West Ham United statement
WHUFC.com
A look back at a successful summer in the transfer market for West Ham
United
03.09.2013
West Ham United have reached the end of a record-breaking summer transfer
window and will now focus 100 per cent of their efforts on enjoying a
successful 2013/14 Barclays Premier League season. Despite the Board and
manager deciding to do their business early on in the window to avoid
last-minute panic buys - resulting in the successful signings of Andy
Caroll, Stewart Downing, Razvan Rat and Adrian - Joint-Chairman David
Sullivan and manager Sam Allardyce did spend all night on Monday trying to
sign one of three international strikers, but all opted for the lure of
European football instead.
Importantly, the Board also turned down bids for several first-team players
in the last week of the window as they are determined to give the squad the
best chance possible of bettering last season's tenth-placed Premier League
finish. The Club are pleased to announce that popular striker Carlton Cole
is also undergoing a medical today with a view to returning to the Boleyn
Ground on a short-term deal. While the two previous summers have seen a
necessary overhaul of playing staff, this time around the Board and Big Sam
elected to make fewer alterations to a group that performed so well on their
return to the Premier League, although the Club's transfer record was broken
for the second year in succession.
Summer 2013
England centre forward Carroll was the biggest name in through the Boleyn
Ground's famous John Lyall Gates, signing for a club-record fee from
Liverpool in June. The towering striker netted seven goals in 24 appearances
while on loan from the Reds last season and is closing in on a comeback
after missing the start of the current campaign with a heel injury. When he
pulls on his new No9 shirt again, the 24-year-old will be itching to get on
the end of crosses supplied by fellow England international and former
Liverpool team-mate Downing. The No23, who has already made three
eye-catching appearances in claret and blue, is a prolific crosser of the
ball who has chalked up 70 assists during a successful career with
Middlesbrough, Aston Villa and Liverpool. The 29-year-old has been voted
Player of the Year at his previous clubs three times and has appeared in the
League Cup final for all three, producing a Man of the Match display as the
Reds beat Cardiff City in the final at Wembley in 2012.
Rat is the Romania national team captain, who brings both his vast
experience and outstanding talent to east London after a decade with
Ukrainian champions Shakhtar Donetsk. The left-back, who speaks fluent
English as well as four other languages, won 15 trophies during his time
with Shakhtar, while he appeared in the UEFA Champions League on more than
50 occasions. An attack-minded player, Rat made 300 appearances for the
Ukrainian side, and he is expected to pass the 90-cap mark with Romania
during Friday's FIFA World Cup qualifier with Hungary. Spaniard Adrian is a
goalkeeper who burst onto the scene at Real Betis Balompie last season,
keeping eleven clean sheets in 32 Primera Division matches as the
Seville-based club qualified for the UEFA Europa League. The 26-year-old
came through the Betis ranks before waiting patiently for his chance in the
club's junior teams. An agile stopper with outstanding distribution, Adrian
will keep the pressure on No1 Jussi Jaaskelainen to maintain the outstanding
form the Finn showed himself last term. Finally, Whitehead is a 19-year-old
central midfielder who already possesses extensive first-team experience
from his time with previous club Stockport County. Whitehead played more
than 40 times for Stockport last season before making his switch to east
London in June. Since then, the Manchester-born player has featured in a
number of first-team pre-season matches and started all four Barclays U21
Premier League games so far this term.
Meanwhile, a small number of players departed the Club, with Gary O'Neil
joining Queens Park Rangers and Rob Hall moving to Bolton Wanderers. Emanuel
Pogatetz returned to German club VfL Wolfsburg at the end of his loan spell
and has since joined Bundesliga side 1.FC Nuremburg. Youngster Declan Hunt
has joined Histon on a permanent basis, while England Under-21 defender
Jordan Spence has joined Championship club Sheffield Wednesday on a
month-long emergency loan.
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'We're going to have to sort it out'
WHUFC.com
Matt Jarvis says West Ham United are determined to put things right after
Saturday's disappointing defeat
03.09.2013
Matt Jarvis said the West Ham United squad are absolutely determined to put
things right after Saturday's disappointing 1-0 home Barclays Premier League
defeat by Stoke City. The Hammers produced an uncharacteristic performance
at the Boleyn Ground, lacking the usual intensity and tempo that they have
shown on home turf since Sam Allardyce took charge in summer 2011. That
performance was punished by Jermaine Pennant's 82nd-minute free-kick, which
condemned West Ham to just their second home defeat of 2013 and left the
England winger feeling that they had let themselves and the supporters down.
"I was very disappointed with the performance and the result, really,
especially with it being at home where we have such a good record," Jarvis
told West Ham TV. "We're going to have to sort it out and make sure it never
happens again and get back to winning ways and what we normally do at home.
"Stoke did play well but we didn't play our usual high-tempo game,
especially at home where we're normally very good. It just didn't happen on
Saturday."
Jarvis and his team-mates have redoubled their efforts at Chadwell Heath
this week in a bid to ensure they are ready when they resume Barclays
Premier League hostlities at Southampton on Sunday 15 September.
Before then, the Hammers will travel to Spain to take on Primera Division
RCD Espanyol at the Estadi Cornellà-El Prat on Thursday evening in a fixture
aimed at ensuring they retain match-sharpness during the international
break. "We will make sure we work really hard, as we usually do at the
training ground, and will get our tactics spot-on as we normally do and will
focus strongly on that game and getting a very positive result. "We felt the
extreme disappointment exactly the same as the supporters after the Stoke
game and we're going to make sure we turn it around and make sure that never
happens again at home. "It would be nice if there wasn't an international
break and we could get straight back into a proper Premier League game, but
it gives us something to use to get us ready for the Southampton game. "It
won't be an easy game at all. Southampton have signed quite a few players so
it'll be tough, but we got a draw down there last year and we beat them at
home, so hopefully we can take a positive result."
Following the trip to St Mary's, West Ham return to home turf for two
important matches, hosting Everton in the Barclays Premier League on
Saturday 21 September and Cardiff City on Tuesday 24 September. "The main
thing is that we've got to get back to winning ways and making the Boleyn
Ground a fortress, as we did last year."
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Hammers set for internationals
WHUFC.com
A number of West Ham United players are in international action this week
03.09.2013
West Ham United's band of internationals are set for action with their
countries this week all the way across the globe. Centre back Winston Reid
faces the longest trip, as his New Zealand side warm up for their FIFA World
Cup qualification play-off in November by taking part in a four-team
tournament in Saudi Arabia. The All Whites will take on the hosts in Riyadh
on Thursday, before contesting either a final or third place play-off
against United Arab Emirates or Trinidad & Tobago. Reid is the New Zealand
skipper and has 14 caps for his country.
Jack Collison will help Wales try to improve their standing in Group A of
the European section of qualification in their matches against Macedonia and
Serbia.
Chris Coleman's side travel to Skopje first to take on Macedonia on Friday,
before returning to Cardiff for their meeting with Serbia on Tuesday 10
September.
Also involved in the European qualifiers is Razvan Rat, whose Romania side
are looking for the points to climb into the top two of Group D. They face
the current holders of second place, Hungary, in Bucharest on 6 September,
then taking on Turkey, also at home in the Romania capital, on 10 September.
Mohamed Diame's Senegal will guarantee top spot in their group of World Cup
qualifying in Africa with a point against Uganda on 7 September. Their game
will be played in Marrakesh, Morocco, due to Senegal being barred from
playing at their usual home ground as a result of crowd trouble in an Africa
Cup of Nations qualifier against Ivory Coast last year.
The Hammers also have three players involved in international matches below
senior level. Raphael Spiegel will join up with the Switzerland U21 squad
for UEFA U21 Championship 2015 qualifiers against Latvia and Liechtenstein.
The Swiss first travel to Latvia on Thursday, before taking on Liechtenstein
in Vaduz on Monday 9 September. Leo Chambers, who made his Hammers first
team debut in last week's Capital One Cup win over Cheltenham Town, is in
the England U19 squad for a friendly in Estonia on Thursday 5 September.
Jamie Harney completes the list of West Ham internationals in this period,
with his Northern Ireland U19 side taking on Austria in Vienna on Wednesday
11 September.
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In-form Lee praises team spirit
WHUFC.com
Hat-trick hero Elliot Lee was delighted with the character shown during the
Development Squad's win over Newcastle
03.09.2013
Hat-trick hero Elliot Lee praised the Development Squad's team spirit after
they produced a magnificent comeback to beat Newcastle 5-4. Lee scored twice
from the penalty spot, the first of which kick-started an amazing run of
five unanswered goals after they had fallen 3-0 behind with only 13 minutes
played.
George Moncur and Dylan Tombides grabbed a goal each as the Hammers scored
five times in an amazing 25 minute spell and Lee says the win shows just how
good the squad's team spirit is. He told West Ham TV: "To go 3-0 down in the
first 15 minutes and to come back and win 5-4 shows what great character
we've got in the squad. "Going three down we could have let our heads drop
and thought it was game over. "But we've come here to Newcastle, a long
seven hour trip and we've fought hard and in the end got the win that we
wanted."
Two goals in the last five minutes of the first half may have gone some way
to appeasing coach Nick Haycock following the nightmare start, but according
to Lee the players still bore the brunt of their coach's frustrations. "It's
a terrible start from the boys to be honest and we had a telling off at
half-time.
"First 15 minutes we go 3-0 down and I haven't touched the ball yet so it
wasn't a great start. "I didn't think things were right in the warm up but
we move on to the next one, we got a good win at the end of the day and
we'll learn from it."
The striker's hat-trick follows just two days after he made his Barclays
Premier League debut as a second-half substitute against Stoke City. With
the first team currently without Andy Carroll there could be more
opportunities in the near future and Lee is keen to make sure Sam Allardyce
cannot ignore him. "It's been a great week to say the least, it's always
great to score as a striker and to score a hat-trick is the best thing you
can do so I'm really happy. "If I keep doing what I'm doing, keep scoring
goals then hopefully the gaffer can't ignore me."
The international break comes at the wrong time for Lee and his teammates
who are full of confidence after their astonishing win over Newcastle, but
the marksman is already looking forward to their next game. "We've got a
little break now; we come back in two weeks' time to play Manchester City at
Upton Park. "We'll take great confidence from this win and hopefully we can
keep winning."
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West Ham: Carlton Cole set for Hammers return
BBC.co.uk
West Ham are set to re-sign striker Carlton Cole little over three months
after releasing him. The 29-year-old, who has won seven caps for England, is
undergoing a medical with a view to signing on a short-term contract. It
comes after the Hammers missed out on three international strikers on
transfer deadline day. Former Chelsea frontman Cole, 29, made 237
appearances for West Ham over seven years, scoring 59 goals. Manager Sam
Allardyce said at the time of Cole's release in late May: "Carlton's need at
his age is to be playing football as often as he can. We felt it better he
found pastures new."
Cole's West Ham years
Appearances: 237
Goals: 59
England caps: seven
Cole scored the opening goal in West Ham's Championship play-off final
victory over Blackpool in 2012. West Ham made four senior summer signings in
striker Andy Carroll and winger Stewart Downing from Liverpool, left-back
Razvan Rat from Shakhtar Donetsk and goalkeeper Adrian from Betis. They have
three experienced strikers - Carroll, Modiba Maiga and Ricardo Vaz Te. The
Hammers confirmed in a statement they were looking at striker signings
throughout Monday and also turned down several other offers. "Joint-chairman
David Sullivan and manager Sam Allardyce did spend all night on Monday
trying to sign one of three international strikers, but all opted for the
lure of European football instead," it read. "Importantly, the board also
turned down bids for several first-team players in the last week of the
window as they are determined to give the squad the best chance possible of
bettering last season's 10th-placed Premier League finish."
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Vaz Te and Allardyce
KUMB.com
Filed: Tuesday, 3rd September 2013
By: Gary Portugal
At the time of writing, Carlton Cole has had a medical - but regardless, the
underlying theme of what follows remains especially since Cole will require
time to get fit.
Call me a middle-aged cynic, but in my experience human relationships are
like milk: once when they turn sour, there is no getting them back. There is
the odd exception, as may turn out to be the case between David Moyes and
Wayne Rooney.
Is there any way for Ricardo Vaz Te and Sam Allardyce to "re-boot" this
season and start their relationship over again? As a realist, I think
probably not. I have some, but limited confidence in Sam's man management
skills. I don't have a lot of faith in Vaz Te's maturity. So this is going
to be a severe test of Allardyce's man management skills.
We'd better hope he's up to it as our season, at least until the January
window, may well depend on it. On a positive note, it IS in both Sam and
Ricardo's interest to try to patch things up. If Vaz Te wants a move, he has
to put himself in the shop window and perform. If Sam wants to avoid a
relegation scrap, he needs all our potential goalscorers to start
contributing and needs to somehow coax the best out of Vaz Te. No easy task
at the best of times, given the player's somewhat moody temperament.
I didn t agree with Vaz Te's way of dealing with the situation, or his
timing. To hand in a transfer request so near to the closing of the window
was childish. He knew Downing was on his way here weeks ago and that would
have been the time to voice concerns to Sam, or worst case hand in a
transfer request, or both. Instead the player threw his toys out of the
pram, failing to consider the injury-prone nature of Joe Cole, Stuart
Downing, and Andy Carroll. He was never likely to be on the bench for too
long.
But to take a step back, was Vaz Te JUSTIFIED in losing his rag? Probably
so, even if the timing of his transfer request stunk. He has scored some
important goals at West Ham, and not just the one that got us promoted. He
has also shown that he is at least capable of scoring in the Premier League,
even if he can be inconsistent. And he can play as a striker, even if
Allardyce prefers him as a winger.
Over the past 15 months, we have brought in three very good wide players and
spent a fair bit in doing so. Vaz Te could be forgiven for thinking that he
wasn't truly in Sam's plans, given the arrival of Jarvis, Cole and then
Downing.
Which leads to the next angle of the story. Who is to play as our lone
striker in the event of - for whatever reason - Carroll not being fit at any
stage of the season? Maiga had a chance last term to prove himself, and didn
t take it. He just completed a good pre-season, which deservedly or not,
earned him a second shot.
It was a second chance that I feel he's spurned, despite a good opening day
performance against Cardiff. Against more established sides such as
Newcastle and Stoke, he was anonymous - and his work rate wasn't too
impressive either. If you are sitting in Vaz Te's shoes, you have got to be
upset looking at Maiga's two recent and decidedly average performances.
Is Vaz Te a world-beater up front? Hardly, but he carries more of a
goalscoring threat than Maiga does. Given time and space, Maiga is good on
the ball. But how many teams are really going to give him that space? You
can argue that Sam had to give Maiga at least three games to show what he
can do. I'm not so sure. After the Newcastle game I would have had real
questions as to whether Maiga was up to the task. Especially as a starter,
not an impact sub.
One does wonder what, if any, communication there was between Sam and Vaz Te
in the opening weeks of the season. Did Allardyce do anything to reassure
the winger that he was still part of his plans? Evidently not, which was a
major oversight.
Players do get injured, especially it seems at West Ham. Which means that a
manager shouldn't take any player for granted, nor leave any feeling that
they have been frozen out if they have a role to play. So, much as I dislike
how Vaz Te vented his anger, I completely get WHY he did - which doesn't
reflect well on Allardyce's communication skills. Might we be bumping up
against the limits of Sam's usefulness to West Ham as a manager? Maybe. But
that will be the subject for another piece.
We can only hope that, for the next three months, Vaz Te chooses to take his
frustration out on the opposition when called upon and delivers motivated
performances. I'm not holding my breath.
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A very poor decision
KUMB.com
Filed: Monday, 2nd September 2013
By: Gary Portugal
I like our owners a lot. They have invested loads in the club,without which
it would have likely gone into administration or bankrupt.
The two Davids are genuine fans, who eat, breathe and sleep this club. But
that won't stop me from pointing out when I think that they have made a big
mistake - ad they have made a MASSIVE one in buying Stewart Downing. He's a
very talented player, and the price was very reasonable, if not cheap.
But that isn t the issue. The issue is that we didn't need a winger, full
stop. We needed, desperately, a STRIKER, as the Newcastle and Stoke fixtures
made all too clear.
Maiga has a decent shot on him but he's poor in the air, not strong or hard
enough for the Premier League and his work rate isn't good enough. Even
Kenwyn Jones made Maiga look downright lazy. We have absolutely no cover for
Carroll, especially with Vaz Te having thrown his toys out of the pram.
Bringing in Downing was the last straw from Vaz Te's point of view.
I will be shocked if Carroll makes it to Christmas without getting injured
again. Now there is talk that he may not even be fit for the Southampton
game. Sam admits that he got injured three times last season- yet claims the
player is not injury-prone. Really, Sam?
The owners will tell you that they had to "support" Sam and be SEEN to
support him. And that is why they approved the purchase of Downing, despite
the fact that it left us with no money under the wage cap to buy cover for
Carroll. That is utter nonsense to me.
They had already "supported" Sam in acquiring Andy Carroll, Razvan Rat and
Adrian to the tune of £20million-odd. Sam didn t need more "support". What
Sam needed was a reality check.
Who runs the club? The owners or Allardyce? At some point the owners need to
step up and knock the manager back. And do what's right for the long-term
health and security of the club. Taking a high stakes gamble on Carroll
getting through this season without further injury is absolute madness.
By caving in to Sam's ill-judged demands on Downing the owners have left our
season hanging by a thread. How could the manager, and our owners, think
that the club could rely on an unproven Maiga as cover for Carroll? Now,
anytime Carroll takes any kind of knock, we're all going to fear the worst.
If Carroll sustains any further injury this season, we will be plunged right
into a relegation scrap. You would think that our current owners would have
learned the lessons from 2003 when a lack of striking options strongly
contributed to our relegation. No PL club operates with just one recognised
striker. Nobody is crazy enough. Except us, it would seem.
Yes, we defend well. We have conceded only one goal in total in three
matches in the league. But that is not enough to ensure our PL survival, no
less a good season. If we are incapable of scoring, or even creating
chances, as has been the case in the last two PL games then we are in deep
trouble. Carroll cannot, and will not, be the miracle cure. We will be lucky
if he plays 30 games this season.
I find it shocking that the club has taken this much of a gamble, with our
survival now resting on the fitness of one player. Stoke aren't
world-beaters, especially away from home. Nor are Newcastle. For us to have
barely a shot on target against these two sides shows just what a poor
decision it was to buy Downing.
I fear we may pay a big price for that decision.
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Overchuffed and back in the building
KUMB.com
Filed: Tuesday, 3rd September 2013
By: Staff Writer
Carlton Cole is on his way back to West Ham - just three months after
leaving on a free transfer. The 29-year-old striker spent seven years at the
Boleyn Ground in his first spell before leaving at the end of last season,
having rejected the club's new contract offer. But with the Hammers failing
to land the additional striker so desperately sought during the window, Cole
- who remains a free agent despite being linked with a string of clubs
during the summer - has been handed a lifeline. This afternoon [Tuesday]
United confirmed that the former England international was on his way back.
"The Club are pleased to announce that popular striker Carlton Cole is also
undergoing a medical today with a view to returning to the Boleyn Ground on
a short-term deal," read a statement on whufc.com. Cole, who made in excess
of 200 appearances for West Ham after being signed by Alan Pardew from
Chelsea was a popular figure at the club prior to his departure. Upon his
departure, he thanked the "good, honest, decent people" who had supported
him during his time at United. "I came to east London not knowing what to
expect but I'm glad I did. I want to thank the West Ham fans for their
support - especially the ones who made the away games feel like a home game.
"Life is filled with ups and downs; today is a down but I'll be back!
Carlton Cole - or CFC as I have been called - has left the building."
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Youth development: a solution?
KUMB.com
Filed: Tuesday, 3rd September 2013
By: Geoff Toates
I'm sure I am not the only supporter to wonder why the once steady trickle
of young players graduating from our youth set up seems to have dried up.
And I'm also sure that, like me, others are speculating as to what might be
the reason and what, if anything, we can do about it.
We still manage to attract young players who are good enough to represent
England at their respective age levels so why is it that so few progress
through the ranks and, worse, many disappear without trace from the
professional game? The most recent, highly rated, youngster to leave us was
Robert Hall who joined Bolton when his contract expired last July. Like many
of us I had seen him at youth and development squad level and thought he had
a bright future at West Ham.
Some will no doubt point to Sam Allardyce and argue that Hall wasn't given
any opportunities at West Ham to show what he could do. Up to a point this
is a valid argument but it is equally valid to say that he had not been a
regular choice for the clubs, Birmingham and Bolton, he was loaned out to,
so why do we believe a player not considered ready for regular Championship
football should be thrown into Premier League action?
Those of us who have watched Development Squad games realise there is a
massive gap between that level and the Championship, never mind the Premier
League. The problem that clubs like ours need to address is how to bridge
that gap.
At present the loan system is the only process which a club can turn to and
the fundamental problem with the loan system is that the parent club loses a
large element of control over how the player is used. Hall spent a lot of
time on the bench at Bolton last season. How was that helping his football
education? It would be wrong to blame the Bolton manager. His responsibility
is to win matches for his club, not worry about the development of a West
Ham youngster.
What I believe clubs should be allowed to do is to field 'B' teams in
competitive leagues. This system works very well in Spain, for example, and
has undoubtedly benefited clubs there. Barcelona's present squad contains
many home grown players who have come through their academy and been given
the opportunity at 'B' level before graduating to the first team.
It appears that West Ham (and probably other clubs too) are lobbying for
this system to be introduced here. I think it was Nick Haycock who made the
point in a piece on the club's official site.
Personally I don't see a down side. Let's assume we had a 'B' team playing
in the Conference as a starting point. I actually think it would benefit
clubs to have a visit from teams representing West Ham, Spurs, Man United
and so on. You only have to look at attendances in pre season friendlies,
even where a 'So-And-So FC XI' turn out without a hint of a first team squad
member to realise that a 'name' club will add to the gate.
The benefit to clubs is obvious. The players would be competing in a
competitive environment. They could be rewarded by promotion to a higher
level . Obviously, as in Spain, they couldn't compete in the same league as
the senior side but I doubt if there are many clubs, even the big boys,
whose development squads are good enough to attain that level anyway.
They would also be playing in front of bigger crowds and, more importantly
in my opinion, their performances would be monitored by our own coaching
staff who would also be responsible for deciding whether or not to pick a
player, which is not the case when a player is loaned out.
I know some will argue it would devalue the structure of the English game. I
don't see that argument at all. A young kid whose dad takes him along to see
his local Div 2 side turn out against Bury or Accrington would still take
him along to see Manchester United 'B' wouldn't he?
Obviously this system would take some organisation which is, in my opinion,
something our footballing authorities are not particularly good at. But I
feel, like Nick Haycock, it is an idea which has a lot of merit and is at
least worth of discussion. I won't hold my breath because, as usual, vester
interests will come to the fore. But let's at least have a grown up
discussion about it.
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A new home for the Hammers: How have other top clubs fared in new stadia?
KUMB.com
Filed: Tuesday, 3rd September 2013
By: Stephen Kenwright
The Hammers will fall just short of a 100 year tenure at the iconic Upton
Park Stadium when they move into the equally iconic Olympic Stadium in three
seasons' time.
It might not have the Boleyn Ground's extensive history, but for a club that
is so intrinsically woven into the fabric of English football, it seems
fitting that West Ham will find themselves playing their home games in the
current home of British sport.
The Hammers' housewarming
What can West Ham United expect when they up sticks and begin the new era at
the 54,000 Olympic Stadium? If recent history is to be believed, good things
are on the horizon – some clubs with rich histories have found homes in now
instantly recognisable stadia (by the way, see if you can spot the new
grounds in Ladbrokes' Guess the Ground quiz) and some of the UK's most
successful clubs have profited both on and off the pitch after a move. Here
are three clubs that can count a relocation in the win column (and one that
can't).
Arsenal fly in the Emirates
Fly Emirates are major sponsors of AC Milan, Benfica, Paris Saint-Germain
and Real Madrid – but say "Emirates" in this country and the new home of
Arsenal springs to mind straight away. With the "Arsenalisation" of the
60,000-seater stadium in full-swing, the move to the Emirates in 2006 meant
that the Gunners are hanging with the big boys in terms of their stadium, if
not their league position.
The Emirates does also keep Arsenal right up there in the financials, too.
The magnificent ground cost an estimated £471m to construct, but with a
reported £250m coming from Emirates in sponsorship alone the Gunners haven't
paid the price for it. It seems that West Ham have made the right decision
in moving to a stadium that's already about ready to host Premier League
football. Even the Emirates rose in price by £100m while under construction.
The start of Arsenal's first campaign at the Emirates, however, was a
disaster. Drawing with Aston Villa and Middlesbrough and losing to both
Manchester clubs in the first four matches, it obviously took some time to
bed in the new turf. Arsenal subsequently managed not to lose the next five
matches before the Hammers beat them 1-0 at Upton Park.
The Etihad – THE City of Manchester stadium
Speaking of Manchester clubs, City are another prime example of a stadium
move going right…after a while. The City of Manchester Stadium, as it was
initially known, was built as an athletics stadium like the Hammers' new
home and was converted to a football ground to be proud of with a minimum of
fuss.
The first game in the stadium was a friendly held between City and a
pre-Guardiola Barcelona, which City won. Nicolas Anelka scored the very
first goal on the ground and the first Premier League match held on the
ground saw the home side beat Charlton Athletic 3-0, but it was all downhill
from there. The club finished 16th and thankfully avoided relegation. If
they hadn't managed to stay up, the club might have never been purchased by
Abu Dhabi United Group 4 years later, they might never have renamed their
stadium the Etihad and they might never have won their first league title in
44 years in the very same season.
Liverpool still play in a shed
If artists' impressions are to be believed, Liverpool's new stadium, Stanley
Park, will be a joy to behold. One of the most technologically advanced
stadiums ever envisaged, it features grass scientifically designed to be
kind to Luis Suarez's skin.
Actually, that's just speculation, as since the stadium was scheduled to
open along with the Emirates in 2006, almost nothing has actually happened.
Most people were ready to add Stanley Park to the list with Duke Nukem
Forever and Chinese Democracy, but then Liverpool changed ownership and the
whole project was scrapped.
It would have been similar in size to the Olympic Stadium and would have
cost a similar amount as the Emirates to build, but nobody really knows
whether Liverpool F.C. will ever start construction of the new ground or
not. In the meantime the club's fans will have to content themselves with
all the great memories they have of Anfield (between 1884 and about 2005).
When most big clubs move out of their spiritual homes there is usually some
degree of trepidation from the fans. Unlike most big clubs, though, West Ham
are a football institution that has always been very much focused on the
future; you only need to look at the legends that have come out of the
Academy of Football to know that the Hammers will be major players in the
Premier League for a long time and another twenty thousand fans cheering the
team can't hurt.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Enough already
KUMB.com
Filed: Monday, 2nd September 2013
By: Gary Portugal
It's no surprise that Alan Pardew and Roberto Martinez have pointed it out,
given that it's their players who have been subject to constant transfer
speculation. But they are absolutely right. It is a total shambles that the
transfer window shuts on September 2,after three Premier League matches have
already been played.
What is the point? Is there any legitimate reason why the window doesn't
shut the day before the season-opener? What purpose does it serve to drag
out the transfer circus an extra three weeks, except to essentially rip off
supporters who see nearly 10 per cent of the season vanish without the likes
of Bale, Cabaye etc. kicking a ball.
What is the point of such players having to miss the opening few games?
Clubs have all summer long to bolster their squads; there is no excuse for
not being able to get their business done by the time the season starts.
Between the closing of the window and breaks for internationals, the start
of the Premier League season is very disjointed - which can't be good for
anybody, nor for the end product.
Even players like Marouane Fellaini and Leighton Baines, who may be off on
deadline day but have featured so far, must have had divided loyalties and
be weary of sustaining injury prior to the close of the window. The Bale
saga was the biggest joke of all; if it was inevitable that he was off to
Madrid,why could it not have been wrapped up ages ago?
Enough is enough. It's time for the Premier League to take the lead on this
issue regardless of whether other European leagues agree. I'm sick of it
all. End this farce, NOW!
Which leads me to another irksome topic- that of "international breaks" and
other season disruptions. Take a look at the fixture list and you will note
not one, not two, but THREE interruptions of two weeks between now and
Christmas. One per month in September, October and November - although some
will argue that the September break is actually a good thing for us as it
gives Andy Carroll, Joe Cole and Stewart Downing time to recuperate.
One disruption to the season between now and Christmas may be acceptable,but
why three? At least two of these hiatuses are due to internationals. Why
can't all the required internationals simply be played within ONE period of
two weeks?
Why is it necessary for players and teams to have meet up, break up and then
reconvene to repeat the process all over again a month later? It completely
takes away the momentum of the domestic league campaigns. Another option
would be to play at least some of the World/Euro Cup qualifiers and
friendlies BEFORE the domestic leagues begin.
There is a long period of time between the ending of a previous season and
the start of a new one. Domestic leagues need to build momentum. They don't
need stop/start scheduling after a summer away from the game.
Supporters just start to get used to ebb and flow of football again after
summer, and then the nuisance of two or three enforced breaks kills the
momentum. It's not the cleverest marketing tool, surely there has to be a
way around this? Domestic leagues should not be pushed around or dictated to
by FIFA or UEFA.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Carlton Cole set for West Ham return
Last Updated: September 3, 2013 9:38pm
Carlton Cole is undergoing a medical at West Ham with a view to returning to
the club on a short-term deal. Cole is a free agent following his departure
from the Boleyn Ground at the end of May after seven seasons with West Ham.
He made over 200 appearances for the club, scoring 47 goals, having begun
his career at Chelsea over a decade ago. The 29-year-old has also had loan
spells at Charlton, Aston Villa and Wolves, and made seven appearances for
England since his debut against Spain in 2009, all of which came off the
substitutes' bench. A West Ham statement on Tuesday read: "Despite the board
and manager deciding to do their business early on in the window to avoid
last-minute panic buys - resulting in the successful signings of Andy
Carroll, Stewart Downing, Razvan Rat and Adrian - joint-chairman David
Sullivan and manager Sam Allardyce did spend all night on Monday trying to
sign one of three international strikers, but all opted for the lure of
European football instead. "Importantly, the board also turned down bids for
several first-team players in the last week of the window as they are
determined to give the squad the best chance possible of bettering last
season's tenth-placed Premier League finish. "The club are pleased to
announce that popular striker Carlton Cole is also undergoing a medical
today with a view to returning to the Boleyn Ground on a short-term deal."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
WE FEEL LIKE WE HAVE BEEN LET DOWN
By Iain Dale 3 Sep 2013 at 17:48
West Ham Till I Die
Back in 1986 we had a real chance to play among the big boys. We had
finished third, but the owners of the club failed to match the fans'
ambitions and didn't invest in any new players. We all know what happened
then. In some ways we feel we are in a similar position now. We know we have
the nucleus of a pretty decent side. Sure, more than £20 million has been
spent on new players this summer, but £6 million of it was spent on a player
we didn't need, in a position we didn't need to fill, leaving us with no
money to buy a player for the position we certainly needed to fill – that of
second striker.
Sam Allardyce
We were constantly warned that if we spent any money on a new striker, we
could only do so if we shipped a player or two out, yet no attempt was made
to do that until it was too late, and one player, Vaz Te, had handed in a
transfer request. The manager professed his profound happiness with his
squad despite having no striker cover. I never believed that for a minute,
and as I wrote a couple of weeks ago, Sam Allardyce was as good at spin as
Alastair Campbell.
Yet I wonder now whether he was speaking the truth. I wonder whether he
really did believe his own words and that he was indeed happy with the
squad. If so, we should be very worried indeed.
When Sam Allardyce was appointed, I was a huge sceptic. I remember emailing
David Sullivan pleading with him not to consider Allardyce. He replied that
Sam's record was great, although he'd have to change his style of play if he
came to West Ham. And to be fair to him, he has certainly adapted it, if not
wholly ditched it. Slowly but surely I was won round, I didn't particularly
like his style of play in the Championship, but he got us up. That was what
mattered. And no one can say that a 10th place finish last season wasn't an
achievement. It was. And signing Andy Carroll on loan was a brilliant move.
I couldn't have been happier when Carroll signed permanently. But then I got
carried away. I started salivating over who might partner him up front,
should Allardyce ever ditch his 4-5-1, oh sorry, 4-3-3 formation. Could it
be Bony, Defoe, Ba. The list went on. I was sure, though, that it would be
someone, that a manager of Allardyce's pedigree would sign a top quality
striker. Indeed, I expected him to sign two. No one can expect to have a
good season without four strikers in their squad. Little did I realise that
Sam Allardyce apparently believes that you can go a full season with only
one main striker, and a deputy who is as effective as a powerpuff.
I believe we have a brilliant central defensive partnership. Our full backs
are more than adequate. Our central midfield is great. We have more than
adequate wingers. Anyone can see that the missing link is an effective
goalscorer. And yet we sit here today, sipping our afternoon tea, wondering
what might have been.
Ah, but you don't understand, David Sullivan will tell us. And I am sure we
will soon get the Club Statement on the Website. Here's what it will say…
The manager and owners of the club made strenuous efforts right up until the
last minute to bring new players to the club. We could not have done more.
We realise how disappointed fans will be, but we have to abide by the
Financial Fair Play rules. We always said that we would have to sell before
we could buy, but sadly that proved impossible. The manager would like to
reiterate he is very happy with his squad and looks forward to a successful
season.
Gold Sullivan
It's not quite like that, of course. One has to ask why we were the only
club to constantly cite the FFP rules as a reason we could not bring in more
players. The rules don't even come in until 2015, and although they do
require the 2013-14 accounts to be in order, they are for the full financial
year. So it was perfectly possible to buy someone in this window and then
make up the shortfall by selling a couple of non essential players in the
January window. The likes of Norwich and Southampton seemed to bring in as
many players as they liked without worrying about breaching FFP rules.
Tottenham too. Is anyone seriously telling me that they won't go over their
limit?
I bought an extra season ticket this year so I could bring friends to watch
games. On Saturday, I was with three people who came to a football match for
the first time. I wouldn't blame any of them for never wanting to darken our
doors again. But I could forgive that because I was sure that things would
get better. I now feel cheated. I know what is going to happen now. It's
what happened under Curbishley and Roeder. We're now going to be palmed off
with one or possibly two free agents – players who couldn't get a contract
any other way. It's going to be the likes of Tristan or Di Michele. Carlton
Cole is now making what I hope will be a glorious return. I suggested this
in a column a few weeks ago and was ridiculed for it. I love Carlton as a
bloke, but is he now our future? Well, better him than Maiga. Like any true
fan, I give him a hearty welcome back.
Perhaps we wouldn't worry so much if our midfielders were in any way
prolific scorers, but with the exception of Nolan they're not. Jarvis ought
to score far more goals than he does, the same with Diame. And now we have
the prospect of both Downing and Cole being out for weeks. Then there's Vaz
Te. Is his head ever going to be right? If we don't bring in any loan
players, he's the one who ought to be stepping up to the plate and playing
through the middle if Carroll isn't available.
David Gold and David Sullivan have in many ways performed wonders for this
club. Allardyce too. But this month the three of them should not be
surprised if we all feel they have let us all down. Let's now have some
honesty from them and let them admit it. They would go up in many people's
estimation if they did.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
http://vyperz.blogspot.com
Wednesday, September 4
Tuesday, September 3
Daily WHUFC News - 3rd September 2013
Haycock delighted with epic comeback
WHUFC.com
West Ham United Development Squad boss Nick Haycock was pleased with
Monday's win over Newcastle
02.09.2013
West Ham United's Development Squad staged an epic comeback to beat
Newcastle in a nine goal thriller on Monday and leave coach Nick Haycock
amazed by what he had seen. The young Hammers were looking down and out
after 13 minutes as a hat-trick from Jonathyn Quinn put the Magpies three
up. But goals from George Moncur, Dylan Tombides and a hat-trick from Elliot
Lee stunned their opponents as Haycock's team hit five goals in the space of
25 minutes before Rolando Aarons struck a consolation late on. The
all-action encounter left the West Ham coach stunned. He told West Ham TV:
"I've just sent a text to Ian Hendon and Neil McDonald to say what a mad
game we've just been involved in. "I found it hard in the first half, I
needed to help them and I think the change in formation helped to stop the
goals going in. "At one point we just needed to have a ten minute spell when
we didn't concede again because we felt the attacking unit would come into
the game and we could have scored 20-plus goals today."
Haycock's team showed a huge amount of courage after going three down and
were still looking to pass the ball around despite the deficit. They were
back in the game when Kieran Sadlier was felled in the box and, fresh from
his Premier League debut on Saturday, Elliot Lee stepped up to send the
keeper the wrong way. The comeback which followed left Haycock full of
praise for his team's fighting spirit. "They're inspired by the first team
lads, we know it was a disappointing performance for the first team at the
weekend but the camaraderie spills over to the young lads. "We've got some
good lads in the club, Kevin Nolan, Mark Noble to name but a few are always
speaking to me about the young lads. "They're a good set of lads, they do
get on so I didn't doubt that but like I said I could pick eleven lads who'd
run around and work hard for West Ham United but I want intelligent
football."
The result was even more impressive given the team had to reshuffle the
defence due to injuries and the absence of Leo Chambers who was on
International duty with England. The coach bemoaned the team's injury
problems but was pleased with how they performed given the situation. "We
had to make four changes to the back four or five as Stephen Henderson's
come in to get some minutes as Spiegel's on International duty, leaving
Callum the only established member of the defence in his right position. "We
moved Jamie Harney from the youth team, who only played Saturday, because we
were that short with injuries at the back. "I demanded more leadership from
Pelly Ruddock and I thought he showed that today which was a good sign
because he's started the game sloppy but then he got that back four
organised."
Hat-trick hero Lee and the absent Chambers have both featured for the first
team in the past week, a fact which Haycock says everyone at the club is
proud of. He said: "We're delighted, not just me it's a whole load of staff
and the list is too long for me to name but it's down to everybody at the
football club.
"We're a family and we take great pride when a young boy steps across that
white line. "I suppose it looks like me because I'm in charge of the team
but I'm just there to finish off the good work by everyone else at the
Academy and they take great pride in it. "I think there were quite a few of
them there the other night and I think Leo and Elliot both know now, I've
said to Elliot today 'you've come down played well and got a hat-trick
that's all you can do'."
With players like Chambers and Lee looking to stake a claim for a regular
first team spot, Haycock is hopeful others can follow their lead, but
mindful that it may not be possible just yet. "Sam put in his programme
notes that it's hard for young players to break into the first team of a
Premier League team these days and I witness it myself now. "Sitting on the
bench for the first team home games you can see the size, speed and tenacity
of it, our boys aren't there yet but their certainly making noises that they
will be in the future but they've got to keep performing at this level."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Manager on Monday
WHUFC.com
Sam Allardyce is keen to put things right when West Ham United visit
Southampton
01.09.2013
Sam Allardyce will use the international break to try and right the wrongs
of West Ham United's 1-0 defeat to Stoke City on Saturday. After three
encouraging results to kick off the 2013/14 season, the Hammers suffered
their first loss of the new campaign courtesy of Jermaine Pennant's fine
second-half free kick. With international football now taking centre stage
for the next ten days, Big Sam will have an opportunity to regroup his squad
and ensure they are firing for the trip to Southampton on Sunday 15
September. "We were establishing ourselves in the Premier League and
sometimes you've got to accept that the lads will dip off but what I don't
accept was it happening like the lads did on Saturday, not at home," he
said. "To play a game for 90 minutes, which we were never really in, that's
the disappointing thing for me. Hopefully the players will take it on the
chin and bounce back, which is what we were really good at last year after
really disappointing performances. We've got to lift the performance level
back up for when we play Southampton."
A trip to Spain to face Espanyol on Thursday will provide an opportunity to
experiment with personnel and fine tune strategy, but one player that will
not feature in the game is Andy Carroll, who will remain in England to work
on his fitness. Big Sam said he hoped the England international would be
back in time for the trip for Southampton, while the hamstring injury that
kept out Joe Cole on Saturday will be assessed on Monday. "Andy will be
close for the Southampton game but it's unlikely he'll be able to start," he
said. "Modibo didn't have the best game on Saturday, but against Cardiff and
Newcastle he played well. It wasn't just him who didn't play well though,
apart from the back four and the goalie who did their jobs the front six
were decidedly average."
The transfer window closes at midnight on Monday, but Allardyce does not
expect to see the same flurry of last-minute activity as last summer, when
three players arrived in the last seven days. He reiterated once again,
though, that any incomings are dependent on players leaving the club. "I was
much more nervous about the end of the window last year because we bought
three players in and you saw the contribution those three players made,
particularly Matt Jarvis and Andy Carroll who were a big factor in us
finishing tenth in the league. "We're not quite that desperate now, but
because we've had a disappointing performance and result people will say we
should go out and strengthen. "We know how well we can play and we know how
disappointed we are that we haven't played as well as that against Stoke.
With the additions of Razvan Rat, Adrian in goal and Stewart Downing to the
squad, a few of the first team squad from last year have left but the vast
majority of this squad finished tenth last year so that's our capabilities.
We have to make sure we don't perform like we did on Saturday again."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Deadline day ends in frustration
KUMB.com
Filed: Monday, 2nd September 2013
By: Staff Writer
West Ham's desperate attempts to land a striker ahead of the transfer
deadline appear to have ended in frustration. Despite being linked with a
number of forwards throughout the course of the day, the Hammers look to
have failed in their attempts to land any. Hopes of signing Romelu Lukaku on
loan from Chelsea faded after the young Belgian international made it clear
he would prefer a move to either Everton or West Bromwich Albion, where he
spent a successful 2012/13 campaign. And despite having apparently agreed
terms with the Blues over team mate Demba Ba, the Senegalese international
is thought to have rejected the move late in the day due to a lack of
European football at the Boleyn Ground. Claims by John Percy of the
Telegraph that Italian striker Fabio Quagliarella was in London ahead of a
medical proved to be false, whilst other rumours - including that regarding
an unnamed, African striker - proved just as fruitless. Sam Allardyce
insisted last weekend that he could only bring a player in if he was able to
move at least one on - and hopes that Ricardo Vaz Te would prove to be that
man also failed after talks with Crystal Palce and Norwich came to nothing.
The only option left for manager Allardyce is to bring in a free transfer
and unsurprisingly tonight [Monday], rumours are rife that Carlton Cole -
who rejected West Ham's last contract offer and remains a free agent - could
be tempted back to the club on a short-term deal.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Deadline day: West Ham fail in bid to sign Demba Ba
KUMB.com
Filed: Monday, 2nd September 2013
By: Staff Writer
West Ham's attempts to sign former striker Demba Ba on loan are reported to
have failed. The BBC's Ben Smith reports that despite hours of speculation
Chelsea have this evening decided not to part company with the Senegalese
striker, who spent four months at West Ham in 2011 when the club brought him
to England from Hoffenheim. Similarly frustrated are fellow London clubs
Arsenal and Tottenham, both of whom made offers for the 28-year-old today.
With little more than three hours of the transfer window remaining, it looks
extremely unlikely that West Ham wil be able to sign the forward player Sam
Allardyce so desperately wants. And that could also be curtains for any
plans Ricardo Vaz Te has of leaving east London, with Allardyce refusing to
let any player leave unless a replacement can be sourced before tonight's
deadline.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Barton rules out West Ham move
KUMB.com
Filed: Monday, 2nd September 2013
By: Staff Writer
Queens Park Rangers midfielder Joey Barton injected a little humour into
transfer deadline day by silencing one of Twitter's many fake 'ITKs'.
The account @ProAgentFA may seem genuine enough on the face of it - but was
fully exposed by Barton earlier this evening [Monday] after it was suggested
that he is on his way to the Boleyn Ground.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Deadline day: Vaz Te bid rejected
KUMB.com
Filed: Monday, 2nd September 2013
By: Staff Writer
West Ham have rejected a season-long loan bid from Norwich for Portuguese
forward Ricardo Vaz Te. The 26-year-old was transfer listed at his own
request last week and earlier in the day looked set to join Crystal Palace -
since when both Swansea and now Norwich have expressed an interest. Unlike
the Welsh club, Norwich are reported to have made a firm offer Vaz Te which
would have seen him move to Carrow Road for the remainder of the season.
However the Mail's Lee Clayton reports that the bid has been turned down
this evening [Monday]. Whilst keen to offload Vaz Te ahead of tonight's
deadline, West Ham are unwilling to do so until a replacement has been
secured.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham's deadline day ends up with Carlton Cole
Date: 3rd September 2013 at 2:12 am
Written by: Emily Pulham |
ForeverWestHam.com
Carlton ColeAt the time of writing this, the transfer window has not yet
closed – but the hopes and dreams of the Upton Park faithful that we'll sign
another striker are fading fast (and I'm not staying up past my bed time
just to be depressed.) We're watching deal after deal fall through –
assumedly for financial reasons – and there is one big free-agenty-thing
sticking in the back of supporter's minds.
We could re-sign Carlton Cole.
When he left back in May, having turned down a new contract (this has been
confirmed by David Gold on Twitter) it was a bittersweet goodbye. He was
good for us over the years, although I fall short of using the term
'prolific.' He felt he was worth more money and could do better elsewhere –
we felt we were better than Carlton's wage demands and could get a better
striker from elsewhere – so it was a strange scenario (albeit one that at
the time seemed mutually beneficial.) Fast forward to September 2nd, and as
it turns out that neither West Ham nor Carlton have actually done any
"better."
We have made some good signings over the summer – but we've been left with a
£15million injury, an overly talented midfield who did nothing against Stoke
City, one striker who'd rather leave thank you very much, and another
striker who isn't bad per se, but just does not fit into a lone striker
scenario.
Take the above, combined with the fact that Cole is a free agent who would
not command an excessively high wage after being unsigned all summer, and,
well… would you take Carlton back? And if we did re-sign Cole, who is coming
crawling back to who? Do we need him more than he needs us?
We've somehow fallen out of the frying pan and straight into the burning
depths of hell when it comes to strikers, and waltzed into the football
equivalent of a break up where both parties are sure they can pull someone
better, and after one too many dark lonely nights of sobbing over Marley and
Me, decide to get back together after all.
I'm going to keep my fingers crossed that something good clicks into place,
and Demba Ba realises Big Sam is his soul mate, but in the likely event that
he doesn't, I'm hoping West Ham and Carlton can come to another mutually
beneficial agreement regarding his wages, and that West Ham and Cole can
come crawling back to each other before we throw away any more points.
Yeah- I can't believe I just said that, either.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
http://vyperz.blogspot.com
WHUFC.com
West Ham United Development Squad boss Nick Haycock was pleased with
Monday's win over Newcastle
02.09.2013
West Ham United's Development Squad staged an epic comeback to beat
Newcastle in a nine goal thriller on Monday and leave coach Nick Haycock
amazed by what he had seen. The young Hammers were looking down and out
after 13 minutes as a hat-trick from Jonathyn Quinn put the Magpies three
up. But goals from George Moncur, Dylan Tombides and a hat-trick from Elliot
Lee stunned their opponents as Haycock's team hit five goals in the space of
25 minutes before Rolando Aarons struck a consolation late on. The
all-action encounter left the West Ham coach stunned. He told West Ham TV:
"I've just sent a text to Ian Hendon and Neil McDonald to say what a mad
game we've just been involved in. "I found it hard in the first half, I
needed to help them and I think the change in formation helped to stop the
goals going in. "At one point we just needed to have a ten minute spell when
we didn't concede again because we felt the attacking unit would come into
the game and we could have scored 20-plus goals today."
Haycock's team showed a huge amount of courage after going three down and
were still looking to pass the ball around despite the deficit. They were
back in the game when Kieran Sadlier was felled in the box and, fresh from
his Premier League debut on Saturday, Elliot Lee stepped up to send the
keeper the wrong way. The comeback which followed left Haycock full of
praise for his team's fighting spirit. "They're inspired by the first team
lads, we know it was a disappointing performance for the first team at the
weekend but the camaraderie spills over to the young lads. "We've got some
good lads in the club, Kevin Nolan, Mark Noble to name but a few are always
speaking to me about the young lads. "They're a good set of lads, they do
get on so I didn't doubt that but like I said I could pick eleven lads who'd
run around and work hard for West Ham United but I want intelligent
football."
The result was even more impressive given the team had to reshuffle the
defence due to injuries and the absence of Leo Chambers who was on
International duty with England. The coach bemoaned the team's injury
problems but was pleased with how they performed given the situation. "We
had to make four changes to the back four or five as Stephen Henderson's
come in to get some minutes as Spiegel's on International duty, leaving
Callum the only established member of the defence in his right position. "We
moved Jamie Harney from the youth team, who only played Saturday, because we
were that short with injuries at the back. "I demanded more leadership from
Pelly Ruddock and I thought he showed that today which was a good sign
because he's started the game sloppy but then he got that back four
organised."
Hat-trick hero Lee and the absent Chambers have both featured for the first
team in the past week, a fact which Haycock says everyone at the club is
proud of. He said: "We're delighted, not just me it's a whole load of staff
and the list is too long for me to name but it's down to everybody at the
football club.
"We're a family and we take great pride when a young boy steps across that
white line. "I suppose it looks like me because I'm in charge of the team
but I'm just there to finish off the good work by everyone else at the
Academy and they take great pride in it. "I think there were quite a few of
them there the other night and I think Leo and Elliot both know now, I've
said to Elliot today 'you've come down played well and got a hat-trick
that's all you can do'."
With players like Chambers and Lee looking to stake a claim for a regular
first team spot, Haycock is hopeful others can follow their lead, but
mindful that it may not be possible just yet. "Sam put in his programme
notes that it's hard for young players to break into the first team of a
Premier League team these days and I witness it myself now. "Sitting on the
bench for the first team home games you can see the size, speed and tenacity
of it, our boys aren't there yet but their certainly making noises that they
will be in the future but they've got to keep performing at this level."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Manager on Monday
WHUFC.com
Sam Allardyce is keen to put things right when West Ham United visit
Southampton
01.09.2013
Sam Allardyce will use the international break to try and right the wrongs
of West Ham United's 1-0 defeat to Stoke City on Saturday. After three
encouraging results to kick off the 2013/14 season, the Hammers suffered
their first loss of the new campaign courtesy of Jermaine Pennant's fine
second-half free kick. With international football now taking centre stage
for the next ten days, Big Sam will have an opportunity to regroup his squad
and ensure they are firing for the trip to Southampton on Sunday 15
September. "We were establishing ourselves in the Premier League and
sometimes you've got to accept that the lads will dip off but what I don't
accept was it happening like the lads did on Saturday, not at home," he
said. "To play a game for 90 minutes, which we were never really in, that's
the disappointing thing for me. Hopefully the players will take it on the
chin and bounce back, which is what we were really good at last year after
really disappointing performances. We've got to lift the performance level
back up for when we play Southampton."
A trip to Spain to face Espanyol on Thursday will provide an opportunity to
experiment with personnel and fine tune strategy, but one player that will
not feature in the game is Andy Carroll, who will remain in England to work
on his fitness. Big Sam said he hoped the England international would be
back in time for the trip for Southampton, while the hamstring injury that
kept out Joe Cole on Saturday will be assessed on Monday. "Andy will be
close for the Southampton game but it's unlikely he'll be able to start," he
said. "Modibo didn't have the best game on Saturday, but against Cardiff and
Newcastle he played well. It wasn't just him who didn't play well though,
apart from the back four and the goalie who did their jobs the front six
were decidedly average."
The transfer window closes at midnight on Monday, but Allardyce does not
expect to see the same flurry of last-minute activity as last summer, when
three players arrived in the last seven days. He reiterated once again,
though, that any incomings are dependent on players leaving the club. "I was
much more nervous about the end of the window last year because we bought
three players in and you saw the contribution those three players made,
particularly Matt Jarvis and Andy Carroll who were a big factor in us
finishing tenth in the league. "We're not quite that desperate now, but
because we've had a disappointing performance and result people will say we
should go out and strengthen. "We know how well we can play and we know how
disappointed we are that we haven't played as well as that against Stoke.
With the additions of Razvan Rat, Adrian in goal and Stewart Downing to the
squad, a few of the first team squad from last year have left but the vast
majority of this squad finished tenth last year so that's our capabilities.
We have to make sure we don't perform like we did on Saturday again."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Deadline day ends in frustration
KUMB.com
Filed: Monday, 2nd September 2013
By: Staff Writer
West Ham's desperate attempts to land a striker ahead of the transfer
deadline appear to have ended in frustration. Despite being linked with a
number of forwards throughout the course of the day, the Hammers look to
have failed in their attempts to land any. Hopes of signing Romelu Lukaku on
loan from Chelsea faded after the young Belgian international made it clear
he would prefer a move to either Everton or West Bromwich Albion, where he
spent a successful 2012/13 campaign. And despite having apparently agreed
terms with the Blues over team mate Demba Ba, the Senegalese international
is thought to have rejected the move late in the day due to a lack of
European football at the Boleyn Ground. Claims by John Percy of the
Telegraph that Italian striker Fabio Quagliarella was in London ahead of a
medical proved to be false, whilst other rumours - including that regarding
an unnamed, African striker - proved just as fruitless. Sam Allardyce
insisted last weekend that he could only bring a player in if he was able to
move at least one on - and hopes that Ricardo Vaz Te would prove to be that
man also failed after talks with Crystal Palce and Norwich came to nothing.
The only option left for manager Allardyce is to bring in a free transfer
and unsurprisingly tonight [Monday], rumours are rife that Carlton Cole -
who rejected West Ham's last contract offer and remains a free agent - could
be tempted back to the club on a short-term deal.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Deadline day: West Ham fail in bid to sign Demba Ba
KUMB.com
Filed: Monday, 2nd September 2013
By: Staff Writer
West Ham's attempts to sign former striker Demba Ba on loan are reported to
have failed. The BBC's Ben Smith reports that despite hours of speculation
Chelsea have this evening decided not to part company with the Senegalese
striker, who spent four months at West Ham in 2011 when the club brought him
to England from Hoffenheim. Similarly frustrated are fellow London clubs
Arsenal and Tottenham, both of whom made offers for the 28-year-old today.
With little more than three hours of the transfer window remaining, it looks
extremely unlikely that West Ham wil be able to sign the forward player Sam
Allardyce so desperately wants. And that could also be curtains for any
plans Ricardo Vaz Te has of leaving east London, with Allardyce refusing to
let any player leave unless a replacement can be sourced before tonight's
deadline.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Barton rules out West Ham move
KUMB.com
Filed: Monday, 2nd September 2013
By: Staff Writer
Queens Park Rangers midfielder Joey Barton injected a little humour into
transfer deadline day by silencing one of Twitter's many fake 'ITKs'.
The account @ProAgentFA may seem genuine enough on the face of it - but was
fully exposed by Barton earlier this evening [Monday] after it was suggested
that he is on his way to the Boleyn Ground.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Deadline day: Vaz Te bid rejected
KUMB.com
Filed: Monday, 2nd September 2013
By: Staff Writer
West Ham have rejected a season-long loan bid from Norwich for Portuguese
forward Ricardo Vaz Te. The 26-year-old was transfer listed at his own
request last week and earlier in the day looked set to join Crystal Palace -
since when both Swansea and now Norwich have expressed an interest. Unlike
the Welsh club, Norwich are reported to have made a firm offer Vaz Te which
would have seen him move to Carrow Road for the remainder of the season.
However the Mail's Lee Clayton reports that the bid has been turned down
this evening [Monday]. Whilst keen to offload Vaz Te ahead of tonight's
deadline, West Ham are unwilling to do so until a replacement has been
secured.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham's deadline day ends up with Carlton Cole
Date: 3rd September 2013 at 2:12 am
Written by: Emily Pulham |
ForeverWestHam.com
Carlton ColeAt the time of writing this, the transfer window has not yet
closed – but the hopes and dreams of the Upton Park faithful that we'll sign
another striker are fading fast (and I'm not staying up past my bed time
just to be depressed.) We're watching deal after deal fall through –
assumedly for financial reasons – and there is one big free-agenty-thing
sticking in the back of supporter's minds.
We could re-sign Carlton Cole.
When he left back in May, having turned down a new contract (this has been
confirmed by David Gold on Twitter) it was a bittersweet goodbye. He was
good for us over the years, although I fall short of using the term
'prolific.' He felt he was worth more money and could do better elsewhere –
we felt we were better than Carlton's wage demands and could get a better
striker from elsewhere – so it was a strange scenario (albeit one that at
the time seemed mutually beneficial.) Fast forward to September 2nd, and as
it turns out that neither West Ham nor Carlton have actually done any
"better."
We have made some good signings over the summer – but we've been left with a
£15million injury, an overly talented midfield who did nothing against Stoke
City, one striker who'd rather leave thank you very much, and another
striker who isn't bad per se, but just does not fit into a lone striker
scenario.
Take the above, combined with the fact that Cole is a free agent who would
not command an excessively high wage after being unsigned all summer, and,
well… would you take Carlton back? And if we did re-sign Cole, who is coming
crawling back to who? Do we need him more than he needs us?
We've somehow fallen out of the frying pan and straight into the burning
depths of hell when it comes to strikers, and waltzed into the football
equivalent of a break up where both parties are sure they can pull someone
better, and after one too many dark lonely nights of sobbing over Marley and
Me, decide to get back together after all.
I'm going to keep my fingers crossed that something good clicks into place,
and Demba Ba realises Big Sam is his soul mate, but in the likely event that
he doesn't, I'm hoping West Ham and Carlton can come to another mutually
beneficial agreement regarding his wages, and that West Ham and Cole can
come crawling back to each other before we throw away any more points.
Yeah- I can't believe I just said that, either.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
http://vyperz.blogspot.com
Monday, September 2
Daily WHUFC News - 2nd September 2013
U21s head for Newcastle
WHUFC.com
The Development Squad travel to Newcastle United in the Barclays U21 Premier
League on Monday
01.09.2013
Nick Haycock is hoping his Development Squad can return to winning ways when
they head to Newcastle United in the Barclays U21 Premier League on Monday.'
After beating Aston Villa and Everton, West Ham United lost their 100 per
cent record after surrendering a 2-0 lead at home to Tottenham Hotspur last
time out, losing 3-2. Now, Haycock's young professionals make the long trip
north to take on Newcastle at the Northumberland FA ground at Whitley Park
in Benton, and the U21s manager is keen to taste victory again. "We spoke
about the Spurs game and told them 'You've got to get over that second
half', but in fairness to the lads there was a lot right about the first
half as well," said Haycock. "You try to concentrate upon the positives and
touch upon the negatives of the second half. "I think you'll see a different
performance up at Newcastle. We spoke about getting the lines tighter
between the different parts of the team and making sure we're on the front
foot for the entire game. "It's an away game so we'll set up slightly
differently to the way we do at home, but the lads have trained well all
week and prepared well."
Haycock will be without defender Leo Chambers, who is away on international
duty with England U19s in Estonia, in the week following the right-back's
first-team debut in the Capital One Cup second-round victory over Cheltenham
Town. The U21s manager said Chambers' impressive bow, and that of Elliot Lee
in the Barclays Premier League in Saturday's 1-0 home defeat by Stoke City,
were credit to everyone involved in player development at the Academy of
Football.
"That's what it's all about. There are lots of people involved in the
Academy, from coaches to scouts and kit men to the people who run the
Academy House and they all get a pat on the back for those debuts. We're a
big family and that's how we look at it. "I'm delighted for Leo because he
has worked hard and it's the first rung of the ladder of him trying to
assert himself in the first-team squad. He knows he has to keep working hard
every day. He's now gone away with England so he won't be available for the
game up at Newcastle, but he deserves all the accolades he got. "Elliot got
a little feel for the Premier League on Saturday and he'll have benefitted
from that, but he was back in training on Sunday preparing for Newcastle."
Following Monday's meeting with the Magpies, Haycock will take a team to
Colchester United for a friendly match on Thursday evening. With the
first-team squad playing RCD Espanyol in Spain on the same evening, a number
of younger players will be given the opportunity to play at the Weston Homes
Community Stadium. "Thursday night is literally giving lads who have not
been playing regularly some minutes on the pitch. All those will get 90
minutes on Thursday. It's nice of Colchester to put the game on and I expect
they will do similar and one or two of their first-team squad who have not
been starting will also play.
"Where we can, we'll put a bit of experience in there just to strengthen the
team up, but it's more a minute-protocol game rather than a game we're
looking to do anything else with."
Both the Newcastle and Colchester matches will be covered with live text
commentary on whufc.com, while highlights and reaction will be available
after each on West Ham TV.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Reid about Stoke defeat
WHUFC.com
Winston Reid reflects on a bad day at the Boleyn Ground as West Ham United
went down 1-0 to Stoke City
01.09.2013
Winston Reid admitted West Ham United had simply not produced the goods in
losing 1-0 at home to Stoke City in the Barclays Premier League. The Hammers
lost their first game of the 2013/14 season and first at home since February
as the Potters edged an unattractive contest at the Boleyn Ground. Stoke
substitute Jermaine Pennant produced one of few moments of quality to settle
matters with eight minutes remaining, curling a free-kick past Jussi
Jaaskelainen after Reid had been penalised for a foul on another
replacement, Glenn Whelan. "They obviously came and made it tough for us and
on the day they were the better team," Reid told West Ham TV. "We played
poorly and that's what you get sometimes in the league. They scored about
five minutes before full-time and unfortunately we lost. "I thought it
wasn't a foul [on Whelan] but you get some and you don't get some in the
league and the referee is trying to make the best decision, but I thought we
were a bit unlucky."
Whether it was due to Stoke's incessant pressing or their own inability to
create clear-cut openings, West Ham could not find a way through a solid
Potters defence. When asked why things had not clicked on Saturday, Reid was
brutally honest in his assessment. "Stoke didn't give us any time or space
and when we had the ball we were really bad with it. Everyone was. It's just
a really, really bad day at the office for us and under different
circumstances we might have got a point out of it, but we lost this one and
we'll learn from it."
While many of his team-mates will fly to Spain for a meeting with Primera
Division side RCD Espanyol on Thursday evening, Reid will be boarding a
place for the Middle East, where he will captain New Zealand in the
four-nation OSN Cup in Saudi Arabia. The All Whites take on the host nation
in Riyadh on Thursday before facing either United Arab Emirates or Trinidad
and Tobago on Monday 9 September. The games will not only serve as
preparation for New Zealand's FIFA World Cup final-round qualifiers with
Panama in November, but also help Reid get over the disappointment of
Saturday's defeat in time for the trip to Southampton on Sunday 15
September. "It's is going to be hot in Saudi Arabia so I'm going to have to
make sure I take my fluids. It's going to be good to get away for a bit with
the national team, as we're trying to build towards going to another World
Cup. It'll be nice to see the guys again. "We have two competitive games and
my job as captain is to get the boys together and make sure we get on the
same track and are ready for our games in November.
"I'm looking forward to our next game with West Ham and putting things
right. We need to re-group for Southampton and I'm sure the guys are looking
forward to that opportunity to put things right."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham line up Fabio Quagliarella transfer from Juventus to boost
attacking threat
1 Sep 2013 22:30
The Mirror
Panicking West Ham will make a last-minute dive through the transfer window
for Juventus striker Fabio Quagliarella after the desultory flop against
Stoke.
Owners David Sullivan and David Gold were singing from different songsheets
at the weekend as the penny dropped that Modibo Maiga is insufficient cover
for the Hammers' injury-prone Andy Carroll. In his programme notes on
Saturday, Sullivan wrote: "There are no imminent signings as Sam and I are
both very happy with the squad at present." But less than 24 hours later,
Gold admitted on Twitter: "Disappointing result yesterday. We clearly need
more strike power and our people are working flat out to solve the problem."
Hammers are now closing in on a loan swoop for Italy international
Quagliarella, who they were linked with back in June but has also been a
target for Norwich.
Boss Sam Allardyce is desperate to bring in a new striker, and has seen
proposed moves for Duvan Zapata and Roger Rojas collapse. Allardyce will
have to sell before he can buy, but he insisted: "Last year we brought three
players in at the end of the window and they were a major factor in us
finishing 10th in the League. "We are not quite in that desperate a position
now." Upton Park sources are hopeful of getting Quagliarella, 30. His
arrival will see a frustrated Ricardo Vaz Te leave with Swansea, Cardiff and
Palace chasing him. Vaz Te wants to stay in the Premier League, despite
additional interest from Championship promotion hopefuls Wigan and Leeds.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Joe Cole out for six weeks
By Liam Power, Reporter
Filed: Monday, September 2, 2013 at 00:59 UK
Last Updated: Monday, September 2, 2013 at 00:59 UK
SportsMole.co.uk
West Ham United manager Sam Allardyce will reportedly be without midfielder
Joe Cole for at least six weeks after he suffered a hamstring tear in
training last week. Cole was ruled out of Saturday's 1-0 defeat to Stoke
City with the problem, which is now thought to be worse than first feared.
The 31-year-old had a scan on the injury which showed a grade three
hamstring tear, ruling him out of the Hammers next four Premier League
games, according to the Daily Star.
Allardyce already has injury problems in central midfield, after losing Alou
Diarra to a cruciate ligament injury in last week's League Cup win over
Cheltenham Town. West Ham fans watched Cole get their first goal of the
Premier League campaign against Cardiff City two weeks ago, but will now not
see the England international in action until October at the earliest.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Stuart Downing joins West Ham's injury list
SUNDAY 01 SEPTEMBER 2013
Stewart Downing may not play for three weeks, after the West Ham winger
suffered a leg injury in Saturday's 1-0 home defeat by Stoke City. Downing
was making only his fourth appearance for the club since his £6m summer
transfer from Liverpool but ended up in hospital after the match. His
absence leaves the West Ham manager Sam Allardyce in a quandary, as he is
already missing Joe Cole, while Ricardo Vaz Te has expressed his desire to
leave. Allardyce said after the game that the chances of buying more players
were "slim" unless he also sells. "We roll with what we've got unless
something happens going out," Allardyce said.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
http://vyperz.blogspot.com
WHUFC.com
The Development Squad travel to Newcastle United in the Barclays U21 Premier
League on Monday
01.09.2013
Nick Haycock is hoping his Development Squad can return to winning ways when
they head to Newcastle United in the Barclays U21 Premier League on Monday.'
After beating Aston Villa and Everton, West Ham United lost their 100 per
cent record after surrendering a 2-0 lead at home to Tottenham Hotspur last
time out, losing 3-2. Now, Haycock's young professionals make the long trip
north to take on Newcastle at the Northumberland FA ground at Whitley Park
in Benton, and the U21s manager is keen to taste victory again. "We spoke
about the Spurs game and told them 'You've got to get over that second
half', but in fairness to the lads there was a lot right about the first
half as well," said Haycock. "You try to concentrate upon the positives and
touch upon the negatives of the second half. "I think you'll see a different
performance up at Newcastle. We spoke about getting the lines tighter
between the different parts of the team and making sure we're on the front
foot for the entire game. "It's an away game so we'll set up slightly
differently to the way we do at home, but the lads have trained well all
week and prepared well."
Haycock will be without defender Leo Chambers, who is away on international
duty with England U19s in Estonia, in the week following the right-back's
first-team debut in the Capital One Cup second-round victory over Cheltenham
Town. The U21s manager said Chambers' impressive bow, and that of Elliot Lee
in the Barclays Premier League in Saturday's 1-0 home defeat by Stoke City,
were credit to everyone involved in player development at the Academy of
Football.
"That's what it's all about. There are lots of people involved in the
Academy, from coaches to scouts and kit men to the people who run the
Academy House and they all get a pat on the back for those debuts. We're a
big family and that's how we look at it. "I'm delighted for Leo because he
has worked hard and it's the first rung of the ladder of him trying to
assert himself in the first-team squad. He knows he has to keep working hard
every day. He's now gone away with England so he won't be available for the
game up at Newcastle, but he deserves all the accolades he got. "Elliot got
a little feel for the Premier League on Saturday and he'll have benefitted
from that, but he was back in training on Sunday preparing for Newcastle."
Following Monday's meeting with the Magpies, Haycock will take a team to
Colchester United for a friendly match on Thursday evening. With the
first-team squad playing RCD Espanyol in Spain on the same evening, a number
of younger players will be given the opportunity to play at the Weston Homes
Community Stadium. "Thursday night is literally giving lads who have not
been playing regularly some minutes on the pitch. All those will get 90
minutes on Thursday. It's nice of Colchester to put the game on and I expect
they will do similar and one or two of their first-team squad who have not
been starting will also play.
"Where we can, we'll put a bit of experience in there just to strengthen the
team up, but it's more a minute-protocol game rather than a game we're
looking to do anything else with."
Both the Newcastle and Colchester matches will be covered with live text
commentary on whufc.com, while highlights and reaction will be available
after each on West Ham TV.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Reid about Stoke defeat
WHUFC.com
Winston Reid reflects on a bad day at the Boleyn Ground as West Ham United
went down 1-0 to Stoke City
01.09.2013
Winston Reid admitted West Ham United had simply not produced the goods in
losing 1-0 at home to Stoke City in the Barclays Premier League. The Hammers
lost their first game of the 2013/14 season and first at home since February
as the Potters edged an unattractive contest at the Boleyn Ground. Stoke
substitute Jermaine Pennant produced one of few moments of quality to settle
matters with eight minutes remaining, curling a free-kick past Jussi
Jaaskelainen after Reid had been penalised for a foul on another
replacement, Glenn Whelan. "They obviously came and made it tough for us and
on the day they were the better team," Reid told West Ham TV. "We played
poorly and that's what you get sometimes in the league. They scored about
five minutes before full-time and unfortunately we lost. "I thought it
wasn't a foul [on Whelan] but you get some and you don't get some in the
league and the referee is trying to make the best decision, but I thought we
were a bit unlucky."
Whether it was due to Stoke's incessant pressing or their own inability to
create clear-cut openings, West Ham could not find a way through a solid
Potters defence. When asked why things had not clicked on Saturday, Reid was
brutally honest in his assessment. "Stoke didn't give us any time or space
and when we had the ball we were really bad with it. Everyone was. It's just
a really, really bad day at the office for us and under different
circumstances we might have got a point out of it, but we lost this one and
we'll learn from it."
While many of his team-mates will fly to Spain for a meeting with Primera
Division side RCD Espanyol on Thursday evening, Reid will be boarding a
place for the Middle East, where he will captain New Zealand in the
four-nation OSN Cup in Saudi Arabia. The All Whites take on the host nation
in Riyadh on Thursday before facing either United Arab Emirates or Trinidad
and Tobago on Monday 9 September. The games will not only serve as
preparation for New Zealand's FIFA World Cup final-round qualifiers with
Panama in November, but also help Reid get over the disappointment of
Saturday's defeat in time for the trip to Southampton on Sunday 15
September. "It's is going to be hot in Saudi Arabia so I'm going to have to
make sure I take my fluids. It's going to be good to get away for a bit with
the national team, as we're trying to build towards going to another World
Cup. It'll be nice to see the guys again. "We have two competitive games and
my job as captain is to get the boys together and make sure we get on the
same track and are ready for our games in November.
"I'm looking forward to our next game with West Ham and putting things
right. We need to re-group for Southampton and I'm sure the guys are looking
forward to that opportunity to put things right."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham line up Fabio Quagliarella transfer from Juventus to boost
attacking threat
1 Sep 2013 22:30
The Mirror
Panicking West Ham will make a last-minute dive through the transfer window
for Juventus striker Fabio Quagliarella after the desultory flop against
Stoke.
Owners David Sullivan and David Gold were singing from different songsheets
at the weekend as the penny dropped that Modibo Maiga is insufficient cover
for the Hammers' injury-prone Andy Carroll. In his programme notes on
Saturday, Sullivan wrote: "There are no imminent signings as Sam and I are
both very happy with the squad at present." But less than 24 hours later,
Gold admitted on Twitter: "Disappointing result yesterday. We clearly need
more strike power and our people are working flat out to solve the problem."
Hammers are now closing in on a loan swoop for Italy international
Quagliarella, who they were linked with back in June but has also been a
target for Norwich.
Boss Sam Allardyce is desperate to bring in a new striker, and has seen
proposed moves for Duvan Zapata and Roger Rojas collapse. Allardyce will
have to sell before he can buy, but he insisted: "Last year we brought three
players in at the end of the window and they were a major factor in us
finishing 10th in the League. "We are not quite in that desperate a position
now." Upton Park sources are hopeful of getting Quagliarella, 30. His
arrival will see a frustrated Ricardo Vaz Te leave with Swansea, Cardiff and
Palace chasing him. Vaz Te wants to stay in the Premier League, despite
additional interest from Championship promotion hopefuls Wigan and Leeds.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Joe Cole out for six weeks
By Liam Power, Reporter
Filed: Monday, September 2, 2013 at 00:59 UK
Last Updated: Monday, September 2, 2013 at 00:59 UK
SportsMole.co.uk
West Ham United manager Sam Allardyce will reportedly be without midfielder
Joe Cole for at least six weeks after he suffered a hamstring tear in
training last week. Cole was ruled out of Saturday's 1-0 defeat to Stoke
City with the problem, which is now thought to be worse than first feared.
The 31-year-old had a scan on the injury which showed a grade three
hamstring tear, ruling him out of the Hammers next four Premier League
games, according to the Daily Star.
Allardyce already has injury problems in central midfield, after losing Alou
Diarra to a cruciate ligament injury in last week's League Cup win over
Cheltenham Town. West Ham fans watched Cole get their first goal of the
Premier League campaign against Cardiff City two weeks ago, but will now not
see the England international in action until October at the earliest.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Stuart Downing joins West Ham's injury list
SUNDAY 01 SEPTEMBER 2013
Stewart Downing may not play for three weeks, after the West Ham winger
suffered a leg injury in Saturday's 1-0 home defeat by Stoke City. Downing
was making only his fourth appearance for the club since his £6m summer
transfer from Liverpool but ended up in hospital after the match. His
absence leaves the West Ham manager Sam Allardyce in a quandary, as he is
already missing Joe Cole, while Ricardo Vaz Te has expressed his desire to
leave. Allardyce said after the game that the chances of buying more players
were "slim" unless he also sells. "We roll with what we've got unless
something happens going out," Allardyce said.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
http://vyperz.blogspot.com
Sunday, September 1
Daily WHUFC News - 1st September 2013
Pennant free-kick beats Hammers
WHUFC.com
West Ham United were below par as they lost 1-0 to Stoke City on Saturday
31.08.2013
West Ham United's unbeaten start to the Barclays Premier League season went
up in smoke at home to Stoke City on Saturday afternoon. The Hammers were
subdued as they tried to make it back-to-back home wins at the start of the
new campaign, and Mark Hughes' Stoke side took advantage. Jermaine Pennant's
free kick eight minutes from the end made the difference, as Stoke became
the first side to score past the Hammers in the league this term. West Ham
rarely offered a serious threat at the other end and could have few
complaints over the result at the end. Stoke were the team showing the
greater intent early on and Kenwyne Jones created a chance for himself with
ten minutes on the clock when he outmuscled Winston Reid just inside the
Hammers half to set a run in motion. As he neared the penalty area it looked
as though he would be able to get a clear shot away, but James Collins
tracked back superbly to pressurise the away striker and force his eventual
effort off target. Four minutes later Mark Noble gave away a free kick 25
yards from goal and Jussi Jaaskelainen showed good hands to gather Charlie
Adam's shot as it bounced just in front of him. The biggest moment of danger
in the first half arrived with 22 minutes played when Marc Wilson's volley
from the edge of the box swerved and dipped on Jaaskelainen, meaning he
could not gather cleanly, and the Finn had to spring back up sharply to deny
Jonathan Walters on the rebound. Stoke were enjoying the better of the
possession and territory as the Hammers struggled to move the ball at a
tempo. Modibo Maiga still had a presentable chance to nod the Hammers into a
34th minute lead when he pulled off Ryan Shawcross to meet a Matt Jarvis
cross, but he failed the hit the target from close range and Stoke survived
that scare.
West Ham needed to improve in the second half, and they did do a better job
of keeping a handle on their visitors in the third quarter as chances at
both ends were restricted to those of a long range variety. Steven N'Zonzi
and Wilson both fired off target from outside the box for the visitors,
while Reid could not control a header for the Hammers following a floated
Collins free kick from deep, with the ball passing over the top. Reid was
involved again on 70 minutes, volleying over the top after a corner from the
left was only partially cleared. The Hammers looked to be edging towards a
third clean sheet in succession, but a foul by Mo Diame on Glenn Whelan on
the edge of the box eight minutes from time gave Stoke the chance to end the
hosts' unblemished defensive record. Pennant stepped up to take the free
kick and found the net to Jaaskelainen's left, sending West Ham off on the
international break on a sour note.
West Ham United: Jaaskelainen; Demel, Collins, Reid, O'Brien; Nolan, Noble
(Collison 84), Diame (Lee 88); Downing (Morrison 64), Maiga, Jarvis
Subs: Adrian, Tomkins, Rat, Taylor
Booked: Reid, Collins
Stoke City: Begovic; Cameron, Shawcross, Huth, Pieters; Wilson, N'Zonzi;
Etherington (Pennant 76), Adam (Whelan 76), Walters; Jones
Subs: Sorensen, Muniesa, Assaidi, Crouch, Jerome
Goal: Pennant 82
Booked: Cameron
Attendance: 34,946
Referee: Jon Moss
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Under-18s defeated at Wolves
WHUFC.com
The Academy side lost by the odd goal in three at Wolverhampton Wanderers on
Saturday
31.08.2013
West Ham United's Under-18s were made to rue two moments of defensive
sloppiness in their 2-1 Barclays U18 Premier League defeat at Wolverhampton
Wanderers on Saturday. The Hammers switched off from two corners either side
of half time and paid the ultimate price on both, meaning Kieran Bywater's
free-kick counted for little. There was little to choose between the sides
in a scrappy opening period, which saw Jordan Brown go close from a half
chance.
However, Wolves managed to edge in front from a set play, and they repeated
the trick just three minutes after the break. West Ham rallied, with Jerry
Amoo hitting the post and Jamie Harney having a header cleared off the line.
Bywater then halved the deficit with a free-kick right out of the top
drawer, and although the young Hammers ended the contest strongly, time was
against them in their efforts to find a leveller. Academy Director Tony Carr
MBE was frustrated that set plays proved to be the Hammers' downfall. He
said: "It's disappointing because we knew their strengths were at set pieces
and we'd done a lot of work on them in the week before the game. "To lose a
marker again so soon after half time, when we had worked on organising
ourselves was disappointing too. "The pleasing part of the performance was
in the way we rallied. Our heads could have dropped, but they didn't and
Kieran Bywater scored a fantastic free-kick."
West Ham United: Nemrava, Girdlestone, Mavila, Harney, Burke, Makasi, Amoo,
Parfitt-Williams, Martins, Bywater, Brown
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Spence loaned to Owls
WHUFC.com
Jordan Spence has joined Championship side Sheffield Wednesday on loan until
28 September
31.08.2013
Jordan Spence has joined Championship side Sheffield Wednesday on emergency
loan until 28 September. The former England Under-21 defender is expected to
make his debut for the Owls at Middlesbrough this afternoon. Spence, 23, has
previously enjoyed loan spells at Leyton Orient, Scunthorpe United and
Bristol City. The Woodford-born player made his West Ham United debut in May
2010, when he appeared as a late substitute in the final-day draw with
Manchester City at the Boleyn Ground. Spence has totalled ten first-team
appearances for the Hammers, but has not played for Sam Allardyce's side
since the FA Cup third-round replay at Manchester United in January.
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Sam shocked by Stoke loss
WHUFC.com
Sam Allardyce was taken aback by West Ham United's 1-0 home Barclays Premier
League defeat by Stoke City
31.08.2013
Manager Sam Allardyce admitted to being taken aback by West Ham United's 1-0
home Barclays Premier League defeat by Stoke City on Saturday. The Hammers
were second best to the Potters at the Boleyn Ground and were left with
nothing to show for their efforts when substitute Jermaine Pennant curled a
disputed free-kick past Jussi Jaaskelainen with just eight minutes to play.
Speaking to West Ham TV, Big Sam was not impressed with his team's display
in losing their first home game since February.
What is your reaction to a rare bad day at the Boleyn Ground?
SA: "Well it's a real shock to me and I think everybody who came to watch
the game will be as shocked as I am because we obviously were looking
forward to this home game after how far we've come in a short period of
time. "Certainly after the week when we beat Cardiff and were disappointed
not to win at Newcastle where we were the better side, to see a performance
that is the complete opposite to what we normally are [was disappointing].
"Stoke go away with the three points and there's not a lot of arguing I
could do against that because we just didn't get to the level we know we
can. Because we didn't do that, we didn't put Stoke City under any real
pressure. "In the end, they scored after a sloppy bit of play by ourselves
giving the ball away in our own half and then giving the free-kick away.
Obviously, the technical part of Jermaine Pennant's free-kick was superb,
but we should never have let ourselves get into that position. "Instead of
digging it out and, despite being decidedly average, come out with a
nil-nil, we've ended up losing the game."
Can you put your finger on why we didn't perform to the same level we have
done at home so consistently in recent months?
SA: "No, not really. I'll have to have a think about that for a while and
review the game again but what I can say is that when you have a player
performing to his normal best, we had the team rally round him, but when you
get so many who don't play how we know they can like they did today [it's
difficult]. "I have to give the back four a lot of credit because they are
really void of any criticism. For all the game, they defended with great
spirit because Stoke had the majority of the possession and put us under
more pressure than we did them. "It's disappointing from our front-six point
of view and what they didn't create, but from a back-four and goalkeeper
point of view, they nearly mastered their way through to another clean sheet
and a point for us, which would have been very precious. Unfortunately, they
got the blow with that free-kick at the end. "In creative terms, our players
who do create didn't, and that's why we had such a lacklustre performance."
Presumably the international break will give you the time to get the likes
of Andy Carroll (heel), Joe Cole (hamstring) and Joey O'Brien (managing his
knee following historic injuries) up to speed ahead of the trip to
Southampton on Sunday 15 September?
SA: "When we finished Newcastle away we were in a perfectly good position
because we were going to make sure that the players who played could have a
rest against Cheltenham. It also meant we could play some of the players who
were sitting on the bench or who had been left out of squad in our first two
games, and some of the younger end like Leo Chambers. "It was a thoroughly
good game and a really good result for us, apart from the fact Alou Diarra
crushed his cruciate ligament which finishes this season. "George McCartney
making his comeback after a long time out with a serious injury was
pleasing, but then on Thursday Ricardo Vaz Te said he is not happy and wants
to leave, Joe Cole got injured on Friday morning and we lost on Saturday. It
shows you how quickly things can change. "I was very happy last weekend and
now I'm as miserable as sin."
Finally, the transfer window closes on Monday night. Can we expect much
activity?
SA: "I keep telling everybody that, budget-wise, we've come to an end and we
roll with what we've got unless something happens going out. "One thing is
for sure - at this late stage we have 48 hours and there is probably enough
time to complete the process of bringing somebody in on its own. The
transition of one out and one in, the timing has to be perfect because the
player we're allowing to go out cannot go before the player we're bringing
in has signed. "If the player goes out and he's gone, he's gone. If the one
coming in changes his mind or someone else rings him up and offers more
money, then we're absolutely finished so we cannot allow that to happen.
"That's why I think it'll be very difficult to bring someone in, but we'll
always have a look and if someone wants to buy one of our players for the
right fee and they want to go - for example, Vaz Te at the moment who has
decided he wants to leave - we'll have some funds to bring someone else in.
"We have a list of targets but more loan players than permanent deals at
this stage. It's not difficult to bring a player in if you have funds, but
it's difficult to bring the right player in. That's the ultimate test for us
- if we bring one in at this stage, are we bringing him in because the
window is closing when deep down we know he's not quite good enough? I saw a
lot of that happening at this stage, but we want to avoid that if we can.
"If there is a top player who wants to come and join us, then that would be
very good."
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'We've got to put it behind us'
WHUFC.com
James Collins was defiant in defeat, hoping the Hammers will come back
strongly next time out
31.08.2013
James Collins was as bemused as anyone as to why West Ham United struggled
to hit the heights against Stoke City, as the Hammers' unbeaten start to the
campaign ended in a low-key 1-0 Barclays Premier League defeat at the Boleyn
Ground. A frustrating afternoon for Sam Allardyce's men looked to be headed
for a goalless draw, before second-half substitute Jermaine Pennant planted
a fine free-kick beyond Jussi Jaaskelainen with just eight minutes to play.
It proved sufficient to see the Potters depart east London with all three
points, a result that left Collins wondering why the hosts had struggled to
reproduce their typical tempo and fluency. "We weren't great," he
admitted. "Obviously in the first half we weren't the best and at half-time
we could only improve, but unfortunately we weren't able to do that. It was
a strange one. We've just talked about it in the dressing room, but we never
got out the blocks. I think to be fair to Stoke they came and did a very
good job. They stopped us playing and we didn't have too many passes on.
"We didn't want to just lump it up front, because they're good in the air at
the back. They made it difficult for us and to be honest I thought it was
going to be a 0-0. Unless there was something special and Jermaine has
produced a free-kick from nowhere."
In his attempts to explain the Hammers' sluggish start, Collins confessed it
is not the first time that he and his colleagues have struggled to hit the
ground running, pointing to last year's visit of Southampton. "We did it a
couple of last times last year. The gaffer has just mentioned Southampton at
home last season, we were terrible first half and then came out and ended up
winning 4-1. "It just didn't click today, no one can quite put their finger
on it. We've just got to put it behind us. We've got a long time until the
next game to work on it and that's what we'll do."
With an international break now upon them, Big Sam's side have a fortnight
before a trip to St Mary's and Collins is hopeful the Hammers will use the
extended break to their advantage. "You want to get rid of it straight
away, we've got 15 days to dwell on a loss at home, so we don't really want
that, but it gives us more time on the training pitch to work on stuff. I
think you've got to [write this one off]. It's hard sometimes to do that,
but you don't want to dwell on it for too long. We'll get back on the
training pitch and working hard. A few of the boys are going away on
international duty, so we'll miss them, but we've got to look forward to
getting three points at Southampton."
Even in defeat, Collins collected the Man of the Match award, though he was
not about to take solace in his own accolades, nor in another solid
defensive display. That said, the Welsh centre-half was certainly impressed
with the application of fellow Welshman Mark Hughes' men. He continued:
"The back four did alright, they had a few shots and Jussi's made a great
save first half. But it doesn't really matter, we still lost 1-0. If it were
0-0 we'd obviously be happier, but you're never content as a defender if you
lose. They changed it about. A new manager and a new style of play. They did
a job on us. They stopped us playing and when they had the ball they did
very well. It looks good for them."
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Saunderson eyes Pompey victory
WHUFC.com
West Ham United Ladies manager Mark Saunderson is targeting a win over
Portsmouth on Sunday
31.08.2013
West Ham United Ladies manager Mark Saunderson is feeling confident that his
side can bounce back from an opening day defeat when they face Portsmouth
Ladies on Sunday. The Hammers went ahead against Charlton Ladies at Sporting
Club Thamesmead last weekend through a goal from new signing Cherrelle
Albert, only for Charlton to turn the game on its head to take the spoils.
When reflecting on Sunday's 2-1 FA Women's Premier League Southern Division
defeat, Saunderson believed that a share of the points would have been a
fairer result. "I believe that a draw would have been a fair result to both
teams," said Saunderson. "Charlton had the greater possession in the first
half but I was pleased that the defensive shape and movement that we have
been working on in pre-season was evident. "I thought the midfield three of
Becky Merritt, Lindsey Morgan and Stacey Little worked well as a unit and
protected the back line. The front three worked hard to close the ball down
in the final third and the back line was solid. As a result, we really
restricted Charlton to shooting from distance but I was also pleased that we
still created chances. "At half-time we asked to the team to open up the
field with their movement and we looked the better team in the second half.
I thought that the build-up play for our goal was excellent and I don't
think Kelley Blanchflower has ever hit a sweeter shot that hit the post for
Cherrelle to tuck away the rebound. "To be fair to Charlton the free-kick
strike from Kim Dixon for the equaliser was special and Emma Harrison took
her goal well, but we kept going and had chances to get back into the game
right until the final whistle."
One area that Saunderson has been working hard on throughout pre-season with
his squad is improving the overall team spirit and bonding throughout the
club. The former Fulham Ladies boss was impressed with the character his
team showed. "Most importantly, I was impressed with the team spirit that we
showed and you can see that from the team celebration when we scored," he
continued. "We showed real character and some of the individual
performances, Danica Revell, Natalie Crinean and Hayley West to name but a
few were really top draw. "I was pleased to hand Sasha Kelly her debut at
left-back and felt that she grew into the game as time went on. Overall, I
was disappointed with the final result but not the performance or the
character displayed."
West Ham Ladies' opening home fixture of the season takes place on Sunday,
when they face another tough opponent in the shape of Portsmouth Ladies.
However, Saunderson is adamant that his squad understand the need to prepare
properly and that, should they perform to expectation, the right result will
come. "I think that whilst the team performance was good on Sunday it is
still not at the level that the team can attain. I feel that the pre-season
preparation has really indicated the quality that we have as a squad and the
performances on the training ground and in matches are starting to highlight
this to others. I genuinely feel that the game plan that we are working
towards has been embraced by all of the players and management team and that
we are on the right track. "What is pleasing about this group of players is
that they understand the importance of preparation and approach one game at
a time. They understand the game plan and have the motivation to learn from
games and apply that to training and the next match. "Some people would
suggest that we have a tough start because the opening schedule has thrown
us against teams that were in the National Division last season but I
genuinely sense that the squad see these games as an opportunity to test
ourselves. "It will be another tough test against Portsmouth but we are at
home and we will prepare in the right way. Our focus is not on the result
but on our performance because ultimately the right performance determines
the right result."
Kick-off in Sunday's game at Thurrock FC in Ship Lane, Aveley is at 2pm.
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West Ham display against Stoke not good enough - Sam Allardyce
BBC.co.uk
West Ham manager Sam Allardyce has criticised his side following their first
defeat at home since February. Stoke claimed three points at Upton Park
through a late Jermaine Pennant free-kick, but the hosts did not trouble
visiting keeper Asmir Begovic "At home, I haven't seen us play that badly
since we've been back in the Premier League, sadly," Allardyce said. "We
still can't reach the level of consistency this league demands. It was a
really off day for us, a bad day." The Hammers did not manage a single shot
on target against the Potters, and their only goals in the Premier League so
far this season came in their 2-0 opening day win over Cardiff City.
Although Pennant's strike was the first goal West Ham have conceded in the
league this campaign, Allardyce was unhappy with his side's all-round
performance. "We have to accept that at this moment in time it looks like
we're still establishing ourselves in the Premier League," he said.
"Our back four limited Stoke very well. But the front six, in terms of
creativity, really wasn't there. It really wasn't good enough and we played
poorly, individually and collectively."
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Allardyce on.....Stoke City
KUMB.com
Filed: Saturday, 31st August 2013
By: Staff Writer No.2
Sam Allardyce gives his view of today's poor performance against Stoke City.
Like us he was not impressed…..
Sam: Was that a case of too many players being off colour?
It were a bit more than "off colour" for me! At home, I haven't seen us play
that bad since our arrival back in the Premier League last season, sadly.
As a group and as a squad of players, we've started the season very well.
The players that had competed so well in the Cardiff and Newcastle games
were, in the main, rested for the Cheltenham game to prepare themselves
properly and to build on our good performances and to elaborate on them.
Unfortunately, we got the opposite today. So we have to take it on the chin
and accept that, at this moment in time, we're still establishing ourselves
in the Premier League and that our lads can't quite get to the level of
consistency that this league demands.
So, it's a really off day for us and a bad day. Stoke City capitalised in
the end with a tremendous free-kick from Jermaine Pennant.
The only plus for me is the back four and the goalkeeper who limited Stoke
very well. Unfortunately it wasn't quite enough to get that all-important
clean sheet again. The front six, in terms of creativity... It really wasn't
there today.
Why do you think that was? Is there any reason they should all be like that?
Well you've got to give some credit to Stoke. They were on the front foot
more than we were. We kept getting the possession we were looking for but we
kept giving it straight back to the opposition with poor passing. That
encourages the opposition and they begin to come out and play more.
They actually took control of the game in the first half. We tried to make
things better in the second half – we did force them back much better than
we did in the first but it really really wasn't good enough. We didn't
create any chances out of that and Stoke got behind the ball and crowded us
out.
So individually and collectively we've played poorly today. Stoke have
played very well – I don't want to take anything away from them – but in the
end I was saying that it would have been a very well-earned point had we got
one, one we didn't probably deserve.
Do you think you need to strengthen the squad up front given that Andy
Carroll is so injury-prone?
No; it's a bit naughty to say he's injury prone. I understand why you say
that because he had three injuries last year. We don't have – unless anybody
gets sold – any money to spend.
Can you tell us what the situation is with Joey O'Brien? He's not going to
play for Ireland but he played today?
I'm not sure that he was actually called up. He was in the preliminary squad
– nothing else.
They've released a statement saying he'll be having surgery this week?
I have no idea. I'm not the medical man – I simply have no idea what you are
talking about. Our medical team will be in severe trouble because you're
telling me something I do not know. [A club spokesman later clarified that
the statement in question referred to Joey having "treatment" and not
"surgery" as suggested by the journalist in question]
What are the chances of you selling someone in time and doing that
strengthening?
Slim, I would say. There's what, 48 hours to go? Just over. If you're going
to get somebody out to get someone else in, you can't move anybody out until
you've brought somebody in. The timing's critical.
If you only need to get players in like we did last year when we got Andy
Carroll, Matt Jarvis and Yossi Benayoun in on loan, that's an easy job. But
if you've got to overlap one going out and one coming in because of the
financial differences, you're almost having to have them sign at the same
time. That makes things extremely difficult.
I can't let a player go to the opposition until a player coming in has
signed – even if he's in the building. If something goes wrong at that late
stage, it's finished – there's nothing you can do about it.
It's also extremely difficult to find players of the quality to play at this
level. The player that we bring in we might need or want to play at
Southampton. If there's a player that we bring in it's not going to be from
this country. It's going to be from abroad.
Andy Carroll; how far away is he?
He's training now on a daily basis. We'd hope by the end of this week he'll
be joining in with the other players.
So possibly Southampton?
At the very very earliest, yes. Thank you.
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Late Jermaine Pennant free-kick wins game for Stoke
Last Updated: August 31, 2013 6:12pm
SSN
A fantastic free-kick from Jermaine Pennant earned Stoke City a deserved 1-0
victory over West Ham in the Premier League at Upton Park. The hosts seemed
destined to record a third successive clean sheet in the Premier League as
the game headed towards a goalless draw, only for referee Jonathan Moss to
penalise Mohamed Diame for shoving Glenn Whelan in the 82nd minute.
Best of the match
Man of the match: Jermaine Pennant. He came on with 12 minutes to go and won
the game with eight left on the clock.
Goal of the match: Pennant's free-kick was very special. He lifted the ball
over the wall and past Jaaskelainen in a flash.
Save of the match: Jaaskelainen made a stunning double save to deny Wilson
and Walters.
Stat of the match: The much travelled Pennant scored his first goal in 63
games, stretching back almost two years.
Talking points: Will Potters boss Mark Hughes be pleased with his side's
early season progress? Do West Ham need to bring in new faces before
transfer deadline day?
Pennant stepped up and struck a stunning right-foot curler over the wall to
earn the Potters back-to-back wins in the Premier League for only the second
time this year.
It was his first goal in 63 games, which stretched back over two years, as
City ended the Hammers' unbeaten start to the season. Visiting Stoke were
the more dominant side, but failed to make their possession pay. Jussi
Jaaskelainen repelled a point-blank shot from Jonathan Walters in the first
period after parrying out Marc Wilson's long-range effort, while Matt
Jarvis' right-wing cross was headed just wide of goal by Modibo Maiga. There
was very little between the sides in the second half and one moment of magic
was enough for the visitors to earn their second league win of the season.
The return of Andy Carroll, out with a heel injury, cannot come soon enough
and the England striker is expected to be available for Southampton on
September 15. This performance may convince Sam Allardyce that
reinforcements are needed before the transfer window closes on Monday, while
in contrast Hughes must be pleased with the early progress he is making at
Stoke. The visitors' superiority was evident from the start as they moved
the ball forward purposefully.
Kenwyne Jones ran almost half the pitch as his strength took him past Kevin
Nolan and, when James Collins arrived to provide pressure, he skied his shot
into the stands from 15 yards out. Stoke began to ride their luck a bit as
Diame and Joey O'Brien caused problems either side of the area, but they
went desperately close to taking the lead in the 23rd minute. A dipping
long-range shot from Wilson deceived Jaaskelainen, who could only parry it
to the side. Walters arrived to bury the follow-up but the West Ham keeper
reacted just in time. Stoke were dominating the game but needed to make more
of their chances as Steven N'Zonzi thumped a shot into the advertising
boards. It was West Ham who proved wasteful with 10 minutes of the first
half remaining after Maiga directed a perfect cross from Jarvis wide. The
match desperately needed a goal, but as the second half progressed it seemed
farther away than ever.
Winston Reid landed heavily on his left shoulder following an aerial duel
with Jones but, despite being in obvious pain, he continued playing after a
brief spell on the sidelines.
West Ham replaced the ineffective Stewart Downing with Ravel Morrison with
almost half an hour left, but a burst of pace from Jarvis proved he was
still his side's most dangerous player. Finally Stoke's defence was having
to work as crosses began to arrive into their box with increasing
regularity, Reid going close on one occasion. Guy Demel squared the ball
across the face of goal but there were no team-mates in place to take
advantage. Then Stoke struck the telling blow with both substitutes involved
- Whelan winning the free-kick that was beautifully buried by Pennant.
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Stoke consider Matt Taylor and Joel Pohjanpalo transfers - but Cameron
Jerome could join Reading
31 Aug 2013 22:29
The Mirror
Stoke boss Mark Hughes is weighing up a deadline-day move for West Ham
midfielder Matt Taylor, writes Dave Kidd in the Sunday People. Taylor has
been made available by Hammers boss Sam Allardyce and has attracted interest
from several Championship clubs, including Reading. But the 31-year-old is
holding out for a loan or permanent deal at a top-flight club. Meanwhile,
Reading chief Nigel Adkins is in talks with Stoke for striker Cameron
Jerome, writes Alan Nixon. Adkins is prepared to pay £2million, but it
depends on the Potters finding a new forward. The Royals' boss is willing to
wait for the loan window to re-open if Jerome is still out of favour.
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http://vyperz.blogspot.com
WHUFC.com
West Ham United were below par as they lost 1-0 to Stoke City on Saturday
31.08.2013
West Ham United's unbeaten start to the Barclays Premier League season went
up in smoke at home to Stoke City on Saturday afternoon. The Hammers were
subdued as they tried to make it back-to-back home wins at the start of the
new campaign, and Mark Hughes' Stoke side took advantage. Jermaine Pennant's
free kick eight minutes from the end made the difference, as Stoke became
the first side to score past the Hammers in the league this term. West Ham
rarely offered a serious threat at the other end and could have few
complaints over the result at the end. Stoke were the team showing the
greater intent early on and Kenwyne Jones created a chance for himself with
ten minutes on the clock when he outmuscled Winston Reid just inside the
Hammers half to set a run in motion. As he neared the penalty area it looked
as though he would be able to get a clear shot away, but James Collins
tracked back superbly to pressurise the away striker and force his eventual
effort off target. Four minutes later Mark Noble gave away a free kick 25
yards from goal and Jussi Jaaskelainen showed good hands to gather Charlie
Adam's shot as it bounced just in front of him. The biggest moment of danger
in the first half arrived with 22 minutes played when Marc Wilson's volley
from the edge of the box swerved and dipped on Jaaskelainen, meaning he
could not gather cleanly, and the Finn had to spring back up sharply to deny
Jonathan Walters on the rebound. Stoke were enjoying the better of the
possession and territory as the Hammers struggled to move the ball at a
tempo. Modibo Maiga still had a presentable chance to nod the Hammers into a
34th minute lead when he pulled off Ryan Shawcross to meet a Matt Jarvis
cross, but he failed the hit the target from close range and Stoke survived
that scare.
West Ham needed to improve in the second half, and they did do a better job
of keeping a handle on their visitors in the third quarter as chances at
both ends were restricted to those of a long range variety. Steven N'Zonzi
and Wilson both fired off target from outside the box for the visitors,
while Reid could not control a header for the Hammers following a floated
Collins free kick from deep, with the ball passing over the top. Reid was
involved again on 70 minutes, volleying over the top after a corner from the
left was only partially cleared. The Hammers looked to be edging towards a
third clean sheet in succession, but a foul by Mo Diame on Glenn Whelan on
the edge of the box eight minutes from time gave Stoke the chance to end the
hosts' unblemished defensive record. Pennant stepped up to take the free
kick and found the net to Jaaskelainen's left, sending West Ham off on the
international break on a sour note.
West Ham United: Jaaskelainen; Demel, Collins, Reid, O'Brien; Nolan, Noble
(Collison 84), Diame (Lee 88); Downing (Morrison 64), Maiga, Jarvis
Subs: Adrian, Tomkins, Rat, Taylor
Booked: Reid, Collins
Stoke City: Begovic; Cameron, Shawcross, Huth, Pieters; Wilson, N'Zonzi;
Etherington (Pennant 76), Adam (Whelan 76), Walters; Jones
Subs: Sorensen, Muniesa, Assaidi, Crouch, Jerome
Goal: Pennant 82
Booked: Cameron
Attendance: 34,946
Referee: Jon Moss
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Under-18s defeated at Wolves
WHUFC.com
The Academy side lost by the odd goal in three at Wolverhampton Wanderers on
Saturday
31.08.2013
West Ham United's Under-18s were made to rue two moments of defensive
sloppiness in their 2-1 Barclays U18 Premier League defeat at Wolverhampton
Wanderers on Saturday. The Hammers switched off from two corners either side
of half time and paid the ultimate price on both, meaning Kieran Bywater's
free-kick counted for little. There was little to choose between the sides
in a scrappy opening period, which saw Jordan Brown go close from a half
chance.
However, Wolves managed to edge in front from a set play, and they repeated
the trick just three minutes after the break. West Ham rallied, with Jerry
Amoo hitting the post and Jamie Harney having a header cleared off the line.
Bywater then halved the deficit with a free-kick right out of the top
drawer, and although the young Hammers ended the contest strongly, time was
against them in their efforts to find a leveller. Academy Director Tony Carr
MBE was frustrated that set plays proved to be the Hammers' downfall. He
said: "It's disappointing because we knew their strengths were at set pieces
and we'd done a lot of work on them in the week before the game. "To lose a
marker again so soon after half time, when we had worked on organising
ourselves was disappointing too. "The pleasing part of the performance was
in the way we rallied. Our heads could have dropped, but they didn't and
Kieran Bywater scored a fantastic free-kick."
West Ham United: Nemrava, Girdlestone, Mavila, Harney, Burke, Makasi, Amoo,
Parfitt-Williams, Martins, Bywater, Brown
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Spence loaned to Owls
WHUFC.com
Jordan Spence has joined Championship side Sheffield Wednesday on loan until
28 September
31.08.2013
Jordan Spence has joined Championship side Sheffield Wednesday on emergency
loan until 28 September. The former England Under-21 defender is expected to
make his debut for the Owls at Middlesbrough this afternoon. Spence, 23, has
previously enjoyed loan spells at Leyton Orient, Scunthorpe United and
Bristol City. The Woodford-born player made his West Ham United debut in May
2010, when he appeared as a late substitute in the final-day draw with
Manchester City at the Boleyn Ground. Spence has totalled ten first-team
appearances for the Hammers, but has not played for Sam Allardyce's side
since the FA Cup third-round replay at Manchester United in January.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Sam shocked by Stoke loss
WHUFC.com
Sam Allardyce was taken aback by West Ham United's 1-0 home Barclays Premier
League defeat by Stoke City
31.08.2013
Manager Sam Allardyce admitted to being taken aback by West Ham United's 1-0
home Barclays Premier League defeat by Stoke City on Saturday. The Hammers
were second best to the Potters at the Boleyn Ground and were left with
nothing to show for their efforts when substitute Jermaine Pennant curled a
disputed free-kick past Jussi Jaaskelainen with just eight minutes to play.
Speaking to West Ham TV, Big Sam was not impressed with his team's display
in losing their first home game since February.
What is your reaction to a rare bad day at the Boleyn Ground?
SA: "Well it's a real shock to me and I think everybody who came to watch
the game will be as shocked as I am because we obviously were looking
forward to this home game after how far we've come in a short period of
time. "Certainly after the week when we beat Cardiff and were disappointed
not to win at Newcastle where we were the better side, to see a performance
that is the complete opposite to what we normally are [was disappointing].
"Stoke go away with the three points and there's not a lot of arguing I
could do against that because we just didn't get to the level we know we
can. Because we didn't do that, we didn't put Stoke City under any real
pressure. "In the end, they scored after a sloppy bit of play by ourselves
giving the ball away in our own half and then giving the free-kick away.
Obviously, the technical part of Jermaine Pennant's free-kick was superb,
but we should never have let ourselves get into that position. "Instead of
digging it out and, despite being decidedly average, come out with a
nil-nil, we've ended up losing the game."
Can you put your finger on why we didn't perform to the same level we have
done at home so consistently in recent months?
SA: "No, not really. I'll have to have a think about that for a while and
review the game again but what I can say is that when you have a player
performing to his normal best, we had the team rally round him, but when you
get so many who don't play how we know they can like they did today [it's
difficult]. "I have to give the back four a lot of credit because they are
really void of any criticism. For all the game, they defended with great
spirit because Stoke had the majority of the possession and put us under
more pressure than we did them. "It's disappointing from our front-six point
of view and what they didn't create, but from a back-four and goalkeeper
point of view, they nearly mastered their way through to another clean sheet
and a point for us, which would have been very precious. Unfortunately, they
got the blow with that free-kick at the end. "In creative terms, our players
who do create didn't, and that's why we had such a lacklustre performance."
Presumably the international break will give you the time to get the likes
of Andy Carroll (heel), Joe Cole (hamstring) and Joey O'Brien (managing his
knee following historic injuries) up to speed ahead of the trip to
Southampton on Sunday 15 September?
SA: "When we finished Newcastle away we were in a perfectly good position
because we were going to make sure that the players who played could have a
rest against Cheltenham. It also meant we could play some of the players who
were sitting on the bench or who had been left out of squad in our first two
games, and some of the younger end like Leo Chambers. "It was a thoroughly
good game and a really good result for us, apart from the fact Alou Diarra
crushed his cruciate ligament which finishes this season. "George McCartney
making his comeback after a long time out with a serious injury was
pleasing, but then on Thursday Ricardo Vaz Te said he is not happy and wants
to leave, Joe Cole got injured on Friday morning and we lost on Saturday. It
shows you how quickly things can change. "I was very happy last weekend and
now I'm as miserable as sin."
Finally, the transfer window closes on Monday night. Can we expect much
activity?
SA: "I keep telling everybody that, budget-wise, we've come to an end and we
roll with what we've got unless something happens going out. "One thing is
for sure - at this late stage we have 48 hours and there is probably enough
time to complete the process of bringing somebody in on its own. The
transition of one out and one in, the timing has to be perfect because the
player we're allowing to go out cannot go before the player we're bringing
in has signed. "If the player goes out and he's gone, he's gone. If the one
coming in changes his mind or someone else rings him up and offers more
money, then we're absolutely finished so we cannot allow that to happen.
"That's why I think it'll be very difficult to bring someone in, but we'll
always have a look and if someone wants to buy one of our players for the
right fee and they want to go - for example, Vaz Te at the moment who has
decided he wants to leave - we'll have some funds to bring someone else in.
"We have a list of targets but more loan players than permanent deals at
this stage. It's not difficult to bring a player in if you have funds, but
it's difficult to bring the right player in. That's the ultimate test for us
- if we bring one in at this stage, are we bringing him in because the
window is closing when deep down we know he's not quite good enough? I saw a
lot of that happening at this stage, but we want to avoid that if we can.
"If there is a top player who wants to come and join us, then that would be
very good."
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'We've got to put it behind us'
WHUFC.com
James Collins was defiant in defeat, hoping the Hammers will come back
strongly next time out
31.08.2013
James Collins was as bemused as anyone as to why West Ham United struggled
to hit the heights against Stoke City, as the Hammers' unbeaten start to the
campaign ended in a low-key 1-0 Barclays Premier League defeat at the Boleyn
Ground. A frustrating afternoon for Sam Allardyce's men looked to be headed
for a goalless draw, before second-half substitute Jermaine Pennant planted
a fine free-kick beyond Jussi Jaaskelainen with just eight minutes to play.
It proved sufficient to see the Potters depart east London with all three
points, a result that left Collins wondering why the hosts had struggled to
reproduce their typical tempo and fluency. "We weren't great," he
admitted. "Obviously in the first half we weren't the best and at half-time
we could only improve, but unfortunately we weren't able to do that. It was
a strange one. We've just talked about it in the dressing room, but we never
got out the blocks. I think to be fair to Stoke they came and did a very
good job. They stopped us playing and we didn't have too many passes on.
"We didn't want to just lump it up front, because they're good in the air at
the back. They made it difficult for us and to be honest I thought it was
going to be a 0-0. Unless there was something special and Jermaine has
produced a free-kick from nowhere."
In his attempts to explain the Hammers' sluggish start, Collins confessed it
is not the first time that he and his colleagues have struggled to hit the
ground running, pointing to last year's visit of Southampton. "We did it a
couple of last times last year. The gaffer has just mentioned Southampton at
home last season, we were terrible first half and then came out and ended up
winning 4-1. "It just didn't click today, no one can quite put their finger
on it. We've just got to put it behind us. We've got a long time until the
next game to work on it and that's what we'll do."
With an international break now upon them, Big Sam's side have a fortnight
before a trip to St Mary's and Collins is hopeful the Hammers will use the
extended break to their advantage. "You want to get rid of it straight
away, we've got 15 days to dwell on a loss at home, so we don't really want
that, but it gives us more time on the training pitch to work on stuff. I
think you've got to [write this one off]. It's hard sometimes to do that,
but you don't want to dwell on it for too long. We'll get back on the
training pitch and working hard. A few of the boys are going away on
international duty, so we'll miss them, but we've got to look forward to
getting three points at Southampton."
Even in defeat, Collins collected the Man of the Match award, though he was
not about to take solace in his own accolades, nor in another solid
defensive display. That said, the Welsh centre-half was certainly impressed
with the application of fellow Welshman Mark Hughes' men. He continued:
"The back four did alright, they had a few shots and Jussi's made a great
save first half. But it doesn't really matter, we still lost 1-0. If it were
0-0 we'd obviously be happier, but you're never content as a defender if you
lose. They changed it about. A new manager and a new style of play. They did
a job on us. They stopped us playing and when they had the ball they did
very well. It looks good for them."
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Saunderson eyes Pompey victory
WHUFC.com
West Ham United Ladies manager Mark Saunderson is targeting a win over
Portsmouth on Sunday
31.08.2013
West Ham United Ladies manager Mark Saunderson is feeling confident that his
side can bounce back from an opening day defeat when they face Portsmouth
Ladies on Sunday. The Hammers went ahead against Charlton Ladies at Sporting
Club Thamesmead last weekend through a goal from new signing Cherrelle
Albert, only for Charlton to turn the game on its head to take the spoils.
When reflecting on Sunday's 2-1 FA Women's Premier League Southern Division
defeat, Saunderson believed that a share of the points would have been a
fairer result. "I believe that a draw would have been a fair result to both
teams," said Saunderson. "Charlton had the greater possession in the first
half but I was pleased that the defensive shape and movement that we have
been working on in pre-season was evident. "I thought the midfield three of
Becky Merritt, Lindsey Morgan and Stacey Little worked well as a unit and
protected the back line. The front three worked hard to close the ball down
in the final third and the back line was solid. As a result, we really
restricted Charlton to shooting from distance but I was also pleased that we
still created chances. "At half-time we asked to the team to open up the
field with their movement and we looked the better team in the second half.
I thought that the build-up play for our goal was excellent and I don't
think Kelley Blanchflower has ever hit a sweeter shot that hit the post for
Cherrelle to tuck away the rebound. "To be fair to Charlton the free-kick
strike from Kim Dixon for the equaliser was special and Emma Harrison took
her goal well, but we kept going and had chances to get back into the game
right until the final whistle."
One area that Saunderson has been working hard on throughout pre-season with
his squad is improving the overall team spirit and bonding throughout the
club. The former Fulham Ladies boss was impressed with the character his
team showed. "Most importantly, I was impressed with the team spirit that we
showed and you can see that from the team celebration when we scored," he
continued. "We showed real character and some of the individual
performances, Danica Revell, Natalie Crinean and Hayley West to name but a
few were really top draw. "I was pleased to hand Sasha Kelly her debut at
left-back and felt that she grew into the game as time went on. Overall, I
was disappointed with the final result but not the performance or the
character displayed."
West Ham Ladies' opening home fixture of the season takes place on Sunday,
when they face another tough opponent in the shape of Portsmouth Ladies.
However, Saunderson is adamant that his squad understand the need to prepare
properly and that, should they perform to expectation, the right result will
come. "I think that whilst the team performance was good on Sunday it is
still not at the level that the team can attain. I feel that the pre-season
preparation has really indicated the quality that we have as a squad and the
performances on the training ground and in matches are starting to highlight
this to others. I genuinely feel that the game plan that we are working
towards has been embraced by all of the players and management team and that
we are on the right track. "What is pleasing about this group of players is
that they understand the importance of preparation and approach one game at
a time. They understand the game plan and have the motivation to learn from
games and apply that to training and the next match. "Some people would
suggest that we have a tough start because the opening schedule has thrown
us against teams that were in the National Division last season but I
genuinely sense that the squad see these games as an opportunity to test
ourselves. "It will be another tough test against Portsmouth but we are at
home and we will prepare in the right way. Our focus is not on the result
but on our performance because ultimately the right performance determines
the right result."
Kick-off in Sunday's game at Thurrock FC in Ship Lane, Aveley is at 2pm.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham display against Stoke not good enough - Sam Allardyce
BBC.co.uk
West Ham manager Sam Allardyce has criticised his side following their first
defeat at home since February. Stoke claimed three points at Upton Park
through a late Jermaine Pennant free-kick, but the hosts did not trouble
visiting keeper Asmir Begovic "At home, I haven't seen us play that badly
since we've been back in the Premier League, sadly," Allardyce said. "We
still can't reach the level of consistency this league demands. It was a
really off day for us, a bad day." The Hammers did not manage a single shot
on target against the Potters, and their only goals in the Premier League so
far this season came in their 2-0 opening day win over Cardiff City.
Although Pennant's strike was the first goal West Ham have conceded in the
league this campaign, Allardyce was unhappy with his side's all-round
performance. "We have to accept that at this moment in time it looks like
we're still establishing ourselves in the Premier League," he said.
"Our back four limited Stoke very well. But the front six, in terms of
creativity, really wasn't there. It really wasn't good enough and we played
poorly, individually and collectively."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Allardyce on.....Stoke City
KUMB.com
Filed: Saturday, 31st August 2013
By: Staff Writer No.2
Sam Allardyce gives his view of today's poor performance against Stoke City.
Like us he was not impressed…..
Sam: Was that a case of too many players being off colour?
It were a bit more than "off colour" for me! At home, I haven't seen us play
that bad since our arrival back in the Premier League last season, sadly.
As a group and as a squad of players, we've started the season very well.
The players that had competed so well in the Cardiff and Newcastle games
were, in the main, rested for the Cheltenham game to prepare themselves
properly and to build on our good performances and to elaborate on them.
Unfortunately, we got the opposite today. So we have to take it on the chin
and accept that, at this moment in time, we're still establishing ourselves
in the Premier League and that our lads can't quite get to the level of
consistency that this league demands.
So, it's a really off day for us and a bad day. Stoke City capitalised in
the end with a tremendous free-kick from Jermaine Pennant.
The only plus for me is the back four and the goalkeeper who limited Stoke
very well. Unfortunately it wasn't quite enough to get that all-important
clean sheet again. The front six, in terms of creativity... It really wasn't
there today.
Why do you think that was? Is there any reason they should all be like that?
Well you've got to give some credit to Stoke. They were on the front foot
more than we were. We kept getting the possession we were looking for but we
kept giving it straight back to the opposition with poor passing. That
encourages the opposition and they begin to come out and play more.
They actually took control of the game in the first half. We tried to make
things better in the second half – we did force them back much better than
we did in the first but it really really wasn't good enough. We didn't
create any chances out of that and Stoke got behind the ball and crowded us
out.
So individually and collectively we've played poorly today. Stoke have
played very well – I don't want to take anything away from them – but in the
end I was saying that it would have been a very well-earned point had we got
one, one we didn't probably deserve.
Do you think you need to strengthen the squad up front given that Andy
Carroll is so injury-prone?
No; it's a bit naughty to say he's injury prone. I understand why you say
that because he had three injuries last year. We don't have – unless anybody
gets sold – any money to spend.
Can you tell us what the situation is with Joey O'Brien? He's not going to
play for Ireland but he played today?
I'm not sure that he was actually called up. He was in the preliminary squad
– nothing else.
They've released a statement saying he'll be having surgery this week?
I have no idea. I'm not the medical man – I simply have no idea what you are
talking about. Our medical team will be in severe trouble because you're
telling me something I do not know. [A club spokesman later clarified that
the statement in question referred to Joey having "treatment" and not
"surgery" as suggested by the journalist in question]
What are the chances of you selling someone in time and doing that
strengthening?
Slim, I would say. There's what, 48 hours to go? Just over. If you're going
to get somebody out to get someone else in, you can't move anybody out until
you've brought somebody in. The timing's critical.
If you only need to get players in like we did last year when we got Andy
Carroll, Matt Jarvis and Yossi Benayoun in on loan, that's an easy job. But
if you've got to overlap one going out and one coming in because of the
financial differences, you're almost having to have them sign at the same
time. That makes things extremely difficult.
I can't let a player go to the opposition until a player coming in has
signed – even if he's in the building. If something goes wrong at that late
stage, it's finished – there's nothing you can do about it.
It's also extremely difficult to find players of the quality to play at this
level. The player that we bring in we might need or want to play at
Southampton. If there's a player that we bring in it's not going to be from
this country. It's going to be from abroad.
Andy Carroll; how far away is he?
He's training now on a daily basis. We'd hope by the end of this week he'll
be joining in with the other players.
So possibly Southampton?
At the very very earliest, yes. Thank you.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Late Jermaine Pennant free-kick wins game for Stoke
Last Updated: August 31, 2013 6:12pm
SSN
A fantastic free-kick from Jermaine Pennant earned Stoke City a deserved 1-0
victory over West Ham in the Premier League at Upton Park. The hosts seemed
destined to record a third successive clean sheet in the Premier League as
the game headed towards a goalless draw, only for referee Jonathan Moss to
penalise Mohamed Diame for shoving Glenn Whelan in the 82nd minute.
Best of the match
Man of the match: Jermaine Pennant. He came on with 12 minutes to go and won
the game with eight left on the clock.
Goal of the match: Pennant's free-kick was very special. He lifted the ball
over the wall and past Jaaskelainen in a flash.
Save of the match: Jaaskelainen made a stunning double save to deny Wilson
and Walters.
Stat of the match: The much travelled Pennant scored his first goal in 63
games, stretching back almost two years.
Talking points: Will Potters boss Mark Hughes be pleased with his side's
early season progress? Do West Ham need to bring in new faces before
transfer deadline day?
Pennant stepped up and struck a stunning right-foot curler over the wall to
earn the Potters back-to-back wins in the Premier League for only the second
time this year.
It was his first goal in 63 games, which stretched back over two years, as
City ended the Hammers' unbeaten start to the season. Visiting Stoke were
the more dominant side, but failed to make their possession pay. Jussi
Jaaskelainen repelled a point-blank shot from Jonathan Walters in the first
period after parrying out Marc Wilson's long-range effort, while Matt
Jarvis' right-wing cross was headed just wide of goal by Modibo Maiga. There
was very little between the sides in the second half and one moment of magic
was enough for the visitors to earn their second league win of the season.
The return of Andy Carroll, out with a heel injury, cannot come soon enough
and the England striker is expected to be available for Southampton on
September 15. This performance may convince Sam Allardyce that
reinforcements are needed before the transfer window closes on Monday, while
in contrast Hughes must be pleased with the early progress he is making at
Stoke. The visitors' superiority was evident from the start as they moved
the ball forward purposefully.
Kenwyne Jones ran almost half the pitch as his strength took him past Kevin
Nolan and, when James Collins arrived to provide pressure, he skied his shot
into the stands from 15 yards out. Stoke began to ride their luck a bit as
Diame and Joey O'Brien caused problems either side of the area, but they
went desperately close to taking the lead in the 23rd minute. A dipping
long-range shot from Wilson deceived Jaaskelainen, who could only parry it
to the side. Walters arrived to bury the follow-up but the West Ham keeper
reacted just in time. Stoke were dominating the game but needed to make more
of their chances as Steven N'Zonzi thumped a shot into the advertising
boards. It was West Ham who proved wasteful with 10 minutes of the first
half remaining after Maiga directed a perfect cross from Jarvis wide. The
match desperately needed a goal, but as the second half progressed it seemed
farther away than ever.
Winston Reid landed heavily on his left shoulder following an aerial duel
with Jones but, despite being in obvious pain, he continued playing after a
brief spell on the sidelines.
West Ham replaced the ineffective Stewart Downing with Ravel Morrison with
almost half an hour left, but a burst of pace from Jarvis proved he was
still his side's most dangerous player. Finally Stoke's defence was having
to work as crosses began to arrive into their box with increasing
regularity, Reid going close on one occasion. Guy Demel squared the ball
across the face of goal but there were no team-mates in place to take
advantage. Then Stoke struck the telling blow with both substitutes involved
- Whelan winning the free-kick that was beautifully buried by Pennant.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Stoke consider Matt Taylor and Joel Pohjanpalo transfers - but Cameron
Jerome could join Reading
31 Aug 2013 22:29
The Mirror
Stoke boss Mark Hughes is weighing up a deadline-day move for West Ham
midfielder Matt Taylor, writes Dave Kidd in the Sunday People. Taylor has
been made available by Hammers boss Sam Allardyce and has attracted interest
from several Championship clubs, including Reading. But the 31-year-old is
holding out for a loan or permanent deal at a top-flight club. Meanwhile,
Reading chief Nigel Adkins is in talks with Stoke for striker Cameron
Jerome, writes Alan Nixon. Adkins is prepared to pay £2million, but it
depends on the Potters finding a new forward. The Royals' boss is willing to
wait for the loan window to re-open if Jerome is still out of favour.
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