On this day - 23 April
WHUFC.com
A famous win in the FA Cup was secured on this day eight years ago
23.04.2014
Classic match
Middlesbrough 0-1 West Ham United
FA Cup semi-final
23 April 2006
It was on this day eight years ago that West Ham United sealed their place
in the FA Cup final. Villa Park was the venue for their last-four showdown
with fellow top-flight side Middlesbrough, following wins over Norwich,
Blackburn, Bolton and Manchester City in the previous rounds. The two teams
had met in the league just a week earlier at the Riverside Stadium, with
Boro coming out on top by a 2-0 scoreline, but Alan Pardew's men ensured
there would be no repeat when it mattered. Marlon Harewood struck in the
78th minute, holding off Gareth Southgate after gathering Dean Ashton's
knockdown and powering an angled drive into the roof of the net.
Middlesbrough were unable to respond as the Hammers made it to the final,
where Liverpool eventually prevailed on penalties following a dramatic 3-3
draw.
Complete record - 23 April
2012 Leicester City 1-2 West Ham United (Championship)
2011 Chelsea 3-0 West Ham United (Premier League)
2006 Middlesbrough 0-1 West Ham United (FA Cup semi-final)
2005 Brighton and Hove Albion 2-2 West Ham United (Championship)
1997 Leicester City 0-1 West Ham United (Premier League)
1994 West Ham United 1-2 Liverpool (Premier League)
1988 West Ham United 1-1 Coventry City (Division One)
1983 West Ham United 2-0 Aston Villa (Division One)
1973 Birmingham City 0-0 West Ham United (Division One)
1965 West Ham United 2-1 Blackpool (Division One)
1962 Cardiff City 3-0 West Ham United (Division One)
1960 Luton Town 3-1 West Ham United (Division One)
1955 Bury 4-1 West Ham United (Division Two)
1949 Grimsby Town 3-0 West Ham United (Division Two)
1938 Sheffield United 3-1 West Ham United (Division Two)
1932 Birmingham City 4-2 West Ham United (Division One)
1927 West Ham United 1-1 Newcastle United (Division One)
1921 West Ham United 1-1 Port Vale (Division Two)
Played 18, Won 5, Drawn 5, Lost 8, Scored 19, Conceded 32
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Tombides front runner for Player of the Year
KUMB.com
Filed: Tuesday, 22nd April 2014
By: Staff Writer
Dylan Tombides has emerged as one of the favourites to win this year's KUMB
Player of the Year award. The young striker, who passed away last week
following a lengthy battle against testicular cancer is the number one
choice of many Hammers fans to win this year's Readers' Award, as voted for
by KUMB.com visitors/members. With no clear front runner materialising from
the current first team squad, Tombides has been hailed as the first choice
of a number of fans due to his determination and persistence in battling the
disease that ultimately cost him his life. Voting in this year's KUMB Awards
begins next Monday, following this weekend's trip to West Bromwich Albion.
Readers will once be asked to vote in a number of categories (12 this year),
the full list of which are as follows:
Player of the Year
Young Player of the Year
Goal of the Season
Best Signing
Most Memorable Match
Most Improved Player
Most Missed
KUMB Podcast Poster of the Year
Worst Player of the Year
Worst Signing
Greatest Disappointment
Hackett of the Year
The winners of all 12 categories will be revealed live at the KUMB Readers'
Awards evening, which takes place at East Ham Working Men's Club on Tuesday,
13th May in front of a live audience.
Tickets for the event are priced at just £10 each, with all profits going to
Cancer Research UK.
Star guests on the night are Hammers legends Frank McAvennie and Martin 'Mad
Dog' Allen plus former stadium announcer Jeremy Nicholas, all of whom will
be available for questions and autographs. You may purchase tickets for the
event here.
* The KUMB Awards began in 1997, when John Hartson was our very first Player
of the Year. A full list of last season's winners - and all previous winners
dating back to 1997 - may be found on the KUMB Awards home page.
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A real high, followed by a new low
KUMB.com
Filed: Monday, 21st April 2014
By: Gary Portugal
It was quite stirring to see the response of supporters in the 38th minute
of Saturday's game vs. Palace. The response of BOTH sets of supporters.
It's not often I have anything positive to say about opposition support at
Upton Park, but the acknowledgement of Tombides' passing by Palace
supporters was superb. The irony is that this joint show of support by home
and away fans was the highlight of our season at Upton Park for me.
I've gotten not an ounce of joy at Upton Park this season apart from the 3-0
win vs Fulham. That is how dire this season has been, especially at Upton
Park - an unmitigated disaster, even if we are likely to avoid relegation.
It is simply unacceptable to lose twice in a season to a newly-promoted side
- especially one that looked dead and buried last autumn. It shows how far
backwards we have moved this season.
This time, nobody can blame injuries. We have close to a fully-fit side.
Something most teams don't have at this stage of the season. What we DON'T
have is any creativity at all. We have become not only the most boring side
in the Premier League but the side with the most predictable "attack" and
the side that is easiest to defend against.
What we DON'T have is determination. I see few players giving 100 per cent,
such as Matt Jarvis, Mark Noble and Adrian. But I see too many loafing or
sulking, like Andy Carroll and Mo Diame. It is appalling to watch.
People will point to Palace's run of form and of them being hard to break
down. That is no excuse. It was OUR home game. And we needed something from
the game, even a point, to ensure our survival. Now, we are left dependent
on other teams' results , which is a horrible way to end a season. And no
platform to build on.
We face the very real prospect of ending the season with six straight
defeats, even if I'd like to think that we could scrape a point vs WBA and
Spurs. In truth, we were very fortunate to come away with three points
against Hull and Sunderland.
If you look at it player by player, it's depressing. Ravel Morrison, a
player of such promise languishing - though in truth Sam Allardyce probably
can't be blamed for that. Jack Collison is now a shadow of what he was
whilst James Tomkins looks bereft of confidence.
Pablo Almero is making schoolboy errors. Adrian is playing well but is
unwilling to come off his line for corners. Stewart Downing, having had a
good season overall, is now struggling. Ricardo Vaz Te, having been due back
months ago, is still seemingly not fit. Joe Cole looks utterly past it.
Diame looks as lazy as ever, whether he plays centrally or out wide. Kevin
Nolan, after a brief revival has reverted back to anonymity and,
diabolically, Carroll looks like he just couldn't give a funk. Sulking,
arguing with referees, moaning at a lack of service and playing the absolute
worst football of his career. This, in a World Cup year.
You couldn't make it up. We are being outfought week in and week out by
teams with worse squads and poorer finances than ours. It is embarrassing.
Some will say that it's too easy and too convenient to point the finger at
the manager; I disagree.
Some will say that Allardyce has performed a miracle in keeping us up,
especially with our long injury list. Again, I disagree. We are extremely
fortunate to be on 37 points. To me, the buck stops with the manager, and I
do not see how this club can move forward under the stewardship of
Allardyce.
Sam appears to have gotten away with it this season, just. But he has been
found out. If he remains manager after this season, we are going to be
continuously involved in a relegation scrap. For which there is no excuse,
given the amount of money invested in this club by the current owners.
Let's start with the issue of injuries. ALL clubs have them, no exceptions.
Yes, our injury list was worse than most. But that it was what you assemble
a SQUAD for. Allardyce did no such thing last summer. We were left absurdly
short of striker cover as has been repeatedly documented. And also short of
cover at centre back.
And, perhaps with the benefit of hindsight, short in central midfield as
well. All of which was Allardyce's choice. He chose how to spend our
transfer money and who to spend it on. And he did so very irresponsibly. So
I have limited sympathy regarding the injuries. You make your bed and lie in
it, especially if you are someone as arrogant as Allardyce who antagonises
his own fans.
Typically, critics of Allardyce will focus on his tactics and the boring
nature of our football. That actually doesn't tell the full story. I have no
issue with tactics that WORK. If the tactics WORK, and win us matches, or at
least avoid us LOSING matches , I will accept and even support such
tactics,no matter how dreary they are.
We are in a weak financial position and hence must focus on what gets us
points , not what looks pretty. But the problem is that Sam's tactics AREN'T
working. Which makes watching such dross intolerable. We have lost six of
the last eight matches ,including matches where we were in a position to get
something from the game at half time.
If you strip out the excellent February that we had, which included some
good fortune, the tactics clearly aren't working. Yet, in the wake of such
poor results, Allardyce has shown limited or no appetite to change either
personnel or tactics.
If Carroll is an isolated figure at the moment then Allardyce should be
willing to bench Nolan or to play two up front with Carlton Cole, or both.
Instead, Allardyce changes nothing and we remain incredibly easy to defend
against. Compounded by the fact that we do not have a single reliable
midfield goal scorer. Clearly something that the manager failed to consider
in the close season.
Which leads to the next issue - that being the inability of Allardyce to
attract good players. Why would any quality forward want to come here when
all you get is scraps unless Carroll is injured? Why would any small, quick
forward want to join us when Nolan, despite having no pace, occupies that
spot?
West Ham under Allardyce is a team that is perpetually papering over the
cracks, to basically just "survive" from one season to the next. Yes, that
is partly due to our finances. But it is also due to a manager with a very
limited, narrow, inflexible approach to the game.
Being hard to beat is important. And yes, we have kept 13 clean
sheets,though none recently. But to be hard to beat, you must offer
SOMETHING in attack. And we simply don't. Which again makes it hard to
attract players who can turn games or win matches. Allardyce's ethos simply
doesn't attract players with that sort of match-winning quality or
mentality.
How many of our players ever look like they really WANT the ball, apart from
Noble? The best players don't want to be perpetually having to win or draw
ugly. If you listen to his media chats, they're always about exposing the
opposition's weaknesses, rarely about maximising our strengths.
In other words, it's an approach based on capitalising on others' mistakes.
Not on creating our own opportunities through quality. The truth is that you
cannot survive too long with only the former.
In the end, West Ham fans deserve more than just Premier League football. We
deserve being able to attend matches without the constant fear of relegation
year in and year out. It's not too much to ask for, really, for a club of
this size and history.
No West Ham supporter expects European football or to win cups. But we do,
rightfully at this stage, expect to be well clear of relegation scraps. Do
we even realistically expect to ever finish above tenth in our current
financial state? No. But we do have a right to not be put through this
relegation scrap year in and year out . We do have a right to expect lessons
to be learned from mistakes.
Inevitably, the next question is who I would propose to replace Allardyce at
the end of the season? My answer is that there has got to be SOMEONE more
capable of moving this club forward than him. Is it McKay, Laudrup or
someone else? Who knows? But our owners need to give it a long, hard think
at the end of this season, assuming we stay up.
Limping our way to the Olympic Stadium is not a business plan. The owners
are doing all they can, in my view. But they need a manager who is up to the
task.
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The real West Ham way - if you can remember
KUMB.com
Filed: Tuesday, 22nd April 2014
By: Paul Walker
It's becoming something of a cliché now - the West Ham way - as if it
doesn't, or didn't exist. As if it is some dream from our past.
We have had big Sam being patronising and claiming he's asked around, and
nobody knows what it is. Now we have Alan Shearer slagging us off. And the
search and the polls continue. Just what is the West Ham way?
Well, I have tried to keep out of all this nonsense, as if we have set
ourselves up as something special, something that others cannot and have not
been.
Ok, so I can keep quite for only so long. Those of us, admittedly a
dwindling band of 50-somethings who were around at the time it all started
to evolve, know the score. And it's not rocket science.
It's the sort of passing , attacking football that Southampton use. It's the
way Arsenal play (when they feel like it). It's how Liverpool at their best
in the '60s and '80s played. Even Spurs managed it.
The key is defending well, attacking well and producing pace, understanding
and passing that opens up opponents. Like Liverpool are using and are about
to win the Premier League.
We didn't invent it. Ron Greenwood didn't conjure it up out of thin air like
Moses returning from the mountains with tablets of stone. Hungary played
that way in the '50s. They inspired the great Wolves teams, Spurs double
winners, Chelsea's great attacking sides with Peter Osgood and Charlie
Cooke.
The key is to pass the ball to a colleague on the ground, to attack and to
entertain. I will pause there for a second so big Sam can catch-up.
We were saddled with the 'West Ham way' tag way back in Ted Fenton's day
when journalists came up with the name to describe the way we were
introducing European-style tactics and a general approach that involved an
Academy-based production line of young talent.
Greenwood continued the inventive theme and John Lyall took it a stage
further, trying to add some steel while not losing the flair. It sometimes
worked. It worked also under Harry Redknapp, but not as effectively.
Now we have a manager who cannot even spell the word flair. Who has no
interest in entertainment, just an industrial approach to acquiring points
by not conceding goals. He is a deliberate anti-Christ to what West Ham fans
want.
But if you go back to the '60s when I started watching West Ham on a weekly
basis, the style and flair of the Bobby Moore side was the closest to what
we are now all craving for. It had it's drawbacks, I used to beg to see a
Hammers side who could attack, but also defend with the spitefulness of
Leeds and the power and resolve of Liverpool.
If Sam wants to have an idea of what we are talking about, I suggest he
takes a look back and find some archive stuff around the seasons between
62-63 and 66-67. That's the best years of our club's life, and the football
has left a indelible mark on my brain ever since.
I give you Johnny Byrne and Geoff Hurst. Eat your hearts out Kevin Nolan and
Andy Carroll. Budgie and Hurst were the best double act I have ever seen.
West Ham's best-ever striking partnership.
They were the ones who benefited from an attacking philosophy. In the five
seasons I have mentioned, between them they scored 227 goals. I will again
pause for big Sam to catch up and wonder just what Nolan and Carroll are
doing wrong.
Hurst twice topped 40 goals in all competitions for a season. Byrne, a
deep-lying forward we would not call, playing in the hole, once managed 33
goals from that role, likened by Greenwood to an English version of Alfredo
Di Stefano. Now, what you do now Sam is Google that name so you have some
idea what I am talking about.
Byrne scored 86 goal in those five seasons for West Ham and Hurst - no
shrinking violet who could mix it with the thugs in the game around that
time - scored 141 goals in that same spell. Yes, I mean you Norman Hunter,
Ron Harris and Tommy Smith.
Big Sam is now going to trot out all the stuff about the game being
different now, played by super-fit athletes who have to play his way to
survive in the top flight, because survival is all that matters in this
cash-crazy football world. And yes, I do understand the need to stay in the
to flight, relegation now is a financial disaster that has no comparison in
the days of the 60s.
But it doesn't mean you don't try. Swansea have tried this style and they
have been in danger of going down, which no doubt Sam would use as
ammunition for his argument.
But what I want now is not to hear my son and his mates, who work hard
during the week and want some excitement, entertainment and enjoyment from
their football, saying how little they are enjoying what they are watching.
That sort of attitude eventually leads to people not renewing their season
tickets. I am told that this is the earliest anyone can recall season
tickets being on sale for next season. As if they are desperate for the
money or want to test the water to see what the uptake is.
If people do stop renewing their season tickets, our owners will have a
problem. And that problem is an inflexible Sam. I am not looking for the
moon, I just want to see something I enjoy watching, something that stirs
the spirit.
In the research into the '60s that provides the core of this piece, I
happened upon a spell of matches in the 66-67 season that sums it up
perfectly. And I saw most of these matches.
In a couple of months, November and December of that season, West Ham scored
32 goals in nine league games, including an amazing 5-5 draw at Chelsea
(yes, we were leading 5-3 with ten minutes left, some things never change).
There was also a run of four matches in eight days that saw us beat Fulham
6-1, Spurs - away - 4-3, Leeds in the League Cup 7-0 and Newcastle 3-0.
The Leeds game was the pinnacle, one of the best games I ever saw. John
Sissons scored a hat-trick in the first half hour and Hurst got a treble
later. I can still recall Billy Bremner in front of the Chicken Run with a
couple of minutes left, still screaming and berating his colleagues to get a
grip.
Good for him, I thought, this really is hurting. Don Revie is supposed to
have told his team that such a result against us would never happen again. I
recall them kicking us to bits every time we played them after that.
And no, I am not expecting our players to run up such goal tallies. But I
want them to try, to look positive and interested and to show they care.
That team of the mid-'60s had its faults, bad ones, but that five-season
spell saw only one relegation fight and we always finished mid-table. So it
can be done. Pass the DVD, Sam. You know it makes sense.
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A summer of change
KUMb.com
Filed: Monday, 21st April 2014
By: Jack Coddyfriend
Hi, my name is Jack. I'm a 21st century kid, born in 2000.
One thing in my life has been consistent, West Ham United; not the form, the
club, the players, the manager or the league, my support. I've been watching
West Ham since the 2006 FA Cup final, West Ham vs Liverpool, we lost. Why do
I support West Ham then? 'West Ham needs me.'
That was six-year-old me, Liverpool didn't need my support, they won the
final without it. West Ham lost and they needed me behind them. That was the
thought process in my six-year-old brain, subconsciously or consciously.
Here I am, eight years later, writing my thoughts about the club I love, a
lot of thoughts.
Where to start? Let's start with the league; we are a Barclays Premier
League club, sitting in 12th place on 37 points after 35 games. We look
relatively safe, from relegation of course. Our manager is Sam Allardyce aka
'Allardici' and Davids Gold and Sullivan own the club.
We're moving in two season's time to the Olympic Stadium, leaving the Boleyn
Ground and all its history behind us. The owners want to move us forward,
take us from a mid-table side, just about avoiding relegation, to a side
that can challenge for places in European cups and competitions. A lot is
going to need to be done to take us there and it will be a quite an
achievement if we make it to that calibre.
If we want to get there we're going to have to look at many things, staff,
manager and squad. Let's start by looking at the squad. I'm going to analyse
each player, subs, starting XI and some others, and give my view, from the
stands, on them.
Goalkeepers
Adrian San Miguel – An outstanding purchase from Real Betis by Allardyce. He
has been a very good 'keeper since his arrival and has performed multiple
outstanding saves. He has good distribution and reflexes. A good shot
stopper, my only worries are sometimes his handling and command of the box.
On a side note, one of the things that is best about this goalkeeper is not
his performance on the pitch but his way of interacting with the crowd which
has quickly made him a fan favourite.
Jussi Jaaskelainen – Again a very good signing from Bolton by Allardyce.
Jaaskelainen is a fantastic 'keeper to have on the bench as he could make
the grade as a first team 'keeper at some other clubs in the league. Jussi
is a fantastic 'keeper but has arrived in the twilight of his career. Being
39 means that his level and performances are starting to worsen and his
handling has become a lot more of a problem this season.
Full backs
Guy Demel – Yet again, I must mention that this was another good purchase by
Allardyce. Brought in from Hamburger SV he has been a very good right back
for us since he overcame his injury problems. Demel is very good at
attacking and providing an overlap for the right winger. He has good skill
going forward and enough to get past some left backs to get crosses into the
box.
However, being a right back means he has to do a lot of defensive work as
well and he is not as solid in this area as I would like him to be. He has
good strength; no one in their right mind would doubt that. Although in my
opinion he doesn't stop crosses from the opposition's left winger coming
into the box enough. He doesn't shepherd players well enough and shield the
box from shots or crosses. He doesn't get tight enough to his man as well.
Demel is also 32 years old and for the reasons provided I think we need to
improve in this area.
Joey O'Brien – Brought in from Bolton by Allardyce, Joey has done well to
overcome his injury problems and feature multiple times in the starting line
up. For me, he is too inconsistent, when I see his name on the team sheet I
don't know what O'Brien I'm going to get. A solid full back that gets
forward well and shuts out wingers or a player who loses the ball and
doesn't deal well with attacking players. He doesn't cut it in the starting
XI but is good enough for the bench/reserves for now. Being 28 years old,
age is not too much of a worry just yet as well.
Pablo Armero – On loan from Napoli until the end of the season, Pablo has
only recently made a burst into the first team. From what I've seen so far,
I've been impressed other than his silly tackle on Cameron Jerome in Crystal
Palace's 1-0 win over us he has been good. Good enough, in fact, for me to
suggest that we should attempt to purchase him permanently. The 27-year-old
has shown he is good enough for the side and my only problem with him is
that he seems afraid to cross the ball when supporting the winger. Whip it
in Pablo!
George McCartney – Another buy from Allardyce, McCartney has been a solid
player and is ever the consistent. Being 32 years old he is also in the
twilight of his career but considering his form I am happy to have him as a
substitute left back. Side note: Not to be played at right back on evidence
from West Ham 0-1 Crystal Palace, poor performance.
Centre backs
Winston Reid – Probably the best player in our team. Brilliantly consistent,
barely every puts a foot wrong in defence and is only 25. Definitely not
someone we should look to replace and definitely not someone we should let
go to a bigger club. If we want to become one of those bigger clubs then we
can't let players like him go.
James Collins – 'The Ginger Pele'! What fantastic neck muscles this man has!
Brilliant in the air and uses this to his advantage in defence and attack.
Not always the same with his tackles. In some games he has been quite superb
and has put in a lot of great tackles however, in others he can be
inconsistent, applying pressure to far up the pitch and breaking the
defensive line, rushing into tackles and leaving gaps in behind. Good enough
to retain his place in the XI or to switch around with Tomkins although, I
really wouldn't mind another very solid, consistent centre back to partner
Reid. Furthermore, he is 30, meaning he will also come into the twilight of
his career fairly soon.
James Tomkins – Solid centre back and someone I'm happy to watch in the
side. Could give Collins a run for his money and make into the starting
line-up consistently. Further consider the fact that James is only 25
meaning he has quite a lot of time to grow and improve yet, only more reason
to keep hold of him and possibly play him more often. Despite all of this I
will say the same thing as I did with Collins; I wouldn't mind another
centre back to partner Reid who is better than both of the James'. Another
option to consider is bringing in another centre back simply for squad depth
because, as we have seen this season, we don't have enough depth in this
position and Roger Johnson is not good enough as a fourth centre back.
Roger Johnson – 'The Relegator'! On loan from Wolverhampton Wanderers, Roger
is known as 'The Relegator' because he was involved in Wolves' double
relegation to League 1. He is not Premier League quality and needs to be
offloaded in my opinion as I am sure he will be. It was a panic loan from
Wolves due to our situation earlier in the season with injuries. He just
isn't of Premier League class in my opinion. He should be replaced with a
better centre back for stronger squad depth.
Central Midfielders
Mark Noble – Mark must have claret and blue blood! He grew up in Canning
Town and has come through the ranks to be a West Ham player and vice
captain. He is one of the most consistent players in the league and always
provides defensive solidity in front of the back four and is always ice cool
from the penalty spot. Mark is a shoo-in for next season's side.
The only area where Noble can be unconvincing is when it comes to going
forward. He can sometimes look lost once he gets near the oppositions box
and often looks afraid to shoot. Furthermore, he is simply not very good at
free kicks, I don't know why he takes our free kicks and if he is the best
we've got, we either need to practise free kicks on the training ground or
invest in someone who can take them.
Kevin Nolan – Either played in an attacking midfield role or in behind the
striker Kevin Nolan is incredibly good at feeding off scraps or knock downs.
Nolan is our top scorer this season with seven goals. He has virtually saved
us from relegation when he had his run of sparkling form in our four wins in
a row during February. Kevin is 31 and is entering the twilight of his
career, being the captain he can't exactly be dropped to easily but in my
opinion, his form has been too inconsistent this season. Furthermore, his
two red cards highlight is inconsistency and volatility I would like to see
Kevin played at the start of next season but if he doesn't start it well,
replaced in the starting XI.
Antonio Nocerino – On loan from AC Milan, Antonio is a player who can thrive
in behind a big striker as he did with Zlatan Ibrahimovic at Milan. He has
not quite reached those dizzy heights with us and Andy Carroll and I
wouldn't want him signed on a permanent basis at the end of the season from
what I've seen. He is too inconsistent, loses the ball too much and
Allardyce seems to agree with me considering the fact that Antonio is only
making appearances from the bench.
Mohamed Diame – Diame is the most inconsistent player at the club. You have
no clue what you're going to get from Mohamed! My problem with Diame is that
he is too much of a solo player and doesn't seem to hold the team in his
best interests. This shows in a lot of his laziness on the pitch. However,
Diame is a fantastic player when he wants to be and can make brilliant,
driving, skilful runs through the opposition on occasion. Personally, I
think Diame is too inconsistent to be in the starting XI and should be
dropped to the bench.
Ravel Morrison – Ravel is an attacking midfielder and is a very good one at
that. At the age of 21 there is a lot of time for Ravel to grow and improve.
My main issue with Ravel, as I am sure is everyone's, is that he is too full
of himself. His character and ego are a major problem and he needs to put
his past behind him and focus on the football.
If he focuses on the football and the team then he has a big chance of
becoming a wonderful player and an England international. He has the skill
but not the mindset, putting him out on loan at Championship clubs is the
right idea but I would like to see him back at the club and on the bench
next season. Side note: Very good at coming on as an impact substitute, not
sure if he is a 90 minute Premier League player quite yet.
Matthew Taylor – Another good player for squad depth, Matthew is useful
because he can play in the centre of midfield, on the left wing and at left
back. He is not the classiest player and does not really have the skills for
Premier League football however; I like Taylor because he always puts 100
per cent effort in and gives his absolute all every game. Being 32 means he
is in the twilight of his career and should be kept for squad depth.
Alou Diarra – What a terrible signing! Wrong attitude, wrong fitness, wrong
work rate and he's 33. Needs to be sold in summer because of the money we're
wasting on his wages. Doesn't seem to want to be at the club and should be
sent on his way.
Jack Collison – His name is Jack and he's Welsh, keep him! I think he still
needs time to grow and should be given further loan opportunities in the
Championship after his loan at Wigan ends; he's only 25 after all.
Wingers
Stewart Downing – Fantastic signing by Allardyce and he's blossomed well
under the system that Big Sam plays. Has a fantastic cross on him and he can
cut in and shoot. He's a very good winger and someone who should definitely
retain his place in the starting line-up. He is 29 so age isn't a problem
yet either.
Matt Jarvis – Jarvis has been rather inconsistent since his arrival and has
never really found himself among the goals like he did at Wolves. He doesn't
score enough for me or have consistent enough crossing. However, the
fantastic thing about Matt is his pace. He can outpace many of the Premier
League's full backs and then can crosses in from the by-line. He should
definitely be kept because he is only 27 but could possibly be replaced by a
summer signing.
Joe Cole – Joe is a good player but he's definitely lost the pace he needs
to play on the wing at the age of 32. His defensive work as a winger is not
good enough for me and I think he can either be kept for squad depth but I
would very much like to see him replaced in the summer.
Ricardo Vaz Te – Ricardo was an amazing player for us in the Championship
and scored that famous 88th minute goal at Wembley to see us promoted back
to the Premier League. He hasn't really shown the same class in the Premier
League but has been injured for most of this season. I would like to see Vaz
Te kept and trialled at the start of next season.
Forwards
Andy Carroll – Andy was brought in by Allardyce and the side has been built
around him. Some call him the most aerially-talented striker in the world. I
would have to say he is a fantastic striker in the air and is often dominant
against Premier League centre backs. However, I think that we can't always
play it up to Andy because it's too predictable and other teams are dealing
with it. We need a variation on our style, a 'plan B'.
Marco Borriello – Marco has been injured for the most part since his loan
from Roma. He's 31 and I would be happy to see him sent back to Roma and not
bought on a permanent basis. However, he would need to be replaced with
another striker who would have to be signed on a permanent basis as a backup
for Andy Carroll.
Carlton Cole – Carlton is a West Ham fans' favourite and has been with the
club a long time. He is not the most talented striker and is also 30, but
should be kept because of his ties to the club and because he isn't an easy
player to sell. He could however be replaced with a striker of better
calibre. He simply doesn't win enough in the air or put the ball in the back
of the net enough.
Modibo Maiga – Modibo should definitely be sold in the summer because he has
been somewhat of a flop in English football. Scoring only three goals in 31
appearances is certainly not good enough.
That's what I think of the squad! In summary, I think our goalkeepers are
good and we don't need any replacements in this department. I think our
defence is good but we need a new right back and a centre back to partner
Reid that is better than Collins or Tomkins or just another centre back for
squad depth.
I believe our midfield is good but needs some changes; we need a new
attacking midfielder, someone who can pass the ball with a bit of flair,
someone like Diame or Morrison but who isn't so full of themselves. We
either need a replacement for Jarvis or another winger for squad depth to
have on the bench, preferably someone like Downing.
Furthermore, I think Carroll is good but we need another striker to back him
up in case of injury or someone to bring off of the bench. This all is if we
keep the style, formation and plan the same. This is what the team would
look like:
Formation: 4-4-1-1
GK – Adrian; RB – New Player, CB – Reid, CB – Collins/New Player, LB –
Armero; RM – Downing, CM – Noble, CM – New Player, LM – Jarvis/New Player;
CAM – Nolan (Trial Run); ST – Carroll.
Subs: GK – Jaaskelainen, RB – Demel, CB – Tomkins/Collins, CM – Diame, CAM –
Morrison,
Winger – Jarvis/Vaz Te/New Player, ST – New Player.
According to these plans we need five new players and I think the bulk of
the money should be invested in an attacking midfielder, striker and a right
back. Some ideas being Micah Richards (RB), Samuel Inkoom (RB), Josip Drmic
(ST), Ross McCormack (ST), Jordan Rhodes (ST), Solomon Kalou (ST), Graziano
Pelle (ST), Loic Remy (Loan ST), Lewis Holtby (CAM), Jack Rodwell (CM),
Craig Bryson (CAM).
This is what I would do from Sam Allardyce's point of view but from my point
of view, I would change one thing. I would stick with the changes I
suggested we should make earlier and the replacements we should bring in.
However, I think we should devise a 'Plan B' for next season because we have
become too predictable.
We should stick with the 4-4-1-1 formation or 4-3-3/4-5-1 that we've been
playing this season for the starting line-up. However, I think we should
give ourselves a better option of going 4-4-2 from the bench. This would
mean that we would need to buy another striker and this striker should add a
dimension of pace and we can begin to use a flick on.
On occasions when we are chasing the game or struggling to break down the
opposition we would be able to take our CAM off, most likely Nolan, in the
4-4-1-1 and switch to a 4-4-2 by bringing a striker on. The striker we buy
should be similar in his style to Sam Baldock and this way, we would be able
to vary our style and make life more difficult for the oppositions defence
instead of only knowing one tactic.
We would therefore, be able to change the tactic from the knock down to the
flick on. I believe this would be very useful if we were struggling to break
the opposition down in games like the 0-1 against Crystal Palace. The bench
using this change would now look like this:
GK – Jaaskelainen, RB – Demel, CM – Diame, CAM – Morrison, Winger –
Jarvis/Vaz Te/New Player, ST – New Player (Backup for Andy Carroll), ST –
New Player (Quicker player to vary the tactic)
I think that if we did this, it would greatly improve our chances of picking
up more wins from losing positions and also make us much less one
dimensional. This would mean that Big Sam still gets to use his long ball
style and we will still have fans, who I respect, moaning about the style
and wanting the 'West Ham Way'. However, we would be able to change our
tactic in games and make it a lot harder for opposition managers to prepare
for and a lot harder for opposition players to defend against.
Currently, the way we play, teams can set up for the long ball and knock
down and know that that is all they'll have to defend against for 90
minutes. When you vary a tactic, that makes us more unpredictable, harder to
prepare for and I have evidence that varying a tactic can change the balance
of play.
For example, look at the 3-0 victory away at Spurs. Spurs would have
prepared for the long ball and knock down all week, training with their
defenders how to deal with this. We came onto the pitch playing 4-6-0 or a
false nine formation which nobody expected. This is exactly why we won the
game by three goals and Spurs' defenders looked lost and powerless to deal
with what we threw at them.
Another example this season would be Liverpool's success. One of the major
reasons as to why Liverpool have been so successful this season is down to
Brendan Rogers and the way he sets their team up. They're hard to prepare
for because you don't know what the tactic will be.
They could use the overlap constantly and use the width a lot, whipping low
balls into the box. They could flood the play through the middle of the
pitch and look to play through you using triangles e.g. Suarez – Sturridge –
Coutinho. They could mix it up and use a bit of both of these styles or look
to play from deep with a CDM in Gerrard pinging balls out to the wings or
through the middle. You simply don't know and that is why they might win the
title.
If we can bring this element of unpredictability to West Ham and become less
one dimensional, we could have more success next season.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
George McCartney wants new contract at West Ham
By Pete O'Rourke - Follow me: @skysportspeteo | Last Updated: 22/04/14
3:16pm
SSN
West Ham defender George McCartney is hoping to earn himself a new deal at
Upton Park. McCartney is out of contract this summer and talks over a new
deal have yet to take place. The 32-year-old, who has made 23 appearances
for the Hammers this term, is determined to prove he deserves a new deal to
extend his stay with Sam Allardyce's side. "Of course I want to stay here,"
McCartney told the Newham Recorder. "I am not getting any younger of course,
but it would be lovely to be here next season. "Talks haven't started yet.
The manager has already stated he will wait until we are mathematically safe
before he starts talking as I think there are a few players out of contract.
"We will wait until that day comes and see what happens."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
WHICH HAMMERS TEAM WILL TURN UP? - AS THEY FACE A 'CUP FINAL' AT THE
HAWTHORNS!
By S J Chandos 22 Apr 2014 at 08:00
West Ham Till I Die
Following Man City's 3-1 defeat of WBA, yesterday, the Albion Manager, Pepe
Mel, has been talking up the importance of Saturday's match with the
Hammers. And with some justification considering the tight situation at the
bottom of the PL. Sunderland, Fulham and Cardiff City are refusing to 'lay
down' and are fighting for every point. This has left WBA looking nervously
over their shoulders, with just a three point advantage over 18th placed
Cardiff City.
Mel has stated: 'Now we have to look forward to Saturday's game, which is an
absolutely vital match. It really is the most important game. It can be the
game that can spur us on and give us that life. I hope the stadium will be
full and the fans will be with us, they can really help us in this game. The
most important thing is to have a positive attitude. This game really is a
cup final for us.'
In contrast, West Ham's seven point advantage is more comfortable, but we
can take nothing for granted. We need to win on Saturday and, in all
probability, clinch our safety. Everyone will feel more comfortable once we
have reached 40 points and this is the game to do it. That will take any
pressure off the Spurs match and, hopefully, ensure that there is nothing
major riding on the Man City game. The West Ham players have expressed their
determination to take the three points on Saturday. Kevin Nolan has
confirmed the side's determination to put the Crystal Palace defeat right
against WBA and Stewart Downing has stated that the squad are 'itching to
win and get to 40 points' on Saturday.
So, it seems that everything is set up for a memorable clash at the
Hawthorns. This West Ham team are more than capable of winning the match. If
they can handle the partisan atmosphere at the Hawthorns and impose their
game on WBA. Its a question of which West Ham will turn up, the one that
pulled off disciplined away wins at Cardiff City and Sunderland or the one
that fell apart at Norwich City? Will Sam Allardyce go for the win or set up
to win a point? His rationale may be that it is more important not to lose
on Saturday. However, we all know that is a risky approach and a overly
cautious West Ham could be undone by a pumped up WBA.
My view is that we need to take the game to WBA. And it seems that WBA
currently have a injury crisis at left-back, with both Ridgewell and McAuley
struggling to be fit in time for Saturday. If neither make it, then it could
well be that midfielder, Chris Brunt, will play as an auxilliary left-back.
That could be good news for Jarvis and Downing, who will surely fancy
attacking Brunt down that flank. Yes, we may well need to defend for
sustained periods, but we need to get a grip on midfield, attack WBA down
the flanks and get good quality balls in to Carroll and/or Carlton Cole.
This may also be a match where Joe Cole or Nocerino can play a key role,
whether starting or from the bench. Probably the latter if Allardyce pumps
for the extra defensive cover provided by Matt Taylor playing in central
midfield.
The team owe the fans a winning performance after the abject display against
Crystal Palace. They say that they are determined to do it. Lets hope they
are as good as their word and the 'right West Ham' turn up at the Hawthorns!
SJ. Chandos.
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West Ham News: Allardyce facing crisis
Action Images/Reuters
Exclusive
by Hugh Southon22nd April 2014 5:45pm BST
Footballdirectnews.com
West Ham United manager Sam Allardyce is living on the edge and could be
sacked at the end of the season whether the club is relegated or not.
[football] direct news has learned that were he to lose the club's last
three games, he would be history even if the club managed to retain its
Premier League status.
We were told exclusively by a well placed source that the club's decision
makers were saying a couple of weeks ago that his position would come under
critical review if the club went on a six game losing run. And the
likelihood was that he would be sacked should that turn out to be the case
given the increasing fan pressure. All of that was ahead of the defeats by
Liverpool, Arsenal and Crystal Palace - a performance which has caused a
near unanimous fan revolt against the manager. There has even been talk of a
season ticket-non renewal campaign on Twitter and several fans website. One
- on www.claretandhugh.info - is being spearheaded by Rob Robinson, sopn of
the club's former striker and assistant Bill who was a coach at the club
during it's golden era! Our source said: "Sam is very much on thin ice now.
Should he fail to get a win from the games against West Brom on Saturday,
Spurs and Manchester City, it looks all over for him."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Cottee Column: West Ham need to have a Plan B
News 24
Tony Cottee , Hammers columnist
Tuesday, April 22, 2014
4:00 PM
I was at the Crystal Palace game on Saturday and I have to say that I was as
frustrated as many of the fans who vented their anger at the manager after
the game. We did have our chances in the first half with Andy Carroll and Mo
Diame both going close and if one of those had gone in it would have been a
very different game. But once we went behind there seemed little chance of
getting back into it and some of the decisions that Big Sam made were
questionable. I can't see the point in bringing on a second big centre
forward and then taking off the wingers who are likely to provide the
crosses for them. Matt Jarvis had been playing well, especially in the first
half and though Stewart Downing wasn't at his best, he may have put in a
centre that allowed one of them to score.
The problem as I can see it is that West Ham are just so one-dimensional. If
things don't go right then we tend to rely on lumping it up to Carroll when
he is completely isolated. You need to vary it up a bit, you can't just hoof
it and it is that which is frustrating the fans so much. That leaves us
looking over our shoulders again and though we should be okay, I want to see
us get at least a point from West Brom on Saturday to make sure.
I am confident we can do it and I'm going for a 1-1 draw. It has not been a
great season as we all know, and we all just want to see the back of it, but
we need one more effort to get us over the line before we can start to look
at what should be done next season. One of those things must be to look to
have a Plan B and to my mind that means bringing in a second striker to help
out Carroll.
Moyes sacking was a big surprise
West Ham stuck by Sam Allardyce when the going was getting tough for him at
the turn of the year and it has paid dividends with the team all but safe.
The same can't be said for Manchester United who have sacked David Moyes
just 11 months in the hot seat at Old Trafford. I have to say it was a big
surprise to me. I like David Moyes and I thought he was the right man for
the job, but money talks and as soon as they went out of the Champions
League, the writing seemed to be on the wall. I have seen United a few times
this season and I have to say they have been poor in just about all of them.
But all I can say is, be careful what you wish for. Louis van Gaal is
favourite to come in, but he may well want to bring in a host of new foreign
players, spend a lot more money and then try and ship out some of the
players already there. These things take time, new managers and new players
need time to gel and settle in, but it seems that was not afforded to David
Moyes.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
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Wednesday, April 23
Tuesday, April 22
Daily WHUFC News - 22nd April 2014
'We're itching to get to 40 points'
WHUFC.com
Downing targets win at West Brom on Saturday to guarantee safety
21.04.2014
Stewart Downing has his eyes on the points that would guarantee Barclays
Premier League safety when the Hammers travel to West Bromwich Albion on
Saturday. With 37 points on the board, West Ham are not quite over the line
yet, but would take a step closer with a positive result at the Hawthorns -
and Downing does not want to leave the West Midlands with anything less.
"We've been itching to get to the 40-point mark the last few weeks, and I
think we still need to get points on the board to be safe," he said. "West
Brom is a big game on Saturday and we'd love to get three points, but even
if we take a point i think it would be a big result. "They are in and around
us, so if we can keep them below us that would be important."
The Hammers fell to a disappointing 1-0 loss to Crystal Palace on Saturday,
when Mile Jedinak's second half penalty proved enough to earn the south
Londoners the points. Big Sam's men were made to pay for not making the most
of a bright opening period, as Palace stifled their hosts after the break.
Downing felt the first goal scored was always going to be crucial and was
frustrated that his side were not able to force the breakthrough. "It was a
frustrating afternoon for us, especially in the second half," he explained.
"First half I thought we played some decent stuff towards the end, created a
few chances and the keeper's really kept them in it. "They are a hard team
to break down. They make it difficult for you and I think it proved that way
on Saturday. "The first goal meant so much and we stressed during the week
that if we could ge the first goal the gaps might appear, then we could
create more space. "It wasn't to be and they've done that to many teams this
season. Credit to them, Tony Pulis has got them organised and they've got
results. "They got every man behind the ball [once they went in front]. We
had some good combinations and put some good crosses in during the first
half, but we didn't do that enough after half time."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Nolan bemoans poor finishing
KUMB.com
Filed: Monday, 21st April 2014
By: Staff Writer
Kevin Nolan believes that West Ham need to improve in front of goal if they
are to win any of their remaining three matches this season.
West Ham, beaten 1-0 at home by newly-promoted Crystal Palace at the weekend
end a frustrating 2013/14 campaign with trips to West Bromwich Albion and
Manchester City and a home encounter with Tottenham.
Meanwhile the club captain, who has scored seven goals in his 32 appearances
this season insists that the Hammers need to sharpen up in front of goal if
they are to avoid extending their run of three successive defeats.
"We had six [shots against Palace] in the first half and six in the second,"
he told whufc.tv. "When you get a chance you have to get it on target,
because that's what the fans remember and that's what puts the opposition
under pressure. That's what we've got to be better at as a whole squad, not
just as individuals.
"When we get those chances, even if they're half chances, you've got to be
able to take them and put them on target. We'll go away, we'll study the
videos and we'll try to put it right next week at West Brom."
Nolan, whose inconsistent form since August has been reflected by the team
as a whole this season needs a further three goals to match his tally of ten
from 2012/13 - which in itself was three fewer than the 13 he scored during
the Championship season, his first at the club.
Yet he firmly believes that the team will be looking up next season - as
opposed to downwards, as has been the case for much of the current campaign.
"Building for next season is a massive priority," he added, "and I'm sure
this time next year we won't be talking about relegation, we'll be talking
about trying to push for Europe."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Downes blasts Neville for encouraging cheating
KUMb.com
Filed: Monday, 21st April 2014
By: Staff Writer
Former West Ham United coach Wally Downes has criticised England coach and
Sky TV pundit Gary Neville after the former Manchester United defender urged
players to dive in order to win penalties.
Downes, who now works alongside former West Ham manager Harry Redknapp at
Championship Quens Park Rangers hit out at Neville after the 39-year-old
insisted that Matt Jarvis should have gone to ground when fouled by
Arsenal's Bacary Sagna in the 3-1 derby defeat at the Emirates last week in
order to win a penalty.
"I've been mulling over the Matt Jarvis incident," said Downes, speaking via
Twitter. "The referee didn't give it and Jarvis played on as there was no
whistle. With visual aid the referee got It wrong. So what? live with it!
"It's a game strewn with mistakes by all concerned. Jarvis did what is
expected of a high-profile sportsman. Pundits/England coaches encouraging
players to dive or go down are doing the game a disservice and send out the
wrong message to youngsters watching the game."
Downes, who KUMB readers voted as winner of our Most Missed category in the
2012/13 KUMB Awards also called upon the game's governing body to take
Neville to task for the comments - comments that he believes condone
gamesmanship.
"The FA should make Gary Neville justify his comments, as a coach he is
encouraging cheating," added Downes. "As a pundit there is a conflict of
interest; he may think that as a Sky pundit but if these are the views of a
national coach, then it is the wrong message.
"Matt Jarvis has played the game in the manner it should be played. It's
funny that we are at the stage when this isn't taken for granted. In
closing, well done Matt and reconsider your comments/position, Gary."
Jarvis, speaking after the incident admitted that having been denied a
penalty for what was a clear infringement may leave him thinking twice about
being so honest next time a similar situation arises.
"I don't know if I had gone down whether it would have been a penalty or if
I had whether I'd have been booked," he mused. "Maybe I should learn from
that and be a bit more clever."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Raising funds in memory of Dylan
KUMB.com
Filed: Monday, 21st April 2014
By: Staff Writer
A JustGiving page has been created in memory of young Hammer Dylan Tombides,
who died last week. KUMB member west ham 15, aka Jamie Seagrave, has created
the page in honour of the young Hammer with all funds raised to go to Cancer
Research UK. "I've been meaning to do something for Cancer Research for a
long time as I lost my granddad to this horrible disease," he told KUMB.
"Hearing the news on Dylan touched me as I met him a couple times at the
training ground [in Chadwell Heath] and he came across as such a lovely lad.
So, I decided to setup the page to hopefully raise money for Cancer Research
in memory of Dylan."
So far, more than 150 people have donated to the appeal. You may make a
donation by visiting the RIP Dylan Tombides page at
www.justgiving.com/DylanTombides.
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Samuel Inkoom claims interest from West Ham and others
By Fotis Voinikas | Last Updated: 21/04/14 7:51pm
SSN
Ghana international Samuel Inkoom has claimed that West Ham United are one
of five clubs looking to sign him. Sky Sports revealed in February that The
Hammers were keen on the 24-year-old, who is currently on-loan at Greek
outfit Platanias. Inkoom's deal with his parent club Dnipro expires at the
end of the calendar year, meaning he can pen a pre-contract this summer.
Speaking to Greek newspaper Chaniotika Nea, Inkoom revealed that a number of
clubs were showing an interest in his services - including West Ham. "I
don't know where I will play football next season," he stated. "I am focused
right now on my national team and the World Cup in Brazil, but I have five
offers so far. Olympiakos, West Ham and Lyon are among them. "I do not want
to talk more now, my mind is now looking at the World Cup, who knows in
football no one knows. "Anything can happen in football and I'm ready to go
anywhere."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
SHOULD THEY STAY OR SHOULD THEY GO?
By Iain Dale 21 Apr 2014 at 19:47
West Ham Till I Die
Guest Post by Jack
I posted my article in the comments on SJ Chandos' post about MoTD pundits
dismissing the 'West Ham Way'. Some suggested I send it to you saying, 'Jack
send articles to Iain so that he can use them as threads so they generate
proper debate'. I'm 14 years old and love writing about football and West
Ham! The article I've written is 3,600 words and describes what I think
about each player, the style of play and what we should do tactically, and
money wise, in the summer. I have no intention of stopping writing at this
and will continue to write about West Ham for a long time.
Thanks and here's the article.
Hi, my name is Jack. I'm a 21st century kid, born in 2000. One thing in my
life has been consistent, West Ham United; not the form, the club, the
players, the manager or the league, my support. I've been watching West Ham
since the 2006 FA Cup final, West Ham vs Liverpool, we lost. Why do I
support West Ham then? 'West Ham needs me.' That was 6 year old me,
Liverpool didn't need my support, they won the final without it. West Ham
lost and they needed me behind them. That was the thought process in my 6
year old brain, subconsciously, or consciously. Here I am, eight years
later, writing my thoughts about the club I love, a lot of thoughts.
Where to start? Let's start with the league; we are a Barclays Premier
League club, sitting in 12th place, on 37 points after 35 games. We look
relatively safe, from relegation of course. Our manager is Sam Allardyce,
'Allardici' and David Gold and Sullivan own the club. We're moving stadiums
in two season's time, to the Olympic Stadium, leaving the Boleyn Ground and
all its history behind us. The owners want to move us forward, take us from
a mid table side, just about avoiding relegation, to a side that can
challenge for places in European cups and competitions. A lot is going to
need to be done to take us there and it will be a quite an achievement if we
make it to that calibre.
If we want to get there we're going to have to look at many things, staff,
manager and squad. Let's start by looking at the squad. I'm going to analyse
each player, subs, starting XI and some others, and give my view, from the
stands, on them.
Goalkeepers:
Adrian San Miguel - An outstanding purchase from Real Betis by Allardyce. He
has been a very good keeper since his arrival and has performed multiple
outstanding saves. He has good distribution and reflexes. A good shot
stopper, my only worries are sometimes his handling and command of the box.
On a side note, one of the things that is best about this goalkeeper is not
his performance on the pitch but his way of interacting with the crowd which
has quickly made him a fan favourite.
Jussi Jaaskelainen - Again a very good signing from Bolton by Allardyce.
Jaaskelainen is a fantastic keeper to have on the bench as he could make the
grade as a first team keeper at some other clubs in the league. Jussi is a
fantastic keeper but has arrived in the twilight of his career. Being 39
means that his level and performances are starting to worsen and his
handling has become a lot more of a problem this season.
Full backs:
Guy Demel - Yet again, I must mention that this was another good purchase by
Allardyce. Brought in from Hamburger SV he has been a very good right back
for us since he overcame his injury problems. Demel is very good at
attacking and providing an overlap for the right winger. He has good skill
going forward and enough to get past some left backs to get crosses into the
box. However, being a right back means he has to do a lot of defensive work
as well and he is not as solid in this area as I would like him to be. He
has good strength; no one in their right mind would doubt that. Although in
my opinion he doesn't stop crosses from the oppositions left winger coming
into the box enough. He doesn't shepherd players well enough and shield the
box from shots or crosses. He doesn't get tight enough to his man as well.
Demel is also 32 years old and for the reasons provided I think we need to
improve in this area.
Joey O'Brien - Brought in from Bolton by Allardyce, Joey has done well to
overcome his injury problems and feature multiple times in the starting line
up. For me, he is too inconsistent, when I see his name on the team sheet I
don't know what O'Brien I'm going to get. A solid full back that gets
forward well and shuts out wingers or a player who loses the ball and
doesn't deal well with attacking players. He doesn't cut it in the starting
XI but is good enough for the bench/reserves for now. Being 28 years old,
age is not too much of a worry just yet as well.
Pablo Armero - On loan from Napoli until the end of the season, Pablo has
only recently made a burst into the first team. From what I've seen so far,
I've been impressed other than his silly tackle on Cameron Jerome in Crystal
Palace's 1-0 win over us he has been good. Good enough, in fact, for me to
suggest that we should attempt to purchase him permanently. The 27 year old
has shown he is good enough for the side and my only problem with him is
that he seems afraid to cross the ball when supporting the winger. Whip it
in Pablo!
George McCartney - Another buy from Allardyce, McCartney has been a solid
player and is ever the consistent. Being 32 years old he is also in the
twilight of his career but considering his form I am happy to have him as a
substitute left back. Side note: Not to be played at right back on evidence
from West Ham 0-1 Crystal Palace, poor performance.
Centre backs:
Winston Reid - Probably the best player in our team. Brilliantly consistent,
barely every puts a foot wrong in defence and is only 25. Definitely not
someone we should look to replace and definitely not someone we should let
go to a bigger club. If we want to become one of those bigger clubs then we
can't let players like him go.
James Collins - 'The Ginger Pele'! What fantastic neck muscles this man has!
Brilliant in the air and uses this to his advantage in defence and attack.
Not always the same with his tackles. In some games he has been quite superb
and has put in a lot of great tackles however, in others he can be
inconsistent, applying pressure to far up the pitch and breaking the
defensive line, rushing into tackles and leaving gaps in behind. Good enough
to retain his place in the XI or to switch around with Tomkins although, I
really wouldn't mind another very solid, consistent centre back to partner
Reid. Furthermore, he is 30, meaning he will also come into the twilight of
his career fairly soon.
James Tomkins - Solid centre back and someone I'm happy to watch in the
side. Could give Collins a run for his money and make into the starting
line-up consistently. Further consider the fact that James is only 25
meaning he has quite a lot of time to grow and improve yet, only more reason
to keep hold of him and possibly play him more often. Despite all of this I
will say the same thing as I did with Collins; I wouldn't mind another
centre back to partner Reid who is better than both of the James'. Another
option to consider is bringing in another centre back simply for squad depth
because, as we have seen this season, we don't have enough depth in this
position and Roger Johnson is not good enough as a fourth centre back.
Roger Johnson - 'The Relegator'! On loan from Wolverhampton Wanderers, Roger
is known as 'The Relegator' because he was involved in Wolves' double
relegation to League 1. He is not Premier League quality and needs to be
offloaded in my opinion as I am sure he will be. It was a panic loan from
Wolves due to our situation earlier in the season with injuries. He just
isn't of Premier League class in my opinion. He should be replaced with a
better centre back for stronger squad depth.
Central Midfielders:
Mark Noble - Mark must have claret and blue blood! He grew up in Canning
Town and has come through the ranks to be a West Ham player and vice
captain. He is one of the most consistent players in the league and always
provides defensive solidity in front of the back four and is always ice cool
from the penalty spot. Mark is a shoe in for next season's side. The only
area where Noble can be unconvincing is when it comes to going forward. He
can sometimes look lost once he gets near the oppositions box and often
looks afraid to shoot. Furthermore, he is simply not very good at free
kicks, I don't know why he takes our free kicks and if he is the best we've
got, we either need to practice free kicks on the training ground or invest
in someone who can take them.
Kevin Nolan - Either played in an attacking midfield role or in behind the
striker Kevin Nolan is incredibly good at feeding off scraps or knock downs.
Nolan is our top scorer this season with seven goals. He has virtually saved
us from relegation when he had his run of sparkling form in our four wins in
a row. Kevin is 31 and is entering the twilight of his career, being the
captain he can't exactly be dropped to easily but in my opinion, his form
has been too inconsistent this season. Furthermore, his two red cards
highlight is inconsistency and volatility I would like to see Kevin played
at the start of next season but if he doesn't start it well, replaced in the
starting XI.
Antonio Nocerino - On loan from AC Milan, Antonio is a player who can thrive
in behind a big striker as he did with Zlatan Ibrahimovic at Milan. He has
not quite reached those dizzy heights with us and Andy Carroll and I
wouldn't want him signed on a permanent basis at the end of the season from
what I've seen. He is too inconsistent, loses the ball too much and
Allardyce seems to agree with me considering the fact that Antonio is only
making appearances from the bench.
Mohamed Diame - Diame is the most inconsistent player at the club. You have
no clue what you're going to get from Mohamed! My problem with Diame is that
he is too much of a solo player and doesn't seem to hold the team in his
best interests. This shows in a lot of his laziness on the pitch. However,
Diame is a fantastic player when he wants to be and can make brilliant,
driving, skilful runs through the opposition on occasion. Personally, I
think Diame is too inconsistent to be in the starting XI and should be
dropped to the bench.
Ravel Morrison - Ravel is an attacking midfielder and is a very good one at
that. At the age of 21 there is a lot of time for Ravel to grow and improve.
My main issue with Ravel, as I am sure is everyone's, is that he is too full
of himself. His character and ego are a major problem and he needs to put
his past behind him and focus on the football. If he focuses on the football
and the team then he has a big chance of becoming a wonderful player and
England international. He has the skill but not the mindset, putting him out
on loan at Championship clubs is the right idea but I would like to see him
back at the club and on the bench next season. Side note: Very good at
coming on as an impact substitute, not sure if he is a 90 minute Premier
League player quite yet.
Matthew Taylor - Another good player for squad depth, Matthew is useful
because he can play in the centre of midfield, on the left wing and at left
back. He is not the classiest player and does not really have the skills for
Premier League football however; I like Taylor because he always puts 100%
effort in and gives his absolute all every game. Being 32 years old means he
is in the twilight of his career and should be kept for squad depth.
Alou Diarra - What a terrible signing! Wrong attitude, wrong fitness, wrong
work rate and he's 33. Needs to be sold in summer because of the money we're
wasting on his wages. Doesn't seem to want to be at the club and should be
sent on his way.
Jack Collison - His name is Jack and he's Welsh, keep him! I think he still
needs time to grow and should be given further loan opportunities in the
Championship after his loan at Wigan ends; he's only 25 after all.
Wingers:
Stewart Downing - Fantastic signing by Allardyce and he's blossomed well
under the system that Big Sam plays. Has a fantastic cross on him and he can
cut in and shoot. He's a very good winger and someone who should definitely
retain his place in the starting line-up. He is 29 so age isn't a problem
yet either.
Matt Jarvis - Jarvis has been rather inconsistent since his arrival and has
never really found himself among the goals like he did at Wolves. He doesn't
score enough for me or have consistent enough crossing. However, the
fantastic thing about Matt is his pace. He can outpace many of the Premier
League's full backs and then can crosses in from the by-line. He should
definitely be kept because he is only 27 but could possibly be replaced by a
summer signing.
Joe Cole - Joe is a good player but he's definitely lost the pace he needs
to play on the wing at the age of 32. His defensive work as a winger is not
good enough for me and I think he can either be kept for squad depth but I
would very much like to see him replaced in the summer.
Ricardo Vaz Te - Ricardo was an amazing player for us in the Championship
and scored that famous 88th minute goal at Wembley to see us promoted back
to the Premier League. He hasn't really shown the same class in the Premier
League but has been injured for most of this season. I would like to see Vaz
Te kept and trialled at the start of next season.
Forwards:
Andy Carroll - Andy was brought in by Allardyce and the side has been built
around him. Some call him the most aerially talented striker in the world. I
would have to say he is a fantastic striker in the air and is often dominant
against Premier League centre backs. However, I think that we can't always
play it up to Andy because it's too predictable and other teams are dealing
with it. We need a variation on our style, a 'plan B'.
Marco Borriello - Marco has been injured for the most part since is loan
from Roma. He's 31 and I would be happy to see him sent back to Roma and not
bought on a permanent basis. However, he would need to be replaced with
another striker who would have to be signed on a permanent basis as a backup
for Andy Carroll.
Carlton Cole - Carlton is somewhat a West Ham fan favourite and has been
with the club a long time. He is not the most talented striker and is also
30. Should be kept because of his ties to the club and because he isn't an
easy player to sell. Could however, be replaced with a striker of better
calibre. He simply doesn't win enough in the air or put the ball in the back
of the net enough.
Modibo Maiga - Modibo should definitely be sold in the summer because he has
been somewhat of a flop in English football. Scoring only 3 goals in 31
appearances is certainly not good enough.
That's what I think of the squad! In summary, I think our goalkeepers are
good and we don't need any replacements in this department. I think our
defence is good but we need a new right back and a centre back to partner
Reid that is better than Collins or Tomkins or just another centre back for
squad depth. I think our midfield is good but needs some changes, we need a
new attacking midfielder, someone who can pass the ball with a bit of flair,
someone like Diame or Morrison but isn't so full of themselves. We either
need a replacement for Jarvis or another winger for squad depth to have on
the bench, preferably someone like Downing. Furthermore, I think Carroll is
good but we need another striker to back him up in case of injury or someone
to bring off of the bench. This all is if we keep the style, formation and
plan the same. This is what the team would look like:
Formation: 4-4-1-1
GK - Adrian
RB - New Player
CB - Reid
CB - Collins/New Player
LB - Armero
RM - Downing
CM - Noble
CM - New Player
LM - Jarvis/New Player
CAM - Nolan (Trial Run)
ST - Carroll
Subs:
GK - Jaaskelainen
RB - Demel
CB - Tomkins/Collins
CM - Diame
CAM - Morrison
Winger - Jarvis/Vaz Te/New Player
ST - New Player
According to these plans we need five new players and I think the bulk of
the money should be invested in an attacking midfielder, striker and a right
back. Some ideas being, Micah Richards (RB), Samuel Inkoom (RB), Josip Drmic
(ST), Ross McCormack (ST), Jordan Rhodes (ST), Solomon Kalou (ST), Graziano
Pelle (ST), Loic Remy (Loan ST), Lewis Holtby (CAM), Jack Rodwell (CM),
Craig Bryson (CAM).
This is what I would do from Sam Allardyce's point of view, from my point of
view, I would change one thing. I would stick with the changes I said we
should make earlier and the replacements we should bring in. However, I
think we should devise a 'Plan B' for next season because we have become too
predictable. We should stick with the 4-4-1-1 formation or 4-3-3/4-5-1 that
we've been playing this season for the starting line-up. However, I think we
should give ourselves a better option of going 4-4-2 from the bench. This
would mean that we would need to buy another striker and this striker should
add a dimension of pace and we can begin to use a flick on. In games where
we are chasing the game or struggling to break down the opposition we would
be able to take our CAM off, most likely Nolan, in the 4-4-1-1 and switch to
a 4-4-2 by bringing a striker on. The striker we buy should be similar in
his style to Sam Baldock and this way, we would be able to vary our style
and make life more difficult for the oppositions defence instead of only
knowing one tactic. We would therefore, be able to change the tactic from
the knock down to the flick on. I believe this would be very useful if we
were struggling to break the opposition down in games like the 0-1 against
Crystal Palace.
The bench using this change would now look like this:
GK - Jaaskelainen
RB - Demel
CM - Diame
CAM - Morrison
Winger - Jarvis/Vaz Te/New Player
ST - New Player (Backup for Andy Carroll) ST - New Player (Quicker player to
vary the tactic)
I think that if we did this, it would greatly improve our chances of picking
up more wins from losing positions and also make us much less one
dimensional. This would mean that Big Sam still gets to use his long ball
style and we will still have fans, who I respect, moaning about the style
and wanting the 'West Ham Way'. However, we would be able to change our
tactic in games and make it a lot harder for opposition managers to prepare
for and a lot harder for opposition players to defend against.
Currently, the way we play, teams can set up for the long ball and knock
down and know that that is all they'll have to defend against for 90
minutes. When you vary a tactic, that makes us more unpredictable, harder to
prepare for and I have evidence that varying a tactic can change the balance
of play. For example, look at the 0-3 victory away at Spurs. Spurs would
have prepared for the long ball and knock down all week, training with their
defenders how to deal with this. We came onto the pitch playing 4-6-0 or a
false nine formation which nobody expected. This is exactly why we won the
game by three goals and Spurs' defenders looked lost and powerless to deal
with what we threw at them. Another example this season would be Liverpool's
success. One of the major reasons as to why Liverpool have been so
successful this season is down to Brendan Rogers and the way he sets their
team up. They're hard to prepare for because you don't know what the tactic
will be. They could use the overlap constantly and use the width a lot,
whipping low balls into the box. They could flood the play through the
middle of the pitch and look to play through you using triangles e.g. Suarez
- Sturridge - Coutinho. They could mix it up and use a bit of both of these
styles or look to play from deep with a CDM in Gerrard pinging balls out to
the wings or through the middle. You simply don't know and that is why they
are going to win the title this season.
If we can bring this element of unpredictability to West Ham and become less
one dimensional we could have more success next season.
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CRYSTAL PALACE: A LESSON IN DOING THE WRONG THING
By ExWHUemployee 21 Apr 2014 at 14:00
West Ham Till I Die
I am going to comment purely on the Crystal Palace game and try to not get
into a debate of whether Big Sam should be sacked or not. This debate has
been something that has pretty much gone in all of Sam's seasons and one
where most people now appear to be sharing thoughts that are similar to our
own Iain Dale, amongst others, who expressed it this weekend.
I left the game, not for the first time this season, bored and completely
dejected about what I had seen. I just feel we are so one dimensional. We
continued to just hit the ball long to Carroll who, uncharacteristically,
barely won a header. On this occasion their centre-back clearly had the
better of him but rather than change our tactic to get round this we just
continued to pump the ball up to him.
The reliance of a target man in our system relies on the wingers getting
down the by line and putting in decent crosses. Continuously this season I
have stressed on my twitter account that I think we are much better off
having Jarvis on the right and Downing on the left. Both have pace but it is
rarely shown because even though they may beat their man they often have to
cut back on to their natural foot. This means that the defenders have time
to get back on the player with the ball and others get in the box. I
understand the reason for putting them on opposite wing, so that they can
cut in and get shots away but quite frankly they don't do this. Jarvis has
scored a couple in the league this season and Downing hasn't scored at all.
So clearly this doesn't happen, so to me, it is not rocket science to put
them on their natural wing. They seemed to switch over a lot during this
game (more than usual) but when they were on their natural side we played
better, so why don't they always play there?!
I thought Matt Jarvis was having a good game, one of his better ones this
season and then Sam took him off first. I personally thought that if you
were to take one of the wingers off it had to be Downing who has been off
the boil the last few games despite having a decent season. Taking Jarvis
off really baffled me and I am sure it did him. The best player to come on
from the bench to replace a winger, in my eyes, would be Vaz Te. Yet again
he wasn't on the bench and is clearly on his way out in the summer. Vaz Te,
before his injury, was one of our better performers and he offers more goal
threat than our current wingers.
I am a firm believer in the theory that you are as good as your last game.
This leads me on to the case of Antonio Nocerino. He was our best player in
the previous game against Arsenal and he should have remained in the team.
He had stated in the week he wanted to earn a permanent move to the club and
is clearly trying to prove this. Dropping him for Nolan who had missed the
previous game through a hamstring injury (one that he was clearly not
completely over) does not send out the right message to the squad.
Nocerino's energy would have been very useful against our opponents' box to
box running.
This week was a tragic one for all connected with the club after the very
sad passing of Dylan Tombides. I had met the man and shared the same
feelings of admiration of his positivity and courage. He was an extremely
popular member of the squad. I felt we would at least put a positive
performance in, in tribute to the player and his family. Of course it is
hard to predict how people respond to such sad events but I did really
expect the team at least to show passion, determination and fight in this
game like the fans had. Unfortunately it didn't come and this was a major
disappointment.
I hope we get a lot more from the last three games and if it is not points
at least some entertainment and fight but we shall see if this is possible
and then the board need to do some serious thinking.
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WHUFC.com
Downing targets win at West Brom on Saturday to guarantee safety
21.04.2014
Stewart Downing has his eyes on the points that would guarantee Barclays
Premier League safety when the Hammers travel to West Bromwich Albion on
Saturday. With 37 points on the board, West Ham are not quite over the line
yet, but would take a step closer with a positive result at the Hawthorns -
and Downing does not want to leave the West Midlands with anything less.
"We've been itching to get to the 40-point mark the last few weeks, and I
think we still need to get points on the board to be safe," he said. "West
Brom is a big game on Saturday and we'd love to get three points, but even
if we take a point i think it would be a big result. "They are in and around
us, so if we can keep them below us that would be important."
The Hammers fell to a disappointing 1-0 loss to Crystal Palace on Saturday,
when Mile Jedinak's second half penalty proved enough to earn the south
Londoners the points. Big Sam's men were made to pay for not making the most
of a bright opening period, as Palace stifled their hosts after the break.
Downing felt the first goal scored was always going to be crucial and was
frustrated that his side were not able to force the breakthrough. "It was a
frustrating afternoon for us, especially in the second half," he explained.
"First half I thought we played some decent stuff towards the end, created a
few chances and the keeper's really kept them in it. "They are a hard team
to break down. They make it difficult for you and I think it proved that way
on Saturday. "The first goal meant so much and we stressed during the week
that if we could ge the first goal the gaps might appear, then we could
create more space. "It wasn't to be and they've done that to many teams this
season. Credit to them, Tony Pulis has got them organised and they've got
results. "They got every man behind the ball [once they went in front]. We
had some good combinations and put some good crosses in during the first
half, but we didn't do that enough after half time."
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Nolan bemoans poor finishing
KUMB.com
Filed: Monday, 21st April 2014
By: Staff Writer
Kevin Nolan believes that West Ham need to improve in front of goal if they
are to win any of their remaining three matches this season.
West Ham, beaten 1-0 at home by newly-promoted Crystal Palace at the weekend
end a frustrating 2013/14 campaign with trips to West Bromwich Albion and
Manchester City and a home encounter with Tottenham.
Meanwhile the club captain, who has scored seven goals in his 32 appearances
this season insists that the Hammers need to sharpen up in front of goal if
they are to avoid extending their run of three successive defeats.
"We had six [shots against Palace] in the first half and six in the second,"
he told whufc.tv. "When you get a chance you have to get it on target,
because that's what the fans remember and that's what puts the opposition
under pressure. That's what we've got to be better at as a whole squad, not
just as individuals.
"When we get those chances, even if they're half chances, you've got to be
able to take them and put them on target. We'll go away, we'll study the
videos and we'll try to put it right next week at West Brom."
Nolan, whose inconsistent form since August has been reflected by the team
as a whole this season needs a further three goals to match his tally of ten
from 2012/13 - which in itself was three fewer than the 13 he scored during
the Championship season, his first at the club.
Yet he firmly believes that the team will be looking up next season - as
opposed to downwards, as has been the case for much of the current campaign.
"Building for next season is a massive priority," he added, "and I'm sure
this time next year we won't be talking about relegation, we'll be talking
about trying to push for Europe."
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Downes blasts Neville for encouraging cheating
KUMb.com
Filed: Monday, 21st April 2014
By: Staff Writer
Former West Ham United coach Wally Downes has criticised England coach and
Sky TV pundit Gary Neville after the former Manchester United defender urged
players to dive in order to win penalties.
Downes, who now works alongside former West Ham manager Harry Redknapp at
Championship Quens Park Rangers hit out at Neville after the 39-year-old
insisted that Matt Jarvis should have gone to ground when fouled by
Arsenal's Bacary Sagna in the 3-1 derby defeat at the Emirates last week in
order to win a penalty.
"I've been mulling over the Matt Jarvis incident," said Downes, speaking via
Twitter. "The referee didn't give it and Jarvis played on as there was no
whistle. With visual aid the referee got It wrong. So what? live with it!
"It's a game strewn with mistakes by all concerned. Jarvis did what is
expected of a high-profile sportsman. Pundits/England coaches encouraging
players to dive or go down are doing the game a disservice and send out the
wrong message to youngsters watching the game."
Downes, who KUMB readers voted as winner of our Most Missed category in the
2012/13 KUMB Awards also called upon the game's governing body to take
Neville to task for the comments - comments that he believes condone
gamesmanship.
"The FA should make Gary Neville justify his comments, as a coach he is
encouraging cheating," added Downes. "As a pundit there is a conflict of
interest; he may think that as a Sky pundit but if these are the views of a
national coach, then it is the wrong message.
"Matt Jarvis has played the game in the manner it should be played. It's
funny that we are at the stage when this isn't taken for granted. In
closing, well done Matt and reconsider your comments/position, Gary."
Jarvis, speaking after the incident admitted that having been denied a
penalty for what was a clear infringement may leave him thinking twice about
being so honest next time a similar situation arises.
"I don't know if I had gone down whether it would have been a penalty or if
I had whether I'd have been booked," he mused. "Maybe I should learn from
that and be a bit more clever."
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Raising funds in memory of Dylan
KUMB.com
Filed: Monday, 21st April 2014
By: Staff Writer
A JustGiving page has been created in memory of young Hammer Dylan Tombides,
who died last week. KUMB member west ham 15, aka Jamie Seagrave, has created
the page in honour of the young Hammer with all funds raised to go to Cancer
Research UK. "I've been meaning to do something for Cancer Research for a
long time as I lost my granddad to this horrible disease," he told KUMB.
"Hearing the news on Dylan touched me as I met him a couple times at the
training ground [in Chadwell Heath] and he came across as such a lovely lad.
So, I decided to setup the page to hopefully raise money for Cancer Research
in memory of Dylan."
So far, more than 150 people have donated to the appeal. You may make a
donation by visiting the RIP Dylan Tombides page at
www.justgiving.com/DylanTombides.
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Samuel Inkoom claims interest from West Ham and others
By Fotis Voinikas | Last Updated: 21/04/14 7:51pm
SSN
Ghana international Samuel Inkoom has claimed that West Ham United are one
of five clubs looking to sign him. Sky Sports revealed in February that The
Hammers were keen on the 24-year-old, who is currently on-loan at Greek
outfit Platanias. Inkoom's deal with his parent club Dnipro expires at the
end of the calendar year, meaning he can pen a pre-contract this summer.
Speaking to Greek newspaper Chaniotika Nea, Inkoom revealed that a number of
clubs were showing an interest in his services - including West Ham. "I
don't know where I will play football next season," he stated. "I am focused
right now on my national team and the World Cup in Brazil, but I have five
offers so far. Olympiakos, West Ham and Lyon are among them. "I do not want
to talk more now, my mind is now looking at the World Cup, who knows in
football no one knows. "Anything can happen in football and I'm ready to go
anywhere."
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SHOULD THEY STAY OR SHOULD THEY GO?
By Iain Dale 21 Apr 2014 at 19:47
West Ham Till I Die
Guest Post by Jack
I posted my article in the comments on SJ Chandos' post about MoTD pundits
dismissing the 'West Ham Way'. Some suggested I send it to you saying, 'Jack
send articles to Iain so that he can use them as threads so they generate
proper debate'. I'm 14 years old and love writing about football and West
Ham! The article I've written is 3,600 words and describes what I think
about each player, the style of play and what we should do tactically, and
money wise, in the summer. I have no intention of stopping writing at this
and will continue to write about West Ham for a long time.
Thanks and here's the article.
Hi, my name is Jack. I'm a 21st century kid, born in 2000. One thing in my
life has been consistent, West Ham United; not the form, the club, the
players, the manager or the league, my support. I've been watching West Ham
since the 2006 FA Cup final, West Ham vs Liverpool, we lost. Why do I
support West Ham then? 'West Ham needs me.' That was 6 year old me,
Liverpool didn't need my support, they won the final without it. West Ham
lost and they needed me behind them. That was the thought process in my 6
year old brain, subconsciously, or consciously. Here I am, eight years
later, writing my thoughts about the club I love, a lot of thoughts.
Where to start? Let's start with the league; we are a Barclays Premier
League club, sitting in 12th place, on 37 points after 35 games. We look
relatively safe, from relegation of course. Our manager is Sam Allardyce,
'Allardici' and David Gold and Sullivan own the club. We're moving stadiums
in two season's time, to the Olympic Stadium, leaving the Boleyn Ground and
all its history behind us. The owners want to move us forward, take us from
a mid table side, just about avoiding relegation, to a side that can
challenge for places in European cups and competitions. A lot is going to
need to be done to take us there and it will be a quite an achievement if we
make it to that calibre.
If we want to get there we're going to have to look at many things, staff,
manager and squad. Let's start by looking at the squad. I'm going to analyse
each player, subs, starting XI and some others, and give my view, from the
stands, on them.
Goalkeepers:
Adrian San Miguel - An outstanding purchase from Real Betis by Allardyce. He
has been a very good keeper since his arrival and has performed multiple
outstanding saves. He has good distribution and reflexes. A good shot
stopper, my only worries are sometimes his handling and command of the box.
On a side note, one of the things that is best about this goalkeeper is not
his performance on the pitch but his way of interacting with the crowd which
has quickly made him a fan favourite.
Jussi Jaaskelainen - Again a very good signing from Bolton by Allardyce.
Jaaskelainen is a fantastic keeper to have on the bench as he could make the
grade as a first team keeper at some other clubs in the league. Jussi is a
fantastic keeper but has arrived in the twilight of his career. Being 39
means that his level and performances are starting to worsen and his
handling has become a lot more of a problem this season.
Full backs:
Guy Demel - Yet again, I must mention that this was another good purchase by
Allardyce. Brought in from Hamburger SV he has been a very good right back
for us since he overcame his injury problems. Demel is very good at
attacking and providing an overlap for the right winger. He has good skill
going forward and enough to get past some left backs to get crosses into the
box. However, being a right back means he has to do a lot of defensive work
as well and he is not as solid in this area as I would like him to be. He
has good strength; no one in their right mind would doubt that. Although in
my opinion he doesn't stop crosses from the oppositions left winger coming
into the box enough. He doesn't shepherd players well enough and shield the
box from shots or crosses. He doesn't get tight enough to his man as well.
Demel is also 32 years old and for the reasons provided I think we need to
improve in this area.
Joey O'Brien - Brought in from Bolton by Allardyce, Joey has done well to
overcome his injury problems and feature multiple times in the starting line
up. For me, he is too inconsistent, when I see his name on the team sheet I
don't know what O'Brien I'm going to get. A solid full back that gets
forward well and shuts out wingers or a player who loses the ball and
doesn't deal well with attacking players. He doesn't cut it in the starting
XI but is good enough for the bench/reserves for now. Being 28 years old,
age is not too much of a worry just yet as well.
Pablo Armero - On loan from Napoli until the end of the season, Pablo has
only recently made a burst into the first team. From what I've seen so far,
I've been impressed other than his silly tackle on Cameron Jerome in Crystal
Palace's 1-0 win over us he has been good. Good enough, in fact, for me to
suggest that we should attempt to purchase him permanently. The 27 year old
has shown he is good enough for the side and my only problem with him is
that he seems afraid to cross the ball when supporting the winger. Whip it
in Pablo!
George McCartney - Another buy from Allardyce, McCartney has been a solid
player and is ever the consistent. Being 32 years old he is also in the
twilight of his career but considering his form I am happy to have him as a
substitute left back. Side note: Not to be played at right back on evidence
from West Ham 0-1 Crystal Palace, poor performance.
Centre backs:
Winston Reid - Probably the best player in our team. Brilliantly consistent,
barely every puts a foot wrong in defence and is only 25. Definitely not
someone we should look to replace and definitely not someone we should let
go to a bigger club. If we want to become one of those bigger clubs then we
can't let players like him go.
James Collins - 'The Ginger Pele'! What fantastic neck muscles this man has!
Brilliant in the air and uses this to his advantage in defence and attack.
Not always the same with his tackles. In some games he has been quite superb
and has put in a lot of great tackles however, in others he can be
inconsistent, applying pressure to far up the pitch and breaking the
defensive line, rushing into tackles and leaving gaps in behind. Good enough
to retain his place in the XI or to switch around with Tomkins although, I
really wouldn't mind another very solid, consistent centre back to partner
Reid. Furthermore, he is 30, meaning he will also come into the twilight of
his career fairly soon.
James Tomkins - Solid centre back and someone I'm happy to watch in the
side. Could give Collins a run for his money and make into the starting
line-up consistently. Further consider the fact that James is only 25
meaning he has quite a lot of time to grow and improve yet, only more reason
to keep hold of him and possibly play him more often. Despite all of this I
will say the same thing as I did with Collins; I wouldn't mind another
centre back to partner Reid who is better than both of the James'. Another
option to consider is bringing in another centre back simply for squad depth
because, as we have seen this season, we don't have enough depth in this
position and Roger Johnson is not good enough as a fourth centre back.
Roger Johnson - 'The Relegator'! On loan from Wolverhampton Wanderers, Roger
is known as 'The Relegator' because he was involved in Wolves' double
relegation to League 1. He is not Premier League quality and needs to be
offloaded in my opinion as I am sure he will be. It was a panic loan from
Wolves due to our situation earlier in the season with injuries. He just
isn't of Premier League class in my opinion. He should be replaced with a
better centre back for stronger squad depth.
Central Midfielders:
Mark Noble - Mark must have claret and blue blood! He grew up in Canning
Town and has come through the ranks to be a West Ham player and vice
captain. He is one of the most consistent players in the league and always
provides defensive solidity in front of the back four and is always ice cool
from the penalty spot. Mark is a shoe in for next season's side. The only
area where Noble can be unconvincing is when it comes to going forward. He
can sometimes look lost once he gets near the oppositions box and often
looks afraid to shoot. Furthermore, he is simply not very good at free
kicks, I don't know why he takes our free kicks and if he is the best we've
got, we either need to practice free kicks on the training ground or invest
in someone who can take them.
Kevin Nolan - Either played in an attacking midfield role or in behind the
striker Kevin Nolan is incredibly good at feeding off scraps or knock downs.
Nolan is our top scorer this season with seven goals. He has virtually saved
us from relegation when he had his run of sparkling form in our four wins in
a row. Kevin is 31 and is entering the twilight of his career, being the
captain he can't exactly be dropped to easily but in my opinion, his form
has been too inconsistent this season. Furthermore, his two red cards
highlight is inconsistency and volatility I would like to see Kevin played
at the start of next season but if he doesn't start it well, replaced in the
starting XI.
Antonio Nocerino - On loan from AC Milan, Antonio is a player who can thrive
in behind a big striker as he did with Zlatan Ibrahimovic at Milan. He has
not quite reached those dizzy heights with us and Andy Carroll and I
wouldn't want him signed on a permanent basis at the end of the season from
what I've seen. He is too inconsistent, loses the ball too much and
Allardyce seems to agree with me considering the fact that Antonio is only
making appearances from the bench.
Mohamed Diame - Diame is the most inconsistent player at the club. You have
no clue what you're going to get from Mohamed! My problem with Diame is that
he is too much of a solo player and doesn't seem to hold the team in his
best interests. This shows in a lot of his laziness on the pitch. However,
Diame is a fantastic player when he wants to be and can make brilliant,
driving, skilful runs through the opposition on occasion. Personally, I
think Diame is too inconsistent to be in the starting XI and should be
dropped to the bench.
Ravel Morrison - Ravel is an attacking midfielder and is a very good one at
that. At the age of 21 there is a lot of time for Ravel to grow and improve.
My main issue with Ravel, as I am sure is everyone's, is that he is too full
of himself. His character and ego are a major problem and he needs to put
his past behind him and focus on the football. If he focuses on the football
and the team then he has a big chance of becoming a wonderful player and
England international. He has the skill but not the mindset, putting him out
on loan at Championship clubs is the right idea but I would like to see him
back at the club and on the bench next season. Side note: Very good at
coming on as an impact substitute, not sure if he is a 90 minute Premier
League player quite yet.
Matthew Taylor - Another good player for squad depth, Matthew is useful
because he can play in the centre of midfield, on the left wing and at left
back. He is not the classiest player and does not really have the skills for
Premier League football however; I like Taylor because he always puts 100%
effort in and gives his absolute all every game. Being 32 years old means he
is in the twilight of his career and should be kept for squad depth.
Alou Diarra - What a terrible signing! Wrong attitude, wrong fitness, wrong
work rate and he's 33. Needs to be sold in summer because of the money we're
wasting on his wages. Doesn't seem to want to be at the club and should be
sent on his way.
Jack Collison - His name is Jack and he's Welsh, keep him! I think he still
needs time to grow and should be given further loan opportunities in the
Championship after his loan at Wigan ends; he's only 25 after all.
Wingers:
Stewart Downing - Fantastic signing by Allardyce and he's blossomed well
under the system that Big Sam plays. Has a fantastic cross on him and he can
cut in and shoot. He's a very good winger and someone who should definitely
retain his place in the starting line-up. He is 29 so age isn't a problem
yet either.
Matt Jarvis - Jarvis has been rather inconsistent since his arrival and has
never really found himself among the goals like he did at Wolves. He doesn't
score enough for me or have consistent enough crossing. However, the
fantastic thing about Matt is his pace. He can outpace many of the Premier
League's full backs and then can crosses in from the by-line. He should
definitely be kept because he is only 27 but could possibly be replaced by a
summer signing.
Joe Cole - Joe is a good player but he's definitely lost the pace he needs
to play on the wing at the age of 32. His defensive work as a winger is not
good enough for me and I think he can either be kept for squad depth but I
would very much like to see him replaced in the summer.
Ricardo Vaz Te - Ricardo was an amazing player for us in the Championship
and scored that famous 88th minute goal at Wembley to see us promoted back
to the Premier League. He hasn't really shown the same class in the Premier
League but has been injured for most of this season. I would like to see Vaz
Te kept and trialled at the start of next season.
Forwards:
Andy Carroll - Andy was brought in by Allardyce and the side has been built
around him. Some call him the most aerially talented striker in the world. I
would have to say he is a fantastic striker in the air and is often dominant
against Premier League centre backs. However, I think that we can't always
play it up to Andy because it's too predictable and other teams are dealing
with it. We need a variation on our style, a 'plan B'.
Marco Borriello - Marco has been injured for the most part since is loan
from Roma. He's 31 and I would be happy to see him sent back to Roma and not
bought on a permanent basis. However, he would need to be replaced with
another striker who would have to be signed on a permanent basis as a backup
for Andy Carroll.
Carlton Cole - Carlton is somewhat a West Ham fan favourite and has been
with the club a long time. He is not the most talented striker and is also
30. Should be kept because of his ties to the club and because he isn't an
easy player to sell. Could however, be replaced with a striker of better
calibre. He simply doesn't win enough in the air or put the ball in the back
of the net enough.
Modibo Maiga - Modibo should definitely be sold in the summer because he has
been somewhat of a flop in English football. Scoring only 3 goals in 31
appearances is certainly not good enough.
That's what I think of the squad! In summary, I think our goalkeepers are
good and we don't need any replacements in this department. I think our
defence is good but we need a new right back and a centre back to partner
Reid that is better than Collins or Tomkins or just another centre back for
squad depth. I think our midfield is good but needs some changes, we need a
new attacking midfielder, someone who can pass the ball with a bit of flair,
someone like Diame or Morrison but isn't so full of themselves. We either
need a replacement for Jarvis or another winger for squad depth to have on
the bench, preferably someone like Downing. Furthermore, I think Carroll is
good but we need another striker to back him up in case of injury or someone
to bring off of the bench. This all is if we keep the style, formation and
plan the same. This is what the team would look like:
Formation: 4-4-1-1
GK - Adrian
RB - New Player
CB - Reid
CB - Collins/New Player
LB - Armero
RM - Downing
CM - Noble
CM - New Player
LM - Jarvis/New Player
CAM - Nolan (Trial Run)
ST - Carroll
Subs:
GK - Jaaskelainen
RB - Demel
CB - Tomkins/Collins
CM - Diame
CAM - Morrison
Winger - Jarvis/Vaz Te/New Player
ST - New Player
According to these plans we need five new players and I think the bulk of
the money should be invested in an attacking midfielder, striker and a right
back. Some ideas being, Micah Richards (RB), Samuel Inkoom (RB), Josip Drmic
(ST), Ross McCormack (ST), Jordan Rhodes (ST), Solomon Kalou (ST), Graziano
Pelle (ST), Loic Remy (Loan ST), Lewis Holtby (CAM), Jack Rodwell (CM),
Craig Bryson (CAM).
This is what I would do from Sam Allardyce's point of view, from my point of
view, I would change one thing. I would stick with the changes I said we
should make earlier and the replacements we should bring in. However, I
think we should devise a 'Plan B' for next season because we have become too
predictable. We should stick with the 4-4-1-1 formation or 4-3-3/4-5-1 that
we've been playing this season for the starting line-up. However, I think we
should give ourselves a better option of going 4-4-2 from the bench. This
would mean that we would need to buy another striker and this striker should
add a dimension of pace and we can begin to use a flick on. In games where
we are chasing the game or struggling to break down the opposition we would
be able to take our CAM off, most likely Nolan, in the 4-4-1-1 and switch to
a 4-4-2 by bringing a striker on. The striker we buy should be similar in
his style to Sam Baldock and this way, we would be able to vary our style
and make life more difficult for the oppositions defence instead of only
knowing one tactic. We would therefore, be able to change the tactic from
the knock down to the flick on. I believe this would be very useful if we
were struggling to break the opposition down in games like the 0-1 against
Crystal Palace.
The bench using this change would now look like this:
GK - Jaaskelainen
RB - Demel
CM - Diame
CAM - Morrison
Winger - Jarvis/Vaz Te/New Player
ST - New Player (Backup for Andy Carroll) ST - New Player (Quicker player to
vary the tactic)
I think that if we did this, it would greatly improve our chances of picking
up more wins from losing positions and also make us much less one
dimensional. This would mean that Big Sam still gets to use his long ball
style and we will still have fans, who I respect, moaning about the style
and wanting the 'West Ham Way'. However, we would be able to change our
tactic in games and make it a lot harder for opposition managers to prepare
for and a lot harder for opposition players to defend against.
Currently, the way we play, teams can set up for the long ball and knock
down and know that that is all they'll have to defend against for 90
minutes. When you vary a tactic, that makes us more unpredictable, harder to
prepare for and I have evidence that varying a tactic can change the balance
of play. For example, look at the 0-3 victory away at Spurs. Spurs would
have prepared for the long ball and knock down all week, training with their
defenders how to deal with this. We came onto the pitch playing 4-6-0 or a
false nine formation which nobody expected. This is exactly why we won the
game by three goals and Spurs' defenders looked lost and powerless to deal
with what we threw at them. Another example this season would be Liverpool's
success. One of the major reasons as to why Liverpool have been so
successful this season is down to Brendan Rogers and the way he sets their
team up. They're hard to prepare for because you don't know what the tactic
will be. They could use the overlap constantly and use the width a lot,
whipping low balls into the box. They could flood the play through the
middle of the pitch and look to play through you using triangles e.g. Suarez
- Sturridge - Coutinho. They could mix it up and use a bit of both of these
styles or look to play from deep with a CDM in Gerrard pinging balls out to
the wings or through the middle. You simply don't know and that is why they
are going to win the title this season.
If we can bring this element of unpredictability to West Ham and become less
one dimensional we could have more success next season.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
CRYSTAL PALACE: A LESSON IN DOING THE WRONG THING
By ExWHUemployee 21 Apr 2014 at 14:00
West Ham Till I Die
I am going to comment purely on the Crystal Palace game and try to not get
into a debate of whether Big Sam should be sacked or not. This debate has
been something that has pretty much gone in all of Sam's seasons and one
where most people now appear to be sharing thoughts that are similar to our
own Iain Dale, amongst others, who expressed it this weekend.
I left the game, not for the first time this season, bored and completely
dejected about what I had seen. I just feel we are so one dimensional. We
continued to just hit the ball long to Carroll who, uncharacteristically,
barely won a header. On this occasion their centre-back clearly had the
better of him but rather than change our tactic to get round this we just
continued to pump the ball up to him.
The reliance of a target man in our system relies on the wingers getting
down the by line and putting in decent crosses. Continuously this season I
have stressed on my twitter account that I think we are much better off
having Jarvis on the right and Downing on the left. Both have pace but it is
rarely shown because even though they may beat their man they often have to
cut back on to their natural foot. This means that the defenders have time
to get back on the player with the ball and others get in the box. I
understand the reason for putting them on opposite wing, so that they can
cut in and get shots away but quite frankly they don't do this. Jarvis has
scored a couple in the league this season and Downing hasn't scored at all.
So clearly this doesn't happen, so to me, it is not rocket science to put
them on their natural wing. They seemed to switch over a lot during this
game (more than usual) but when they were on their natural side we played
better, so why don't they always play there?!
I thought Matt Jarvis was having a good game, one of his better ones this
season and then Sam took him off first. I personally thought that if you
were to take one of the wingers off it had to be Downing who has been off
the boil the last few games despite having a decent season. Taking Jarvis
off really baffled me and I am sure it did him. The best player to come on
from the bench to replace a winger, in my eyes, would be Vaz Te. Yet again
he wasn't on the bench and is clearly on his way out in the summer. Vaz Te,
before his injury, was one of our better performers and he offers more goal
threat than our current wingers.
I am a firm believer in the theory that you are as good as your last game.
This leads me on to the case of Antonio Nocerino. He was our best player in
the previous game against Arsenal and he should have remained in the team.
He had stated in the week he wanted to earn a permanent move to the club and
is clearly trying to prove this. Dropping him for Nolan who had missed the
previous game through a hamstring injury (one that he was clearly not
completely over) does not send out the right message to the squad.
Nocerino's energy would have been very useful against our opponents' box to
box running.
This week was a tragic one for all connected with the club after the very
sad passing of Dylan Tombides. I had met the man and shared the same
feelings of admiration of his positivity and courage. He was an extremely
popular member of the squad. I felt we would at least put a positive
performance in, in tribute to the player and his family. Of course it is
hard to predict how people respond to such sad events but I did really
expect the team at least to show passion, determination and fight in this
game like the fans had. Unfortunately it didn't come and this was a major
disappointment.
I hope we get a lot more from the last three games and if it is not points
at least some entertainment and fight but we shall see if this is possible
and then the board need to do some serious thinking.
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Monday, April 21
Daily WHUFC News - 21st April 2014
Nolan demands improvement
WHUFC.com
Skipper Kevin Nolan called on the Hammers to finish the 2013/14 campaign
with a flourish
20.04.2014
Captain Kevin Nolan was keen to rally the troops following Saturday's
Barclays Premier League defeat by Crystal Palace, determined to ensure that
West Ham United do not end the season with a whimper. The 31-year-old
offered an honest assessment of a third successive reverse, convinced that
the Hammers were the architects of their own downfall. A frustrated Nolan
thought the hosts should, at the very least, have taken a point and urged
West Ham to show their true colours before the season's end. He told West
Ham TV: "In the last two games here at home we've conceded three penalties
and lost the game. Our discipline has got to get better. If we cut that out
we come away with a 0-0 draw and although we'd have been disappointed with
that, we've come off with a 1-0 defeat.
"Now what we've got to do is stick together and have a good week in
training. We haven't moved down in the table and we're still seven points
clear of third from bottom. It's about getting over the line. They're all
big ones from now until the end of the season."
If West Ham are to fare rather better in their final three outings, top
goalscorer Nolan knows the goals need to flow once more, a responsibility
that he insists lies with the entire group. He continued: "We had six
[chances] in the first half and six in the second. When you get a chance you
[have to] put it on target, because that's what the fans remember and that's
what puts them [the opposition] under pressure. That's what we've got to be
better at as a whole squad, not just as individuals. "When we get those
chances, even if they're half chances, that's enough in the Premier League.
You've got to be able to take them and put them on target. We'll go away,
we'll study the videos and we'll try to put it right next week at West
Brom."
For Nolan, the coming weeks present an opportunity to build foundations for
next season, one that he hopes will prove a somewhat smoother ride. "There
has been a determination all year," he confirmed. "There were a lot of
people who doubted us, then we turned the corner when we got everyone back
[from injury]. Hopefully in the next couple of games, when everything starts
clicking, we'll put a few points on the board and just make sure we
establish ourselves in the Premier League for next year. "Building for next
season is a massive priority and I'm sure, once we come back, this time next
year we won't be talking about relegation, we'll be talking about trying to
push for Europe."
Saturday's defeat was played against the tragic backdrop of young Dylan
Tombides' passing, news that shattered the football club on Friday morning.
"It was very emotional with all the lads. It wasn't too long ago that Dylan
was running around and smiling. Sadly we've lost him and we've lost a very
good player, a top lad and a colourful character around the training ground.
It's been a difficult couple of days, but I thought the lads handled it
well."
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Manager on Monday
WHUFC.com
Sam Allardyce is looking to secure West Ham United's place in the Premier
League next season
20.04.2014
After watching his side slip to defeat against Crystal Palace on Saturday,
West Ham United manager Sam Allardyce is looking to ensure his side's place
in the Barclays Premier League as soon as possible. A Mile Jedinak penalty
after 59 minutes was enough to send the Hammers to a narrow loss at the
Boleyn Ground and leaves the Club on 37 points with three games left to
play. The Eagles' victory secured their place in the top-flight for next
season, but means Big Sam's team head to West Bromwich Albion next weekend
looking to pick up the points that will also see them mathematically safe.
If a win is secured, the manager knows his planning for next season can
begin in earnest. "At the end of every season, at every club I've been at,
the squad has never been good enough at the end of the season because you
simply have to get better," said Big Sam. "The minute you don't get better
is the minute that you fall into massive trouble at this level. All the
others will go out improve, spend money and bring better players in so every
team has to improve season in, season out. "We have to improve when we've
finished this season and hopefully we'll have picked up a few more points.
As soon as we're mathematically safe we can start thinking about what we can
and cannot do."
Big Sam admiited he shared the fans' frustrations during a testing afternoon
in East London, where the Club paid tribute to Dylan Tombides, who sadly
passed away on Friday. The manager will be all too aware that he has the
perfect opportunity to put that right when neighbours Tottenham Hotspur
visit the Boleyn Ground in less than two weeks' time. "Fans are entitled to
air their frustrations. They want to see the team win, they want to see the
team go out and beat the opposition and score goals. When you get frustrated
like they did, it's because the opposition frustrate you with the way they
play and they play that way very well. "If you don't break it down then
everyone's frustrations boil over a little bit. I thought that when our
players went a goal down they let themselves become frustrated as well and
stopped doing the things they were doing before we went a goal down. We
should be patient enough and skilful enough to break down that stubborn
Crystal Palace unit. "I thought the fans did a grand job before the game
[during the tributes to Dylan] and they paid their hard-earned money to come
and watch us play and try and win a game of football. They want you to win,
they want you to score goals, and we didn't do that. "In many ways we let
ourselves down and we let them down because even though we knew what Crystal
Palace were going to play like, we knew we had to be good enough and patient
enough to break that down, but sadly we weren't."
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Pulis on.. West Ham United
KUMB.com
Filed: Sunday, 20th April 2014
By: Staff Writer
Tony Pulis reflects on a win that secures his Place side's safety for
another season in his post-match press conference, exclusively for you here
in full...
Tony: No complaints - a definite penalty?
Yes. Sam said his side could have had a couple of penalties, I think we
could have had a couple more as well. I think one's hit [Kevin] Nolan on the
hand in the first half and the second one with Jason Puncheon we could have
had a penalty there. So both sides are probably screaming that they could
have had penalties.
This defensive resilience - four clean sheets in five games?
They've been fantastic, but I also think we've played some really good
football. Today, again, we could have scored three or four goals; don't take
away what we've got. This is a different team that at Stoke, it's got
different strengths. We sat down and had a look at the strength of the team
and we worked out a system that we thought would suit them.
Yet you have to be string, you have to be resilient. We have great pace on
the break and the two wide players again today were absolutely outstanding.
[Yannick] Bolasie was the best player n the pitch.
Nine points in a week and you're mathematically safe now; what have you said
to the guys?
The big thing for me was the turnover. To play at Everton on Wednesday night
and to not get back until half-past-two in the morning, then to try and get
them recovered and ready to go ... The effort and commitment they put in
today was just wonderful. And it's a group; the people in the team have been
wonderful and everybody's bought into it.
The supporters have really been fabulous. I had nine or ten years at Stoke
and they were wonderful there but these have bought into how much and how
important they are as a group to help the players. Not so much now that
we're winning but when things weren't going very well at the beginning.
If you went to Selhurst Park we'd go a goal down and the supporters would
still be getting behind the team. So they have to take a lot of credit as
well.
And that group wanted [Mile] Jedinak to take the penalty?
I just let them [decide]. Whoever's confident for me is always the one.
Unless you've got a specialised penalty taker. Glenn Murray was right up
when we got the penalty saying "get me on there!" [laughs] He did, you think
I'm joking! But Mile stepped up and thank God he did.
Never mind the penalty, his overall contribution was excellent?
Well you have to deal with [Andy] Carroll. He's a handful and he was that
again today, so you have to deal with it. Mile's helped the two centre
halfs; that little pivot in the heart of our defence.
Should Joel Ward go to Brazil?
Should he? I don't pick the England team, you'll have to ask Roy [Hodgson].
Blimey, that was one from left field! [laughs] It's up to Roy.
Could you ever imagine that with three games to go the club would be safe?
I looked at the last few fixtures and our last two home games - against Man
City and Liverpool - are an absolute nightmare. So we had to be close by
this stage because I wouldn't like to go into those games needing points.
But it's been a remarkable turnaround and everybody at the football club
deserves a lot of credit, they've really bought into what we've tried to do.
They've worked very hard on the training ground and that doesn't just
happen, you have to work very hard and they have. They've stomached a lot of
weeks without having days off and a lot of stuff that would maybe bore a lot
of people. But, they've bought into it and it's got results - and I'm very
pleased for them because they're a good group, a very good group.
Did you know before kick off that you were safe because of the Norwich
result?
No, I didn't. I didn't want to know. I'd rather just concentrate on the
game. It kills me when the television is on, people watching TV before
games.
Five wins in a row, that's a club record for Palace in the Premier League
era. Do you get the feeling around the club that the squad is something
special and you can really push on from there?
We've done absolutely fantastic - but in football, if you start tapping
yourself on the back someone will come along and kick you up the backside so
it's very important they keep their feet on the ground. It's important that
we approach the last three games with the same attitude and the same
approach, we know that it'll be tough.
We have a responsibility to the Barclays Premier League because it is the
best league in the world and the most competitive, without a doubt.
Do you think that people will start appreciating the way you play, the
attractive and attacking way you play?
Well someone's just said to me now that that monkey is off your back. We
played well at Stoke at times and never got the credit, but you get
pigeonholed with it. I think we're an exciting team. And, we've missed our
best player today, [Marouane] Chamakh has been wonderful for us. He really
links the work we do defensively with the work we do going forward.
I thought Joe Ledley, in there today again [was excellent] with his quality
on the ball. He slows the team down to allow us to get up the pitch; it's
just wonderful.
How personally pleased are you with maintaining your record of not having
been relegated?
Everybody was telling me not to take it. It was only Peter Coates and Sir
Alex [Ferguson], they were the two who said there's plenty of games left to
do it in.
Are you already thinking about what players to add next season?
No, I'm thinking about a glass of wine of wine! [laughs] I'm going to sit
down with Sam [Allardyce] now.
Thank you very much.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Allardyce on... Crystal Palace
KUMB.com
Filed: Sunday, 20th April 2014
By: Staff Writer
Disappointed but not disillusioned, Big Sam admitted that his mind had been
elsewhere before today's game. Here's his post-match press conference, in
its entirely, exclusively for KUMB readers...
Sam: it was an afternoon where a penalty decided the game. Did you feel that
perhaps West Ham should have had one from the spot themselves?
We think Andy was fouled in the box in the first half by Scott Dann, I think
it was. As always I've had a look at the key incidents when the game
finishes and looking at that it certainly looks like a blatant penalty to
me. Quite why Martin didn't give it [I don't know] - because he seemed to be
in a very good position, which is the next thing you look at. Obviously that
has been the difference today.
Having said that, breaking down Crystal Palace is never going to be easy as
you can tell by all the teams they've beaten recently. They've beaten
Everton and Chelsea, teams like that. So those things need to go for you but
the last thing we needed to do was give a silly penalty away like we did. In
the end we've paid a high price for that today.
When everything was looking like we were going to create another chance for
another opening we let them get ahead. After that they defended even deeper
and continued to defend deep with the team in their own half because they've
got what they wanted, and that's the lead. They'll hold onto it as best they
possibly can - and they did.
You re-shuffled your defence today; what was wrong with Guy Demel?
He's ill. He was vomiting yesterday, the doctor went to see him and said he
was too weak to participate in today's game. I would have normally played
Joey O'Brien at right back but Joey has only recently recovered frmo a
dislocated shoulder and hasn't even trained much with the first team yet. So
we played George in there and I think he did a very good job.
It's a disappointing day from a results perspective, but football doesn't
mean too much today after what's happened to Dylan [Tombides]. When I heard
the bad news about him passing away my thoughts were with him and his
family. My sympathies go to them; it's a sad day for the family and us. He
was a young man who put up such a great fight to live and continue to play
football.
Do you think it affected the players?
Not really, no. I thought the players played how they should play to try and
break down Crystal Palace's defensive unit. In the end it's about one thing
- when you get the opportunity to score you've got to score and we didn't do
that today. We were pretty miserable in our finishing.
Not making the 'keeper make more saves than he actually did was my biggest
disappointment, apart from the penalty being a silly one to give away. Our
quality of finishing wasn't good enough when we created the chances we did -
and against Crystal Palace, you don't create that many.
With the last two against Spurs and Manchester City do you need to get
something...
....Well we've got West Brom next week which is the most important game for
us to concentrate on. [We need] to try and play as well as we've been
playing but make sure we get a result. Having got nothing from the last two
home games and having lost to three penalties is a bit difficult to take, to
say the least.
At least the points gap [below us] means we're not going to be under too
much pressure, but we are under pressure because we haven't won in three
games now - in fact we've lost all three. We've got to put that right at
West Brom on Saturday and make sure we get a result. It's that simple.
Do you have some sympathy for the fans and their frustrations that were
echoed in the second half and again at the final whistle?
I'm always sympathetic because I'm as frustrated as they are. I don't want
to see my team losing when they're playing a game of football, particularly
at home. But at the end of the day, when you are playing against a team that
is very good at what they do - and have been since he [Tony Pulis] got his
new players in January - then you hope to break that down and win that game
1-0.
They've barely conceded more than once in the last ten or 11 games, maybe
even longer, so we knew that it had to be us to score the first goal and try
and win the game 1-0. If we got any more than that, that would be fine, but
it'd always be difficult. Today our finishing failed us; perhaps the referee
failed us on the Andy Carroll foul and in the end Pablo really shouldn't
have given that penalty away. It was a silly challenge and we've paid a
heavy price for that.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
New Zealand trip confirmed
KUMB.com
Filed: Sunday, 20th April 2014
By: Staff Writer
West Ham United's summer trip to New Zealand is on, after the club confirmed
they would be playing two games down under during pre-season. A report in
today's Herald reports that West Ham have finally agreed to face Wellington
Phoenix in the latter half of July, as revealed here on KUMB back in
February.
The Hammers will also feature in at least one other match, with Auckland or
Dunedin said to be likely destinations for the touring party. West Ham will
become the first Premier League team to visit the country since Everton made
the 12,000 mile journey 28 years ago. Although nothing has been confirmed
as yet, Newcastle United are still in negotiations with view to joining West
Ham in New Zealand this summer.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham boss Sam Allardyce feels Andy Carroll needs time after missing five
months
Last Updated: 21/04/14 7:17am
SSN
West Ham boss Sam Allardyce believes it could take some time for Andy
Carroll to regain his match fitness after missing the opening five months of
the season. The news may come as a blow to England manager Roy Hodgson, as
he prepares to select his squad for the World Cup in June. Carroll moved to
West Ham for a club record £15m before the start of the campaign, but the
striker was ruled out until January with a foot problem. Following a string
of impressive performances on his return, which contributed to an
improvement in West Ham's results, Carroll has scored only twice in his 13
appearances and his form has faded of late. "He's not 100 per cent,"
Allardyce said. "He's had no pre-season at all. He's worked very hard, but
getting into games at this stage of the season after so long out is hard.
"It's hard to get that ultimate sharpness that you need. Hopefully he can
find it. "He looked sharp when he came back. His enthusiasm and the energy
from being so pleased to be back with us carried him through, but that
catches up with you when you've been out for so long. "A little bit of
fatigue kicks in. We've got to work through it and hopefully he can finish
the season by scoring a few goals for us."
West Ham's five senior strikers have netted just 11 league goals this season
between them while the club's top scorer is a midfielder - Kevin Nolan with
seven.
Allardyce believes the Hammers, currently 12th in the table, would be
finishing the season in the top half had Carroll been fit and insists the
club need options to help Carlton Cole and Modibo Maiga. "What we need to do
is find an alternative type of front man that scores a few more goals, we'll
have to do that," Allardyce said. "If Andy had been with us all season, we'd
be top half, I'm convinced about that. "Carlton Cole has done a fantastic
job but it took him a long time to get going because he didn't join us until
after the January window had shut, and Modibo Maiga has struggled since he's
been here unfortunately. We would have hoped he'd have done better. "I'm
convinced the front man is the key to how you do in a season, and if we had
Andy out on the pitch, match-fit and scoring the goals we know he can with
Kevin Nolan, I think we'd be a lot further up the table than we are now."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham boss Sam Allardyce pays tribute to Dylan Tombides
Last Updated: 20/04/14 2:16pm
SSN
West Ham manager Sam Allardyce has paid tribute to striker Dylan Tombides
who died on Friday at the age of 20 following a battle with cancer. There
was a minute's applause at Upton Park on Saturday before West Ham's game
against Crystal Palace in honour of the Australian, after which his father
and brother came on to the pitch and laid a shirt with his name and squad
number, which has been retired, on the centre spot. Speaking on Goals on
Sunday, Allardyce said: "We all felt so much for the parents who have
supported Dylan for so long and had so much hope. "There were so many times
that young Dylan looked like he had pulled through and recovered. "Because
he loved football so much, he couldn't wait to get back into training, even
though he had been through chemotherapy and wasn't feeling so well.
"Unfortunately it kept coming back and sadly, in the end, the brave fight
was no more. It was a great shame for the family and for us, and it was a
sad moment when we all found out."
Tombides, who joined West Ham at the age of 15, had turned out for the
club's U18 and U21 sides and made his senior debut in the League Cup tie
against Wigan in 2012. "According to all the reports from (Academy boss)
Tony Carr, when I first arrived, he was looking like being the one to go
straight through into the first team as a teenager," continued Allardyce.
"All the indicators were there that he was going to be that good." The
youngster worked tirelessly to promote awareness of male cancer, supporting
the One for the Boys campaign along with celebrities including Hollywood
actor Samuel L Jackson, snooker player Jimmy White and Australian singer
Peter Andre. "It is a terrible disease and we have to do as much as we can
to fight it," added Allardyce. "We do that in this country through charity
events."
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WE NEED A CREATIVE PLAY-MAKER, SO HOW DOES LEE CATTERMOLE FIT IN TO OUR
PLANS?
By S J Chandos 21 Apr 2014 at 08:00
West Ham Till I Die
Arguably, the current West Ham side is crying out for a creative play-maker.
A player like Berkovic or Benayoun who can pull the strings in midfield and
pick out the killer passes in the final third. But the latest speculation
links us with who exactly? None other than Sunderland's industrious midfield
workhorse, Lee Cattermole. Least ways, that is what we are led to believe by
Gary Jacobs, writing in sports pages of The Times. His proposition being
that Sam Allardyce has long admired the player and will make a move to sign
him if Sunderland are relegated. Now, I think that whole hearted and
committed players like Cattermole have their place in any squad. They are
the players that do all the hard work, shackle the opposition and give more
creative players the scope to play. Cattermole is good at what he does and
is one of those players that does not get the credit that he deserves.
In fact, I would go as far as to suggest that Cattermole could be a good
addition to the squad. A Geoff Pike or Neill Orr type player, who oils the
wheels of the midfield machine and facilitates the play-making role. Trouble
is, we do not currently have the player(s) we need to play that creative
role and that is a major reason for our problems this season. So, if
Cattermole is signed, I fully expect the deal to be accompanied by at least
one creative midfielder. Especially if, as looks likely, Mo Diame seeks
pastures new this summer. In fact, there is likely to be major changes in
the midfield department, with Alou Diarra, Joe Cole and Jack Collison also
possibly on the way out and Nocerino unlikely to be signed on a permanent
basis. As for Ravel Morrison, well who knows what next season holds for him?
It is good that there is now wider recognition that a overhaul of the
Hammers squad is essential this summer. We currently have a squad that is
competitive, but it cannot deliver an assault on the top 6-8 of the PL. Too
many times the team's limitations have been exposed this season,
particularly by the top teams, but also by the likes of Stoke City and
Crystal Palace. Do not get me wrong, the present squad has a good core, but
it is essential that it is added too and supplemented by greater quality.
The task now is to persuade our targets to sign! After all, that has been
something of a problem in the past couple of seasons.
It is noticable that Andy Carroll has not had the same impact in the past
two matches. Is this because opposition teams have adjusted how they play
him, he is struggling with his fitness or has the supply from the flanks
just not been good enough. Maybe it is a combination of all three?
Personally, I feel Carroll is a great asset and, when on song, is virtually
unplayable. But our current system is too heavily reliant on the big man
winning the high balls played up to him. We need a more multi-faceted and
sophisticated approach and that means signing a playmaker and a different
type of striker, who can play off Carroll and poach goals.
Sam Allardyce admitted as much when he stated in his post-match conference
that: 'What we need to find is an alternative type of front man as well, one
who scores a few more goals. We will have to do that and then evaluate what
we want in other areas and build a squad of 25 that is better than this
year.'
So, if the club successfully implement their transfer plans, it looks like
being a busy summer window!
SJ. Chandos.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
NOW A MOTD PUNDIT DISMISSES THE 'WEST HAM WAY'
By S J Chandos 20 Apr 2014 at 09:00
West Ham Till I Die
I do not know about my fellow Hammers supporters, but the smug mocking of
the 'West Ham Way' on Yesterday evening's MoTD outraged me. Not only for its
arrogance, but its ignorance of our club's history and traditions. It is a
dismissive view that originates directly from Sam Allardyce's orginal
comments and which now appears to be gaining wider credence.
Its a view that is certainly at odds with both my historical knowledge and
my memories as a Hammers supporter of some 47 years standing. Were West Ham
Utd not lionised for their style of their play in the 1960s? Was the 1965
ECWC victory over Munich 1860 not acknowledged, at the time, as the finest
team performance by an English side in European competition? Did not West
Ham win a BBC award for team performance of the year for their 1965 ECWC
Final display? Was the 'West Ham way' of playing not instrumental in
England's 1966 World Cup victory? Were West Ham in the 1960s and early 1970s
not frequently referred to in the press as the 'Aristocrats of English
Football' and 'the great entertainers'? Did that not continue in to the John
Lyall era, with a succession of West Ham teams who played quality football
and were almost universally admired for it? Did I imagine the style and
entertainment value of the 1985-86 title challenging team? Was the attacking
ability of the Redknapp sides an illusion? As recently as 2005-06, did West
Ham not star in one of greatest FA Cup Finals of all time? (Perhaps the last
great FA Cup Final?).
Did I imagine the technical ability and skill of greats like Moore, Hurst,
Peters, Brooking, Devonshire and Di Canio? Did West Ham's Academy not
produce generations of England internationals, from Bobby Moore to more
recent graduates such as Ferdinand, Carrick and Joe Cole? Similarly, did the
famous triangular passing moves of Lampard Snr, Paddon and Brooking not
happen? Were the skillful, expansive, attacking displays of the West Ham
teams of Fenton, Greenwood, Lyall and Redknapp some kind of false memory?
No, they are real and they are things of which we can be justifiably proud.
West Ham are far from the most successful club in English football, we have
been inconsistent and exclusively achieved our honours in Cup competitions.
Since 1978, we have suffered multiple relegations and, apart from 1985-86,
have not really challenged for the 1st Division/PL title. All this is freely
admitted, but do these facts give anyone the right to dismiss our equally
real traditions/history of playing an outstanding and attractive style of
football. When did the almost universal respect of the West Ham philosophy
in the1960s and 1970s degenerate in to the contemporary mocking by Alan
Shearer on MoTD? And what does it say about society and football in the
present era?
If you had asked commentators and football people, of earlier eras, what is
the 'West Ham Way,' they would have told you without a moment of hesitation.
They would point to a philosophy and style of play based upon flowing
passing movements and attractive attacking play.They would talk of
full-backs and central defenders that could pass the ball well and quickly
switch defence in to attack. And forwards of skill and vision, who could
pass through the opposition rearguard and carve out precise goal scoring
opportunities. All underpinned by innovative coaching and tactics. They
might also talk of the sporting spirit of the club and its insistence upon
high standards of fair play. Ex-players from the Greenwood and Lyall eras
can easily explain the West Ham Way and its interestingly that none of the
cynics seem to have taken the time to ask them. That committed Greenwood
convert, Bobby Gould, famously offered to go to Chadwell Heath and explain
to Sam Allardyce exactly what the West Ham Way was. Perhaps, while he is
about it, he should also take the time to educate and enlighten Mr Shearer
of MoTD!
On Alan Shearer, it has to be said that he obviously has a short memory.
Perhaps he should think back to his PL title winning season with Blackburn
Rovers and a certain evening game at Upton Park, when a inspired Redknapp
side inflicted a convincing 2-0 defeat on his championship chasing side. Not
only did we beat them, but we did it playing with a style and swagger that
screamed 'West Ham Way.' While he is at it, he might also look at his
Blackburn Rovers Championship medal and reflect on the fact that he
ultimately owes it to West Ham Utd playing out a exciting 1-1 end of season
draw with mighty Man Utd! So, maybe he owes more to West Ham, and our ways,
than he seems to realise.
Putting the issue of style of play aside for one moment, what if we were for
a moment to adopt the view that winning cups and titles is actually the 'be
all and end all.' Then it would be only right to point out that there are
actually less successful teams in the PL than west Ham, like Newcastle Utd
for instance! When did they last win anything, the 1971 Fairs Cup? And are
their fans not also protective of their history, of the late 1940s and
1950s, Jackie Milburn and all that? Moreover, are they not also adverse to a
certain type of direct football and keen to see the game played the right
way? Yet, strange enough, no one attacks their traditions and justifies it
in terms of their lack of success!
The club needs to understand that there is real concern amongst the fan base
at the way that we have played this season. Sam Allardyce illustrates his
lack of understanding of the club's supporters when he attempts to explain
their discontent in narrow terms of a reaction to losing a home match (i.e.
Vs Crystal Place). It may be that way for Bolton or Blackburn Rovers fans,
but the expectations of West Ham supporters are different. Its not only
about winning, its also about playing with some style. Some people might
find that unimaginable, but then they need to appreciate that it is a
product of generations of us being brought up in the 'West Ham Way' of doing
things!
It was always obvious that in order to succeed at the club, Mr Allardyce
needed to 'mix up' his play, combining flowing passing moves with his more
direct tactics. Last season, the club did not do too bad a job of doing
that. However, performances this season have too often been both dire and
one dimensional. All things being equal, there will not be a change of
management this summer. However, the board might be well advised to use
their 'end of season review' to impress upon the manager the necessity, next
season, of delivering improved entertainment and a greater respect for the
club's traditions. If the board can also fund some quality summer signings
to facilitate a better style of play, then so much the better!
SJ. Chandos.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Sam Allardyce U-turn: West Ham fans were RIGHT to boo my frustrating team in
loss to Palace
Apr 20, 2014 22:30 By Neil McLeman
The Mirror
Sam Allardyce admitted West Ham fans were right to boo after his side were
beaten at their own game by Tony Pulis. Keeper Julian Speroni hailed the
Welshman's impact as "amazing" after his Eagles soared to their fifth
consecutive win. Brighter, sharper and better organised, Crystal Palace
outclassed an Allardyce team built on the same principles. Last season's
Championship play-off winners are now safe, but the Hammers will be sucked
back into the relegation quagmire if they continue to stagger along like
this. While Palace's rock-solid defence gave Yannick Bolassie and Jason
Puncheon the freedom to roam forward down the flanks, West Ham were
creatively clueless. Allardyce responded by pulling off both wingers and
throwing on Carlton Cole alongside Andy Carroll – and then claimed they
should have settled for a goalless draw. No wonder the locals are restless.
Big Sam complained when Upton Park booed after a home win over Hull last
month, sparking back page headlines. After a sixth defeat in eight games, he
acknowledged: "Fans are entitled to air their frustrations. They paid their
hard-earned money to come and watch a game of football. "They want you to
win and score goals and we didn't do that so in many ways we've let them and
ourselves down. "We knew Palace were going to frustrate us and knew we had
to be good enough and patient enough to break them down but, sadly, we
didn't. Too many simple passes went astray. "We should have sat in at 0-0
and making sure we picked up a point. The real frustrating thing is we
gifted the game to them with the penalty."
After both sides had penalty claims turned down, Martin Atkinson had no
doubts about the 59th-minute award for Pablo Armero's trip on Cameron
Jerome. Mile Jedinak crashed home his first Premier League goal from the
spot. "That's the way the season has gone for us this year," admitted Mark
Noble. "It was a blatant penalty. I've seen it on the video and there was
nothing to moan about. It was a sloppy mistake from Pablo." With Allardyce
admitting Carroll is still struggling for fitness, the West Ham boss is keen
to add more goalpower this summer. "What we need to do is find an
alternative type of frontman as well, one who scores a few more goals," he
said. "We'll have to do that and then evaluate what we want in other areas
and build a squad of 25 that is better than this year."
Pulis has only needed since November to transform Palace. "Amazing," said
Speroni. "It is an amazing job he has done. How he manages to organise the
team, the professionalism of how we work on the training ground, he has been
fantastic all season." The Palace boss said: "We played with freedom. We had
five or six players in the box at times and when we break we do with great
pace, power and a bit of quality." The former Stoke boss also insisted
Allardyce has "done a wonderful job" at West Ham. "The problem is, you give,
you give, you give and people want more and more and more. You have to
accept that. That's life. But my supporters are cheering me, so I'm really
pleased!"
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WHUFC.com
Skipper Kevin Nolan called on the Hammers to finish the 2013/14 campaign
with a flourish
20.04.2014
Captain Kevin Nolan was keen to rally the troops following Saturday's
Barclays Premier League defeat by Crystal Palace, determined to ensure that
West Ham United do not end the season with a whimper. The 31-year-old
offered an honest assessment of a third successive reverse, convinced that
the Hammers were the architects of their own downfall. A frustrated Nolan
thought the hosts should, at the very least, have taken a point and urged
West Ham to show their true colours before the season's end. He told West
Ham TV: "In the last two games here at home we've conceded three penalties
and lost the game. Our discipline has got to get better. If we cut that out
we come away with a 0-0 draw and although we'd have been disappointed with
that, we've come off with a 1-0 defeat.
"Now what we've got to do is stick together and have a good week in
training. We haven't moved down in the table and we're still seven points
clear of third from bottom. It's about getting over the line. They're all
big ones from now until the end of the season."
If West Ham are to fare rather better in their final three outings, top
goalscorer Nolan knows the goals need to flow once more, a responsibility
that he insists lies with the entire group. He continued: "We had six
[chances] in the first half and six in the second. When you get a chance you
[have to] put it on target, because that's what the fans remember and that's
what puts them [the opposition] under pressure. That's what we've got to be
better at as a whole squad, not just as individuals. "When we get those
chances, even if they're half chances, that's enough in the Premier League.
You've got to be able to take them and put them on target. We'll go away,
we'll study the videos and we'll try to put it right next week at West
Brom."
For Nolan, the coming weeks present an opportunity to build foundations for
next season, one that he hopes will prove a somewhat smoother ride. "There
has been a determination all year," he confirmed. "There were a lot of
people who doubted us, then we turned the corner when we got everyone back
[from injury]. Hopefully in the next couple of games, when everything starts
clicking, we'll put a few points on the board and just make sure we
establish ourselves in the Premier League for next year. "Building for next
season is a massive priority and I'm sure, once we come back, this time next
year we won't be talking about relegation, we'll be talking about trying to
push for Europe."
Saturday's defeat was played against the tragic backdrop of young Dylan
Tombides' passing, news that shattered the football club on Friday morning.
"It was very emotional with all the lads. It wasn't too long ago that Dylan
was running around and smiling. Sadly we've lost him and we've lost a very
good player, a top lad and a colourful character around the training ground.
It's been a difficult couple of days, but I thought the lads handled it
well."
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Manager on Monday
WHUFC.com
Sam Allardyce is looking to secure West Ham United's place in the Premier
League next season
20.04.2014
After watching his side slip to defeat against Crystal Palace on Saturday,
West Ham United manager Sam Allardyce is looking to ensure his side's place
in the Barclays Premier League as soon as possible. A Mile Jedinak penalty
after 59 minutes was enough to send the Hammers to a narrow loss at the
Boleyn Ground and leaves the Club on 37 points with three games left to
play. The Eagles' victory secured their place in the top-flight for next
season, but means Big Sam's team head to West Bromwich Albion next weekend
looking to pick up the points that will also see them mathematically safe.
If a win is secured, the manager knows his planning for next season can
begin in earnest. "At the end of every season, at every club I've been at,
the squad has never been good enough at the end of the season because you
simply have to get better," said Big Sam. "The minute you don't get better
is the minute that you fall into massive trouble at this level. All the
others will go out improve, spend money and bring better players in so every
team has to improve season in, season out. "We have to improve when we've
finished this season and hopefully we'll have picked up a few more points.
As soon as we're mathematically safe we can start thinking about what we can
and cannot do."
Big Sam admiited he shared the fans' frustrations during a testing afternoon
in East London, where the Club paid tribute to Dylan Tombides, who sadly
passed away on Friday. The manager will be all too aware that he has the
perfect opportunity to put that right when neighbours Tottenham Hotspur
visit the Boleyn Ground in less than two weeks' time. "Fans are entitled to
air their frustrations. They want to see the team win, they want to see the
team go out and beat the opposition and score goals. When you get frustrated
like they did, it's because the opposition frustrate you with the way they
play and they play that way very well. "If you don't break it down then
everyone's frustrations boil over a little bit. I thought that when our
players went a goal down they let themselves become frustrated as well and
stopped doing the things they were doing before we went a goal down. We
should be patient enough and skilful enough to break down that stubborn
Crystal Palace unit. "I thought the fans did a grand job before the game
[during the tributes to Dylan] and they paid their hard-earned money to come
and watch us play and try and win a game of football. They want you to win,
they want you to score goals, and we didn't do that. "In many ways we let
ourselves down and we let them down because even though we knew what Crystal
Palace were going to play like, we knew we had to be good enough and patient
enough to break that down, but sadly we weren't."
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Pulis on.. West Ham United
KUMB.com
Filed: Sunday, 20th April 2014
By: Staff Writer
Tony Pulis reflects on a win that secures his Place side's safety for
another season in his post-match press conference, exclusively for you here
in full...
Tony: No complaints - a definite penalty?
Yes. Sam said his side could have had a couple of penalties, I think we
could have had a couple more as well. I think one's hit [Kevin] Nolan on the
hand in the first half and the second one with Jason Puncheon we could have
had a penalty there. So both sides are probably screaming that they could
have had penalties.
This defensive resilience - four clean sheets in five games?
They've been fantastic, but I also think we've played some really good
football. Today, again, we could have scored three or four goals; don't take
away what we've got. This is a different team that at Stoke, it's got
different strengths. We sat down and had a look at the strength of the team
and we worked out a system that we thought would suit them.
Yet you have to be string, you have to be resilient. We have great pace on
the break and the two wide players again today were absolutely outstanding.
[Yannick] Bolasie was the best player n the pitch.
Nine points in a week and you're mathematically safe now; what have you said
to the guys?
The big thing for me was the turnover. To play at Everton on Wednesday night
and to not get back until half-past-two in the morning, then to try and get
them recovered and ready to go ... The effort and commitment they put in
today was just wonderful. And it's a group; the people in the team have been
wonderful and everybody's bought into it.
The supporters have really been fabulous. I had nine or ten years at Stoke
and they were wonderful there but these have bought into how much and how
important they are as a group to help the players. Not so much now that
we're winning but when things weren't going very well at the beginning.
If you went to Selhurst Park we'd go a goal down and the supporters would
still be getting behind the team. So they have to take a lot of credit as
well.
And that group wanted [Mile] Jedinak to take the penalty?
I just let them [decide]. Whoever's confident for me is always the one.
Unless you've got a specialised penalty taker. Glenn Murray was right up
when we got the penalty saying "get me on there!" [laughs] He did, you think
I'm joking! But Mile stepped up and thank God he did.
Never mind the penalty, his overall contribution was excellent?
Well you have to deal with [Andy] Carroll. He's a handful and he was that
again today, so you have to deal with it. Mile's helped the two centre
halfs; that little pivot in the heart of our defence.
Should Joel Ward go to Brazil?
Should he? I don't pick the England team, you'll have to ask Roy [Hodgson].
Blimey, that was one from left field! [laughs] It's up to Roy.
Could you ever imagine that with three games to go the club would be safe?
I looked at the last few fixtures and our last two home games - against Man
City and Liverpool - are an absolute nightmare. So we had to be close by
this stage because I wouldn't like to go into those games needing points.
But it's been a remarkable turnaround and everybody at the football club
deserves a lot of credit, they've really bought into what we've tried to do.
They've worked very hard on the training ground and that doesn't just
happen, you have to work very hard and they have. They've stomached a lot of
weeks without having days off and a lot of stuff that would maybe bore a lot
of people. But, they've bought into it and it's got results - and I'm very
pleased for them because they're a good group, a very good group.
Did you know before kick off that you were safe because of the Norwich
result?
No, I didn't. I didn't want to know. I'd rather just concentrate on the
game. It kills me when the television is on, people watching TV before
games.
Five wins in a row, that's a club record for Palace in the Premier League
era. Do you get the feeling around the club that the squad is something
special and you can really push on from there?
We've done absolutely fantastic - but in football, if you start tapping
yourself on the back someone will come along and kick you up the backside so
it's very important they keep their feet on the ground. It's important that
we approach the last three games with the same attitude and the same
approach, we know that it'll be tough.
We have a responsibility to the Barclays Premier League because it is the
best league in the world and the most competitive, without a doubt.
Do you think that people will start appreciating the way you play, the
attractive and attacking way you play?
Well someone's just said to me now that that monkey is off your back. We
played well at Stoke at times and never got the credit, but you get
pigeonholed with it. I think we're an exciting team. And, we've missed our
best player today, [Marouane] Chamakh has been wonderful for us. He really
links the work we do defensively with the work we do going forward.
I thought Joe Ledley, in there today again [was excellent] with his quality
on the ball. He slows the team down to allow us to get up the pitch; it's
just wonderful.
How personally pleased are you with maintaining your record of not having
been relegated?
Everybody was telling me not to take it. It was only Peter Coates and Sir
Alex [Ferguson], they were the two who said there's plenty of games left to
do it in.
Are you already thinking about what players to add next season?
No, I'm thinking about a glass of wine of wine! [laughs] I'm going to sit
down with Sam [Allardyce] now.
Thank you very much.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Allardyce on... Crystal Palace
KUMB.com
Filed: Sunday, 20th April 2014
By: Staff Writer
Disappointed but not disillusioned, Big Sam admitted that his mind had been
elsewhere before today's game. Here's his post-match press conference, in
its entirely, exclusively for KUMB readers...
Sam: it was an afternoon where a penalty decided the game. Did you feel that
perhaps West Ham should have had one from the spot themselves?
We think Andy was fouled in the box in the first half by Scott Dann, I think
it was. As always I've had a look at the key incidents when the game
finishes and looking at that it certainly looks like a blatant penalty to
me. Quite why Martin didn't give it [I don't know] - because he seemed to be
in a very good position, which is the next thing you look at. Obviously that
has been the difference today.
Having said that, breaking down Crystal Palace is never going to be easy as
you can tell by all the teams they've beaten recently. They've beaten
Everton and Chelsea, teams like that. So those things need to go for you but
the last thing we needed to do was give a silly penalty away like we did. In
the end we've paid a high price for that today.
When everything was looking like we were going to create another chance for
another opening we let them get ahead. After that they defended even deeper
and continued to defend deep with the team in their own half because they've
got what they wanted, and that's the lead. They'll hold onto it as best they
possibly can - and they did.
You re-shuffled your defence today; what was wrong with Guy Demel?
He's ill. He was vomiting yesterday, the doctor went to see him and said he
was too weak to participate in today's game. I would have normally played
Joey O'Brien at right back but Joey has only recently recovered frmo a
dislocated shoulder and hasn't even trained much with the first team yet. So
we played George in there and I think he did a very good job.
It's a disappointing day from a results perspective, but football doesn't
mean too much today after what's happened to Dylan [Tombides]. When I heard
the bad news about him passing away my thoughts were with him and his
family. My sympathies go to them; it's a sad day for the family and us. He
was a young man who put up such a great fight to live and continue to play
football.
Do you think it affected the players?
Not really, no. I thought the players played how they should play to try and
break down Crystal Palace's defensive unit. In the end it's about one thing
- when you get the opportunity to score you've got to score and we didn't do
that today. We were pretty miserable in our finishing.
Not making the 'keeper make more saves than he actually did was my biggest
disappointment, apart from the penalty being a silly one to give away. Our
quality of finishing wasn't good enough when we created the chances we did -
and against Crystal Palace, you don't create that many.
With the last two against Spurs and Manchester City do you need to get
something...
....Well we've got West Brom next week which is the most important game for
us to concentrate on. [We need] to try and play as well as we've been
playing but make sure we get a result. Having got nothing from the last two
home games and having lost to three penalties is a bit difficult to take, to
say the least.
At least the points gap [below us] means we're not going to be under too
much pressure, but we are under pressure because we haven't won in three
games now - in fact we've lost all three. We've got to put that right at
West Brom on Saturday and make sure we get a result. It's that simple.
Do you have some sympathy for the fans and their frustrations that were
echoed in the second half and again at the final whistle?
I'm always sympathetic because I'm as frustrated as they are. I don't want
to see my team losing when they're playing a game of football, particularly
at home. But at the end of the day, when you are playing against a team that
is very good at what they do - and have been since he [Tony Pulis] got his
new players in January - then you hope to break that down and win that game
1-0.
They've barely conceded more than once in the last ten or 11 games, maybe
even longer, so we knew that it had to be us to score the first goal and try
and win the game 1-0. If we got any more than that, that would be fine, but
it'd always be difficult. Today our finishing failed us; perhaps the referee
failed us on the Andy Carroll foul and in the end Pablo really shouldn't
have given that penalty away. It was a silly challenge and we've paid a
heavy price for that.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
New Zealand trip confirmed
KUMB.com
Filed: Sunday, 20th April 2014
By: Staff Writer
West Ham United's summer trip to New Zealand is on, after the club confirmed
they would be playing two games down under during pre-season. A report in
today's Herald reports that West Ham have finally agreed to face Wellington
Phoenix in the latter half of July, as revealed here on KUMB back in
February.
The Hammers will also feature in at least one other match, with Auckland or
Dunedin said to be likely destinations for the touring party. West Ham will
become the first Premier League team to visit the country since Everton made
the 12,000 mile journey 28 years ago. Although nothing has been confirmed
as yet, Newcastle United are still in negotiations with view to joining West
Ham in New Zealand this summer.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham boss Sam Allardyce feels Andy Carroll needs time after missing five
months
Last Updated: 21/04/14 7:17am
SSN
West Ham boss Sam Allardyce believes it could take some time for Andy
Carroll to regain his match fitness after missing the opening five months of
the season. The news may come as a blow to England manager Roy Hodgson, as
he prepares to select his squad for the World Cup in June. Carroll moved to
West Ham for a club record £15m before the start of the campaign, but the
striker was ruled out until January with a foot problem. Following a string
of impressive performances on his return, which contributed to an
improvement in West Ham's results, Carroll has scored only twice in his 13
appearances and his form has faded of late. "He's not 100 per cent,"
Allardyce said. "He's had no pre-season at all. He's worked very hard, but
getting into games at this stage of the season after so long out is hard.
"It's hard to get that ultimate sharpness that you need. Hopefully he can
find it. "He looked sharp when he came back. His enthusiasm and the energy
from being so pleased to be back with us carried him through, but that
catches up with you when you've been out for so long. "A little bit of
fatigue kicks in. We've got to work through it and hopefully he can finish
the season by scoring a few goals for us."
West Ham's five senior strikers have netted just 11 league goals this season
between them while the club's top scorer is a midfielder - Kevin Nolan with
seven.
Allardyce believes the Hammers, currently 12th in the table, would be
finishing the season in the top half had Carroll been fit and insists the
club need options to help Carlton Cole and Modibo Maiga. "What we need to do
is find an alternative type of front man that scores a few more goals, we'll
have to do that," Allardyce said. "If Andy had been with us all season, we'd
be top half, I'm convinced about that. "Carlton Cole has done a fantastic
job but it took him a long time to get going because he didn't join us until
after the January window had shut, and Modibo Maiga has struggled since he's
been here unfortunately. We would have hoped he'd have done better. "I'm
convinced the front man is the key to how you do in a season, and if we had
Andy out on the pitch, match-fit and scoring the goals we know he can with
Kevin Nolan, I think we'd be a lot further up the table than we are now."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham boss Sam Allardyce pays tribute to Dylan Tombides
Last Updated: 20/04/14 2:16pm
SSN
West Ham manager Sam Allardyce has paid tribute to striker Dylan Tombides
who died on Friday at the age of 20 following a battle with cancer. There
was a minute's applause at Upton Park on Saturday before West Ham's game
against Crystal Palace in honour of the Australian, after which his father
and brother came on to the pitch and laid a shirt with his name and squad
number, which has been retired, on the centre spot. Speaking on Goals on
Sunday, Allardyce said: "We all felt so much for the parents who have
supported Dylan for so long and had so much hope. "There were so many times
that young Dylan looked like he had pulled through and recovered. "Because
he loved football so much, he couldn't wait to get back into training, even
though he had been through chemotherapy and wasn't feeling so well.
"Unfortunately it kept coming back and sadly, in the end, the brave fight
was no more. It was a great shame for the family and for us, and it was a
sad moment when we all found out."
Tombides, who joined West Ham at the age of 15, had turned out for the
club's U18 and U21 sides and made his senior debut in the League Cup tie
against Wigan in 2012. "According to all the reports from (Academy boss)
Tony Carr, when I first arrived, he was looking like being the one to go
straight through into the first team as a teenager," continued Allardyce.
"All the indicators were there that he was going to be that good." The
youngster worked tirelessly to promote awareness of male cancer, supporting
the One for the Boys campaign along with celebrities including Hollywood
actor Samuel L Jackson, snooker player Jimmy White and Australian singer
Peter Andre. "It is a terrible disease and we have to do as much as we can
to fight it," added Allardyce. "We do that in this country through charity
events."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
WE NEED A CREATIVE PLAY-MAKER, SO HOW DOES LEE CATTERMOLE FIT IN TO OUR
PLANS?
By S J Chandos 21 Apr 2014 at 08:00
West Ham Till I Die
Arguably, the current West Ham side is crying out for a creative play-maker.
A player like Berkovic or Benayoun who can pull the strings in midfield and
pick out the killer passes in the final third. But the latest speculation
links us with who exactly? None other than Sunderland's industrious midfield
workhorse, Lee Cattermole. Least ways, that is what we are led to believe by
Gary Jacobs, writing in sports pages of The Times. His proposition being
that Sam Allardyce has long admired the player and will make a move to sign
him if Sunderland are relegated. Now, I think that whole hearted and
committed players like Cattermole have their place in any squad. They are
the players that do all the hard work, shackle the opposition and give more
creative players the scope to play. Cattermole is good at what he does and
is one of those players that does not get the credit that he deserves.
In fact, I would go as far as to suggest that Cattermole could be a good
addition to the squad. A Geoff Pike or Neill Orr type player, who oils the
wheels of the midfield machine and facilitates the play-making role. Trouble
is, we do not currently have the player(s) we need to play that creative
role and that is a major reason for our problems this season. So, if
Cattermole is signed, I fully expect the deal to be accompanied by at least
one creative midfielder. Especially if, as looks likely, Mo Diame seeks
pastures new this summer. In fact, there is likely to be major changes in
the midfield department, with Alou Diarra, Joe Cole and Jack Collison also
possibly on the way out and Nocerino unlikely to be signed on a permanent
basis. As for Ravel Morrison, well who knows what next season holds for him?
It is good that there is now wider recognition that a overhaul of the
Hammers squad is essential this summer. We currently have a squad that is
competitive, but it cannot deliver an assault on the top 6-8 of the PL. Too
many times the team's limitations have been exposed this season,
particularly by the top teams, but also by the likes of Stoke City and
Crystal Palace. Do not get me wrong, the present squad has a good core, but
it is essential that it is added too and supplemented by greater quality.
The task now is to persuade our targets to sign! After all, that has been
something of a problem in the past couple of seasons.
It is noticable that Andy Carroll has not had the same impact in the past
two matches. Is this because opposition teams have adjusted how they play
him, he is struggling with his fitness or has the supply from the flanks
just not been good enough. Maybe it is a combination of all three?
Personally, I feel Carroll is a great asset and, when on song, is virtually
unplayable. But our current system is too heavily reliant on the big man
winning the high balls played up to him. We need a more multi-faceted and
sophisticated approach and that means signing a playmaker and a different
type of striker, who can play off Carroll and poach goals.
Sam Allardyce admitted as much when he stated in his post-match conference
that: 'What we need to find is an alternative type of front man as well, one
who scores a few more goals. We will have to do that and then evaluate what
we want in other areas and build a squad of 25 that is better than this
year.'
So, if the club successfully implement their transfer plans, it looks like
being a busy summer window!
SJ. Chandos.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
NOW A MOTD PUNDIT DISMISSES THE 'WEST HAM WAY'
By S J Chandos 20 Apr 2014 at 09:00
West Ham Till I Die
I do not know about my fellow Hammers supporters, but the smug mocking of
the 'West Ham Way' on Yesterday evening's MoTD outraged me. Not only for its
arrogance, but its ignorance of our club's history and traditions. It is a
dismissive view that originates directly from Sam Allardyce's orginal
comments and which now appears to be gaining wider credence.
Its a view that is certainly at odds with both my historical knowledge and
my memories as a Hammers supporter of some 47 years standing. Were West Ham
Utd not lionised for their style of their play in the 1960s? Was the 1965
ECWC victory over Munich 1860 not acknowledged, at the time, as the finest
team performance by an English side in European competition? Did not West
Ham win a BBC award for team performance of the year for their 1965 ECWC
Final display? Was the 'West Ham way' of playing not instrumental in
England's 1966 World Cup victory? Were West Ham in the 1960s and early 1970s
not frequently referred to in the press as the 'Aristocrats of English
Football' and 'the great entertainers'? Did that not continue in to the John
Lyall era, with a succession of West Ham teams who played quality football
and were almost universally admired for it? Did I imagine the style and
entertainment value of the 1985-86 title challenging team? Was the attacking
ability of the Redknapp sides an illusion? As recently as 2005-06, did West
Ham not star in one of greatest FA Cup Finals of all time? (Perhaps the last
great FA Cup Final?).
Did I imagine the technical ability and skill of greats like Moore, Hurst,
Peters, Brooking, Devonshire and Di Canio? Did West Ham's Academy not
produce generations of England internationals, from Bobby Moore to more
recent graduates such as Ferdinand, Carrick and Joe Cole? Similarly, did the
famous triangular passing moves of Lampard Snr, Paddon and Brooking not
happen? Were the skillful, expansive, attacking displays of the West Ham
teams of Fenton, Greenwood, Lyall and Redknapp some kind of false memory?
No, they are real and they are things of which we can be justifiably proud.
West Ham are far from the most successful club in English football, we have
been inconsistent and exclusively achieved our honours in Cup competitions.
Since 1978, we have suffered multiple relegations and, apart from 1985-86,
have not really challenged for the 1st Division/PL title. All this is freely
admitted, but do these facts give anyone the right to dismiss our equally
real traditions/history of playing an outstanding and attractive style of
football. When did the almost universal respect of the West Ham philosophy
in the1960s and 1970s degenerate in to the contemporary mocking by Alan
Shearer on MoTD? And what does it say about society and football in the
present era?
If you had asked commentators and football people, of earlier eras, what is
the 'West Ham Way,' they would have told you without a moment of hesitation.
They would point to a philosophy and style of play based upon flowing
passing movements and attractive attacking play.They would talk of
full-backs and central defenders that could pass the ball well and quickly
switch defence in to attack. And forwards of skill and vision, who could
pass through the opposition rearguard and carve out precise goal scoring
opportunities. All underpinned by innovative coaching and tactics. They
might also talk of the sporting spirit of the club and its insistence upon
high standards of fair play. Ex-players from the Greenwood and Lyall eras
can easily explain the West Ham Way and its interestingly that none of the
cynics seem to have taken the time to ask them. That committed Greenwood
convert, Bobby Gould, famously offered to go to Chadwell Heath and explain
to Sam Allardyce exactly what the West Ham Way was. Perhaps, while he is
about it, he should also take the time to educate and enlighten Mr Shearer
of MoTD!
On Alan Shearer, it has to be said that he obviously has a short memory.
Perhaps he should think back to his PL title winning season with Blackburn
Rovers and a certain evening game at Upton Park, when a inspired Redknapp
side inflicted a convincing 2-0 defeat on his championship chasing side. Not
only did we beat them, but we did it playing with a style and swagger that
screamed 'West Ham Way.' While he is at it, he might also look at his
Blackburn Rovers Championship medal and reflect on the fact that he
ultimately owes it to West Ham Utd playing out a exciting 1-1 end of season
draw with mighty Man Utd! So, maybe he owes more to West Ham, and our ways,
than he seems to realise.
Putting the issue of style of play aside for one moment, what if we were for
a moment to adopt the view that winning cups and titles is actually the 'be
all and end all.' Then it would be only right to point out that there are
actually less successful teams in the PL than west Ham, like Newcastle Utd
for instance! When did they last win anything, the 1971 Fairs Cup? And are
their fans not also protective of their history, of the late 1940s and
1950s, Jackie Milburn and all that? Moreover, are they not also adverse to a
certain type of direct football and keen to see the game played the right
way? Yet, strange enough, no one attacks their traditions and justifies it
in terms of their lack of success!
The club needs to understand that there is real concern amongst the fan base
at the way that we have played this season. Sam Allardyce illustrates his
lack of understanding of the club's supporters when he attempts to explain
their discontent in narrow terms of a reaction to losing a home match (i.e.
Vs Crystal Place). It may be that way for Bolton or Blackburn Rovers fans,
but the expectations of West Ham supporters are different. Its not only
about winning, its also about playing with some style. Some people might
find that unimaginable, but then they need to appreciate that it is a
product of generations of us being brought up in the 'West Ham Way' of doing
things!
It was always obvious that in order to succeed at the club, Mr Allardyce
needed to 'mix up' his play, combining flowing passing moves with his more
direct tactics. Last season, the club did not do too bad a job of doing
that. However, performances this season have too often been both dire and
one dimensional. All things being equal, there will not be a change of
management this summer. However, the board might be well advised to use
their 'end of season review' to impress upon the manager the necessity, next
season, of delivering improved entertainment and a greater respect for the
club's traditions. If the board can also fund some quality summer signings
to facilitate a better style of play, then so much the better!
SJ. Chandos.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Sam Allardyce U-turn: West Ham fans were RIGHT to boo my frustrating team in
loss to Palace
Apr 20, 2014 22:30 By Neil McLeman
The Mirror
Sam Allardyce admitted West Ham fans were right to boo after his side were
beaten at their own game by Tony Pulis. Keeper Julian Speroni hailed the
Welshman's impact as "amazing" after his Eagles soared to their fifth
consecutive win. Brighter, sharper and better organised, Crystal Palace
outclassed an Allardyce team built on the same principles. Last season's
Championship play-off winners are now safe, but the Hammers will be sucked
back into the relegation quagmire if they continue to stagger along like
this. While Palace's rock-solid defence gave Yannick Bolassie and Jason
Puncheon the freedom to roam forward down the flanks, West Ham were
creatively clueless. Allardyce responded by pulling off both wingers and
throwing on Carlton Cole alongside Andy Carroll – and then claimed they
should have settled for a goalless draw. No wonder the locals are restless.
Big Sam complained when Upton Park booed after a home win over Hull last
month, sparking back page headlines. After a sixth defeat in eight games, he
acknowledged: "Fans are entitled to air their frustrations. They paid their
hard-earned money to come and watch a game of football. "They want you to
win and score goals and we didn't do that so in many ways we've let them and
ourselves down. "We knew Palace were going to frustrate us and knew we had
to be good enough and patient enough to break them down but, sadly, we
didn't. Too many simple passes went astray. "We should have sat in at 0-0
and making sure we picked up a point. The real frustrating thing is we
gifted the game to them with the penalty."
After both sides had penalty claims turned down, Martin Atkinson had no
doubts about the 59th-minute award for Pablo Armero's trip on Cameron
Jerome. Mile Jedinak crashed home his first Premier League goal from the
spot. "That's the way the season has gone for us this year," admitted Mark
Noble. "It was a blatant penalty. I've seen it on the video and there was
nothing to moan about. It was a sloppy mistake from Pablo." With Allardyce
admitting Carroll is still struggling for fitness, the West Ham boss is keen
to add more goalpower this summer. "What we need to do is find an
alternative type of frontman as well, one who scores a few more goals," he
said. "We'll have to do that and then evaluate what we want in other areas
and build a squad of 25 that is better than this year."
Pulis has only needed since November to transform Palace. "Amazing," said
Speroni. "It is an amazing job he has done. How he manages to organise the
team, the professionalism of how we work on the training ground, he has been
fantastic all season." The Palace boss said: "We played with freedom. We had
five or six players in the box at times and when we break we do with great
pace, power and a bit of quality." The former Stoke boss also insisted
Allardyce has "done a wonderful job" at West Ham. "The problem is, you give,
you give, you give and people want more and more and more. You have to
accept that. That's life. But my supporters are cheering me, so I'm really
pleased!"
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