Big Sam named Manager of the Month
WHUFC.com
Sam Allardyce has been named Barclays Manager of the Month for February
14.03.2014
West Ham United manager Sam Allardyce has been named as the Barclays Premier
League Manager of the Month for February. The Hammers enjoyed a perfect
February, winning four games from four and rising eight places in the league
table to move away from the bottom three and into the top half. Big Sam's
team were in fine form at both ends of the pitch, hitting the back of the
net nine times in the month, while Adrian's goal was breached only once -
and even that came in vain for Southampton as the Hammers came roaring back
to win 3-1. The 59-year-old becomes the first West Ham boss to land the
prize since Alan Pardew in February 2006 and he was delighted to collect the
trophy at the Club's Chadwell Heath training base. He said: "It's a
fantastic time to win this award and of course the players and the staff
take as much credit as I do, because that month of February was so needed by
everybody who supports West Ham and who works at West Ham because of the
predicament we found ourselves in. "I always said that when we overcame our
injuries we would put things right and we couldn't have done any better than
winning every game in February. "To win this fantastic award from Barclays,
I appreciate it myself and on behalf of everybody else at West Ham."
Before February began, a glance at the fixture list and the clearing
treatment room suggested that West Ham's results would improve with three
home matches and a trip to mid-table Aston Villa. But was even Big Sam
surprised to see his team produce a run of four straight victories? "I think
we were, because statistically we had not won back-to-back Barclays Premier
League games in our time back, then we managed to do it and carry it on into
four wins on the trot and five wins out of six. "The only blip in the middle
was losing to to Newcastle at home. February was a fantastic month but
unfortunately we lost by the odd goal at Everton at the start of March. Even
though we lost that game, we want to make this month a good one as well."
West Ham's perfect February began with a 2-0 victory over Swansea City.
Kevin Nolan and Andy Carroll rekindled their fruitful partnership to
devastating effect, as the Hammers No9 laid on both goals for his skipper.
West Ham's joy was tempered slightly by Carroll's harsh red card, but they
were to overcome his loss with three more winning performances in the month.
Next up were Aston Villa, and another Nolan brace - with both goals coming
within three minutes of the start of the second period - was enough to give
the Hammers their first back-to-back Premier League wins since their return
to the top flight in 2012.
2-0 was becoming a familiar scoreline for Big Sam and his team, with Norwich
City becoming the latest team to be defeated by that margin in the third
game of February. The Canaries proved a tough nut to crack until James
Collins' 84th-minute header broke the deadlock. Mo Diame sealed the victory
in stoppage time.
West Ham then completed a clean sweep of wins for February by recovering
from a goal down to defeat Southampton 3-1 with Matt Jarvis, Carlton Cole
and Nolan on target.
A West Ham manager has only claimed this honour three times since the
inception of the Premier League in 1992, with Pardew's 2006 success
following awards for Harry Redknapp in November 1998 and Glenn Roeder in
March 2003. Big Sam has enjoyed more success, however, with the latest
honour meaning he has now been named Premier League Manager of the Month on
five occasions - only Sir Alex Ferguson, Arsene Wenger, David Moyes, Martin
O'Neill, Harry Redknapp, Rafael Benitez and Bobby Robson have been more
prolific.
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Stoke City match preview
WHUFC.com
All the need-to-know information ahead of Saturday's Barclays Premier League
match against Stoke City
14.03.2014
STOKE CITY v WEST HAM UNITED
BARCLAYS PREMIER LEAGUE
SATURDAY 15 MARCH 2014
KICK-OFF: 3PM
REFEREE: CRAIG PAWSON
FULL AUDIO COMMENTARY - WEST HAM TV
TWITTER I FACEBOOK I iPHONE APP I YOUTUBE I PROGRAMME I BIG SAM
Introduction
. West Ham United return to Barclays Premier League action away to Stoke
City on Saturday as they look to get back to winning ways following a 1-0
defeat against Everton at Goodison Park last time out.
. Romelu Lukaku's late goal inflicted the Hammers' first defeat in over a
month, since a 3-1 loss at home to Newcastle on 18 January.
. Four straight wins in February, including an away success against Aston
Villa, combined with a draw against Chelsea, meant Sam Allardyce's side had
gone five matches without defeat before their trip to Merseyside.
. The Club's fine form over the course of February means they head to the
Britannia Stadium in tenth position in the Premier League, two places above
Stoke although the two clubs are level on 31 points.
. On the Hammers' last trip to play the Potters, a single goal from Jack
Collison was enough to secure all three points and end a run of five
consecutive away defeats.
. Stoke are now under the guidance of Mark Hughes, who saw his team emerge
victorious at the Boleyn Ground back in August courtesy of Jermaine
Pennant's free-kick.
. The Potters have been hard to beat of late, losing only once in their last
six league matches, the loss coming in the shape of a 1-0 defeat to
Manchester City at the Etihad Stadium.
. Hughes' side have also won two of their last three home matches, earning
impressive victories against Manchester United and more recently Arsenal in
their last home outing.
. Jonathan Walters netted a penalty as Stoke earned a 1-1 draw away to
Norwich City in their last Premier League match, before he was later
sent-off.
. The Hammers' next Premier League goal will be their 800th at that level.
In the games the notched all the previous century milestones, they have
remained unbeaten.
Team news
West Ham United
. Joey O'Brien is the Hammers' only long-term injury absentee as he
continues his recovery from the dislocated shoulder he suffered against
Chelsea in January.
. Marco Borriello will also miss out on Saturday after failing to recover
from a calf injury to face the Potters.
Stoke City
. Jonathan Walters will miss Saturday's clash after picking up a red card
against Norwich City last weekend.
Last time out
Norwich City 1-1 Stoke City
Barclays Premier League
8 March 2014
Stoke City: Begovic, Cameron, Pieters, Whelan, Shawcross, Wilson, Odemwingie
(Guidetti 63) (Ireland 80), N'Zonzi, Crouch, Walters, Arnautovic
(Etherington 74)
Subs not used: Muniesa, Palacios, Wilkinson, Sorensen
Goals: Walters pen 73
Sent-off: Walters
Everton 1-0 West Ham United
Barclays Premier League
1 March 2014
West Ham United: Adrian, Demel (Reid 80), McCartney, Collins, Tomkins,
Taylor, Noble, Nolan (c), Downing, Jarvis (Diame 66), C.Cole (Carroll 29)
Subs: Jaaskelainen, Armero, J.Cole, Nocerino
Previous meeting
A superb free-kick from Jermaine Pennant lit up a tight game that was short
of quality at both ends of the pitch until the winger struck with eight
minutes left. Pennant had only been on the pitch for six minutes when he
bent a powerful free-kick around the wall and past the helpless Jussi
Jaaskelainen to give the Potters all three points.
West Ham United 0-1 Stoke City
Barclays Premier League
31 August 2013
West Ham United: Jaaskelainen, Demel, Collins, Reid, O'Brien, Noble
(Collison 84), Nolan, Diame (Lee 88), Downing (Morrison 64), Maiga, Jarvis
Subs not used: Adrian, Tomkins, Rat Taylor
Stoke City: Begovic, Cameron, Shawcross, Huth, Pieters, Wilson, N'Zonzi,
Etherington (Pennant 76), Adam (Whelan 76), Walters, Jones
Subs not used: Sorensen, Muniesa, Crouch, Assaidi, Jerome
Goals: Pennant 82
Head to head
Last six meetings (Premier League unless stated)
31 August 2013 - West Ham United 0-1 Stoke City
2 March 2013 - Stoke City 0-1 West Ham United
19 November 2012 - West Ham United 1-1 Stoke City
13 March 2011 - Stoke City 2-1 West Ham United (FA Cup sixth round)
5 March 2011 - West Ham United 3-0 Stoke City
27 October 2010 - West Ham United 3-1 Stoke City (Carling Cup fourth round)
Overall record v Stoke City (all competitions) W 36 D 21 L 32
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 Championship 4th (74 points)
Stoke City
2012/13 Premier League 13th (42 points)
2011/12 Premier League 14th (45 points)
2010/11 Premier League 13th (46 points)
2009/10 Premier League 11th (47 points)
2008/09 Premier League 12th (45 points)
2007/08 Championship 2nd (79 points - promoted to the Premier League)
2006/07 Championship 8th (73 points)
2005/06 Championship 13th (58 points)
2004/05 Championship 12th (61 points)
2003/04 Division One 11th (66 points)
Background
. West Ham United have played Stoke City on 89 occasions with the Hammers
prevailing in 36 encounters, drawing 21 and losing 32 to the Potters.
. The first meeting between the pair came on 16 December 1911 at Stoke's
Victoria Ground. The home side emerged as 4-3 winners despite West Ham goals
from Thomas Randall and two from William Kennedy.
. West Ham's first victory against the Potters came just over a year later
on 25 December 1912 when they recorded a thumping 5-0 win at the Boleyn
Ground in a Southern League encounter.
. The two sides did battle again just a day later on Boxing Day 1912, with
the Hammers earning their first ever win at the Victoria Ground thanks to a
single goal from Danny Shea.
. On 29 March 1958 the Hammers recorded their biggest away win against Stoke
City in a Division Two clash. West Ham ran out resounding 4-1 winners thanks
to a brace from Vic Keeble and goals from Mike Grice and John Dick.
. The Hammers last visit to Stoke City back on 2 March 2013 ended in a 1-0
success thanks to Jack Collison's strike on the stroke of half-time.
Referee
. The man in the middle at the Britannia Stadium on Saturday afternoon will
be Craig Pawson.
. 34-year-old Pawson will be taking charge of his first West Ham United
match this season, but was the fourth official when the Hammers beat
Tottenham Hotspur at White Hart Lane back in October 2013.
. The official has been a referee since 1993, working his way up to the
Football League where he began refereeing in 2012/13.
. Lee Betts and John Brooks will assist Pawson, while Michael Oliver will be
the fourth official.
General information
. Both sets of players will don Sport Relief t-shirts during the pre-match
warm-ups to show their support for the charity.
. The weather forecast for Saturday is cloudy with temperatures around 10C
(50F).
. The Club have SOLD OUT their full allocation of tickets for the fixture.
. If you're travelling to Stoke by train on the weekend, click here for
travel updates.
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Nolan pleased by Big Sam honour
WHUFC.com
Kevin Nolan feels Sam Allardyce's Manager of the Month prize was fully
deserved
14.03.2014
West Ham United skipper Kevin Nolan was thrilled to see manager Sam
Allardyce pick up the Barclays Premier League Manager of the Month award for
February. The Hammers won all four games in the month, with Nolan playing a
starring role by scoring five goals and earning a subsequent nomination for
Premier League Player of the Month. Nolan notched braces against Swansea
City and Aston Villa, as well as scoring an acrobatic effort against
Southampton - a goal which scooped the whufc.com Goal of the Month. He was
delighted with the award-laden month, but has quickly switched his focus to
maintaining the Hammers' good form when they travel to Stoke City on
Saturday. "It's a deserved honour for the gaffer," he said. "It was a
fantastic achievement by us as a whole squad and team, and that's including
the staff as we count us all as one. "It was a fantastic February. The late
goal at Everton put a bit of a dent in that but it's well-earned and
deserved by the gaffer and hopefully now March is going to go similarly well
for us. We want to get another good few wins under our belts and get another
run going. "It's always nice when you get a little accolade, but I'm
delighted to be able to contribute to the team in a positive way after a
tricky four or five weeks. "I actually thought the first goal against
Swansea was better than the Southampton one, but I'm sure that's just
because people think I'm getting old now so that's why they went for the
overhead kick. I've been around for a while but I am still only 31!"
West Ham's last two meetings with Stoke have been tight affairs, with a
single goal settling the game in either side's favour and Nolan expects
Saturday's
match to be no different. "They're all tight ones now," he explained. "We've
got to keep positive, keep playing the way we are and go there with a lot of
confidence because I thought we deserved something out of the game at
Everton. If we put a performance like that out there at Stoke, I'm sure we
can come back with a good, positive result. "I think Mark Hughes has gone in
and tried to change the way they play and what they do now. It's a different
type of Stoke to play these days. It's still hard and they're still tough
boys who are still hungry to win games. "It's going to be interesting and
I'm really looking forward to it. We've got something to avenge because we
were really poor against Stoke at home this season. We've got a near-full
squad for this one, going to what is a difficult place but we're really
confident that we can get something."
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Bywater eager for more goals
WHUFC.com
Kieran Bywater admits he is eager to add to his excellent goal tally against
Leicester City on Saturday
14.03.2014
Kieran Bywater is keen to add another goal to his tally when the Under-18s
journey to Leicester City in the Barclays U18 Premier League on Saturday.
The free-scoring midfielder struck the opener in a 3-0 demolition of London
rivals Arsenal as the U18s recorded their sixth straight victory last time
out. While his shot may have benefited from a sizable deflection, the goal
still goes down as Bywater's 17th of the season and the 18-year-old has set
his sights on more strikes in the immediate future. He told West Ham TV:
"I'm looking to get as many goals as I can from now until the end of the
season. For the team, it helps massively if I'm getting assists as well. "My
goal at the weekend was a good one to get, although it did take a massive
deflection but you've got to be in those situations to score goals. "At the
beginning of the season I set myself a target of 15 goals and now that I've
surpassed that, I just want to keep pushing on. I want to keep scoring and
hopefully I can push on into the Under-21s."
Bywater's goals have undoubtedly been a factor in Steve Potts' sides rise to
second in the league table, but the team's miserly defence have also been
attracting plaudits. Just once has Sam Howes had to pick the ball out of his
own net in the last six matches, and U18s captain Bywater feels the whole
team has played their part in the defensive effort. "We're in good form at
the minute and we're managing to get good results as well. A lot of credit
goes to the defenders as we've kept a lot of clean sheets recently. "All the
lads, from the front to the back, all the players have added to the
defensive unit. The defenders obviously take great credit for the great
defensive record that we have. "Six wins on the bounce is very good form so
everyone is just concentrating on the next game and not thinking about the
previous games as we build up to playing Leicester on Saturday."
The young Hammers have already enjoyed success over the Foxes this season,
scoring a 2-1 win at Little Heath back in December 2013. On that day Bywater
scored the winner, as well as assisting the first goal, and he feels
confident of helping the U18s to another victory against their opponents,
but admits it will be a tough game. "It was quite a tight game last time,
they defended in numbers and tried to play on the counter-attack and I think
we've got to be prepared for that again. "They're at home this time so it
could be a different game, but we'll just have to try and exert our game on
them and hopefully get a good performance and another win. "The lads are
just focused on winning games at the moment. We're just concentrating on
getting the wins at the moment and not many of the lads pay much attention
to the league table at present. We know we're doing well so we've just got
to keep winning games and performing well."
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New date announced for Arsenal
WHUFC.com
West Ham United will now travel to Arsenal on Tuesday 15 April, kick-off
7.45pm
14.03.2014
West Ham United's away Barclays Premier League game at Arsenal will now be
played on Tuesday 15 April with a 7.45pm kick-off. The game was originally
scheduled for Sunday 13 April, but the new date had to be found due to the
Gunners' involvement in the FA Cup with Budweiser semi-finals 24 hours
previously. Ticketing information for this fixture will be announced in due
course on whufc.com
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Taylor eyes Potters points
WHUFC.com
Matt Taylor is keen for a repeat of the Hammers' last trip to Stoke City on
Saturday afternoon
14.03.2014
Matt Taylor is hoping that history will repeat itself on Saturday when West
Ham United journey to the Britannia Stadium to play Stoke City in the
Barclays Premier League. The midfielder has little memory of last season's
1-0 victory against the Potters, after coming off worse in a collision with
Peter Crouch's boot which resulted in his removal from the game after just
ten minutes. His replacement that day, Jack Collison, struck the only goal
of the game to give the Hammers all three points and Taylor is hoping for a
similar outcome this time around. He told West Ham TV: "We want to go up
there and try to reproduce the performance we gave last year, obviously not
for me personally as I think I lasted about eight minutes before I got
carried off. "It's going to be an extremely difficult game, Mark Hughes has
got them playing very well, very resolute in defence and they've also got
goalscorers so it will be a difficult game. "All we can do is try and
replicate the performances we have done away from home recently and we'll
give ourselves a good chance of picking up some points."
Taylor and his teammates head into Saturday's clash on the back of their
first defeat in five league matches, with a late Romelu Lukaku strike
proving to be their downfall last time out. Defeat at Goodison Park came
after four straight wins and according to Taylor the loss has done little to
damage the confidence built by their recent run of good form. "The mood's
good, obviously we're all disappointed that we didn't pick up anything at
Everton but the boys are in good spirits. "We're arguably in the best form
of our season so far, we probably didn't cover ourselves in glory up at
Everton, but having said that, we should have come away with a result which
we didn't do. "We were resolute in defence, but probably didn't offer enough
in attack and that's something which I'm sure we'll be working to improve
that and hopefully we can put in an attacking performance against Stoke on
Saturday."
The aforementioned wins against Swansea City, Aston Villa, Norwich City and
Southampton helped put the Hammers into the top ten, a position they hold
going into this weekend's fixtures. Taylor believes the run has helped the
confidence come flooding back to the Hammers, but insists there is more work
to be done from now until the end of the season. "It gives you momentum,
winning games, scoring goals, it does give you confidence. Confidence is key
in any sport, especially in football. "The team's playing well, the team
spirit's fantastic and we've picked up some good results, but you can't go
through a year and pick places where you're going to get results, that's not
the way the Premier League works. "You need to respect every team that you
play against and you need to go into every game believing you can win. That
goes for playing against Manchester United or Hull or Sunderland or anyone
else that you're playing. "We've got to do that, and if we do then I believe
we'll pick up more points than we lose towards the end of the season."
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Six of the Best: Stoke City
WHUFC.com
The Official Website recounts six memorable wins against Stoke City ahead of
Saturday's clash
14.03.2014
This weekend West Ham United visit the Britannia Stadium, home of Stoke City
and a ground where the Hammers have enjoyed some good results over past
decades. Sam Allardyce's side will be looking to bounce back from a 1-0
defeat away to Everton last time out with a win at a ground where they have
lost just twice on their last ten visits.
Here, whufc.com takes a look at six memorable away wins against the Potters.
Stoke City 0-1 West Ham United
Premier League
2 March 2014
Jack Collison was on hand to end a run of five straight defeats as the
Hammers secured a narrow win at the Britannia Stadium. The midfielder was on
as a tenth minute substitute as the Hammers were forced into an early
reshuffle due to Matt Taylor's injury. Ricardo Vaz Te also replaced the
injured Joe Cole just a minute after Collison's introduction and the
substitutes combined to create the only goal of the game. The Welsh
midfielder slotted the ball into the bottom left-hand corner after being
found by Vaz Te, to give the visitors a much-needed three points.
Stoke City 0-2 West Ham United
Division One
24 April 2004
West Ham picked up a second straight win as their promotion push gathered
pace towards the end of the 2003/04 season. The Hammers put fresh impetus
into their challenge with goals from strike duo David Connolly and Marlon
Harewood. Irishman Connolly netted the opener after 39 minutes, before
Harewood doubled the lead with a crucial second goal with 59 minutes played.
A fourth place finish saw the Hammers beat Ipswich Town in the play-off
semi-final before they suffered heartbreak in the final against Crystal
Palace, suffering a 1-0 loss.
Stoke City 2-4 West Ham United
Division One
20 October 1984
John Lyall took his West Ham side to the Victoria Ground in 1984, just seven
days after watching his team take a 5-1 thrashing at the hands of Manchester
United. The Hammers manager got the perfect response from his players after
their defeat to the Red Devils, with goals from Paul Allen, Paul Goddard and
Tony Cottee doing the damage. Home defender George Berry also put through
his own net as the Potters lost out in a six-goal thriller. Stoke would
later find themselves shipping five goals to the Hammers at the Boleyn
Ground as the season drew to a close, with Billy Bonds scoring twice that
day.
Stoke City 1-2 West Ham United
Division One
16 August 1975
A week after losing the Charity Shield to Derby County at Wembley, West Ham
kicked off their league campaign with a strong 2-1 win against Stoke City.
Alan Taylor - the man who scored twice in the previous season's FA Cup final
to win the trophy for the Hammers - was again on the scoresheet at the
Victoria Ground as the visitors took all three points. Bobby Gould also
grabbed himself a goal to kick the season off in style for the Hammers.
Stoke City 1-2 West Ham United
League Cup semi-final first leg
8 December 1971
In the first of what would be four instalments between West Ham and Stoke
City in the 1971/71 League Cup semi-final, the Hammers secured a narrow
victory. A goal from Clyde Best and a penalty from Geoff Hurst set the
visitors on their way to a first leg lead to defend in the second leg at the
Boleyn Ground.
In the return fixture, the Potters snatched a 1-0 win to send the game to a
replay. The first replay ended 0-0, meaning the teams would have to do
battle again. Stoke finally prevailed and earned their place in the final
after a 3-2 triumph at Old Trafford, despite goals from Trevor Brooking and
Billy Bonds.
Stoke City 0-3 West Ham United
FA Cup round four
17 February 1968
Ron Greenwood's Hammers swatted Stoke aside as they strode into round five
of the FA Cup with a comprehensive win. West Ham booked their spot in the
next round courtesy of strikes from Geoff Hurst and a double from John
Sissons. Sheffield United were the opponents for the Hammers in round five
but proved too strong, running out 2-1 winners at the Boleyn Ground, with a
goal from Brian Dear the only consolation.
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Stoke v West Ham
KO 15:00
14 March 2014
By Alistair Mann
BBC Match of the Day commentator
BARCLAYS PREMIER LEAGUE
Venue: Britannia Stadium Date: Saturday, 15 March
TEAM NEWS
Stoke are without Jonathan Walters and Charlie Adam, both of whom are
suspended. Long-term absentee Robert Huth will miss the rest of the season
because of a knee injury, while Oussama Assaidi (knee) will be assessed.
West Ham boss Sam Allardyce has not reported any fresh fitness concerns
ahead of Saturday's game. Forward Andy Carroll is set to return to the
starting line-up, but Marco Borriello and Joey O'Brien remain out.
MATCH PREVIEW
In the mini-league to avoid the drop, Stoke City and West Ham are joint top
with only goal difference separating them. In many ways both are inching
closer to as coveted a prize as the title itself - another year in one of
the world's most lucrative divisions. That had begun to look like an
increasingly elusive target only a few weeks ago as both teams ended January
teetering among a pack of equally desperate clubs. "Both of these teams have
got a bit of breathing space between themselves and the bottom three, and
they probably both need two more wins to be sure of staying up." Mark Hughes
had just endured a winless month which ended with defeat at Sunderland - a
loss which seemed to typify their ill fortune when, down to 10 men, their
battling and gutsy display deserved a great deal more than their fourth
defeat in 17 days. Hughes quite rightly insisted that their performances had
not earned the rewards they merited and his sentiment was soon proved right.
Just a few days later they began February with a magnificent win against
Manchester United, their first in the Premier League. They have since been
galvanised, losing just once in six games (at Manchester City), reaching the
30-point mark courtesy of another heartening victory against Arsenal. And
though they continue to earn the vast majority of their points at home, that
formula has been successfully adhered to since they began their Premier
League tenure in 2008. February proved equally as pivotal for the Hammers -
indeed Sam Allardyce has just been named the manager of the month for his
team's 100% success rate. They ended January being likened to a 19th-century
outfit - but 28 days later, with 12 points from their four games, they have
proved they are very much accustomed to the rigours of modern-day football.
Both clubs are now down the home straight towards safety. Whichever side
wins this game will surely feel their season-long mission will be very close
to completion.
MATCH FACTS
Head-to-head
West Ham have lost only one of their last eight league games away to Stoke
(W5, D2, L1).
The last top-flight goalless draw between the sides was in April 1972.
Stoke City
Stoke and West Ham are the two Premier League sides with the fewest headed
goals this season (two apiece).
This will be Mark Hughes' 300th Premier League game as a manager. He will
become the 10th manager to reach that milestone.
The Potters have lost only one of their last six league games (W2, D3, L1).
They have won 24 of their 31 points at the Britannia Stadium, and have
suffered just two defeats at home all season.
Stoke have surrendered 14 points from losing positions this term - only
Norwich and Southampton (15) have worse records.
West Ham United
Defeat at Everton ended the Hammers' four-match winning streak.
West Ham have kept 13 clean sheets - the joint highest total in the Premier
League, along with Chelsea.
They have conceded 15 times in 14 away league games this season - only
Chelsea (13) have a better record.
The Hammers have scored 799 goals in the Premier League.
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Daniel Sturridge & Sam Allardyce win player and manager of month
BBC.co.uk
Liverpool's Daniel Sturridge has won the Barclays Player of the Month award
for the second time this season. The England striker, 24, who also won the
August award, was rewarded for five goals and two assists in February. Sam
Allardyce, 59, received the manager's award after West Ham gained a maximum
12 points during the month. The London club achieved four straight wins
against Swansea City, Aston Villa, Norwich City and Southampton to climb
into 10th place in the Premier League. Sturridge's performances helped
Liverpool, second in the table, to three wins from four, including the 5-1
Anfield success over Arsenal.
It is the fifth time Allardyce has been chosen as Barclays Manager of the
Month, the last was in 2006 when he was in charge at Bolton Wanderers.
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Stoke welcome West Ham to the Britannia Stadium
Last Updated: 14/03/14 5:28pm
SSN
Two sides locked together on 31 points meet at the Britannia Stadium as
Stoke City play host to West Ham United. With there little to choose between
the pair heading into Saturday's encounter, either - or possibly neither -
could end the weekend in the top half of the Premier League table. Both will
be determined to take something from the tie, with half of the division
still sweating on their top-flight status. Just six points separate them
from the relegation zone at present, so getting to the 40-point mark as
quickly as possible will be the target for Mark Hughes and Sam Allardyce.
Hughes' Potters have been making steady progress of late, with only one
defeat suffered in their last six - and that came against title-chasing
Manchester City. They will, however, feel that three draws in their last
five have held them back somewhat, with 10 stalemates having now been taken
in this term. West Ham have also been in decent form over recent weeks, with
a 1-0 reversal at Everton last time out bringing to an end a run of four
straight successes - a haul which landed Allardyce the Manager of the Month
award for February. I don't like going against Stoke at home. I went against
them when Arsenal went there and I got that wrong, so I have to back them
here. I think they will beat a West Ham side that have done well and turned
a corner. They kept faith with a manager who has got all the experience in
the world and it's worked a treat for them. Fair play to David Gold and
David Sullivan for sticking by him when they could have easily gone the
other way. I'll go for a narrow Stoke win.
PAUL PREDICTS: 1-0
Stoke City
Last 6
Norwich (a)1-1
Arsenal (h)1-0
Man City (a)1-0
Swansea (h)1-1
Southampton (a)2-2
Man Utd (h)2-1
Jonathan Walters starts a three-match ban for Stoke following his dismissal
in a 1-1 draw at Norwich City last weekend. Midfielder Charlie Adam is also
unavailable due to suspension, with the Scotland international due to sit
out this fixture and next week's trip to Aston Villa. The Potters had been
hoping to have commanding centre-half Robert Huth back by now, but fear the
German defender may miss the remainder of the season with a knee complaint -
a problem which is also keeping on-loan winger Oussama Assaidi on the
sidelines.
West Ham
Last 6
Everton (a)1-0
Southampton (h)3-1
Norwich (h)2-0
A Villa (a)0-2
Swansea (h)2-0
Chelsea (a)0-0
West Ham manager Allardyce has no fresh injury concerns to contend with.
Andy Carroll is in line to return to the starting line-up for the first time
since his sending off in the 2-0 win over Swansea although fellow forward
Marco Borriello remains sidelined with a calf injury. Joey O'Brien
(shoulder) is a long-term absentee while Antonio Nocerino is still looking
to make his first Hammers start. Full-back Pablo Armero is yet to feature
since joining in January.
Opta stats
Only five teams have picked up more points at home than Stoke City in the
Premier League this season (24).
The Hammers have conceded just one goal and kept three clean sheets in their
last four Premier League away outings.
The Hammers have scored 799 goals in Premier League history.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham manager Sam Allardyce demands clinical approach against Stoke City
By Emma Webb | Last Updated: 14/03/14 2:44pm
SSN
West Ham manager Sam Allardyce is demanding a clinical approach from his
team against Stoke on Saturday. Allardyce, who was named the Barclays
Manager of the Month on Friday, has made it clear that a return to form is
vital. His side had recently kept four clean sheets during a five-match
unbeaten run, but lost 1-0 at Everton in their last game a fortnight ago.
"The clinical aspect, which we have done so well in the four games we'd won
on the trot, deserted us at Everton and we've got to get that back," he
said. "We've got to take the opportunities when they arise. We scored
against the run of play sometimes, we scored when we were in the ascendancy
and we've got to make sure we are as clinical as we were in those four
games."
Allardyce stopped his players attending the Cheltenham Festival on
Wednesday, instead calling them in for extra training. Stoke beat the
Hammers 1-0 at Upton Park earlier this season, which was the only away win
of the 2013/14 season to date for Mark Hughes' side. Allardyce is aware of
their strength in midfield and is conducting his game plan accordingly.
"You've got a mixture of playing off Peter Crouch or through midfield. It's
slightly different to how it used to be when Tony (Pulis) was there, but
it's equally as dangerous in those areas as they always were. "Our defensive
unit has to be solid and aware of what they're going to try and do to break
us down."
Despite the threat of the Potters, Allardyce is confident in his men and
their abilities. "My best XI have played recently, and they've played
exceptionally well."
Striker Andy Carroll is expected to feature at the Britannia Stadium after
being sidelined by injury and suspension this season.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham boss Sam Allardyce named Barclays Premier League Manager of the
Month
By Emma Webb | Last Updated: 14/03/14 2:59pm
SSN
West Ham boss Sam Allardyce has been named the Barclays Premier League
Manager of the Month for February. Allardyce beat off competition from Jose
Mourinho of Chelsea, Brendan Rodgers at Liverpool and Hull boss Steve Bruce
for the award. Concerns were raised over Allardyce's future at the club
after a string of losses through the winter, and crashing out of two cup
competitions in the space of four days. However, motivated by holding
Chelsea to a 0-0 draw at Stamford Bridge on January 29, the Hammers boss
guided the London club to four wins out of four in the Barclays Premier
League through February, beating Swansea City, Aston Villa, Norwich City and
Southampton. Allardyce has been awarded the accolade for this spectacular
turnaround of results which saw West Ham record four consecutive clean
sheets, and praised his players as 'fantastic'. He said: "It's thanks to the
players for their achievements throughout February. "It's made a very, very
entertaining Premier League - one where I think it's entertained the public
from the very start and I think it'll entertain them to the very finish."
This is the fifth time he has received the award, most recently in December
2006 when he was manager of Bolton Wanderers. West Ham skipper Kevin Nolan
was delighted for his boss. "It's a deserved honour for the gaffer," he
said. "It was a fantastic February." Liverpool's Daniel Sturridge has also
been awarded Player of the Month, after scoring five goals in five
appearances and making two assists for the Reds in February. He said: "I've
been working hard and the team have helped me to be successful. I've been
praying a lot and I've got a faith in God, and I put it down to that
really."
:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Sam Allardyce feels England should pick West Ham striker Andy Carroll
Last Updated: 14/03/14 9:12am
SSN
West Ham United manager Sam Allardyce believes selecting a 'fresh' Andy
Carroll could benefit England at this summer's World Cup. The 25-year-old
striker has been restricted to just six appearances for the Hammers this
season through a combination of injury and suspension. He is, however, a
proven Premier League performer and a man with nine senior international
caps to his name. Carroll will be hoping to add to that tally in Brazil this
summer, and his club boss feels Roy Hodgson should be looking at the burly
frontman's lack of game time over recent months as a positive, rather than a
cause for concern. He said in the Newham Recorder: "The good thing from
Roy's point of view is he won't have a fatigued player if he picks him.
"He'll have an exceptionally fresh player that is going to be very eager and
enthusiastic about going to the World Cup after having missed most of the
season. "He is unlike a lot of players in his squad who have gone through
the trials and tribulations of the Premier League, Champions League and
Europa League. "We've seen the fatigue levels at Manchester City now which
is causing them to wane in terms of their results. "Lots of players are
going to suffer a type of fatigue. Andy won't - he will be the reverse of
that. Andy will be so fresh and ready to go unlike some of those players.
"Lots of players are going to suffer a type of fatigue. Andy won't - he will
be the reverse of that. Andy will be so fresh and ready to go unlike some of
those players." "I think Andy's focus is about playing for West Ham and
making sure that he catches up with his match fitness as quickly as he can.
"If he can find the goalscoring form he managed last season, we will be
securing our Premier League place and then he can maybe think about
attaching himself to that all-important England squad for Brazil."
Carroll was left out of Hodgson's 30-man squad for a recent friendly date
with Denmark, but Allardyce insists that omission will not be weighing on
the striker's mind. He added: "No, what Andy has been distraught about and
has only just got over was the total injustice of the three-game ban (served
on the back of a controversial red card against Swansea City). "I think it
has taken him a long time to overcome the frustration that we all suffered
on that."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
WEST HAM PLAYERS CANCEL THEIR DAY AT THE RACES
By Sean Whetstone 14 Mar 2014 at 19:11
West Ham Till I Die
Sam revealed he stopped some of his players enjoying a day at the races
after they mistakenly thought they had Wednesday off. Sam said in his
pre-match interview "Some of them had booked to go off to Cheltenham - but
they didn't get the day off." "When we`ve got a period of time off that`s
longer than normal they tend to switch off mentally." "It`s my job to switch
them back on and get focused. It`s a tricky schedule to manage. We have to
plan carefully." Andy Carroll, Kevin Nolan and agent Mark Curtis jointly own
a race horse called 'Ninety Minutes' and are know to like a day at the
gee-gees. Today the West Ham squad have been training at the FA National
Football Centre at St George's Park.ahead of Saturday's game at Stoke City.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham's Andy Carroll backed for England World Cup squad by Hammers boss
Sam Allardyce
Mar 13, 2014 22:30 By Phil Cadden
The Mirror
Andy Carroll can provide England with much-needed freshness in attack at the
World Cup. That is the assessment of Sam Allardyce, Carroll's club boss at
West Ham. The hitman, 25, has made just six appearances for the Hammers this
season - and has yet to score following spells out through injury and
suspension.
But Allardyce, who is taking his side to train at the Three Lions' HQ at St
George's Park ahead of the short trip to Stoke on Saturday, reckons Carroll
can be a big plus for Roy Hodgson this summer in Brazil. The Hammers chief
said: "The good thing from Roy's point of view is he won't have a fatigued
player if he picks him. "He'll have an exceptionally fresh player that is
going to be very eager and enthusiastic about going to the World Cup after
having missed most of this season. "He is unlike a lot of his players in his
squad who have gone through the trials and tribulations of the Premier
League, Champions League and Europa League. "We've seen the fatigue levels
at Manchester City now which is causing them to wane in terms of their
results. "Lots of players are going to suffer a type of fatigue. Andy won't
- he will be the reverse of that. Andy will be so fresh and ready to go
unlike some of those players."
England strikers' appearances this season
Wayne Rooney, Man United 37
Jay Rodriguez, Southampton 36
Rickie Lambert, Southampton 34
Danny Welbeck, Man United 31
Daniel Sturridge, Liverpool 28
Jermain Defoe, Tottenham 23
Andy Carroll, West Ham 6.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
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Saturday, March 15
Friday, March 14
Daily WHUFC News - 14th March 2014
Big Sam on: Stoke City
WHUFC.com
Big Sam spoke to the assembled media ahead of Saturday's trip to Stoke City
13.03.2014
Sam Allardyce spoke to the media on Thursday morning at his press conference
ahead of Saturday's trip to Stoke City. The West Ham United manager was
quizzed on the latest team news ahead of the game, his side's fine recent
run and the challenges that the Hammers will face against Stoke on Saturday.
Morning Sam, after not playing last weekend, how important is it to pick up
momentum again?
SA: "Like everything else it's another game that we've had to wait a couple
of weeks for and we obviously want to go and try to get a result. After a
valiant effort at Everton, just losing by the odd goal shows that the basis
of our team is our defensive qualities and on this occasion we couldn't
convert any of our opportunities into goals as we have done so regularly
before that. It's a real tough game for us because their home form has been
very, very good, as it was under Tony Pulis. I think they're fifth in the
table in terms of home form, only losing two, so it shows you how tough the
game is going to be for us. Everybody has to be at their best on Saturday.
They've had a good rest, some time with their families then they've worked
very hard this week to get ready for what they need to do on Saturday to get
a good result at Stoke City."
Apart from their good home record, are there any particular challenges in
terms of playing Stoke?
SA: "You have to deal with the front men. Everybody that has players on the
frontline who can cause you problems need to be dealt with first when you're
playing away from home. They mix up the service a little bit more than Tony
[Pulis] did, so you've got a mixture of playing off Crouchy or through
midfield. It's slightly different to how it used to be when Tony was there,
but it's equally as dangerous in those areas as they always were. Our
defensive unit has to be solid and aware of what they're going to try and do
to break us down.
"When you're in possession you must retain that possession and then try to
create opportunities against the opposition that you think you can expose.
It'll be about our players playing their best there. I remember us having a
fantastic result there last year, a 1-0 win with Jack Collison scoring. We
go in good form, even though we lost to Everton, we go with a lot of
confidence and we've got to make sure we convert that confidence into a very
good performance."
I saw a report recently that said you'd stopped your players from going to
the Cheltenham festival this week, is there any truth in that?
SA: "No, not really. They thought they were having a day off on Wednesday
that they didn't get. They generally get Wednesdays off in a normal week,
but this wasn't a normal week for me. They never got told so they probably
thought to plan to go to Cheltenham, but when they found out they were in on
Wednesday they couldn't go. It wasn't a normal week, like I said, and I
wanted to do some functional work for the team to re-emphasise what we're
good at and make sure we remember what we're good at.
"When you've had a period of time longer than normal without a game, then
players tend, in the early part of last week, to switch off mentally. They
tend to think 'It's two weeks away, I can relax a little bit', take their
minds off the pressures in and around the Barclays Premier League and you
have to switch them back on. You have to make sure they get focused again."
After the break last week, do you see this as the start of the final phase
of the season?
SA: "It's ten games to go, ten very important games to try and achieve as
many points as we possibly can. We'd have to say at this stage of the season
it's about how quickly can you get safe. How quickly as a squad of players
can you achieve the results you need to achieve to secure your position in
the Barclays Premier League because then it's an opportunity to ease the
pressure on the players that everybody has at this stage of the season. You
see how far then you can finish in the league. First priority is how quickly
can you achieve safety, and then from there it's about whether you can go on
from there."
Is the aim, ultimately, to be the best of the rest and finish in the top
half?
SA: "There's not a huge amount of difference between tenth and the bottom
three so that can change very, very quickly. Falling games behind is not
what you want to do. To make those games up and points up, where others have
played games if they've picked the points up is a difficult task. I think
we're going to fall another game behind in a few weeks time when we were
scheduled to play Arsenal who are now in the semi-finals of the cup.
"It's going to be a pretty tricky schedule to manage, so we have two weeks
off and then we're going to have to play three games in a week when the
opposition won't have had to do that. That becomes a difficulty then with
the physical capabilities of the players. It's a pretty difficult situation
to manage, more difficult than we would like, but we have to think carefully
about how to manage it."
Prior to defeat against Everton you'd been on a really good run, is that
what you'll be asking your team to replicate between now and the end of the
season?
SA: "There's no doubt about that. It's about trying to get better than that,
I'm not sure about results because it will be tough to get better results
than we've had. We have to try to achieve the results and improve the
performances, the demand from me is a level of consistency from the players
that will deliver results. The clinical aspect, which deserted us at
Everton, which we done so well in the four games we'd won on the trot
deserted us at Everton and we've got to get that back. We've got to take the
opportunities when they arise, we scored against the run of play sometimes,
we scored when we were in the ascendancy and we've to make sure we are as
clinical as we were in those four games."
What's the team news ahead of the weekend?
SA: "Our squad is pretty good at the moment. There's only a long standing
injury to Joey O'Brien, a shoulder dislocation and the only other
unfortunate one is Marco Borriello, who hasn't recovered from a calf strain.
That's only two out of the squad at the minute which gives me a big healthy
squad to choose from, which in terms of selection makes my job easier. It's
not easy when you have to leave players out, but it's easier to choose the
sort of team that you want to choose to get a result."
Having a fully-fit squad is not something you've had the luxury of many
times this season.
SA: "We've had it pretty good recently, and I've always said that's why
results have turned in our favour along with determination and desire to go
out and turn the season around. The players have done magnificently well up
to now, and we'd like to continue that between now until the end of the
season."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Adams reunited with old pal Potts
WHUFC.com
Tony Adams met old pal and West Ham United U18s coach Steve Potts on his
return to Essex
13.03.2014
Arsenal and England great Tony Adams MBE is commonly considered to be one of
the finest centre-backs in Premier League history. Capped 66 times by his
country, Adams captained the Gunners to the Double in their amazing 2001/02
season. The 47-year-old won 13 trophies during his 20-year Arsenal career,
but during a recent visit to watch West Ham United U21s in action, Adams
revealed that he could easily have been a Hammer rather than a Gunner! To
start with, West Ham TV asked the outstanding defender why he had chosen to
watch West Ham's youngsters take on Liverpool on a Friday evening at Rush
Green Stadium. The answer was that Romford-born Adams had returned home. "I
was actually visiting my Mum and Dad's grave, which is just around the
corner from Rush Green," he poignantly revealed. "I went to school about a
mile down the road on the other side of Central Park. My Dad was a West Ham
fan and every Christmas Day he would sing 'Bubbles' to us all! "I used to
play badminton in the Civic Centre down the road there when I was at school,
so they were happy days! "It's a bit of a trip down memory lane for me as I
bumped into my old mate Stevie Potts, who I have known for about 40-odd
years, so that was great. "There are numerous reasons why I came down to the
game, as I had to chat with [Liverpool U21s manager] Alex Inglethorpe about
a few things as well."
Adams enjoyed many battles with his old school friend Potts and West Ham
over the years, winning most of them! However, if things had turned out
differently, the one-time Hunters Hall Primary School and Eastbrook
Comprehensive School pupil could have pulled on a claret and blue shirt,
rather than a red and white one. "I loved the derby matches," he recalled.
"Weirdly I did score a lot of goals against West Ham, but perhaps that's
because I tried a little bit harder because I came from the area. "It was
always great to play against West Ham, as I always seemed to find myself on
the end of things and scored a few goals - unfortunately for West Ham! "I
chose at 14 to go in the Arsenal direction because there was a great coach
there called Terry Burton who is back at the club now - he was pretty much
the only reason I went to Arsenal and didn't join Stevie over at the
Hammers. "That's how things go and your past can go different ways, as it
can for clubs as well."
At present, West Ham are thriving under another former centre-back in
manager Sam Allardyce - a man whose methods Adams has always been impressed
by. "Sam is very organised and Neil McDonald is there as well, and West Ham
are good in both boxes and I think that's important. "People under-estimate
that side of the game because 30 per cent of goals come from set plays, so
that's important. "Sometimes, it's not attractive but one of the reasons
Arsenal have not won the league in recent years is because they have not had
that resilience in both boxes. West Ham certainly have that, so credit to
them. "It's been great that West Ham have pulled away from the relegation
zone."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Taylor drops in on Northbury pupils
WHUFC.com
Matt Taylor attended a Q and A at Northbury Primary school on Tuesday
afternoon
13.03.2014
Matt Taylor is used to fielding tough questions from members of the press,
but on Tuesday afternoon the West Ham United midfielder was quizzed by an
altogether different audience. Taylor visited Northbury Primary school in
Barking for a Q&A session with 120 eager pupils, all of whom were ready to
fire their questions at the 32-year-old. After half an hour of answering
questions, Taylor presented the school with presents and equipment from the
Club shop before signing autographs and taking pictures with the children,
who had formed a large, orderly queue to meet him. The energetic midfielder
admitted that he was delighted to attend the afternoon and thoroughly
enjoyed the experience. He told West Ham TV: "To me, it's wonderful to come
into a school like this where the kids are so enthusiastic about meeting you
and have some really interesting questions to ask. "It's important to show
them that footballers are not just to be seen on the television, that you
are normal people, you have normal lives and it's good to give them
something to look forward to as well. It's vitally important that we
maintain these links as a football club within the community. He added:
"There's no undertone with kids, they ask you a question that they want to
know the answer to and I personally thoroughly enjoy that. "These school
visits and other visits within the community are really good fun, especially
when you get an infectious group like we had today. They were good fun, they
all wanted to learn and hopefully they enjoyed themselves because I know I
did."
The midfielder's visit was in line with the Club's 'Football for All'
scheme, to which Northbury are signed up, and which aims to make football
affordable for families within the local communities in east London and
Essex. Taylor believes that making football affordable to the next
generation of Hammers' fans is vitally important as the Club works towards a
future at the Olympic Stadium. "It's especially important, considering that
we're in the Premier League, to make watching football achievable for
everybody, it's vitally important. "For me, it's important as a football
club, especially moving into the Olympic Stadium with the extra fans that we
hope to get along to games, that these kids can come to watch games, it's
great for them and important as West Ham that we continue to be the people's
football club, because that's important."
The partnerships between West Ham United and several local schools are
beneficial for both parties, and Taylor believes that bringing Premier
League football into the reach of more people can only be a good thing.
"Football at the Premier League level is such a huge game that maybe some of
these kids don't think that you are normal people, that you have children
yourselves and that you understand what being a kid is about. "The kids
here, along with their siblings, they are the next generation of West Ham
fans and we need to be seen to giving something back to the community,
because often it's thought that football clubs just take, take, take."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Nolan takes Goal of the Month honours
WHUFC.com
Skipper's acrobatic effort against Southampton pick of the Hammers bunch in
February
12.03.2014
Kevin Nolan has won a high-quality West Ham United Goal of the Month award
for February. The Hammers skipper notched five goals in a highly-productive
month, and his acrobatic effort against Southampton topped the poll as the
Club's stand-out goal. Nolan hooked home after Carlton Cole knocked Stewart
Downing's dangerous cross into the No4's path and sealed a 3-1 win for Sam
Allardyce's side. The goal took 31.8% of a tightly-contested vote, just
edging Elliot Lee's spectacular volley for the Under-21s against Reading
into second place. Another Nolan goal, his first against Swansea City, was
third in the whufc.com fan poll.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Borriello out for season?
KUMB.com
Filed: Thursday, 13th March 2014
By: Staff Writer
Unconfirmed reports are suggesting that West Ham's on-loan striker Marco
Borriello is out for the rest of the season through injury. Late on Thursday
afternoon it was revealed via the KUMB forum that the on-loan Italian
striker could be out for the rest of the campaign with a muscle injury
which, it is claimed, occurred earlier this week. Having joined West Ham
little more than a month ago, the experienced forward - who is contracted to
Serie A club Roma - has made just two brief appearances from the substitutes
bench so far, against Aston Villa and Norwich City. We'll have more for you
on this as it happens...
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Jose Mourinho and Brendan Rodgers lead nominations for Manager of the Month
award for February
By Emma Webb | Last Updated: 13/03/14 11:55am
SSN
Jose Mourinho and Brendan Rodgers lead the nominations for the Barclays
Premier League Manager of the Month award for February. The Chelsea and
Liverpool managers are competing for the accolade against West Ham's Sam
Allardyce and Hull City boss Steve Bruce. Table toppers Chelsea won three of
their four league matches last month, beating title rivals Manchester City
1-0 away from home before enjoying victories against Newcastle and Everton.
Rodgers is hot on Mourinho's heels with a triumphant 5-1 defeat of Arsenal
on 8th February, putting Liverpool in second place with a game in hand over
Chelsea, but seven points behind. Allardyce turned a shaky start to 2014
into a month of magic for the Hammers, with four straight wins through
February and three clean sheets. Bruce's Hull side successfully saw off
Cardiff in a 4-0 thrashing on Welsh soil and won 2-0 at Sunderland, while
they have made outstanding progress in the FA Cup. Rodgers can also
celebrate two of his players being nominees for Player of the Month, as
forwards Daniel Sturridge and Raheem Sterling are both up for the award.
West Ham skipper Kevin Nolan is also nominated after scoring five goals in
four appearances for the club last month, along with Chelsea's Eden Hazard.
Sturridge and Hazard are high up in the Premier League top goal scorers
list, sitting second and fourth respectively. The winners of Manager of the
Month and Player of the Month will be announced at 10am on Friday.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Karren Brady says West Ham never considered sacking manager Sam Allardyce
By Emma Webb | Last Updated: 13/03/14 5:32pm
SSN
West Ham vice-chairman Karren Brady has confirmed that sacking manager Sam
Allardyce was never a consideration of herself or joint chairmen David
Sullivan and David Gold. The Hammers suffered a run of poor form through
December and January which led some fans to call for Allardyce's head, and
others to speculate over his future at the club. However, the February
manager of the month nominee was never in any danger, according to Brady.
"Our faith in him never wavered," she told Sky Sports News Radio. "We didn't
sack him, and we never really thought about it. "The easy part is sacking
the manager - the hard part is finding someone better to replace them with.
"If we were in that position, Sam Allardyce would be the man we would try
and find to get us out of the mess - and we already had him there."
After a dangerously shaky start to 2014 that saw West Ham flirting with the
drop zone, a 0-0 draw away at Stamford Bridge on 29th January was the
catalyst for a run of clean sheets and four successive wins. Instrumental to
the turnaround was the return of Andy Carroll and skipper Kevin Nolan from
injury and suspension, and Brady couldn't be happier with the results. "I am
very, very pleased for him (Allardyce) that he's managed to turn it around
over the last half a dozen games," she said. "He copes well with pressure.
He's a manager that has never been relegated."
West Ham confirmed their move from Upton Park to the Olympic Stadium in
Stratford last year, and the conversion work is now under way. The stadium
will have a capacity of 50,000 and hold retractable seating to cover the
running track that surrounds the pitch. West Ham will move in time for the
start of 2016/17 season, but Brady insists there is still work to be done
before then. "We know we've got to provide a team on the pitch that is
worthy of playing at that stadium and capable of filling it," she said.
"We're not new to the Premier League but we're establishing ourselves. We
don't have the depth and the quality in the squad that some others clubs do
- it takes time to build that."
Brady is sure, however, that this is a manageable feat for Allardyce's
squad. "The Premier League is the only place to play in the United Kingdom.
West Ham are a Premier League club by any means," she added.
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Sam Allardyce wary as rearranged games pile up for West Ham
Last Updated: 13/03/14 4:37pm
SSN
Sam Allardyce fears a stop-start Premier League programme could see West Ham
dragged back into a relegation fight. Allardyce's side are in the top half
on the back of four straight wins in February, but their momentum was
interrupted by defeat at Everton and then a weekend off as scheduled
opponents Hull City played an FA Cup quarter-final. That game has been
rearranged for March 26, but there is no date yet for the London derby with
Arsenal - originally scheduled for April 12 but now postponed because of
their opponents ongoing FA Cup commitments. West Ham are six points clear of
18th-placed Cardiff, and Allardyce said: "There's not a huge amount of
difference between 10th and the bottom three so that can change very, very
quickly. "Falling games behind is not what you want to do. To make those
games up and points up, where others have played games if they've picked the
points up is a difficult task. "I think we're going to fall another game
behind in a few weeks' time when we were scheduled to play Arsenal, who are
now in the semi-finals of the cup. "It's going to be a pretty tricky
schedule to manage, so we have two weeks off and then we're going to have to
play three games in a week when the opposition won't have had to do that.
"That becomes a difficulty then with the physical capabilities of the
players. It's a pretty difficult situation to manage, more difficult than we
would like, but we have to think carefully about how to manage it."
Allardyce's immediate priority is Saturday's trip to Stoke, who beat Arsenal
in their last game at the Britannia and have also won at home this season
against Chelsea and Manchester United. "It's a real tough game for us
because their home form has been very, very good, as it was under Tony
Pulis," he said.
"I think they're fifth in the table in terms of home form, only losing two,
so it shows you how tough the game is going to be for us. "Everybody has to
be at their best on Saturday. They've had a good rest, some time with their
families then they've worked very hard this week to get ready for what they
need to do on Saturday to get a good result at Stoke City."
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A number of Premier League clubs are tracking Charlton's Diego Poyet
By Pete O'Rourke - Follow me: @skysportspeteo | Last Updated: 13/03/14
4:01pm
SSN
Sky Sports understands Charlton face a battle to keep hold of Diego Poyet,
with a number of Premier League and foreign clubs tracking the midfielder.
Poyet has been one of Charlton's shining lights this season and caught the
eye during their run to the quarter-finals of the FA Cup. The 18-year-old,
who is the son of Sunderland boss Gus, has been highly-regarded at Charlton
for some time and he has established himself in the first team this season.
Poyet's potential has not gone unnoticed higher up the football pyramid with
the likes Tottenham, West Ham and Fulham all keeping tabs on his progress.
The Spanish born-teenager is also thought to have admirers on the continent
with Barcelona seeing him as a potential star of the future they can groom
at Barcelona B, while Italian giants Inter Milan are also monitoring his
situation at the Valley. The England youth international is out of contract
at the end of the season and Poyet's suitors are waiting in the wings to
snap up him in the summer.
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WHUFC.com
Big Sam spoke to the assembled media ahead of Saturday's trip to Stoke City
13.03.2014
Sam Allardyce spoke to the media on Thursday morning at his press conference
ahead of Saturday's trip to Stoke City. The West Ham United manager was
quizzed on the latest team news ahead of the game, his side's fine recent
run and the challenges that the Hammers will face against Stoke on Saturday.
Morning Sam, after not playing last weekend, how important is it to pick up
momentum again?
SA: "Like everything else it's another game that we've had to wait a couple
of weeks for and we obviously want to go and try to get a result. After a
valiant effort at Everton, just losing by the odd goal shows that the basis
of our team is our defensive qualities and on this occasion we couldn't
convert any of our opportunities into goals as we have done so regularly
before that. It's a real tough game for us because their home form has been
very, very good, as it was under Tony Pulis. I think they're fifth in the
table in terms of home form, only losing two, so it shows you how tough the
game is going to be for us. Everybody has to be at their best on Saturday.
They've had a good rest, some time with their families then they've worked
very hard this week to get ready for what they need to do on Saturday to get
a good result at Stoke City."
Apart from their good home record, are there any particular challenges in
terms of playing Stoke?
SA: "You have to deal with the front men. Everybody that has players on the
frontline who can cause you problems need to be dealt with first when you're
playing away from home. They mix up the service a little bit more than Tony
[Pulis] did, so you've got a mixture of playing off Crouchy or through
midfield. It's slightly different to how it used to be when Tony was there,
but it's equally as dangerous in those areas as they always were. Our
defensive unit has to be solid and aware of what they're going to try and do
to break us down.
"When you're in possession you must retain that possession and then try to
create opportunities against the opposition that you think you can expose.
It'll be about our players playing their best there. I remember us having a
fantastic result there last year, a 1-0 win with Jack Collison scoring. We
go in good form, even though we lost to Everton, we go with a lot of
confidence and we've got to make sure we convert that confidence into a very
good performance."
I saw a report recently that said you'd stopped your players from going to
the Cheltenham festival this week, is there any truth in that?
SA: "No, not really. They thought they were having a day off on Wednesday
that they didn't get. They generally get Wednesdays off in a normal week,
but this wasn't a normal week for me. They never got told so they probably
thought to plan to go to Cheltenham, but when they found out they were in on
Wednesday they couldn't go. It wasn't a normal week, like I said, and I
wanted to do some functional work for the team to re-emphasise what we're
good at and make sure we remember what we're good at.
"When you've had a period of time longer than normal without a game, then
players tend, in the early part of last week, to switch off mentally. They
tend to think 'It's two weeks away, I can relax a little bit', take their
minds off the pressures in and around the Barclays Premier League and you
have to switch them back on. You have to make sure they get focused again."
After the break last week, do you see this as the start of the final phase
of the season?
SA: "It's ten games to go, ten very important games to try and achieve as
many points as we possibly can. We'd have to say at this stage of the season
it's about how quickly can you get safe. How quickly as a squad of players
can you achieve the results you need to achieve to secure your position in
the Barclays Premier League because then it's an opportunity to ease the
pressure on the players that everybody has at this stage of the season. You
see how far then you can finish in the league. First priority is how quickly
can you achieve safety, and then from there it's about whether you can go on
from there."
Is the aim, ultimately, to be the best of the rest and finish in the top
half?
SA: "There's not a huge amount of difference between tenth and the bottom
three so that can change very, very quickly. Falling games behind is not
what you want to do. To make those games up and points up, where others have
played games if they've picked the points up is a difficult task. I think
we're going to fall another game behind in a few weeks time when we were
scheduled to play Arsenal who are now in the semi-finals of the cup.
"It's going to be a pretty tricky schedule to manage, so we have two weeks
off and then we're going to have to play three games in a week when the
opposition won't have had to do that. That becomes a difficulty then with
the physical capabilities of the players. It's a pretty difficult situation
to manage, more difficult than we would like, but we have to think carefully
about how to manage it."
Prior to defeat against Everton you'd been on a really good run, is that
what you'll be asking your team to replicate between now and the end of the
season?
SA: "There's no doubt about that. It's about trying to get better than that,
I'm not sure about results because it will be tough to get better results
than we've had. We have to try to achieve the results and improve the
performances, the demand from me is a level of consistency from the players
that will deliver results. The clinical aspect, which deserted us at
Everton, which we done so well in the four games we'd won on the trot
deserted us at Everton and we've got to get that back. We've got to take the
opportunities when they arise, we scored against the run of play sometimes,
we scored when we were in the ascendancy and we've to make sure we are as
clinical as we were in those four games."
What's the team news ahead of the weekend?
SA: "Our squad is pretty good at the moment. There's only a long standing
injury to Joey O'Brien, a shoulder dislocation and the only other
unfortunate one is Marco Borriello, who hasn't recovered from a calf strain.
That's only two out of the squad at the minute which gives me a big healthy
squad to choose from, which in terms of selection makes my job easier. It's
not easy when you have to leave players out, but it's easier to choose the
sort of team that you want to choose to get a result."
Having a fully-fit squad is not something you've had the luxury of many
times this season.
SA: "We've had it pretty good recently, and I've always said that's why
results have turned in our favour along with determination and desire to go
out and turn the season around. The players have done magnificently well up
to now, and we'd like to continue that between now until the end of the
season."
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Adams reunited with old pal Potts
WHUFC.com
Tony Adams met old pal and West Ham United U18s coach Steve Potts on his
return to Essex
13.03.2014
Arsenal and England great Tony Adams MBE is commonly considered to be one of
the finest centre-backs in Premier League history. Capped 66 times by his
country, Adams captained the Gunners to the Double in their amazing 2001/02
season. The 47-year-old won 13 trophies during his 20-year Arsenal career,
but during a recent visit to watch West Ham United U21s in action, Adams
revealed that he could easily have been a Hammer rather than a Gunner! To
start with, West Ham TV asked the outstanding defender why he had chosen to
watch West Ham's youngsters take on Liverpool on a Friday evening at Rush
Green Stadium. The answer was that Romford-born Adams had returned home. "I
was actually visiting my Mum and Dad's grave, which is just around the
corner from Rush Green," he poignantly revealed. "I went to school about a
mile down the road on the other side of Central Park. My Dad was a West Ham
fan and every Christmas Day he would sing 'Bubbles' to us all! "I used to
play badminton in the Civic Centre down the road there when I was at school,
so they were happy days! "It's a bit of a trip down memory lane for me as I
bumped into my old mate Stevie Potts, who I have known for about 40-odd
years, so that was great. "There are numerous reasons why I came down to the
game, as I had to chat with [Liverpool U21s manager] Alex Inglethorpe about
a few things as well."
Adams enjoyed many battles with his old school friend Potts and West Ham
over the years, winning most of them! However, if things had turned out
differently, the one-time Hunters Hall Primary School and Eastbrook
Comprehensive School pupil could have pulled on a claret and blue shirt,
rather than a red and white one. "I loved the derby matches," he recalled.
"Weirdly I did score a lot of goals against West Ham, but perhaps that's
because I tried a little bit harder because I came from the area. "It was
always great to play against West Ham, as I always seemed to find myself on
the end of things and scored a few goals - unfortunately for West Ham! "I
chose at 14 to go in the Arsenal direction because there was a great coach
there called Terry Burton who is back at the club now - he was pretty much
the only reason I went to Arsenal and didn't join Stevie over at the
Hammers. "That's how things go and your past can go different ways, as it
can for clubs as well."
At present, West Ham are thriving under another former centre-back in
manager Sam Allardyce - a man whose methods Adams has always been impressed
by. "Sam is very organised and Neil McDonald is there as well, and West Ham
are good in both boxes and I think that's important. "People under-estimate
that side of the game because 30 per cent of goals come from set plays, so
that's important. "Sometimes, it's not attractive but one of the reasons
Arsenal have not won the league in recent years is because they have not had
that resilience in both boxes. West Ham certainly have that, so credit to
them. "It's been great that West Ham have pulled away from the relegation
zone."
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Taylor drops in on Northbury pupils
WHUFC.com
Matt Taylor attended a Q and A at Northbury Primary school on Tuesday
afternoon
13.03.2014
Matt Taylor is used to fielding tough questions from members of the press,
but on Tuesday afternoon the West Ham United midfielder was quizzed by an
altogether different audience. Taylor visited Northbury Primary school in
Barking for a Q&A session with 120 eager pupils, all of whom were ready to
fire their questions at the 32-year-old. After half an hour of answering
questions, Taylor presented the school with presents and equipment from the
Club shop before signing autographs and taking pictures with the children,
who had formed a large, orderly queue to meet him. The energetic midfielder
admitted that he was delighted to attend the afternoon and thoroughly
enjoyed the experience. He told West Ham TV: "To me, it's wonderful to come
into a school like this where the kids are so enthusiastic about meeting you
and have some really interesting questions to ask. "It's important to show
them that footballers are not just to be seen on the television, that you
are normal people, you have normal lives and it's good to give them
something to look forward to as well. It's vitally important that we
maintain these links as a football club within the community. He added:
"There's no undertone with kids, they ask you a question that they want to
know the answer to and I personally thoroughly enjoy that. "These school
visits and other visits within the community are really good fun, especially
when you get an infectious group like we had today. They were good fun, they
all wanted to learn and hopefully they enjoyed themselves because I know I
did."
The midfielder's visit was in line with the Club's 'Football for All'
scheme, to which Northbury are signed up, and which aims to make football
affordable for families within the local communities in east London and
Essex. Taylor believes that making football affordable to the next
generation of Hammers' fans is vitally important as the Club works towards a
future at the Olympic Stadium. "It's especially important, considering that
we're in the Premier League, to make watching football achievable for
everybody, it's vitally important. "For me, it's important as a football
club, especially moving into the Olympic Stadium with the extra fans that we
hope to get along to games, that these kids can come to watch games, it's
great for them and important as West Ham that we continue to be the people's
football club, because that's important."
The partnerships between West Ham United and several local schools are
beneficial for both parties, and Taylor believes that bringing Premier
League football into the reach of more people can only be a good thing.
"Football at the Premier League level is such a huge game that maybe some of
these kids don't think that you are normal people, that you have children
yourselves and that you understand what being a kid is about. "The kids
here, along with their siblings, they are the next generation of West Ham
fans and we need to be seen to giving something back to the community,
because often it's thought that football clubs just take, take, take."
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Nolan takes Goal of the Month honours
WHUFC.com
Skipper's acrobatic effort against Southampton pick of the Hammers bunch in
February
12.03.2014
Kevin Nolan has won a high-quality West Ham United Goal of the Month award
for February. The Hammers skipper notched five goals in a highly-productive
month, and his acrobatic effort against Southampton topped the poll as the
Club's stand-out goal. Nolan hooked home after Carlton Cole knocked Stewart
Downing's dangerous cross into the No4's path and sealed a 3-1 win for Sam
Allardyce's side. The goal took 31.8% of a tightly-contested vote, just
edging Elliot Lee's spectacular volley for the Under-21s against Reading
into second place. Another Nolan goal, his first against Swansea City, was
third in the whufc.com fan poll.
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Borriello out for season?
KUMB.com
Filed: Thursday, 13th March 2014
By: Staff Writer
Unconfirmed reports are suggesting that West Ham's on-loan striker Marco
Borriello is out for the rest of the season through injury. Late on Thursday
afternoon it was revealed via the KUMB forum that the on-loan Italian
striker could be out for the rest of the campaign with a muscle injury
which, it is claimed, occurred earlier this week. Having joined West Ham
little more than a month ago, the experienced forward - who is contracted to
Serie A club Roma - has made just two brief appearances from the substitutes
bench so far, against Aston Villa and Norwich City. We'll have more for you
on this as it happens...
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Jose Mourinho and Brendan Rodgers lead nominations for Manager of the Month
award for February
By Emma Webb | Last Updated: 13/03/14 11:55am
SSN
Jose Mourinho and Brendan Rodgers lead the nominations for the Barclays
Premier League Manager of the Month award for February. The Chelsea and
Liverpool managers are competing for the accolade against West Ham's Sam
Allardyce and Hull City boss Steve Bruce. Table toppers Chelsea won three of
their four league matches last month, beating title rivals Manchester City
1-0 away from home before enjoying victories against Newcastle and Everton.
Rodgers is hot on Mourinho's heels with a triumphant 5-1 defeat of Arsenal
on 8th February, putting Liverpool in second place with a game in hand over
Chelsea, but seven points behind. Allardyce turned a shaky start to 2014
into a month of magic for the Hammers, with four straight wins through
February and three clean sheets. Bruce's Hull side successfully saw off
Cardiff in a 4-0 thrashing on Welsh soil and won 2-0 at Sunderland, while
they have made outstanding progress in the FA Cup. Rodgers can also
celebrate two of his players being nominees for Player of the Month, as
forwards Daniel Sturridge and Raheem Sterling are both up for the award.
West Ham skipper Kevin Nolan is also nominated after scoring five goals in
four appearances for the club last month, along with Chelsea's Eden Hazard.
Sturridge and Hazard are high up in the Premier League top goal scorers
list, sitting second and fourth respectively. The winners of Manager of the
Month and Player of the Month will be announced at 10am on Friday.
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Karren Brady says West Ham never considered sacking manager Sam Allardyce
By Emma Webb | Last Updated: 13/03/14 5:32pm
SSN
West Ham vice-chairman Karren Brady has confirmed that sacking manager Sam
Allardyce was never a consideration of herself or joint chairmen David
Sullivan and David Gold. The Hammers suffered a run of poor form through
December and January which led some fans to call for Allardyce's head, and
others to speculate over his future at the club. However, the February
manager of the month nominee was never in any danger, according to Brady.
"Our faith in him never wavered," she told Sky Sports News Radio. "We didn't
sack him, and we never really thought about it. "The easy part is sacking
the manager - the hard part is finding someone better to replace them with.
"If we were in that position, Sam Allardyce would be the man we would try
and find to get us out of the mess - and we already had him there."
After a dangerously shaky start to 2014 that saw West Ham flirting with the
drop zone, a 0-0 draw away at Stamford Bridge on 29th January was the
catalyst for a run of clean sheets and four successive wins. Instrumental to
the turnaround was the return of Andy Carroll and skipper Kevin Nolan from
injury and suspension, and Brady couldn't be happier with the results. "I am
very, very pleased for him (Allardyce) that he's managed to turn it around
over the last half a dozen games," she said. "He copes well with pressure.
He's a manager that has never been relegated."
West Ham confirmed their move from Upton Park to the Olympic Stadium in
Stratford last year, and the conversion work is now under way. The stadium
will have a capacity of 50,000 and hold retractable seating to cover the
running track that surrounds the pitch. West Ham will move in time for the
start of 2016/17 season, but Brady insists there is still work to be done
before then. "We know we've got to provide a team on the pitch that is
worthy of playing at that stadium and capable of filling it," she said.
"We're not new to the Premier League but we're establishing ourselves. We
don't have the depth and the quality in the squad that some others clubs do
- it takes time to build that."
Brady is sure, however, that this is a manageable feat for Allardyce's
squad. "The Premier League is the only place to play in the United Kingdom.
West Ham are a Premier League club by any means," she added.
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Sam Allardyce wary as rearranged games pile up for West Ham
Last Updated: 13/03/14 4:37pm
SSN
Sam Allardyce fears a stop-start Premier League programme could see West Ham
dragged back into a relegation fight. Allardyce's side are in the top half
on the back of four straight wins in February, but their momentum was
interrupted by defeat at Everton and then a weekend off as scheduled
opponents Hull City played an FA Cup quarter-final. That game has been
rearranged for March 26, but there is no date yet for the London derby with
Arsenal - originally scheduled for April 12 but now postponed because of
their opponents ongoing FA Cup commitments. West Ham are six points clear of
18th-placed Cardiff, and Allardyce said: "There's not a huge amount of
difference between 10th and the bottom three so that can change very, very
quickly. "Falling games behind is not what you want to do. To make those
games up and points up, where others have played games if they've picked the
points up is a difficult task. "I think we're going to fall another game
behind in a few weeks' time when we were scheduled to play Arsenal, who are
now in the semi-finals of the cup. "It's going to be a pretty tricky
schedule to manage, so we have two weeks off and then we're going to have to
play three games in a week when the opposition won't have had to do that.
"That becomes a difficulty then with the physical capabilities of the
players. It's a pretty difficult situation to manage, more difficult than we
would like, but we have to think carefully about how to manage it."
Allardyce's immediate priority is Saturday's trip to Stoke, who beat Arsenal
in their last game at the Britannia and have also won at home this season
against Chelsea and Manchester United. "It's a real tough game for us
because their home form has been very, very good, as it was under Tony
Pulis," he said.
"I think they're fifth in the table in terms of home form, only losing two,
so it shows you how tough the game is going to be for us. "Everybody has to
be at their best on Saturday. They've had a good rest, some time with their
families then they've worked very hard this week to get ready for what they
need to do on Saturday to get a good result at Stoke City."
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A number of Premier League clubs are tracking Charlton's Diego Poyet
By Pete O'Rourke - Follow me: @skysportspeteo | Last Updated: 13/03/14
4:01pm
SSN
Sky Sports understands Charlton face a battle to keep hold of Diego Poyet,
with a number of Premier League and foreign clubs tracking the midfielder.
Poyet has been one of Charlton's shining lights this season and caught the
eye during their run to the quarter-finals of the FA Cup. The 18-year-old,
who is the son of Sunderland boss Gus, has been highly-regarded at Charlton
for some time and he has established himself in the first team this season.
Poyet's potential has not gone unnoticed higher up the football pyramid with
the likes Tottenham, West Ham and Fulham all keeping tabs on his progress.
The Spanish born-teenager is also thought to have admirers on the continent
with Barcelona seeing him as a potential star of the future they can groom
at Barcelona B, while Italian giants Inter Milan are also monitoring his
situation at the Valley. The England youth international is out of contract
at the end of the season and Poyet's suitors are waiting in the wings to
snap up him in the summer.
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Thursday, March 13
Daily WHUFC News - 13th March 2014
The Big Interview - George McCartney
WHUFC.com
West Ham United left-back George McCartney on his own individual form and
that of the Hammers as a team
12.03.2014
George McCartney has returned from a long-term knee injury to enjoy yet
another consistent season for West Ham United. The left-back has helped the
Hammers to keep 13 clean sheets in 28 Barclays Premier League matches played
so far, as well as a recent run of four victories in February. The
32-year-old has enjoyed his return to action and is looking forward to
making a further impression between now and the end of the 2013/14 campaign.
George, you must be pleased with the way things are going at the moment?
GM: "Yeah, I was out for ten or eleven months, then I got back in the side
at left-back for a couple of games. Then, I went to centre-half and it was
all going well, then we played Manchester City in the League Cup semi-finals
and it wasn't so good! "I think I had two or three games out of the team
then, but since I got back in seven or eight games ago, we have won a few
matches and moved up the league table. "I'm happy to be part of the team
again and hopefully I'm over my injury problems and can have a good end to
the season and be here a bit longer."
You must be even happier considering your career was under threat due to the
knee problems you suffered last season?
GM: "I think, as you get older, it can become tougher to come back from
long-term injuries, but as long as you stay positive and have confidence in
your ability and work hard, you can obviously get back to somewhere near
what you think you are capable of. "I've been more than pleased to have got
over my injuries and back to somewhere near my best.. I do think I can
improve on one or two things, but the more matches I play the better my
match-fitness will be. "Everyone knows themselves when they're out there and
what they need to improve on and I'm no different."
As a team, what are our targets for the remainder of the season?
GM: "Of course, we want to finish as strongly as possible. I don't think our
run-in is that easy, but then there are no easy games in this league.
"We know we've been on a terrific run that came to an end at Everton, where
it was a bit disappointing to lose a goal late on and not get a draw out of
the game. "We're looking to Stoke now and we know, with the confidence in
the squad and the team spirit we have, we're always capable of picking up a
decent result. "We've got ten games left and we're in tenth place. It's
tight and there are a few teams around us, but if we can continue the good
form we're showing then I'm sure we'll probably finish in tenth or eleventh
place. "I think the teams above us are a bit too far in front now, but
hopefully we can continue our good form and stay where we are in the table."
Finally, Stoke will be without Charlie Adam on Saturday. He has been their
main man, so does that have a bearing on the game?
GM: "I think he probably is their most important player. He plays in central
midfield and takes their set pieces and he's scored and created some goals
over the last few weeks. "Obviously his absence is a bonus for us and a big
miss for them, but no matter what, you know Stoke is a tough place to go and
you expect a tough game. "They have beaten Chelsea, Arsenal and Manchester
United at home and you know when they're beating so many big teams at home
that it's no fluke. "They are a good team at their place, but we're playing
with confidence and, no matter if we're home or away, I think we will give
anyone a game on the day and hopefully we can get a result and stay in tenth
in the table."
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Hammers mark pensions milestone
WHUFC.com
Pensions Minister Steve Webb MP visited the Boleyn Ground on Wednesday
12.03.2014
Pensions Minister Steve Webb MP paid a visit to West Ham United on Wednesday
to celebrate the Club enrolling the country's three-millionth employee into
the Government's workplace pensions scheme. The scheme, which saw Hammers
Vice-Chairman Karren Brady appear in its roll-out publicity, has been up and
running since 2012, when the UK's largest employers began enrolling its
workers into pension schemes. It is extending to the smallest firms and new
employers by 2018, addressing chronic under-saving with millions not putting
aside enough for retirement, and only one-in-three private sector employees
paying into a workplace pension. This month's automatic enrolment
registration report shows that more than 10,000 employers of all types from
charities to supermarkets, hospitals to football clubs have now
automatically enrolled their workers. Mr Webb, Liberal Democrat Member of
Parliament for Thornbury & Yate, met Hammers employees Dougie Robertson, the
Club's Head Groundsman, Sponsorship & Events Executive Julie O'Leary and
Marketing & Media Executive Esha Chopra during his visit to the Boleyn
Ground, He said: "West Ham have put the three millionth worker into a
workplace pension scheme, so we're delighted to be here. "The idea is that
lots of people have a job, but don't have a pension, so when they retire and
they don't have a wage coming in, they don't have much to live on bar the
state pension. "So the Government said to firms, 'Will you put your workers
into a pension?' The firm puts some money in, the worker puts some money in
and the Government puts some tax relief in. If people don't want that
they're free to opt out, but most people say 'Thanks very much and we're
pleased to be in'. "We're really grateful to Karren Brady, who was one of
the publically-known faces [of the scheme]. People know Karren, they know
Theo Paphitis, Nick Hewer and so on, and I think that reassured people that
names they trust, business leaders, were saying I'm in, this is a good
scheme, be part of it. The public have responded to it. "I'm a West Bromwich
Albion fan myself, and I know the pain of watching a team struggle in the
Premier League! We've been Boing-Boinged a few times. It's a difficult
season but I hope we'll just cling on."
Also present was Charles Counsell, executive director of automatic enrolment
at The Pensions Regulator, and as a Hammers fan, he was particularly happy
to be at the Boleyn Ground. He said: "We're all living longer and we all
need to save to put away a bit for our retirement, so to have three milion
people saving, who weren't saving before is just tremendous. "It has been
great to meet people who work here day in, day out. To meet Dougie, who is
the groundsman and hear how he keeps the pitch keeping so perfect was
fantastic. I'm really excited to be here and be this close to the pitch
because I have been a fan since I was five or six. That the three millionth
employee was at West Ham is such a great treat."
Hammers Sponsorship & Events Executive Julie O'Leary added "We met with the
Pensions Minister and he explained to us that West Ham registered the three
millionth employee into the scheme. "They came here to ask us a few
questions, talk through the scheme and do some media interviews to help
raise awareness of it. "It's excellent that it's automatic enrolment. I came
here from Ireland four years ago, so I had a pension there. When I moved
here I always planned to get a pension but put it off and always had
somewhere else to spend the money! "The fact that this scheme is automatic
enrolment means that it takes care of everything for you. It's a nice easy
way to settle yourself into pension contributions."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Vaz Te visits Eastbury champs
WHUFC.com
Ricardo Vaz Te paid a special visit to partner school Eastbury Comprehensive
12.03.2014
Ricardo Vaz Te took a trip down memory lane on Tuesday, revisiting the
futsal of his youth with national champions and West Ham United partner
school Eastbury Comprehensive. Eastbury's year ten side are primed for the
ISF Futsal 2014 World Schools Championships in Sardinia next month and
Portuguese midfielder Vaz Te was on hand to offer his encouragement and
advice. The 27-year-old was shocked and delighted to see futsal thriving in
an inner city school, an altogether different setting to that which he
formerly graced in Guinea-Bissau as a youngster. "I was very surprised," he
confessed. "I loved that, it touched me, seeing the kids playing futsal.
They even have a girls' team, so it was fantastic to see. "I think they [the
year tens] have got a great opportunity. They've qualified, so they have to
be good, I guess, to do so. I wish them the very best and the teachers are
saying they're very good students, which is very important. Once you're
doing sport or you're good at sport, your family or the people around you
tend to forget that academically you have to be good as well."
Having spoken at length with the Italy-bound boys, Vaz Te was whisked off to
the sports hall, where he watched year seven girls participating in the FA's
Team Sixteen Project, before taking in a boy's futsal session led by the
Club's very own Community Sports Trust coaches.
Greeted with smiles at every turn, it was an experience that Vaz Te clearly
enjoyed, humbled by the very warmest of welcomes. He continued: "Everything
was so pleasant and it was kind of overwhelming the reception I got. It made
me very happy and made me feel like a celebrity! "I love it. I came from
humble beginnings so it's great for me, even for the students to pay
attention. I'm happy to share my experiences and hopefully it will help them
along the way. "I'll do it any time, I don't mind. It's great to give back
and to put smiles on people's faces, it's amazing. And I like kids. I love
them, because they're genuine."
Assistant head of year Wayne Baldacchino expects Vaz Te's visit to have an
enduring positive effect on the school, with students and staff alike
revelling in the presence of a Premier League footballer. "If we'd have
publicised it too soon, it would have been mass hysteria," he confirmed. "In
this environment, to have a Premier League footballer, to have a West Ham
player, to have Ricardo Vaz Te, who is a household name in this area, the
buzz was brilliant. "Everyone wanted to shake his hand, say hello and ask a
question. But there has been a mutual respect. Ricardo's respected those
kids that have waited around after school to meet him and the kids have
responded in a really positive way. It made a really nice feeling for the
whole event. "I think he's as inspired as the kids are. As I said, if the
kids are meeting a Premier League footballer in all of the Club kit and
they've seen the pictures around the school, they will definitely go away
happy. "The things that he said to them about injuries, trialling in all
different places and being given an opportunity, that story of his will link
with a lot of the stories that the kids are having here. So I think his
inspiration to the individuals and to the school as a whole will have a
great positive impact."
Vaz Te's Barking outing is the latest in a long line of collaborations
between Eastbury and the Hammers, a partnership that has evolved and
continues to do so through the Club's Football for All scheme. "Our link
with West Ham United Football Club is great anyway, through the Community
Sports Trust, the Kids for a Quid scheme, the Inspire Learning Centre," Mr
Baldacchino explained. "We've got a few kids in lots of sports that are
part of academies and county level, so they're all aspiring to get to the
top level, which is Ricardo's forte, if you like. We tap into the Kids for a
Quid every time they advertise. We probably buy 100 tickets or more for
every fixture, because it's important for our students to go and watch their
stars. "For West Ham to promote Kids for a Quid, four, five, six times a
season is amazing. Because in real terms that's five or 600 students from
this school that get to go and watch that fixture. The opportunity to go to
the Boleyn Ground, 35,000 people, the whole environment, the brand and
obviously in two years' time being in the Olympic Stadium, it's just
brilliant for everybody involved."
That togetherness is a sentiment shared by Vaz Te, who continues to be
impressed by the Hammers' commitment to working alongside the local
community.
"The Club does so much. Since I came to West Ham I noticed that, actually,
it is one of the things that made me want to stay longer and be here.
Because they do so much, they put smiles on so many faces, it's
unbelievable. Charity wise, everything really. I think it's pretty good,
it's pretty amazing, I don't think any other Premier League Club does it
like West Ham."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Sing when we're winning
KUMB.com
Filed: Wednesday, 12th March 2014
By: Staff Writer
A terrace chant sung by Hammers fans has been nominated as the wittiest
terrace chant of the last decade. According to Fantasy Football site Oulala,
1,500 football supporters were polled recently to discover the funniest
chant sung at a football ground in the past ten years. And the accolade has
been awarded to West Ham's travelling fans for their ode to former Hammer
Rio Ferdinand, a song referring to his period of inactivity after he was
banned for eight months for missing a drugs test in 2004. To the tune of
Duran Duran's Rio, West Ham fans topped the poll with lyrics: "His name is
Rio and he watches from the stand" - beating into second place Manchester
United's ode to Korean star Park Ji-Sung Park. Third place in the poll was
the Bobby Zamora song ("That's Amore") which was accredited to Fulham
supporters despite being sung by Hamnmers fans several years earlier.
Oulala's Valéry Bollier said: "We know that British football fans are among
the most passionate in the world. We wanted to find out which team has come
up with the wittiest chant over the last 10 years. "Although West Ham isn't
the most successful football club, it seems their fans have made their club
proud by topping our poll of the wittiest football chants of the last 10
years."
* Do you think you've heard funnier chants than this in the past ten years?
Let us know by reply below or via our forum thread.
Top ten terrace chants, according to Oulala
1. "His name is Rio and he watches from the stand" - West Ham to Rio
Ferdinand after he was banned for eight months.
2. "Park, Park, wherever you may be, you eat dogs in your home country, But
it could be worse, you could be a Scouse, eating rats in a council house" -
Man Utd fans serenade Ji-Sung Park.
3. "When you're sat in row Z, and the ball hits your head, that's Zamora,
that's Zamora" - Fulham supporters steal West Ham's 'That's Amore' (as sung
at the 2004/05 play-off final).
4. "You should have stayed on the telly" - Newcastle fans to former manager
Alan Shearer.
5. "He's fast, he's red, he talks like Father Ted, Robbie Keane."
Liverpool's song for their former Irish striker.
6. "Your teeth are offside, your teeth are offside, Luis Suarez, your teeth
are offside" - Manchester United fans to Liverpool's Luis Suarez.
7. "Deep fry your pizzas, we're gonna deep fry your pizzas!" - Scotland fans
to Italian visitors in 2007.
8. "Chelsea, wherever you may be, keep your wife from John Terry" - Chelsea
fans after Terry's affair with Wayne Bridge's ex was revealed.
9. "John Carew, Carew, He likes a lap-dance or two, He might even pay for
you, John Carew, Carew" - Villa fans hailed the big striker after he was
caught in a lap dancing club.
10. "Fat Eddie Murphy, you're just a fat Eddie Murphy" - Newcastle fans are
credited for this pop at former Chelsea forward Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
A host of clubs eyeing moves for West Ham's Jordan Spence
By Pete O'Rourke - Follow me: @skysportspeteo | Last Updated: 12/03/14
6:19pm
SSN
A host of clubs are keeping tabs on West Ham defender Jordan Spence, Sky
Sports understands. Spence, who is currently on loan at MK Dons, is out of
contract at Upton Park at the end of the season. The news of Spence's
possible availability on a free transfer in the summer has alerted a number
of clubs.
The 23-year-old full-back, who can also play at centre-back, has impressed
during his two stints at MK Dons this season and he has also caught the eye
during a loan spell at at Sheffield Wednesday earlier this term. MK Dons
would like to sign Spence on a permanent basis, but the likes of Queens Park
Rangers, Leeds, Blackburn, Brighton and Wolves are all keeping tabs on the
defender and are weighing up moves for the former England Under-21
international.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
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WHUFC.com
West Ham United left-back George McCartney on his own individual form and
that of the Hammers as a team
12.03.2014
George McCartney has returned from a long-term knee injury to enjoy yet
another consistent season for West Ham United. The left-back has helped the
Hammers to keep 13 clean sheets in 28 Barclays Premier League matches played
so far, as well as a recent run of four victories in February. The
32-year-old has enjoyed his return to action and is looking forward to
making a further impression between now and the end of the 2013/14 campaign.
George, you must be pleased with the way things are going at the moment?
GM: "Yeah, I was out for ten or eleven months, then I got back in the side
at left-back for a couple of games. Then, I went to centre-half and it was
all going well, then we played Manchester City in the League Cup semi-finals
and it wasn't so good! "I think I had two or three games out of the team
then, but since I got back in seven or eight games ago, we have won a few
matches and moved up the league table. "I'm happy to be part of the team
again and hopefully I'm over my injury problems and can have a good end to
the season and be here a bit longer."
You must be even happier considering your career was under threat due to the
knee problems you suffered last season?
GM: "I think, as you get older, it can become tougher to come back from
long-term injuries, but as long as you stay positive and have confidence in
your ability and work hard, you can obviously get back to somewhere near
what you think you are capable of. "I've been more than pleased to have got
over my injuries and back to somewhere near my best.. I do think I can
improve on one or two things, but the more matches I play the better my
match-fitness will be. "Everyone knows themselves when they're out there and
what they need to improve on and I'm no different."
As a team, what are our targets for the remainder of the season?
GM: "Of course, we want to finish as strongly as possible. I don't think our
run-in is that easy, but then there are no easy games in this league.
"We know we've been on a terrific run that came to an end at Everton, where
it was a bit disappointing to lose a goal late on and not get a draw out of
the game. "We're looking to Stoke now and we know, with the confidence in
the squad and the team spirit we have, we're always capable of picking up a
decent result. "We've got ten games left and we're in tenth place. It's
tight and there are a few teams around us, but if we can continue the good
form we're showing then I'm sure we'll probably finish in tenth or eleventh
place. "I think the teams above us are a bit too far in front now, but
hopefully we can continue our good form and stay where we are in the table."
Finally, Stoke will be without Charlie Adam on Saturday. He has been their
main man, so does that have a bearing on the game?
GM: "I think he probably is their most important player. He plays in central
midfield and takes their set pieces and he's scored and created some goals
over the last few weeks. "Obviously his absence is a bonus for us and a big
miss for them, but no matter what, you know Stoke is a tough place to go and
you expect a tough game. "They have beaten Chelsea, Arsenal and Manchester
United at home and you know when they're beating so many big teams at home
that it's no fluke. "They are a good team at their place, but we're playing
with confidence and, no matter if we're home or away, I think we will give
anyone a game on the day and hopefully we can get a result and stay in tenth
in the table."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Hammers mark pensions milestone
WHUFC.com
Pensions Minister Steve Webb MP visited the Boleyn Ground on Wednesday
12.03.2014
Pensions Minister Steve Webb MP paid a visit to West Ham United on Wednesday
to celebrate the Club enrolling the country's three-millionth employee into
the Government's workplace pensions scheme. The scheme, which saw Hammers
Vice-Chairman Karren Brady appear in its roll-out publicity, has been up and
running since 2012, when the UK's largest employers began enrolling its
workers into pension schemes. It is extending to the smallest firms and new
employers by 2018, addressing chronic under-saving with millions not putting
aside enough for retirement, and only one-in-three private sector employees
paying into a workplace pension. This month's automatic enrolment
registration report shows that more than 10,000 employers of all types from
charities to supermarkets, hospitals to football clubs have now
automatically enrolled their workers. Mr Webb, Liberal Democrat Member of
Parliament for Thornbury & Yate, met Hammers employees Dougie Robertson, the
Club's Head Groundsman, Sponsorship & Events Executive Julie O'Leary and
Marketing & Media Executive Esha Chopra during his visit to the Boleyn
Ground, He said: "West Ham have put the three millionth worker into a
workplace pension scheme, so we're delighted to be here. "The idea is that
lots of people have a job, but don't have a pension, so when they retire and
they don't have a wage coming in, they don't have much to live on bar the
state pension. "So the Government said to firms, 'Will you put your workers
into a pension?' The firm puts some money in, the worker puts some money in
and the Government puts some tax relief in. If people don't want that
they're free to opt out, but most people say 'Thanks very much and we're
pleased to be in'. "We're really grateful to Karren Brady, who was one of
the publically-known faces [of the scheme]. People know Karren, they know
Theo Paphitis, Nick Hewer and so on, and I think that reassured people that
names they trust, business leaders, were saying I'm in, this is a good
scheme, be part of it. The public have responded to it. "I'm a West Bromwich
Albion fan myself, and I know the pain of watching a team struggle in the
Premier League! We've been Boing-Boinged a few times. It's a difficult
season but I hope we'll just cling on."
Also present was Charles Counsell, executive director of automatic enrolment
at The Pensions Regulator, and as a Hammers fan, he was particularly happy
to be at the Boleyn Ground. He said: "We're all living longer and we all
need to save to put away a bit for our retirement, so to have three milion
people saving, who weren't saving before is just tremendous. "It has been
great to meet people who work here day in, day out. To meet Dougie, who is
the groundsman and hear how he keeps the pitch keeping so perfect was
fantastic. I'm really excited to be here and be this close to the pitch
because I have been a fan since I was five or six. That the three millionth
employee was at West Ham is such a great treat."
Hammers Sponsorship & Events Executive Julie O'Leary added "We met with the
Pensions Minister and he explained to us that West Ham registered the three
millionth employee into the scheme. "They came here to ask us a few
questions, talk through the scheme and do some media interviews to help
raise awareness of it. "It's excellent that it's automatic enrolment. I came
here from Ireland four years ago, so I had a pension there. When I moved
here I always planned to get a pension but put it off and always had
somewhere else to spend the money! "The fact that this scheme is automatic
enrolment means that it takes care of everything for you. It's a nice easy
way to settle yourself into pension contributions."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Vaz Te visits Eastbury champs
WHUFC.com
Ricardo Vaz Te paid a special visit to partner school Eastbury Comprehensive
12.03.2014
Ricardo Vaz Te took a trip down memory lane on Tuesday, revisiting the
futsal of his youth with national champions and West Ham United partner
school Eastbury Comprehensive. Eastbury's year ten side are primed for the
ISF Futsal 2014 World Schools Championships in Sardinia next month and
Portuguese midfielder Vaz Te was on hand to offer his encouragement and
advice. The 27-year-old was shocked and delighted to see futsal thriving in
an inner city school, an altogether different setting to that which he
formerly graced in Guinea-Bissau as a youngster. "I was very surprised," he
confessed. "I loved that, it touched me, seeing the kids playing futsal.
They even have a girls' team, so it was fantastic to see. "I think they [the
year tens] have got a great opportunity. They've qualified, so they have to
be good, I guess, to do so. I wish them the very best and the teachers are
saying they're very good students, which is very important. Once you're
doing sport or you're good at sport, your family or the people around you
tend to forget that academically you have to be good as well."
Having spoken at length with the Italy-bound boys, Vaz Te was whisked off to
the sports hall, where he watched year seven girls participating in the FA's
Team Sixteen Project, before taking in a boy's futsal session led by the
Club's very own Community Sports Trust coaches.
Greeted with smiles at every turn, it was an experience that Vaz Te clearly
enjoyed, humbled by the very warmest of welcomes. He continued: "Everything
was so pleasant and it was kind of overwhelming the reception I got. It made
me very happy and made me feel like a celebrity! "I love it. I came from
humble beginnings so it's great for me, even for the students to pay
attention. I'm happy to share my experiences and hopefully it will help them
along the way. "I'll do it any time, I don't mind. It's great to give back
and to put smiles on people's faces, it's amazing. And I like kids. I love
them, because they're genuine."
Assistant head of year Wayne Baldacchino expects Vaz Te's visit to have an
enduring positive effect on the school, with students and staff alike
revelling in the presence of a Premier League footballer. "If we'd have
publicised it too soon, it would have been mass hysteria," he confirmed. "In
this environment, to have a Premier League footballer, to have a West Ham
player, to have Ricardo Vaz Te, who is a household name in this area, the
buzz was brilliant. "Everyone wanted to shake his hand, say hello and ask a
question. But there has been a mutual respect. Ricardo's respected those
kids that have waited around after school to meet him and the kids have
responded in a really positive way. It made a really nice feeling for the
whole event. "I think he's as inspired as the kids are. As I said, if the
kids are meeting a Premier League footballer in all of the Club kit and
they've seen the pictures around the school, they will definitely go away
happy. "The things that he said to them about injuries, trialling in all
different places and being given an opportunity, that story of his will link
with a lot of the stories that the kids are having here. So I think his
inspiration to the individuals and to the school as a whole will have a
great positive impact."
Vaz Te's Barking outing is the latest in a long line of collaborations
between Eastbury and the Hammers, a partnership that has evolved and
continues to do so through the Club's Football for All scheme. "Our link
with West Ham United Football Club is great anyway, through the Community
Sports Trust, the Kids for a Quid scheme, the Inspire Learning Centre," Mr
Baldacchino explained. "We've got a few kids in lots of sports that are
part of academies and county level, so they're all aspiring to get to the
top level, which is Ricardo's forte, if you like. We tap into the Kids for a
Quid every time they advertise. We probably buy 100 tickets or more for
every fixture, because it's important for our students to go and watch their
stars. "For West Ham to promote Kids for a Quid, four, five, six times a
season is amazing. Because in real terms that's five or 600 students from
this school that get to go and watch that fixture. The opportunity to go to
the Boleyn Ground, 35,000 people, the whole environment, the brand and
obviously in two years' time being in the Olympic Stadium, it's just
brilliant for everybody involved."
That togetherness is a sentiment shared by Vaz Te, who continues to be
impressed by the Hammers' commitment to working alongside the local
community.
"The Club does so much. Since I came to West Ham I noticed that, actually,
it is one of the things that made me want to stay longer and be here.
Because they do so much, they put smiles on so many faces, it's
unbelievable. Charity wise, everything really. I think it's pretty good,
it's pretty amazing, I don't think any other Premier League Club does it
like West Ham."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Sing when we're winning
KUMB.com
Filed: Wednesday, 12th March 2014
By: Staff Writer
A terrace chant sung by Hammers fans has been nominated as the wittiest
terrace chant of the last decade. According to Fantasy Football site Oulala,
1,500 football supporters were polled recently to discover the funniest
chant sung at a football ground in the past ten years. And the accolade has
been awarded to West Ham's travelling fans for their ode to former Hammer
Rio Ferdinand, a song referring to his period of inactivity after he was
banned for eight months for missing a drugs test in 2004. To the tune of
Duran Duran's Rio, West Ham fans topped the poll with lyrics: "His name is
Rio and he watches from the stand" - beating into second place Manchester
United's ode to Korean star Park Ji-Sung Park. Third place in the poll was
the Bobby Zamora song ("That's Amore") which was accredited to Fulham
supporters despite being sung by Hamnmers fans several years earlier.
Oulala's Valéry Bollier said: "We know that British football fans are among
the most passionate in the world. We wanted to find out which team has come
up with the wittiest chant over the last 10 years. "Although West Ham isn't
the most successful football club, it seems their fans have made their club
proud by topping our poll of the wittiest football chants of the last 10
years."
* Do you think you've heard funnier chants than this in the past ten years?
Let us know by reply below or via our forum thread.
Top ten terrace chants, according to Oulala
1. "His name is Rio and he watches from the stand" - West Ham to Rio
Ferdinand after he was banned for eight months.
2. "Park, Park, wherever you may be, you eat dogs in your home country, But
it could be worse, you could be a Scouse, eating rats in a council house" -
Man Utd fans serenade Ji-Sung Park.
3. "When you're sat in row Z, and the ball hits your head, that's Zamora,
that's Zamora" - Fulham supporters steal West Ham's 'That's Amore' (as sung
at the 2004/05 play-off final).
4. "You should have stayed on the telly" - Newcastle fans to former manager
Alan Shearer.
5. "He's fast, he's red, he talks like Father Ted, Robbie Keane."
Liverpool's song for their former Irish striker.
6. "Your teeth are offside, your teeth are offside, Luis Suarez, your teeth
are offside" - Manchester United fans to Liverpool's Luis Suarez.
7. "Deep fry your pizzas, we're gonna deep fry your pizzas!" - Scotland fans
to Italian visitors in 2007.
8. "Chelsea, wherever you may be, keep your wife from John Terry" - Chelsea
fans after Terry's affair with Wayne Bridge's ex was revealed.
9. "John Carew, Carew, He likes a lap-dance or two, He might even pay for
you, John Carew, Carew" - Villa fans hailed the big striker after he was
caught in a lap dancing club.
10. "Fat Eddie Murphy, you're just a fat Eddie Murphy" - Newcastle fans are
credited for this pop at former Chelsea forward Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
A host of clubs eyeing moves for West Ham's Jordan Spence
By Pete O'Rourke - Follow me: @skysportspeteo | Last Updated: 12/03/14
6:19pm
SSN
A host of clubs are keeping tabs on West Ham defender Jordan Spence, Sky
Sports understands. Spence, who is currently on loan at MK Dons, is out of
contract at Upton Park at the end of the season. The news of Spence's
possible availability on a free transfer in the summer has alerted a number
of clubs.
The 23-year-old full-back, who can also play at centre-back, has impressed
during his two stints at MK Dons this season and he has also caught the eye
during a loan spell at at Sheffield Wednesday earlier this term. MK Dons
would like to sign Spence on a permanent basis, but the likes of Queens Park
Rangers, Leeds, Blackburn, Brighton and Wolves are all keeping tabs on the
defender and are weighing up moves for the former England Under-21
international.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
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Wednesday, March 12
Daily WHUFC News - 12th March 2014
Carr honoured by Willow Foundation
WHUFC.com
Academy Director Tony Carr MBE has been recognised by Bob Wilson's Willow
Foundation charity
11.03.2014
Academy Director Tony Carr MBE has been recognised by the Willow Foundation
for his long service to West Ham United and youth development. Carr was also
honoured at the charity's London Football Legends Awards, which were hosted
at the the Grange Tower Bridge Hotel in central London. There, Carr was
presented with the Willow Award in recognition for his contribution off the
pitch in coaching hundreds of youngsters through the Academy of Football.
The Willow Foundation was established in 1999 by former Arsenal and England
goalkeeper Bob Wilson following the death of his daughter Anna from cancer
at the age of 31. The charity provides unique and positive Special Days for
seriously ill people aged between 16 and 40. The London Football Legends
Awards were attended by a host of the capital's biggest football names,
including former Hammers Sir Geoff Hurst, Sir Trevor Brooking and Jimmy
Greaves, and raised thousands of pounds for the Willow Foundation. "When I
got the phone call asking me to attend the dinner because I was being
presented with this award picked by a panel of judges, that in itself was
humbling and I was grateful to accept it," Carr, who was presented with his
award by former Tottenham Hotspur and England defender Gary Mabbutt told
West Ham TV. "Basically, it was in recognition of my long service to the
Club and the acheivement, not only my own, but of the Academy generally over
a number of years. "It was good. I bumped into Geoff Hurst and we had a long
conversation. He is living down in Cheltenham now and had been invited to
present one of the prizes. I also had a long conversation with [former
Chelsea player and manager] John Hollins and [Arsenal legend] Frank
McLintock and other guys who I have known throughout the years and bumped
into at various stages. "Jimmy Greaves was there and he gave a very good
presentation and talk and was quite jovial, so there were lots of old faces
there and lots of London football legends, so it was nice to be part of
that."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
'There's nothing like being here'
WHUFC.com
American Hammers had plenty to smile about despite missing out on live
football at the Boleyn Ground
11.03.2014
West Ham United's dedicated foreign legion go to great lengths to watch the
Hammers, not least those from the United States of America. So it was to the
despair of many an overseas Hammer to discover that the visit of Hull City
had been rearranged owing to the Tigers' FA Cup progress. Postponement or
not, for Andrew Goldberg and Jackson Cooper rescheduling was hardly an
option. With flights and accommodation already booked, all that remained was
to fathom how to mark a first trip to the Boleyn Ground, without any
football that is. As Goldberg of New York explained: "Alas, when we made our
plans and convinced the wives to let us have a boys' weekend, we didn't
realise it was Cup quarter-final weekend, and we are now coming nearly 7,000
miles roundtrip to sit in the pub!"
Goldberg, who had hoped to surprise best mate Joel Zuercher for his 40th
birthday, came knocking at the Club's door, keen to revive their east London
knees up. Ironically, so did fellow American Cooper, having already garnered
support and sympathy on Hammers fansites. The Club, of course, were
delighted to oblige, with Hammers historian John Helliar stepping in to
conduct a private Boleyn Ground tour. Birthday boy Zuercher and Cooper were
presented with shirts for their troubles, before soaking in the sights
behind the scenes. Zuercher, who spent five years of his youth in London,
first watched the Hammers down Arsenal in the 1980 FA Cup final and has been
hooked ever since. "It has been great and I really appreciate the Club doing
this," he confirmed. "It was totally not what I was expecting but this has
been fantastic. "Getting a chance to hear all the history, to actually see a
pitch that I've seen so many times on TV. To see all the stands that the
supporters talk about, the Sir Trevor Brooking Stand, the Bobby Moore Stand,
it's just awesome to be here in person. "Back in the States it's great now
because you can watch just about every game on television, which makes it
easy to follow, but there's nothing like being here. "I have a very patient
wife and two children and I hope I get another chance to come back!"
Compatriot Goldberg, meanwhile, was amazed at the Club's response, admitting
he had made contact in hope rather than expectation. "Honestly, I didn't
expect much," he told West Ham TV. "If you did this in the States, you would
probably hear back in about a year from the Club, saying thanks and no! But
I just threw it out there and West Ham got back two days later. I couldn't
have been more excited then and I can't be more excited now. It has been
fantastic. It makes up [for the postponement] and more."
Cooper, sporting two Hammers shirts no less, was every bit as impressed by
the Hammers' hospitality, hailing his once-in-a-lifetime experience. He
said: "I'm feeling great. This is unbelievable, I had no idea this was going
to happen. I came in and I got a shirt right away with my name on the back.
It has just been a phenomenal trip. "I'm not saying it's better than seeing
a match but I'll be back, I can see a match another time, but this will
probably never happen again. An unbelievable experience, I mean we went
through every stand, every crevice of the Stadium. "At first, it was
actually kind of heart breaking, I was like how could this happen but then
the chain of events that happened - once in a lifetime. Going from there to
actually being by the pitch, having my name on a jersey, being in the
stands, everything has just been wonderful. "I watch every game and
sometimes even, being on the west coast, we have matches that will be about
four in the morning. I just remember waking up, or staying up the whole
night. Just great memories, the Championship Play-Off final was
unbelievable. So it kind of built upon itself and I fell in love with the
Club like everyone probably does."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Mohamed Diame aiming to help West Ham get back to winning ways
By Pete O'Rourke - Follow me: @skysportspeteo | Last Updated: 11/03/14
12:27pm
SSN
West Ham midfielder Mohamed Diame insists the whole squad remain focused on
picking up as many points as possible to secure their Premier League
survival. The Hammers have moved clear of trouble at the wrong end of the
table after picking up four wins in their last five games to lift themselves
six points above the drop zone. West Ham saw their good run of form ended by
Everton last time out and Diame insists they are keen to get back to winning
ways as soon as possible. Things are good amongst the squad," Diame told the
club's official website. "After the game against Everton, I think it was
important to have some rest and a break to come back here and start again
and try to find the win again. "Now, we are back to league action and we are
in a better position than a few months ago, but we want to keep picking up
points. "We just need to keep going and need to make sure we take as many
points as possible by the end of the season."
Diame believes West Ham can go to Stoke this weekend and claim the three
points like they did last season. "Of course we can win there again, but
Stoke did well in their last (home) game by winning against Arsenal, so we
need to go there and try to give our best and come back with the win,"
concluded Diame.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
THE DAY WE WERE FORCED TO MOVE TO THE BOLEYN GROUND
By Sean Whetstone 11 Mar 2014 at 18:11
West Ham Till I Die
West Ham United's move to the Boleyn Ground laid the foundation for its
success as a professional club but ironically the move was forced on it by
it's original founder Arnold Hills, who found the concept of professional
sport morally repugnant.
Between 1900 and 1904, a series of small episodes occurred that showed the
growing estrangement between Arnold Hills and West Ham United. Among them
were the rejection of some of his nominees as prospective directors and
disputes over the rent for the Memorial Ground and the services provided
with it. At the end of the 1903 season, Hills informed West Ham rather
sharply that he trusted that they would be able to make new playing
arrangements for the coming year. He also wanted them to vacate the office
space they had been using in buildings owned by the Ironworks. Hills stated
that his refusal to rent the Memorial Ground to the club after 30th April
was because it was needed 'for the Amateur Thames Ironworks Team'. Although
Arnold Hills may have done West Ham a great favour by forcing the club to
move, the way in which he handled it left bitter feelings between the
directors and the Hills family. In late April 1904 the directors heard a
rumour that the Clapton Orient football team (a leading amateur club in East
London at the time) might use the Memorial Ground. Clapton Orient went on to
become a professional team and were later renamed Leyton Orient when they
moved to Leyton.The West Ham board of directors voted to 'publish a copy of
Mr Hills' letter to us in full in the press' if any team besides Thames
Ironworks used the Memorial Ground."
The directors had looked at the Boleyn Ground even before they knew they
would have to vacate the Memorial Ground, but they were not prepared for
Arnold Hills's sudden action or the new rent. As soon as the lease was
signed, the board passed formal resolutions to start a 'million penny'
collection scheme to aid the new ground and to 'communicate with
advertisement contractors with regards to hoardings on our new ground and
also ask the brewers for their personal assistance'. The result of Hills's
ultimatum was thus a firm slap at two of his cherished causes: amateur sport
and temperance. The final move to the Boleyn Ground was made on 1st May
1904. The rental provisions included the amalgamation of West Ham United
with the Boleyn Castle Football Club, 'taking their best players into our
reserve team'. The first match was played on 1st September 1904 against
Millwall Athletic. A crowd 10,000 spectators attended to watch West Ham win
3-0 with goals courtesy of a brace from Billy Bridgeman and the other from
Jack Flynn.
Boleyn Ground 1904
During the first season at the Boleyn Ground in 1904, West Ham turned the
previous season's £800 loss at the Memorial Ground into a £400 profit at the
Boleyn. There was a small decrease in wages, but this was more than
outweighed by the 100 per cent increase in rent for the ground (from £331 to
£662). The important difference was in the gate money, which rose from
£2,900 to £4,300. This was accomplished even though the club did not improve
its record on the field." Before the 1904 season, the West ham chairman's
report had been a combination of gloom (the past season's problems) and
optimism, 'with a new ground and new surroundings and with an almost new
team, the success that we have long hoped for will at last be ours'' The
directors had done much more than hope. They had raised more than £3,000 in
loans and had obtained a new site. The only creditors named in the club's
balance sheets were Arnold Hills (£107) and the Thames Ironworks Club (£85).
Both these debts were settled in 1905. New loans came from the chairman, the
three retiring directors who stood for re-election and the new directors.
The loss of the Memorial Ground had given the directors a chance to plan for
a new future. From 1905 the tone of West Ham United was set. It would be a
team competing at the highest level, one that depended on quality football
to attract supporters. It established itself in the heart of an area where
playing football was the usual recreation. The inclusion, for the first
time, of local politicians as vice-presidents, was another sign of the
attempt to consolidate community ties; the club was guided firmly by members
of the local business and professional class who were willing to invest
money and time. The directors could no longer be seen as extensions of Hills
or the Ironworks: they were civic personalities in their own right.
Source: West Ham United The Making of a Football Club (1987) by Professor
Charles Korr. The book is now out of print but second hand copies appear on
Ebay & Amazon.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham United set to join growing transfer hunt for Gus Poyet's son Diego
Mar 11, 2014 11:30 By Paul Gorst
The Mirror
West Ham United have reportedly become the latest side to show an interest
in Charlton Athletic's teenage midfielder Diego Poyet. The 18-year-old, who
is the son of Sunderland boss Gustavo, is highly-rated despite making only a
handful of appearances for the Addicks. Poyet, who has played just seven
times for the Championship side, has attracted the attention of Hammers boss
Sam Allardyce, according to talkSPORT. Tottenham and Southampton are also
thought to be keeping an eye on the situation. However, any reports linking
him with a switch to Sunderland can probably be dismissed after the
Spanish-born teenager revealed that he wouldn't want to play under his dad.
In an interview with the Daily Mail, the youngster said about a possible
link up with the Black Cats boss: "There were rumours of me moving to
Sunderland, but for the time being I'd rather do it for myself. I've always
said I wouldn't want to play under him. "My dad is my biggest critic. It has
disadvantages, but it has advantages because he has the knowledge and I can
learn from him. We used to have a kickabout, but not all the time. "He
didn't want to pressurise me or push me when I was young into doing
something. He just let me get on with it." Meanwhile, Chris Powell has been
sacked as Charlton boss with the London outfit sitting bottom of the
Championship.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
http://vyperz.blogspot.com
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WHUFC.com
Academy Director Tony Carr MBE has been recognised by Bob Wilson's Willow
Foundation charity
11.03.2014
Academy Director Tony Carr MBE has been recognised by the Willow Foundation
for his long service to West Ham United and youth development. Carr was also
honoured at the charity's London Football Legends Awards, which were hosted
at the the Grange Tower Bridge Hotel in central London. There, Carr was
presented with the Willow Award in recognition for his contribution off the
pitch in coaching hundreds of youngsters through the Academy of Football.
The Willow Foundation was established in 1999 by former Arsenal and England
goalkeeper Bob Wilson following the death of his daughter Anna from cancer
at the age of 31. The charity provides unique and positive Special Days for
seriously ill people aged between 16 and 40. The London Football Legends
Awards were attended by a host of the capital's biggest football names,
including former Hammers Sir Geoff Hurst, Sir Trevor Brooking and Jimmy
Greaves, and raised thousands of pounds for the Willow Foundation. "When I
got the phone call asking me to attend the dinner because I was being
presented with this award picked by a panel of judges, that in itself was
humbling and I was grateful to accept it," Carr, who was presented with his
award by former Tottenham Hotspur and England defender Gary Mabbutt told
West Ham TV. "Basically, it was in recognition of my long service to the
Club and the acheivement, not only my own, but of the Academy generally over
a number of years. "It was good. I bumped into Geoff Hurst and we had a long
conversation. He is living down in Cheltenham now and had been invited to
present one of the prizes. I also had a long conversation with [former
Chelsea player and manager] John Hollins and [Arsenal legend] Frank
McLintock and other guys who I have known throughout the years and bumped
into at various stages. "Jimmy Greaves was there and he gave a very good
presentation and talk and was quite jovial, so there were lots of old faces
there and lots of London football legends, so it was nice to be part of
that."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
'There's nothing like being here'
WHUFC.com
American Hammers had plenty to smile about despite missing out on live
football at the Boleyn Ground
11.03.2014
West Ham United's dedicated foreign legion go to great lengths to watch the
Hammers, not least those from the United States of America. So it was to the
despair of many an overseas Hammer to discover that the visit of Hull City
had been rearranged owing to the Tigers' FA Cup progress. Postponement or
not, for Andrew Goldberg and Jackson Cooper rescheduling was hardly an
option. With flights and accommodation already booked, all that remained was
to fathom how to mark a first trip to the Boleyn Ground, without any
football that is. As Goldberg of New York explained: "Alas, when we made our
plans and convinced the wives to let us have a boys' weekend, we didn't
realise it was Cup quarter-final weekend, and we are now coming nearly 7,000
miles roundtrip to sit in the pub!"
Goldberg, who had hoped to surprise best mate Joel Zuercher for his 40th
birthday, came knocking at the Club's door, keen to revive their east London
knees up. Ironically, so did fellow American Cooper, having already garnered
support and sympathy on Hammers fansites. The Club, of course, were
delighted to oblige, with Hammers historian John Helliar stepping in to
conduct a private Boleyn Ground tour. Birthday boy Zuercher and Cooper were
presented with shirts for their troubles, before soaking in the sights
behind the scenes. Zuercher, who spent five years of his youth in London,
first watched the Hammers down Arsenal in the 1980 FA Cup final and has been
hooked ever since. "It has been great and I really appreciate the Club doing
this," he confirmed. "It was totally not what I was expecting but this has
been fantastic. "Getting a chance to hear all the history, to actually see a
pitch that I've seen so many times on TV. To see all the stands that the
supporters talk about, the Sir Trevor Brooking Stand, the Bobby Moore Stand,
it's just awesome to be here in person. "Back in the States it's great now
because you can watch just about every game on television, which makes it
easy to follow, but there's nothing like being here. "I have a very patient
wife and two children and I hope I get another chance to come back!"
Compatriot Goldberg, meanwhile, was amazed at the Club's response, admitting
he had made contact in hope rather than expectation. "Honestly, I didn't
expect much," he told West Ham TV. "If you did this in the States, you would
probably hear back in about a year from the Club, saying thanks and no! But
I just threw it out there and West Ham got back two days later. I couldn't
have been more excited then and I can't be more excited now. It has been
fantastic. It makes up [for the postponement] and more."
Cooper, sporting two Hammers shirts no less, was every bit as impressed by
the Hammers' hospitality, hailing his once-in-a-lifetime experience. He
said: "I'm feeling great. This is unbelievable, I had no idea this was going
to happen. I came in and I got a shirt right away with my name on the back.
It has just been a phenomenal trip. "I'm not saying it's better than seeing
a match but I'll be back, I can see a match another time, but this will
probably never happen again. An unbelievable experience, I mean we went
through every stand, every crevice of the Stadium. "At first, it was
actually kind of heart breaking, I was like how could this happen but then
the chain of events that happened - once in a lifetime. Going from there to
actually being by the pitch, having my name on a jersey, being in the
stands, everything has just been wonderful. "I watch every game and
sometimes even, being on the west coast, we have matches that will be about
four in the morning. I just remember waking up, or staying up the whole
night. Just great memories, the Championship Play-Off final was
unbelievable. So it kind of built upon itself and I fell in love with the
Club like everyone probably does."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Mohamed Diame aiming to help West Ham get back to winning ways
By Pete O'Rourke - Follow me: @skysportspeteo | Last Updated: 11/03/14
12:27pm
SSN
West Ham midfielder Mohamed Diame insists the whole squad remain focused on
picking up as many points as possible to secure their Premier League
survival. The Hammers have moved clear of trouble at the wrong end of the
table after picking up four wins in their last five games to lift themselves
six points above the drop zone. West Ham saw their good run of form ended by
Everton last time out and Diame insists they are keen to get back to winning
ways as soon as possible. Things are good amongst the squad," Diame told the
club's official website. "After the game against Everton, I think it was
important to have some rest and a break to come back here and start again
and try to find the win again. "Now, we are back to league action and we are
in a better position than a few months ago, but we want to keep picking up
points. "We just need to keep going and need to make sure we take as many
points as possible by the end of the season."
Diame believes West Ham can go to Stoke this weekend and claim the three
points like they did last season. "Of course we can win there again, but
Stoke did well in their last (home) game by winning against Arsenal, so we
need to go there and try to give our best and come back with the win,"
concluded Diame.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
THE DAY WE WERE FORCED TO MOVE TO THE BOLEYN GROUND
By Sean Whetstone 11 Mar 2014 at 18:11
West Ham Till I Die
West Ham United's move to the Boleyn Ground laid the foundation for its
success as a professional club but ironically the move was forced on it by
it's original founder Arnold Hills, who found the concept of professional
sport morally repugnant.
Between 1900 and 1904, a series of small episodes occurred that showed the
growing estrangement between Arnold Hills and West Ham United. Among them
were the rejection of some of his nominees as prospective directors and
disputes over the rent for the Memorial Ground and the services provided
with it. At the end of the 1903 season, Hills informed West Ham rather
sharply that he trusted that they would be able to make new playing
arrangements for the coming year. He also wanted them to vacate the office
space they had been using in buildings owned by the Ironworks. Hills stated
that his refusal to rent the Memorial Ground to the club after 30th April
was because it was needed 'for the Amateur Thames Ironworks Team'. Although
Arnold Hills may have done West Ham a great favour by forcing the club to
move, the way in which he handled it left bitter feelings between the
directors and the Hills family. In late April 1904 the directors heard a
rumour that the Clapton Orient football team (a leading amateur club in East
London at the time) might use the Memorial Ground. Clapton Orient went on to
become a professional team and were later renamed Leyton Orient when they
moved to Leyton.The West Ham board of directors voted to 'publish a copy of
Mr Hills' letter to us in full in the press' if any team besides Thames
Ironworks used the Memorial Ground."
The directors had looked at the Boleyn Ground even before they knew they
would have to vacate the Memorial Ground, but they were not prepared for
Arnold Hills's sudden action or the new rent. As soon as the lease was
signed, the board passed formal resolutions to start a 'million penny'
collection scheme to aid the new ground and to 'communicate with
advertisement contractors with regards to hoardings on our new ground and
also ask the brewers for their personal assistance'. The result of Hills's
ultimatum was thus a firm slap at two of his cherished causes: amateur sport
and temperance. The final move to the Boleyn Ground was made on 1st May
1904. The rental provisions included the amalgamation of West Ham United
with the Boleyn Castle Football Club, 'taking their best players into our
reserve team'. The first match was played on 1st September 1904 against
Millwall Athletic. A crowd 10,000 spectators attended to watch West Ham win
3-0 with goals courtesy of a brace from Billy Bridgeman and the other from
Jack Flynn.
Boleyn Ground 1904
During the first season at the Boleyn Ground in 1904, West Ham turned the
previous season's £800 loss at the Memorial Ground into a £400 profit at the
Boleyn. There was a small decrease in wages, but this was more than
outweighed by the 100 per cent increase in rent for the ground (from £331 to
£662). The important difference was in the gate money, which rose from
£2,900 to £4,300. This was accomplished even though the club did not improve
its record on the field." Before the 1904 season, the West ham chairman's
report had been a combination of gloom (the past season's problems) and
optimism, 'with a new ground and new surroundings and with an almost new
team, the success that we have long hoped for will at last be ours'' The
directors had done much more than hope. They had raised more than £3,000 in
loans and had obtained a new site. The only creditors named in the club's
balance sheets were Arnold Hills (£107) and the Thames Ironworks Club (£85).
Both these debts were settled in 1905. New loans came from the chairman, the
three retiring directors who stood for re-election and the new directors.
The loss of the Memorial Ground had given the directors a chance to plan for
a new future. From 1905 the tone of West Ham United was set. It would be a
team competing at the highest level, one that depended on quality football
to attract supporters. It established itself in the heart of an area where
playing football was the usual recreation. The inclusion, for the first
time, of local politicians as vice-presidents, was another sign of the
attempt to consolidate community ties; the club was guided firmly by members
of the local business and professional class who were willing to invest
money and time. The directors could no longer be seen as extensions of Hills
or the Ironworks: they were civic personalities in their own right.
Source: West Ham United The Making of a Football Club (1987) by Professor
Charles Korr. The book is now out of print but second hand copies appear on
Ebay & Amazon.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham United set to join growing transfer hunt for Gus Poyet's son Diego
Mar 11, 2014 11:30 By Paul Gorst
The Mirror
West Ham United have reportedly become the latest side to show an interest
in Charlton Athletic's teenage midfielder Diego Poyet. The 18-year-old, who
is the son of Sunderland boss Gustavo, is highly-rated despite making only a
handful of appearances for the Addicks. Poyet, who has played just seven
times for the Championship side, has attracted the attention of Hammers boss
Sam Allardyce, according to talkSPORT. Tottenham and Southampton are also
thought to be keeping an eye on the situation. However, any reports linking
him with a switch to Sunderland can probably be dismissed after the
Spanish-born teenager revealed that he wouldn't want to play under his dad.
In an interview with the Daily Mail, the youngster said about a possible
link up with the Black Cats boss: "There were rumours of me moving to
Sunderland, but for the time being I'd rather do it for myself. I've always
said I wouldn't want to play under him. "My dad is my biggest critic. It has
disadvantages, but it has advantages because he has the knowledge and I can
learn from him. We used to have a kickabout, but not all the time. "He
didn't want to pressurise me or push me when I was young into doing
something. He just let me get on with it." Meanwhile, Chris Powell has been
sacked as Charlton boss with the London outfit sitting bottom of the
Championship.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
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Tuesday, March 11
Daily WHUFC News - 11th March 2014
Mo ready to return to action
WHUFC.com
Mo Diame is looking forward to Saturday's Barclays Premier League trip to
Stoke City
10.03.2014
After a fortnight without Barclays Premier League action, Mohamed Diame is
raring to go ahead of Saturday's trip to Stoke City. West Ham United have
not played since going down to a late 1-0 defeat at Everton on 1 March, with
the first-team squad enjoying a rare weekend off during the break in the
fixture list.
Diame, who started Senegal's 1-1 friendly international draw with Mali in
Paris last week, is looking forward to playing for points again at the
Britannia Stadium.
"Things are good amongst the squad," confirmed the No21. "After the game
against Everton, I think it was important to have some rest and a break to
come back here and start again and try to find the win again. "I went with
my country and it's always good to see my guys and to think about the family
I have in Senegal. It was good to play this game in Paris and we drew. It
was a friendly game and I thought we did well. We tried to win this game,
but I think a draw was OK. "Now, we are back to league action and we are in
a better position than a few months ago, but we want to keep picking up
points. We just need to keep going and need to make sure we take as many
points as possible by the end of the season."
Diame was part of the West Ham side which secured a superb 1-0 victory at
Stoke a year ago - a result that ended a run of two straight defeats - and
the midfielder is targeting a similar result this time around. That said, he
knows things will not be easy against a Stoke team which scored a 1-0 home
win over Arsenal in their last home game before drawing 1-1 at Norwich City
on Saturday. "Of course we can win there again, but Stoke did well in their
last game by winning against Arsenal, so we need to go there and try to give
our best and come back with the win."
Finally, Diame had words of support for his former club Wigan Athletic, who
continued their defence of the FA Cup by scoring a shock 2-1 win at
Manchester City on Sunday. "I am impressed with what they have achieved.
It's always good to see Wigan win their games, so now I can see they are
back near the Play-Offs too in the Championship. I hope they are going to do
well and come back to the Premier League."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Loan watch - Weekend round-up
WHUFC.com
Find out how West Ham United's loan players fared with their clubs over the
weekend
10.03.2014
It was another busy weekend for the Hammers' band of loan players in England
and Scotland. In the Sky Bet Championship Ravel Morrison starred for Queens
Park Rangers, as the Hammers youngster scored twice to help his side defeat
Birmingham City 2-0 and end a five-game winless run for Harry Redknapp's
side in the league. Morrison was on loan at Birmingham last season and came
back to haunt his old club with goals in the 14th and 73rd minutes at St
Andrew's.
In the division below, defender Jordan Spence was also on the winning side
as Milton Keynes Dons kept their play-off hopes alive with a 2-1 victory at
fellow top-six hopefuls Swindon Town. The Dons trailed to Michael Smith's
first half strike, but Antony Kay levelled before the hour and George
Baldock, brother of former Hammer Sam, completed the turnaround
North of the border, Paul McCallum was a second half substitute as Heart of
Midlothian went down to a 4-2 defeat at Kilmarnock. Hearts, who were
deducted 15 points before the start of the season after entering
administration, remain at the foot of the Scottish Premiership table.
Finally, youngster Taylor Miles started for Concord Rangers as they secured
a 3-2 victory over Eastleigh in Skrill South. In a thrilling contest at the
Aspect Arena, Miles set up Sam Collins to curl a shot into the top corner
and give the Essex side a 37th minute lead. Eastleigh turned the game on its
head to go 2-1 up, but with Reece Connolly's red card reducing them to ten
men, Concord took advantage to triumph thanks to goals from Tony Stokes and
Gary Ogilvie.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Ladies reach County Cup final
WHUFC.com
West Ham United Ladies are through to the Essex FA County Cup final after a
thrilling penalty shootout victory
10.03.2014
West Ham United Ladies are through to the Essex FA County Cup final after a
thrilling penalty shootout victory at holders C&K Basildon. The Hammers,
who defeated the same opposition in a shootout in the FA Women's Cup in
February, made sure lightning stuck twice through the heroics of goalkeeper
Lauren Picton. The stopper saved two Basildon penalties to see West Ham
through 4-3 in the shootout following a 1-1 draw after extra-time in
Sunday's semi-final.
The game started with great pace and commitment from both sides and when
Lily Mellors turned inside and fired a shot into the far corner of the net
after just seven minutes, the signs were looking good for a routine West
Ham victory.
But the lead barely lasted a full minute when Basildon equalised. A deep
cross came over from the left and it was the Basildon defender who got her
head to the ball first and sent the ball into the back of the Hammers net.
To make matters worse, after 15 minutes Hammers skipper Stacey Little was
carried from the field with an ankle injury. A subsequent trip to hospital
revealed that, thankfully, there was no fracture as was initially feared.
The game lost its momentum after the stoppages and West Ham lost their flow.
This allowed Basildon to put further pressure onto the Hammers defence and
they came close on a number of occasions but their finishing was off target.
Just before the 90 minutes were up the Hammers had a purple patch which saw
Mellors, Cherrelle Albert and April Bowers all go close, but the scores
remained level at the end of normal time.
The 30 minutes of extra-time also failed to provide a winning goal, with
both sides a little more cautious in their ventures into the opposition
half. Finally it came down to a penalty shootout. Basildon were first at the
spot and Picton pulled off a fine save low down to her right, giving the
Hammers an advantage. Sarah McCrea stepped up and scored putting West Ham
one up, before once again Picton foiled the Basildon taker. Mellors was up
next, but her effort hit the post, to keep the score at 1-0 on penalties.
Basildon scored all three of their remaining penalties and with Albert and
Bowers scoring for the Hammers, it was 3-3 with just Danica Revell to come
and without showing any nerves she but the ball into the back of the net for
a fantastic win.
West Ham will face Barking in the final at AFC Hornchurch on 17 April, with
kick-off at 7.45pm. There, the Hammers will be seeking to win the
competition for
a third time, having previously lifted the trophy in 2009 and 2011. Barking
have also won it twice previously, in 2001 and 2003.
Ladies: Picton, King, McCrea, West, Revell, Blanchflower (Cliffe 46), Little
(Lipley-Hinton 15, Masters 103), Morgan, Bowers, Albert, Mellors
Subs not used : Bottom, Beard
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Macca: consistency is key for Ravel
KUMB.com
Filed: Monday, 10th March 2014
By: Staff Writer
West Ham assistant manager Neil McDonald has challenged Ravel Morrison to
deliver on a regular basis, following his Man of the Match performance
against Birmingham last weekend. The 21-year-old midfielder scored both of
Queens Park Rangers' goals on Saturday as the Championship promotion
contenders boosted their ailing hopes of an automatic promotion spot with a
2-0 win against against the club with whom Morrison spent last season on
loan. McDonald has worked with the England Under 21 international since he
arrived at West Ham in the 2012 winter transfer window. And whilst he has
always championed Morrison's immense talent, McDonald believes that his
biggest challenge now is to remain focused and repeat some of this season's
eye-catching performances consistently. "There are lots of young players
like Ravel who have the talent, but at the same time they have to have
consistency," McDonald told London 24's Dave Evans. "When you are young you
very rarely have that consistency and you have to work really hard on your
game. "He will have his time when he gets that and plays 10, 20-odd games
where he is consistent and everyone will think he is a complete player. "He
is very, very good on the ball, but he has to learn the other side because
there are two parts to learn about the game. There is off the field as well,
but we can't control that. We can control as much as we can on the training
field and on the pitch and like a lot of young players he will learn as he
gets older. That is our challenge."
Morrison joined QPR on loan for the rest of the season on February 19th,
since when he has made three appearances. He is under contract at West Ham
until the summer of 2015.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Morrison praised for solo show
KUMB.com
Filed: Monday, 10th March 2014
By: Staff Writer
Ravel Morrison was named Man of the Match on Saturday for scoring the two
goals that condemned former club Birmingham City to a narrow 2-1 defeat. The
on-loan Hammer struck in the 14th and 73rd minute of the game to seal a 2-1
win for the R's at St Andrews which keeps alive their fading hopes of
automatic promotion. Morrison's two goals - a placed, side-footed shot and a
delicious, dipping 20-yard free kick either side of the break - gave Harry
Redknapp's side all three valuable points but it was his general display
that left other purring after the game. Team mate Nedum Onuoha was effusive
in his praise of the Hammers youngster. "Ravel is a boost for us," he said.
"He was very good for us at Birmingham. He keeps impressing us with his
work-rate and his ability as well. "If he can keep doing that between now
and the end of the season we will be very happy. His main role is a
play-maker and trying to give people opportunities. He is good in training
and hopefully things are looking up now." Onuoha's assessment was backed by
current R's boss Harry Redknapp, who purred: "There's a shortage of talent
in the world of players like Ravel, especially in England. The kid has
everything to be a great player. "I love working with talented players like
Ravel, players who can do something different, something special. I just
hope he can continue to keep on doing what he's doing and go on to become
the player he is undoubtedly capable of being." Morrison, who has scored
five times for West Ham this season is on-loan at QPR for the rest of the
campaign.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Maiga facing QPR axe
KUMB.com
Filed: Monday, 10th March 2014
By: Staff Writer
Harry Redknapp says Modibo Maiga needs to improve is he is to maintain a
regular spot in Queens Park Rangers' starting eleven. The 26-year-old
striker joined the Championship club on transfer deadline day for the
remainder of the current campaign. However since moving to Loftus Road,
Maiga has made just three appearances. The former Sochaux forward opened his
account for QPR on his debut in a 3-3 draw against Burnley on February 1st -
since when he has made just two substitute appearances, with Redknapp
choosing to go with the likes of Kevin Doyle and David Hoilett instead.
"He's got make me want to pick him," Redknapp told Get West London, when
asked about Maiga lack of appearances. "It's true he's from a Premier League
club but so is Will Keane, and Kevin Doyle was there with Wolves two years
ago." Maiga's move to England has proven to be an unmitigated disaster so
far. Since joining West Ham in July 2012 for circa £5million he made just 19
starts in all competitions before dropping a division to join the
Championship promotion candidates. Meanwhile, 67-year-old Redknapp, who
managed West Ham between 1994 and 2001 is said to be considering retirement
having struggled to keep his side in touch with the Championship league
leaders.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
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WHUFC.com
Mo Diame is looking forward to Saturday's Barclays Premier League trip to
Stoke City
10.03.2014
After a fortnight without Barclays Premier League action, Mohamed Diame is
raring to go ahead of Saturday's trip to Stoke City. West Ham United have
not played since going down to a late 1-0 defeat at Everton on 1 March, with
the first-team squad enjoying a rare weekend off during the break in the
fixture list.
Diame, who started Senegal's 1-1 friendly international draw with Mali in
Paris last week, is looking forward to playing for points again at the
Britannia Stadium.
"Things are good amongst the squad," confirmed the No21. "After the game
against Everton, I think it was important to have some rest and a break to
come back here and start again and try to find the win again. "I went with
my country and it's always good to see my guys and to think about the family
I have in Senegal. It was good to play this game in Paris and we drew. It
was a friendly game and I thought we did well. We tried to win this game,
but I think a draw was OK. "Now, we are back to league action and we are in
a better position than a few months ago, but we want to keep picking up
points. We just need to keep going and need to make sure we take as many
points as possible by the end of the season."
Diame was part of the West Ham side which secured a superb 1-0 victory at
Stoke a year ago - a result that ended a run of two straight defeats - and
the midfielder is targeting a similar result this time around. That said, he
knows things will not be easy against a Stoke team which scored a 1-0 home
win over Arsenal in their last home game before drawing 1-1 at Norwich City
on Saturday. "Of course we can win there again, but Stoke did well in their
last game by winning against Arsenal, so we need to go there and try to give
our best and come back with the win."
Finally, Diame had words of support for his former club Wigan Athletic, who
continued their defence of the FA Cup by scoring a shock 2-1 win at
Manchester City on Sunday. "I am impressed with what they have achieved.
It's always good to see Wigan win their games, so now I can see they are
back near the Play-Offs too in the Championship. I hope they are going to do
well and come back to the Premier League."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Loan watch - Weekend round-up
WHUFC.com
Find out how West Ham United's loan players fared with their clubs over the
weekend
10.03.2014
It was another busy weekend for the Hammers' band of loan players in England
and Scotland. In the Sky Bet Championship Ravel Morrison starred for Queens
Park Rangers, as the Hammers youngster scored twice to help his side defeat
Birmingham City 2-0 and end a five-game winless run for Harry Redknapp's
side in the league. Morrison was on loan at Birmingham last season and came
back to haunt his old club with goals in the 14th and 73rd minutes at St
Andrew's.
In the division below, defender Jordan Spence was also on the winning side
as Milton Keynes Dons kept their play-off hopes alive with a 2-1 victory at
fellow top-six hopefuls Swindon Town. The Dons trailed to Michael Smith's
first half strike, but Antony Kay levelled before the hour and George
Baldock, brother of former Hammer Sam, completed the turnaround
North of the border, Paul McCallum was a second half substitute as Heart of
Midlothian went down to a 4-2 defeat at Kilmarnock. Hearts, who were
deducted 15 points before the start of the season after entering
administration, remain at the foot of the Scottish Premiership table.
Finally, youngster Taylor Miles started for Concord Rangers as they secured
a 3-2 victory over Eastleigh in Skrill South. In a thrilling contest at the
Aspect Arena, Miles set up Sam Collins to curl a shot into the top corner
and give the Essex side a 37th minute lead. Eastleigh turned the game on its
head to go 2-1 up, but with Reece Connolly's red card reducing them to ten
men, Concord took advantage to triumph thanks to goals from Tony Stokes and
Gary Ogilvie.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Ladies reach County Cup final
WHUFC.com
West Ham United Ladies are through to the Essex FA County Cup final after a
thrilling penalty shootout victory
10.03.2014
West Ham United Ladies are through to the Essex FA County Cup final after a
thrilling penalty shootout victory at holders C&K Basildon. The Hammers,
who defeated the same opposition in a shootout in the FA Women's Cup in
February, made sure lightning stuck twice through the heroics of goalkeeper
Lauren Picton. The stopper saved two Basildon penalties to see West Ham
through 4-3 in the shootout following a 1-1 draw after extra-time in
Sunday's semi-final.
The game started with great pace and commitment from both sides and when
Lily Mellors turned inside and fired a shot into the far corner of the net
after just seven minutes, the signs were looking good for a routine West
Ham victory.
But the lead barely lasted a full minute when Basildon equalised. A deep
cross came over from the left and it was the Basildon defender who got her
head to the ball first and sent the ball into the back of the Hammers net.
To make matters worse, after 15 minutes Hammers skipper Stacey Little was
carried from the field with an ankle injury. A subsequent trip to hospital
revealed that, thankfully, there was no fracture as was initially feared.
The game lost its momentum after the stoppages and West Ham lost their flow.
This allowed Basildon to put further pressure onto the Hammers defence and
they came close on a number of occasions but their finishing was off target.
Just before the 90 minutes were up the Hammers had a purple patch which saw
Mellors, Cherrelle Albert and April Bowers all go close, but the scores
remained level at the end of normal time.
The 30 minutes of extra-time also failed to provide a winning goal, with
both sides a little more cautious in their ventures into the opposition
half. Finally it came down to a penalty shootout. Basildon were first at the
spot and Picton pulled off a fine save low down to her right, giving the
Hammers an advantage. Sarah McCrea stepped up and scored putting West Ham
one up, before once again Picton foiled the Basildon taker. Mellors was up
next, but her effort hit the post, to keep the score at 1-0 on penalties.
Basildon scored all three of their remaining penalties and with Albert and
Bowers scoring for the Hammers, it was 3-3 with just Danica Revell to come
and without showing any nerves she but the ball into the back of the net for
a fantastic win.
West Ham will face Barking in the final at AFC Hornchurch on 17 April, with
kick-off at 7.45pm. There, the Hammers will be seeking to win the
competition for
a third time, having previously lifted the trophy in 2009 and 2011. Barking
have also won it twice previously, in 2001 and 2003.
Ladies: Picton, King, McCrea, West, Revell, Blanchflower (Cliffe 46), Little
(Lipley-Hinton 15, Masters 103), Morgan, Bowers, Albert, Mellors
Subs not used : Bottom, Beard
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Macca: consistency is key for Ravel
KUMB.com
Filed: Monday, 10th March 2014
By: Staff Writer
West Ham assistant manager Neil McDonald has challenged Ravel Morrison to
deliver on a regular basis, following his Man of the Match performance
against Birmingham last weekend. The 21-year-old midfielder scored both of
Queens Park Rangers' goals on Saturday as the Championship promotion
contenders boosted their ailing hopes of an automatic promotion spot with a
2-0 win against against the club with whom Morrison spent last season on
loan. McDonald has worked with the England Under 21 international since he
arrived at West Ham in the 2012 winter transfer window. And whilst he has
always championed Morrison's immense talent, McDonald believes that his
biggest challenge now is to remain focused and repeat some of this season's
eye-catching performances consistently. "There are lots of young players
like Ravel who have the talent, but at the same time they have to have
consistency," McDonald told London 24's Dave Evans. "When you are young you
very rarely have that consistency and you have to work really hard on your
game. "He will have his time when he gets that and plays 10, 20-odd games
where he is consistent and everyone will think he is a complete player. "He
is very, very good on the ball, but he has to learn the other side because
there are two parts to learn about the game. There is off the field as well,
but we can't control that. We can control as much as we can on the training
field and on the pitch and like a lot of young players he will learn as he
gets older. That is our challenge."
Morrison joined QPR on loan for the rest of the season on February 19th,
since when he has made three appearances. He is under contract at West Ham
until the summer of 2015.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Morrison praised for solo show
KUMB.com
Filed: Monday, 10th March 2014
By: Staff Writer
Ravel Morrison was named Man of the Match on Saturday for scoring the two
goals that condemned former club Birmingham City to a narrow 2-1 defeat. The
on-loan Hammer struck in the 14th and 73rd minute of the game to seal a 2-1
win for the R's at St Andrews which keeps alive their fading hopes of
automatic promotion. Morrison's two goals - a placed, side-footed shot and a
delicious, dipping 20-yard free kick either side of the break - gave Harry
Redknapp's side all three valuable points but it was his general display
that left other purring after the game. Team mate Nedum Onuoha was effusive
in his praise of the Hammers youngster. "Ravel is a boost for us," he said.
"He was very good for us at Birmingham. He keeps impressing us with his
work-rate and his ability as well. "If he can keep doing that between now
and the end of the season we will be very happy. His main role is a
play-maker and trying to give people opportunities. He is good in training
and hopefully things are looking up now." Onuoha's assessment was backed by
current R's boss Harry Redknapp, who purred: "There's a shortage of talent
in the world of players like Ravel, especially in England. The kid has
everything to be a great player. "I love working with talented players like
Ravel, players who can do something different, something special. I just
hope he can continue to keep on doing what he's doing and go on to become
the player he is undoubtedly capable of being." Morrison, who has scored
five times for West Ham this season is on-loan at QPR for the rest of the
campaign.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Maiga facing QPR axe
KUMB.com
Filed: Monday, 10th March 2014
By: Staff Writer
Harry Redknapp says Modibo Maiga needs to improve is he is to maintain a
regular spot in Queens Park Rangers' starting eleven. The 26-year-old
striker joined the Championship club on transfer deadline day for the
remainder of the current campaign. However since moving to Loftus Road,
Maiga has made just three appearances. The former Sochaux forward opened his
account for QPR on his debut in a 3-3 draw against Burnley on February 1st -
since when he has made just two substitute appearances, with Redknapp
choosing to go with the likes of Kevin Doyle and David Hoilett instead.
"He's got make me want to pick him," Redknapp told Get West London, when
asked about Maiga lack of appearances. "It's true he's from a Premier League
club but so is Will Keane, and Kevin Doyle was there with Wolves two years
ago." Maiga's move to England has proven to be an unmitigated disaster so
far. Since joining West Ham in July 2012 for circa £5million he made just 19
starts in all competitions before dropping a division to join the
Championship promotion candidates. Meanwhile, 67-year-old Redknapp, who
managed West Ham between 1994 and 2001 is said to be considering retirement
having struggled to keep his side in touch with the Championship league
leaders.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
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Monday, March 10
Daily WHUFC News - 10th March 2014
Knoyle bemoans bad luck
WHUFC.com
Full-back Kyle Knoyle felt the Development Squad were unlucky in defeat to
Liverpool on Friday
09.03.2014
Kyle Knoyle felt the Development Squad didn't get the rub of the green in
their 2-0 Barclays Under-21 Premier League defeat to Liverpool on Friday
night.
The young Hammers fell behind on the stroke of half-time to a ricochet off
Jack Dunn which deceived Raphael Spiegel and rolled into the net after the
home side had been firmly in control of proceedings. Dunn scored a second
with 77 minutes on the clock to seal the win for the visitors, but Knoyle
felt the first goal had dented the Hammers' confidence. He told West Ham TV:
"We played very well and the defeat was unlucky because we conceded just
before half-time.
"The manner of the goal as well, it bobbled awkwardly and Rapha couldn't get
to it. I thought we had the majority of the chances and if we had scored
after their first goal, then I think we would have gone onto win it. "The
goal came just before half-time, so our heads went down just a bit but if
we'd have managed to keep it at 0-0 then the game would be open and anything
could happen."
The Hammers more than held their own against a Liverpool side, who arrived
at Rush Green in second place in the table and contained Brazilian
international Lucas Leiva, and France international Mamadou Sakho. Elliot
Lee saw an effort strike the post while he was also denied by the visiting
keeper along with Sebastian Lletget and Josh Cullen in an opening period
which the home side dominated. Right-back Knoyle was disappointed with the
result but felt the experience of playing against two international players
could only benefit him as a footballer. "We were doing well defensively,
everyone was working hard and had we got a goal we would have been set for
the match. "We were unlucky that we conceded the first goal and the manner
of it was disappointing. "It can only be good for me as a first year and
playing against players like this is only going to make me a better player."
Knoyle himself had only returned just in time for the match after playing a
part for the England Under-18s against Croatia at St George's Park. While
the Three Lions lost both matches against their visitors, Knoyle believes
the experience of representing his country can only improve him as a player.
"They had two full internationals out there tonight, in the shape of Lucas
and Sakho and everyone played well. Everyone worked hard for the team and we
showed that we could be just as good as them on the night. "Every time you
go and represent England it's a great experience where you're learning and
picking things up from the game. "It's good for my CV that I've played for
England and the fact that im playing for the Under-21s is only good for me."
:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
George no stranger to stadium move
WHUFC.com
George McCartney recalled Sunderland's big move on his visit to West Ham
United's future home in Stratford
08.03.2014
If any player knows the benefits of moving to a bigger, state-of-the-art
stadium, it is West Ham United defender George McCartney. McCartney was just
16 when he travelled over from his native Northern Ireland for a trial with
Sunderland in May 1997, during which he attended a farewell match against
Liverpool at the Black Cats' Roker Park stadium. The trial was successful
and the defender signed on as a trainee. Two years later, he turned
professional and moved into his first home - a flat on the estate
constructed on the site vacated by Roker Park. In September 2000, McCartney
made his first-team debut for Sunderland at the Stadium of Light before
going on to captain the Black Cats to promotion to the Premier League five
years later. Now 32, the Northern Irishman says the club's move to their
49,000-seater new home played a big part in the success Sunderland have
enjoyed over the past 15 seasons - eleven of which have been spent in the
Premier League. West Ham are now a little more than two years away from
moving to the Olympic Stadium, with the announcement that the Boleyn Ground
will be re-developed for new homes, retail and leisure facilities for local
people, as well as the development of a central landscaped garden, which
would be named the Bobby Moore Memorial Garden. McCartney believes the
Hammers, like Sunderland, will also benefit from their big move.
"The first-ever time I went across to Sunderland when I was 16, I went to
the last match at Roker Park against Liverpool," said McCartney. "it is hard
to believe that stadium has been transformed from a football stadium into
apartments and that's where my first house was! "I was there for the last
game at Roker Park, then they moved into the new stadium. When you look at
Sunderland now, they have a great stadium, a great training ground and they
have everything in place to be a top club. "From what I remember, Roker Park
didn't hold that many people - not even half as many as the Stadium of Light
does - so to go from having 15 or 20,000 every week to having 45,000 every
week made a big difference, and it can do for West Ham too."
McCartney joined team-mate James Tomkins and apprentices George Skuce and
Mohamed Mohamed from technology specialists Imtech at the Olympic Stadium,
where they helped the two east London-born electricians with their work on
redeveloping West Ham's new home. The visit formed part of National
Apprenticeship Week, which is co-ordinated by the National Apprenticeship
Service and designed to celebrate Apprenticeships and the positive impact
they have on individuals, businesses and the wider economy. "It does look a
bit different now," said the No3. "Back in August, there was a bit of grass
on the pitch and the roof structure was still on, but now we've come back
and it actually looks a lot bigger than it did a few months ago. "Now they
have taken the running track out and the roof off, it is a big open space,
but I can see they are in the process of getting everything ready to
transform it into a football stadium. "Nowadays, football clubs need a big
amount of revenue to run at Premier League level in a competitive way.
Obviously Upton Park is a great stadium with a lot of history behind it, but
for West Ham to move to the next level, they need a stadium like this. "I'm
sure, when all the supporters start coming along every weekend and
supporting the team, they'll realise what sort of stadium the Club has got
here and they'll be happy in the long run. "For the Club itself, the money
and interest it will generate and the new players it will attract, West Ham
need this. It's not much to look at now, but in a year or two's time it is
going to be a great stadium to be part of."
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U18s stay in title hunt
WHUFC.com
West Ham United scored a 3-0 Barclays U18 Premier League South victory at
Arsenal to stay second in the table
09.03.2014
West Ham United U18s kept the pressure on at the top of the Barclays U18
Premier League South with a 3-0 demolition of Arsenal on Saturday morning.
Early goals in the opening eight minutes from captain Kieran Bywater and
Jerry Amoo set the Hammers on their way to victory, before Emmanuel
Onariase's (pictured) rare strike near the end settled the tie. West Ham's
win meant they kept pace with leaders Fulham, who scored a 3-0 win at
Chelsea on Friday. The pair both sit on 49 points from 22 matches played.
Both teams have eight games remaining. U18 boss Steve Potts made just two
changes to the side that beat league leaders Fulham away two weeks ago, with
right-back Alex Pike replacing Josh Pask in defence, along with Amoo
stepping in to replace schoolboy Grady Diangana. With the Hammers looking to
take their recent win streak to six games, they got off to the perfect start
at London Colney when Amoo used his speed to get away down the right, before
cutting a ball back to the edge of the box for Bywater to snatch his 17th
league goal of the season. Then, just three minutes later, Amoo turned from
provider to scorer when he charged through two or three opposition defenders
before firing low past Gunners goalkeeper Ryan Huddart. After that, the game
seemed to slow down in terms of attacking opportunities, with both teams
battling in the centre of the pitch to gain control of the game. Just after
the hour-mark, Arsenal had a rare chance on goal when the ball fell kindly
to Kaylen Hinds on the edge of the box, but the youngster rushed his volley.
As Arsenal looked to step up their performance, a mix-up in midfield saw
Amoo given a free run towards goal and, after settling himself, his effort
was palmed clear by the strong hands of Huddart. If Arsenal felt that they
had got away with conceding another goal, the travelling Hammers secured the
three points with a third late in the second half. Bywater's deep cross was
met at the far post by Reece Burke, who expertly brought the ball back
across the face of the goal for Onariase to finish. It almost got even worse
for the Gunners in the closing minutes when West Ham substitute Bailey was
released through the back line by Bywater, but unfortunately he blazed his
shot well wide of the target.
The Hammers' next league fixture is a trip to Leicester City on Saturday 15
March, with an 11.30am kick off.
U18s: Howes, Pike (Pask), Harney, Onariase, Burke, Nasha, Makasi, Amoo,
Brown (Martins), Bywater, Parfitt-Williams (Bailey)
Sub not used: Nemrava
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
HOW CAN WE BEST HONOUR THE CLUBS 'GREATS' - PAST AND FUTURE!
By S J Chandos 9 Mar 2014 at 13:00
West Ham Till I Die
Bobby Moore is West Ham's greatest player. He is also England's, and
arguably international football's, finest ever defender and captain. As
such, his place in his club and country's history must always be honoured.
It is only right that his legacy should be central to both the plans for the
development of the Olympic Stadium and redevelopment of a vacated Upton
Park. That all goes without saying, but still, an outstanding issue for me
is how the club can most appropriately remember the other 'greats' that have
made invaluable contributions to our history.
For instance, what about our first ever England international, Danny Shea;
our first striking superstar Syd Puddefoot; or our all time record goal
scorer Vic Watson. Similiarly, one could also point to formidible centre
half, Big Jim Barrett Snr; central defensive pivot and captain, George Kaye;
goal scoring left-winger Jimmy Ruffell; inside-right Stanley Earle; winger,
Stan Foxell; tricky forward Johnny Morton; or the last great amateur player,
V.W.T Gibbins. What about the claims of that 'Prince amongst Inside
Forwards,' Len Goulden, a genuine contender for the title of the club's
greatest ever creative midfielder. Then amongst our past goal keepers, there
are such great shot stoppers as Ted Hufton, Ernie Gregory, Phil Parkes and
Ludo Miklosko. Unquestionably four of the best custodians to appear for any
English club.
Nearer our own time, there is the prolific 1957-58 striking partnership of
Vic Keeble and John Dick; the exciting attacking full-back partnership of
John Bond and Noel Cantwell; the deadly McAvennie-Cottee combination that
nearly fired us to the 1st Division title in 1985-86; the rock solid
defensive midfielder, Andy Malcolm; and, of course, the skillful and deadly
Johnny Byrne. And this leads us to a group of players, who are second only
to Bobby Moore in receiving official recognition from the club for their
achievements. These include, Sir Geoff Hurst; Martin Peters; Sir Trevor
Brooking, Billy Bonds and Paolo Di Canio. While there are others such as
Alan Devonshire, Ronnie Boyce, Alvin martin, Ray Stewart, Tony Gale, Julian
Dicks, Pop Robson, Graham Paddon and David Cross who arguably deserve more
recognition.
Then there is a unique category of player whose contributions to the history
of the club are directly linked to a single famous victory. Amongst these
are included: Alan Taylor's goal scoring a feats in winning the1975 FA Cup;
Alan Sealey's famous double in the 1965 ECWC Final; Sam Small's winning goal
in the 1940 War League Cup Final; and Bobby Zamora and Richardo Vaz Te's,
respective, winning goals in the 2005 and 2012 Championship Play-off Finals.
Similiarly there needs to be recognition of the 'international Hammers.' who
have been capped by their countries whilst with the club; as well as the
great/best Hammers sides. In this latter category are the 1923 and 2006 FA
Cup Finalists; the 1940 League War Cup winners; the 1964, 1975 and 1980 FA
Cup winners; the 1965 ECWC winners and 1976 ECWC Finalists; the 1985-86
title challenging side; the 1966 and 1981 League Cup Finalists; the 1957-58
and 1980-81 2nd Division Championship winners; the the 2005 and 2012
Play-off Championship winners.
There must be further recognition of the greatest Hammers managers,
principally Ron Greenwood and Johnny Lyall, but also the others based on
their achievements. Plus there might also be acknowledgement of influential
figures, such as Arnold Hills, Billy Moore. Wally St pier, Tony Carr, Ernie
Gregory and Eddie Bailey who have made a unique individual contribution to
the club on a number of different levels. What about the famous and original
concept of the 'Academy of Football,' centred around Malcolm Allison and all
those 1950s Hammers players who went on to manage leading clubs and
introduce innovative ideas and tactics?
The above summary of the clubs 'greats' is by definition personal and
subjective. I am sure that every fan will have their own views and will both
agree/disagree with my choices and put forward other excellent names for
inclusion. That is fair enough, because it is the nature of the exercise.
So, what is the best possible way of recognising the contributions of all
our 'greats?' Well, firstly I would like to float the idea that the club
launch a 'Hammers Hall of Fame' and a set up nominating body composed of
supporters, ex-players and other stakeholders, who would be formally charged
with deciding who/what should be inducted. This would be reviewed and names
added annually. The 'Hall of Fame' can cover the above categories and
establish a baseline for the offical recognition of the club greats.There
could also be an online website and travelling exhibition, dedicated to the
Hall of Fame, to help engage with youngsters/supporters and promote the
history of the club in the community.
At the redeveloped Upton Park, each of the residential blocks should be
named after most famous Hammers elected to the Hall of Fame. Also the street
names could commemorate great Hammers cup victories. At the centre of the
re-development should be the proposed Bobby moore statute. But around it
could also be installed stone plaques celebrating the most famous Hammers
sides to play at Upton Park and their achievements, again nominated by the
Hall of Fame.
Finally, the stands of the OS will be presumably named after Hammers greats,
but what about the main approach road leading up to the OS being transformed
in to an 'Avenue of Hammers Legends,' with projected images/display boards
celebrating famous players on one side and achievements/events on the other.
It may be that this Avenue will need to be in a format which can be
disassembled out of season and re-assembled in close season, depending on
the existing agreement with the authorities running the OS and Park. Or,
alternatively, perhaps it can be left in situ permanently? This 'Avenue'
will lead up to a re-situated 'Champions' statute, which would have pride of
place at the main entrance.
Through these mechanisms/proposals the history of the club could be
celebrated in its broadest sense, with some of our greatest names honoured.
Moreover, it could be used to engage and educate youngsters and the
community about their club. To be inducted in to the Hall of Fame would be a
great club honour and ensure that our best players are formally recognized.
Plus, the beauty of a 'Hall of Fame' is that is not closed or exclusively
rooted in the distant past, new heroes, perceived greats and future honours
can be nominated and added. The 'Avenue of legends' would inspire fans
before each match and project the history of the club in a very visible and
positive way.
I know that following the announcement of the sale and redevelopment of
Upton Park, there was to be a call for suggestions about what could be
included at the future site. This goes one step further by extending it to
the OS and under-pinning it all with the defining concept of an Hall of
Fame. It is placed in the public sphere to obtain fellow fans views and
perhaps get it considered by the club. I am sure that the proposals could be
highly effective and adopted with minmium cost to the club. Perhaps they
might even attract commercial sponsorship to fund them?
SJ. Chandos.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Ravel Morrison insists: I DO know who Gazza is - and I'll try to be as good
as him
Mar 09, 2014 22:00 By James Nursey
The Mirrpr
Ravel Morrison insists he has heard of Paul Gascoigne after all and is
anxious to live up to comparisons with the England legend. Birmingham boss
Lee Clark, who had Morrison on loan at St Andrews last term, played with
Gascoigne at Newcastle. Clark reckons Rangers' on loan West Ham ace is the
nearest thing to Gazza despite claiming Morrison was not familiar with the
England legend. Former Newcastle, Tottenham, Lazio, Rangers, Middlesbrough
and Everton midfielder Gascoigne won 57 England caps before retiring in 2004
and is considered one of England's biggest ever talents. Ex-Manchester
United trainee Morrison also has a huge reputation despite dropping down
into the Championship after recently being farmed out by the Hammers.
Morrison underlined his massive potential with classy strikes in either half
at Birmingham. And asked if he really did not know of Paul Gascoigne, he
explained: "I had, but I didn't know who he was referring to at the time as
in Gazza! "But I've caught on who Paul Gascoigne is yes. He was a special
player, I'll try to be as good as him."
Morrison was tipped to go to the World Cup with England after starting the
season in impressive form with West Ham in the top-flight. But he lost his
place amid an injury and a contract wrangle and was then loaned to relegated
Rangers. Morrison added: "West Ham are doing really well at the moment,
everyone got back fit. I wasn't getting a good chance there. So I came to
QPR hoping to play and the manager's given me a chance." Morrison bagged a
superb free-kick in the 14th minute and a slick second-half finish 17
minutes from time on his third QPR appearance. He looked a class apart
against struggling City and his display is a huge tonic to promotion-chasing
Rangers and under-pressure boss Harry Redknapp after a five-game winless
streak. Defender Nedum Onuoha, 27, said: "Ravel is a boost for us. Other
teams will also look in and see what players we have. "He was very good for
us at Birmingham. He keeps impressing us with his work-rate and his ability
as well. "If he can keep doing that between now and the end of the season we
will be very happy."
Onuoha is now hoping Morrison can provide both the goals and assists to
compensate for top scorer Charlie Austin's absence with injury. He added:
"The loss of Charlie was big. But as a team we need to score more goals as
individuals. "If Ravel can do it then so be it but his main role is a
play-maker and trying to give people opportunities. He is good in training
and hopefully things are looking up now. "We had a dip but we have addressed
the situation and we can kick on between now and the end of the season and
have a chance. "I think you have to be optimistic. We are going into games
trying to win them. "Although things aren't in our hands the least we can do
is apply pressure to those above."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Harry Redknapp says Sir Alex Ferguson recommended Ravel Morrison
Last Updated: 09/03/14 8:51pm
SSN
QPR manager Harry Redknapp has praised on-loan midfielder Ravel Morrison,
whilst revealing he has been monitoring the former Manchester United man for
nine years. Morrison bagged a brace as QPR beat Birmingham City 2-0 on
Saturday, with Blues boss Lee Clark likening the 21-year-old to Paul
Gascoigne.
Redknapp also lauded the youngster's performance at St Andrews, and says
that former Red Devils manager Sir Alex Ferguson recommended the player when
he was 12 years old. "What a player he is," the QPR manager told Get West
London. "I've followed his career from when he was a 12-year-old and what
Sir Alex told me. For whatever reason he's been let go, but we're glad we've
got him. "He's a real talent and he rode tackles and took his goals well. We
wasted opportunities and they were always in the game - but this is a
massive win for us."
The victory was their first in six games, but the Rs remain eight points
adrift of the automatic play-off spots following Burnley's 2-1 win over
Blackburn on Sunday. However, Redknapp is still hopeful of a return to the
Premier League and was thankful that fellow promotion candidates Derby and
Nottingham Forest fell to defeats on Saturday. He said: "They were big
results and vital games. There are no easy games in this division."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Harry Redknapp wants Modibo Maiga to show his quality
Last Updated: 09/03/14 10:11pm
SSN
QPR manager Harry Redknapp has demanded more from on-loan striker Modibo
Maiga, who has scored just one goal for the Rs. Maiga joined from West Ham
United on deadline day, along with fellow strikers Kevin Doyle and Will
Keane. Following a disappointing start to his stint at Loftus Road, the
26-year-old has dropped down the pecking order and has played just 65
minutes since his debut goal against Burnley on February 1. With the former
Sochaux man failing to make an impact so far, Redknapp believes Maiga has
not done enough to warrant a place in his starting XI. "He's got make me
want to pick him," the Rs boss told Get West London. "It's true he's from a
Premier League club but so is Will Keane, and Kevin Doyle was there with
Wolves two years ago."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
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WHUFC.com
Full-back Kyle Knoyle felt the Development Squad were unlucky in defeat to
Liverpool on Friday
09.03.2014
Kyle Knoyle felt the Development Squad didn't get the rub of the green in
their 2-0 Barclays Under-21 Premier League defeat to Liverpool on Friday
night.
The young Hammers fell behind on the stroke of half-time to a ricochet off
Jack Dunn which deceived Raphael Spiegel and rolled into the net after the
home side had been firmly in control of proceedings. Dunn scored a second
with 77 minutes on the clock to seal the win for the visitors, but Knoyle
felt the first goal had dented the Hammers' confidence. He told West Ham TV:
"We played very well and the defeat was unlucky because we conceded just
before half-time.
"The manner of the goal as well, it bobbled awkwardly and Rapha couldn't get
to it. I thought we had the majority of the chances and if we had scored
after their first goal, then I think we would have gone onto win it. "The
goal came just before half-time, so our heads went down just a bit but if
we'd have managed to keep it at 0-0 then the game would be open and anything
could happen."
The Hammers more than held their own against a Liverpool side, who arrived
at Rush Green in second place in the table and contained Brazilian
international Lucas Leiva, and France international Mamadou Sakho. Elliot
Lee saw an effort strike the post while he was also denied by the visiting
keeper along with Sebastian Lletget and Josh Cullen in an opening period
which the home side dominated. Right-back Knoyle was disappointed with the
result but felt the experience of playing against two international players
could only benefit him as a footballer. "We were doing well defensively,
everyone was working hard and had we got a goal we would have been set for
the match. "We were unlucky that we conceded the first goal and the manner
of it was disappointing. "It can only be good for me as a first year and
playing against players like this is only going to make me a better player."
Knoyle himself had only returned just in time for the match after playing a
part for the England Under-18s against Croatia at St George's Park. While
the Three Lions lost both matches against their visitors, Knoyle believes
the experience of representing his country can only improve him as a player.
"They had two full internationals out there tonight, in the shape of Lucas
and Sakho and everyone played well. Everyone worked hard for the team and we
showed that we could be just as good as them on the night. "Every time you
go and represent England it's a great experience where you're learning and
picking things up from the game. "It's good for my CV that I've played for
England and the fact that im playing for the Under-21s is only good for me."
:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
George no stranger to stadium move
WHUFC.com
George McCartney recalled Sunderland's big move on his visit to West Ham
United's future home in Stratford
08.03.2014
If any player knows the benefits of moving to a bigger, state-of-the-art
stadium, it is West Ham United defender George McCartney. McCartney was just
16 when he travelled over from his native Northern Ireland for a trial with
Sunderland in May 1997, during which he attended a farewell match against
Liverpool at the Black Cats' Roker Park stadium. The trial was successful
and the defender signed on as a trainee. Two years later, he turned
professional and moved into his first home - a flat on the estate
constructed on the site vacated by Roker Park. In September 2000, McCartney
made his first-team debut for Sunderland at the Stadium of Light before
going on to captain the Black Cats to promotion to the Premier League five
years later. Now 32, the Northern Irishman says the club's move to their
49,000-seater new home played a big part in the success Sunderland have
enjoyed over the past 15 seasons - eleven of which have been spent in the
Premier League. West Ham are now a little more than two years away from
moving to the Olympic Stadium, with the announcement that the Boleyn Ground
will be re-developed for new homes, retail and leisure facilities for local
people, as well as the development of a central landscaped garden, which
would be named the Bobby Moore Memorial Garden. McCartney believes the
Hammers, like Sunderland, will also benefit from their big move.
"The first-ever time I went across to Sunderland when I was 16, I went to
the last match at Roker Park against Liverpool," said McCartney. "it is hard
to believe that stadium has been transformed from a football stadium into
apartments and that's where my first house was! "I was there for the last
game at Roker Park, then they moved into the new stadium. When you look at
Sunderland now, they have a great stadium, a great training ground and they
have everything in place to be a top club. "From what I remember, Roker Park
didn't hold that many people - not even half as many as the Stadium of Light
does - so to go from having 15 or 20,000 every week to having 45,000 every
week made a big difference, and it can do for West Ham too."
McCartney joined team-mate James Tomkins and apprentices George Skuce and
Mohamed Mohamed from technology specialists Imtech at the Olympic Stadium,
where they helped the two east London-born electricians with their work on
redeveloping West Ham's new home. The visit formed part of National
Apprenticeship Week, which is co-ordinated by the National Apprenticeship
Service and designed to celebrate Apprenticeships and the positive impact
they have on individuals, businesses and the wider economy. "It does look a
bit different now," said the No3. "Back in August, there was a bit of grass
on the pitch and the roof structure was still on, but now we've come back
and it actually looks a lot bigger than it did a few months ago. "Now they
have taken the running track out and the roof off, it is a big open space,
but I can see they are in the process of getting everything ready to
transform it into a football stadium. "Nowadays, football clubs need a big
amount of revenue to run at Premier League level in a competitive way.
Obviously Upton Park is a great stadium with a lot of history behind it, but
for West Ham to move to the next level, they need a stadium like this. "I'm
sure, when all the supporters start coming along every weekend and
supporting the team, they'll realise what sort of stadium the Club has got
here and they'll be happy in the long run. "For the Club itself, the money
and interest it will generate and the new players it will attract, West Ham
need this. It's not much to look at now, but in a year or two's time it is
going to be a great stadium to be part of."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
U18s stay in title hunt
WHUFC.com
West Ham United scored a 3-0 Barclays U18 Premier League South victory at
Arsenal to stay second in the table
09.03.2014
West Ham United U18s kept the pressure on at the top of the Barclays U18
Premier League South with a 3-0 demolition of Arsenal on Saturday morning.
Early goals in the opening eight minutes from captain Kieran Bywater and
Jerry Amoo set the Hammers on their way to victory, before Emmanuel
Onariase's (pictured) rare strike near the end settled the tie. West Ham's
win meant they kept pace with leaders Fulham, who scored a 3-0 win at
Chelsea on Friday. The pair both sit on 49 points from 22 matches played.
Both teams have eight games remaining. U18 boss Steve Potts made just two
changes to the side that beat league leaders Fulham away two weeks ago, with
right-back Alex Pike replacing Josh Pask in defence, along with Amoo
stepping in to replace schoolboy Grady Diangana. With the Hammers looking to
take their recent win streak to six games, they got off to the perfect start
at London Colney when Amoo used his speed to get away down the right, before
cutting a ball back to the edge of the box for Bywater to snatch his 17th
league goal of the season. Then, just three minutes later, Amoo turned from
provider to scorer when he charged through two or three opposition defenders
before firing low past Gunners goalkeeper Ryan Huddart. After that, the game
seemed to slow down in terms of attacking opportunities, with both teams
battling in the centre of the pitch to gain control of the game. Just after
the hour-mark, Arsenal had a rare chance on goal when the ball fell kindly
to Kaylen Hinds on the edge of the box, but the youngster rushed his volley.
As Arsenal looked to step up their performance, a mix-up in midfield saw
Amoo given a free run towards goal and, after settling himself, his effort
was palmed clear by the strong hands of Huddart. If Arsenal felt that they
had got away with conceding another goal, the travelling Hammers secured the
three points with a third late in the second half. Bywater's deep cross was
met at the far post by Reece Burke, who expertly brought the ball back
across the face of the goal for Onariase to finish. It almost got even worse
for the Gunners in the closing minutes when West Ham substitute Bailey was
released through the back line by Bywater, but unfortunately he blazed his
shot well wide of the target.
The Hammers' next league fixture is a trip to Leicester City on Saturday 15
March, with an 11.30am kick off.
U18s: Howes, Pike (Pask), Harney, Onariase, Burke, Nasha, Makasi, Amoo,
Brown (Martins), Bywater, Parfitt-Williams (Bailey)
Sub not used: Nemrava
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
HOW CAN WE BEST HONOUR THE CLUBS 'GREATS' - PAST AND FUTURE!
By S J Chandos 9 Mar 2014 at 13:00
West Ham Till I Die
Bobby Moore is West Ham's greatest player. He is also England's, and
arguably international football's, finest ever defender and captain. As
such, his place in his club and country's history must always be honoured.
It is only right that his legacy should be central to both the plans for the
development of the Olympic Stadium and redevelopment of a vacated Upton
Park. That all goes without saying, but still, an outstanding issue for me
is how the club can most appropriately remember the other 'greats' that have
made invaluable contributions to our history.
For instance, what about our first ever England international, Danny Shea;
our first striking superstar Syd Puddefoot; or our all time record goal
scorer Vic Watson. Similiarly, one could also point to formidible centre
half, Big Jim Barrett Snr; central defensive pivot and captain, George Kaye;
goal scoring left-winger Jimmy Ruffell; inside-right Stanley Earle; winger,
Stan Foxell; tricky forward Johnny Morton; or the last great amateur player,
V.W.T Gibbins. What about the claims of that 'Prince amongst Inside
Forwards,' Len Goulden, a genuine contender for the title of the club's
greatest ever creative midfielder. Then amongst our past goal keepers, there
are such great shot stoppers as Ted Hufton, Ernie Gregory, Phil Parkes and
Ludo Miklosko. Unquestionably four of the best custodians to appear for any
English club.
Nearer our own time, there is the prolific 1957-58 striking partnership of
Vic Keeble and John Dick; the exciting attacking full-back partnership of
John Bond and Noel Cantwell; the deadly McAvennie-Cottee combination that
nearly fired us to the 1st Division title in 1985-86; the rock solid
defensive midfielder, Andy Malcolm; and, of course, the skillful and deadly
Johnny Byrne. And this leads us to a group of players, who are second only
to Bobby Moore in receiving official recognition from the club for their
achievements. These include, Sir Geoff Hurst; Martin Peters; Sir Trevor
Brooking, Billy Bonds and Paolo Di Canio. While there are others such as
Alan Devonshire, Ronnie Boyce, Alvin martin, Ray Stewart, Tony Gale, Julian
Dicks, Pop Robson, Graham Paddon and David Cross who arguably deserve more
recognition.
Then there is a unique category of player whose contributions to the history
of the club are directly linked to a single famous victory. Amongst these
are included: Alan Taylor's goal scoring a feats in winning the1975 FA Cup;
Alan Sealey's famous double in the 1965 ECWC Final; Sam Small's winning goal
in the 1940 War League Cup Final; and Bobby Zamora and Richardo Vaz Te's,
respective, winning goals in the 2005 and 2012 Championship Play-off Finals.
Similiarly there needs to be recognition of the 'international Hammers.' who
have been capped by their countries whilst with the club; as well as the
great/best Hammers sides. In this latter category are the 1923 and 2006 FA
Cup Finalists; the 1940 League War Cup winners; the 1964, 1975 and 1980 FA
Cup winners; the 1965 ECWC winners and 1976 ECWC Finalists; the 1985-86
title challenging side; the 1966 and 1981 League Cup Finalists; the 1957-58
and 1980-81 2nd Division Championship winners; the the 2005 and 2012
Play-off Championship winners.
There must be further recognition of the greatest Hammers managers,
principally Ron Greenwood and Johnny Lyall, but also the others based on
their achievements. Plus there might also be acknowledgement of influential
figures, such as Arnold Hills, Billy Moore. Wally St pier, Tony Carr, Ernie
Gregory and Eddie Bailey who have made a unique individual contribution to
the club on a number of different levels. What about the famous and original
concept of the 'Academy of Football,' centred around Malcolm Allison and all
those 1950s Hammers players who went on to manage leading clubs and
introduce innovative ideas and tactics?
The above summary of the clubs 'greats' is by definition personal and
subjective. I am sure that every fan will have their own views and will both
agree/disagree with my choices and put forward other excellent names for
inclusion. That is fair enough, because it is the nature of the exercise.
So, what is the best possible way of recognising the contributions of all
our 'greats?' Well, firstly I would like to float the idea that the club
launch a 'Hammers Hall of Fame' and a set up nominating body composed of
supporters, ex-players and other stakeholders, who would be formally charged
with deciding who/what should be inducted. This would be reviewed and names
added annually. The 'Hall of Fame' can cover the above categories and
establish a baseline for the offical recognition of the club greats.There
could also be an online website and travelling exhibition, dedicated to the
Hall of Fame, to help engage with youngsters/supporters and promote the
history of the club in the community.
At the redeveloped Upton Park, each of the residential blocks should be
named after most famous Hammers elected to the Hall of Fame. Also the street
names could commemorate great Hammers cup victories. At the centre of the
re-development should be the proposed Bobby moore statute. But around it
could also be installed stone plaques celebrating the most famous Hammers
sides to play at Upton Park and their achievements, again nominated by the
Hall of Fame.
Finally, the stands of the OS will be presumably named after Hammers greats,
but what about the main approach road leading up to the OS being transformed
in to an 'Avenue of Hammers Legends,' with projected images/display boards
celebrating famous players on one side and achievements/events on the other.
It may be that this Avenue will need to be in a format which can be
disassembled out of season and re-assembled in close season, depending on
the existing agreement with the authorities running the OS and Park. Or,
alternatively, perhaps it can be left in situ permanently? This 'Avenue'
will lead up to a re-situated 'Champions' statute, which would have pride of
place at the main entrance.
Through these mechanisms/proposals the history of the club could be
celebrated in its broadest sense, with some of our greatest names honoured.
Moreover, it could be used to engage and educate youngsters and the
community about their club. To be inducted in to the Hall of Fame would be a
great club honour and ensure that our best players are formally recognized.
Plus, the beauty of a 'Hall of Fame' is that is not closed or exclusively
rooted in the distant past, new heroes, perceived greats and future honours
can be nominated and added. The 'Avenue of legends' would inspire fans
before each match and project the history of the club in a very visible and
positive way.
I know that following the announcement of the sale and redevelopment of
Upton Park, there was to be a call for suggestions about what could be
included at the future site. This goes one step further by extending it to
the OS and under-pinning it all with the defining concept of an Hall of
Fame. It is placed in the public sphere to obtain fellow fans views and
perhaps get it considered by the club. I am sure that the proposals could be
highly effective and adopted with minmium cost to the club. Perhaps they
might even attract commercial sponsorship to fund them?
SJ. Chandos.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Ravel Morrison insists: I DO know who Gazza is - and I'll try to be as good
as him
Mar 09, 2014 22:00 By James Nursey
The Mirrpr
Ravel Morrison insists he has heard of Paul Gascoigne after all and is
anxious to live up to comparisons with the England legend. Birmingham boss
Lee Clark, who had Morrison on loan at St Andrews last term, played with
Gascoigne at Newcastle. Clark reckons Rangers' on loan West Ham ace is the
nearest thing to Gazza despite claiming Morrison was not familiar with the
England legend. Former Newcastle, Tottenham, Lazio, Rangers, Middlesbrough
and Everton midfielder Gascoigne won 57 England caps before retiring in 2004
and is considered one of England's biggest ever talents. Ex-Manchester
United trainee Morrison also has a huge reputation despite dropping down
into the Championship after recently being farmed out by the Hammers.
Morrison underlined his massive potential with classy strikes in either half
at Birmingham. And asked if he really did not know of Paul Gascoigne, he
explained: "I had, but I didn't know who he was referring to at the time as
in Gazza! "But I've caught on who Paul Gascoigne is yes. He was a special
player, I'll try to be as good as him."
Morrison was tipped to go to the World Cup with England after starting the
season in impressive form with West Ham in the top-flight. But he lost his
place amid an injury and a contract wrangle and was then loaned to relegated
Rangers. Morrison added: "West Ham are doing really well at the moment,
everyone got back fit. I wasn't getting a good chance there. So I came to
QPR hoping to play and the manager's given me a chance." Morrison bagged a
superb free-kick in the 14th minute and a slick second-half finish 17
minutes from time on his third QPR appearance. He looked a class apart
against struggling City and his display is a huge tonic to promotion-chasing
Rangers and under-pressure boss Harry Redknapp after a five-game winless
streak. Defender Nedum Onuoha, 27, said: "Ravel is a boost for us. Other
teams will also look in and see what players we have. "He was very good for
us at Birmingham. He keeps impressing us with his work-rate and his ability
as well. "If he can keep doing that between now and the end of the season we
will be very happy."
Onuoha is now hoping Morrison can provide both the goals and assists to
compensate for top scorer Charlie Austin's absence with injury. He added:
"The loss of Charlie was big. But as a team we need to score more goals as
individuals. "If Ravel can do it then so be it but his main role is a
play-maker and trying to give people opportunities. He is good in training
and hopefully things are looking up now. "We had a dip but we have addressed
the situation and we can kick on between now and the end of the season and
have a chance. "I think you have to be optimistic. We are going into games
trying to win them. "Although things aren't in our hands the least we can do
is apply pressure to those above."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Harry Redknapp says Sir Alex Ferguson recommended Ravel Morrison
Last Updated: 09/03/14 8:51pm
SSN
QPR manager Harry Redknapp has praised on-loan midfielder Ravel Morrison,
whilst revealing he has been monitoring the former Manchester United man for
nine years. Morrison bagged a brace as QPR beat Birmingham City 2-0 on
Saturday, with Blues boss Lee Clark likening the 21-year-old to Paul
Gascoigne.
Redknapp also lauded the youngster's performance at St Andrews, and says
that former Red Devils manager Sir Alex Ferguson recommended the player when
he was 12 years old. "What a player he is," the QPR manager told Get West
London. "I've followed his career from when he was a 12-year-old and what
Sir Alex told me. For whatever reason he's been let go, but we're glad we've
got him. "He's a real talent and he rode tackles and took his goals well. We
wasted opportunities and they were always in the game - but this is a
massive win for us."
The victory was their first in six games, but the Rs remain eight points
adrift of the automatic play-off spots following Burnley's 2-1 win over
Blackburn on Sunday. However, Redknapp is still hopeful of a return to the
Premier League and was thankful that fellow promotion candidates Derby and
Nottingham Forest fell to defeats on Saturday. He said: "They were big
results and vital games. There are no easy games in this division."
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Harry Redknapp wants Modibo Maiga to show his quality
Last Updated: 09/03/14 10:11pm
SSN
QPR manager Harry Redknapp has demanded more from on-loan striker Modibo
Maiga, who has scored just one goal for the Rs. Maiga joined from West Ham
United on deadline day, along with fellow strikers Kevin Doyle and Will
Keane. Following a disappointing start to his stint at Loftus Road, the
26-year-old has dropped down the pecking order and has played just 65
minutes since his debut goal against Burnley on February 1. With the former
Sochaux man failing to make an impact so far, Redknapp believes Maiga has
not done enough to warrant a place in his starting XI. "He's got make me
want to pick him," the Rs boss told Get West London. "It's true he's from a
Premier League club but so is Will Keane, and Kevin Doyle was there with
Wolves two years ago."
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