Preview - Crystal Palace
WHUFC.com
All the key pre-match information, stats and facts ahead of Saturday's game at Crystal Palace
22.08.2014
CRYSTAL PALACE v WEST HAM UNITED
BARCLAYS PREMIER LEAGUE
SELHURST PARK
SATURDAY 23 AUGUST 2014
KICK-OFF: 3PM
REFEREE: MARK CLATTENBURG
West Ham United App West Ham TV
In brief
The Hammers face their second London derby of the season on Saturday when they make the short journey to Crystal Palace.
West Ham will be looking for their first points of the new campaign after suffering a late defeat to Tottenham Hotspur last weekend, when Eric Dier's injury time goal proved enough to give the visitors a 1-0 victory.
Palace also go into the game pointless, having fallen victim to an injury time goal themselves. Arsenal were their conquerors, Aaron Ramsey notching at the death after Laurent Koscielny cancelled out Brede Hangeland's first half opener.
The Eagies find themselves without a manager, after Tony Pulis departed on the eve of the campaign. Caretaker Keith Millen remains in temporary charge.
Who are they?
The Eagles were founded as The Crystal Palace in 1905 to introduce a team to the local area, whose people regularly supported the FA Cup final in numbers when it was played in the Crystal Palace Park.
They initially joined the Southern League before before becoming members of the Football League Third Division in 1920. Palace reached the top flight for the first time in 1969 and were FA Cup runners-up in 1990.
Although they have spent more time in the second tier in recent years, they won promotion to the Barclays Premier League via the play-offs in 2013 and enjoyed a successful return to the highest level, finishing eleventh last term.
Team news
West Ham United
The Hammers will be without centre back James Collins, who is suspended after picking up a red card in last weekend's defeat to Tottenham Hotspur.
Fellow defender James Tomkins remains doubtful with a hamstring problem, while Matt Jarvis could also miss out, along with Carl Jenkinson (hamstring).
Crystal Palace
Defender Scott Dann has an outside chance of being involved as he battles to beat a hip strain.
Adrian Mariappa, Jonny Williams and Jerome Thomas have all returned to training, but Jason Puncheon is suspended.
Referee
Saturday's referee is Mark Clattenburg, whose last West Ham United game was the 3-1 victory over Southampton in February. Clattenburg was the man with the whistle for the stunning 4-0 win against Manchester United in the League Cup fifth round back in November 2010
The 38-year-old was the man in the middle for the Championship Play-Off semi-final first leg in May 2004 when Ipswich Town won 1-0 against the visiting
West Ham.
Clattenburg has been on the Select List since 2004, the same year he took charge of the Division Three Play-Off final between Mansfield Town and Huddersfield Town at the Millennium Stadium in Cardiff. After becoming a FIFA official in 2006 at the age of 31, Clattenburg has taken control of a number of international and UEFA Champions League matches.
One to watch
Crystal Palace
Palace skipper Crystal Palace Mile Jedinak is an eye-catching presence in the Eagles' midfield. The 30-year-old featured for Australia in the FIFA World Cup in Brazil, scoring from the spot in their 3-2 defeat to the Netherlands.
A defensive midfield player, Jedinak's sole goal last season came against the Hammers, as he converted a penalty at the Boleyn Ground to win the game for his side.
He has been with the Eagles since 2011, playing 111 league games to add to the experience gained at spells with Sydney United, Croatian side Varteks, Central Coast Mariners and Turkish duo Genclerbirligi and Antalyaspor
West Ham United
Stewart Downing will be hoping to make a flying start to the season as the Hammers travel to Crystal Palace.
The 30-year-old winger, who is now in his second second as a Hammer, was only denied an opening day goal last weekend by a superb save from Spurs keeper Hugo Lloris.
Having opened his West Ham account against the same opposition towards the end of last season, the former Middlesbrough man will look for more goals this term.
Tickets
West Ham's allocation of tickets for this game has sold out.
Travel
Due to planned Network Rail engineering work, there will be no Southern or First Capital Connect train services to or from London Bridge station this Saturday.
As a result, there will be no trains between London Bridge and Norwood Junction. Instead, use Southern services from London Victoria to Selhurst. From there, it is approximately a ten minute walk to the stadium.
Weather
Sunny intervals are predicted for kick-off time on Saturday, with temperatures of 17C (63F)
Television coverage
To find out which broadcaster is showing the game in your country, click here.
Last meeting
West Ham fell victim to a brace of 1-0 defeats at Crystal Palace's hands last season, with the most recent meeting being settled by a Mile Jedinak penalty following Pablo Armero's foul on Cameron Jerome.
West Ham United 0-1 Crystal Palace
Barclays Premier League
19 April 2014
West Ham United: Adrian, McCartney, Tomkins, Reid, Armero, Noble, Diame, Jarvis (C.Cole 70), Nolan (Nocerino 85), Downing (J.Cole 78), Carroll
Subs: Taylor, O'Brien, Jaaskelainen, Johnson
Crystal Palace: Speroni, Mariappa, Ward, Dikgacoi, Dann, Delaney, Puncheon (Gabbidon 87), Jedinak, Jerome (Murray 82), Ledley, Bolasie (Parr 90)
Subs: Ince, Gayle, Murray, Hennessey, Guedioura
Goal: Jedinak pen 59
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Chadwell Chatter
WHUFC.com
Joey O'Brien blogs for whufc.com on the season opener, Crystal Palace, the ALS Ice Bucket Challenge and more
22.08.2014
Hello everyone,
It's Crystal Palace on Saturday and everybody is looking forward to the game. After losing last week we're looking to get back on the pitch and get our first three points of the season. To start with a couple of derbies has been great. The place was rocking against Spurs and the lads buzzed off that - we showed great energy levels on the pitch and we need the win on Saturday, so the fans will definitely help. It was disappointing not to get anything from the match last week, because looking at how it went I thought there was only going to be one winner. To lose it the way we did was hard to take, but it's gone now and we're fully focused on getting three points on Saturday. Palace did a number on us twice last year, so we want to get one back. In that first year in the Premier League you might wonder what to expect from them, but now everyone knows their players and the situations they create. We know what to expect this year.
I don't know whether the managerial situation there will affect the players. I watched their game against Arsenal last week and they played really well - they were unlucky to lose the game, so it's a home game for them, their fans will be up for the first home game of the season and we'll have to play at our best.
For me, I dislocated my shoulder in January and came back in the last game of the season at Manchester City. It was nice to play there, and when you've been injured it's nice to come back and get back into the team. That's why you do the hard work and the hours in the gym.
Starting on Saturday was nice, after six or seven weeks of pre-season the aim is always to start that first game. Thankfully for me the manager gave me the shout so hopefully I can stay fit and put in a few performances for the team. Lastly, the gaffer, Carlton and Cheikhou accepted their nominations to do the ALS Ice Bucket Challenge on Thursday (watch here). The lads were talking about it in the dressing room and they got drenched. As long as I don't get mentioned though that'll be good for me!
Joey
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Crystal Palace v West Ham
KO 15:00
22 August 2014
Last updated at 13:10
BBC.co.uk
By Barry Davies
BBC Match of the Day commentator
BARCLAYS PREMIER LEAGUE
Venue: Selhurst Park Date: Saturday, 23 August
TEAM NEWS
Crystal Palace defender Scott Dann only has an "outside chance" of overcoming a hip strain to face West Ham, according to caretaker manager Keith Millen.
Jason Puncheon is suspended, but Adrian Mariappa returned to training this week after a rib problem and Jonny Williams and Jerome Thomas are also fit again.
West Ham are without the suspended James Collins, while fellow defenders Joey O'Brien, James Tomkins and Carl Jenkinson are fitness doubts.
Matt Jarvis is fit after injury.
MATCH PREVIEW
I was delighted to receive an invite last week to return to join the Match of the Day commentary team to celebrate the programme turning 50. It's a huge honour and a real privilege to be able to pick up the microphone again on what is such an iconic show. My first commentary on Match of the Day was way back in August 1969 and coincidentally it was at Selhurst Park, the venue for this fixture between Crystal Palace and West Ham. Back then, Palace had just been promoted and had to face the might of Manchester United but held them to an entertaining 2-2 draw. So onto this match, which pits two teams who would consider themselves unlucky to have been beaten on the opening day, but they both contrived to bring about their own downfall. "Even with Tony Pulis gone, Palace will play like one of his teams and, especially at Selhurst Park, West Ham can expect to face some high-tempo, in-your-face football."
Against Arsenal, Crystal Palace did something that was quite unheard of under Tony Pulis last season and conceded from set pieces. Emerging from the Emirates with a point would have been an excellent achievement given the turmoil at the club but they just couldn't quite hold on. Everything that has been going on behind the scenes over the last fortnight has to have affected the players. The hunt for Tony Pulis' successor looked over as a deal for Malky Mackay looked signed, sealed and delivered until the furore over his "disrespectful" text messages broke, meaning they are back to square one and Keith Millen remains in charge.
As for West Ham, their Achilles heel from last season, namely the failure to score goals, returned to haunt them against Tottenham. They had 18 shots but somehow contrived to fail to hit the back of the net. However, new £12m signing Enner Valencia looked sharp when he came on and a lot of hope will rest with him. Hammers manager Sam Allardyce would say there wasn't much wrong with their performance - and there wasn't. But being West Ham boss is a tough job. He is having to manage in the midst of people telling him he is going to lose his job and not only does he have to win, he has to win well. I see no cause for concern or panic now, but two defeats from two would be the last thing he needs.
MATCH FACTS
Head-to-head
Crystal Palace won both fixtures between these sides last season by 1-0.
In fact, three of the last five Premier League meetings between Palace and West Ham have ended as 1-0 wins for the Eagles.
West Ham's last win at Selhurst Park came back in 1991.
Crystal Palace
Crystal Palace conceded two goals from set-pieces against Arsenal, which is twice as many as they did under Tony Pulis in the league last season (excluding penalties).
They had just two shots against Arsenal - fewer than any other team in the top flight last weekend.
Palace lost just one of their last eight matches last season.
Marouane Chamakh conceded 11 fouls on the opening weekend of the season, more than 10 of the 20 Premier League teams did in total.
Keith Millen has taken only four points in five games as temporary manager of Palace in the Premier League.
West Ham United
They haven't lost their opening two Premier League games since 2010-11, a season in which they were relegated from the division.
West Ham have gone six league games without a clean sheet away from home - their last came against Aston Villa on 8 February.
They claimed one win from five London derbies away from home last season (D1, L3).
Mark Noble had scored his last 10 Premier League penalties before his miss against Tottenham.
The Hammers had 18 attempts on goal against Spurs, but only four on target.
Last season, strikers contributed just 11 Premier League goals between them for West Ham: Carlton Cole 6, Ricardo Vaz Te 2, Andy Carroll 2, Modibo Maiga 1.
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Diame in Everton link
KUMB.com
Filed: Friday, 22nd August 2014
By: Staff Writer
West Ham United midfielder Mo Diame is being linked with a move to Everton. It has been suggested this afternoon (goal.com) that the Senegal international has agreed personal terms with the Blues and is set to complete a £3.5million switch to Goodison Park "before the end of the month". Diame, whose contract is believed to include a release clause equivalent to that figure previously revealed how he would only consider leaving West Ham for "a top six club". And it looks as if the French-born midfielder - who was set to join Everton's rivals Liverpool two years ago - may have finally found his match, should reports prove to be correct. "I am very happy with everything that happens to me and everything that has happened in my life, but I want more," he told French journalist Romain Molina back in May. "I do not want to leave West Ham to go to a club that plays in the middle of the table. If I leave West Ham it'll be to join a top six team in England. My priority is to join a major English club and to stay here."
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Kouyate like Vieira, says Big Sam
KUMB.com
Filed: Friday, 22nd August 2014
By: Staff Writer
West Ham manager Sam Allardyce has likened new signing Cheikhou Kouyate to former Arsenal midfielder Patrick Vieira. Now 38, the Senegal-born midfielder won the World Cup in 1998 and European Championship in 2000 with France, having made more than 300 Premier League appearances for Arsenal and Manchester City. And speaking to the Evening Standard for his weekly column, Allardyce admitted that he understood why comparisons between the two players were being made - despite Kouyate having made just one competitive appearance for the Hammers so far. "Just look at his size and the way he moves," said Big Sam. "I, for one, would be delighted if he came close to emulating Patrick's consistent level of performance. "I thought he was our man-of-the-match against Tottenham last week. It was a brilliant debut and one which you don't see too often in the Premier League. Normally, when players first come here from abroad, they struggle to cope with the sheer intensity of our game. "Apart from right at the end against Spurs, when he did go down for a rest after yet another run, his fitness was superb - and infectious because the rest of the players will be saying to themselves: 'Come on, I've got to get up there with him'. "They're not going to want to be shown up by the new kid on the block and that's very encouraging for me, not only from his point of view but because of what he will drag out of the rest of the players."
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Gale: Hammers face 'difficult' test
KUMB.com
Filed: Friday, 22nd August 2014
By: Staff Writer
Ex-Hammer Tony Gale believes that West Ham face a difficult test tomorrow against Crystal Palace - but insists they can come away with a positive result.
Gale, speaking on SSN this morning believes that a first three points of the season is within range - but only if the Hammers improve greatly on last season's corresponding performance. "For Sam I think it's a very difficult game, said Gale. "I went to the game at Selhurst Park last season, West Ham didn't play very well and Palace got a 1-0 [win]. But I think it's a good chance for West Ham tomorrow." And Gale's view was backed up by fellow former Hammer Dean Ashton, also appearing in the studio. "Playing against a team without a recognised manager you would fancy your chances," he added. "If West Ham can get an early goal and quieten the crowd that's when you can take your chances. "That's what I'd be thinking if I was West Ham and I'm sure Sam's trying to say that to his players."
Key to a West Ham win, according to the former striker is how Big Sam's team perform in the final third. Last Saturday's 1-0 defeat against Tottenham was a familiar tale of missed opportunities - chances that Allardyce's new strike force need to start taking, says Ashton. "I spoke to Sam before the game and he was saying how they'd done well in the transfer market, but it's all about scoring goals for West Ham." he said. "It was the same on Saturday against Tottenham; they had plenty of chances against ten men but didn't take them - and in the end they suffered because of it and lost the game."
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No excuses, says Millen
KUMB.com
Filed: Friday, 22nd August 2014
By: Staff Writer
Temporary Crystal Palace manager Keith Millen says there will be no excuses should his side lose to West Ham at Selhurst Park this weekend. It's been a week of turmoil in South London. Following the recent departure of Tony Pulis, Malky Mackay looked set to succeed the former Stoke manager before private texts of a racist and homophobic nature sent by Mackay were leaked to the press, leading to him being ruled out of the job. That means that Millen will remain in charge of the team when West Ham visit Selhurst Park tomorrow. However the temporary boss insists that recent events at the club will not be allowed to cover for or excuse any poor performances. "Each day something's unfolded and stories have come out, so it's been difficult," he said. "Wednesday was a day off for the players so we've been away from it. I've had a brief chat with them about staying focused on the game on Saturday, because it's a huge game against West Ham. It's our first home game. "The lads have been fine. They're a resilient group. They've been through some [tough] times together over the last year-and-a-half so they'll be fine come Saturday. I don't think what's happened has weakened us. We've got the same group of players, they trust me and they know that we'll be organised and set up. We'll do our homework on West Ham, which we know will be a tough game so there's no excuses. "We said it before the Arsenal game, we can't use what's happened as an excuse for a poor performance. Hopefully it'll be the same on Saturday."
And Hammers boss Sam Allardyce is certainly taking nothing for granted. "Look at the way they played against Arsenal - they were thoroughly professional and in many ways were very unfortunate to lose the game away from home at the Emirates," he said. "We expect them to be difficult to break down again on Saturday and very dangerous on the break."
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Reid rumours persist
KUMb.com
Filed: Friday, 22nd August 2014
By: Staff Writer
It's the rumour that won't go away... Arsenal are once again being linked with a move for West Ham's central defender Winston Reid. Throughout the summer Arsene Wenger's Gunners have been cited as a potential destination for the New Zealand international, who has less than a year of his current contract with West Ham left to run. And with Reid still yet to agree terms over a new deal with West Ham, fears remain that the 26-year-old will hold out for a firm offer from Arsenal who remain in the market for a central defender following the recent departure of Thomas Vermaelen to Barcelona. The North London club appeared close to signing £6.5million-rated Olympiacos defender Kostas Manolas last weekend although there has been no movement on that front since the weekend, despite suggestions that a medical took place yesterday. Reid is understood to have been made two revised offers by West Ham this summer, both of which have been rejected. Wenger has been a long-term admirer of the defender, who signed for West Ham three years ago in a £4million switch from FC Midtjylland.
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Maiga movement imminent
KUMB.com
Filed: Friday, 22nd August 2014
By: Staff Writer
Out-of-favour striker Modibo Maiga is on the verge of returning to France. The former Sochaux forward has been training with West Ham United's development squad during pre-season as he searches for a new club, having been told that he is surplus to requirements at the Boleyn. And according to reports emanating from France overnight, the 26-year-old Mali international is poised to complete a move to Ligue 1 new boys Metz. GFF say that Maiga is set to join Les Grenats on loan for the remainder of the 2014/15 season with view to a permanent €3million switch next summer. That figure represents little more than half the £5million West Ham paid for the striker just over two years ago. If the deal goes ahead it will be the second occasion on which the two teams have done business this summer, following the arrival of Diafra Sakho from Metz earlier this month.
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Managerless Crystal Palace play host to West Ham
Last Updated: 22/08/14 11:02am
SSN
It has been another testing week for Crystal Palace, but they will look to put that behind them when they play host to West Ham United. Palace are still without a manager following the pre-season departure of Tony Pulis, meaning caretaker coach Keith Millen remains at the helm. Malky Mackay was considered to be a leading contender for the post, but has dropped out of the running amid a Football Association investigation into text messages he sent during his time in charge of Cardiff City.
Opta stats
West Ham claimed one win from five London derbies away from home last season (D1 L3). Palace conceded twice from set-pieces in their opening game, one more than they did in the whole of Tony Pulis' regime (excludes penalties). West Ham haven't lost their opening two Premier League games since 2010/11, a season in which they were relegated from the division. Former Tottenham Hotspur boss Tim Sherwood was also widely tipped to take the role, but he ruled himself out on Thursday – claiming it is 'not the right time' for him.
Uncertainty continues to reign at Selhurst Park as a result, with Millen now left to take control of transfer matters late in the summer window and a second derby date in as many weekends.
West Ham will hope that the problems in south London play into their hands, as they look to follow the lead of capital rivals Arsenal in taking maximum points off Palace. Sam Allardyce could do with a welcome win on the road as he too prepares his troops for a second all-capital clash of the season. A dramatic opening weekend defeat by Tottenham Hotspur, which saw both sides finish with 10 men, has done little to lift the mood around Upton Park or enhance Allardyce's standing in the eyes of certain sections of the club's support. He will, however, get the opportunity to put things right on Saturday and open the Hammers' account for the campaign.
Team news
Crystal Palace will be without the suspended Jason Puncheon following his sending off at Arsenal but are planning to hand late fitness tests to those carrying slight knocks. Scott Dann was forced off at the Emirates but should come into contention, while Adrian Mariappa and Jerome Thomas will be pushing for starting berths. Millen has revealed that Jonny Williams will also be included in the matchday squad as he prepares to freshen up his midfield.
West Ham boss Allardyce is short of defensive options as he goes in search of a first success of the season. After an eventful few days at Selhurst Park, Crystal Palace caretaker manager has urged the players to remain focussed ahead of their first home game of thames Collins is suspended after his red card in the defeat by Tottenham, with Joey O'Brien (knee), James Tomkins and Carl Jenkinson (both hamstring) all struggling for fitness. Matt Jarvis could be involved following a thigh injury but Ravel Morrison (groin) is not ready to return. Andy Carroll (ankle) is a long-term absentee, with Allardyce hopeful that either Enner Valencia or Diafra Sakho will be fit enough to start in attack.
Paul Merson's prediction
The team I was most worried about last weekend was West Ham. I looked at their team and I didn't even realise some of those players were there, never mind playing in the first team. They have no real forward and while I think Enner Valencia is a decent player, he is a big gamble because they need him to hit the ground running; I don't think he's got weeks to settle in. Crystal Palace were unlucky against Arsenal and, despite all the problems off the pitch, Keith Millen knows how hard they worked under Tony Pulis and he won't let that drop. The players won't be able to sit back with him around and they worked their socks off at Arsenal.
PAUL PREDICTS: 2-1
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Paolo Guerrero remains keen on move
By Paulo Freitas | Last Updated: 22/08/14 10:12am
SSN
Corinthians striker Paolo Guerrero admits he is still hoping to move back to Europe before the transfer window closes next month. Guerrero has reportedly been the subject of a loan bid from West Ham, while Sunderland are also said to be keen to land the former Bayern Munich forward. Speaking after scoring for Corinthians on Thursday evening in their 5-2 win over GOIAS, he told Globe Esporte that he is still hopeful of returning to Europe. "Which player doesn't want to return to Europe? They all do. But I remain focused, we have the objective of being champions, so I can't talk about anything else," he said. He was asked about the interest of West Ham and Sunderland, and added: "I know there was interest from West Ham, I think they contacted Corinthians. I am aware of those two clubs. "But I can't say more because I don't know the details." Guerrero is contracted to Corinthians until 2015, who are keen to keep hold of the 30-
year-old.
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HOW SHOULD WEST HAM RESPOND TO A BID FOR WINSTON REID?
By S J Chandos 22 Aug 2014 at 16:30
West Ham Till I Die
There is mounting speculation that Arsenal are considering a move for Winston Reid. Reports are suggesting that Wenger has identified Reid as a possible addition and he is currently considering whether to give the green light for a summer bid. The alternative, I suppose, is to pick him up on a Bosman next summer, which is financially attractive. Really, it all depends on the imperative to get defensive cover in place early in their present Premier League and Champions League campaigns? Regardless, any bid is likely to be short of Reid's true market value, due to the nature of his contract situation.
Any bid would put West Ham in a difficult position, should they 'dig in' (a bit like Sunderland with respect to Connor Wickham) and make the player see out the final year of his contract, with the hope that another can be agreed in the course of the coming season? Or should the club get as much as they can for Reid this summer and compensate by bringing in a quality replacement? We have been linked with Toby Alderweireld of Athletico Madrid, Micah Richards of Man City and Facundo Roncaglia of Fiorentina; these enquiries could possibly be interpreted as attempts to secure a permanent replacement for Reid.
At the end of the day, it all depends whether the club are prepared to see Reid potentially exit on a Bosman next summer. If they are prepared to assimulate that loss, then the safest option is probably to retain him this season and hope that a contract extension can be agreed. If the club are not prepared to run that risk, then they need to secure a top quality defender like Alderweireld and negoiate the best possible deal for Reid before the transfer window closes.
Reid has developed in to a very good player for West Ham, but it could reasonably be argued that acquiring Alderweireld is an upgrade on him in terms of class. I like Reid as a defender, but if he does not want to be here in the longer-term, then we must look to get the best possible deal and, crucially, secure a quality replacement that will allow us to progress 'upwards and onwards!' That is the key thing, progression and continually improving the quality of the squad. If a key player wants to leave, then look to bring in a better replacement. That is the way to systematically move forward as a club.
Indeed, if we could sign Alderweireld, and get Richards in on loan, then it could be argued that we would be stronger defensively than we are now.
SJ. Chandos.
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MAIGA TO METZ, BUT WILL IT HELP THE WAGE BILL?
By S J Chandos 22 Aug 2014 at 12:30
West Ham Till I Die
There were a number of reports yesterday evening that negotiations have opened with Metz on the terms of a season long loan deal for Modibo Maiga, with the possibility of a permanent £3m move next summer. These reports are to be welcomed, from both the perspective of West Ham and the player. It is clear that the move has not worked out, not only in terms of Maiga's time at West Ham, but also his suitability for English football. You can have the debate whether the way that he was utilised by Sam Allardyce was the best use of his talents. There is considerable merit in the argument that he is best deployed as a second striker, rather than expecting him to lead the line like Andy Carroll. Unfortunately, it has got beyond that now, and a parting of the ways is probably in the best interests of both parties.
However, there are some concurrent reports that Metz are only prepated to contribute 20% of his salary costs as part of any loan deal. It sounds a bit of an hardcore position for Metz to adopt, but if true it means that the club could potentially still have to carry 80% of his salary costs this season. Lets hope that this is inaccurate and his departure brings some relief to the FFP constricted player salary bill. If Metz are taking a hard opening line, we should persevere and try to get agreement on at least a 50-50 salary split.
And then the club should prioritise a move for Ricardo Vaz Te. Hopefully, moving both Maiga and Vaz Te on will free up enough in the player salary bill to allow to the club to finish their summer transfer business with another couple of incoming deals. We live in hope!
SJ. Chandos.
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Adrian scores again for the U21′s
Posted by Sean Whetstone on August 22, 2014 in Whispers
Claret & Hugh
Adrian Wojcik Kosela scored the only the West Ham goal at the Boleyn Ground for the Hammers Development team second league game of the season on Friday night. Danny Potts and Reece Burke were left out of the development team squad to be included in the first team squad tomorrow at Selhurst park. Wojcik Kosela came on as a substitute in 63rd minute and scored in his proper debut for the development squad. He scored late in injury time just before the final whistle was blown. The game which was lost 2-1 is the second defeat of the season for the Under 21 boys after a successful pre season in which Elliot Lee scored 9 goals.
Adrian Wojcik Kosela previously scored in a West Ham shirt as an unnamed trialist against Sutton United at Gander Green Lane back in July in a pre season friendly.
The 20-year-old who qualifies for Poland through his mother despite being born in Spain. The 6 foot striker previously played for Sevilla's B and C teams plus Real Betis' reserves. On social media he said "Happy for my first call with the team! Tomorrow at 7 pm match against Southampton at the stadium."Post match he said "1-2 defeat to Southampton! To keep improving and working! Happy for my first goal! Thank you all for the comments! Good night!"
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Sam Allardyce says West Ham are ready establish themselves in Premier League top ten
Aug 22, 2014 22:30 By Declan Taylor
The regularly-criticised boss believes that most teams finish where finances say they should, but he is ready to push the Hammers to the next level
The Mirror
Sam Allardyce reckons guiding West Ham to a top-10 finish in their first season back in the Premier League has proved a blessing and a curse. The Hammers won the play-offs in 2012 and upset the odds by racking up 46 points and finishing 10th the following year. But it has not been plain sailing since, with Allardyce's side battling against relegation for most of last season before eventually turning it around. West Ham kicked off this term with a 1-0 defeat at home to bitter rivals Spurs, and travel to crisis-club Crystal Palace today. Big Sam said: "Let's not forget that year one was a massive overachievement which built expectation for us. "Finishing 10th in your first year is a major success, and there's a backlash to that success always in the game. Action ImagesWest Ham's Mark Noble misses a penaltyMissed opportunity: Mark Noble's opening day penalty against Tottenham goes wide "Do fans think you should finish 11th? No – they think you should finish ninth, eighth or seventh. They think you should get into Europe."
In a statement released back in May, the club's owners David Gold and David Sullivan said that they expect "at least a top-10 finish" this term. Allardyce is ready for that challenge but says anything above that will be an overachievement given their wage budget. He added: "If you look at the numbers, most teams finish around where their budget is. "We'll be around 10th, 11th, I think. That's somewhere we want to try and achieve. It's year three for us so we should be looking more to establish ourselves rather than worrying about relegation. "In terms of what the chairmen and the fans expect – all of that's fine.
"We can all say that I want the same, but the reality is we know how to get there."
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Hammers speak on "Diame for Everton"
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on August 22, 2014 in Whispers
Claret & Hugh
West Ham have this afternoon insisted no offer or inquiry has been received from Everton for Mo Diame. And a highly placed Boleyn source told ClaretandHugh exclusively: "I wonder whether this rumour will ever stop doing the rounds. "It's such an old story I am surprised anyone pays any attention to it. Clearly it's a slow news day!" The 'story' broke today on www.goal.com who claimed the midfielder has agreed personal terms with the Blues and is ready to complete a £3.5million switch to Goodison Park "before the end of the month". Diame is believes to have the £3.5m escape clause in his contract and has been linked with a move to The Toffees on several occasions in the past when a move would have given the merseysiders more value from his services. Our source said: "We have had no contact at all with Everton or anyone else. I suppose it could happen but we'd have expected it to do so before now if it was going to.
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Sam Allardyce plays down expectations at West Ham
Last Updated: 22/08/14 11:38pm
SSN
Sam Allardyce has admitted West Ham will need to produce something special if they are to finish any higher than 10th in the Premier League. The Hammers endured an inconsistent 2013-14 campaign as they laboured to 13th, but co-chairmen David Sullivan and David Gold believe Allardyce is the right man to have them challenging for European football this season. Sullivan has lofty ambitions for the club, insisting they should be aiming for the top six rather than a solid mid-table finish. Back in May, he said: "I don't want to just aim for the top 10. We should be aiming for the top six. I want to be looking down the table not up it next season."
But Allardyce has tempered expectations of a first top-six finish since 1999, and he believes repeating of their top-half finish two years ago is the limit of what the club can hope for. "We're trying to build a team that gets where we want to go," he said. "Let's not forget that year one was a massive overachievement which built expectation. Finishing 10th in your first year (after promotion) is a major success, and there's a backlash to that success always in the game - not just at West Ham, but wherever you are. "Do fans think you should finish 11th? No, they think you should finish ninth, eighth or seventh. You've always got to live with the expectation but we have to stay real and say that if we have a very good season, we can finish better than 10th. "We'll be around 10th or 11th in the Premier League I think. That's somewhere we want to try and achieve; it's year three for us - it's not year one or two - we should be looking more to establish ourselves rather than hopefully worrying about relegation."
Allardyce has been backed in the transfer market this summer and has brought in seven new faces, including big deals for Enner Valencia and Cheikhou Kouyate. But the 59-year-old reckons budget and financial clout are the main factors as to what a club can realistically aim to achieve. 'Across the board, you generally finish around where your wage budget lies," he said. "If you've got the biggest wage budget then you're more than likely to finish in and around the top four, generally. And then you've got your 10th or above, then you've got below 10th and then you've got the bottom end. "Over the last five or 10 years, most teams finish around where their wage budget is. There are obviously some anomalies in that - some teams one season can have a particularly good season and some teams have a particularly poor season."
Sullivan's statement could be seen to put pressure on Allardyce's position if the Hammers do not make an early impression, but Allardyce added: "In terms of what the chairmen and the fans expect, all that's fine. "We can all say that and I want the same, but the reality is we know how to get there - whether we'll get there is another factor on various anomalies as we go through the season. "For instance, this week - and it's only game two - we may only have one centre-half fit and that's the last thing you want when you're going into a new season when you're talking about the same problems you had last December. Already we're feeling the pinches on the value of the team and the selection process that make or break your season."
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Friday, August 22
Daily WHUFC News - 22nd August 2014
Big Sam on: Crystal Palace
WHUFC.com
Hammers manager Sam Allardyce has spoken to the press ahead of the Crystal Palace game
21.08.2014
West Ham United boss Sam Allardyce faced the press on Thursday morning ahead of Saturday's game at Crystal Palace. The gaffer fielded questions on the managerial situation at Crystal Palace, his side's ability in front of goal and the need to bring in a centre half to cover for injuries and suspensions.
Morning Sam. First of all you might have expected to see Malky Mackay in the opposition dugout on Saturday. What's your take on what's been going on over there at Crystal Palace?
SA: "I just think they need to appoint whoever they think is the right man as quickly as possible. I think Keith [Millen], judging by the performance at Arsenal, has them in good standing. He's done it before and has been with them all pre-season so that's fine. It might not be beyond the chairman of Crystal Palace to let him have a go, you've seen that happen before if [the caretaker] gets a couple of results. "It's a difficult situation to be in at the start of a season if you lose your manager, but it's something you have to face and the players have to do the job. They're professionals and they want guidance from the manager, that's very important, but I think for a short period of time they can do and use what they got during pre-season to go and get results. "You just have to look at the way they played against Arsenal - they were thoroughly professional and in many ways were very unfortunate to lose the game away from home at the Emirates, which is a big result for anybody, whether they have a manager or not. They are always very difficult to break down - we found that last year when they beat us 1-0 twice, both goals from set pieces. We expect them to be difficult to break down again on Saturday and very dangerous on the break."
You spoke after the game last week about the failure to take your chances against Spurs. Does that emphasise the search for a striker?
SA: "We've done that search and they're here. The problem is that they're not quite ready yet but we will use them if and when we can. Now Sakho has arrived as well as Enner [Valencia], they're moving along with their fitness on a daily basis and will certainly be used as quickly as possible. If not against Crystal Palace, they'll certainly be used against Sheffield United in the Capital One Cup and hopefully they can hit the ground running. "There's no search for any more strikers from our point of view. My problem and my difficulty is more at the other end. We don't have James Collins because he's suspended and we may not have James Tomkins because of injury, and that leaves a massive hole for us in the central defensive position where we only have Winston Reid. That's my biggest concern moving into the Crystal Palace game."
In terms of that cover at the back, are you looking at making signings?
SA: "We're looking at players who are able to play in that position from throughout Europe."
Looking at Palace's game against Arsenal last week, what can you take from that?
SA: "I think they have some better players than they did last year, but they very much stick to the same type of structural organisation. It was difficult to beat them last year and it'll be just as difficult with the players they've brought in. "The new players have lots of Premier League experience and from that point of view we'll have a tough job. There's still lots of excitement around the ground there, in the second season in the Premier League, and the players know their positions and know what the job is. At the start of last season they found it difficult to cope with the league, but Tony Pulis came in and structured it accordingly. "It'll be a tight game, I think. Don't think there'll be many goals in it, but hopefully it'll be as entertaining as it possibly can be."
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Six of the best - Crystal Palace
WHUFc.com
A look back at six memorable West Ham United wins against Crystal Palace
21.08.2014
The Hammers make the short trip to Selhurst Park to take on Crystal Palace on Saturday as they look to bounce back from defeat in their season opener.
Here, whufc.com takes a look back at six memorable wins over the south Londoners.
West Ham United 3-0 Crystal Palace
Division One
1 October 2003
The Hammers most recent win over Crystal Palace came nearly eleven years ago when they recorded a comfortable win at the Boleyn Ground.
The high-flying home side moved up to third in the table thanks to a goal from Jermain Defoe and two from Neil Mellor.
The Eagles would have the last laugh however as they beat the Hammers 1-0 in the end of season play-off final and secured promotion to the Premier League.
West Ham United 4-1 Crystal Palace
Premier League
3 December 1997
A thumping win over the Eagles earned West Ham their sixth straight home win and moved them into the top half.
Four players got on the score sheet for the home side with David Unsworth, John Hartson, Eyal Berkovic and Steve Lomas all netting in the win.
Palace would go onto finish rock bottom of the table whilst West Ham enjoyed an eighth place finish.
Crystal Palace 2-3 West Ham United
First Division
17 September 1991
The Hammers last away victory over Crystal Palace came in the 1991/92 season as West Ham picked up only their second victory of the season.
Mitchell Thomas, Mike Small and Trevor Morley scored the goals to seal a precious three points in the visitors' battle against relegation.
It would prove fruitless though as towards the end of the season a 2-0 home defeat to the Eagles helped relegate the Hammers.
Crystal Palace 1-3 West Ham United
First Division
24 March 1973
West Ham were in the midst of a nine-match unbeaten run when they recorded a comfortable away win over doomed Palace.
The Hammers had beaten the Eagles 4-0 earlier in the season with Bryan Robson again netting in this win.
Ted MacDougall and Trevor Brooking, who netted twice in the aforementioned win, both scored a goal apiece to secure a good victory.
West Ham United 4-0 Crystal Palace
First Division
28 October 1972
West Ham maintained their unbeaten home record with a convincing win over the visiting Crystal Palace.
A double from Trevor Brooking and one each for Bryan Robson and John McDowell did the damage as the Hammers strolled to success.
West Ham would go onto finish sixth whilst Palace were relegated after finishing in 21st place.
Crystal Palace 0-3 West Ham United
First Division
30 October 1971
West Ham made it ten games unbeaten in all competitions with a resounding win in front of over 40,000 fans at Selhurst Park.
Clyde Best, Ade Coker and Billy Bonds chipped in with the goals as the Hammers moved up to ninth place in the table.
By the end of the season Crystal Palace had avoided relegation by four points whilst West Ham were comfortable in 14th place.
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See the U21s for free on Friday
WHUFc.com
Season Ticket Holders can gain free admission to the Dev Squad's game v Southampton
21.08.2014
Season Ticket Holders can watch the Development Squad take on Southampton at the Boleyn Ground for free this Friday. The U21s face their first home Barclays U21 Premier League game of the campaign, with kick-off at 7pm. Admission is free for Season Ticket Holders, otherwise Adult Tickets are available on the door for £3 and Concessions £1. The Boleyn Ground Store will also be open until 7pm. Skipper Dan Potts is looking forward to the game: "It's always good to have another game quickly after a defeat and we have one against Southampton at the Boleyn Ground on Friday. "We'll be going all out to get the win in that one and hopefully there'll be a good crowd in to watch it. "It's always nice to play in front of a decent crowd and it's a great experience to play there because, at the end of the day, that's where we want to be regularly. "Even the build up to the game, being around the place and the changing rooms is part of it,"
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A Spence force
KUMB.com
Filed: Thursday, 21st August 2014
By: Staff Writer
Jordan Spence has signed a one-year contract with MK Dons. The 24-year-old full-back was released by West Ham at the end of last season after spending almost a decade at the Boleyn Ground, since when he has been on trial with the likes of Blackburn Rovers. However the former England under 21 international finally secured a 12-month deal - with an option for an extra year - with the League One club this week and is available for his new club's league clash with Coventry this weekend. "I spent nine years at West Ham so this was a big decision for me," Spence told mkdons.com. "I've definitely made the right one. I'm determined to do all I can for MK Dons."
No stranger to Stadium MK, Spence made 31 appearances for the club whilst on loan from West Ham last season and hopes to resurrect his career at a club with which he is already familiar. "It feels great to be back, I'm really, really happy to be here," he added. "I've said many times how much I enjoyed my spells here last season, so I'm looking forward to pulling on the Dons shirt once again. "
Dons manager Karl Robinson was equally pleased at landing his man, adding: "I'm estastic to be able to bring Jordan back to the Club. He was a little bit out of our reach at first – I know there was interest from Championship clubs but for whatever reason nothing materialised. "He will push the two centre-halves and the full-backs because he's a natural right-back anyway. He provides us with great strength in depth and hopefully we can build on that."
Spence made his debut for West Ham in the final game of the 2009/10 season as an 88th-minute substitute against Manchester City. The following season he made two starts under Avram Grant - the first of which came in the 3-2 defeat at Wigan that condemned West Ham to the drop and the second a week later in the final home game of the season against Sunderland. In his final season at the club, Spence enjoyed a run of seven games under Sam Allardyce including four further starts. However his appearance at Old Trafford in the 1-0 FA Cup third round defeat in January 2013 was to prove to be his last for West Ham.
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West Ham eye Madrid defender
KUMB.com
Filed: Thursday, 21st August 2014
By: Staff Writer
West Ham are investigating the possibility of signing Athletico Madrid defender Toby Alderweireld on loan. The 25-year-old Belgian international joined the Champions League finalists a year ago this month in a €7million switch from Ajax but featured in just 12 La Liga matches last season. West Ham have approached Los Colchoneros with view to taking Alderweireld, who also starred for his country in the recent World Cup Finals, on loan for the rst of the season.
However Madrid are thought to be keen to recoup the €7million they paid for the centre half last summer. Sam Allardyce revealed earlier today that he was keen to tie down an additional central defender ahead of the close of the transfer window. And landing Alderweireld would certainly be seen as something of a coup for the Hammers, who could face a challenge from neighbours Arsenal - who have also been linked with the Belgian - for the player's signature.
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Big Sam takes it on the chin
KUMB.com
Filed: Thursday, 21st August 2014
By: Staff Writer
And the forehead, the cheeks and the top of his head.... Sam Allardyce showed what a good sport he was today when undertaking the Ice Bucket challenge, a craze that has swept across the UK in recent weeks. Nominated by Ravel Morrison yesterday, Allardyce had 24 hours in which to undergo the challenge or pay a forfeit by means of a charitable donation. And Big Sam naturally had to have a big bucket - or dustbin in this case as you can see from the footage below - for the task, as handled expertly by Carlton Cole and Ravel Morrison.
Like Allardyce, who subsequently nominated assistant manager Neil McDonald and Jack Sullivan, Carlton Cole - who was also nominated by Ravel Morrison - received the dustbin treatment this morning. Poor Carlton was left so shocked by the experience that he was unable to name any nominees...
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Allardyce: defender a priority
KUMB.com
Filed: Thursday, 21st August 2014
By: Staff Writer
Sam Allardyce admitted this morning that he hopes to bring in one additional defender before the transfer window closes little more than a week from now.
Allardyce, who went into the season with only three established centre halfs in James Collins, James Tomkins and Winston Reid has since lost Collins to suspension and Tomkins to injury (hamstring). And speaking to the press at this morning's pre-match press conference, the Hammers boss admitted that his priority between now and the close of the summer transfer window is the acquisition of an additional central defender. "We don't have James Collins because he's suspended and we may not have James Tomkins because of injury," he said. "That leaves a massive hole for us in the central defensive position where we only have Winston Reid. "That's my biggest concern moving into the Crystal Palace game. We're looking at players who are able to play in that position from throughout Europe."
Having added Enner Valencia, Diafra Sakho and Mauro Zarate to his first team squad this summer, Allardyce is now well-stocked in attack - even without Andy Carroll, who is expected to remain sidelined until November. And despite being less than full match-fit, Allardyce insisted that he expects the new boys to be utilised at some point during the next week. "The problem is that they're not quite ready yet but we will use them if and when we can," he said. "Now Sakho has arrived as well as Enner, they're moving along with their fitness on a daily basis and will certainly be used as quickly as possible. "If not against Crystal Palace, they'll certainly be used against Sheffield United in the Capital One Cup and hopefully they can hit the ground running. But there's no search for any more strikers from our point of view."
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And now Dicksy takes a dousing
KUMB.com
Filed: Thursday, 21st August 2014
By: Staff Writer
West Ham United Ladies manager Julian Dicks has joined a long list of celebrities to take the Ice Bucket Challenge. KUMB revealed yesterday how Ravel Morrison undertook the challenge before nominating team mate Carlton Cole and manager Sam Allardyce to follow him. And this morning the Hammers legend looked visibly shocked - well it was a bit chilly, after all - when self-dousing, before naming former team mates Tony Cottee and Frank McAvennie as his two nominees.
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WEST HAM ALLEGEDLY OFFERED THE SERVICES OF LEONARDO PAVOLETTI!
By S J Chandos 21 Aug 2014 at 16:30
West Ham Till I Die
The number of strikers that West Ham have been linked with this summer, well it has to be a new record, even by our club's previous standards! And yesterday there was a report in the Sports Mail making the list just that bit longer. It alleges that Italian Serie A club, Sassuolo have offered West Ham the services of their striker, Leonardo Pavoletti. It is unclear from the report whether that offer is in the form of a loan move or a permanent deal.
Pavoletti is obviously not one of the better known Serie A strikers. In fact, he spent nearly the whole of 2013-14 on loan to Varese in Serie B, where he scored 24 goals in 33 matches to help them escape relegation. Prior to that in 2012-13, again in Serie B, Pavoletti scored 11 goals in 35 matches to help Sassuolo gain promotion to Serie A. So, basically he is a Serie B striker, with no substantive goal scoring record in the top tier. Indeed, his Serie A track record amounts to turning out for Sassuolo in the first two fixtures of last season, before departing to Varese. As such, why would Sassuolo, or anyone else for that matter, conclude that Pavoletti would be suitable for the English Premier League and West Ham eager to take up the offer of his services?
It seems that West Ham's 'issues' up front have become known 'far and wide.' And this has resulted in clubs, and agents, chancing their arm and offering all sorts of players. Some likely decent and others unexceptional. I do not know which category Pavoletti falls in to because I have never seen him play. I suppose he could be a star in-the-making, although one has to ask if that was the case why would Sassuolo not want to retain him? We have taken a calculated risk on Sakho making the grade, based upon his goal scoring record in the 2nd tier of French football and an assessment of his potential to develop in to a PL striker. I very much doubt that the club would want to take a bigger risk on another unproven striker like Pavoletti.
So, I think it will probably be a case of thanks, but no thanks Sassuolo! Unless, the terms of the proposed loan are so good that there is nothing to be lost by going for it. Time will tell, as always!
However, from Sam Allardyce's last public statements, it appears that there will be no more attacking reinforcements and the priority for signings is now in defence. Which of course, is bound to make the club management happy, as that appears to very much be their comfort zone. So, speculation about Pavoletti or any other striker signing, for that matter, could very well be wide of the mark?
And the latest on defensive augmentation? Well, there are the ongoing rumours about negotiations with Man City's Micah Richards on a loan move. While, the very latest speculation, courtsey of kumb, is that we may have an active interest in Athletico Madrid's Belgian central defender, Toby Alderweireld, who starred in the summer World Cup Finals and is considered a fine prospect. It would be something of a coup for the Hammers to landed him in all honesty, but it will most likely cost the club c.£6m to do so. However, with Winston Reid's long-term future at the club looking increasingly in doubt, perhaps that is the type of quality acquisition that we should target, rather than focus on a lesser, stop gap signing.
SJ. Chandos
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WHERE IS ELLIOT'S SQUAD NUMBER?
By Sean Whetstone 21 Aug 2014 at 08:39
West Ham Till I Die
22 squad numbers have been allocated so far to West Ham players but one notable name absence is Elliot Lee. The Academy striker scored 9 goals in the Development squad pre-fixture fixtures which was two more than the whole of the first team in their pre season campaign. He was rewarded with a first team bench spot in the final pre season friendly and came on to setup the goal which fellow Academy youngster Reece Burke scored late in the game but he is yet to receive a first team squad number.
Lee scored three doubles, his first brace came against Havant and WaterlooVille on the 15th July earning the U21's a 2-1 win, this was quickly followed 5 days later by another brace during a 4-2 win over RCD Espanyol. Just 9 days later he netted two again against Braintree to win the game 2-0 He completed his pre season with a hat trick against Woking in a match I attended and he was by far the best man on the pitch to enable the youngsters to win 3-2. In contrast I witnessed a unconfident awkward Maiga relegated to the development squad warm up at Woking, he missed shot after shot against 16 year old keeper Sam Howes. His team mates were laughing at him and it must be humiliating for him to sit on the bench to watch Lee bang in the goals while he remained an un-used sub at £30,000 per week.
I understand Sam Allardyce believes players need to earn their squad numbers, my question is what has the boy got to do more to earn his? Diego Poyet who has been bought in mainly as a development squad player this season and he immediately was given the number 23 without seemingly earning his spurs.
All Premier League clubs must submit a squad of up to 25 players, by 5pm on Monday, September 1st. 20 squad numbers already allocated to players over 21 and two allocated to players under 21 (Morrison and Poyet), the 23rd number is about to allocated to Diafra Sakho subject to his international clearance.
Each 25-man Premier League squad must include at least eight 'home-grown' players. The 'home-grown' players do not have to be English. According to the Premier League: "A home grown player is defined as one who, irrespective of his nationality or age, has been registered with any club affiliated to the Football Association or the Welsh Football Association for a period, continuous or not, of three entire seasons or 36 months prior to his 21st birthday (or the end of the season during which he turns 21)."
West Ham have the luxury of 14 of their current 22 man named squad being classed under this home grown rule. Nolan, Poyet, Cresswell, O'Brien, Collins, Carroll Tomkins, Jarvis, Downing, Morrison, Noble, Jenkinson, Vaz. Te and Cole are all classed as home grown talent.
In addition to the 25-man named squad, clubs can use an unlimited number of players aged 21 or under.
This means the likes of Reece Burke (17), Josh Cullen (18) Elliot Lee and Diego Poyet (19) plus Danny Potts, Blair Turgott, Matthias Fanimo (all 20) and Ravel Morrison (21) but under 21 on 1st January) can be included in the squad without taking up a place a valuable place in the squad of 25.
What harm can it do to give the promising under 21's a first team squad number?
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Sunderland boss Gus Poyet explains why he let son sign for West Ham
HITC
Freddie Shires
Gus Poyet has revealed he had the option to bring his son Diego Poyet to Sunderland this summer but had serious reservations about how the move might be perceived. Sunderland manager Gus Poyet has revealed why he did not attempt to sign his son Diego Poyet this summer, having seen the midfielder move from Charlton Athletic to West Ham United last month. Rumours linking the 19-year-old with a move to the north east immediately surfaced upon Poyet's appointment in October, with his announcement in June that he would not be renewing his Charlton contract further fuelling speculation. The Black Cats boss admitted that the option to sign the former England under-17 international was there, but the friction he believed it would have caused in the dressing room made him decide against it. 'There was a family issue,' The Mirror quoted the Uruguayan as saying. 'I would love to coach him, but at the same time it would be unfair on him. 'Do you think the players on the bench would accept it if I'm playing my son?' Having signed a four-year deal with the Hammers, the younger Poyet made 20 appearances for Charlton last season after becoming a regular in the side from February onwards, with his impressive performances seeing him win the club's Player of the Year award. Recently in the news after old tweets criticising teammates Andy Carroll and Stewart Downing surfaced, the highly-rated youngster also attracted the interest of Arsenal, Tottenham Hotspur and Chelsea this summer, and looks set to for a bright Premier League future.
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Carlos Tevez will be at West Ham's Capital One Cup match... in his thousands!
By NIK SIMON
PUBLISHED: 20:37, 21 August 2014 | UPDATED: 20:37, 21 August 2014
Daily Mail
Upton Park will be filled with thousands of Carlos Tevez masks when West Ham take on Sheffield United in their Capital One Cup tie on Tuesday. Tevez scored some crucial goals during his time in east London, including the winner against Manchester United on the final day of the 2006/07 season to save the Hammers from relegation. West Ham supporters had to watch their side average just 1.05 goals per game last season, but now they can rekindle the spirit of Tevez by wearing a cardboard cut-out of their favourite Argentine striker. While West Ham fans would welcome back the South American with open arms, manager Sam Allardyce has no plans to sign attacking reinforcements after Saturday's 1-0 defeat to Tottenham. 'There's no search for any more strikers from my point of view, the difficulty is at the other end,' he said. 'We're without James Collins because of suspension and we could be without James Tomkins because of injury.'
'We're looking at players who are able to play in that position [centre back] throughout Europe.'
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Hammers prepare new Reid talks
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on August 21, 2014 in Whispers
Claret & hugh
West Ham intend re-opening negotiations with Winston Reid on his new contract once the transfer window has closed. Manager Sam Allardyce and co owner David Sullivan are keen to tie the player down to a new four year deal but are waiting to see how things play out in the final days of the window with Arsenal reportedly watching developments. Rumours started emerging this evening that the New Zealander had rejected a new offer from the club but ClaretandHugh has learned there has been no further contact between the two sides. Speaking exclusively to this site a week ago co chairman David Sullivan revealed the club had made Reid a "fantastic offer" and commented: "Ask him if he's going to accept."
However, tonight a source told us: "There has been no contact on the issue since the club's last offer. "At the moment the manager and chairman have their hands full chasing one or two more signings. "But once the window is closed they will get down to some hard talking with the player again."
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Irons hatch Kouyate cover plan
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on August 21, 2014 in Whispers
Claret & Hugh
West Ham are highly unlikely to have secured a new loan signing to cover at central defence before the weekend game at Palace. Th Irons have been linked with Micah Richards this week but a source told ClaretandHugh: "Unless we are very lucky we don't expect to have someone in for the weekend." However, Sam Allardyce morning concerns that could have "a huge hole" at the back are unfounded. A training ground source made it clear the situation was covered and that hopefully James Tomkins would be fit for first team duty. He said: "He will probably face a late fitness test but has been improving all week. "However, should he not be available then we have Cheikou Kouyate who can play in that role. "However, we definitely want to bring in another central defender before the end of the transfer window."
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Maiga update on Metz talks
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on August 21, 2014 in Whispers
Claret & Hugh
West Ham have confirmed to ClaretandHugh that they are talking to Metz about the possibility of Modibo Maiga joining the club on a season long loan. Negotiations are at an early stage and we have been told that the Irons will know more within the next 72 hours. The news emerged out of France this morning that Maiga was the subject of talks but it has now been confirmed by a highly placed Hammers insider. However, the Irons will still be paying the lion's share of the player's wages if he makes the move. We have been told that Metz are only prepared to pay 20 per cent of Maiga's salary believed to be in the region of £30k a week. ClaretandHugh was told: "We are talking but that's about the size of the situation. We'll know more in the next 72 hours."
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Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger 'weighs up move for West Ham defender Winston Reid'
Aug 22, 2014 03:08 By Chris Richards
The 26-year-old is out of contract at the end of the season and is said to be interesting Gunners boss Arsene Wenger
The Mirror
Arsenal are reportedly weighing up a move for West Ham's Winston Reid. The 26-year-old defender is out of contract at the end of this season and, according to The Times, he is being monitored by the Gunners.# As of yet, however, Arsene Wenger has not made an official approach for the player, the paper reports.
The New Zealand international joined the Hammers in 2010 and signed a new two-year contract in April 2013. To date, he has played 94 times for the Upton Park club.
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WHUFC.com
Hammers manager Sam Allardyce has spoken to the press ahead of the Crystal Palace game
21.08.2014
West Ham United boss Sam Allardyce faced the press on Thursday morning ahead of Saturday's game at Crystal Palace. The gaffer fielded questions on the managerial situation at Crystal Palace, his side's ability in front of goal and the need to bring in a centre half to cover for injuries and suspensions.
Morning Sam. First of all you might have expected to see Malky Mackay in the opposition dugout on Saturday. What's your take on what's been going on over there at Crystal Palace?
SA: "I just think they need to appoint whoever they think is the right man as quickly as possible. I think Keith [Millen], judging by the performance at Arsenal, has them in good standing. He's done it before and has been with them all pre-season so that's fine. It might not be beyond the chairman of Crystal Palace to let him have a go, you've seen that happen before if [the caretaker] gets a couple of results. "It's a difficult situation to be in at the start of a season if you lose your manager, but it's something you have to face and the players have to do the job. They're professionals and they want guidance from the manager, that's very important, but I think for a short period of time they can do and use what they got during pre-season to go and get results. "You just have to look at the way they played against Arsenal - they were thoroughly professional and in many ways were very unfortunate to lose the game away from home at the Emirates, which is a big result for anybody, whether they have a manager or not. They are always very difficult to break down - we found that last year when they beat us 1-0 twice, both goals from set pieces. We expect them to be difficult to break down again on Saturday and very dangerous on the break."
You spoke after the game last week about the failure to take your chances against Spurs. Does that emphasise the search for a striker?
SA: "We've done that search and they're here. The problem is that they're not quite ready yet but we will use them if and when we can. Now Sakho has arrived as well as Enner [Valencia], they're moving along with their fitness on a daily basis and will certainly be used as quickly as possible. If not against Crystal Palace, they'll certainly be used against Sheffield United in the Capital One Cup and hopefully they can hit the ground running. "There's no search for any more strikers from our point of view. My problem and my difficulty is more at the other end. We don't have James Collins because he's suspended and we may not have James Tomkins because of injury, and that leaves a massive hole for us in the central defensive position where we only have Winston Reid. That's my biggest concern moving into the Crystal Palace game."
In terms of that cover at the back, are you looking at making signings?
SA: "We're looking at players who are able to play in that position from throughout Europe."
Looking at Palace's game against Arsenal last week, what can you take from that?
SA: "I think they have some better players than they did last year, but they very much stick to the same type of structural organisation. It was difficult to beat them last year and it'll be just as difficult with the players they've brought in. "The new players have lots of Premier League experience and from that point of view we'll have a tough job. There's still lots of excitement around the ground there, in the second season in the Premier League, and the players know their positions and know what the job is. At the start of last season they found it difficult to cope with the league, but Tony Pulis came in and structured it accordingly. "It'll be a tight game, I think. Don't think there'll be many goals in it, but hopefully it'll be as entertaining as it possibly can be."
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Six of the best - Crystal Palace
WHUFc.com
A look back at six memorable West Ham United wins against Crystal Palace
21.08.2014
The Hammers make the short trip to Selhurst Park to take on Crystal Palace on Saturday as they look to bounce back from defeat in their season opener.
Here, whufc.com takes a look back at six memorable wins over the south Londoners.
West Ham United 3-0 Crystal Palace
Division One
1 October 2003
The Hammers most recent win over Crystal Palace came nearly eleven years ago when they recorded a comfortable win at the Boleyn Ground.
The high-flying home side moved up to third in the table thanks to a goal from Jermain Defoe and two from Neil Mellor.
The Eagles would have the last laugh however as they beat the Hammers 1-0 in the end of season play-off final and secured promotion to the Premier League.
West Ham United 4-1 Crystal Palace
Premier League
3 December 1997
A thumping win over the Eagles earned West Ham their sixth straight home win and moved them into the top half.
Four players got on the score sheet for the home side with David Unsworth, John Hartson, Eyal Berkovic and Steve Lomas all netting in the win.
Palace would go onto finish rock bottom of the table whilst West Ham enjoyed an eighth place finish.
Crystal Palace 2-3 West Ham United
First Division
17 September 1991
The Hammers last away victory over Crystal Palace came in the 1991/92 season as West Ham picked up only their second victory of the season.
Mitchell Thomas, Mike Small and Trevor Morley scored the goals to seal a precious three points in the visitors' battle against relegation.
It would prove fruitless though as towards the end of the season a 2-0 home defeat to the Eagles helped relegate the Hammers.
Crystal Palace 1-3 West Ham United
First Division
24 March 1973
West Ham were in the midst of a nine-match unbeaten run when they recorded a comfortable away win over doomed Palace.
The Hammers had beaten the Eagles 4-0 earlier in the season with Bryan Robson again netting in this win.
Ted MacDougall and Trevor Brooking, who netted twice in the aforementioned win, both scored a goal apiece to secure a good victory.
West Ham United 4-0 Crystal Palace
First Division
28 October 1972
West Ham maintained their unbeaten home record with a convincing win over the visiting Crystal Palace.
A double from Trevor Brooking and one each for Bryan Robson and John McDowell did the damage as the Hammers strolled to success.
West Ham would go onto finish sixth whilst Palace were relegated after finishing in 21st place.
Crystal Palace 0-3 West Ham United
First Division
30 October 1971
West Ham made it ten games unbeaten in all competitions with a resounding win in front of over 40,000 fans at Selhurst Park.
Clyde Best, Ade Coker and Billy Bonds chipped in with the goals as the Hammers moved up to ninth place in the table.
By the end of the season Crystal Palace had avoided relegation by four points whilst West Ham were comfortable in 14th place.
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See the U21s for free on Friday
WHUFc.com
Season Ticket Holders can gain free admission to the Dev Squad's game v Southampton
21.08.2014
Season Ticket Holders can watch the Development Squad take on Southampton at the Boleyn Ground for free this Friday. The U21s face their first home Barclays U21 Premier League game of the campaign, with kick-off at 7pm. Admission is free for Season Ticket Holders, otherwise Adult Tickets are available on the door for £3 and Concessions £1. The Boleyn Ground Store will also be open until 7pm. Skipper Dan Potts is looking forward to the game: "It's always good to have another game quickly after a defeat and we have one against Southampton at the Boleyn Ground on Friday. "We'll be going all out to get the win in that one and hopefully there'll be a good crowd in to watch it. "It's always nice to play in front of a decent crowd and it's a great experience to play there because, at the end of the day, that's where we want to be regularly. "Even the build up to the game, being around the place and the changing rooms is part of it,"
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A Spence force
KUMB.com
Filed: Thursday, 21st August 2014
By: Staff Writer
Jordan Spence has signed a one-year contract with MK Dons. The 24-year-old full-back was released by West Ham at the end of last season after spending almost a decade at the Boleyn Ground, since when he has been on trial with the likes of Blackburn Rovers. However the former England under 21 international finally secured a 12-month deal - with an option for an extra year - with the League One club this week and is available for his new club's league clash with Coventry this weekend. "I spent nine years at West Ham so this was a big decision for me," Spence told mkdons.com. "I've definitely made the right one. I'm determined to do all I can for MK Dons."
No stranger to Stadium MK, Spence made 31 appearances for the club whilst on loan from West Ham last season and hopes to resurrect his career at a club with which he is already familiar. "It feels great to be back, I'm really, really happy to be here," he added. "I've said many times how much I enjoyed my spells here last season, so I'm looking forward to pulling on the Dons shirt once again. "
Dons manager Karl Robinson was equally pleased at landing his man, adding: "I'm estastic to be able to bring Jordan back to the Club. He was a little bit out of our reach at first – I know there was interest from Championship clubs but for whatever reason nothing materialised. "He will push the two centre-halves and the full-backs because he's a natural right-back anyway. He provides us with great strength in depth and hopefully we can build on that."
Spence made his debut for West Ham in the final game of the 2009/10 season as an 88th-minute substitute against Manchester City. The following season he made two starts under Avram Grant - the first of which came in the 3-2 defeat at Wigan that condemned West Ham to the drop and the second a week later in the final home game of the season against Sunderland. In his final season at the club, Spence enjoyed a run of seven games under Sam Allardyce including four further starts. However his appearance at Old Trafford in the 1-0 FA Cup third round defeat in January 2013 was to prove to be his last for West Ham.
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West Ham eye Madrid defender
KUMB.com
Filed: Thursday, 21st August 2014
By: Staff Writer
West Ham are investigating the possibility of signing Athletico Madrid defender Toby Alderweireld on loan. The 25-year-old Belgian international joined the Champions League finalists a year ago this month in a €7million switch from Ajax but featured in just 12 La Liga matches last season. West Ham have approached Los Colchoneros with view to taking Alderweireld, who also starred for his country in the recent World Cup Finals, on loan for the rst of the season.
However Madrid are thought to be keen to recoup the €7million they paid for the centre half last summer. Sam Allardyce revealed earlier today that he was keen to tie down an additional central defender ahead of the close of the transfer window. And landing Alderweireld would certainly be seen as something of a coup for the Hammers, who could face a challenge from neighbours Arsenal - who have also been linked with the Belgian - for the player's signature.
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Big Sam takes it on the chin
KUMB.com
Filed: Thursday, 21st August 2014
By: Staff Writer
And the forehead, the cheeks and the top of his head.... Sam Allardyce showed what a good sport he was today when undertaking the Ice Bucket challenge, a craze that has swept across the UK in recent weeks. Nominated by Ravel Morrison yesterday, Allardyce had 24 hours in which to undergo the challenge or pay a forfeit by means of a charitable donation. And Big Sam naturally had to have a big bucket - or dustbin in this case as you can see from the footage below - for the task, as handled expertly by Carlton Cole and Ravel Morrison.
Like Allardyce, who subsequently nominated assistant manager Neil McDonald and Jack Sullivan, Carlton Cole - who was also nominated by Ravel Morrison - received the dustbin treatment this morning. Poor Carlton was left so shocked by the experience that he was unable to name any nominees...
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Allardyce: defender a priority
KUMB.com
Filed: Thursday, 21st August 2014
By: Staff Writer
Sam Allardyce admitted this morning that he hopes to bring in one additional defender before the transfer window closes little more than a week from now.
Allardyce, who went into the season with only three established centre halfs in James Collins, James Tomkins and Winston Reid has since lost Collins to suspension and Tomkins to injury (hamstring). And speaking to the press at this morning's pre-match press conference, the Hammers boss admitted that his priority between now and the close of the summer transfer window is the acquisition of an additional central defender. "We don't have James Collins because he's suspended and we may not have James Tomkins because of injury," he said. "That leaves a massive hole for us in the central defensive position where we only have Winston Reid. "That's my biggest concern moving into the Crystal Palace game. We're looking at players who are able to play in that position from throughout Europe."
Having added Enner Valencia, Diafra Sakho and Mauro Zarate to his first team squad this summer, Allardyce is now well-stocked in attack - even without Andy Carroll, who is expected to remain sidelined until November. And despite being less than full match-fit, Allardyce insisted that he expects the new boys to be utilised at some point during the next week. "The problem is that they're not quite ready yet but we will use them if and when we can," he said. "Now Sakho has arrived as well as Enner, they're moving along with their fitness on a daily basis and will certainly be used as quickly as possible. "If not against Crystal Palace, they'll certainly be used against Sheffield United in the Capital One Cup and hopefully they can hit the ground running. But there's no search for any more strikers from our point of view."
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And now Dicksy takes a dousing
KUMB.com
Filed: Thursday, 21st August 2014
By: Staff Writer
West Ham United Ladies manager Julian Dicks has joined a long list of celebrities to take the Ice Bucket Challenge. KUMB revealed yesterday how Ravel Morrison undertook the challenge before nominating team mate Carlton Cole and manager Sam Allardyce to follow him. And this morning the Hammers legend looked visibly shocked - well it was a bit chilly, after all - when self-dousing, before naming former team mates Tony Cottee and Frank McAvennie as his two nominees.
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WEST HAM ALLEGEDLY OFFERED THE SERVICES OF LEONARDO PAVOLETTI!
By S J Chandos 21 Aug 2014 at 16:30
West Ham Till I Die
The number of strikers that West Ham have been linked with this summer, well it has to be a new record, even by our club's previous standards! And yesterday there was a report in the Sports Mail making the list just that bit longer. It alleges that Italian Serie A club, Sassuolo have offered West Ham the services of their striker, Leonardo Pavoletti. It is unclear from the report whether that offer is in the form of a loan move or a permanent deal.
Pavoletti is obviously not one of the better known Serie A strikers. In fact, he spent nearly the whole of 2013-14 on loan to Varese in Serie B, where he scored 24 goals in 33 matches to help them escape relegation. Prior to that in 2012-13, again in Serie B, Pavoletti scored 11 goals in 35 matches to help Sassuolo gain promotion to Serie A. So, basically he is a Serie B striker, with no substantive goal scoring record in the top tier. Indeed, his Serie A track record amounts to turning out for Sassuolo in the first two fixtures of last season, before departing to Varese. As such, why would Sassuolo, or anyone else for that matter, conclude that Pavoletti would be suitable for the English Premier League and West Ham eager to take up the offer of his services?
It seems that West Ham's 'issues' up front have become known 'far and wide.' And this has resulted in clubs, and agents, chancing their arm and offering all sorts of players. Some likely decent and others unexceptional. I do not know which category Pavoletti falls in to because I have never seen him play. I suppose he could be a star in-the-making, although one has to ask if that was the case why would Sassuolo not want to retain him? We have taken a calculated risk on Sakho making the grade, based upon his goal scoring record in the 2nd tier of French football and an assessment of his potential to develop in to a PL striker. I very much doubt that the club would want to take a bigger risk on another unproven striker like Pavoletti.
So, I think it will probably be a case of thanks, but no thanks Sassuolo! Unless, the terms of the proposed loan are so good that there is nothing to be lost by going for it. Time will tell, as always!
However, from Sam Allardyce's last public statements, it appears that there will be no more attacking reinforcements and the priority for signings is now in defence. Which of course, is bound to make the club management happy, as that appears to very much be their comfort zone. So, speculation about Pavoletti or any other striker signing, for that matter, could very well be wide of the mark?
And the latest on defensive augmentation? Well, there are the ongoing rumours about negotiations with Man City's Micah Richards on a loan move. While, the very latest speculation, courtsey of kumb, is that we may have an active interest in Athletico Madrid's Belgian central defender, Toby Alderweireld, who starred in the summer World Cup Finals and is considered a fine prospect. It would be something of a coup for the Hammers to landed him in all honesty, but it will most likely cost the club c.£6m to do so. However, with Winston Reid's long-term future at the club looking increasingly in doubt, perhaps that is the type of quality acquisition that we should target, rather than focus on a lesser, stop gap signing.
SJ. Chandos
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WHERE IS ELLIOT'S SQUAD NUMBER?
By Sean Whetstone 21 Aug 2014 at 08:39
West Ham Till I Die
22 squad numbers have been allocated so far to West Ham players but one notable name absence is Elliot Lee. The Academy striker scored 9 goals in the Development squad pre-fixture fixtures which was two more than the whole of the first team in their pre season campaign. He was rewarded with a first team bench spot in the final pre season friendly and came on to setup the goal which fellow Academy youngster Reece Burke scored late in the game but he is yet to receive a first team squad number.
Lee scored three doubles, his first brace came against Havant and WaterlooVille on the 15th July earning the U21's a 2-1 win, this was quickly followed 5 days later by another brace during a 4-2 win over RCD Espanyol. Just 9 days later he netted two again against Braintree to win the game 2-0 He completed his pre season with a hat trick against Woking in a match I attended and he was by far the best man on the pitch to enable the youngsters to win 3-2. In contrast I witnessed a unconfident awkward Maiga relegated to the development squad warm up at Woking, he missed shot after shot against 16 year old keeper Sam Howes. His team mates were laughing at him and it must be humiliating for him to sit on the bench to watch Lee bang in the goals while he remained an un-used sub at £30,000 per week.
I understand Sam Allardyce believes players need to earn their squad numbers, my question is what has the boy got to do more to earn his? Diego Poyet who has been bought in mainly as a development squad player this season and he immediately was given the number 23 without seemingly earning his spurs.
All Premier League clubs must submit a squad of up to 25 players, by 5pm on Monday, September 1st. 20 squad numbers already allocated to players over 21 and two allocated to players under 21 (Morrison and Poyet), the 23rd number is about to allocated to Diafra Sakho subject to his international clearance.
Each 25-man Premier League squad must include at least eight 'home-grown' players. The 'home-grown' players do not have to be English. According to the Premier League: "A home grown player is defined as one who, irrespective of his nationality or age, has been registered with any club affiliated to the Football Association or the Welsh Football Association for a period, continuous or not, of three entire seasons or 36 months prior to his 21st birthday (or the end of the season during which he turns 21)."
West Ham have the luxury of 14 of their current 22 man named squad being classed under this home grown rule. Nolan, Poyet, Cresswell, O'Brien, Collins, Carroll Tomkins, Jarvis, Downing, Morrison, Noble, Jenkinson, Vaz. Te and Cole are all classed as home grown talent.
In addition to the 25-man named squad, clubs can use an unlimited number of players aged 21 or under.
This means the likes of Reece Burke (17), Josh Cullen (18) Elliot Lee and Diego Poyet (19) plus Danny Potts, Blair Turgott, Matthias Fanimo (all 20) and Ravel Morrison (21) but under 21 on 1st January) can be included in the squad without taking up a place a valuable place in the squad of 25.
What harm can it do to give the promising under 21's a first team squad number?
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Sunderland boss Gus Poyet explains why he let son sign for West Ham
HITC
Freddie Shires
Gus Poyet has revealed he had the option to bring his son Diego Poyet to Sunderland this summer but had serious reservations about how the move might be perceived. Sunderland manager Gus Poyet has revealed why he did not attempt to sign his son Diego Poyet this summer, having seen the midfielder move from Charlton Athletic to West Ham United last month. Rumours linking the 19-year-old with a move to the north east immediately surfaced upon Poyet's appointment in October, with his announcement in June that he would not be renewing his Charlton contract further fuelling speculation. The Black Cats boss admitted that the option to sign the former England under-17 international was there, but the friction he believed it would have caused in the dressing room made him decide against it. 'There was a family issue,' The Mirror quoted the Uruguayan as saying. 'I would love to coach him, but at the same time it would be unfair on him. 'Do you think the players on the bench would accept it if I'm playing my son?' Having signed a four-year deal with the Hammers, the younger Poyet made 20 appearances for Charlton last season after becoming a regular in the side from February onwards, with his impressive performances seeing him win the club's Player of the Year award. Recently in the news after old tweets criticising teammates Andy Carroll and Stewart Downing surfaced, the highly-rated youngster also attracted the interest of Arsenal, Tottenham Hotspur and Chelsea this summer, and looks set to for a bright Premier League future.
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Carlos Tevez will be at West Ham's Capital One Cup match... in his thousands!
By NIK SIMON
PUBLISHED: 20:37, 21 August 2014 | UPDATED: 20:37, 21 August 2014
Daily Mail
Upton Park will be filled with thousands of Carlos Tevez masks when West Ham take on Sheffield United in their Capital One Cup tie on Tuesday. Tevez scored some crucial goals during his time in east London, including the winner against Manchester United on the final day of the 2006/07 season to save the Hammers from relegation. West Ham supporters had to watch their side average just 1.05 goals per game last season, but now they can rekindle the spirit of Tevez by wearing a cardboard cut-out of their favourite Argentine striker. While West Ham fans would welcome back the South American with open arms, manager Sam Allardyce has no plans to sign attacking reinforcements after Saturday's 1-0 defeat to Tottenham. 'There's no search for any more strikers from my point of view, the difficulty is at the other end,' he said. 'We're without James Collins because of suspension and we could be without James Tomkins because of injury.'
'We're looking at players who are able to play in that position [centre back] throughout Europe.'
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Hammers prepare new Reid talks
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on August 21, 2014 in Whispers
Claret & hugh
West Ham intend re-opening negotiations with Winston Reid on his new contract once the transfer window has closed. Manager Sam Allardyce and co owner David Sullivan are keen to tie the player down to a new four year deal but are waiting to see how things play out in the final days of the window with Arsenal reportedly watching developments. Rumours started emerging this evening that the New Zealander had rejected a new offer from the club but ClaretandHugh has learned there has been no further contact between the two sides. Speaking exclusively to this site a week ago co chairman David Sullivan revealed the club had made Reid a "fantastic offer" and commented: "Ask him if he's going to accept."
However, tonight a source told us: "There has been no contact on the issue since the club's last offer. "At the moment the manager and chairman have their hands full chasing one or two more signings. "But once the window is closed they will get down to some hard talking with the player again."
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Irons hatch Kouyate cover plan
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on August 21, 2014 in Whispers
Claret & Hugh
West Ham are highly unlikely to have secured a new loan signing to cover at central defence before the weekend game at Palace. Th Irons have been linked with Micah Richards this week but a source told ClaretandHugh: "Unless we are very lucky we don't expect to have someone in for the weekend." However, Sam Allardyce morning concerns that could have "a huge hole" at the back are unfounded. A training ground source made it clear the situation was covered and that hopefully James Tomkins would be fit for first team duty. He said: "He will probably face a late fitness test but has been improving all week. "However, should he not be available then we have Cheikou Kouyate who can play in that role. "However, we definitely want to bring in another central defender before the end of the transfer window."
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Maiga update on Metz talks
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on August 21, 2014 in Whispers
Claret & Hugh
West Ham have confirmed to ClaretandHugh that they are talking to Metz about the possibility of Modibo Maiga joining the club on a season long loan. Negotiations are at an early stage and we have been told that the Irons will know more within the next 72 hours. The news emerged out of France this morning that Maiga was the subject of talks but it has now been confirmed by a highly placed Hammers insider. However, the Irons will still be paying the lion's share of the player's wages if he makes the move. We have been told that Metz are only prepared to pay 20 per cent of Maiga's salary believed to be in the region of £30k a week. ClaretandHugh was told: "We are talking but that's about the size of the situation. We'll know more in the next 72 hours."
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Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger 'weighs up move for West Ham defender Winston Reid'
Aug 22, 2014 03:08 By Chris Richards
The 26-year-old is out of contract at the end of the season and is said to be interesting Gunners boss Arsene Wenger
The Mirror
Arsenal are reportedly weighing up a move for West Ham's Winston Reid. The 26-year-old defender is out of contract at the end of this season and, according to The Times, he is being monitored by the Gunners.# As of yet, however, Arsene Wenger has not made an official approach for the player, the paper reports.
The New Zealand international joined the Hammers in 2010 and signed a new two-year contract in April 2013. To date, he has played 94 times for the Upton Park club.
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Thursday, August 21
Daily WHUFC News - 21st August 2014
The Big Interview - Ricardo Vaz Te
WHUFc.com
Ricardo Vaz Te says the Hammers are in confident mood ahead of Saturday's
trip to Selhurst Park
19.08.2014
Ricardo Vaz Te believes there is plenty of reason for optimism ahead of West
Ham United's Barclays Premier League meeting with Crystal Palace on
Saturday.
Adamant that the Hammers should count themselves unlucky to have left the
Boleyn Ground empty handed following last weekend's defeat by Tottenham
Hotspur, the Hammers No12 is hopeful that the Club's fortunes in front of
goal will turn at Selhurst Park.
The 27-year-old was one of many to try and fail to beat Hugo Lloris last
time out and expects to get sharper each and every time he takes to the
field going forward.
It's a few days since the Tottenham game and everyone's had some time to
digest it. What are your thoughts now?
RVT: "We're OK now, we're all professionals here. Obviously we were
disappointed to lose but we pick ourselves up and go again. I think it's the
manner in which we lost that's very disappointing. After Tottenham went a
man down we had control of the game, we had a few good chances, myself
especially, and I was very disappointed.
"But it was the first game and I thought we performed well, so I think we
can take many positives from the game. Everybody seems alright, the spirit
is OK, the mood is OK, we're fine."
A lot has been said of debutants Cheikhou Kouyate, Aaron Cresswell and Enner
Valencia. What did you make of their first outings at the Boleyn Ground?
RVT: "Enner obviously hasn't really played with the team, that was his first
game. But Cheikh and Aaron, I think they look like they belong to the team.
They look like they've been here for ages, to be honest. All pre-season it
looked that way, so they've adapted really well, which is very pleasing.
Because you always have that kind of concern if they're going to adapt
straight away, but they seem very comfortable.
"Actually, I think Aaron and Cheikh were our best players. Hopefully they
can keep that form, they can grow from it and just be better and better.
Enner will hopefully come in slowly as well and show the same result. I
think it's all down to the lads, because they're so welcoming, everybody is
so friendly. It's nice to come into a dressing room like that and I think
that makes it easier for the new lads."
Was it good to be back in front of a packed house at the Boleyn Ground?
RVT: "It was frenetic, I've never actually seen it that way. I've been at
the Club now for three years, but I thought wow, this is where you want to
be, this is where you want to play. So we were all very excited and it was
just such a shame that we couldn't get the three points."
You spoke of the positives from Saturday. Do you think if you're able to
replicate that performance that you can get a result at Palace?
RVT: "Of course. Obviously our aim is really high this season compared to
last, but I think the fans could see the difference. I think we were the
best team, I think it's fair to say we were the better team. Tottenham were
very lucky to come away with the result, I think they'd have taken a draw,
to actually go and win it was something else for them. Like I said, it was
very positive, we played some good stuff, we created opportunities, good
opportunities and we just failed to take them."
Palace are currently without a manager, is that something that could benefit
West Ham, if there's uncertainty among the players?
RVT: "It's always tough, but you never know how they're going to react to
it. I saw the game against Arsenal and they look like a decent side. It
didn't look it had affected them at all, but obviously it will have some
effect, but to what extent I don't know.
"We're going to go there with confidence, obviously we know we can get a
result there, it's going to be tough, of course it's going to be tough, but
we believe in ourselves. I think we're a very good side and we've got plenty
of players here capable of making the difference."
You've had a good pre-season, you've been in good form and obviously you
started the first game. How do you feel at the moment?
RVT: "I feel good, I feel like there is another gear coming up, which is
good. I'm just getting sharper and sharper, but you only get sharper with
the games.
"Last year was very unfortunate. If memory serves, I started five games and
my fifth one was at Swansea, where I dislocated my shoulder. By then I'd
scored four goals out of four starts. So it was very disappointing, because
I felt I had it in me to go a long way, to keep that form. But never mind, I
pick myself up and go again. "This season I just want to be consistent.
Only by staying fit can I improve, can I grow and I think I can improve
more, especially from Saturday. There are so many positives to take and
there's so much room for improvement, definitely."
The Club have been busy in the transfer market, seven summer signings. Some
are in the attacking positions where you play, so does that add more
pressure or is that a good thing as far as you're concerned?
RVT: "Definitely, it makes you raise your standard, but it's definitely a
pressure. Some people can handle it, some people can't. We're professionals,
so hopefully we can all handle it. I look forward to it, I love pressure, I
love that. Jarvo [Matt Jarvis] was in great form before his injury, Stewie
[Stewart Downing] is in great form, so hopefully Matt will come back and put
that bit extra pressure on us, so we can all raise our standards. It's
definitely a good thing."
Looking further ahead, what would success be for West Ham this season?
RVT: "I think success now, without getting ahead of ourselves, is to finish
top ten, comfortably. Not scrapping for it, just to have a good season, a
stable season, especially coming back from last season, when things were
uncertain. "Just a clean season, because we're moving to the new Stadium in
two years, so you want to be consistent, so that when you move there, you
can attract very good players to the Club to make the Club even better. I
think that will be a very good season for West Ham United to finish top ten
and we can build again."
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Big Sam's bucket challenge
KUMB.com
Filed: Wednesday, 20th August 2014
By: Staff Writer
Ravel Morrison took the Ice Bucket Challenge earlier today - before
nominating manager Sam Allardyce as the next participant. West Ham's young
midfielder appeared on Instagram this afternoon taking the challenge, before
nominating four people to follow him - including West Ham United's Carlton
Cole and manager Sam Allardyce.
The Ice Bucket Challenge is an American initiative whereby participants are
challenged to accept a full bucket of ice-cold water over their head. Once
nominated by previous participants, those either unable or unwilling to
follow suite within a 24-hour period are requested to make a charitable
donation.
It now remains to be seen whether Big Sam will comply with Morrison's
nomination; were he to do so he'd follow in the footsteps of famous names
such as Cristiano Ronaldo, Microsoft mogul Bill Gates and pop star Miley
Cyrus, all of whom have been swept up in the viral challenge which has swept
across Europe this summer.
The Ice Bucket Challenge was until recently popularised by non-profit
organisation The ALS Association, who campaign to spread awareness about Lou
Gehrig's disease - aka ALS (Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis) - predominantly
in North America.
This summer the challenge has been adopted in Europe and the UK, with
charitable concerns such as The Motor Neurone Disease Association and
Macmillan Cancer Support benefiting from the campaign.
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Valeri Bojinov reportedly due to talk to West Ham about Premier League
return
Last Updated: 20/08/14 9:17am
SSN
Former Manchester City striker Valeri Bojinov has been allowed to travel to
England amid reports he will hold talks with West Ham United. The Bulgaria
international is currently playing for Levski Sofia in his homeland, but has
a clause in his contract which allows him to leave the club on a free
transfer.
He was left out of Sunday's game against Botev Plovdiv and reports have
claimed that he is now discussing a move to West Ham. Levski sporting
director Georgi Ivanov told Bulgarian National Radio: "We had to let him go
because we have an agreement. I allowed him to travel to England because I
am contractually required to do so. "But he remains a Levski player until
he signs with another team."
West Ham manager Sam Allardyce is in the market for a new striker after
losing Andy Carroll for around four months due to an ankle injury. Bojinov
previously spent three years at City after joining from Fiorentina in 2007,
but his time at the Etihad Stadium was wrecked by knee and Achilles
injuries.
The 28-year-old made just 12 appearances for City, with his only goal for
the club coming against Tottenham Hotspur in 2009. He has subsequently
played for the likes of Parma, Sporting Lisbon and Vicenza before linking up
with Levski earlier this year.
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NEXT UP: CRYSTAL PALACE
By Tony Hanna 20 Aug 2014 at 20:19
West Ham Till I Die
The first match of the season against Spurs will be reviewed with mixed
emotions amongst West Ham fans. On the positive side we played some nice
football at times and the energy and enthusiasm was there to see on the
pitch and the crowd responded, generating a good atmosphere around the
Boleyn. The promising debuts of Kayoute and Cresswell have already been well
documented and discussed and the general view is that we have secured a
couple of very good additions to the squad. The downsides were obviously the
loss itself to our arch rivals and our inability technically and tactically
to score the goal that would have almost certainly put the game to bed
before our last minute heartache. I blame myself for Noble's penalty miss. I
always close my eyes for West Ham penalties but have become so confident in
recent times that I decided to watch the one against Spurs. Sorry Mark!
So this weekend we have a chance to put things right in our second London
derby of the week against Crystal Palace. As a newly promoted team to the
Premier League last season, Palace's first thirteen games only secured seven
points and they looked doomed even before Christmas. The Tony Pulis
revolution that followed actually saw them go on and finish eleventh and
some five points ahead of the Hammers. The football World never ceases to
amaze but it again threw up a bombshell when Pulis and Palace parted company
just two days before the new season started last week. My heart goes out to
those who backed Sam in the sack race as they did not even get a run for
their money. Most pundits had Palace safe in their pre-season tips and many
were sent running to make changes, if they could, as the bookies prices
tumbled on their relegation probabilities.
The transfer window has not seen too many new faces arrive at Selhurst Park.
Martin Kelly from Liverpool and Brede Hangeland from Fulham have been
brought in to bolster the defence and Fraizer Campbell arrived from Cardiff
City. Another amazing football fact is that both Kelly and Campbell each
have an England cap to their name. What is not so surprising is that both do
not have two!
Despite the turmoil, Crystal Palace put in a valiant effort on the weekend
away to Arsenal. Taking the lead from a Hangeland header from a corner they
finally succumbed to injury time goals at the end of both halves to go down
2-1. It was a typical Palace performance. Hard to break down, score from a
set piece and put in an effort that was full of heart and desire. Pretty
much what Sam wants from our boys to be honest. At the time of writing the
dogs are barking that Malky Mackay is the man to take over from Tony Pulis.
The bad news for us is that the "new manager always wins his first game"
scenario looms large if the appointment is made this week. James Collins
suspension from his red card against Spurs, together with a lingering injury
to James Tomkins have caused concern as to who will partner Winston Reid at
the heart of the defence. Perhaps a phone call to "relegation Roger" will
help mirror last seasons embarrassing phone call to Carlton? Palace will
also be without the suspended Jason Puncheon.
Our recent history against Crystal Palace is not good. They did a 1-0 double
over us last season and we have failed to beat them in the past six meetings
including the play off final back in 2004. You have to go back to 2003 for
the last time we beat them and indeed back to 1991 for the last time we beat
them away. One advantage that Palace do have in their home games is their
brilliant crowd support. They break the trend where so many Premier League
home grounds are practically sterile nowadays and the noisy vocals of the
Palace supporters are the envy of many. Our own excellent away support
should ensure a great match day atmosphere in what may already be termed by
some as a vital six pointer. COYI.
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TODAY'S TRANSFER GOSSIP
By Iain Dale 20 Aug 2014 at 12:34
West Ham Till I Die
Iron Views reckons talks are advanced with Manchester City's Micah Richards
for a season long loan. When he broke into the Citeh first team he looked
the real deal and soon played for England. Perhaps we can get his career
back on track. He can play in central defence or as a right back. I'd be
really excited by his signing.
There are strong rumours that former Manchester City striker Valeri Bojinov
may be on his way to Upton Park on a few transfer from Levski Sofia. He has
been very injury prone in recent seasons, but had a good goals to games
ratio last season. Personally I can't see the logic of this one and doubt it
will actually happen.
Claret & Hugh reckons James Tomkins will be fit for Saturday
According to the Daily Mail West Ham have asked about taking Corinthians
striker Paolo Guerrero on loan with a view to a permanent deal
The Mail and Mirror allege the Hammers have also revived interest in Boca
Juniors left-back Emanuel Insua, 23.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
LET ME TAKE YOU DOWN, COS I'M GOING TO... VELEZ SARSFIELD
By Iain Dale 20 Aug 2014 at 08:06
West Ham Till I Die
Guest Post by Neil Clack
"He's 'Loco', I'm tellin' ya… a real fruit-cake… But fantastic player…
really skilful… a bit selfish… well, very selfish actually, ha,ha, but all
the best strikers are, aren't they?"
Where better to get an opinion on the Hammers' new striker than from those
who watched him play in Argentina last season, where he topped the
goalscoring charts of the 'final' league tournament with 13 goal in 19
matches, so, as I'm out here for a few weeks, I thought I'd investigate.
It's saturday evening and current champions Velez Sarsfield have just won
2-0 at home to 'El Arse' (the nickname affectionately, and quite innocently,
given to Arsenal de Sarandi by both fans and the Argentina press alike).
Velez is a family club, one of the best run in Buenos Aires, and the old
couple serving behind the bar in the Supporters' club know the Zarate family
well. Mauro is the youngest of four brothers, all professional footballers
(Roland played briefly played for Real Madrid during the Galacticos period,
as well as Velez and a host of other clubs), and their father, from Chile
originally, was also a well-known professional footballer for Independiente.
"Of the four of them, Mauro is the most talented", reckons Aunt Evelyn, "but
he's also the craziest!" That ties in with the view of journalist and club
historian Eduardo who describes Mauro as "temperamental", and a "spontaneous
player", who can "conjure up magic", but who is also "very up and down".
"I think that's what happened at Lazio", says Eduardo, "He did well there in
the beginning, but then, by all accounts, went right off the boil. I think
he needs to be loved, to feel wanted". When I mention that Mauro didn't play
today against Tottenham, Eduardo shakes his head, "I can't see him lasting
long there then", he says, "to be honest, I don't know why he's at West Ham.
He should be playing for a Champions League team, in my opinion".
Crazy? Moody? Spontaneous? Does that sound familiar to Hammers fans? And in
another of those 'only at West Ham' anecdotes, we now have two players in
our history who have returned the Nazi salute to the fascist Ultras amongst
the Lazio fans. However, whereas, Di Canio tried to explain it away by
giving an impromptu history lesson on how it is not a Nazi salute, but the
Roman salute that Hitler stole from them, Zarate's representatives simply
claimed naivety, explaining that Zarate didn't even know who Hitler and
Mussolini were. As ludicrous as that may sound, the education system in the
provinces of Buenos Aires, where Zarate grew up, isn't the best, and unlike
ourselves, kids in Argentina aren't brought up on a stable television diet
of World War 2 films and Dad's Army repeats, it's is actually feasible that
he really didn't know his dictators…
But enough of all that. Tactically, it's difficult to see where Zarate fits
into Allardyce's system. At Velez last season, Zarate formed a striking
partnership with Lucas Pratto, in the classic Argentine version of the 4-4-2
formation (4-3-1-2, the difference being that a playmaker, with few
defensive duties, plays behind the 2 strikers – the other 3 midfileders have
more defensive roles and play fairly central). Zarate is probably used to
more elaboration in the build-up, while he moves laterally across the final
3rd, timing his runs and waiting for the killer pass to run onto. It's
difficult to see which players at West Ham will be capable of delivering
that all important 'defence-splitting' pass, and he won't be used to playing
with wingers, so it will be interesting to see what he makes of players like
Downing and Jarvis, with their crosses, and the diagonal balls from the full
backs, and Sam's famous PBEs (Penalty Box Entries), all of which will be a
new way of playing for Zarate.
If the idea is to partner Zarate with Andy Carroll (or Carlton Cole when
Carroll's out), then there could be a worrying precedent in the way that
Carroll and Luis Suarez failed to gel at Liverpool? Of course, it's unfair
to compare Zarate with one of the best players in the world, but they do
both come from the same Rio Platense footballing background.
Despite Carroll wishing to stay at Liverpool two seasons ago, manager
Brendan Rogers was adamant he should leave. I read a tactical article about
Liverpool by Jonathon Northcroft in the Times last April and this bit caught
my eye: "Rogers has filtered out the slow movers – ditching Joe Cole and
Andy Carroll early in his reign and sidelining Lucas and Jose Enrique
lately. His training involves 'exercises built around the speed of the
ball'.
Without Carroll, who got in Suarez's way by operating in the same areas that
the Uruguayan likes to move in, and without Downing too, which allowed
Suarez to also pull out wide and attack from the left, Suarez reaped havoc
on opposition defences, who never knew from which which part of the pitch,
and from which angle, he was going to run at them, and in Daniel Sturridge,
Suarez found an equally mobile and flexible strike-partner, on his
wavelength. Pratto, Zarate's strike-partner at Velez, was a lot more
Sturridge than Andy Carroll/Carlton Cole in style of play.
In fact, logic says it can't work. You can't just graft a South American
ball player onto Sam's system and expect it to morph into flowing carpet
football with all the players understanding one other.
Or can you?
By all accounts Zarate did well in his brief spell (4 months) at Birmingham,
and Alex McLeish is an even bigger PBE-merchant than Allardyce! (although
Zarate's efforts weren't enough to prevent Brum from being relegated that
season it should be added).
The tactical theory says it can't work, but my heart really wants it to, so
thinking positive, could it be that the idea is so mad and illogical that
maybe, just maybe, it could be a stroke of genius?
Beatles fans will tell you that Strawberry Fields is actually two, quite
different, John Lennon songs. He was struggling to finish both of them
before he hit upon the idea of just joining them together. Paul McCartney,
and the 5th Beatle, producer George Martin, did their best to persuade
Lennon that it was a bad idea that wouldn't work. Martin, trained in
classical music theory, even took Lennon aside to explain how the two songs
were in a different key and had different tempos, but Lennon, drunk and
stoned, insisted, "I can hear it in my head – why can't you just slow and
speed up the recordings and splice them together". In the end, Martin and
McCartney did that, just to appease Lennon and shut him up, to show him how
it wouldn't work. The result, to their astonishment, was one of the most
emblematic, some would say most beautiful, songs of the era.
Which nicely leads me to the end. In Argentina, the crowds on the high
standing terraces make a lot of noise, often reworking the lyrics of well
known songs. For example, Culture Club's 'Karma Chameleon', and Bonnie
Tyler's 'It's a Heartache' have been reworked into popular terrace chants,
and Velez fans, to the melody of Strawberry Fields sometimes sing,
"na,na,na,na,naaaarrr …. na,na,na,na,naaaaaarrr… Velez Sarsfield, Velez
Sarsfield forever…
If it all works out well for both Zarate and Sam Allardyce at West Ham, if
they are both at West Ham in six months time, with the club halfway up the
league, then David Sullivan is a genius, the footballing equivalent of John
Lennon.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Richards/Irons update
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on August 20, 2014 in Whispers
Claret & Hugh
West Ham's hopes of signing Manchester City's Micha Richards have been
described as no better than fifty/fifty by ClaretandHugh sources. We broke
the news yesterday (Tues) the Hammers were involved in talks with City but
that there were several hurdles to overcome. We were told, his club are
anxious about letting him out on an extended loan in the final year of his
contract. And this afternoon our source explained: "Talks have been going on
and there has been a lot of reportage on the issue but although we are
talking, we are no closer to an outcome. "The player is on around £70k a
week and there is no real willingness to do a wage sharing scheme. There's
also the problem that to let him out on loan could decrease his value. "Some
media outlets are claiming that a deal is close but it doesn't look that way
from where West Ham are sitting. We will try to thrash something out but
nobody's holding their breath. "And with James Tomkins looking likely to be
available for the weekend there's no massive urgency attached to doing a
deal quickly."
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Ravel nominates Big Sam for Ice bucket challenge
Posted by Sean Whetstone on August 20, 2014 in Whispers
Claret & Hugh
Ravel Morrison posted a video of himself this afternoon completing the ALS
Ice bucket challenge and laid down the challenge to Sam Allardyce, Carlton
Cole and two of his mates to do the same within the next 48 hours. Morrison
completed the challenge after being nominated by Arsenal striker Chupa
Akpom.
The challenge has gone viral on the Internet with Oprah, Justin Bieber,
Britney Spears, Bill Gates, Mark Zuckerberg, Lady Gaga, Charlie Sheen and
George Bush all taking part in the challenge, which sees a bucket of ice
water dumped over participants' heads. Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS)
is the umbrella term used in the US to describe what we in the UK call Motor
Neurone Disease.
A motor neuron is a nerve cell that makes voluntary muscle movements. MND is
a disease in which these cells stop working properly. Motor neurone disease
(MND) affects a person's ability to move voluntarily. MND stops people
eating, walking and talking, for example, but doesn't stop them from
thinking or feeling, effectively leaving sufferers 'locked in' to their
bodies. There is no known cure at the moment.
When asked whether Sam and Carlton will accept the challenge a source close
to club said 'watch this space!'
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Bojinov for Irons – THE TRUTH
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on August 20, 2014 in Whispers
Claret & Hugh
Reports that former Manchester City and Fiorentina striker Valeri Bojinov is
discussing a free transfer to West Ham are more than a little premature.
National newspaper reports that the Levski Sofia striker is on his way to
the club broke over the last few days with the news last night that he was
now in London.
However, ClaretandHugh has learned that the 28 year old is simply being
given a trial at this stage and that talks on a deal have not been held.
Levski sporting director Georgi Ivanov fueled the belief that a deal was in
prospect when he told Bulgarian national radio: 'We had to let him go
because we have an agreement. I allowed him to travel to England because I
am contractually required to do so." However, a well placed Hammers source
told ClaretandHugh exclusively: "One or two media outlets appear to have got
a little bit ahead of themselves. "It's far too early to tell whether we
will be offering him any kind of deal – we are just giving him a trial. "
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Hammers Wage bill is near maximum limit
Posted by Sean Whetstone on August 20, 2014 in Whispers
Claret & Hugh
Sources close to West Ham have revealed to ClaretandHugh that the players
annual wage bill has reached £57m this summer leaving just £1m in wages
before this season's Premier League Financial Fair Play limit is reached.
West Ham are unlikely to have increased retail or commercial income last
season after a bumper season before so £58m is likely to be the upper limit
this season to comply within the rules.
The release of Joe Cole, Jack Collison, Alou Diarra and George McCartney
released around £7m off the wage bill while the end of loans for Roger
Johnson, Pablo Armero, Antonio Nocerino and Marco Borriello is thought to
have released the equivalent of another £3m off the wage bill.
The seven new Hammers signings have added a combined weekly wage including
employers national insurance of around £244,000 adding over £12.4m to wage
bill.
Although the Financial Fair Play limit was £54m last season West Ham
actually had more than £61m available after Commercial revenue rose from
£7.9m to £13.9m and retail sales were up from £4.8m to £6m in our first
season back in the Premier League. Under Premier League FFP rules this extra
commercial revenue gave the club another £7.2m to spend last season if they
wanted to.
The remaining £1m this season could be used as £19k per week or £38k per
week as part of a six month loan, any outbound players sold would also
release further wages from the wage limit.
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WHUFc.com
Ricardo Vaz Te says the Hammers are in confident mood ahead of Saturday's
trip to Selhurst Park
19.08.2014
Ricardo Vaz Te believes there is plenty of reason for optimism ahead of West
Ham United's Barclays Premier League meeting with Crystal Palace on
Saturday.
Adamant that the Hammers should count themselves unlucky to have left the
Boleyn Ground empty handed following last weekend's defeat by Tottenham
Hotspur, the Hammers No12 is hopeful that the Club's fortunes in front of
goal will turn at Selhurst Park.
The 27-year-old was one of many to try and fail to beat Hugo Lloris last
time out and expects to get sharper each and every time he takes to the
field going forward.
It's a few days since the Tottenham game and everyone's had some time to
digest it. What are your thoughts now?
RVT: "We're OK now, we're all professionals here. Obviously we were
disappointed to lose but we pick ourselves up and go again. I think it's the
manner in which we lost that's very disappointing. After Tottenham went a
man down we had control of the game, we had a few good chances, myself
especially, and I was very disappointed.
"But it was the first game and I thought we performed well, so I think we
can take many positives from the game. Everybody seems alright, the spirit
is OK, the mood is OK, we're fine."
A lot has been said of debutants Cheikhou Kouyate, Aaron Cresswell and Enner
Valencia. What did you make of their first outings at the Boleyn Ground?
RVT: "Enner obviously hasn't really played with the team, that was his first
game. But Cheikh and Aaron, I think they look like they belong to the team.
They look like they've been here for ages, to be honest. All pre-season it
looked that way, so they've adapted really well, which is very pleasing.
Because you always have that kind of concern if they're going to adapt
straight away, but they seem very comfortable.
"Actually, I think Aaron and Cheikh were our best players. Hopefully they
can keep that form, they can grow from it and just be better and better.
Enner will hopefully come in slowly as well and show the same result. I
think it's all down to the lads, because they're so welcoming, everybody is
so friendly. It's nice to come into a dressing room like that and I think
that makes it easier for the new lads."
Was it good to be back in front of a packed house at the Boleyn Ground?
RVT: "It was frenetic, I've never actually seen it that way. I've been at
the Club now for three years, but I thought wow, this is where you want to
be, this is where you want to play. So we were all very excited and it was
just such a shame that we couldn't get the three points."
You spoke of the positives from Saturday. Do you think if you're able to
replicate that performance that you can get a result at Palace?
RVT: "Of course. Obviously our aim is really high this season compared to
last, but I think the fans could see the difference. I think we were the
best team, I think it's fair to say we were the better team. Tottenham were
very lucky to come away with the result, I think they'd have taken a draw,
to actually go and win it was something else for them. Like I said, it was
very positive, we played some good stuff, we created opportunities, good
opportunities and we just failed to take them."
Palace are currently without a manager, is that something that could benefit
West Ham, if there's uncertainty among the players?
RVT: "It's always tough, but you never know how they're going to react to
it. I saw the game against Arsenal and they look like a decent side. It
didn't look it had affected them at all, but obviously it will have some
effect, but to what extent I don't know.
"We're going to go there with confidence, obviously we know we can get a
result there, it's going to be tough, of course it's going to be tough, but
we believe in ourselves. I think we're a very good side and we've got plenty
of players here capable of making the difference."
You've had a good pre-season, you've been in good form and obviously you
started the first game. How do you feel at the moment?
RVT: "I feel good, I feel like there is another gear coming up, which is
good. I'm just getting sharper and sharper, but you only get sharper with
the games.
"Last year was very unfortunate. If memory serves, I started five games and
my fifth one was at Swansea, where I dislocated my shoulder. By then I'd
scored four goals out of four starts. So it was very disappointing, because
I felt I had it in me to go a long way, to keep that form. But never mind, I
pick myself up and go again. "This season I just want to be consistent.
Only by staying fit can I improve, can I grow and I think I can improve
more, especially from Saturday. There are so many positives to take and
there's so much room for improvement, definitely."
The Club have been busy in the transfer market, seven summer signings. Some
are in the attacking positions where you play, so does that add more
pressure or is that a good thing as far as you're concerned?
RVT: "Definitely, it makes you raise your standard, but it's definitely a
pressure. Some people can handle it, some people can't. We're professionals,
so hopefully we can all handle it. I look forward to it, I love pressure, I
love that. Jarvo [Matt Jarvis] was in great form before his injury, Stewie
[Stewart Downing] is in great form, so hopefully Matt will come back and put
that bit extra pressure on us, so we can all raise our standards. It's
definitely a good thing."
Looking further ahead, what would success be for West Ham this season?
RVT: "I think success now, without getting ahead of ourselves, is to finish
top ten, comfortably. Not scrapping for it, just to have a good season, a
stable season, especially coming back from last season, when things were
uncertain. "Just a clean season, because we're moving to the new Stadium in
two years, so you want to be consistent, so that when you move there, you
can attract very good players to the Club to make the Club even better. I
think that will be a very good season for West Ham United to finish top ten
and we can build again."
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Big Sam's bucket challenge
KUMB.com
Filed: Wednesday, 20th August 2014
By: Staff Writer
Ravel Morrison took the Ice Bucket Challenge earlier today - before
nominating manager Sam Allardyce as the next participant. West Ham's young
midfielder appeared on Instagram this afternoon taking the challenge, before
nominating four people to follow him - including West Ham United's Carlton
Cole and manager Sam Allardyce.
The Ice Bucket Challenge is an American initiative whereby participants are
challenged to accept a full bucket of ice-cold water over their head. Once
nominated by previous participants, those either unable or unwilling to
follow suite within a 24-hour period are requested to make a charitable
donation.
It now remains to be seen whether Big Sam will comply with Morrison's
nomination; were he to do so he'd follow in the footsteps of famous names
such as Cristiano Ronaldo, Microsoft mogul Bill Gates and pop star Miley
Cyrus, all of whom have been swept up in the viral challenge which has swept
across Europe this summer.
The Ice Bucket Challenge was until recently popularised by non-profit
organisation The ALS Association, who campaign to spread awareness about Lou
Gehrig's disease - aka ALS (Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis) - predominantly
in North America.
This summer the challenge has been adopted in Europe and the UK, with
charitable concerns such as The Motor Neurone Disease Association and
Macmillan Cancer Support benefiting from the campaign.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Valeri Bojinov reportedly due to talk to West Ham about Premier League
return
Last Updated: 20/08/14 9:17am
SSN
Former Manchester City striker Valeri Bojinov has been allowed to travel to
England amid reports he will hold talks with West Ham United. The Bulgaria
international is currently playing for Levski Sofia in his homeland, but has
a clause in his contract which allows him to leave the club on a free
transfer.
He was left out of Sunday's game against Botev Plovdiv and reports have
claimed that he is now discussing a move to West Ham. Levski sporting
director Georgi Ivanov told Bulgarian National Radio: "We had to let him go
because we have an agreement. I allowed him to travel to England because I
am contractually required to do so. "But he remains a Levski player until
he signs with another team."
West Ham manager Sam Allardyce is in the market for a new striker after
losing Andy Carroll for around four months due to an ankle injury. Bojinov
previously spent three years at City after joining from Fiorentina in 2007,
but his time at the Etihad Stadium was wrecked by knee and Achilles
injuries.
The 28-year-old made just 12 appearances for City, with his only goal for
the club coming against Tottenham Hotspur in 2009. He has subsequently
played for the likes of Parma, Sporting Lisbon and Vicenza before linking up
with Levski earlier this year.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
NEXT UP: CRYSTAL PALACE
By Tony Hanna 20 Aug 2014 at 20:19
West Ham Till I Die
The first match of the season against Spurs will be reviewed with mixed
emotions amongst West Ham fans. On the positive side we played some nice
football at times and the energy and enthusiasm was there to see on the
pitch and the crowd responded, generating a good atmosphere around the
Boleyn. The promising debuts of Kayoute and Cresswell have already been well
documented and discussed and the general view is that we have secured a
couple of very good additions to the squad. The downsides were obviously the
loss itself to our arch rivals and our inability technically and tactically
to score the goal that would have almost certainly put the game to bed
before our last minute heartache. I blame myself for Noble's penalty miss. I
always close my eyes for West Ham penalties but have become so confident in
recent times that I decided to watch the one against Spurs. Sorry Mark!
So this weekend we have a chance to put things right in our second London
derby of the week against Crystal Palace. As a newly promoted team to the
Premier League last season, Palace's first thirteen games only secured seven
points and they looked doomed even before Christmas. The Tony Pulis
revolution that followed actually saw them go on and finish eleventh and
some five points ahead of the Hammers. The football World never ceases to
amaze but it again threw up a bombshell when Pulis and Palace parted company
just two days before the new season started last week. My heart goes out to
those who backed Sam in the sack race as they did not even get a run for
their money. Most pundits had Palace safe in their pre-season tips and many
were sent running to make changes, if they could, as the bookies prices
tumbled on their relegation probabilities.
The transfer window has not seen too many new faces arrive at Selhurst Park.
Martin Kelly from Liverpool and Brede Hangeland from Fulham have been
brought in to bolster the defence and Fraizer Campbell arrived from Cardiff
City. Another amazing football fact is that both Kelly and Campbell each
have an England cap to their name. What is not so surprising is that both do
not have two!
Despite the turmoil, Crystal Palace put in a valiant effort on the weekend
away to Arsenal. Taking the lead from a Hangeland header from a corner they
finally succumbed to injury time goals at the end of both halves to go down
2-1. It was a typical Palace performance. Hard to break down, score from a
set piece and put in an effort that was full of heart and desire. Pretty
much what Sam wants from our boys to be honest. At the time of writing the
dogs are barking that Malky Mackay is the man to take over from Tony Pulis.
The bad news for us is that the "new manager always wins his first game"
scenario looms large if the appointment is made this week. James Collins
suspension from his red card against Spurs, together with a lingering injury
to James Tomkins have caused concern as to who will partner Winston Reid at
the heart of the defence. Perhaps a phone call to "relegation Roger" will
help mirror last seasons embarrassing phone call to Carlton? Palace will
also be without the suspended Jason Puncheon.
Our recent history against Crystal Palace is not good. They did a 1-0 double
over us last season and we have failed to beat them in the past six meetings
including the play off final back in 2004. You have to go back to 2003 for
the last time we beat them and indeed back to 1991 for the last time we beat
them away. One advantage that Palace do have in their home games is their
brilliant crowd support. They break the trend where so many Premier League
home grounds are practically sterile nowadays and the noisy vocals of the
Palace supporters are the envy of many. Our own excellent away support
should ensure a great match day atmosphere in what may already be termed by
some as a vital six pointer. COYI.
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TODAY'S TRANSFER GOSSIP
By Iain Dale 20 Aug 2014 at 12:34
West Ham Till I Die
Iron Views reckons talks are advanced with Manchester City's Micah Richards
for a season long loan. When he broke into the Citeh first team he looked
the real deal and soon played for England. Perhaps we can get his career
back on track. He can play in central defence or as a right back. I'd be
really excited by his signing.
There are strong rumours that former Manchester City striker Valeri Bojinov
may be on his way to Upton Park on a few transfer from Levski Sofia. He has
been very injury prone in recent seasons, but had a good goals to games
ratio last season. Personally I can't see the logic of this one and doubt it
will actually happen.
Claret & Hugh reckons James Tomkins will be fit for Saturday
According to the Daily Mail West Ham have asked about taking Corinthians
striker Paolo Guerrero on loan with a view to a permanent deal
The Mail and Mirror allege the Hammers have also revived interest in Boca
Juniors left-back Emanuel Insua, 23.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
LET ME TAKE YOU DOWN, COS I'M GOING TO... VELEZ SARSFIELD
By Iain Dale 20 Aug 2014 at 08:06
West Ham Till I Die
Guest Post by Neil Clack
"He's 'Loco', I'm tellin' ya… a real fruit-cake… But fantastic player…
really skilful… a bit selfish… well, very selfish actually, ha,ha, but all
the best strikers are, aren't they?"
Where better to get an opinion on the Hammers' new striker than from those
who watched him play in Argentina last season, where he topped the
goalscoring charts of the 'final' league tournament with 13 goal in 19
matches, so, as I'm out here for a few weeks, I thought I'd investigate.
It's saturday evening and current champions Velez Sarsfield have just won
2-0 at home to 'El Arse' (the nickname affectionately, and quite innocently,
given to Arsenal de Sarandi by both fans and the Argentina press alike).
Velez is a family club, one of the best run in Buenos Aires, and the old
couple serving behind the bar in the Supporters' club know the Zarate family
well. Mauro is the youngest of four brothers, all professional footballers
(Roland played briefly played for Real Madrid during the Galacticos period,
as well as Velez and a host of other clubs), and their father, from Chile
originally, was also a well-known professional footballer for Independiente.
"Of the four of them, Mauro is the most talented", reckons Aunt Evelyn, "but
he's also the craziest!" That ties in with the view of journalist and club
historian Eduardo who describes Mauro as "temperamental", and a "spontaneous
player", who can "conjure up magic", but who is also "very up and down".
"I think that's what happened at Lazio", says Eduardo, "He did well there in
the beginning, but then, by all accounts, went right off the boil. I think
he needs to be loved, to feel wanted". When I mention that Mauro didn't play
today against Tottenham, Eduardo shakes his head, "I can't see him lasting
long there then", he says, "to be honest, I don't know why he's at West Ham.
He should be playing for a Champions League team, in my opinion".
Crazy? Moody? Spontaneous? Does that sound familiar to Hammers fans? And in
another of those 'only at West Ham' anecdotes, we now have two players in
our history who have returned the Nazi salute to the fascist Ultras amongst
the Lazio fans. However, whereas, Di Canio tried to explain it away by
giving an impromptu history lesson on how it is not a Nazi salute, but the
Roman salute that Hitler stole from them, Zarate's representatives simply
claimed naivety, explaining that Zarate didn't even know who Hitler and
Mussolini were. As ludicrous as that may sound, the education system in the
provinces of Buenos Aires, where Zarate grew up, isn't the best, and unlike
ourselves, kids in Argentina aren't brought up on a stable television diet
of World War 2 films and Dad's Army repeats, it's is actually feasible that
he really didn't know his dictators…
But enough of all that. Tactically, it's difficult to see where Zarate fits
into Allardyce's system. At Velez last season, Zarate formed a striking
partnership with Lucas Pratto, in the classic Argentine version of the 4-4-2
formation (4-3-1-2, the difference being that a playmaker, with few
defensive duties, plays behind the 2 strikers – the other 3 midfileders have
more defensive roles and play fairly central). Zarate is probably used to
more elaboration in the build-up, while he moves laterally across the final
3rd, timing his runs and waiting for the killer pass to run onto. It's
difficult to see which players at West Ham will be capable of delivering
that all important 'defence-splitting' pass, and he won't be used to playing
with wingers, so it will be interesting to see what he makes of players like
Downing and Jarvis, with their crosses, and the diagonal balls from the full
backs, and Sam's famous PBEs (Penalty Box Entries), all of which will be a
new way of playing for Zarate.
If the idea is to partner Zarate with Andy Carroll (or Carlton Cole when
Carroll's out), then there could be a worrying precedent in the way that
Carroll and Luis Suarez failed to gel at Liverpool? Of course, it's unfair
to compare Zarate with one of the best players in the world, but they do
both come from the same Rio Platense footballing background.
Despite Carroll wishing to stay at Liverpool two seasons ago, manager
Brendan Rogers was adamant he should leave. I read a tactical article about
Liverpool by Jonathon Northcroft in the Times last April and this bit caught
my eye: "Rogers has filtered out the slow movers – ditching Joe Cole and
Andy Carroll early in his reign and sidelining Lucas and Jose Enrique
lately. His training involves 'exercises built around the speed of the
ball'.
Without Carroll, who got in Suarez's way by operating in the same areas that
the Uruguayan likes to move in, and without Downing too, which allowed
Suarez to also pull out wide and attack from the left, Suarez reaped havoc
on opposition defences, who never knew from which which part of the pitch,
and from which angle, he was going to run at them, and in Daniel Sturridge,
Suarez found an equally mobile and flexible strike-partner, on his
wavelength. Pratto, Zarate's strike-partner at Velez, was a lot more
Sturridge than Andy Carroll/Carlton Cole in style of play.
In fact, logic says it can't work. You can't just graft a South American
ball player onto Sam's system and expect it to morph into flowing carpet
football with all the players understanding one other.
Or can you?
By all accounts Zarate did well in his brief spell (4 months) at Birmingham,
and Alex McLeish is an even bigger PBE-merchant than Allardyce! (although
Zarate's efforts weren't enough to prevent Brum from being relegated that
season it should be added).
The tactical theory says it can't work, but my heart really wants it to, so
thinking positive, could it be that the idea is so mad and illogical that
maybe, just maybe, it could be a stroke of genius?
Beatles fans will tell you that Strawberry Fields is actually two, quite
different, John Lennon songs. He was struggling to finish both of them
before he hit upon the idea of just joining them together. Paul McCartney,
and the 5th Beatle, producer George Martin, did their best to persuade
Lennon that it was a bad idea that wouldn't work. Martin, trained in
classical music theory, even took Lennon aside to explain how the two songs
were in a different key and had different tempos, but Lennon, drunk and
stoned, insisted, "I can hear it in my head – why can't you just slow and
speed up the recordings and splice them together". In the end, Martin and
McCartney did that, just to appease Lennon and shut him up, to show him how
it wouldn't work. The result, to their astonishment, was one of the most
emblematic, some would say most beautiful, songs of the era.
Which nicely leads me to the end. In Argentina, the crowds on the high
standing terraces make a lot of noise, often reworking the lyrics of well
known songs. For example, Culture Club's 'Karma Chameleon', and Bonnie
Tyler's 'It's a Heartache' have been reworked into popular terrace chants,
and Velez fans, to the melody of Strawberry Fields sometimes sing,
"na,na,na,na,naaaarrr …. na,na,na,na,naaaaaarrr… Velez Sarsfield, Velez
Sarsfield forever…
If it all works out well for both Zarate and Sam Allardyce at West Ham, if
they are both at West Ham in six months time, with the club halfway up the
league, then David Sullivan is a genius, the footballing equivalent of John
Lennon.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Richards/Irons update
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on August 20, 2014 in Whispers
Claret & Hugh
West Ham's hopes of signing Manchester City's Micha Richards have been
described as no better than fifty/fifty by ClaretandHugh sources. We broke
the news yesterday (Tues) the Hammers were involved in talks with City but
that there were several hurdles to overcome. We were told, his club are
anxious about letting him out on an extended loan in the final year of his
contract. And this afternoon our source explained: "Talks have been going on
and there has been a lot of reportage on the issue but although we are
talking, we are no closer to an outcome. "The player is on around £70k a
week and there is no real willingness to do a wage sharing scheme. There's
also the problem that to let him out on loan could decrease his value. "Some
media outlets are claiming that a deal is close but it doesn't look that way
from where West Ham are sitting. We will try to thrash something out but
nobody's holding their breath. "And with James Tomkins looking likely to be
available for the weekend there's no massive urgency attached to doing a
deal quickly."
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Ravel nominates Big Sam for Ice bucket challenge
Posted by Sean Whetstone on August 20, 2014 in Whispers
Claret & Hugh
Ravel Morrison posted a video of himself this afternoon completing the ALS
Ice bucket challenge and laid down the challenge to Sam Allardyce, Carlton
Cole and two of his mates to do the same within the next 48 hours. Morrison
completed the challenge after being nominated by Arsenal striker Chupa
Akpom.
The challenge has gone viral on the Internet with Oprah, Justin Bieber,
Britney Spears, Bill Gates, Mark Zuckerberg, Lady Gaga, Charlie Sheen and
George Bush all taking part in the challenge, which sees a bucket of ice
water dumped over participants' heads. Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS)
is the umbrella term used in the US to describe what we in the UK call Motor
Neurone Disease.
A motor neuron is a nerve cell that makes voluntary muscle movements. MND is
a disease in which these cells stop working properly. Motor neurone disease
(MND) affects a person's ability to move voluntarily. MND stops people
eating, walking and talking, for example, but doesn't stop them from
thinking or feeling, effectively leaving sufferers 'locked in' to their
bodies. There is no known cure at the moment.
When asked whether Sam and Carlton will accept the challenge a source close
to club said 'watch this space!'
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Bojinov for Irons – THE TRUTH
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on August 20, 2014 in Whispers
Claret & Hugh
Reports that former Manchester City and Fiorentina striker Valeri Bojinov is
discussing a free transfer to West Ham are more than a little premature.
National newspaper reports that the Levski Sofia striker is on his way to
the club broke over the last few days with the news last night that he was
now in London.
However, ClaretandHugh has learned that the 28 year old is simply being
given a trial at this stage and that talks on a deal have not been held.
Levski sporting director Georgi Ivanov fueled the belief that a deal was in
prospect when he told Bulgarian national radio: 'We had to let him go
because we have an agreement. I allowed him to travel to England because I
am contractually required to do so." However, a well placed Hammers source
told ClaretandHugh exclusively: "One or two media outlets appear to have got
a little bit ahead of themselves. "It's far too early to tell whether we
will be offering him any kind of deal – we are just giving him a trial. "
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Hammers Wage bill is near maximum limit
Posted by Sean Whetstone on August 20, 2014 in Whispers
Claret & Hugh
Sources close to West Ham have revealed to ClaretandHugh that the players
annual wage bill has reached £57m this summer leaving just £1m in wages
before this season's Premier League Financial Fair Play limit is reached.
West Ham are unlikely to have increased retail or commercial income last
season after a bumper season before so £58m is likely to be the upper limit
this season to comply within the rules.
The release of Joe Cole, Jack Collison, Alou Diarra and George McCartney
released around £7m off the wage bill while the end of loans for Roger
Johnson, Pablo Armero, Antonio Nocerino and Marco Borriello is thought to
have released the equivalent of another £3m off the wage bill.
The seven new Hammers signings have added a combined weekly wage including
employers national insurance of around £244,000 adding over £12.4m to wage
bill.
Although the Financial Fair Play limit was £54m last season West Ham
actually had more than £61m available after Commercial revenue rose from
£7.9m to £13.9m and retail sales were up from £4.8m to £6m in our first
season back in the Premier League. Under Premier League FFP rules this extra
commercial revenue gave the club another £7.2m to spend last season if they
wanted to.
The remaining £1m this season could be used as £19k per week or £38k per
week as part of a six month loan, any outbound players sold would also
release further wages from the wage limit.
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Wednesday, August 20
Daily WHUFC News - 20th August 2014
Potts looks for quick response
WHUFc.com
Dan Potts wants the Development Squad to bounce back against Southampton on
Friday
19.08.2014
Dan Potts is looking to bounce back from defeat in the Development Squad's
Barclays U21 Premier League opener as swiftly as possible. The young Hammers
have an opportunity to put things right quickly, with Southampton visiting
the Boleyn Ground for a 7pm kick-off on Friday. Potts, who skippered the
side in their 2-1 defeat to Tottenham Hotspur on Monday, says that is just
what they need to get over their disappointment. He explained: "It's always
good to have another game quickly after a defeat and we have one against
Southampton at the Boleyn Ground on Friday. "We'll be going all out to get
the win in that one and hopefully there'll be a good crowd in to watch it.
"It's always nice to play in front of a decent crowd and it's a great
experience to play there because, at the end of the day, that's where we
want to be regularly. "Even the build up to the game, being around the place
and the changing rooms is part of it,"
Despite going down to defeat at Spurs, when goals from Daniel Akindayini and
Cristian Ceballos meant Kieran Bywater's free-kick counted for little, Potts
felt his side could leave with some plus points. He added: "There were
positives to take, although the overriding disappointment is not coming away
with the win we wanted. "It was an even game throughout. We went in at
half-time, discussed what we wanted to do and tried to put the plan into
practice. I thought it worked well off the ball. "We just needed to take a
bit more care when we got the ball and be a bit more clinical in the final
third. The chances were there, but we couldn't get the ball in the back of
the net."
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Vaz Te glad to be back
WHUFc.com
Ricardo Vaz Te is pleased to be back in the fold after an injury plagued
2013/14
19.08.2014
Ricardo Vaz Te was delighted to make his first Barclays Premier League start
on Saturday since dislocating his shoulder last October, but disappointed
his comeback ended in defeat to Tottenham Hotspur. The winger played 68
minutes of the Hammers' season opener, linking up promisingly with Aaron
Cresswell down the left hand side and he is hoping to feature in that
partnership on a more regular basis. He explained: "I've been working with
Aaron in training down the left and we've had the whole pre-season, which
has helped a lot. "I haven't had much chance to play with him, but obviously
I've seen him every day in training. We spoke before the game and made sure
we kept communicating throughout it. "He's a terrific player and that
obviously helps [with linking up] a lot."
Vaz Te was as surprised as anyone to see Mark Noble miss the Hammers' first
half penalty but is sure he and the team will bounce back swiftly. He added:
"We all felt he'd score, because you know Nobes - five out of five he'll
score. For him to miss is very, very rare but it happens in the game.
"Messi, Cristiano [Ronaldo] miss, but we should have reacted anyway. We
created enough chances, but we needed to take them."
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MOTD PUNDIT CRITICISES 'HARD TO WATCH' FOOTBALL!
By S J Chandos 19 Aug 2014 at 20:27
West Ham Till I Die
There were interesting reports in last Sunday's newspapers, quoting TV
pundit Alan Shearer in criticising the style of play/entertainment value of
Newcastle Utd last season. The former Toon and England centre-forward,
apparently condemned last season's fayre as 'hard work' to watch. In fact,
he claimed that it was so boring that he found it hard to give away free
tickets to his pals! Moreover, urging Alan Pardew to turn Newcastle Utd in
the 'great entertainers,' Shearer states:
We had a dreadful back half of the season and it was hard work watching it.
This season I am hoping that we can produce a brand of football that can
excite the fans. I would love it if we were going to be in the top four.
Realistically, it is not going to happen. So, we have to look at other ways
to entertain. I hope we can go out and produce a brand of football that will
excite 50,000 supporters.'
West Ham fans will be bemused by these reported comments, considering the
way in which Mr Shearer, commenting last season on MoTD, dismissed the
concerns of Hammers fans about the poor style of footbal, under Sam
Allardyce, and the way it contravened the club's most cherished traditions.
So, we must ask: why is it ok for Hammers fans to endure 'hard to watch'
football, but not Newcastle Utd supporters? Why must Toon fans be
entertained, but not Hammers fans? What on earth is the essential
difference? Alan Pardew got the results to guarantee Premier League safety
for Newcastle Utd, according to Mr Shearer (talking about the Hammers on
MoTD) that is the crucial thing. So, why is he not satisfied?
Does Mr Shearer think that one set of standards should apply to his club and
another to ours? It would certainly seem so!
SJ. Chandos.
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WILL THE CLUB PROCEED WITH THE SIGNING OF MORGAN AMALFITANO?
By S J Chandos 19 Aug 2014 at 12:30
West Ham Till I Die
There have been long running reports that West Ham are setting up a £2m
(free transfer in some accounts) deal for Marsailles Morgan Amalfitano.
There have even been more recent reports that Amalfitano has had a training
ground bust up with the Marsailles Head Coach and is demanding a PL move,
with West Ham Utd his alleged preferred destination. So, it could well be
that a bargain deal could be struck for the, highly skilled, 29 year old
French international before the close of the summer transfer window.
However, there are suggestions in some quarters that the need for emergency
centre back cover, in view of Collins' suspension and the injury absence of
Tomkins, might financially scupper the Amalfitano deal. Is that correct?
The dominant rationale has been that we had sufficioent centre back
provision in Collins, Reid and Tomkins; especially, with Kouyate able to
provide cover and young Reece Burke coming through the ranks. Unfortunately,
the early double absence of Collins and Tomkins has re-opened the question
whether that arrangement is sufficient? Particularly with an understandable
reluctance to re-deploy the dynamic and effective Kouyate from his primary
midfield role. Consequently, there is talk of the club seeking an emergency
loan deal for another centre-back. And it has been suggested that this move,
based upon financial/FFFP considerations, may scupper the move for
Amalfitano.
I certainly hope that is not the case, because Amalfitano could be the final
peice in the restructure of our forward line. He is a potentially match
winning forward, with the ability to play wide or as an attacking
midfielder. As such, Amalfitano could inject additional play-making
creativity in the final third and provide us with options, particularly in
terms of increased competition for Jarvis and Downing. Last season, on loan
at WBA, he scored 4 goals in 28 appearances and it is fair to say that,
although not a prolific goal scorer, he is very much a scorer of spectacular
goals. However, his greatest contribution in a WBA shirt was as their
principle creative force, he carved out 45 clear scoring chances in those 28
games, far more than any of his fellow forwards. That, allied to his skill
and technique identifies him as a potentially key signing.
Some will say that we are already carving out plenty of chances, rather the
lack lies with their conversion. But with Zarate, Valencia and Sakho due to
be introduced up front, plus Carroll's eventual return and the emergence of
Elliott Lee, we can be hopeful that situation will soon be rectified.
Nevertheless, a PL squad can never have enough creativity and selection
options. And on that basis, I hope that the board manage to secure the move.
If necessary, the club should look to urgently off-load Vaz Te or Maiga to
free up the resources to ensure the deal can happen. With Lee ready to
challenge for a starting place, do we really need Vaz Te? While the
situation with Maiga is well documented and the exit for the player is long
over due.
Morgan Amalfitano could be an absolute revelation at West Ham Utd. Lets hope
that he gets the chance to prove it!
SJ. Chandos.
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West Ham eyeing Pablo Guerrero and Emanuel Insua in another South American
raid
Aug 19, 2014 14:54 By James Nursey
The 30-year-old striker would come in from Corinthians while the
highly-rated full back currently plies his trade for Boca Juniors
The Mirror
West Ham co-owner David Sullivan is trying to bring more South American
talent to Upton Park. The former Birmingham supremo likes to take a gamble
on talent from overseas. This season he splashed out on Argentine striker
Mauro Zarate and last season he brought over Wellington Paulista on loan.
Now Sullivan has asked Corinthians to take their Peruvian striker Pablo
Guerrero, 30, on loan with a view to a permanent deal. And Sullivan is also
trying to do the same with Boca Juniors for highly-rated full-back Emanuel
Insua. Sullivan's initial overtures have been rejected but he could return
with a cash offer
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West Ham and Chelsea transfer target Antonio Rudiger to spark fresh Monaco
bid
Aug 15, 2014 22:30 By Darren Lewis
The wealthy French outfit are set to go back in for the 21-year-old
Stuttgart and Germany defender having already had a £12million offer
rejected
The Mirror
Monaco are determined to land highly-rated West Ham target Antonio Rudiger.
Chelsea are also among a number of high-profile Premier League clubs to have
shown an interest in the 21-year-old defender. But the French outfit have
already had a £12million bid rejected and intend to make another to keep the
rising star out of the clutches of the Premier League. The Hammers, who made
a bid of up to £8m for the centre-back earlier this summer, have fallen
behind in the race for Rudiger's services and have given up on landing the
player. Regarded as one of the brightest young defensive talents in Europe,
Rudiger has already been capped by world champions Germany this year. His
club, Stuttgart, maintain he is not for sale as he still has three years
left to run on his contract. Earlier this week, Stuttgart's director of
sport said: "[Manager] Armin Veh and I both agree that we want to Antonio
Rudiger leave under any circumstances. We need sporting quality and he has
it."
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West Ham in advanced talks with Micah Richards
By Liam Spencer on August 19, 2014 in Transfer News
Ironviews.com
The very reputable @ExWHUemployee is reporting that talks with Micah
Richards are at an advanced stage ahead of a loan deal. The Manchester City
defender is capable of playing at right back or in central defence, and
would prove a welcome addition given the injuries to Carl Jenkinson and
James Tomkins.
Still only 26, Richards has seen his career blighted by injury, but a move
to West Ham could lead to a new lease of life for the England international.
The East London Club have reportedly been talking to the defender for days,
so a move could be closer to completion than expected.
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Valeri Bojinov in London to discuss terms of free transfer to West Ham as
former Manchester City striker lines up Premier League return
Valeri Bojinov missed Levski Sofia's last game to travel to England to
discuss terms of free transfer to West Ham
By SIMON JONES FOR MAILONLINE
PUBLISHED: 17:37, 19 August 2014 | UPDATED: 17:47, 19 August 2014
Daily Mail
Former Manchester City and Fiorentina striker Valeri Bojinov is in London to
discuss terms of a free transfer to West Ham from Levski Sofia. Bojinov
missed his side's 2-1 win over Botev Plovdiv on August 17 because of a
clause in the striker's contract, Levski sporting director Georgi Ivanov
confirmed. 'We had to let him go because we have an agreement. I allowed him
to travel to England because I am contractually required to do so. But he
remains a Levski player until he signs with another team,' Ivanov told
Bulgarian National Radio.
VALERI BOJINOV LEAGUE FACT FILE
Born: Bulgaria, Feb 15 1986 (age 28)
2002-2005: Lecce (65 lg apps, 16 goals)
2005-2007: Fiorentina (36, 8)
2006-2007: Juventus (loan) (18, 5)
2007-2010: Manchester City (11, 1)
2009-2010: Parma (loan) (30, 8)
2010-2011: Parma (31, 3)
2011-2013: Sporting CP (8, 2)
2012-2012: Lecce (loan) (10, 1)
2012-2012: Verona (loan) (13, 1)
2013-2013: Vicenza (loan) (18, 4)
2014-2014: Levski Sofia (14, 6)
Bojinov spent the second half of last season at Levski in an attempt to get
a once-promising career, derailed by injuries and distractions off the
pitch, back on track. His emergence as a promising teenager at Italian side
Lecce in 2002, where he made his senior debut a month short of his 16th
birthday, drew glowing reviews and comparisons to another teenage sensation
– England's Wayne Rooney, then at Everton.
Bojinov got his big move aged only 18 in 2005, when he moved to Fiorentina,
where he scored eight goals in 36 appearances. He also spent some time on
loan at Juventus – then relegated to the Serie B following the Calciopoli
match-fixing scandal – before securing a move to Manchester City in 2007.
His career in England was derailed by two major injuries – first to his knee
ligaments in August 2007 and then an Achilles injury a year later. All in
all, he played only 11 matches for City and scored one goal before being
loaned to Parma, a move made permanent in the summer of 2010. The striker
never appeared to recover from his injuries and played mostly as a
substitute at Parma, moving to Sporting Lisbon a year later, where he failed
to stake a claim as a starter as well. Only six months into his tenure with
Sporting, he was banned from the club after taking, and missing, a potential
match-winning spot kick deep into added time in a cup game – wrestling the
ball from the designated penalty taker – sparking a furious reaction among
the coaching staff and the club's fans. After several loan spells with
Italian clubs, Bojinov came to Bulgaria but has been underwhelming at
Levski, as the club finished fifth in the league last season.
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A new rivalry
KUMB.com
Filed: Tuesday, 19th August 2014
By: Paul Turner
There can be discord and ill feeling between sets of fans. Perceived slights
and insults can fester and over the course of time become bigger and more
disproportionate then the original incident or initial intent.
There can be events that cloud judgement and objectiveness like the reported
incidents in Germany between Newcastle United and West Ham United fans where
the event takes on a narrative and life of its own that become embellished
and twisted to fit an agenda.
There are also the unreported acts on an individual basis be it for example
an act of aggression, drunkenness or foul temper that can lead to a loss of
reputation and resentment is cast upon the club or fan base in general. Over
time opinions and thoughts and experiences of events that become deep seated
and entrenched can be passed down to the next generation of supporters who
were not original witnesses to the initial event but carry on the memory
regardless.
Rivalries that date back decades and centuries are continuations of the ill
feeling generated by historical events, be it football teams born from
opposing dockyards or clubs moving to new locations where established teams
exists as examples. These kinds of rivalries can also stem from multiple
historical social issues between different areas or groups on an economic
basis which have been in place for what seems like forever making the
rivalry seem inherent.
Dating back to the kingdoms of Wessex and Mercie or even further back to the
time of the dinosaurs with cave men and women, the reasoning as to how a
feud begins might be difficult to pin point and is usually not for one
particular, clear cut reason but a perception and interpretation of a view
point historically taken by someone else and then passed on.
West Ham United by their location and history has rivalries with other
London based clubs. There are also clubs which seem to elicit general
dislike or derision from the Hammers faithful but not necessarily a direct
rivalry like you would consider some of the other London based clubs. Within
these particular parameters, where does Sheffield United fit?
There is no prolonged history or record of noticeable events between the two
clubs to speak of leading up to the events of the 2006/07 season so the
events themselves of that fateful season are the trigger for the current ill
feeling. The in's and outs have been reported here on KUMB and on many other
websites ranging from threats of lawsuits from players who managed to
engineer big money moves regardless to a lead football writer arguing that
one player made all the difference to West Ham United winning a match or the
transfer of Steve Kabba.
There are many facts and events that transpired or were recorded that I
could go into in relation to the whole Carlos Tevez situation but that would
be re-treading old ground. What is not old ground is the upcoming match
between West Ham United and Sheffield United at the Boleyn Ground in the
Capital One Cup second round.
In terms of how you would define the rivalry between our two clubs, from a
West Ham United perspective the majority view seems to be one of loathing
towards Sheffield United for what happened during events and afterwards
rather then your more traditional geographical or social rivalry.
That does not take away from the strength of feeling or any of the issues at
hand. This is the first meeting between the two sides since Sheffield
United's relegation from the Premier League and the emotion is naturally
going to be heightened due to this fact as the two sets of fans converge on
the Boleyn.
Much will be written on forums and spoken about on phone-in shows and on
social media but ultimately the events that took place occurred between the
two clubs, not directly between the two sets of supporters. The strength of
emotion will be on display for all to see (if indeed the match is chosen for
TV coverage, by a much wider audience) but this should never overstep the
mark into disorder.
There is perceived right and wrong on both sides of the debate with claim
and counter claim but it serves no one any good turning this second round
match in the Capital One Cup into something more then a football match.
What happens after the match though? Regardless of who wins will that
resentment always be there until the next meeting on the football pitch?
Well the way things stand and from reading social media and forum posts on
both sides there is a majority view that this feeling is here to stay.
Always to be held in higher regard then other matches the two sides may play
in a regular season.
For future generations that will support either West Ham United or Sheffield
United, they will have the experiences and stories behind "the Carlos Tevez
Affair" told and thus the baton will be passed on to carry on the rivalry
when the two sides renew acquaintances in future matches.
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New-born Rav "pain free and on fire"
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on August 19, 2014 in Whispers
Claret & Hugh
Ravel Morrison finally looks to be sorting himself out under the gentle
guidance of Teddy Sheringham. The 21 year old midfielder may be facing a
court case in Manchester on August 28 but there is no sign that it's having
a negative effect his attitude to training – quite the opposite. Indeed the
player is the first one in and the last one away from the training ground.
Indeed, yesterday he was still working with attacking coach Sheri an hour
after everybody else had gone home.
A source told ClaretandHugh: "There are two factors that have changed
things. "He's on fire in training because he's pain free for the first time
in three years. All the pain has gone from his groin and his running and
turning is brilliant. "Teddy Sheringham loves working with him and goes on
for as long as Rav wants to. "He has also cleared a lot of people out of his
life and is living more or less on his own …and loving it. "He really does
seem to be getting it at last and he's happy with his own company…something
we never thought we'd see. "There's the court case to deal with of course
but once that is our of the way I think West Ham will have the player on
their hands they know they have always had."
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Keeper returns to West Ham
Posted by Sean Whetstone on August 19, 2014 in Whispers
Claret & Hugh
Crawley Town chief executive Michael Dunford says he has no plans to bring
goalkeeper Raphael Spiegel back from West Ham on loan. Spiegel's one-month
loan spell with Crawley ended yesterday and he has returned to the Hammers.
Dunford said "Raphael has gone back, we wish him well but West Ham want him
to be playing regularly so we can't offer that" The 21-year-old Switzerland
Under-21 international joined the Hammers in 2012 but is yet to make his
first team debut. Spiegel began his career at Grasshopper Club Zurich,
featuring 41 times for their second team and had loan spells at FC Wil 1900
and SC Bruhl SG. He signed with West Ham on a three-year deal in summer 2012
and has featured regularly in the under-21 side over the last two seasons.
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Big night for on-fire Moncur
Posted by Sean Whetstone on August 19, 2014 in Whispers
Claret & Hugh
Loanee George Moncur will be looking to make it 3 goals in 3 games tonight
when he starts for Colchester United against Notts City in the League 1
match at 7.45pm. Moncur who turned 21 on Monday scored the only Colchester
goal on Saturday after he opened the scoring on nine minutes. That was his
second goal of the season after scoring on his debut against Oldham
Athletic which ended 2-2. Colchester eventually lost their second league
game of the season 2-1 to Bristol City. Moncur also received Colchester
United's Man of the Match award for the second league game running by the
Colchester fans where he is already a favourite. Belated Birthday wishes
to George and keep up the good work scoring on loan tonight.
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City ace back on the Irons radar
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on August 19, 2014 in Whispers
Claret & Hugh
West Ham have again cast their eyes in the direction of Manchester City's
Micah Richards as they look for a new defender. Despite being a natural
right back, Richards can slot into a central defensive role quite
comfortably and would be a great addition given James Collins' suspension
and James Tomkins hamstring injury. And ClaretandHugh can reveal that the
Hammers have been in touch with Manchester City in the hope they can sort
out a loan deal for the player.
However, Richards – who is in the last year of his City deal – is currently
earning around £70k a week and the Irons will need to organise a wage
sharing deal if it is to happen. Much will depend on the outcome of James
Tomkins with hopes rising today his hamstring injury may not be as bad as at
first feared. Richards, however is seen as a great addition and could be
brought in on a three or six month deal which will suit the Hammers wages
position. A source told ClaretandHugh exclusively: "The problem from City's
point of view is that if they loan him it will be difficult for them to get
a fee for him given he's in the last year of his deal "We do not think City
will subsidise his wage, but we have asked and there have been talks."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Hammers summer investment could hit £90m
Posted by Sean Whetstone on August 19, 2014 in Whispers
Claret & Hugh
The true cost of the Hammers' summer transfer dealings could reach as high
as £90 million over the next five years. West Ham are believed to have paid
about £24.5m in fees this transfer window but that amount could rise to
nearly £37m based on certain conditions such as appearances and performance
related targets. Add to this a massive £43m wage bill over the next four to
five years plus £6m in NI Employers contribution for the seven new signings.
It is thought agents fees will add another £4m to the bill bringing the
total investment as high as £90 million! Mauro Zarate joined from Velez
Sarsfield on a free transfer after he bought out his own contract. He is
believed to be earning £40k per week which would £8.3m in wages over his 4
year contract. Aaron Creswell is believed to have cost an initial fee of
£3.75m which could rise to a maximum £7m based on certain conditions. He
signed a five year contract around £25k per week which would cost £6.5m in
wages over 5 years. Carl Jenkinson has joined from Arsenal on season long
loan and is thought to earn £32k per week which could work out £1.6m in
wages. Cheikhou Kouyate joined from Anderlecht for a fee close to £8m. He
signed a 4 year contract and is believed to earn around £35k per week which
would equate to £7.2m in wages over 4 years, Difara Sakho signed from Metz
for initial fee £2.5m possibly rising to £6.5m based on certain conditions.
It is believed to be earning £15k per week plus £5k per appearance. Over his
4 year contract that could cost £4.1m in wages. Enner Valencia signed from
Pachuca for initial fee believed to be £9.5m possibly rising up to £14m on
certain conditions being met. He is believed to be getting £45k per week
which would work out at £11.7m in wages over his 5 year contract. Finally
Diego Poyet is believed to joined as a free agent although a £700,000 fee
was paid to Charlton as compensation. He signed a 4 year contract believed
to worth £17k per week or £3.5m in wages over 4 years,
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WHUFc.com
Dan Potts wants the Development Squad to bounce back against Southampton on
Friday
19.08.2014
Dan Potts is looking to bounce back from defeat in the Development Squad's
Barclays U21 Premier League opener as swiftly as possible. The young Hammers
have an opportunity to put things right quickly, with Southampton visiting
the Boleyn Ground for a 7pm kick-off on Friday. Potts, who skippered the
side in their 2-1 defeat to Tottenham Hotspur on Monday, says that is just
what they need to get over their disappointment. He explained: "It's always
good to have another game quickly after a defeat and we have one against
Southampton at the Boleyn Ground on Friday. "We'll be going all out to get
the win in that one and hopefully there'll be a good crowd in to watch it.
"It's always nice to play in front of a decent crowd and it's a great
experience to play there because, at the end of the day, that's where we
want to be regularly. "Even the build up to the game, being around the place
and the changing rooms is part of it,"
Despite going down to defeat at Spurs, when goals from Daniel Akindayini and
Cristian Ceballos meant Kieran Bywater's free-kick counted for little, Potts
felt his side could leave with some plus points. He added: "There were
positives to take, although the overriding disappointment is not coming away
with the win we wanted. "It was an even game throughout. We went in at
half-time, discussed what we wanted to do and tried to put the plan into
practice. I thought it worked well off the ball. "We just needed to take a
bit more care when we got the ball and be a bit more clinical in the final
third. The chances were there, but we couldn't get the ball in the back of
the net."
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Vaz Te glad to be back
WHUFc.com
Ricardo Vaz Te is pleased to be back in the fold after an injury plagued
2013/14
19.08.2014
Ricardo Vaz Te was delighted to make his first Barclays Premier League start
on Saturday since dislocating his shoulder last October, but disappointed
his comeback ended in defeat to Tottenham Hotspur. The winger played 68
minutes of the Hammers' season opener, linking up promisingly with Aaron
Cresswell down the left hand side and he is hoping to feature in that
partnership on a more regular basis. He explained: "I've been working with
Aaron in training down the left and we've had the whole pre-season, which
has helped a lot. "I haven't had much chance to play with him, but obviously
I've seen him every day in training. We spoke before the game and made sure
we kept communicating throughout it. "He's a terrific player and that
obviously helps [with linking up] a lot."
Vaz Te was as surprised as anyone to see Mark Noble miss the Hammers' first
half penalty but is sure he and the team will bounce back swiftly. He added:
"We all felt he'd score, because you know Nobes - five out of five he'll
score. For him to miss is very, very rare but it happens in the game.
"Messi, Cristiano [Ronaldo] miss, but we should have reacted anyway. We
created enough chances, but we needed to take them."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
MOTD PUNDIT CRITICISES 'HARD TO WATCH' FOOTBALL!
By S J Chandos 19 Aug 2014 at 20:27
West Ham Till I Die
There were interesting reports in last Sunday's newspapers, quoting TV
pundit Alan Shearer in criticising the style of play/entertainment value of
Newcastle Utd last season. The former Toon and England centre-forward,
apparently condemned last season's fayre as 'hard work' to watch. In fact,
he claimed that it was so boring that he found it hard to give away free
tickets to his pals! Moreover, urging Alan Pardew to turn Newcastle Utd in
the 'great entertainers,' Shearer states:
We had a dreadful back half of the season and it was hard work watching it.
This season I am hoping that we can produce a brand of football that can
excite the fans. I would love it if we were going to be in the top four.
Realistically, it is not going to happen. So, we have to look at other ways
to entertain. I hope we can go out and produce a brand of football that will
excite 50,000 supporters.'
West Ham fans will be bemused by these reported comments, considering the
way in which Mr Shearer, commenting last season on MoTD, dismissed the
concerns of Hammers fans about the poor style of footbal, under Sam
Allardyce, and the way it contravened the club's most cherished traditions.
So, we must ask: why is it ok for Hammers fans to endure 'hard to watch'
football, but not Newcastle Utd supporters? Why must Toon fans be
entertained, but not Hammers fans? What on earth is the essential
difference? Alan Pardew got the results to guarantee Premier League safety
for Newcastle Utd, according to Mr Shearer (talking about the Hammers on
MoTD) that is the crucial thing. So, why is he not satisfied?
Does Mr Shearer think that one set of standards should apply to his club and
another to ours? It would certainly seem so!
SJ. Chandos.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
WILL THE CLUB PROCEED WITH THE SIGNING OF MORGAN AMALFITANO?
By S J Chandos 19 Aug 2014 at 12:30
West Ham Till I Die
There have been long running reports that West Ham are setting up a £2m
(free transfer in some accounts) deal for Marsailles Morgan Amalfitano.
There have even been more recent reports that Amalfitano has had a training
ground bust up with the Marsailles Head Coach and is demanding a PL move,
with West Ham Utd his alleged preferred destination. So, it could well be
that a bargain deal could be struck for the, highly skilled, 29 year old
French international before the close of the summer transfer window.
However, there are suggestions in some quarters that the need for emergency
centre back cover, in view of Collins' suspension and the injury absence of
Tomkins, might financially scupper the Amalfitano deal. Is that correct?
The dominant rationale has been that we had sufficioent centre back
provision in Collins, Reid and Tomkins; especially, with Kouyate able to
provide cover and young Reece Burke coming through the ranks. Unfortunately,
the early double absence of Collins and Tomkins has re-opened the question
whether that arrangement is sufficient? Particularly with an understandable
reluctance to re-deploy the dynamic and effective Kouyate from his primary
midfield role. Consequently, there is talk of the club seeking an emergency
loan deal for another centre-back. And it has been suggested that this move,
based upon financial/FFFP considerations, may scupper the move for
Amalfitano.
I certainly hope that is not the case, because Amalfitano could be the final
peice in the restructure of our forward line. He is a potentially match
winning forward, with the ability to play wide or as an attacking
midfielder. As such, Amalfitano could inject additional play-making
creativity in the final third and provide us with options, particularly in
terms of increased competition for Jarvis and Downing. Last season, on loan
at WBA, he scored 4 goals in 28 appearances and it is fair to say that,
although not a prolific goal scorer, he is very much a scorer of spectacular
goals. However, his greatest contribution in a WBA shirt was as their
principle creative force, he carved out 45 clear scoring chances in those 28
games, far more than any of his fellow forwards. That, allied to his skill
and technique identifies him as a potentially key signing.
Some will say that we are already carving out plenty of chances, rather the
lack lies with their conversion. But with Zarate, Valencia and Sakho due to
be introduced up front, plus Carroll's eventual return and the emergence of
Elliott Lee, we can be hopeful that situation will soon be rectified.
Nevertheless, a PL squad can never have enough creativity and selection
options. And on that basis, I hope that the board manage to secure the move.
If necessary, the club should look to urgently off-load Vaz Te or Maiga to
free up the resources to ensure the deal can happen. With Lee ready to
challenge for a starting place, do we really need Vaz Te? While the
situation with Maiga is well documented and the exit for the player is long
over due.
Morgan Amalfitano could be an absolute revelation at West Ham Utd. Lets hope
that he gets the chance to prove it!
SJ. Chandos.
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West Ham eyeing Pablo Guerrero and Emanuel Insua in another South American
raid
Aug 19, 2014 14:54 By James Nursey
The 30-year-old striker would come in from Corinthians while the
highly-rated full back currently plies his trade for Boca Juniors
The Mirror
West Ham co-owner David Sullivan is trying to bring more South American
talent to Upton Park. The former Birmingham supremo likes to take a gamble
on talent from overseas. This season he splashed out on Argentine striker
Mauro Zarate and last season he brought over Wellington Paulista on loan.
Now Sullivan has asked Corinthians to take their Peruvian striker Pablo
Guerrero, 30, on loan with a view to a permanent deal. And Sullivan is also
trying to do the same with Boca Juniors for highly-rated full-back Emanuel
Insua. Sullivan's initial overtures have been rejected but he could return
with a cash offer
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West Ham and Chelsea transfer target Antonio Rudiger to spark fresh Monaco
bid
Aug 15, 2014 22:30 By Darren Lewis
The wealthy French outfit are set to go back in for the 21-year-old
Stuttgart and Germany defender having already had a £12million offer
rejected
The Mirror
Monaco are determined to land highly-rated West Ham target Antonio Rudiger.
Chelsea are also among a number of high-profile Premier League clubs to have
shown an interest in the 21-year-old defender. But the French outfit have
already had a £12million bid rejected and intend to make another to keep the
rising star out of the clutches of the Premier League. The Hammers, who made
a bid of up to £8m for the centre-back earlier this summer, have fallen
behind in the race for Rudiger's services and have given up on landing the
player. Regarded as one of the brightest young defensive talents in Europe,
Rudiger has already been capped by world champions Germany this year. His
club, Stuttgart, maintain he is not for sale as he still has three years
left to run on his contract. Earlier this week, Stuttgart's director of
sport said: "[Manager] Armin Veh and I both agree that we want to Antonio
Rudiger leave under any circumstances. We need sporting quality and he has
it."
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West Ham in advanced talks with Micah Richards
By Liam Spencer on August 19, 2014 in Transfer News
Ironviews.com
The very reputable @ExWHUemployee is reporting that talks with Micah
Richards are at an advanced stage ahead of a loan deal. The Manchester City
defender is capable of playing at right back or in central defence, and
would prove a welcome addition given the injuries to Carl Jenkinson and
James Tomkins.
Still only 26, Richards has seen his career blighted by injury, but a move
to West Ham could lead to a new lease of life for the England international.
The East London Club have reportedly been talking to the defender for days,
so a move could be closer to completion than expected.
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Valeri Bojinov in London to discuss terms of free transfer to West Ham as
former Manchester City striker lines up Premier League return
Valeri Bojinov missed Levski Sofia's last game to travel to England to
discuss terms of free transfer to West Ham
By SIMON JONES FOR MAILONLINE
PUBLISHED: 17:37, 19 August 2014 | UPDATED: 17:47, 19 August 2014
Daily Mail
Former Manchester City and Fiorentina striker Valeri Bojinov is in London to
discuss terms of a free transfer to West Ham from Levski Sofia. Bojinov
missed his side's 2-1 win over Botev Plovdiv on August 17 because of a
clause in the striker's contract, Levski sporting director Georgi Ivanov
confirmed. 'We had to let him go because we have an agreement. I allowed him
to travel to England because I am contractually required to do so. But he
remains a Levski player until he signs with another team,' Ivanov told
Bulgarian National Radio.
VALERI BOJINOV LEAGUE FACT FILE
Born: Bulgaria, Feb 15 1986 (age 28)
2002-2005: Lecce (65 lg apps, 16 goals)
2005-2007: Fiorentina (36, 8)
2006-2007: Juventus (loan) (18, 5)
2007-2010: Manchester City (11, 1)
2009-2010: Parma (loan) (30, 8)
2010-2011: Parma (31, 3)
2011-2013: Sporting CP (8, 2)
2012-2012: Lecce (loan) (10, 1)
2012-2012: Verona (loan) (13, 1)
2013-2013: Vicenza (loan) (18, 4)
2014-2014: Levski Sofia (14, 6)
Bojinov spent the second half of last season at Levski in an attempt to get
a once-promising career, derailed by injuries and distractions off the
pitch, back on track. His emergence as a promising teenager at Italian side
Lecce in 2002, where he made his senior debut a month short of his 16th
birthday, drew glowing reviews and comparisons to another teenage sensation
– England's Wayne Rooney, then at Everton.
Bojinov got his big move aged only 18 in 2005, when he moved to Fiorentina,
where he scored eight goals in 36 appearances. He also spent some time on
loan at Juventus – then relegated to the Serie B following the Calciopoli
match-fixing scandal – before securing a move to Manchester City in 2007.
His career in England was derailed by two major injuries – first to his knee
ligaments in August 2007 and then an Achilles injury a year later. All in
all, he played only 11 matches for City and scored one goal before being
loaned to Parma, a move made permanent in the summer of 2010. The striker
never appeared to recover from his injuries and played mostly as a
substitute at Parma, moving to Sporting Lisbon a year later, where he failed
to stake a claim as a starter as well. Only six months into his tenure with
Sporting, he was banned from the club after taking, and missing, a potential
match-winning spot kick deep into added time in a cup game – wrestling the
ball from the designated penalty taker – sparking a furious reaction among
the coaching staff and the club's fans. After several loan spells with
Italian clubs, Bojinov came to Bulgaria but has been underwhelming at
Levski, as the club finished fifth in the league last season.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
A new rivalry
KUMB.com
Filed: Tuesday, 19th August 2014
By: Paul Turner
There can be discord and ill feeling between sets of fans. Perceived slights
and insults can fester and over the course of time become bigger and more
disproportionate then the original incident or initial intent.
There can be events that cloud judgement and objectiveness like the reported
incidents in Germany between Newcastle United and West Ham United fans where
the event takes on a narrative and life of its own that become embellished
and twisted to fit an agenda.
There are also the unreported acts on an individual basis be it for example
an act of aggression, drunkenness or foul temper that can lead to a loss of
reputation and resentment is cast upon the club or fan base in general. Over
time opinions and thoughts and experiences of events that become deep seated
and entrenched can be passed down to the next generation of supporters who
were not original witnesses to the initial event but carry on the memory
regardless.
Rivalries that date back decades and centuries are continuations of the ill
feeling generated by historical events, be it football teams born from
opposing dockyards or clubs moving to new locations where established teams
exists as examples. These kinds of rivalries can also stem from multiple
historical social issues between different areas or groups on an economic
basis which have been in place for what seems like forever making the
rivalry seem inherent.
Dating back to the kingdoms of Wessex and Mercie or even further back to the
time of the dinosaurs with cave men and women, the reasoning as to how a
feud begins might be difficult to pin point and is usually not for one
particular, clear cut reason but a perception and interpretation of a view
point historically taken by someone else and then passed on.
West Ham United by their location and history has rivalries with other
London based clubs. There are also clubs which seem to elicit general
dislike or derision from the Hammers faithful but not necessarily a direct
rivalry like you would consider some of the other London based clubs. Within
these particular parameters, where does Sheffield United fit?
There is no prolonged history or record of noticeable events between the two
clubs to speak of leading up to the events of the 2006/07 season so the
events themselves of that fateful season are the trigger for the current ill
feeling. The in's and outs have been reported here on KUMB and on many other
websites ranging from threats of lawsuits from players who managed to
engineer big money moves regardless to a lead football writer arguing that
one player made all the difference to West Ham United winning a match or the
transfer of Steve Kabba.
There are many facts and events that transpired or were recorded that I
could go into in relation to the whole Carlos Tevez situation but that would
be re-treading old ground. What is not old ground is the upcoming match
between West Ham United and Sheffield United at the Boleyn Ground in the
Capital One Cup second round.
In terms of how you would define the rivalry between our two clubs, from a
West Ham United perspective the majority view seems to be one of loathing
towards Sheffield United for what happened during events and afterwards
rather then your more traditional geographical or social rivalry.
That does not take away from the strength of feeling or any of the issues at
hand. This is the first meeting between the two sides since Sheffield
United's relegation from the Premier League and the emotion is naturally
going to be heightened due to this fact as the two sets of fans converge on
the Boleyn.
Much will be written on forums and spoken about on phone-in shows and on
social media but ultimately the events that took place occurred between the
two clubs, not directly between the two sets of supporters. The strength of
emotion will be on display for all to see (if indeed the match is chosen for
TV coverage, by a much wider audience) but this should never overstep the
mark into disorder.
There is perceived right and wrong on both sides of the debate with claim
and counter claim but it serves no one any good turning this second round
match in the Capital One Cup into something more then a football match.
What happens after the match though? Regardless of who wins will that
resentment always be there until the next meeting on the football pitch?
Well the way things stand and from reading social media and forum posts on
both sides there is a majority view that this feeling is here to stay.
Always to be held in higher regard then other matches the two sides may play
in a regular season.
For future generations that will support either West Ham United or Sheffield
United, they will have the experiences and stories behind "the Carlos Tevez
Affair" told and thus the baton will be passed on to carry on the rivalry
when the two sides renew acquaintances in future matches.
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New-born Rav "pain free and on fire"
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on August 19, 2014 in Whispers
Claret & Hugh
Ravel Morrison finally looks to be sorting himself out under the gentle
guidance of Teddy Sheringham. The 21 year old midfielder may be facing a
court case in Manchester on August 28 but there is no sign that it's having
a negative effect his attitude to training – quite the opposite. Indeed the
player is the first one in and the last one away from the training ground.
Indeed, yesterday he was still working with attacking coach Sheri an hour
after everybody else had gone home.
A source told ClaretandHugh: "There are two factors that have changed
things. "He's on fire in training because he's pain free for the first time
in three years. All the pain has gone from his groin and his running and
turning is brilliant. "Teddy Sheringham loves working with him and goes on
for as long as Rav wants to. "He has also cleared a lot of people out of his
life and is living more or less on his own …and loving it. "He really does
seem to be getting it at last and he's happy with his own company…something
we never thought we'd see. "There's the court case to deal with of course
but once that is our of the way I think West Ham will have the player on
their hands they know they have always had."
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Keeper returns to West Ham
Posted by Sean Whetstone on August 19, 2014 in Whispers
Claret & Hugh
Crawley Town chief executive Michael Dunford says he has no plans to bring
goalkeeper Raphael Spiegel back from West Ham on loan. Spiegel's one-month
loan spell with Crawley ended yesterday and he has returned to the Hammers.
Dunford said "Raphael has gone back, we wish him well but West Ham want him
to be playing regularly so we can't offer that" The 21-year-old Switzerland
Under-21 international joined the Hammers in 2012 but is yet to make his
first team debut. Spiegel began his career at Grasshopper Club Zurich,
featuring 41 times for their second team and had loan spells at FC Wil 1900
and SC Bruhl SG. He signed with West Ham on a three-year deal in summer 2012
and has featured regularly in the under-21 side over the last two seasons.
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Big night for on-fire Moncur
Posted by Sean Whetstone on August 19, 2014 in Whispers
Claret & Hugh
Loanee George Moncur will be looking to make it 3 goals in 3 games tonight
when he starts for Colchester United against Notts City in the League 1
match at 7.45pm. Moncur who turned 21 on Monday scored the only Colchester
goal on Saturday after he opened the scoring on nine minutes. That was his
second goal of the season after scoring on his debut against Oldham
Athletic which ended 2-2. Colchester eventually lost their second league
game of the season 2-1 to Bristol City. Moncur also received Colchester
United's Man of the Match award for the second league game running by the
Colchester fans where he is already a favourite. Belated Birthday wishes
to George and keep up the good work scoring on loan tonight.
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City ace back on the Irons radar
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on August 19, 2014 in Whispers
Claret & Hugh
West Ham have again cast their eyes in the direction of Manchester City's
Micah Richards as they look for a new defender. Despite being a natural
right back, Richards can slot into a central defensive role quite
comfortably and would be a great addition given James Collins' suspension
and James Tomkins hamstring injury. And ClaretandHugh can reveal that the
Hammers have been in touch with Manchester City in the hope they can sort
out a loan deal for the player.
However, Richards – who is in the last year of his City deal – is currently
earning around £70k a week and the Irons will need to organise a wage
sharing deal if it is to happen. Much will depend on the outcome of James
Tomkins with hopes rising today his hamstring injury may not be as bad as at
first feared. Richards, however is seen as a great addition and could be
brought in on a three or six month deal which will suit the Hammers wages
position. A source told ClaretandHugh exclusively: "The problem from City's
point of view is that if they loan him it will be difficult for them to get
a fee for him given he's in the last year of his deal "We do not think City
will subsidise his wage, but we have asked and there have been talks."
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Hammers summer investment could hit £90m
Posted by Sean Whetstone on August 19, 2014 in Whispers
Claret & Hugh
The true cost of the Hammers' summer transfer dealings could reach as high
as £90 million over the next five years. West Ham are believed to have paid
about £24.5m in fees this transfer window but that amount could rise to
nearly £37m based on certain conditions such as appearances and performance
related targets. Add to this a massive £43m wage bill over the next four to
five years plus £6m in NI Employers contribution for the seven new signings.
It is thought agents fees will add another £4m to the bill bringing the
total investment as high as £90 million! Mauro Zarate joined from Velez
Sarsfield on a free transfer after he bought out his own contract. He is
believed to be earning £40k per week which would £8.3m in wages over his 4
year contract. Aaron Creswell is believed to have cost an initial fee of
£3.75m which could rise to a maximum £7m based on certain conditions. He
signed a five year contract around £25k per week which would cost £6.5m in
wages over 5 years. Carl Jenkinson has joined from Arsenal on season long
loan and is thought to earn £32k per week which could work out £1.6m in
wages. Cheikhou Kouyate joined from Anderlecht for a fee close to £8m. He
signed a 4 year contract and is believed to earn around £35k per week which
would equate to £7.2m in wages over 4 years, Difara Sakho signed from Metz
for initial fee £2.5m possibly rising to £6.5m based on certain conditions.
It is believed to be earning £15k per week plus £5k per appearance. Over his
4 year contract that could cost £4.1m in wages. Enner Valencia signed from
Pachuca for initial fee believed to be £9.5m possibly rising up to £14m on
certain conditions being met. He is believed to be getting £45k per week
which would work out at £11.7m in wages over his 5 year contract. Finally
Diego Poyet is believed to joined as a free agent although a £700,000 fee
was paid to Charlton as compensation. He signed a 4 year contract believed
to worth £17k per week or £3.5m in wages over 4 years,
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