Daily WHUFC News - 8th January 2014

Manchester City match preview
WHUFC.com
All the important information ahead of Wednesday's Capital One Cup semi-final first leg tie
07.01.2014

MANCHESTER CITY v WEST HAM UNITED
CAPITAL ONE CUP SEMI-FINAL FIRST LEG
ETIHAD STADIUM
WEDNESDAY 8 JANUARY 2014
KICK-OFF: 7.45PM
REFEREE: JONATHAN MOSS
FULL AUDIO AND TEXT COMMENTARY - WEST HAM TV

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Introduction
• West Ham United journey to the Etihad Stadium on Wednesday night for the first leg of their Capital One Cup semi-final tie against Manchester City.
• The Hammers will be hoping to erase memories of their 5-0 FA Cup with Budweiser defeat to Nottingham Forest last Sunday with a strong performance against Manuel Pellegrini's side.
• Sam Allardyce's team produced a brilliant comeback against Tottenham Hotspur in the quarter-finals as goals from Matt Jarvis and Modibo Maiga inspired them to a 2-1 win at White Hart Lane.
• Spurs joined Burnley, Cardiff City and Cheltenham Town in being defeated by the Hammers as they secured a passage through to face Manchester City for a place in the final.
• The Hammers will be hoping to take a positive result into the second leg which will take place at the Boleyn Ground on Tuesday 21 January.
• Manchester City booked their place in the semi-finals with a 3-1 away win over Sky Bet Championship side Leicester City.
• The Citizens have also dispatched Newcastle United and Wigan Athletic to get this far in the competition.
• Edin Dzeko has been the man to watch during the Sky Blues' run to this stage, netting in each of their three matches and totalling four goals in the process.
• Manuel Pellegrini's team come into the match having been held to a 1-1 draw with Championship side Blackburn Rovers in the FA Cup at the weekend.
Team news
West Ham United
• Mark Noble may recover from a calf injury sustained against Fulham on New Year's Day in time for the game at the Etihad. Captain Kevin Nolan will however be unavailable as he serves the second game of his four-match suspension.
• Andy Carroll and Ricardo Vaz Te are now back in full training.
• Defensive trio James Tomkins (groin), James Collins (calf) and Winston Reid (ankle) will all miss out although new signing Roger Johnson could make his debut having signed on a loan deal from Wolverhampton Wanderers on Monday.
Manchester City
• Sergio Aguero (calf) and Dedryck Boyata will miss the match with the latter absent through suspension after being sent-off in the Citizens' FA Cup clash against Blackburn Rovers at the weekend.
• Micah Richards and Stevan Jovetic are regaining fitness following hamstring injuries but the game against the Hammers may come too soon for them whilst Martin Demichalis has recovered in time for the game.
• Another victim of hamstring problems is midfielder Jack Rodwell who is likely to face more time on the sidelines after suffering the injury ahead of the game against Blackburn.
• Jesus Navas is also not in line to play on Wednesday night as a precaution over a knee injury.
Last time out
Nottingham Forest 5-0 West Ham United
FA Cup with Budweiser third round
5 January 2014
West Ham United: Adrian, Potts, Diarra (Burke 55), Driver, Downing (Turgott 64), Lletget, Moncur (Fanimo 55), Whitehead, Jarvis, Maiga, Morrison
Subs not used: Spiegel, Lee, Maguire, Gordon
Blackburn Rovers 1-1 Manchester City
FA Cup with Budweiser third round
4 January 2014
Manchester City: Pantillimon, Boyata, Clichy, Lescott, Nastasic, Fernandinho (Toure 64), Milner, Garcia, Dzeko, Negredo (Navas 74), Silva (Zabaleta 88)
Subs not used: Hart, Kompany, Kolarov, Lopes
Goals: Negredo 45
Previous meeting
A stunning goal from Ricardo Vaz Te was not enough to stop the Hammers from slipping to a 3-1 defeat against Manchester City at the Boleyn Ground. The winger produced an overhead kick after 58 minutes to beat Joe Hart and hand the home side hope after two well-taken goals from Sergio Aguero had put City in control. Any hopes of gaining a point were dashed ten minutes from time however when David Silva curled a shot into the top corner of the net to hand the visitors all three points.
West Ham United: Jaakelainen, Demel (O'Brien 65), Reid, Tomkins, Rat, Noble, Nolan (Petric 83), Diame, Morrison, Downing, Vaz Te (Jarvis 65)
Subs not used: Adrian, Taylor, J Cole, C Cole
Goals: Vaz Te 58
Manchester City: Hart, Richards, Garcia, Nastasic, Clichy, Toure, Nasri (Milner 74), Fernandinho, Aguero (Jovetic 82), Negredo (Kolarov 66), Silva
Subs not used: Pantillimon, Dzeko, Lescott, Zabaleta
Goals: Aguero 16, 51, Silva 80
Head-to-head
Last six meetings (Premier League unless stated)
13 October 2013 - West Ham United 1-3 Manchester City
27 April 2013 - Manchester City 2-1 West Ham United
3 November 2012 - West Ham United 0-0 Manchester City
1 May 2011 - Manchester City 2-1 West Ham United
11 December 2010 - West Ham United 1-3 Manchester City

9 May 2010 - West Ham United 1-1 Manchester City

Overall record v Manchester City (all competitions) W 35 D 16 L 44
Ten-year records
West Ham United
2012/13 Premier League 10th (46 points)
2011/12 Championship 3rd (86 points - promoted to Premier League via Play-Offs)
2010/11 Premier League 20th (33 points - relegated to Championship)
2009/10 Premier League 17th (35 points)
2008/09 Premier League 9th (51 points)
2007/08 Premier League 10th (49 points)
2006/07 Premier League 15th (41 points)
2005/06 Premier League 9th (55 points)
2004/05 Championship 6th (73 points - promoted to Premier League via Play-Offs)
2003/04 Division One 4th (74 points)
Manchester City
2012/13 Premier League 2nd (78 points)
2011/12 Premier League 1st (89 points - champions)
2010/11 Premier League 3rd (71 points)
2009/10 Premier League 5th (67 points)

2008/09 Premier League 10th (50 points)

2007/08 Premier League 9th (55 points)

2006/07 Premier League 14th (42 points)

2005/06 Premier League 15th (43 points)

2004/05 Premier League 8th (52 points)

2003/04 Premier League 16th (41 points)

Old boys
• Richard Wright signed for West Ham United in July 2007 following his release by Everton. The goalkeeper did not make a first-team appearance for the Hammers and, after being loaned to Southampton in March 2008, joined Ipswich Town in July of the same year. The keeper joined Preston North End after leaving the Tractor Boys but only for a brief period before leaving the club by mutual consent. He is now a Manchester City player after joining the Citizens shortly after his release by Preston.
• Other players to have turned out for both clubs include Tal Ben Haim, Craig Bellamy, Wayne Bridge, Ian Bishop, James Cumming, Justin Fashanu, Marc-Vivien Foe, Kevin Horlock, David James, Patrick Leonard, Steve Lomas, Carlos Tevez, Trevor Morley, John Payne, Stuart Pearce, Trevor Sinclair, Paulo Wanchope and Mark Ward.
• Former West Ham United centre-back Malcolm Allison joined Manchester City as assistant manager in 1965. Under the guidance of Allison and manager Joe Mercer, the club enjoyed a sustained period of success, winning the Division One title in 1968, the FA Cup in 1969 and both the League Cup and European Cup Winners' Cup in 1970. After taking over from Mercer in 1971, Allison resigned in March 1973, later returning to Maine Road for a second spell in charge between 1979 and 1980.
• Allison's former West Ham United team-mate John Bond took charge of Manchester City following Allison's departure in October 1980, remaining in charge until February 1983.
• One-time West Ham United left-back Stuart Pearce took charge of Manchester City between March 2005 and May 2007.
Background
• West Ham United have played Manchester City on 95 occasions with the Hammers coming out on top in 35 matches, 16 games ending in draws and 44 defeats by the Citizens.
• The Club's first away trip to the blue half of Manchester ended in a 2-1 loss with Vic Watson scoring the visitors' only goal in a Division One game played at Maine Road back on 3 May 1924.
• The Hammers were winless in their first five trips to Maine Road before recording a 1-0 victory thanks to a goal from Jimmy Ruffell on 17 October 1931 in a Division One clash.
• West Ham's biggest win away at Manchester City came on 8 September 1962 as two goals from Malcolm Musgrove and a goal apiece for Geoff Hurst, Johnny Byrne, Tony Scott and Martin Peters fired the visitors to an impressive win in the First Division.
• The Hammers' last away win over Wednesday night's opponents came in the FA Cup back on 20 March 2006. Dean Ashton scored twice as the Club reached the semi-finals of the competition thanks to a 2-1 win at the City of Manchester Stadium, as it was then known.
• The sides have played each other in the League Cup only two times after a replay was required in 1983 to separate the teams following a 0-0 draw at Maine Road. Steve Whitton scored the goal in a replay at the Boleyn Ground but couldn't stop his side from slipping to a 2-1 defeat.
Referee
• The referee for the first leg of the semi-final will be Jonathan Moss.
• Moss was last in charge of the Hammers when West Ham suffered a 3-1 defeat to Norwich City back on 9 November 2013.
• During the two Capital One Cup games which he has taken charge of this season, Moss has shown just one yellow card.
• Headteacher Moss was promoted to the Select Group of Referees in June 2011.
• He took charge of the 2005 Conference Play-Off final between Carlisle United and Stevenage and was then promoted to the National Group of Referees.
• He will be assisted by Stuart Burt and Michael McDonough whilst the fourth official will be Howard Webb.
General Information
• Light rain is forecast for Wednesday night's game with temperatures around 7C (44F).
• There are still tickets available for the semi-final clash and these can be purchased on the night from Manchester City's Stadium Ticket Office which is situated at the north end of the stadium.
• Tickets for the lower tier are priced at £25 Adults, £15 Over-65s/16-21 yrs, £5 Under-16s. Whilst in the upper tier they are available for £30 Adults, £20 Over-65s/16-21 yrs, £10 Under-16s.
• Visiting supporters should be aware that there is no street parking available around the Etihad Stadium. There is a residents parking scheme in place covering a wide area which is strictly enforced. Anyone parking in these areas will be clamped and/or fined.
• Supporters are advised to use the MCFC Accredited Car Parks around the stadium, where there is matchday parking available on a first come first served basis.
• Alternatively supporters are advised to use public transport wherever possible. The Etihad Stadium is around 20 minutes walk from Manchester Piccadilly station, or there are frequent shuttle buses operating to and from the Stadium.
• If travelling by train to Manchester, click here for travel updates.

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Big Sam on: Manchester City
WHUFC.com
Sam Allardyce faced the media ahead of the Capital One Cup semi-final first leg against Manchester City
07.01.2014

Sam Allardyce has spoken to the assembled press ahead of West Ham United's Capital One Cup semi-final first leg tie against Manchester City on Wednesday night. The Hammers travel to the Etihad Stadium to play Manuel Pellegrini's side and ahead of the clash, Big Sam answered questions about new signing Roger Johnson, the latest team news and how to stop the Citizens' free-scoring attack.

Morning Sam, what did you make of the statement made by the Joint-Chairmen yesterday?

SA: "I'm obviously pleased by the united front which we seek to keep under these difficult times and when it becomes public from the Joint-Chairmen then it's obviously very nice to see and hear. From our point of view, we are all understanding of the difficult position we're in at the moment after several discussions on the reasons why and we have to all work through it together in the hope that we turn it round into a positive reaction in terms of results. We've got a massive game coming up on Wednesday and we move forward and get focussed on that."

One of the key points they made was that they back you in the transfer market and you've already brought in Roger Johnson, what do you think he can bring to the Club?

SA: "Our central defensive situation has been so difficult recently and it's one of the main reasons why we haven't achieved the results we wanted. All of our other efforts in securing a central defender, prior to knowing that Roger was available, were difficult. The one big thing about Roger is his Premier League experience at Birmingham City, his height in terms of being a central defender which has been one of our weak points recently and his desire to come and show that he has still got the capabilities to play at this level. "He's also not cup-tied, so, going into one of the biggest games of the season for us with somebody of the experience, height and aerial dominance against, lets's face it, one of the biggest sides in the Premier League. If you look across the board with [Edin] Dzeko, [Alvaro] Negredo, Yaya Toure, [Vincent] Kompany and [Matika] Nastasic we have to be aerially very competent on Wednesday and Roger will be a great help in that area. He is very determined and very excited about the opportunity he's got after being frozen out at Wolves and pursuing his career at Sheffield Wednesday recently."

How close are you to bringing in other new faces?

SA: "Reasonably close without being absolutely certain. One never really says we've got a deal until the deal is signed on the dotted line because too many times in my experience you can be very close to a deal and then something materialises which makes it fall through. We hope that within the next few days that one or two more may get clinched."

You've also been linked with Wayne Hennessey, is goalkeeper an area that you're looking to strengthen?

SA: "No, we don't need a goalkeeper, we're very comfortable in that area with the four goalkeepers we have here so we're OK in that department."

There were photos after the game on Sunday of some of the younger fans who were very upset, how much sympathy do you have for them?

SA: "I have a lot of sympathy for them, there's no doubt about that. All I can do is say that I was telling everybody weeks before we played Nottingham Forest that the situation we are in at this moment in time would mean that I would be playing some of the young players in the team. Unlike what you would normally do as a manager, try to expose your team before you play somebody, I did because of the situation we were in and the three games we had this week. I explained to everybody weeks before, days before the game and then obviously after the game so for me that's now done and dusted. The Chairman has gone to try and contact those particular youngsters who were upset and invited them in."

How significant is this week for you with Manchester City tomorrow and then Cardiff City on the weekend?

SA: "The significance of it is why I played so many young players on Sunday. I have to be brave enough to make these decisions, I could have easily played a full strength side and then come tomorrow night that full strength side would have been a lot weaker because of its lack of recovery time against the biggest team in the Premier League at home throughout this season. I had to get the freshest team I possibly could on Wednesday to try and compete against the most free-scoring Premier League side. I had to try and give us our best chance of doing something over the first leg to then come into the second leg to see if we can try and get to the final."

Is anybody returning from injuries tomorrow night?

SA: "The players that are injured are still there, still recovering, but I think Mark Noble has the biggest chance to recover and play tomorrow which would be a bonus for us. Like I said, we've got to get a team out that has competed exceptionally well in this competition throughout. None more so than what we did in the last round against Tottenham Hotspur so if I can get a performance like that from the players tomorrow night then we will be in with a chance. Whether we can take our opportunities as we've done in previous rounds will be a key moment for us, we won't get many as we know, but we have to be defensively resilient as we were at Tottenham and then take full advantage of what chances we may create."

How do you feel about tomorrow's game, do you really think you can beat Manchester City?

SA: "We don't have to beat them on Wednesday night we have to come back with something realistic to beat them at home if we can. We have to stay as focussed as we can and we have to nullify what is a great attacking force at home. Everybody knows what that is and how good that is. We have to work along the lines of what Crystal Palace did recently which was be very well organised, be a very well structured team that makes it extremely difficult for the talents that Manchester City have got. Hopefully we can do that on Wednesday night and when we come to the end of the game it's only half-time at that stage."

It must be nice to still be in the cup but is it ultimately all about league survival?

SA: "I would have preferred it to come with a lot more players fit and not in this position that we're in at the moment but we have to face the reality of what comes along in football. We're in a very exciting cup tie with a massive, massive feeling of joy at the end of it if, as big as the game is and the underdogs that we are, we believe that we can get there and believe that we can get to Wembley. It's been done by clubs before at this level. I did it at Bolton, quite a few years ago now when we beat Aston Villa in the semi-final. With a bit of luck, a bit of fortune and the right amount of organisation, desire and commitment from the players we feel as though we can give it our best shot."

What's the latest on Andy Carroll's fitness?

SA: "He's training well, training with us today and hopefully very shortly he'll be seen on the bench in the next week or so."

Is it ultimately about Premier League survival though?

SA: "Not on Wednesday night, no. Otherwise we wouldn't have done what we did against the teams in the previous rounds. It's all about trying to get to the final and we'll worry about the Cardiff game after that. The only major reason we have our problems with cup competitions, particularly in the early rounds, is injuries. Most of your injuries, in the main, occur in match situations rather than training, that's why people use all of their squad particularly in the early rounds of the cups. They fear that an injury might keep a player out of a Premier League game for a period of time and that's what you don't want to happen."

In contrast to the Premier League where you've put in good performances and not got the results it's not been the case so far in this cup run has it?

SA: "We've had a great run and the thing about the cup competition up to now is the early part of the cup competition we changed the players around and used the squad because it was a fully fit squad at that stage. A fully fit squad of players shows what we can do when we have all the players fit. It shows that we can change the side, unlike the Forest game, but we played the squad players and whilst people were looking at us saying I was going to change the team round for the Tottenham game and we went and beat them. With the stage we're in and the difficulties we're experiencing at the moment, it's my job to keep everybody focussed. It's my job to keep everybody fit and well that is presently fit and not risk playing them in too many games so they pick up injuries."

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Johnson ready for cup clash
WHUFC.com
Roger Johnson is eager to get started after joining the Club on loan for the remainder of the season
07.01.2014

New recruit, Roger Johnson, says he is up for the fight after joining West Ham United on loan for the remainder of the 2013/14 season. The centre-back, who has joined on loan from Wolverhampton Wanderers, is likely to be thrown straight into the squad to face Manchester City in the Capital One Cup semi-final first leg on Wednesday night due to the Hammers' current injury problems. If selected it's likely to be a baptism of fire for the 30-year-old, who will be facing a side that are yet to lose in domestic competition at the Etihad Stadium this season. Johnson told West Ham TV of his delight at signing for the Club, as well as his excitement ahead of making what could be his debut on Wednesday night. "I'm really happy," he exclaimed. "It's a massive Club and I've been given a great opportunity so I'm really pleased to be here. "It's a massive game, I did look at the fixtures and after speaking to a few people they told me that I if I did sign that would be my first game, so hopefully I'll be in the team. "If not, I'll be on the bench and if I come on I'll try and do what I can to get the Club into the final."

The Surrey-born centre-back needs no introduction to the competition having won the tournament with Birmingham City back in 2011 when it was known as the Carling Cup. En route to the final that year Johnson and his then employers came up against the Hammers at the semi-final stage where they progressed after the defender had equalised to send the tie to extra-time, before Craig Gardener scored the winning goal. Now appearing in claret and blue, the defender hopes to make a difference for, rather than against, West Ham after receiving a warm welcome to the Club. "I've obviously played here a few times for other clubs and like I said earlier this is a massive Club. "I'm really, really pleased to be here, the lads have made me feel really welcome so now I just want to crack on and play, train and hopefully do what I can for the Club. "[2011] was a great experience. In the semi-final against West Ham I can remember scoring and taking it to extra-time so I hope the fans don't hold it against me. This time round I'll be trying to do the same for West Ham now."

Johnson also has plenty of Barclays Premier League experience to add to his League Cup pedigree having spent time in the top-flight with the Blues and Wolves after originally impressing with spells at Cardiff City and Wycombe Wanderers. Whilst he admits his spell with Wolves hasn't gone as planned, the defender is eager to prove any doubters wrong by helping the Club to move up the table. "The Premier League is what it's all about, it's the best league in the world and there was no way I was going to turn it down. "I think everyone knows that my time at Wolves wasn't ideal for whatever reason so to be given another opportunity in the Premier League is great and I'll be doing my utmost to prove the doubters wrong. "The fight for league status and the chance to prove a lot of people wrong that I can play at this level is a massive challenge and I'm bang up for it."

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Andy Carroll close to West Ham return - Sam Allardyce
BBC.co.uk

West Ham manager Sam Allardyce says the club's record £15m signing Andy Carroll is near to a first-team return. Striker Carroll, 25, made his loan to the Hammers from Liverpool permanent in the summer but has not played since because of a foot injury. "Andy is training today [Tuesday] and hopefully we'll see him on the bench in the next week or so," said Allardyce. Carroll's return will be a boost for Allardyce, whose side are second from bottom of the Premier League. The England international scored seven goals in 24 games for the Upton Park club while on loan last season. He is unlikely to figure in West Ham's trip to Manchester City for the first leg of their Capital One Cup semi-final on Wednesday, but could be in the squad for the club's key league game at fellow strugglers Cardiff on Saturday. Allardyce's injury problems have seen him sign central defender Roger Johnson on loan from Wolves until the end of the season and the 30-year-old is in the squad to face City.

Johnson is likely to start that match, with fellow defenders Winston Reid, James Collins and James Tomkins still on the club's injury list. West Ham go into the game on the back of an inexperienced side being thrashed 5-0 by Nottingham Forest in the FA Cup and the club's co-owners David Gold and David Sullivan issuing an open letter in support of Allardyce. "I'm obviously pleased by the united front we are trying to keep under these difficult times at the moment," said the Hammers boss. "When it comes public from the co-chairmen it is nice to see and hear. From our point of view we are all understanding the difficult position we are in at the moment. "We all have to work through it together in the hope that we turn it around in to a positive reaction in terms of our results. "The day-to-day running of the football club is all I'm focused on. "I keep in touch with the owners on a regular basis, it is a daily basis at the moment. I would be more worried if that communication went quiet."

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Man City v West Ham United
KO 19:45
7 January 2014
Last updated at 12:04

CAPITAL ONE CUP SEMI-FINAL FIRST LEG
Venue: Etihad Stadium Date: Wednesday, 8 January
Coverage: Watch highlights on The League Cup Show on Wednesday at 2315 BST, BBC One.

Manchester City's Jesus Navas has been ruled out with a knee injury. Sergio Aguero and Micah Richards are back in training but both are not yet ready for a first-team return.
West Ham manager Sam Allardyce will put Roger Johnson straight into his squad after the defender signed on loan from Wolves for the rest of the season.
They are still without a host of injured players including Winston Reid and Andy Carroll, while captain Kevin Nolan is banned.

MATCH PREVIEW

A trip to the Etihad is probably the last ground in English football that beleaguered West Ham manager Sam Allardyce would like his team to visit right now given his side's shocking run of form and appalling injury list. The 5-0 defeat his shadow side suffered at the hands of Championship club Nottingham Forest at the weekend saw speculation increase that Allardyce was set to lose his job but in a letter to the club's supporters he received the backing, for now, from Hammers' co-owners David Gold and David Sullivan. West Ham have never won the League Cup but the odds on them beating Manchester City over two legs of this semi-final are very long indeed. City are unstoppable at home and have scored an incredible 53 goals in 14 matches at the Etihad this season. Allardyce will surely be hoping the best his injury-ravaged squad can do is limit the damage to give his side any hope in the second leg at Upton Park.

MATCH FACTS

Head-to-head

Manchester City have met West Ham United once in the League Cup back in 1984, beating the Hammers 2-1 in a replay at Upton Park after a goalless draw at Maine Road.
City won the last meeting between the two clubs, away at Upton Park, 3-1 in October.
West Ham have won only once at the Etihad Stadium, beating City in an FA Cup quarter-final tie in 2006.
Both clubs were semi-finalists in 1964 and 2011, with West Ham losing to the eventual winners on both occasions.
Manchester City

City have twice won the League Cup, beating West Bromwich Albion in 1970 and Newcastle United in 1976 - and were losing finalists against Wolves in 1974.
Bosnia striker Edin Dzeko has scored in all three of City's ties so far this season.
None of City's League Cup scorers this season have been English.
Liverpool are the only side to beat Manchester City in a home semi-final tie in this competition - in 1981 and 2012.
West Ham United

West Ham have been losing finalists twice in League Cup history - versus West Bromwich Albion in 1966 and Liverpool in 1981.
The Hammers have scored nine goals in four League Cup ties, almost half the 19 goals they have scored in 20 league games.
Hammers boss Sam Allardyce led former club Bolton to the 2004 League Cup final where they lost to Middlesbrough.

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Big Sam: we can beat City
KUMB.com
Filed: Tuesday, 7th January 2014
By: Staff Writer

Sam Allardyce believes his team can beat title-chasers Manchester City in the Capital One Cup semi final over the course of two legs.

Big Sam takes his team to Manchester tomorrow night as they face a formidable task against the 2011/12 Premier League champions. But despite being hampered by a string of injuries, Allardyce believes that if his team keep it tight for the first leg, glory could await.

"We don't have to beat them on Wednesday night," he said. "We have to come back with something realistic to beat them at home if we can. We have to stay as focused as we can and we have to nullify what is a great attacking force at home. Everybody knows what that is and how good that is.

"We have to work along the lines of what Crystal Palace did recently which was be well organised and well-structured, a team that makes it extremely difficult for Manchester City. Hopefully we can do that on Wednesday night as when we come to the end of the game, it's only half-time at that stage.

"I would have preferred to have a lot more players fit and with us not in the position that we're in at the moment, but we're in a very exciting cup tie. Underdogs that we are, we believe that we can get there and believe that we can get to Wembley.

"It's been done by clubs before at this level. I did it at Bolton quite a few years ago now when we beat Aston Villa in the semi-final. With a bit of luck, a bit of fortune and the right amount of organisation, desire and commitment from the players, we feel as though we can give it our best shot."

One player tipped as an outside bet for a place in the 18-man squad at Eastlands is Andy Carroll, who recently returned to full training. However Allardyce refused to be drawn on a return date, stating simply that: "He's training well and hopefully he'll be seen on the bench in the next week or so."

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Two more to follow, says Allardyce
KUMb.com
Filed: Tuesday, 7th January 2014
By: Staff Writer

Sam Allardyce has revealed that he hopes to sign 'one or two more' players before the end of the week.

The under-pressure manager made his first signing of the January window yesterday when he brought former Birmingham and Wolves centre half Roger Johnson in to act as defensive cover. However he hopes to add further new faces ahead of this weekend's trip to Cardiff - one of which is almost certainly striker Lacina Traore.

"We're reasonably close without being absolutely certain," revealed Allardyce. "One never really says we've got a deal until the dotted line is signed because in my experience you can be very close to a deal and then something materialises which makes it fall through. We hope that within the next few days that one or two more may get clinched.

"All of our efforts in securing a central defender, prior to knowing that Roger was available, were difficult. The one big thing about Roger is his Premier League experience at Birmingham City, his height in terms of being a central defender which has been one of our weak points recently and his desire to come and show that he has still got the capabilities to play at this level."

And for the benefit of Hammers fans who remember the Manny Omoyinmi scandal, Allardyce added: "He's also not cup-tied..."

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McAvennie: it's time for change
KUMb.com
Filed: Tuesday, 7th January 2014
By: Staff Writer

Frank McAvennie believes that West Ham are taking "a major gamble" by sticking with Sam Allardyce - but insists that they can still avoid relegation.

The Hammers legend, speaking in an exclusive interview with the KUMB.com Podcast - the latest episode of which is now available - revealed that despite having initially backed the appointment of Allardyce, he has since lost faith with the manager due to the team's dreadful first half of the 2013/14 campaign that leaves them just one place off the bottom of the Premier League.

"I think a change of manager might help," said McAvennie, who scored 60 goals for the Hammers in 191 appearances between 1985-92. "Sam's got a lot of backroom staff but it doesn't matter how many stats you fling at me, the game is simple - he can either get the ball down and play, or he can't. Unfortunately there's too many players there that aren't good enough to play in the Premier League, let alone play for West Ham.

"West Ham are going to the Olympic Stadium and they don't need a team from the Championship to go there. Sullivan and Gold are taking a major gamble and I feared for Sam's job after the 5-0 [defeat at Nottingham Forest]. "I think they've got enough [to avoid relegation] if they get everyone back, but I think a wee change might be better for the Club.

"I was one of those all for Sam, but it just hasn't happened."

McAvennie, now 54, also believes that the vast financial rewards which await any top flight professional footballer in England have also served to undermine both team spirit and a will to succeed. However he was at a loss to explain an apparent lack of passion and cohesion amongst the team.

"I don't know if it's the dressing room, I honestly can't understand it," he said. "When we were there and things weren't going right we sat ourselves down, locked the door for a few hours and got it sorted with all the players. I don't think people do that now, they just put their headphones on and walk out the door. I don't think they really talk to each other.

"It's a bit different to my time and they say football's better for it - but I don't think so. Money talks and these fellas are very wealthy guys now. Don' get me wrong - I'm delighted the guys are getting loads of money - but I'd just like to see that bit of fire in their bellies and hunger to play for the jersey.

"Also, to go out and enjoy themselves. Everyone's a millionaire, but I don't see anyone laughing! You never see anyone laughing during a game now - and if you're enjoying yourself you're going to play better. Some of the fans who pay to watch them have major [financial] problems but they find the money to go - and they see them not bothering.

"I don't agree with all that."

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West Ham midfielder Ravel Morrison has not asked for move
By Graeme Bailey - Tweet me: @graemebailey | Last Updated: 07/01/14 4:12pm
SSN

Sky Sports understands that Ravel Morrison has not asked to leave West Ham United, to join Fulham or another club. Reports had claimed that Morrison had asked West Ham to leave the club, and that he wanted to join Fulham. However, we understand that Morrison has not made any demands to the club. It is believed that significant release clauses in his contract have yet to be triggered by any formal offers from rival clubs. Morrison, who is being tipped to make England's World Cup squad, has broken through into West Ham's first team this year - becoming a crucial member of Sam Allardyce's squad.

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West Ham target Besiktas striker Hugo Almeida
Last Updated: 07/01/14 7:16pm
SSN

Sky sources understand that West Ham have renewed their interest in Besiktas striker Hugo Almeida. The Hammers were linked with a move for the Portugal international in the summer, but Almeida remained in Turkey and has netted 10 goals in 15 appearances for Besiktas. Manager Sam Allardyce is thought to be still interested in the 29-year-old, although he is yet to table a formal offer for the frontman. The east Londoners have struggled to score goals in the absence of Andy Carroll and the arrival of Almeida would add some additional firepower to their squad. Almeida started his career at Porto and left his home country for a spell at Werder Bremen before moving to Besiktas in 2011. West Ham are also believed to be lining up a loan deal with Monaco for striker Lacina Traore as they prepare for a survival push in the next few months.

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IS LACINA TRAORE OUR NEW STRIKER?
By Tony Hanna 7 Jan 2014 at 17:03
West Ham till I Die

For a few days now the press have been all over the possible loan signing of Lacina Traore from Monaco to West Ham. It seems apparent that Monaco are prepared to let the striker leave for the remainder of this season, despite only just signing for them a few days ago on a 4.5 year contract. Traore had scored 15 goals in 28 games for Russian side Anzhi Makhachkala (that's a commentator's nightmare), before his move to Monaco, who beat off challenges from several clubs including Manchester United and Liverpool. His nickname is the "Gentle Giant". Traore is only the latest of a stream of players to leave Anzhi as the club is in free fall after Russian billionaire Suleiman Kerimov cut spending to the club.


He certainly looks like a Sam type of player at 6'8" in the old, and that is 1/2" taller than Peter Crouch. If he did get to play in the Premier League he would break Crouch's record as tallest outfield player to play in the league since its inception. He has represented his country, the Ivory Coast, on seven occasions scoring four goals. His transfer fee to Monaco was for an undisclosed sum, but it is believed to have been around £18 million. The 23 year old has scored on a regular basis for all four clubs he has played for and looks like he would be great asset should we secure the deal.

The main source for this transfer speculation is the Daily Mail so you can make of this what you like. Rumours do abound that he will have a medical in the next 48 hours but the Hammers would have to ensure a working permit would be granted before sealing the deal. This could be the sticking point and may well be why the Hammers are also considering a buy deal for Rickie Lambert. The bookies have Lambert priced up at 5/2 to join West Ham, which at this stage of proceedings would suggest he isn't coming.

If you "trust" the bookies, they have 5/1 Man Utd and 8/1 Liverpool to sign Ravel Morrison and very long prices any other team. Again, this would suggest Ravel is not going anywhere this transfer window. Adabeyor is 3/1 to join West Ham, although you could not see Spurs letting him go now, and Jelavic is the same price. Surprisingly, the shortest priced forward on the bookies books for a move to East London is the 9/4 Demba Ba. At the other end of the field, the shortest price anywhere on a player coming to West Ham this window is 5/4 Joleon Lescott.

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DOES RICKIE LAMBERT WANT TO JOIN WEST HAM?
By Sean Whetstone 7 Jan 2014 at 12:00
West Ham Till I Die

One rumour that refuses to go way is that West Ham are chasing 31 year old Southampton striker Rickie Lambert. I originally dismissed this speculation as paper or agent talk as I knew we were only really interested in loan deals for strikers and believed that Southampton were unlikely to want to part with the services of Rickie Lambert.

It now appears this story has some real legs with West Ham making an offer of 55% of Southampton's valuation up front plus some instalments afterwards.

I understand Southampton are adamant they want the full valuation believed to £8 million up front in one payment.

Whether the player himself would agree personal terms remains another problem. While his club and agent may be happy to do the deal it is not exactly the dream career move and he is believed reluctant to move to West Ham. Whenever he has been asked about his long-term future, Rickie Lambert has always stated his desire to end his playing career at Southampton. He has scored 99 league goals and 110 goals in all competitions since joining the Saints in 2009.

The carrot to persuade him is his wages, he is understood to be on £35,000 per week at Southampton with some tabloids claiming he could nearly double that by joining West Ham on £65,000 per week. If true I am not sure how we would fit that into our Financial Fair Play wage cap? That is nearly £1.7m for the remainder of this season and another £3.38m the following season.

Spending up to £8m on Rickie Lambert could hardly be seen as a future investment for a player who turns 32 years of age next month. The investment would be purely be the gamble that his goals can keep in the premier league this season.

Personally I doubt this deal will come off. We know David Sullivan likes a deal but Southampton are unlikely to sell Lambert on the cheap. Southampton don't need to sell so we know who holds all the cards on this deal. Big question is how desperate are we?

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Majority of West Ham supporters back Sam Allardyce insists Sam Allardyce
Jan 07, 2014 22:30 By Darren Lewis 0 Comments
The Mirror

Sam Allardyce insists he has the backing of most West Ham fans. While supporters have voiced their frustration from the stands and on social media during the Hammers' recent bad run, Big Sam maintains it is a different story when he meets them face to face. The Upton Park boss - also publicly backed by the club's owners on Monday - said: "Most of the West Ham fans I meet and have pictures taken with and stand and talk to are very positive. Not the minority who show their disapproval. "It's only a minority, not a majority. The people I see and bump into in this area [east London], or before games away from home, ask for autographs and pictures. They're always very positive. "The negative side of it, people getting disgruntled, you understand the frustration because people want to see results. We understand they pay the money and are able to do that. But it is still a minority. The only way to make them feel better is by winning games of football."

Allardyce was speaking ahead of the first leg of West Ham's Capital One Cup semi-final against Manchester City on Wednesday. He goes into the contest needing an improved display from his men after just one win in their last 13 Premier league games and Sunday's 5-0 FA Cup humiliation when he fielded a shadow team full of youngsters at Championship side Nottingham Forest. Despite a public statement backing him 24 hours later from Hammers co-chairmen David Gold and David Sullivan, Allardyce admits he is still under pressure to turn things around. Former Hammers boss Harry Redknapp, now in charge across London at QPR, remains the odds-on favourite for Allardyce's job. He added: "The owners' track record proves they haven't been too rushed into anything. They've never been too rushed into what decisions they make. "Over the last 18-20 years, they've given the managers they've had a good chance and stuck by them when things are not going so well. "History tells you continually changing managers doesn't mean success. But I'm realistic to know I have to get results, particularly quickly from my point of view, as a manager. [It] depends on what results I get from now until... well, over the next few weeks or games.
"In the end, we all know what happens if you don't get results as a manager."

There is a glimmer of good news for Allardyce with England striker Andy Carroll getting closer to a first team return. The club-record signing has yet to feature this season after taking longer than first anticipated to recover from a foot injury, but Allardyce said: "Hopefully we'll see him on the bench in the next week or so."

The West Ham boss also dismissed claims that Ravel Morrison wants to join Fulham, as the club explores ways to raise much-needed transfer cash: "There's no truth in that. But I'm not surprised there's another rumour about Ravel Morrison. We haven't had any discussions about Ravel Morrison being sold by this club."

Big Sam insisted even an aerial game would be futile at the Etihad against Manuel Pellegrini's Blues. "Look at what Manchester City do from an aerial point of view," he said, "The dominance at set-pieces is another area you have to compete with them, as well as their ability to play football on the floor. "They have the full package. See how many goals Negredo scores with his head.Kompany. Yaya Toure. The people who deliver the balls, who provide the expert deliveries, are high quality technicians who can drop a ball into an area for these guys to cause you a huge amount of problems as well as the outstanding ability they have to play on the floor."

Probable teams
Manchester City Hart; Zabaleta, Kompany, Demichelis, Kolarov; Toure, Fernandinho; Nasri, Silva, Milner; Negredo.

West Ham Jaaskelainen; Demel, Johnson, McCartney, Rat, Diame, Nolan, Jarvis, Morisson, Downing, Cole.

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West Ham hope to complete loan signing of Monaco's giant Ivory Coast striker Lacina Traore
Jan 07, 2014 15:37 By Anders Anglesey 0 Comments
The Mirror

Under-pressure West Ham manager Sam Allardyce is hopeful a loan deal for Monaco striker Lacina Traore can be completed within the next 48 hours. Traore, who recently signed for Monaco on a four-and-a-half-year deal, will be loaned out immediately, with West Ham being the clear favourites to sign the Ivorian.
The 6ft 8in striker, also nicknamed the "Gentle Giant," would also follow former Anzhi Makhachkala stars Samuel Eto'o and Willian to London after owner Suleyman Kerimov drastically cut spending at the Dagestan based club. At a press conference earlier today Allardyce said that the Hammers were "reasonably close without being absolutely certain" of signing the Ivorian and are now waiting on a work permit and a completed medical before they can confirm taking Traore on loan. A completed signing would see some much needed firepower come to the Premier League strugglers, who have seen record signing Andy Carroll relegated to the treatment table for whole season so far, although the England striker may be fit enough to feature against Newcastle next week. Allardyce will be desperate to see Traore hit the ground running and lift West Ham out of the relegation zone, but the Ivorian has only one goal to his name this season scored against FC Lokomotiv Moscow back in July of last year.

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West Ham 'saviour' Andy Carroll returns to first-team training sporting a Jesus-esque beard
Jan 07, 2014 16:20 By Liam Prenderville 2 Comments
The Mirror

The return of Andy Carroll is likely to fill West Ham supporters with much optimism - as their side continue to struggle in the Premier League. However, his questionable facial hair is unlikely to be so popular - as he continues his attempts to look like Jesus. The Hammers' official Twitter account posted an image of Carroll back in training today - alongside new loan signing Roger Johnson - sporting a fully-grown beard, as he attempts his second coming at Upton Park.
Last month, the England international took to Twitter to post a picture of himself in an ice bath - bearing a passing resemblance to Jesus. The image was accompanied by the words "Jesus Christ....Just seen my twin in the ice bath." And while he is unexpected to be match fit for a considerable while, the Upton Park faithful will be hoping he can act as the club's saviour and resurrect their relegation-threatened season.

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Daily WHUFC News - 7th January 2014

A message from the Joint-Chairmen
WHUFC.com
West Ham United Joint-Chairmen David Sullivan and David Gold have written an
open letter to Hammers fans
06.01.2014

Like all West Ham United supporters we feel frustrated and hurt by our
recent results. We understand how you feel and we, the Board, feel the same.

It is never enjoyable being knocked out of a Cup competition and losing by
such a large scoreline to a lower division side is hard to take for us all.
We thought the youngsters gave their all and did not stop trying but in the
end Nottingham Forest's experience proved too much for us.
I know Sam would have loved to have put out a more varied side, with our
talented youngsters accompanied by more senior players in the starting XI.
But many key players are out injured and Sam has been handed a near
impossible task of coming through three crucial games in the space of six
days with a squad of only 14 fit and available senior players. This is not
an excuse it is a fact. We know Sam has not lost his ambition or desire and
is committed to making West Ham United a great Premier League Club.
We now face a Capital One Cup semi-final on Wednesday followed by a vital
Barclays Premier League trip to Cardiff on Saturday. Despite an extremely
difficult draw, we are determined to do all we can to get to the Capital One
Cup final over two legs with Manchester City. We hope to have several of our
missing players back in time for Cardiff and we go there knowing that a win
can get us out of the bottom three. Such is the nature of the Premier League
this season; there are only six points between us and the team in 13th
place.
Make no mistake, though; we are under no illusions as to the seriousness of
our current predicament in the Premier League. But on the Board we have a
combined talent of running football clubs and we will draw on all of our
nous to get West Ham United out of this situation.
We have experienced difficult times before and we know what will get us
results - hard work, determination and perseverance. To that end, we are all
working round the clock to do everything in our powers to help arrest our
slump in form.
Our first priority is to get our key players fit. Our record signing Andy
Carroll continues to make good progress following his return to first-team
training and he should be back on the pitch very soon along with Hammer of
the Year Winston Reid and our other missing central defenders, James Tomkins
and James Collins. Trust us, Andy Carroll is desperate to play and is ready
to do his bit for the team and we are confident that the return of all of
our injured players will lead to an upturn in our fortunes.
Thereafter, our second priority is to bring in the new talent needed to
bolster our squad in the most needed areas. January is not an easy time to
do business but we are pleased to confirm we are close to securing one of
our key striking targets. A defender is high on the list of priorities as
well and progress is being made on that front.
Despite our difficulties, what has remained consistent throughout the past
few weeks and months is the unwavering level of support you have shown for
the team home and away. We took over 3,000 fans to Fulham on New Year's Day
and nearly the same number again to Nottingham on Sunday. That has been a
constant and successful theme since our record-breaking season under Sam in
2011/12 and I know everyone at the Club is extremely grateful for the unique
backing you provide to the team every week.
Following the Cardiff fixture, we have two more vital games in January
before a hugely significant February, which has three massive home games. We
will go into those games with a much-improved squad and we remain confident
that we can turn our season around.
Whilst we have exceeded expectation off the pitch this year, by providing
the Olympic Stadium and financial stability by taking personal
responsibility for the Club's inherited debts of £100 million, we know that
quality on the pitch is more important to you.
We have 103 employees that directly relate to the football teams, but we
also have 477 colleagues who work behind the team across all areas of the
Club. All of these people are key to our success. We continue to invest in
the development of their future by ensuring that West Ham United remains a
great place to work.
We understand these are difficult times for the Club and its supporters, but
we must stay united and come through the other side together. Please support
us and the team - we have no desire to be where we are and we are all doing
everything in our power to improve this unenviable situation.
Thank-you once again for your fantastic support.

David Sullivan and David Gold
Joint-Chairmen, West Ham United

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Hammers move for Johnson
WHUFC.com
West Ham United have signed centre-back Roger Johnson on loan from
Wolverhampton Wanderers
06.01.2014

West Ham United are pleased to confirm the signing of centre-back Roger
Johnson on loan for the remainder of the 2013/14 season. Johnson joins the
Hammers from Sky Bet League One high-fliers Wolverhampton Wanderers and
could go straight into the squad for Wednesday's Capital One Cup semi-final
first leg tie at Manchester City. A League Cup winner with Birmingham City
in 2011, the 30-year-old reached the FA Cup final with Cardiff City in 2008
and has made more than 100 Premier League appearances for Birmingham and
Wolves. Johnson will boost Sam Allardyce's defensive options, with
centre-backs Winston Reid, James Collins and James Tomkins all recovering
from injuries at present. Born in Surrey, Johnson became Wycombe Wanderers'
youngest-ever player when he made his debut just eight days past his 17th
birthday in May 1999. The following season, 2000/01, he helped the Chairboys
to reach the FA Cup semi-finals as a Division Two side. After four seasons
as a first-team regular, Johnson celebrated being named in the 2005/06
League Two Team of the Year by making a £275,000 move to Cardiff City in
July 2006. Johnson quickly established himself in the Welsh capital, making
136 appearances over four seasons, including the 2008 FA Cup final defeat by
Portsmouth at Wembley. After being named in the Championship Team of the
Year in 2008/09, Johnson's stock had risen to an all-time high, tempting
Premier League new boys Birmingham to spend £5m to add him to their squad in
June 2009. At St Andrew's, Johnson formed an outstanding partnership with
Scott Dann as the Blues went on a 16-match unbeaten run between October 2009
and January 2010. Birmingham would finish the season in ninth place. The
following campaign, 2010/11, brought a mixture of elation and disappointment
for Johnson as he scored a late equaliser against West Ham at St Andrew's to
help the Blues win their thrilling League Cup semi-final with the Hammers
and went on to lift the trophy, only to suffer relegation after losing four
of their last five Premier League matches. Relegation did not affect
Johnson's value, however, as Wolves spent a reported £7m to take him to
Molineux in July 2011. Playing alongside Matt Jarvis, Johnson was appointed
captain and made 28 appearances, but was unfortunately unable to prevent
Wolves from being relegated from the Premier League. Johnson was again a
regular last season, making 42 Championship appearances and scoring twice
for the Black Country club. This term, with Wolves seeking to cut their wage
bill, the centre-back has spent three months on loan at Championship side
Sheffield Wednesday, playing 17 times.

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Key appointment for Stadium conversion
WHUFC.com
International infrastructure group Balfour Beatty Group Ltd is to lead the
Olympic Stadium's redevelopment
06.01.2014

The stunning transformation of West Ham United's future home continues to
gather pace, with Monday's landmark appointment of Balfour Beatty Group Ltd
as lead contractor to convert the Olympic Stadium. The E20 Stadium
Partnership, established between the London Legacy Development Corporation
(LLDC) and Newham Council, has awarded the £154 million contract to Balfour
Beatty to ready the iconic venue for West Ham United from 2016. The
international infrastructure group won the right to lead work on the
Stadium's magnificent new roof in the summer and is now set to spearhead the
remainder of the venue's much-anticipated transformation into a UEFA
category four football Stadium.

Balfour Beatty's remit will include the relocation inside the turnstile line
of key facilities such as the concessions and toilets (as at other
traditional football stadia), landscaping, the construction of first class
hospitality suites and a distinctive new building that is set to become the
Club's exclusive ticket office and flagship Store. During construction,
Balfour Beatty expects to employ up to 400 people and will work with
Workplace, Newham Council's employment service, to employ local residents.
West Ham United Vice-Chairman Karren Brady said: "We welcome this important
announcement which marks the start of a significant year for the conversion
of the Olympic Stadium into a world-class football stadium which will become
West Ham United's new home. "By the close of 2014 we hope to have seen the
majority of the work on the stunning new roof finalised, ahead of its
completion in spring next year. "I, along with my team, will be working
closely with the LLDC and Balfour Beatty every step of the way to ensure
that the conversion delivers a Stadium that West Ham fans can be proud of
and that guarantees them an unrivalled experience on a matchday.''

Balfour Beatty Chief Executive, Andrew McNaughton, said: "We are delighted
to be continuing our activity at the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park supporting
the legacy commitment made as part of the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic
Games. "During construction, our firm commitment to the use of local labour
and the creation of apprenticeships will continue to benefit the local
community and the wider industry and, upon completion, the Stadium will
provide a first-class sporting and cultural facility for many generations to
come. Balfour Beatty is proud to be associated with this project."

In addition to reconfiguring the world's largest cantilevered roof, Balfour
Beatty will also take charge of constructing state-of-the-art spectator and
hospitality facilities which are set to create a global benchmark in
spectator experience and sports hospitality. Works will commence on site in
early 2014 and are due for completion in the spring of 2016.

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Mixed emotions for Moncs
WHUFC.com
George Moncur is refusing to be downhearted after his first West Ham start
in Sunday's FA Cup exit
06.01.2014

George Moncur is adamant that Sunday's 5-0 FA Cup with Budweiser reverse at
Nottingham Forest will not dampen optimism in West Ham United's Development
Squad. In all, eight of the Club's youngsters featured at the City Ground,
including a total of five debutants, as the Hammers were eventually
overpowered by their experienced hosts. But despite the scoreline, the
20-year-old midfielder reckons he and his Under-21 colleagues can still take
a great deal from the experience, certain that confidence has not taken a
hit. "Obviously you can still take positives from the game," he told
whufc.com. "Having come to this stadium, we'll take things from the
experience, because a lot of us haven't really played for the first team.
We'll remember this and learn from it."

In fact, Moncur thought his contemporaries had plenty to be proud of, for
the first hour at least, as the Hammers fought gamely to recover from an
early penalty award. Though it was Moncur himself who felled Jamie Paterson
for the spot-kick, undeterred he went onto to put in a mature display,
before being substituted ten minutes into the second period. He continued:
"I gave away the penalty which didn't help at all and it was stupid to be
fair. But I thought that afterwards we settled in well and we definitely had
chances, we were pushing on in the game. "I created a few opportunities and
I thought I did quite well. It's nice to be able to do that out here and
when you're doing some good stuff, confidence does grow."

As for the late flurry of Forest goals, Moncur admitted fatigue had likely
played its part, with the Development Squad having not played a competitive
fixture since 2 December. "Maybe we did get tired, because to be fair there
were a lot of Under-21s playing for us and we haven't had a game for a
while, so I think that was probably played its part. They're playing week in
week out at the moment, so fitness and fatigue probably came into it for
us."

Result aside, Moncur was thankful to have been handed his chance, a first
start and only his second appearance for the Club. Similarly, to share the
experience with his friends and team-mates made it all the more memorable.
"It's great, because you're playing with them week in week out and it's
really nice to be playing with them all together on one big stage," he
added. "I play with Seb [Lletget] and Danny [Whitehead] in our normal
midfield and I thought both of them did really well on Sunday. They can take
great credit from it. I really enjoy playing with them in the U21s and
they're great players. "The result won't knock our confidence at all.
Whatever happened on Sunday, we'll take the positives and just push on from
there."

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'It was a big learning curve'
WHUFC.com
Stewart Downing said there was plenty for the young Hammers to learn from
Sunday's loss at Forest
06.01.2014

Captain for the day Stewart Downing felt a goal could have made all the
difference for an inexperienced West Ham United side at Nottingham Forest on
Sunday. The Hammers suffered a 5-0 loss to end their participation in the FA
Cup with Budweiser, as Forest notched four goals in the final 25 minutes of
the contest. Downing said that the visitors perhaps paid the price for
chasing the game in the closing stages, and that West Ham's youngsters still
emerged from the contest with credit. "I thought we started very well to be
honest," he explained. "We were still in the game after the penalty - Modibo
had a half-chance, Rav had a free kick saved and we were acquitting
ourselves well. "We made it quite difficult for them [at that stage], but
when they got the second goal we were a little naive in that we kept going
and trying to score. Credit to the lads that they kept going, but we left
ourselves open to concede. "It was a big learning curve for the lads and it
just shows what you have to do to play in this league. They're a
Championship side, and of a high standard. "It would have been good to see
how Forest dealt with it had we scored the equaliser. We'd have got the
momentum to go on as it was a good time to get a goal, but once they got the
second they had experienced players to see the game out. "We kept going
forward when maybe we should have kept the scoreline down, and they punished
us. The young lads did really well, but the last 15 minutes wasn't good
enough from us."

Downing made his first start since suffering an ankle injury at Liverpool in
early December and he was pleased to get more minutes under his belt ahead
of Wednesday's Capital One Cup semi-final at Manchester City. He added: "I'm
pleased to have got through the game, I probably wanted to play on a little
longer to be honest, but no arguments as from the manager's point of view he
wants to keep us fresh and fit for Wednesday."

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West Ham sign defender Roger Johnson from Wolves on loan
BBC.co.uk

West Ham have signed Wolves defender Roger Johnson on loan until the end of
the season. The former Cardiff City and Birmingham City player had a spell
with Sheffield Wednesday earlier in 2013-14 campaign. Johnson, 30, moved to
Molineux from St Andrew's in July 2011. Hammers manager Sam Allardyce has
been backed by the club's owners despite seeing the side slip to 19th in the
Premier League and losing 5-0 to Nottingham Forest in the FA Cup. Central
defenders James Collins and James Tomkins were injured in the Boxing Day
defeat by Arsenal and the draw with West Brom two days later respectively.
Fellow centre-back Winston Reid is still recovering from ankle surgery in
November, while striker Andy Carroll has yet to play this season because of
a foot injury. Everton's Johnny Heitinga rejected a move to West Ham despite
the two clubs agreeing terms over the Dutch defender earlier this month.
Wolves manager Kenny Jackett transfer-listed Johnson and three other players
in June following the club's relegation to League One, 12 months after they
dropped into the Championship. "It's a really good opportunity for him
because he's going to a Premier League club," Jackett told the Birmingham
Express and Star.

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Sam Allardyce: West Ham owners back manager
BBC.co.uk

West Ham co-owners David Gold and David Sullivan have issued an open letter
to fans in support of boss Sam Allardyce. The struggling Hammers lost 5-0 to
Championship side Nottingham Forest in the FA Cup on Sunday. The Upton Park
club are second from bottom of the Premier League after just one win in 13
top-flight games. "We know Sam has not lost his ambition or desire and is
committed to making West Ham United a great Premier League club," read the
letter. Gold and Sullivan also revealed the club are "close to securing one
of our key striking targets".

With record signing Andy Carroll yet to play this season because of a foot
injury, BBC Sport's Ben Smith reports Monaco's 6ft 8in forward Lacina Traore
could join the club on loan if he gets a work permit. Wolves defender Roger
Johnson has already signed on loan after the Hammers failed to bring in
Everton's Johnny Heitinga. "These may be tough times for everyone at West
Ham, but no-one at Upton Park is panicking yet. Sullivan and Gold mean what
they say. Both of them believe, and have believed all season, that Allardyce
is the best man to keep them up. "Premier League survival is paramount. The
club will spend again in January with that in mind."

"January is not an easy time to do business but we are pleased to confirm we
are close to securing one of our key striking targets," continued the
letter.
Allardyce, 59, fielded a youthful side at Forest as he made nine changes
from the team beaten 2-1 in the Premier League at Fulham on New Year's Day.
The Hammers boss said he had informed Gold and Sullivan of his plans to
prioritise the club's top-flight campaign and the Capital One Cup semi-final
against Manchester City. "It is never enjoyable being knocked out of a cup
competition and losing by such a large scoreline to a lower division side is
hard to take for us all," added the letter.

Missing in action
Andy Carroll
Kevin Nolan - suspended for three games
Mark Noble - calf injury
James Tomkins - groin injury
James Collins - calf injury
Winston Reid - ankle injury
Ricardo Vaz Te - dislocated shoulder
Andy Carroll (pictured) - foot injury

"We thought the youngsters gave their all and did not stop trying, but in
the end Nottingham Forest's experience proved too much for us. "I know Sam
would have loved to have put out a more varied side, with our talented
youngsters accompanied by more senior players in the starting XI. "But many
key players are out injured and Sam has been handed a near impossible task
of coming through three crucial games in the space of six days with a squad
of only 14 fit and available senior players. "This is not an excuse, it is a
fact."

Graeme Howlett, editor of West Ham online fanzine Knees Up Mother Brown,
feels the statement is "essentially a vote of confidence" in Allardyce. He
said: "It ties in with a poll we ran last week where a small majority of
supporters voted to stick with him. "It's injuries and suspensions that are
costing us dearly at present. Any manager would have his work cut out.
Replacing him won't make the likes of Andy Carroll, Winston Reid or Mark
Noble fit again."

West Ham visit Manchester City on Wednesday for the first leg of their
Capital One Cup semi-final before a league trip to fellow relegation
battlers Cardiff on Saturday. They are currently without Carroll, Reid,
Noble, Ricardo Vaz Te, James Tomkins and James Collins because of injury,
while captain Kevin Nolan is suspended "We are under no illusions as to the
seriousness of our current predicament in the Premier League," added the
letter. But on the board we have a combined talent of running football
clubs and we will draw on all of our nous to get West Ham United out of this
situation. "We are all working round the clock to do everything in our
powers to help arrest our slump in form."

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Hammers in for Johnson
KUMB.com
Filed: Monday, 6th January 2014
By: Staff Writer

West Ham are preparing to sign Wolves defender Roger Johnson, according to
morning reports. The 6'3" central defender is set to be named as West Ham's
fourth centre half and assuming the deal goes through smoothly, could go
straight into the team to face Manchester City at Eastlands on Wednesday
night when the two clubs meet in the first leg of the Capital One Cup semi
final. 30-year-old Johnson has spent the first half of the season on loan
with Championship side Sheffield Wednesday who were hoping to sign the
Ashford-born defender on a permanent basis. However the move has reportedly
been gazumped by the Hammers, who are hoping to tie up a deal within the
next 24 hours.

After starting his career as a pro at Wycombe, Johnson moved to Cardiff in
July 2006 in a £275,000 switch. Three years later, Birmingham City - owned
at the time by Messrs Sullivan and Gold - paid £5million to take him to to
St Andrew's before they sold him to neighbours Wolves for £7million in the
summer of 2011. He joined Wednesday on loan last September, since when he
has featured on 17 occasions.

KUMB member LincolshireHammer has seen plenty of Johnson in action for
Wednesday this season due to being based in Sheffield currently. "I've
popped across to a few games this season at Hillsborough and Johnson
struggled immensely," he said. "This was in the Championship against teams
like Wigan and Reading. "How is he going to do against Man City in one of
our biggest games in the past couple of years? A poor bit of business IMO, I
just hope he's not on decent money."

Meanwhile a Sheffield Wednesday fan, speaking via KUMB member Dannyboylister
added: "You're signing a player that's been on loan to a team currently
fifth bottom in the Championship. Don't get me wrong, he's a good honest
wholehearted player, but still. "He runs around a lot and doesn't kick as
many people as you'd think. I'd have been happy for him to come back to
Wednesday, but he is nowhere near Premier League standard."

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Sullivan and Gold call for United front
KUMB.com
Filed: Monday, 6th January 2014
By: Staff Writer

West Ham United's co-chairman David Gold and David Sullivan have urged fans
to remain patient despite a 5-0 drubbing away to Championship side
Nottingham Forest yesterday.

The Club's owners spoke out in the wake of the humiliating defeat and
accusations that manager Sam Allardyce "threw the game" in order to
concentrate on this week's Capital One Cup smei final, first leg against
Manchester City.

The full statement - as initially published on whufc.com - was as
follows....

Like all West Ham United supporters we feel frustrated and hurt by our
recent results. We understand how you feel and we, the Board, feel the same.

It is never enjoyable being knocked out of a Cup competition and losing by
such a large scoreline to a lower division side is hard to take for us all.
We thought the youngsters gave their all and did not stop trying but in the
end Nottingham Forest's experience proved too much for us.

I know Sam would have loved to have put out a more varied side, with our
talented youngsters accompanied by more senior players in the starting XI.
But many key players are out injured and Sam has been handed a near
impossible task of coming through three crucial games in the space of six
days with a squad of only 14 fit and available senior players. This is not
an excuse it is a fact. We know Sam has not lost his ambition or desire and
is committed to making West Ham United a great Premier League Club.

We now face a Capital One Cup semi-final on Wednesday followed by a vital
Barclays Premier League trip to Cardiff on Saturday. Despite an extremely
difficult draw, we are determined to do all we can to get to the Capital One
Cup final over two legs with Manchester City. We hope to have several of our
missing players back in time for Cardiff and we go there knowing that a win
can get us out of the bottom three. Such is the nature of the Premier League
this season; there are only six points between us and the team in 13th
place.

Make no mistake, though; we are under no illusions as to the seriousness of
our current predicament in the Premier League. But on the Board we have a
combined talent of running football clubs and we will draw on all of our
nous to get West Ham United out of this situation.
We have experienced difficult times before and we know what will get us
results - hard work, determination and perseverance. To that end, we are all
working round the clock to do everything in our powers to help arrest our
slump in form.

Our first priority is to get our key players fit. Our record signing Andy
Carroll continues to make good progress following his return to first-team
training and he should be back on the pitch very soon along with Hammer of
the Year Winston Reid and our other missing central defenders, James Tomkins
and James Collins. Trust us, Andy Carroll is desperate to play and is ready
to do his bit for the team and we are confident that the return of all of
our injured players will lead to an upturn in our fortunes.

Thereafter, our second priority is to bring in the new talent needed to
bolster our squad in the most needed areas. January is not an easy time to
do business but we are pleased to confirm we are close to securing one of
our key striking targets. A defender is high on the list of priorities as
well and progress is being made on that front.

Despite our difficulties, what has remained consistent throughout the past
few weeks and months is the unwavering level of support you have shown for
the team home and away. We took over 3,000 fans to Fulham on New Year's Day
and nearly the same number again to Nottingham on Sunday. That has been a
constant and successful theme since our record-breaking season under Sam in
2011/12 and I know everyone at the Club is extremely grateful for the unique
backing you provide to the team every week.

Following the Cardiff fixture, we have two more vital games in January
before a hugely significant February, which has three massive home games. We
will go into those games with a much-improved squad and we remain confident
that we can turn our season around.

Whilst we have exceeded expectation off the pitch this year, by providing
the Olympic Stadium and financial stability by taking personal
responsibility for the Club's inherited debts of £100 million, we know that
quality on the pitch is more important to you.

We have 103 employees that directly relate to the football teams, but we
also have 477 colleagues who work behind the team across all areas of the
Club. All of these people are key to our success. We continue to invest in
the development of their future by ensuring that West Ham United remains a
great place to work.

We understand these are difficult times for the Club and its supporters, but
we must stay united and come through the other side together. Please support
us and the team - we have no desire to be where we are and we are all doing
everything in our power to improve this unenviable situation.

Thank-you once again for your fantastic support.

David Sullivan and David Gold
Joint-Chairmen, West Ham United

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham striker Carlton Cole has interest from other clubs
Last Updated: 06/01/14 6:24pm
SSN

Carlton Cole's agent has told Sky Sports that the striker is keeping his
options open amid interest from other clubs as talks continue with West Ham
regarding a contract extension. The 30-year-old had left Upton Park last
summer before rejoining West Ham in October on a deal that expires later
this month. He has scored three goals in 12 appearances for the Premier
League strugglers and Sam Allardyce is keen to extend Cole's deal. However,
the likes of Aston Villa, where Cole spent the 2004/05 season on loan,
Newcastle United and Queens Park Rangers are all reported to be monitoring
his current situation. Cole's representatives Saif Rubie confirmed
discussions are ongoing with West Ham and is waiting to see what develops
over the next couple of weeks. Rubie told Sky Sports: "It is correct that
West Ham have made contact about extending Carlton's deal which is due to
expire later this month. "Carlton is West Ham through and through and we
will sit down and listen to what they have got to say. "Carlton has done
well for West Ham when he has played in difficult circumstances.
"Carlton wants to help West Ham get out of trouble and stay in the Premier
League, but the deal has to be right him. "There has been interest in
Carlton from other clubs and he is keeping his options open. "At this stage
of his career he wants a deal best suited to him and he is West Ham player
until January 20th and then we will see what happens."

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham sign Roger Johnson on loan from Wolves
Last Updated: 06/01/14 9:12pm
SSN

West Ham have announced the signing of defender Roger Johnson from Wolves
for the remainder of the season. The Hammers are desperately short of
defensive options due to a string of injuries and Johnson could make his
debut in Wednesday's Capital One Cup semi-final first leg at Manchester
City. A statement on the club's official website read: "West Ham United are
pleased to confirm the signing of centre-back Roger Johnson on loan for the
remainder of the 2013/14 season." West Ham defender Winston Reid has been
sidelined since early November and was joined in the treatment room by
centre-backs James Collins and James Tomkins. Johnson, who has been on loan
at Sheffield Wednesday since September, will be hoping for a happier spell
in the top-flight after suffering relegation with Birmingham and Wolves. He
joins the Hammers in the midst of another survival fight, with the east
Londoners sitting second from bottom and three points adrift of safety.

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham keen on loan deal for Monaco striker Lacina Traore
Last Updated: 06/01/14 9:09pm
SSN

Sky sources understand that West Ham are interested in signing striker
Lacina Traore on loan from Monaco. Manager Sam Allardyce is hunting a new
frontman in the transfer window as he prepares his side for a survival push
in the second half of the campaign. Andy Carroll's lengthy absence has left
the Hammers short of a targetman and the 6'8" tall Traore would add some
physical presence to their forward line. Monaco only completed the signing
of Traore on Saturday from Russian club Anzhi Makhachkala for a fee thought
to be £8.3 million, but he could soon be heading to east London. The Hammers
are yet to make a formal offer, but Monaco are thought to be willing to let
the 23-year-old leave on loan for the rest of the season. Traore caught the
eye of Monaco after scoring 15 goals in 39 matches during an 18-month spell
in Russia.

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
THE SIGNINGS START - ROGER JOHNSON SIGNS ON LOAN
By Iain Dale 6 Jan 2014 at 14:26
West Ham Till I Die

Forgive me if our first signing of the transfer window leaves me slightly
underwhelmed, but West Ham have today signed Wolves central defender Roger
Johnson on loan until the end of the season. He's 30 and has been on loan at
Sheffield Wednesday all season so far. he made his name at Wycombe scoring
19 times is 157 games. before a transfer to Cardiff City in 2006, where he
scored 12 times in 119 games. In 2009 he moved to Birmingham and in 2011 he
crossed the city to Wolves where he's made 69 appearances, scoring twice.

He's actually not a bad player, and it may be that getting back to the
Premier League will spur him on to recapture the form that he has shown in
the past. But you have to say that having been told we were looking at
players like Joleon Lescott to plug our defensive gap, it does seem a little
deflating that we sign a player who is regarded as expendable by a League
Two side. Or am I just being cynical?

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
WHY DO WEST HAM PLAYERS GET INJURED SO OFTEN?
By Iain Dale 6 Jan 2014 at 12:42
West Ham Till I Die

Roy Keane said something during the ITV coverage of yesterday's match which
made me think.

"We've almost been brainwashed in the last 10 years that Sam Allardyce is
years ahead in terms of sports science, so why so many injuries?"
Why indeed? There have long been suspicious that the Chadwell heath pitches
are the cause of some of our injuries. Big Sam raised that as a possibility
the other day when he related a conversation with Alan Curbishley, who is
convinced that is true. Allardyce dismissed it, but the very fact he raised
it indicates he thinks there's something in it. Either that, or our medical
staff are not up to scratch, or it's just a run of bad luck that all clubs
get at some stage.

It's no secret that the Chadwell Heath facilities are not exactly state of
the art and I wonder whatever happened to the plans to sell the site and
build a new training centre elsewhere. Perhaps those plans should be revived
fairly quickly. If we're going to attract high quality players we need to
have the best facilities to get the best out of them. I have no idea how
much it would cost to build a new training centre with quality pitches, but
surely it has to be seen as a good investment.

Sam Allardyce has got a reputation for relying heavily on sports science and
statistics. Surely he has go an answer as to why our players get injured so
much – what were the stats at Bolton, Newcastle and Blackburn?

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham crisis sees Harry Redknapp installed as favourite to replace
manager Sam Allardyce
Jan 06, 2014 22:30 By Darren Lewis 1
TheMirror

Harry Redknapp is the bookies' favourite to succeed Sam Allardyce - even
though West Ham's owners have publicly backed their under-fire boss. David
Gold and David Sullivan took the unusual step of issuing a statement on
Monday morning confirming their intention to stand by their manager - as
reported in Mirror Sport last week. It said: "We know Sam has not lost his
ambition or desire and is committed to making West Ham United a great
Premier League club. "Make no mistake, we are under no illusions as to the
seriousness of our current predicament in the Premier League. "But on the
Board we have a combined talent of running football clubs and we will draw
on all of our nous to get West Ham United out of this situation."

That has not stopped the bookmakers making 66-year-old Redknapp - in line
for promotion with QPR - odds-on for a shock return to Upton Park. Besiktas
chief Slaven Bilic, a former Upton Park hero, is also in the picture along
with ex-Cardiff boss Malky Mackay. The Hammers have won just one of their
last 13 Premier League games with the club sitting second from bottom. The
east Londoners are anxious to retain their top-flight status and consolidate
ahead of a move to the Olympic Stadium. As such they have prioritised their
League games, starting at Cardiff on Saturday, over the cup competitions.
But following widespread fan anger at the 5-0 humiliation for a shadow side
in the FA Cup at Championship Nottingham Forest, Gold and Sullivan have
promised an improved showing in against Manchester City on Wednesday in the
first leg of a Capital One Cup semi-final. They added: "Many key players are
out injured and Sam has been handed a near impossible task of coming through
three crucial games in the space of six days with a squad of only 14 fit and
available senior players. "This is not an excuse it is a fact. We know Sam
has not lost his ambition or desire and is committed to making West Ham
United a great Premier League Club. "We now face a Capital One Cup
semi-final on Wednesday followed by a vital Barclays Premier League trip to
Cardiff on Saturday. "Despite an extremely difficult draw, we are determined
to do all we can to get to the Capital One Cup final over two legs with
Manchester City. "We hope to have several of our missing players back in
time for Cardiff and we go there knowing that a win can get us out of the
bottom three. "Such is the nature of the Premier League this season; there
are only six points between us and the team in 13th place."

West Ham have Andy Carroll, Ricardo Vaz Te, James Tomkins, James Collins,
Winston Reid and Mark Noble all out through injury. Skipper Kevin Nolan is
suspended after being sent off at Fulham - his second red card within a
month. The Hammers have moved to solve their defensive crisis by snapping up
Wolves defender Roger Johnson - who has been relegated in each of the last
three seasons - on loan. Johnson, 30, has been on loan at Championship soide
Sheffield Wednesday after suffering the drop twice with Wolves and before
that with Birmingham.

Allardyce is also keen on Manchester City defender Joleon Lescott after
seeing a move for Everton centre-half Johnny Heitinga collapse last week. A
loan deal for Monaco's 6ft 6in striker Lacina Traore is also close, pending
a work permit. West Ham are still hopeful of a deal for another forward -
either Everton's Nikica Jelavic or former Sunderland star Asamoah Gyan,
currently at UAE club Al Ain. Redknapp parted company with the Irons 13
years ago, after a bust-up with then-chairman Terry Brown. He has since led
Portsmouth into the Premier League and to FA Cup Final triumph, and also
took charge at struggling Spurs in 2008 and steered them into the Champions
League.

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham's Carlton Cole to be offered transfer to Queens Park Rangers on an
18-month contract
Jan 06, 2014 22:29 By John Cross 0 Comments
The Mirror

QPR boss Harry Redknapp is hoping he can pinch Carlton Cole - by offering
him a longer deal than West Ham do. Former England striker Cole's short-term
contract at the Hammers expires next week and they are only likely to offer
him an extension until the end of the season. But Redknapp, desperate to
improve his goal-shy strike-force and keep Rangers' Championship promotion
push on the rails, is hoping an 18-month contract will help persuade Cole to
move to Loftus Road. The west Londoners are also eyeing Croatia striker
Nikica Jelavic, whose two goals for Everton helped knock them out of the FA
Cup at Goodison on Saturday.

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Roger and out? Allardyce's new signing Johnson has been relegated three
times in a row
By MATT BARLOW
PUBLISHED: 22:30, 6 January 2014 | UPDATED: 22:30, 6 January 2014
The Daily Mail

If the vote of confidence from West Ham's owners was not bad enough for
manager Sam Allardyce, he has also acquired a player who has been relegated
in each of his last three seasons. Co-owners David Sullivan and David Gold
released an open letter in which they acknowledged the manager had to field
a young and inexperienced team in a 5-0 FA Cup defeat at Nottingham Forest.
They also vowed to sign players in January and started with Roger Johnson,
who has been relegated in each of his last three seasons and has moved to
Upton Park from Wolverhampton Wanderers until the end of the season.
Allardyce, never the most popular manager at Upton Park, is under intense
scrutiny. Two wins in 13 games culminated in the humiliation at Forest on
Sunday, yet his side are in a Capital One Cup semi-final, with important
players nearing fitness and the promise of more signings to follow Johnson.
Giant Ivorian striker Lacina Traore is supposed to be on his way if a work
permit can be secured next week. Traore has a deal to join Monaco from Anzhi
Makhachkala in the summer and permission from the French club to spend the
next six months at West Ham. The Hammers also enquired on Monday about
Wolves keeper Wayne Hennessey and could snatch him from the clutches of
Crystal Palace, who have yet to agree a fee for him. Sullivan and Gold, in
an open letter to supporters on Monday, said Allardyce had only 14 fit
senior players for three games, starting at Forest, and accepted his reasons
for selecting a young side. 'Like all West Ham supporters we feel
frustrated and hurt by our recent results,' said the letter. 'We understand
how you feel and we, the Board, feel the same.' They thanked fans for their
loyal support, no doubt aware of their growing discontent, but stopped short
of offering to compensate the 3,000 who travelled to the City Ground — apart
from one young boy caught sobbing on camera, who has been invited to watch a
game from the Upton Park directors' box. Instead, they said: 'Many key
players are out injured and Sam has been handed a near impossible task of
coming through three crucial games in the space of six days with a squad of
only 14 fit and available senior players. 'We know Sam has not lost his
ambition or desire and is committed to making West Ham United a great
Premier League club.'

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Chelsea U21 2 West Ham U21 1: Ake compounds Hammers' cup woes as Baker
shines again after first-team debut
By ADAM SHERGOLD
PUBLISHED: 21:42, 6 January 2014 | UPDATED: 21:42, 6 January 2014
Daily M ail

Nathan Ake deepened the week's cup misery for West Ham's youngsters by
sending Chelsea into the last eight of the Under 21 Premier League Cup. The
day after Sam Allardyce's faith in youth resulted in FA Cup third round
humiliation at Nottingham Forest, another group of Hammers hopefuls
experienced the heartbreak of cup elimination. It was Chelsea's Lewis Baker,
another teenage prospect granted his first team debut in Sunday's cup ties,
who ran the show on a soggy Monday night in Aldershot. Having been given a
taste of what awaits him when Jose Mourinho threw him on for the last couple
of minutes at Derby, it was back to the daily grind for Baker. But rubbing
his shoulders with the seniors only seemed to inspire the prodigiously
talented midfielder, who set up first-half goals for Isaiah Brown and Ake,
made countless other openings and stuck the post with an early free-kick.
West Ham played their part in a contest affected by sheets of driving rain,
a swirling wind and a playing surface that visibly disintegrated into sticky
mud with every tackle. But their goal was a stroke of fortune - an own goal
from Blues goalkeeper Mitchell Beeney - and they should have been buried by
half-time as Chelsea wasted a hatful of good chances.

Baker gave a clear signal of his intentions as early as the third minute
when his whipped 25-yard free-kick was touched onto the post by West Ham
keeper Sam Howes. Not that the England youth international would be denied
for long - he played Isaiah Brown into space shortly afterwards and the
striker side-stepped his marker before leathering the ball through Howes and
into the net. The visitors had come close prior to Chelsea's opener when
captain Kieran Bywater's angled shot was pushed away by Beeney, and they
equalised when an otherwise innocuous low ball from right-back Jerry Amoo
hit Adam Nditi and bounced in off Beeney. It was a high octane opening and
Chelsea were soon back in front. Again, Baker was the architect, sliding the
perfect low through pass to Ake, playing in midfield rather than his usual
defensive station. The Dutchman showed plenty of composure to shoot across
Howes and into the far corner.
At this point, a repeat of the 3-3 league thriller back in November, when
Ake salvaged a late point, was on the cards. Chelsea threw everything
forward in search of a third, winning a succession of chances just before
half-time. An intricate one-two between Baker and Jeremie Boga deserved
better than the latter firing his shot straight at Howes. And the busy West
Ham stopper did brilliantly to turn away Boga's header with a reaction save
seconds later. The Hammers improved after the break and Jordan Brown was
sent clear by Nathan Mavila touch, only to lose composure and fire into
Beeney's hands.

At the other end, Brown found himself in a similar situation after Baker had
again released him but his hurried shot lacked power. A couple of minutes
later, a teasing right-wing cross from the lively John Swift was nudged
goalwards by Baker, only for Howes to again get in the way. Swift was
proving he's equally adept out wide as in his usual central position and he
drove inside well to fire fractionally wide with 20 minutes left. But
these missed chances didn't matter as Chelsea reached the quarter-finals
with plenty to spare.

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Costs of West Ham Olympic Stadium Renovation Rise
January 6, 2014
http://www.worldfootballinsider.com/

A London-based infrastructure group has been awarded the contract for the
transformation of the 2012 Olympic Stadium amid concerns about the venue's
rising costs. Balfour Beatty has been awarded a 154 million-pound contract
to turn the facility into a new home ground for West Ham United, pushing the
total cost of the Summer Games venue to more than 580 million. The completed
project will feature a cantilevered roof, corporate offices, retractable
seats, and a capacity of 54,000. Work is expected to begin quickly with
completion expected by spring 2016. "[U]pon completion," said Balfour Beatty
chief executive Andrew McNaughton, "the stadium will provide a first-class
sporting and cultural facility for many generations to come." Balfour Beatty
was previously awarded the contracted to install the roof for 41 million
pounds. It will now lead the remainder of the project as well. The deal
comes under criticism as West Ham United plays under threat of relegation
and questions about whether the club will be able to sell enough tickets to
justify the move. "Where is the cash coming from? Who's paying for it? We
still don't really know, but chances are we're all contributing," said
Andrew Boff of the London Assembly, according to The Guardian. "Taxpayers
shouldn't be paying for Premier League football clubs."

Club vice chair Karren Brady defended the decision, asserting that "West Ham
is not getting a free stadium." "The stadium was built for the Olympics and
what are we going to do with it?," she said. "Across the world, stadiums
that are not used die. Without anchor tenants, the cost would be huge to the
taxpayer."

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham switch attention to Chelsea star
Sportsdirectnews.com
Exclusive
by Mark Brus6th January 2014 9:23pm GMT

West Ham manager Sam Allardyce could target a loan move for Chelsea
left-back Ryan Bertrand after missing out on Alexander Buttner. SportsDirect
News understands that Buttner had become a top target for the Hammers this
January, though he confirmed earlier today that he would be looking to stay
at United to fight for his place. This has seemingly now seen Allardyce
enquire about Bertrand's potential availability, with the 24-year-old
currently behind both Ashley Cole and Cesar Azpilicueta in the pecking order
at Stamford Bridge. Bertrand has been out on loan at five different clubs in
the past, and West Ham may look to sign him with the view to a permanent
transfer on this occasion. The former England Under-21 international has
also been linked with Southampton and Liverpool in recent times.

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Ake gives Chelsea youngsters cup victory
Soccer - NextGen Series - Group Three - Chelsea v Ajax - EBB Stadium
06/01/2014
By Matt Barrett
Westlondonsport.com

Nathan Ake's first-half goal gave Chelsea a 2-1 win against West Ham, taking
them through to the quarter-finals of the Under-21 Premier League Cup.
Driving rain meant both teams had to contend with atrocious conditions at
Aldershot, where the Blues made a great start and went ahead after only six
minutes. Lewis Baker, who made his first-team debut at Derby on Sunday, went
close after barely a minute when his free-kick was tipped on to the post by
outstanding keeper Sam Howes. Isaiah Brown fired in the opener before the
visitors drew level when Jerry Amoo's cross was deflected past keeper Mark
Beeney by the unfortunate Ake. But Ake then restored the lead by finishing
well after being set up by Baker. Dermot Drummy's side are now unbeaten in
12 games, having won nine of them. And they would have beaten the young
Hammers by a bigger margin but for the brilliance of Howes, who produced
fine saves to deny Baker, Brown and Jeremie Boga.

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Daily WHUFC News - 6th January 2014

Paterson treble sends Hammers out
WHUFC.com
West Ham United's FA Cup challenge was ended with a 5-0 defeat at Nottingham
Forest
05.01.2014

Nottingham Forest 5-0 West Ham United
FA Cup with Budweiser third round

Jamie Paterson's 14-minute hat-trick sent West Ham United tumbling out of
the FA Cup with Budweiser on Sunday afternoon. Nottingham Forest already led
at the break through a Djamal Abdoun penalty before Paterson took over in
the closing quarter of the contest. His treble started with a goal in the
65th minute, with others in the 71st and 79th soon following. Andy Reid's
stoppage time strike completed a 5-0 rout and ended the Hammers' interest in
the competition for 2014. Three young Hammers were given their debuts from
the start, with Callum Driver, Seb Lletget and Danny Whitehead all in the
line-up. The inexperienced visitors did not get off to the start they hoped
for, though, falling behind to a twelfth minute penalty. George Moncur was
the unfortunate guilty party, perhaps showing too much eagerness in trying
to win the ball back after being dispossessed and only succeeding in
clipping Paterson. Abdoun showed considerable calm in dispatching the
penalty, chipping down the middle with Adrian committed to diving to his
right. Twelve minutes later the Hammers were within a whisker of equalising,
when Ravel Morrison's free kick flew over the wall and towards goal, but
Karl Darlow stretched out a hand to touch over. At the other end the Forest
fans felt they may have had a second penalty when Greg Halford and Driver
slid in to contest a loose ball in the six yard box, but referee Martin
Atkinson was correct in his assessment that the West Ham man had made the
tackle. West Ham's moments of genuine threat were limited before the
interval, although they did create an opportunity with 35 minutes played
when Matt Jarvis drove at the home backline and fed Modibo Maiga, but the
ball got stuck under his feet and Eric Lichaj recovered to make the tackle.
Seven minutes later Adrian kept the deficit at one, spreading himself to
block from Lichaj, after he drifted in unchecked from the flank to collect a
pass from Andy Reid.

The Hammers started the second half in brighter fashion as they got on the
ball more and Morrison drew a save from Darlow after working a corner short
and weaving his way past Dan Harding down the by-line. Forest withstood that
spell as the Hammers gathered momentum and Henri Lansbury should have done
better on 61 minutes when he met Reid's free kick in a good position but
headed over. The hosts did not have to wait long for their second, as with
65 minutes played Halford got the better of Reece Burke over a bouncing
ball, allowing Paterson to take over and net via the far post. Six minutes
later Paterson killed the tie when he picked up a pass from Lansbury and
unleashed a shot which flicked off Burke's foot and left Adrian helpless. It
was to get even worse for the Hammers eleven minutes from time when Paterson
completed his hat-trick, being allowed to move across the face of the
Hammers defence too easily before drilling into the bottom left corner. The
rout wasn't yet complete and Reid added to the Hammers woes in stoppage
time, stroking into the top left hand corner after the hosts seized on a
loose Maiga pass to break quickly. Abdoun raced clear before slamming the
brakes on and squaring unselfishly for Reid to do the rest.

Nottingham Forest: Darlow; Jara, Lascelles, Hobbs, Lichaj (Harding 58);
Moussi, Reid; Abdoun, Lansbury, Paterson (Derbyshire 75); Halford (Cox 75)
Subs: Mackie, MIller, Evitmov, Majewski
Goals: Abdoun pen 12, Paterson 65, 71, 79, Reid 90+1
Booked: Derbyshire

West Ham United: Adrian; Driver, Diarra (Burke 55), Potts; Jarvis, Lletget,
Whitehead, Moncur (Fanimo 55), Downing (Turgott 64); Morrison; Maiga
Subs: Spiegel, Lee, Maguire, Gordon
Booked: Lletget

Referee: Martin Atkinson
Attendance: 14,397

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Big Sam reflects on FA Cup exit
WHUFC.com
Manager Sam Allardyce has spoken following Sunday's FA Cup third round
defeat at Nottingham Forest
05.01.2014

Sam Allardyce said his young West Ham United side will learn from the
experience of Sunday's 5-0 FA Cup with Budweiser third-round defeat at
Nottingham Forest. Injuries and a packed fixture list, including a Capital
One Cup semi-final first leg at Manchester City and Barclays Premier League
trip to Cardiff City this week, forced the manager to blood a host of
youngsters at the City Ground. A Hammers team containing three debutants and
two other Development Squad regulars gave the Championship high-fliers a
stern test for more than an hour, only for the hosts to score four times in
the final 25 minutes. After falling behind to Djamel Abdoun's early penalty,
Big Sam saw his players battle back and enjoy a dangerous spell around the
hour-mark. Just when it looked like the Hammers could grab an equaliser,
Jamie Paterson drilled in a second. With youth-team defender Reece Burke and
Development Squad players Matthias Fanimo and Blair Turgott also introduced
from the bench, the young Hammers conceded three more goals in the closing
stages - two more to Paterson and one to Andy Reid - to give the final
score-line an unfortunately one-sided appearance.. "We were having our best
spell attacking-wise and I always say to young lads, when you're having a
few sustained attacks, you have to be careful about it because if you don't
score and take full advantage at that time you have to make sure you don't
leave the back door open," said Big Sam. "I think it happens at first-team
level sometimes and it happened on Sunday. "When we allowed the second goal
to go in, which was probably against the run of play at that time, they
didn't do themselves any favours with the way they approached the tie after
that, going all guns blazing on the all-out attack, making it very easy for
Nottingham Forest to run through us and score more goals. That was the
disappointing thing for me - not the first hour. "I thought everybody stuck
to their task and tried to play to their best and put a huge amount of
effort in. We all know how many young players we had out on the field which
gave Forest an advantage as they played their Championship side that played
week-in and week-out. "In the end it over-ran them by the fact the young
players got lost at the end and didn't realise that, at 2-0, the most
important thing was to make sure that Nottingham Forest didn't score another
goal. We needed to try to play our way back into the game and stabilise the
situation, but they didn't do that."

The magnificent 3,000-strong travelling support continued to sing until the
very end, despite seeing their unfamiliar-looking team defeated. The manager
said he took no joy or pride whatsoever in overseeing a defeat, but pointed
to this week's semi-final and the need to secure Barclays Premier League
safety as the reasons for his team selection on Sunday. "The big picture is
that my hands were tied in the selection process regarding who I could pick.
My hands have been tied nearly all season, because a lot of my players have
not played even a third of the season so far due to trauma and other
injuries. "We know what the problem is and we've got to overcome the problem
as quickly as possible. "Nobody wants to get beat and we certainly don't
want to get beat 5-0, but at the end of the day the semi-final against
Manchester City is more important than this game. "More managers change
their team for the FA Cup than don't. Billy Davies didn't change his team,
but he is one of very few. Most managers, even from the Championship, will
change their team for the FA Cup third round.
"Managers change their team in the Capital One Cup as we did this year to
good effect because we've got to the semi-finals. "It would have been
impossible to play the same 14 players on Sunday, on Wednesday and next
Saturday at Cardiff, because that would have promoted us getting more
injuries than we have already got. "Circumstances were against me and I had
to play the young players. I told everybody very early, so everybody knew
what was going to happen. I was hoping the players were still going to stand
up and make a better game of it, but unfortunately they didn't. "Manchester
City played on Saturday and we had to play on Sunday. I still needed to use
Ravel Morrison, Modibo Maiga and Matt Jarvis and they played the whole game,
while I brought Stewart Downing and Alou Diarra off as I need them as well.
"We also have the lads at home who are fit and they will all get themselves
ready and prepare for the big, big game on Wednesday."

Finally, the manager confirmed again that the Club are working hard to bring
in new recruits to bolster the injury-affected squad. "We're still looking
in the market to sign more players if we can. It's a critical situation at
the moment and there nobody aware of it more than me, how desperate our
situation has become over the last few weeks. "With our position in the
league, we have all got to stick together and get people back in the side
with the experience and the quality and determination I know they have got
to secure our Premier League status and get to the Capital One Cup final."

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Nottm Forest 5 West Ham 0
5 January 2014
Last updated at 14:37
By Mandeep Sanghera
BBC Sport

Jamie Paterson scored a hat-trick as Nottingham Forest added to West Ham's
woes by knocking the struggling Premier League side out of the FA Cup.
Hammers boss Sam Allardyce fielded a youthful side and the visitors went
behind to a Djamel Abdoun penalty after George Moncur tripped Paterson.
Forest were dominant, and Paterson angled in the second before slotting in
from eight yards to make it 3-0. Paterson drove home his third before Andy
Reid sealed a comfortable win. "We looked at the sides pre-match and thought
it looked like it could be an uneven match-up. That was exactly the way it
panned out.
"West Ham have gone out of this competition with a whimper, never at any
stage looking like they were going to give Forest a problem on the day. Big
Sam is now under big pressure."

Whether Forest's win counts as an upset is debatable considering the team
selected by Allardyce, but the comprehensive manner of the defeat will only
add to the pressure on the West Ham boss. Allardyce said before the game
that the FA Cup fell behind top-flight survival and the Capital One Cup
semi-final against Manchester City in his priorities, and also bemoaned the
injury problems he is having to contend with. He fielded three debutants at
Championship promotion chasers Forest in Danny Whitehead, Callum Driver and
Sebastian Lletget, as well as handing George Moncur his first start. And
Allardyce's decision to put the emphasis on youth soon backfired. Moncur's
over-exuberance resulted in the midfielder making a rash challenge on
Paterson, and Abdoun nonchalantly chipped in the resulting penalty. Ravel
Morrison had a dipping 22-yard free-kick tipped over by Forest keeper Karl
Darlow, but the visitors struggled to make any impression as they were
outplayed by the East Midlands side. Forest striker Greg Halford found
himself in on goal after a fortunate deflection and only a last-ditch
sliding tackle from Driver denied him the chance to shoot from close range.
Halford, who had scored three goals in as many games operating as a
makeshift forward, then headed another chance straight at keeper Adrian
following a well-worked move. The home side's main regret would have been
they were not further ahead, and that feeling was compounded when Eric
Lichaj was through on goal only to have his low shot saved, with Henri
Lansbury shooting high from the rebound. Forest's inability to turn their
dominance into more goals was almost punished as the visitors briefly
rallied after the break. Lletget had a deflected shot parried away by
Darlow, who also had to palm a Morrison shot wide before the home side's
nerves were settled. Paterson made the most of Halford holding off a
defender to latch onto a loose ball, surging into the area and finishing
with a drilled left-foot shot. The forward then made the most of a Lansbury
lay-off to drive in his second via a deflection before completing his
hat-trick with a powerful shot after running across West Ham's box. The
Hammers fell apart and, after Reid shot home, referee Martin Atkinson's
final whistle was all that could end their misery.

Nottingham Forest manager Billy Davies: "I think someone was waiting to be
hit for four or five here. Our play has been very good and we created a host
of chances, I'm delighted with the way we played. "I have to say we know
[West Ham boss] Sam Allardyce has bigger fish to fry... We know he has
injuries like ourselves. "But before the game we were concerned, because in
[Stewart] Downing and [Matt] Jarvis, [Modibo] Maiga and [Ravel] Morrison
they had £20m of talent in the front four. We had to make sure we were up
for the game, I wish I had £20m worth of front players because they have
very good players."

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Sam Allardyce: West Ham owners knew of FA Cup team changes
BBC.co.uk

West Ham manager Sam Allardyce says he informed the club's owners of the
changes he was planning for the FA Cup third round tie at Nottingham Forest.
Allardyce made nine changes from the New Year's Day Premier League defeat by
Fulham, including three debutants. Two players also made debuts from the
bench as a youthful side were thrashed 5-0 by the Championship outfit. "I
made them (David Gold and David Sullivan) aware of what would happen," said
Allardyce. "I'm not in the position to go and do these things without
telling everybody internally what is planned for the next few games." West
Ham are second-from-bottom of the Premier League after only one top-flight
win in their last 13 games. They also have a lengthy injury list, with Andy
Carroll, Riacrdo Vaz Te, James Tomkins, James Collins, Winston Reid and Mark
Noble sidelined. Captain Kevin Nolan is also unavailable as he serves a
four-game suspension after his sending off at Craven Cottage. With a Capital
One Cup semi-final first-leg tie at Manchester City on Wednesday and league
game at fellow strugglers Cardiff on Saturday, Allardyce said he had little
choice in the team he picked for the FA Cup. "My hands are tied behind my
back every time I see what's available and the team is almost picking
itself," he said. "It's a disaster at the moment, a total disaster and in
certain areas we've not been able to cope. "My priorities meant I put too
many youngsters in and they were not able to withstand Forest's pressure in
the last half an hour. "I picked the team so it is my responsibility. You
know what my priorities are: the priorities are the Premier League first and
then Capital One Cup."

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Allardyce defends Cup policy
KUMB.com
Filed: Sunday, 5th January 2014
By: Staff Writer

Sam Allardyce says that he fielded a seriously weakened team at Nottingham
Forest this afternoon in order to protect his senior players ahead of
Wednesday night's Capital One Cup semi final, first leg at Manchester City.
Allardyce - along with almost 3,000 embarrassed travelling supporters -
watched his team thrashed 5-0 by the Championship side before insisting that
he had very little choice in the matter, given West Ham's busy programme of
fixtures and his chronic shortage of fully fit, first team players. "My
experience told me to play the young players today to protect the players
I've got fit at the moment to play in the Capital One Cup semi final," he
told 5-Live's Rob Nothman. "It's a very difficult period for us all and
nobody knows more than I do how important it is and what it means to
everybody - myself included. "But I have to keep professional, I have to
keep focused on what is the right thing to do - not just for the next game
but for the next few games that are coming up and manage that situation to
make sure we've got the best chance for Wednesday and at Cardiff after."

Allardyce also praised his young debutants for their efforts today, but
conceded that they ran out of steam as the game progressed. "The sad thing
is, after an hour I thought they were showing a reasonable understanding of
how the game has to be played against a very strong Championship side here
at Forest," he said. "It was looking like we may get back in the game at
1-0 as we had some chances, but when the second goal went in they lost their
shape, they lost their desire to defend correctly and they chased the game -
and when you chase a game, you very rarely get in back. "What they did was
leave themselves too open and allow Forest to score at will in the final
part of the game, which was a shame considering how well some of them had
done up to the hour. But the game is 90 minutes [long], not 60."

Eight Games In 32 Days: Big Sam's January Backlog

Weds, 1st Jan: Fulham (a) 1-2
Sun, 5th Jan: Nottingham Forest (a) 0-5
Weds, 8th Jan: Manchester City (a)
Sat, 11th Jan: Cardiff City (a)
Sat, 18th Jan: Newcastle United (h)
Tues, 21st Jan: Manchester City (h)
Weds, 29th Jan: Chelsea (a)
Sat, 1st Feb: Swansea (h)

Injury Outlook: Return Dates

James Tomkins: Fit for Man City or Cardiff
James Collins: Fit for Man City or Cardiff
Ricardo Vaz Te: Mid-to-late January
Andy Carroll: Mid-to-late January
Winston Reid: Early-to-mid February

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Jamie Paterson hits a hat-trick in Nottingham Forest's 5-0 rout of West Ham
Last Updated: 05/01/14 9:00pm
SSN

Jamie Paterson notched a quick-fire second-half hat-trick as Nottingham
Forest beat an under-strength West Ham 5-0 to dump them out of the FA Cup.
Djamel Abdoun put the Championship side ahead via the penalty spot in the
12th minute after George Moncur had fouled Paterson in the box. Paterson
slotted home on 65, 71 and 79 minutes and Andy Reid scored in injury-time to
see their side easily progress to the fourth round. Sam Allardyce faces
fresh questions over his future as West Ham manager as his unrecognisable
side were routed. While Forest's win might go down in some quarters as a cup
upset, once the team-sheets were announced the bookmakers had already
installed the hosts as odds-on favourites. Allardyce, with injury and
suspension problems and a Capital One Cup semi-final in midweek, handed out
a total of five debuts, three from the start and two more off the bench,
among nine changes to his team. It was a gamble that backfired horribly as
the relegation-battling Hammers simply had their confidence further
assaulted by lower-league opposition. The young rookies - Seb Lletget, Danny
Whitehead, Callum Driver, Reece Burke and Blair Turgott - can hardly be
blamed for the humbling result, but Allardyce may not be as lucky. His
future may detract slightly from Paterson's efforts, but it should not -
with the winger winning his side's spot-kick and then converting three fine
goals of his own. The opener came after just 12 minutes as Paterson beat
Moncur with some neat footwork before being tripped by the midfielder.
Referee Martin Atkinson pointed to the spot and Abdoun dinked the ball down
the middle with a cheeky finish.

Experienced players

West Ham's most experienced players were stationed on either wing, with
captain-for-the-day Stewart Downing left and Matt Jarvis right. The Hammers
looked for the pair with every attack and in the 23rd minute, the visitors
went close to levelling. Reid's foul gave Ravel Morrison a chance to test
his free-kick skills from 20 yards out and his bending shot would have crept
under the crossbar had Karl Darlow not responded with a fine save. At the
other end, there was a big penalty appeal soon after when Driver went in
hard on Greg Halford as he looked to convert from close range, but the
defender got a piece of the ball. Regardless, West Ham were clinging on -
goalkeeper Adrian tested first by Jamaal Lascelles' long-ranger and then by
Halford's downward header. Three minutes before the break, Forest missed two
more chances to double the lead. Reid's clever through-ball deserved a
better finish than Eric Lichaj could provide and, when Adrian's save came
back out, Henri Lansbury shot over from an inviting position. After the
break, Downing's shot deflected over and Whitehead followed up with a wild
attempt of his own. Allardyce threw on more youth, handing debuts to Burke
and Turgott and also sending on Mathias Fanimo. The visitors might have
equalised before the hour mark had it not been for Darlow, who saved low
from Lletget while unsighted and stood firm to Morrison's near-post drive.
That was as good as it got, though, with the game ended as a contest on 65
minutes when Halford held the ball up well before teeing up Paterson to find
the bottom corner. Paterson's second came just six minutes later as West
Ham's frailties continued to be exposed. Lansbury played creator this time,
squaring the ball for Paterson, who stroked home confidently with a
first-time effort. By now, Forest were all over their opponents - Lansbury,
Paterson and Abdoun taking turns to torture their young markers. Paterson's
hat-trick duly arrived and there was one final insult when Reid smashed home
Abdoun's lay-off in injury time, leaving West Ham thoroughly humbled and
with plenty to ponder.

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham's Sam Allardyce admits there could be repercussions after loss
Last Updated: 05/01/14 4:05pm
SSN

West Ham boss Sam Allardyce is looking ahead but he admits there could be
repercussions after he saw his youthful side routed 5-0 by Nottingham Forest
in the FA Cup. Allardyce made nine changes for the third-round tie at the
City Ground, handing debuts to three rookies in his starting XI and two more
from the bench. But the move backfired as Jamie Paterson notched a
quick-fire second-half hat-trick - sandwiched between a Djamel Abdoun
penalty and Andy Reid's injury-time effort - as Forest progressed to the
fourth round. Asked if he expected repercussions from the club's co-owners
David Gold and David Sullivan, he said: "There might be, who knows? It's
their decision, not mine. "I'm not saying it won't happen unless I start to
get results. I have got to get results, I know that. "But I made them (Gold
and Sullivan) aware of what would happen today because I'm not in the
position to go and do these things without telling everybody internally what
is planned for the next few games."

No apologies

Allardyce made no apologies for his decision to place the trip to Nottingham
down the pecking order, saying: "My priorities meant I put too many
youngsters in and they were not able to withstand Forest's pressure in the
last half an hour. "I picked the team so it is my responsibility. You know
what my priorities are: the priorities are the Premier League first and then
Capital One Cup (semi-final against Manchester City). "It's leg one on
Wednesday and we need to get back to the second leg with an opportunity to
get to Wembley and then get some points at Cardiff. "My hands are tied
behind my back every time I see what's available and the team is almost
picking itself. It's a disaster at the moment, a total disaster and in
certain areas we've not been able to cope."

The Hammers' most pressing concerns at present are in defence, where there
are several injuries and - on this evidence - few ready to take up the
mantle.
The January transfer window may help with that and Allardyce confirmed he
was interested in, though not confident, of a move for Manchester City's
Joleon Lescott. "I don't know if Joleon is available, but if it is possible
I would like to get him," he confirmed.

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
NOTTINGHAM FOREST 5 WEST HAM 0 - STUFFED, HUMILIATED & MAULED
By Iain Dale 5 Jan 2014 at 13:53
West Ham Till I Die

As my LBC colleague Steve Allen would say, "Dreadful, Ladies & Gentlemen,
Dreadful". What a way to go out of the FA Cup. It was Nottingham Forest who
looked like a Premier League side. We looked like a League One side at best.
And for the most part, I don't blame the West Ham players at all. I blame
one man.

Sam Allardyce.

It wasn't the fact that he played far too many inexperienced players. It was
the fact that he played them in an unfamiliar formation and played several
of them in positions they have never played before. Since when did Daniel
Potts play as a centre back? Callum Driver is a full back, not a centre
back. Dan Whitehead is a deep playing midfielder. In this game he seemed to
be playing a forward attacking role alongside the totally anonymous Modibo
Maiga.

Where was Jack Collison? Where was Matt Taylor? That's just to name two. Joe
Cole and Mo Diame could have done with runouts for at least part of the
match.

The first teamers who played hardly covered themselves with glory. Ravel
Morrison looks a shadow of the player who started the season. Jarvis and
Downing created very little and Maiga, well, what's the point? After his
last game he should have taken this game by the scruff of the neck, yet he
was totally anonymous. Funnily enough Adrian did quite well and you could
only really blame him in any way for one of the goals.

Of the young players I thought Callum Driver did really well, and Blair
Turgott had a couple of great shots and runs late on. For the others it was
largely a day they ought to want to remember, but probably will want to
forget.

This was a humiliation, a mauling, a stuffing. I wanted to cower behind my
sofa. If I had traveled up to Nottingham and paid £30 to watch that I think
I'd want my money back. I wrote this before Sam Allardyce has given his post
match interview. God alone knows how he can explain this one. If he for one
moment blames 'the kids' then he's finished as far as I am concerned. He
needs to take 100% of the blame for playing the wrong players in the wrong
formation. But he won't. He'll blame injuries. He'll blame the number of
games. Anyone but the real culprit. Himself.

I'll finish odd by paying tribute to Nottingham Forest. They were fantastic
mainly because they were allowed to be. They clearly couldn't believe their
luck. Jamie Patterson was superb and deserved his hattrick, and the
evergreen Andy Reid had a brilliant game too. Well done to them.

As for us. If we lose 5-0 to Nottingham Forest, just imagine what Manchester
City will do to us on Wednesday.

Knowing us we'll probably win that.

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Sam Allardyce says situation at West Ham is a DISASTER after 5-0 mauling by
Nottingham Forest
Jan 05, 2014 17:46 By Liam Prenderville 4 Comments
The Mirror

The Hammers are already struggling in the league and after being dumped out
of the FA Cup, Allardyce accepts there could be repercussions for his future
Dejected: Allardyce watches his young players get dismantled at
ForestDejected: Allardyce watches his young players get dismantled at
ForestIan Walton
West Ham United manager Sam Allardyce accepts the current situation at Upton
Park is a "disaster" following the 5-0 FA Cup humiliation against Nottingham
Forest. A number of injuries and suspensions led to the Hammers' boss making
nine changes for the trip to the City Ground - as the Premier League
strugglers were thumped by their Championship opponents. And Allardyce
accepts things are currently at an all-time low at Upton Park - as the
problems continue to mount. He said: "My hands are tied behind my back every
time I see what's available and the team is almost picking itself. "It's a
disaster at the moment, a total disaster and in certain areas we've not been
able to cope."

The defeat compiles the misery for Allardyce - who is now under immense
pressure - with the club sliding perilously to 19th in the Premier League
table, following a run of seven games without a win. Co-owners David Gold
and David Sullivan are unlikely to act immediately but their hand could well
be forced - should the Hammers fail to pick up in the coming weeks -
something which Allardyce is well aware of. Asked if he expected
repercussions, he said: "There might be, who knows? It's their decision, not
mine. "I'm not saying it won't happen unless I start to get results. I have
got to get results, I know that."

Injuries and suspensions led to the West Ham manager handing debuts to
several of the club's youngsters - including Seb Lletget, Danny Whitehead
and Callum Driver - as his second string were thumped by the Reds. And with
a Capital One Cup semi-final against Manchester City coming up this week,
Allardyce admits his priorities ultimately lay away from this afternoon's
encounter. The 59-year-old said: "What choice did I have? I don't think I
had one. "I make the decisions for benefit of everyone at the football club.
We have a huge amount of problems in terms of available players. "I picked
the team so it's my responsibility. You know what my priorities are: the
priorities are the Premier League first and then Capital One Cup."

His problems have not been helped by the failure to sign Everton defender
John Heitinga - with the Dutchman rejecting a move to Upton Park last week.
Allardyce has made no secret of his desire to improve his defence this month
and earmarked Manchester City's out-of-favour man Joleon Lescott as a
potential acquisition. He added: "I don't know if Joleon is available, but
if it is possible, I would like to get him."

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham eye move for Joleon Lescott
Last Updated: 05/01/14 7:38pm
SSN

West Ham United have made an approach for Manchester City defender Joleon
Lescott. Sky Sports understands that in a similar deal to that for Everton's
John Heitinga, who turned down a move to Upton Park earlier this week, West
Ham are willing to take over the remaining six months of Lescott's deal,
with an additional two years on top. Turkish outfit Besiktas have previously
claimed that they are hopeful of landing the England international, who is
keen to secure regular first team football ahead of the summer's World Cup.
Now West Ham are looking to entice Lescott to East London, and help bolster
their relegation battle.

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Sam Allardyce: FA Cup gamble won't cost me West Ham job
Sunday 5 Jan 2014 8:27 pm
Metro.co.uk

Sam Allardyce does not think his selection gamble in the FA Cup humiliation
at Nottingham Forest will cost him his job as West Ham manager. Allardyce
made nine changes for the third round tie, with debuts to three rookies in
his starting XI and two more from the bench. His youthful side were thrashed
with Jamie Paterson scoring a superb second-half hat-trick for Forest in
between Djamel Abdoun's penalty and Andy Reid's late goal. But with a
lengthy injury list, Allardyce insisted co-owners David Gold and David
Sullivan were fully aware of his plans to prioritise Wednesday's Capital One
Cup semi-final with Manchester City and Premier League survival. Asked if he
expected repercussions from his team selection, he said: 'There might be,
who knows? It's their decision, not mine. 'I'm not saying it won't happen
unless I start to get results. I have got to get results, I know that. 'But
I made them aware of what would happen today because I'm not in the position
to go and do these things without telling everybody internally what is
planned.' Seven games without a win have seen the Hammers drop to
second-bottom in the league and Allardyce added: 'My priorities meant I put
too many youngsters in and they were not able to withstand Forest's pressure
in the last half an hour. 'My hands are tied and the team is almost picking
itself. It's a disaster at the moment and in certain areas we've not been
able to cope.'

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham appeal to find fan forced to tears following Forest capitulation...
and offer him chance to watch another Hammers fixture in the director's box
By ELLIOTT BRETLAND
PUBLISHED: 21:54, 5 January 2014 | UPDATED: 21:54, 5 January 2014
Daily Mail

West Ham have offered one young supporter and his family the chance to watch
a future match in the club's director's box after the fan was spotted crying
by TV cameras during the Hammers' 5-0 drubbing at the hands of Nottingham
Forest in the FA Cup third round. Sam Allardyce's side suffered a deflating
defeat away to the Championship outfit on Sunday and it was too much to take
for some supporters. A statement on West Ham's official website read:
'Sunday afternoon's defeat at Nottingham Forest was tough for all to take,
but particularly for one tearful young man in the away end.'Everyone at West
Ham United shares this young man's disappointment and are grateful for the
large numbers of fans that made the trip to the City Ground.' 'To show the
Club's appreciation for the travelling Claret and Blue army, the Board,
manager and captain would like to offer this young fan and his family a
chance to watch an upcoming fixture at the Boleyn Ground from the Directors'
Box.' The east Londoners travelled to Nottinghamshire with a depleted squad
and were deservedly beaten - Forest frontman Jamie Paterson scored a
14-minute second-half hat-trick while wideman Djamel Abdoun and Andy Reid
also got their names on the scoresheet.
West Ham, who travel to Cardiff next Saturday, currently sit 19th in the
Premier League table, three points from safety, and have lost four and drawn
two of their last six fixtures.

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West Ham enter race for Defoe's signature as Hammers eye loan move to boost
survival hopes
PUBLISHED: 22:59, 4 January 2014 | UPDATED: 19:33, 5 January 2014
Daily Mail

West Ham will enter the race for England striker Jermain Defoe if Spurs let
him leave this month. Hammers owners David Sullivan and David Gold are
prepared to bankroll a move for a proven Premier League goalscorer such as
Defoe, 31, to help in their relegation battle. A loan would be the most
likely option as they will not want to commit to a permanent deal until they
know which division they will be playing in next season. Defoe, who spent
five years with West Ham, needs to play to boost his World Cup hopes and
will talk to his manager Tim Sherwood about his prospects at Tottenham. A
move to Toronto is not sealed and QPR's interest will come to nothing if
Defoe is offered Premier League football elsewhere.

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