce is back at St James' Park! Well I can tell you one thing: Newcastle wouldn't have got relegated if they'd have kept him. Newcastle were poor, very poor, against Man City. Yes, it was no huge surprise and you can point to the sending-off of Steven Taylor but the game was gone by then. They were opened up many times and that will need fixing. At least Alan Pardew is thinking they don't have to do too much because they are not going to be as bad as they were last season. But I need to see them a couple more games - starting against Big Sam's West Ham - before you can see if the pressure is going to be on them. But West Ham trying to win away games means only one thing... a Newcastle win.

PAUL PREDICTS: 2-1

Newcastle
Last 6
Man City (a)4-0
Braga (h)1-1
Rangers (a)1-1

Newcastle will be without defender Steven Taylor as he begins a three-match ban following his sending off against Manchester City. Jonas Gutierrez is also set to miss out after picking up a hamstring problem in the defeat at the Etihad Stadium. On-loan striker Loic Remy is still sidelined with a calf injury, while Davide Santon remains a major doubt after missing the City defeat with a hip injury.

West Ham
Last 6
2-0
Pacos Ferreira (h)2-1
Braga (a)1-0
Hamburg (a)1-3
Colchester (a)1-2
Bournemth (a)0-2

West Ham forward Andy Carroll will miss the opportunity to face his former club when the Hammers travel to take on Newcastle. The club's record signing is still struggling with an ankle injury although he is getting closer to a return to training, as is defender George McCartney (knee). Full-back Razvan Rat is in line to make his debut whilst Stewart Downing could make his first start for the club.

Opta Stats:

The Hammers were the only side that managed to keep a clean sheet both home and away against Newcastle United in the Premier League last season.
After creating the most chances without an assist in the Premier League last term (46), Matt Jarvis assisted Joe Cole's goal with his first chance created in 2013/14.
Since the start of 2012, Newcastle have won five of their seven Premier League home games against sides from London (L2).

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West Ham boss Sam Allardyce has no funds left
Last Updated: August 23, 2013 9:56am
SSN

West Ham United boss Sam Allardyce has reiterated that the club would have to sell before dipping back into the transfer market. Hammers co-owner David Gold revealed earlier in the week that no more additions will be sanctioned until players are moved on. Allardyce has already spent some £25million this summer and has reached his limit in terms of squad salary. It has been suggested that he may look to make one more move before the window closes, with West Ham still short on strikers, but Allardyce insists he is happy with what he has got and has no plans to request more cash. He said: "I've got no money left. "If we wanted to bring a new player in, we would have to sell some players." "That's it. If we wanted to bring a new player in, we would have to sell some players. "But I'm not looking to do that because I'm happy with the squad I've got. "I'm not panicking because we've done all our business as quick as we possibly can."

Allardyce's attacking options should be bolstered over the next week or so by the return to fitness of Andy Carroll, with the England international close to shaking off a heel complaint. "Over the next few days, I expect him to step up training," added Allardyce.

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MATCH PREVIEW: NEWCASTLE V WEST HAM
By Iain Dale 24 Aug 2013 at 07:36
West Ham Till I Die

I know this is probably a really stupid thing to say, but I reckon the Newcastle match could well be a defining game. If we win it, expectations are going to be sky high and we're all going to expect a good season finishing in the top half. And in a week's time we'll expect to have nine points on the board and have reached the second round of whatever the League Cup is called nowadays. Football isn't life that, though, is it? Especially if you're a West Ham fan who supports a club with no real strikers.

Although we won the same game last year, back in 2011 we were slaughtered 5-0. Even with their injury, suspension and transfer woes, Newcastle are not to be misunderestimated, as George Bush might say. They have some quality players who will have been humiliated after their drubbing at Manchester City in their first game. We also need to bear in mind that last season we were the only club in the Premier League never to win two consecutive games. It would be nice to break that particular hoodoo today.

Newcastle will probably line up in a 4-2-3-1 formation: Krul; Debuchy, Yanga-Mbiwa, Coloccini, Santon; Sissoko, Anita; Marveaux, Ben Arfa, Gouffran; Cisse. They are missing S Taylor (suspended), Gutierrez (hamstring), Remy (knee), Williamson (knock), Haidara (knock), Alnwick (calf/shin), R Taylor (knee) not to mention Cabaye (Arsenal bound).

The most likely change I can see in our starting eleven is Downing in for Jarvis or Cole, but my suspicion is that Sam Allardyce doesn't think he is fit enough to last ninety minutes. In theory Rat could come in for O'Brien, but why change a winning team? O'Brien played very well last week.

Last week I correctly predicted a 2-0 Hammers win. Unusually, I was right. Let's see if lightning can strike twice. This week I'm going for a 2-0 win again, with Maiga to score.

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IS RICARDO VAZ TE THE ANSWER TO OUR STRIKER PROBLEMS?
By Iain Dale 23 Aug 2013 at 22:55
West Ham Till I Die

One nice thing about this new site is that far more of you are contacting me via the CONTACT button at the top of the page, either to give me feedback on the site, or to make suggestions as to subjects we might debate. This evening, I had just appeared on ANY QUESTIONS and got this email from Leon.

I am a former season ticket holder and as always I am keeping a keen eye on the summer transfer window like most fans. West Ham, or rather the two David's and Sam, have done a fantastic job over the past few seasons and with the new ffp rules seem to be working overtime to keep the playing staff both balanced and competitive, which brings me to my main point.

We are in desperate need for at least one more goal scoring forward and in my opinion I think we have that player at the club in Vaz Te. I think he could handle playing in a more central role and Sam could I hope really get the best out of him. Now he might not be able to hold the ball up as well and others at the club but I think with the right service/support from midfield he could be the man to put the ball in the back of the net on a regular basis running into channels and getting in behind the last defender.

If I'm not mistaken Vaz has played this role at other clubs and I would love to see if your man at West Ham stats could dig anything up supporting my thinking. Enjoy the game tomorrow. Let's hope that Newcastle do not have the wounded animal approach to the game.

Well, it's a point of view, and on reflection, I wonder if he has a point. Let's not forget, in 16 Championship games, he scored 12 goals. Some may say he found his level that season, but he hasn't become a bad player overnight. I suspect he is a bit like Carlton Cole, a player who performs best when his manager shows his confidence in him.

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GO FOR JORDAN RHODES AND TRY THE PART-EXCHANGE ROUTE!
By S J Chandos 23 Aug 2013 at 07:30
West Ham Till I Die

It is hard to believe that the club will allow the transfer window to slam shut without bringing in the necessary striker reinforcements. Our current situation, pertaining to the club's salary cap, is well documented and discussed on WHTID. It is a situation that should never have arisen, but it has. So, now we need to find a way out of the impasse. The objective is to off load two or three squad players and bring in at least one striker. And a solution could be to tie up a part-exchange deal.

Now, I doubt Henderson, Taylor, Vaz Te or McCartney will generate much interest in Turin or Lisbon, but they might in Blackburn! In these circumstances, drastic action is called for to find a suitable solution. Jordan Rhodes is probably the best goal scoring prospect outside the Premier League. He has a fanastic goal scoring record and, at 23 years of age, time for further development of his game. He is a full Scotland international and it is indicative of the direction of travel of English football that he has not yet been given a opportunity by a top tier club. Perhaps West Ham Utd should give Rhodes that opportunity?

Jordan Rhodes
To do that, we need to convince Blackburn Rovers to part with their prize asset. It will take money, a combined deal equivalent to at least £8m or above, and possibly the enticement of offering two or three experienced players in part-exchange. Sometimes clubs need to sacrifice a prize asset to strengthen their squad in other positions and bring in vital extra experience. In fact, we did much the same in the 1990s, when we sold Julian Dicks to Liverpool and took cash, plus David Burrows and Mike Marsh in part-exchange. And that bit of sharp business certainly paid dividends for us that season, it transformed us from relegation favourites and secured two players who were instrumental in ensuring a comfortable PL finish. While, more recently, we took Bobby Zamora from Spurs in part-exchange for Jermaine Defoe. That did not prove to be such a bad deal either, did it! Blackburn Rovers could see the value of transacting a similar sort of deal?

The real beauty of a part-exchange deal, in our current situation, is that it effectively 'kills three birds with one stone.' It would secure a new striker, move on some fringe squad players and generate some room for manoeuvre in the salary budget. Offering Vaz Te could be a deal clincher, because he is a tried and proven goal scorer at Championship level. Add in the experience of Matt Taylor and/or George McCartney as well, plus c.£5m, and arguably it looks a good package for the Championship club. Of course, there may be difficulties getting our fringe players to move or Blackburn Rovers may just prefer to keep Jordan Rhodes. But there is an old saying, which is: 'if you do not ask, you do not get' and that is certainly the case here.

As Iain has pointed out, Sam Allardyce has made recent public statements which seem to rule out the possibility of bringing in another striker. And that could, indeed, either be Allardyce turning up the heat on the co-owners to deliver or a straightforward statement of the probable outcome of the present state of financial affairs. Who knows? But what is certain is that the club would be taking a significant risk in not strengthening their strike force. I am sure that the club are pursuing all possible options to get surplus players out and the right players in. All this blog does is float the idea that we could try to tie it all up in one major deal that secures a promising British talent like Jordan Rhodes. It could very well prove to be one of the deals of the season.

As I stated previously, the 'end game' of this transfer window could very well be tense for us. All we can hope is that, through this or some other route, the club capture the signing(s) that will give us a greater cutting edge in attack. Sam Allardyce, David Sullivan and David Gold all know that further transfer business is necessary. So, lets hope that they collectively ensure that it happens. The degree of success that we achieve this season could very well hang upon it!

SJ. Chandos.

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West Ham's Matt Jarvis targets England recall from within Andy Carroll's shadow
23 Aug 2013 22:30
The Mirror

Matt Jarvis was the most relieved man at Upton Park when Andy Carroll made a club-record move to West Ham during the summer – and now hopes to force his way into the England squad alongside the big Geordie. Jarvis, had been the Hammers' record signing after he completed a £10.75million move from Wolves last summer, and major things were expected... but not delivered. The talented wideman admits there was a big responsibility on his shoulders to produce from the very start, and it took him time to find his best form under Sam Allardyce. But with the Londoners forking out £15m to sign Liverpool striker Carroll on a permanent basis following a season-long loan, Jarvis is now hoping the new boy will be the focus of attention rather than him. He said: "That is one thing that he can take off me and hopefully I can just go out and enjoy my football and make sure I'm playing well. "I think you do get affected by it, but it just comes with football. I'd go out and just try and play as well as I could every week but it comes as part and parcel of football. "I know exactly what my role is in the team – I can get crosses, get assists and get goals myself. It's fantastic to know exactly what he wants from me. "It would be good to increase my goal tally and chip in with more assists as well for the team."

With England facing crucial World Cup ­qualifiers against Moldova and Ukraine next month, and two more in October against Montenegro and Poland, Jarvis knows he has a great chance to impress Roy Hodgson. Jarvis, whose only cap to date came against Ghana in 2011, added: "Of course I would love to get back in there, but I've just got to play well for West Ham. "We've got strong ­competition for places so hopefully it brings the best out of everyone."

Billy Bonds is to receive a lifetime achievement award at Upton Park. He made a club record 793 first-team appearances in 21 seasons at the club.

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http://vyperz.blogspot.com

Daily WHUFC News - 23rd August 2013

Big Sam on: Newcastle United
WHUFC.com
Sam Allardyce spoke to the press ahead of the Hammers' Barclays Premier
League trip to St James' Park
22.08.2013

Sam Allardyce urged his West Ham United players to continue where they left
off against Cardiff City, as the Hammers bid to replicate last season's
superb 1-0 Barclays Premier League victory at Newcastle United. Big Sam
insists there will be no let up from his side whatever, well aware that West
Ham need to improve on last year's haul of just three victories on their
travels. Meanwhile, their prospects of success at the weekend are boosted by
a virtual clean bill of health, with no additional injury concerns stemming
from Saturday's 2-0 triumph over the Bluebirds.

Good morning Sam, could you start by giving us the latest on Andy Carroll?

SA: "Andy's had an injection to finally finish off the last bit of pain he's
suffering in his heel. It's not anything other than to shift a little bit of
inflammation, the repair is complete, the specialist tells us. He just
hasn't been able to get rid of this little bit on inflammation, which has
been causing him some pain "Within the next few days we'll expect him to
step up his training and then take it one day at a time from there in terms
of his progression."

Have you got a vague idea of a return date?

SA: "Not really. It could be pretty quick but it could be something that
takes a little bit longer. We just go day by day based on how Andy feels and
if he's feeling good from the previous day, we step the training up and we
do that each day. As long he's feeling any pain we continue to step it up
until he joins in with the lads."

In view of Andy's injury, are you happy with the cover you've got?

SA: "I've got the squad I've got and that's it. If there is a new player to
come in, we'll need to sell first, yes. But I don't envisage that happening,
I'm not looking at doing it, because I'm happy with the squad I've got at
the moment. "It's not frustrating for me. There's a new set of regulations
that says you've got a limit on your wages, set by these new rules. I've hit
my limit and that's it, we move on. I've got no panic going on, I'm not
anxious about any transfers, like a lot of managers will get in the next few
weeks. Because we did all of our business as quick as we possibly could and
that's it. We've got a very good squad.

So, eleven days to go, and there are unlikely to be any ins and outs at West
Ham?

SA: "Unlikely that there will be any ins and outs. You never say never, but
we're not actively looking at any players to bring in, nor are we actively
looking at selling any players either."

Looking ahead, it's obviously hugely important to build on that great win on
the opening day of the season...

SA: "It should have been more than 2-0 based on the chances that we created.
I think that we were totally the dominant team in the first game of the
season, but at the end of the day, it's only game one. And we're not to
become over confident. We all know that we were poor away from home last
season, even if Newcastle wasn't one of the venues that we slipped up on
away from home last year. "I'll just remind the lads over the next couple of
days that we had a great start last season and then went to Swansea and got
beaten 3-0, and that could have been four or five. The Premier League is
obviously a very difficult place to play your football and without 100 per
cent commitment and focus on every single game, you won't get the result
that you're looking for. "You cannot ease off, every time you do that in
this league you get punished. We have to be 100 per cent focused and we have
to improve our away form from last season, starting with Saturday's game at
Newcastle." "Even though Newcastle had, probably a poor performance Alan
[Pardew] would say in the end, that was only brought about by circumstances
and Manchester City being absolutely brilliant. "First game of the season
at St James' Park and the fans will lift the players, so we will have to be
on top form to make sure we get a result."

Is it a strange feeling going back there?

SA: "Not now, I think I've been back quite a few times. From my point of
view, it's always been a very positive result whenever I've gone back. I
haven't gone back and been beaten yet, so I want the lads to keep that
record up for me if they can. It's a difficult place to go and a difficult
place to get points.
"As the years go by any [antipathy] soon diminishes, you look to the future
and look to build your career. Thinking about the past is not in my make up,
it's not my philosophy to keep going backwards. It's always about what's
going to happen next, how we're going to build a better future, how we're
going to become better as a team and improve the Club."

Sam, you mentioned Andy's injury, are there any other places you'll be
without at the weekend?

SA: "There's only George McCartney but he's moving into training with us and
we do have a game on Tuesday in the Capital One Cup, which he'll probably
figure in. It'll be nice to have him back in the squad. Everybody else at
this moment in time, apart from Andy, is fit, which is a wonderful piece of
news for me this morning. So we've completed the whole of pre-season and the
first game with a squad that has been fit all summer, so it should be raring
to go, whichever team I select!"

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Watch the U21s for free this Friday
WHUFC.com
Dev Squad defender Pelly Ruddock is looking forward to Friday's Under-21
game at the Boleyn Ground
22.08.2013

West Ham United Development Squad defender Pelly Ruddock cannot wait to
strut his stuff at the Boleyn Ground this Friday evening when Nick Haycock's
Under-21 side take on Tottenham Hotspur - and Season Ticket holders can get
in for free. The U21s have won their opening two matches of the league
season, seeing off both Aston Villa and Everton in the first week of the
campaign. Ruddock has been at the heart of a defence which has only conceded
one goal across those two matches and he wants that solidity to continue
against table-topping Tottenham. He explained: "We've been unlucky the last
few times we've played Tottenham. Hopefully we can get one over them on
Friday. "With it being a derby game, there'll be a little bit of an edge to
it and I'm sure it will be a good match. "It's always good to play at the
Boleyn Ground too, it's a great stadium and we want to produce the goods
there to get the win. "We've done well defensively, we kept a clean sheet
against Aston Villa and it was only a great strike that went in for Everton.
Hopefully we can continue that against Tottenham, keep a clean sheet and see
where that takes us."

Monday's win over Everton came late - Sebastian Lletget's goal for 2-1 came
in the very last minute - but Ruddock felt it was a just result. He
continued:"It's been a good start, and we just want to win game-by-game and
see how far we can progress. Hopefully we can continue how we've started.
"First half on Monday we should have scored. Moncs [George Moncur] missed a
penalty, but we got the goal in the second half from Callum Driver. It was a
bit of fluke but we'll take that. They equalised, but we deserved the win
and it was good for Seb to get the winner. We've got a great team spirit,
the eleven people on the pitch, plus the bench and that came through to help
us win."

Friday's game against Tottenham Hotspur at the Boleyn Ground kicks-off at
7pm. Admission is free for Season Ticket Holders or just £3 for adults and
£1 for concessions. The Stadium Store will be open up until kick-off for
supporters to stock up on new adidas kit, training wear and all Hammers
merchandise.
The Dev Squad are also in action at the Boleyn Ground on Friday September
13, when they play host to Manchester City, also with a 7pm kick-off.

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Six of the Best - Newcastle United
WHUFC.com
We look at six classic encounters with Saturday's opponents Newcastle United
22.08.2013

As whufc.com continues the countdown to Saturday's Barclays Premier League
trip to Newcastle United, we take a look back at six memorable St James'
Park clashes.

Newcastle United 0-1 West Ham United
Premier League
11 November 2012
Our first game is one that will be fresh in West Ham supporters' memories,
having come less than twelve months ago. Former Magpies boss Sam Allardyce
was to enjoy a fruitful return to his old club as West Ham moved up to sixth
in the Premier League table with a 1-0 victory. Another man with Newcastle
connections, Kevin Nolan, notched the winner, turning in a Joey O'Brien shot
as the Hammers celebrated one on only three away wins last season.
Newcastle United 0-3 West Ham United

Premier League
31 October 1998
The Hammers' previous win in the north east came under Harry Redknapp's
management, 14 years earlier. Following a tight first half, the game was
still scoreless, but West Ham ran away with the contest following Stuart
Pearce's dismissal for the hosts on 48 minutes. Ian Wright opened the
scoring eight minutes later, before Trevor Sinclair made sure of the points
with 76 minutes played. Wright's second in injury time added gloss to the
final scoreline and took the Hammers into the top half of the table.

Newcastle United 1-2 West Ham United
Division One
5 October 1985
The Hammers were in the middle of a recovery from a slow start to the
campaign when they travelled to Newcastle in October 1985. A six-game
unbeaten run had dragged them away from the foot of the early table and they
continued the momentum with a 2-1 win at St James' Park. Frank McAvennie and
Tony Cottee were on target - as they were so often in a season during which
West Ham continued to produce good form as they ended in third place, their
best ever league position.

Newcastle United 0-3 West Ham United
Division Two
23 August 1978
West Ham enjoyed a free-scoring start to the 1978/79 season, backing up an
opening day 5-2 win over Notts County by defeating another team in
black-and-white stripes, Newcastle United, 3-0. The Hammers were trying to
recover from relegation the previous season and made a good start, with Alan
Devonshire, David Cross and Bryan Robson scoring the goals. However, West
Ham could not maintain their flying start and ended the season in fifth
place, six points off the promotion places.

Newcastle United 2-3 West Ham United
Division One
3 September 1977
The previous season had also seen West Ham return home from the long journey
north with the points in their pocket. This match was a much closer-fought
affair, however, as the Hammers prevailed by the odd goal in five. Bryan
Robson scored in this game too, with Alan Taylor and Billy Jennings notching
the others. West Ham would also defeat Newcastle at the Boleyn Ground that
season, although it would end in agony for both sides as they suffered
relegation to the second tier.

Newcastle United 5-5 West Ham United
Division One
10 December 1960
West Ham and Newcastle shared ten goals in this thrilling draw at St James'
Park in the 1960/61 campaign. The game featured eight different goalscorers,
with Jackie Bell, John McGuigan, Len White (2) and Bobby Mitchell scoring
for the hosts. The Hammers' cause was helped by an own goal, as John Bond,
John Dick, Malcolm Musgrove and Dave Dunmore also hit the back of the net to
ensure a share of the spoils.

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Chamakh-down
KUMB.com
Filed: Thursday, 22nd August 2013
By: Staff Writer

Crystal Palace striker Marouane Chamakh has accused Sam Allardyce of
reneging on a promise to give him first team football. The Morrocan striker
made the switch to Selhurst Park earlier this month having been allowed to
move across the capital on loan for the duration of the 2013/14 season,
after failing at both Arsenal and at West Ham where he spent the latter half
of last season on loan. Chamakh made just three appearances for West Ham
after moving to the Boleyn at the beginning of January - two starts (in
which he was substituted on both occasions) and one from the bench. However
speaking to L'Equipe, the 29-year-old former Bordeaux hitman claimed that
Allardyce had deceived him with regards to the amount of playing time he
would get at the Boleyn Ground.
"West Ham was a bad choice. It did not go well at all," he said. "The
manager promised me that because of the injury to Andy Carroll, I would get
playing time. Alou Diarra had warned me [about the manager]. "I know I'll
have plenty of time here at Palace. I'm going to get chances and find the
net. But I do not regret coming to England."

Chamakh was sent back to Arsenal at the end of the 2012/13 campaign having
played just 151 minutes of competitive football for West Ham in five months.
12th January: Replaced Carlton Cole as a 57th minute substitute to make his
debut in the 3-0 defeat at Sunderland. 19th January: Made his first start
for the club in the 1-1 draw with relegated Queens Park Rangers. Should have
been awarded two penalties before being replaced with an hour on the clock.
30th January: A second start in what would prove to be his third and final
appearance for the club as West Ham went down 3-1 to Fulham at Craven
Cottage.

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Crystal Palace striker Marouane Chamakh says he has no regrets
Last Updated: August 22, 2013 2:43pm
SSN

Crystal Palace striker Marouane Chamakh insists he has no regrets about
moving to England, but admits that joining West Ham last season was a
mistake.
The 29-year old, who initially signed for Arsenal from Bordeaux in 2010,
found opportunities limited at the Emirates Stadium, and joined the Hammers
on loan in January before making a permanent switch to Selhurst Park this
summer. Chamakh has only managed eight top-flight goals in his three-year
spell in England, but he says his love of the Premier League is his
reasoning for rejecting a move abroad. "There were several opportunities, in
Greece, Turkey, Spain, France and even the Middle East. But I preferred to
stay one more season in England because I love the league," he told
L'Equipe. "Do I regret moving to England? Not at all, even if it didn't go
as I had hoped. But I don't regret it because I found what I came for - the
league, the atmosphere. "It is just wonderful, even at a small stadium like
Crystal Palace's. This is what I want - just the game in a great atmosphere.
"It will be difficult not to end the season in the bottom three but if we
apply ourselves and show solidarity, we can stay in the Premier League." The
Morocco international made only three appearances during his spell at West
Ham and he says that the deal turned out to be based on false promises for
the striker. "My loan at West Ham? I made a bad choice. It didn't go
smoothly at all," he admitted. "The manager promised to play me considering
the Andy Carroll injury. He had words he didn't respect. "Alou Diarra warned
me but I did exactly as I pleased and I went anyway. I have been taken for a
ride. "That is the reason why I took my time to accept Crystal Palace. I
didn't want to make the same mistake twice."

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West Ham boss Sam Allardyce says no Cardiff City bid for Ricardo Vaz Te
Last Updated: August 22, 2013 12:23pm
SSN

West Ham United boss Sam Allardyce has dismissed talk suggesting that
Cardiff City have made an offer for striker Ricardo Vaz Te. The 26-year-old
joined the Hammers in January last year, helping them to a top-flight return
by scoring the decisive goal in a 2-1 play-off final win over Blackpool. Vaz
Te has been linked with an Upton Park exit this summer, but Allardyce denied
that the newly-promoted Welsh side have been in touch regarding a move. He
said: "There's no official bid from Cardiff for Ricardo Vaz Te. It always
happens at this time of year - it's just agents getting busy."

The Hammers broke their transfer record earlier this summer, spending
£15million on Andy Carroll, but when asked whether there would be any
further arrivals, Allardyce was quick to dismiss the idea. "Not unless the
chairman has found some money he hasn't told me about," he said. "I've got
no more money left, so the squad I've got is the squad I've got."

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The Gaffer
What are the secrets to football management? Alan Curbishley is next in our
'The Gaffer' series and the former Charlton and West Ham boss tells us about
the skills of being a boss
By Peter Fraser - Follow me on Twitter @SkySportsPeteF
Last Updated: August 22, 2013 9:30am
SSN

After a playing career which included time with Birmingham City and Aston
Villa, Alan Curbishley has built a fine reputation as a football manager
with another two of his former clubs, Charlton Athletic and West Ham United.

His managerial achievements over more than 15 years to date saw him linked
with the England job in the past and his other highlights have so far
included keeping Charlton in the Premier League, having twice been promoted
- once via an incredible penalty shootout play-off win over Sunderland at
Wembley and once as champions.

Curbishley has been out of football management since leaving West Ham in
2008 after a fallout with the club over transfer policy, having also
succeeded in a Carlos Tevez-inspired battle against relegation with the
Hammers in 2006/07. But, here, he gives Sky Sports an insight into being a
boss.

Have you always wanted to be a manager?

Yes. I had various managers and coaches in my playing career and I have
learned a bit and disregarded a bit. I always thought, if I was lucky
enough, I would give it a go. Management was exactly how I expected it would
be when I started - 24 hours-a-day work, full on and mad.

Who were your managerial role models?

I had Ron Greenwood and John Lyall when I was a player at West Ham. I
learned the art of coaching from them. They were always trying to make
everybody better. Whenever I came into contact with them, the decisions they
took were to improve my game. I also had Ron Saunders at Birmingham. He came
just after he had won the league at Aston Villa. We were only there together
a couple of weeks but I realised why Villa were such a good side. I
understood what he was trying to do and how he approached it. I took a lot
from that.

What so far has been your best day in management?

I think it has to be getting my first job. You have to get in. I got in at
Charlton and obviously we won promotion and stayed in the Premier League.
But, actually, getting my first job was better, because it is so difficult,
especially at Championship and Premier League level.

What so far has been your toughest day in management?

Leaving West Ham. It should never have happened. I have still got the best
win percentage of any West Ham manager in the Premier League. I left the
club when they were fifth from top. Who knows what could have happened if I
had not left. But, unfortunately, it is history now.

What are the keys to man-management? How do you decide if a player needs an
arm around the shoulder or the infamous hairdryer treatment?

That comes with experience. But the game has changed so dramatically. What a
lot of managers could do 10 years ago, you cannot do that now. It is a
totally different situation. Experience is a massive thing. It helps you
steer clear of problems and, obviously, solve problems. But the art of
man-management is now even more important, because of the way the game has
changed.

How important is a strong relationship between a club's manager and
owner/chairman/director of football?

I think it is the main relationship. I think it is more important than the
relationship between the manager and the players in some respects. I think
the relationship between the manager and the owner or chairman is paramount
to being successful.

Is there a difference between managing a team in a relegation battle and
managing a team in a race for promotion? Do you apply the same management
principles?

Being in a relegation fight is much more difficult. If you have got the
chance of going up, especially into the Premier League, you can see the big
prize. Relegation is horrible. No matter what league it is, I would much
prefer to be in a promotion push to a relegation scrap. The pressure,
especially coming out of the Premier League, is enormous. You have to adapt
in terms of principles. There are certain situations where you must get
something from a game. That is how you mentally approach it. The hardest
part about being involved in a relegation tussle is keeping the confidence
up and asking the players to do what they are good at.

What is your opinion on transfer windows? Are they positive or negative?

It all depends on what side of the phone you are on! If you are trying to
buy people, you could say it is a good thing. If you are desperate not to
sell, it can unhinge you. We sold Scott Parker to Chelsea [in 2004] when
Charlton were fourth in the Premier League. We ended up finishing seventh. I
am convinced we would have finished in the top five if we had kept Scott.
But these things happen.


How vital is it for a manager to have trust in their scouting network when
it comes to recruiting players?

You trust the scouting system as far as it can go and then you have got to
go and make the call yourself. You have got to go and see the player. You
cannot just rely on scouting reports and you cannot just rely on videos. You
have got to go and see the player at least, in my case, five or six times.

How do managers view football agents? Are they a good or bad thing in the
game?


There is good and bad in it. Agents can often alert you to something that is
going to happen and they can often make something happen. You have to take
the rough with the smooth. There is no manager who can say they have been on
the receiving end all the time from an agent. Managers can get players,
because of the agent's influence. So, they are a necessary evil.

Are managers increasingly under pressure to sign foreign imports, who can
often prove to be cheaper?

That is a point. Finding home-grown talent is a lot more expensive. You can
perhaps buy a more experienced player. It all depends on the situation at a
club and what you want.

How influential are statistics and technology becoming in management?


It became important five or six years ago. A lot of managers were heavily
influenced by it. But I do not think it has the same power as it did have. I
think managers manage with their own eyes. Statistics and technology became
all too powerful. Perhaps the fitness coaches and psychologists were picking
the team and training sessions. Although they are vitally important, I do
not think statistics and technology have as much say as they used to in
football.

Finally, what one piece of advice would you give for someone starting in
management?

It is the same piece of advice that I was given when I took over at
Charlton. I picked up the phone to some experienced managers and asked the
same question. The answer came out resoundingly - win games.

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IS SAM ALLARDYCE THE NEW ALASTAIR CAMPBELL?
By Iain Dale 22 Aug 2013 at 21:02
West Ham Till I Die

I tell you what, politicians have got nothing on football managers when it
comes to spin. Sam was at it at his press conference today, trying to make
out that he was perfectly happy only having one striker in his squad,
totally ignoring that the other one is trying to get a move to St Etienne.
And of course, no one has come in for Vaz Te. Perish. the Thought. Or Matt
Taylor. Or anyone come to that. And of course the club haven't been talking
to Juventus, or any other club for that matter, about bringing in another
striker. Well if that's the truth my name's Wim Van Hanegam. [Where did that
come from? Ed]. And if it really is the truth then someone isn't doing their
job properly.

I have rather lost count of all the European strikers we have been linked
with. Quagliarella seems to be the hottest tip, although Norwich might well
be competing with us for his services. Not sure the Norwich nightlife would
suit him, to be honest. but maybe it's changed since I was at university
there in the early 1980s. A nice pizza at Pizza One, Pancakes Too in
Tombland, then a night at Bonds or Ritzy's. I knew how to live. Eleven
pernod & blacks (remember, I come from Essex) in two hours was a particular
achievement. The night took a turn for the worse when I asked the captain of
the UEA Rugby Club: "Do you come here often?" I was dragged away by friends
before he could shove it where the carrot wouldn't crunch. Anyway, I
digress…

Quagliarella
If we are happy to pay £7 million for a 30 year old Italian, why not pay £6
million for Jermain Defoe or not much more for Jordan Rhodes. They are both
proven goalscorers and could both either lead the line or play alongside
Andy Carroll.

We have a chance to finish well inside the top half of the league this year.
But I can't see that happening if we are totally reliant on the midfield
players to chip in with ten goals each. Neither Jarvis nor Downing are known
for their goalscoring exploits, and while Nolan and Cole will always get
their fair share, what if Andy Carroll gets injured? Again. It hardly bears
thinking about.

Sorry if that all sounds depressing. I really feel we can push on this
season, but not if we have to rely totally on one player for goals. We've
seen what Swansea have done. We've seen Norwich sign a couple of cracking
strikers in Ricky van Wolfswinkel and Gary Hooper. I think both of them
could finish in the top half. We could well finish above them, in the top 8,
but only if we do what we all know needs to be done. And there are only 9
days left in which to do it.

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LADIES NAME NEW CAPTAIN
By Tommy Wathen 22 Aug 2013 at 17:38
West Ham Till I Die

This week, West Ham United Ladies have confirmed that midfielder Becky
Merritt will be the club's new first team captain for the coming season. The
news was confirmed on Merritt's own Twitter account on Tuesday evening when
she tweeted: "Delighted and honoured to be chosen as @Westhamladies captain.
The future looks bright and I am proud to be a part of it. #happy"

Merritt, who takes on the role from the start of the 2013/14 season,
replacing centre back Rosey Sullivan, told westhamtillidie.com that she was
delighted with being given the captain's armband.

"It is a massive achievement to be selected as captain for any team, but to
do it for the team that's in your heart is a huge honour.

"I am immensely proud and thankful for this opportunity. The support has
been amazing from within and outside of the club.

"I know the gaffer [Mark Saunderson] selected me because I understand him,
his expectations and what he wants on the pitch. He trusts me to be his
voice on the pitch.

"Even without the arm band, I had players coming to me for advice and I will
always go out of my way to help them. It is a pleasure to work with such an
established manager and my aim is to continue to help push the team forward
as the future is exciting."

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West Ham's Joe Cole aims to make England World Cup squad for fourth finals
running
22 Aug 2013 22:30
The Mirror

Joe Cole has targeted appearing in his fourth World Cup finals. The West Ham
star must first win a first-team place, and a new contract, at Upton Park.
But, after scoring for the Hammers as they beat Cardiff in the first Premier
League game of the season, Cole is confident he can also return to the
national set-up under his former Liverpool manager Roy Hodgson. The
31-year-old, who won the last of his 56 caps at the 2010 World Cup, said: "I
think any Englishman will want to play for his country, especially when you
look at how few English players are in the Premier League at the moment. "I
have been to three World Cups, so I would love to do it again, but it is
just a case of how well I play at West Ham - that's the main thing. "I had a
good pre-season, played a lot of minutes and a lot of games and it was nice
to get out there at Upton Park again. "The 18 months at Liverpool where I
didn't play is obviously a bad time in my career, but when I did play there
I felt I did all right. "Then I had a good season in France [on loan], so
there is nothing wrong with me. I am still only 31, so if people look at it
like that, I can still do a job for England, but we will just have to see
what happens."

Cole went to the 2002 finals in Japan and South Korea as a youngster, scored
an absolute belter in Germany four years later and was also in Fabio
Capello's party in South Africa. He has taken inspiration from Manchester
United's evergreen Ryan Giggs, who'll turn 40 in November, as he looks to
prolong his career.
"I want to play on for as long as I can and someone like Ryan Giggs is the
benchmark for players over 30," said Cole, who is in his second spell at the
Hammers. "I watched him in the Charity Shield and he was fantastic. "As to
the coaching, I am passionate about youth football in England. "It is
something I would enjoy and youth football in particular, developing young
players is something I am passionate about."

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West Ham reject St Etienne bid for Maiga... and free agent Cole's next on
their shortlist
By JOHN DRAYTON
PUBLISHED: 22:52, 22 August 2013 | UPDATED: 22:52, 22 August 2013
Daily Mail

West Ham have rejected St Etienne's bid to take Modibo Maiga on loan. The
French could yet revive interest in free agent Carlton Cole, however.Cole
has been without a club since leaving The Hammers at the end of last season.

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