Downing delighted with Palace victory
WHUFC.com
Stewart Downing was thrilled to get on the scoresheet at Crystal Palace
24.08.2014
A beaming Stewart Downing emerged from the dressing room to explain why
Saturday's victory at Crystal Palace was an immensely satiasfying one. The
Hammers midfielder had extra reason to smile as he notched his first
Barclays Premier League goal of the season, which along with Mauro Zarate's
opener and Carlton Cole's second half finish saw West Ham deservedly get all
three points against the Eagles. Despite Maurouane Chamakh pulling a goal
back for the home side early after the break, the Hammers took the victory
in an entertaining game on the road. "It was really pleasing, a good
performance by us and I of course was delighted to score. I think we managed
to contain them well - it was their first home match of the season and this
is always a difficult place to come, but we had lots of momentum. "Last
season we came here, didn't make our chances count and we lost and that
happened to us last week against Tottenham, even though we had played well.
On Saturday we knew we were playing well enough to keep control of the game
and had the edge, so when we did concede which although was disappointing,
we held on well and came through that bit of pressure to get another goal
and wrap up the win."
For Downing himself, he was pleased to make his mark on the scoresheet.
After opening up space for himself with some clever play, the Hammers No11
stroked the ball into the bottom left hand corner from 20 yards for the
second goal. "Obviously I am eager as is the manager for me to get more
goals this season, so to get off the mark second game in, is nice. I want to
shoot more, get in the positions I need to be in. With the goal, I had it in
my head what I wanted to do and hit it where I wanted to and it worked."
Downing said a second bustling London derby was always going to be tricky.
"You don't tend to think too much about the managerial situation [Crystal
Palace] because they can be flat or galvanised by what is happening. This is
a hard place to come and play and we played really well in this game, we
passed it well, played some good football and scored some good goals. The
pleasing thing is we finished our chances which I am sure our manager is
very happy about."
Downing had praise for his team-mates across the park and said it had been a
very positive start to the season for several of West Ham's new additions.
"Mauro scored a tremendous goal. The manager has been easing him into
everything, making sure he was up to speed on his fitness. He's a clever
player and if he can get more goals like today, than that is going to be a
great help for the team. "He showed some nice touches and linked up well.
Cheik [Kouyate] got a lot of the ball, he has been very good, he likes to
help break up play and gets forward. He has had an excellent start for us
and if he can keep that up as much as he can, he'll prove to be a very good
signing for us. "I think all the new signings have settled in well and those
who have played have made good starts. We have a bit of a stronger squad
this season which I think helps the manager. Last season the team had to
literally pick itself at times because of injuries but we have a lot more
options now and can change it around a bit if needed. "We got the second
goal at a good time and the manager stressed that when we had the ball to
keep it as we were penetrating them well on attack. The only disappointing
thing for us was letting them back in a bit when Chamakh scored putting
ourselves under a bit of pressure. But apart from that, thought it was a
really good performance and a good win for us. "We might have even played
better in parts last week [against Tottenham] but we lost. We played really
well here against Palace and took our chances and won well and got the first
of what we hope are many more points to come."
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Kevin Nolan set to miss six weeks with shoulder injury
BBC.co.uk
West Ham captain Kevin Nolan is set to be out of action for six weeks with a
fractured shoulder, according to manager Sam Allardyce. Nolan damaged his
shoulder in training on Thursday, missing the Hammers' 3-1 win at Crystal
Palace on Saturday. Allardyce backed "the best and strongest squad I've put
together at the club" to handle the absence. "It didn't affect us at Palace
and maybe that's a sign there's more to come," he said. Mauro Zarate's
volleyed debut goal set West Ham en route to victory at Selhurst Park, with
Stewart Downing and Carlton Cole also on target.
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Sam Allardyce is pleased with Cheikhou Kouyate and Mauro Zarate so far
Last Updated: 24/08/14 1:46pm
SSN
West Ham manager Sam Allardyce says he thinks new arrivals Cheikhou Kouyate
and Mauro Zarate will prove key performers for his side this season. The duo
both started against Crystal Palace on Saturday, and Zarate scored a fine
opening goal in the 3-1 victory at Selhurst Park. The Argentinian forward
had a fine campaign for Velez Sarsfield in his homeland last season after a
turbulent four years with Lazio, and Allardyce thinks the 27-year-old is
beginning to fully realise his potential. "The lad has grown up and
matured," said Allardyce. "I remember his loan spell at Birmingham six years
or so ago. He's been to Italy and back to Argentina since then, and scored
some goals. "I think he looks, at his age, a mature player with a lot of
quality in the final third, which is something different from what we have."
The 24-year-old Kouyate has also impressed his new manager. "I think he's
got the modern-day midfield player written all over him," said Allardyce.
"The one thing maybe he might be missing is a goal or two, I don't know yet,
but certainly he gets in that area a few times. "He's high-energy,
two-footed, great box-to-box, committed in the air, and he tackles. "I think
it's great to see a player that comes in with a big smile on his face every
day. He's living his dream by playing in the Premier League."
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Fractured shoulder sidelines West Ham captain Kevin Nolan
Last Updated: 24/08/14 11:13pm
SSN
West Ham manager Sam Allardyce has revealed that Kevin Nolan has fractured
his shoulder and will be out of action for up to six weeks. Allardyce said
club captain Nolan suffered the injury during training on Thursday and was
forced to miss the Hammers' 3-1 Premier League win at Crystal Palace on
Saturday.
The West Ham boss admitted Nolan's influence will be missed, but backed "the
best and strongest squad I've put together at the club" to handle his
absence.
"Kevin fractured his shoulder and that's a massive blow to us, along with
all the other players we've got injured," said Allardyce. "He will be out
for probably six weeks I would think. "It isn't a dislocated shoulder, it's
a fractured shoulder, but I don't know just how long that will keep Kevin
out. "We dealt with it brilliantly at Palace and let's hope we can continue
to do that. "It didn't affect us at Palace and maybe that's a sign there's
more to come."
Allardyce believes the comfortable victory over Palace indicates his squad
has decent strength in depth. The Hammers boss added: "We were missing five
players who play a big part in our squad, so to win the game comfortably
with as many injuries as that was extremely pleasing. "So perhaps this might
be the best and strongest squad I've put together at the club - I hope it
is."
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KEVIN NOLAN OUT UNTIL NOVEMBER
By Iain Dale 24 Aug 2014 at 21:14
West Ham Till I Die
In the last hour several sources are reporting that Kevin Nolan's shoulder
injury is worse than feared and that he will be out for around two months.
The injury curse that has afflicted Upton Park for some time now shows no
sign of being lifted.
I have little doubt that some people will greet this news as a silver
lining, but I am not sure they should be so pleased. Whatever his faults,
Nolan delivers goals from midfield and has done so consistently throughout
his career. I thought he had a decent game against Spurs as well.
However, having said that I think that after Zarate's performance yesterday
there would have been a revolution if Nolan were to return in place of
Zarate next weekend. We are well served in midfield at the moment and have
plenty of cover, and it's not often you can say that about West Ham. Apart
from Zarate we also have Ravel Morrison and Mo Diame who can fit into that
role.
CARLTON'S FUTURE UNCERTAIN
In other news Carlton Cole is reportedly interesting Bournemouth who are
said to be weighing up a £1 million bid. Although we have quite a few
strikers on our books at the moment, and he will inevitably drop down the
pecking order, I wonder whether he would really be interested in dropping
down to play for a club which is unlikely ever to seriously challenge for
promotion to the Premier League. I suppose stranger things have happened.
But I for one would be sad to see him go.
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LET'S RECOGNISE THE LOYALTY OF CARLTON COLE
By Iain Dale 24 Aug 2014 at 17:27
West Ham Till I Die
I saw this post on the Stop! Hammertime! Facebook Page and thought it
deserved a wider audience. It's by Jim Dean Dolan, who wants to applaud the
loyalty of Carlton Cole.
You hear the question "Where's the loyalty in football nowadays?" and with
good reason. The season we were relegated, Scott Parker was the pride of the
East End. He was every West Ham fan's hero and could do no wrong. I'd wager
he could ask for the shirt off of any fan's back and get it within seconds.
We loved him and we thought he'd forever be a legend to us. However, he was
given an easy way out of the Championship as well as European football with
Spurs and was gone in a flash.
"Where's the loyalty in football nowadays?" we'd ask ourselves again.
Conversely, Carlton Cole was offered £60k a week to transfer to Stoke. He
turned it down flat stating "It was us, the players, who got us into this
mess so it's down to the players to get us out of it." Little did we know
but not only did he turn down a pay rise to leave but he also took a 50% pay
cut to stay and fight the good fight.
In that season in the Championship he scored 15 goals. Correct me if I'm
wrong but that made him joint top goal scorer with Nolan. Those goals –
including one in the playoff final – ensured an immediate return to the
Premier League.
On our return to the top flight he found himself playing second
fiddle…actually probably fourth fiddle, but he stayed. He stayed to be with
the club he loves as much as you and I do. Eventually he was released but,
as soon as our new, improved and upgraded striker was injured he was
recalled back into the fold and returned gladly – although a little out of
shape.
And so it has been that whenever the most recent flavour of the month falls
off a barstool or twists their ankle on the way out of a kebab shop, Carlton
is there to step up.
Last year in the limited chances he had, he had the eighth best
goals:minutes ratio in the entire Premier League. Whenever we've needed him
most, he's stepped up.
Consider the above. Consider the comments about Cole on this page. And
consider: Where's the loyalty in football nowadays?
Is he frustratingly inconsistent? Yes! Do we wish he'd score more
frequently? Yes! Do we wish he'd learn to control a ball? F*** yes!
But does he also deserve a lot more respect than some give him? Yes. Yes he
does. I don't think he's a world beater. I don't think the history books are
going to have volumes on the great Carlton Cole. But he plays for us and
he's ONE of us! When we've needed him, he's been there. So before wishing
him off for the next mercenary, please take a moment to remember that.
Where is the loyalty in football nowadays?
Quite. There aren't many Carltons left in top flight football nowadays.
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West Ham forward Mauro Zarate hoping to emulate Premier League exploits of
Carlos Tevez
Aug 24, 2014 22:30 By Neil McLeman
The new summer recruit says he wants to follow in Tevez's footsteps and
reveals how Sergio Aguero told him to go to Upton Park
The Mirror
He is an Argentine No.10 who wants to be West Ham's next Carlos Tevez after
seeking advice from Sergio Aguero. But Mauro Zarate's super strike on his
return to the Premier League was definitely made in England. Sam Allardyce
has been given orders to entertain – and, in Teddy Sheringham, a new
attacking coach. Former Birmingham forward Zarate revealed additional
sessions with the ex-Three Lions star were the key to his volley which sent
West Ham on their way to a stylish win. "He has really helped me," said the
Argentine. "We have been practicing volleys like that in training. From the
edge of the box – the same.
P "He was very happy and celebrated the goal, too. I am very happy because
I scored. That is my job."
Former football commentator Barry Davies – briefly out of retirement to
celebrate Match of the Day's 50th anniversary – certainly enjoyed the
striker's sublime volley. 'Oh, Mauro Zarate', shouted the 76-year-old as the
ball struck the back of the net 11 minutes before the break. Zarate played
on loan at St Andrew's in 2008 and then went to Lazio and Inter Milan before
returning to his first club Velez Sarsfield last year. He was top scorer as
they won the Supercopa Argentina but Zarate, 27, had unfinished business
here. "I really like the Premier League so I wanted to come back," said
Zarate, who escaped after a nasty challenge on Stuart O'Keefe. "I speak with
Aguero and sometimes we have dinner together. Always I told him that I
wanted to come back to England. He said: 'Come, come'. He said West Ham was
a good move for me."
Jamie McDonaldSergio Aguero celebrates after scoring the second goalCareer
advisor: Sergio Aguero told Zarate to move to West Ham
The Hammers have only just finished paying off the £20million compensation
to Sheffield Unted for the illegal third-party ownership of another
Argentine in 2007. o in the week they host the Blades in the Capital One
Cup, have they found the next Tevez? "He is a star, he won everything,"
Zarate said. "The Champions League with Manchester United, everything with
Manchester City. Now he is with Juventus. I am very different. "Thank you
for comparing me with him. I know he was very popular with West Ham fans. I
hope I can have the same impact. "He scored some very important goals for
West Ham but I am another person, another player, so I want to go step by
step."
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Blades aiming to nail Hammers
Sheffield United manager Nigel Clough
by James Shield
Published on the 24 August
SheffieldTelegraph.co.uk
Nigel Clough has vowed Sheffield United will enter tomorrow's grudge match
at West Ham with all guns blazing after rubbishing claims his team is
prepared to sacrifice a place in the Capital One Cup to enhance its
promotion credentials. The second round tie, which marks the first meeting
between these two clubs since the Carlos Tevez Affair seven years ago, pits
United against opponents who reached the semi-finals of the competition last
season before being crushed 9-0 on aggregate by Manchester City. Clough,
appointed as United manager in October, has refused to be drawn into the
politics which surround the fixture despite conceding it is "an interesting
draw."
But he warned Sam Allardyce's side that United will not be intimidated by
what promises to be a highly-charged atmosphere inside the Boleyn Ground.
"As far as we are concerned, this is another step towards Wembley," Clough,
who led the visitors into the FA Cup semi-finals last term, said. "That's
the way we approach all of these games. "We don't like losing and we want to
win. We want to do as well as we possibly can no matter what the occasion,
be it this tournament, the FA Cup or the Johnstone's Paint Trophy. They all
offer a chance of getting to Wembley and walking out there is an honour as
we know."
An independent arbitration panel awarded United, 12th in the League One
table following Saturday's victory over Crawley Town, compensation worth
£20m after West Ham were found guilty of breaching rules governing third
party ownership of players when they signed Tevez and his compatriot Javier
Mascherano during the 2006/07 Premier League campaign.
Although Mascherano joined Liverpool five months later, Tevez remained in
London and scored the goal which preserved West Ham's top-flight status
while United, who had argued they should have been docked points rather than
fined, were relegated to the Championship following a 2-1 defeat by Wigan
Athletic.
"We might make some changes but the team we select will be one we think is
capable of winning and doing a job," Clough, speaking before last weekend's
contest, said. "We don't know what Sam will do but that's beyond our control
and, in any case, West Ham are a Premier League team so whoever is out there
for them, well, you know they are going to be very good players."
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Gold: "The Twitter bullies will never beat me"
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on August 24, 2014 in Whispers
Claret & Hugh
David Gold has made it clear the Twitter bully boys will never beat him! The
Hammers co-chairman has received a shed load of abuse since arriving on the
social network. He now has over 94,000 followers but last week suffered a
vicious attack by a fake Carlton Cole account. It produced a picture that
saw his face superimposed onto a newspaper front page with a 'Face of
Maddie Suspect' headline. Gold responded on Twitter, saying: "You are a
disgrace and completely out of order. This is not funny or banter."
And in his first interview on the matter he told ClaretandHugh exclusively:
"The Twitter bullies will never ever beat me. That was so far out of order
but they won't close me down." "Ever since I was a kid growing up in the
east end I have faced down bullies even though I was the smallest kid in the
street. These trolls will never beat me." "The vast majority of followers
are excellent but there's always the noisy minority who want to make life
hell if they can. Well they don't and they won't. "I have no intention of
deleting my Twitter account and if I ever do it will be in my time – not
theirs."
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Dicks gets Ladies off to a winning start
Posted by Sean Whetstone on August 24, 2014 in Whispers
Claret & Hugh
New West Ham Ladies manager Julian Dicks got his ladies off to a perfect
start thanks to a late goal in injury time by Kelley Blanchflower. West Ham
Ladies started their season kicking off at 2pn this afternoon in West
Drayton, Middlesex against QPR Ladies. The starting line up consisted of
Runnacles, King, Barling, Baxter, Revell, Morgan, McCrea, Kinsman,
Blanchflower, Sherwood and captain Stacey Little. Substitutes: Donohoe,
Powles, Mellors, Lipley-Hinton, Bowers.
The Ladies went one down after 24 minutes against the run of play as Kasha
Petit scored for QPR Ladies. It took 61 minutes for the West Ham Ladies to
break through and equalise through a Lindsey Morgan looping header. The
Hammers Ladies left until 92nd minute to win it late in injury time 2-1
through a Kelley Blanchflower goal.
The Ladies next game is against Keynsham Town in the League Cup next Sunday
2pm followed by an evening match against Spurs Ladies on Thursday 4th
September Kick Off 7.45pm
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Carlton Cole linked with AFC Bournemouth
Posted by Sean Whetstone on August 24, 2014 in Whispers
Claret & Hugh
There are rumours circling the Internet this afternoon that AFC Bournemouth
are preparing a £1 million bid for Carlton Cole to tempt him away from the
Irons.
Whether Carlton Cole who scored the Hammers third goal yesterday would
consider a drop down to the Championship remains to be seen but when Enner
Valencia and Diafro Sakho are fully match fit and with Andy Carroll around
two months away from a return Cole must realise he is likely to drop down
the striker pecking order significantly.
Carlton Cole signed a 18 month contract with West Ham in January 2014 which
will take him up to the end of this season after he was previously released
in May 2013. Cole admitted he once took a 50% pay cut when the Hammers
dropped down the championship and has remained loyal to the club since
joining from Chelsea in 2006. Whether the rumours have any substance remains
to be seen.
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Nolan injury may be "serious"
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on August 24, 2014 in Whispers
Claret & Hugh
Kevin Nolan will know early this week whether he faces surgery on a shoulder
injury he picked up in training on Thursday. ClaretandHugh was told a few
minutes ago that the West Ham skipper will have a second scan on the injury
which early indications suggest could be serious. Nolan is understood to
have fell awkwardly in the training and early signs are that he has
suffered a collarbone injury which could involve an eight to 12 week
lay-off. A Hammers training ground source said: "Kev is likely to have a
scan tomorrow or Tuesday but early indications are that it's not good and he
may need surgery. "It's impossible to know exactly what the injury is but
things are not that encouraging and he could be missing for a while yet. At
the moment it looks quite serious."
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Cole enters Cherries talks
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on August 24, 2014 in Whispers
Claret & Hugh
Carlton Cole is tonight talking terms with AFC Bournemouth for a possible
switch to the Championship club. Rumours have been rife on the internet this
evening that a deal for the Hammers loyalist may be underway. And
ClaretandHugh can confirm from a well placed Upton Park source that talks
between the Cole and the Cherries are being held. Manager Eddie Howe is very
keen to sign the player and Cole has to decide whether he's ready to drop
down a level with an accompanying cut in wages. However, given there was
little interest last summer before he returned to the Boleyn, he may believe
that a two or three year deal is worth taking at this stage of his career.
ClaretandHugh's source told us exclusively: "They like him and they are
talking to him but the big question is can they afford him?"
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An away day to remember
Posted by Sean Whetstone on August 24, 2014 in Whispers
Claret & Hugh
2014-08-23 14.57.47I have just recovered from a tremendous Saturday away
day. When I wrote my 'Apathy at the Boleyn ground' piece last weekend what I
failed to mention is away days are completely different and they were most
of last season too! There is a completely different atmosphere at away games
and a great day is usually had by all, win, lose or draw. We had not beaten
Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park since 1991 until yesterday and our last win
at home was 11 years ago on in Division one in October 2003.
Palace were becoming a bit of our bogey side and the omens were not good
when I was allocated row 13 to watch the match from. The pubs outside the
ground were buzzing full with West Ham fans buzzing for their first away day
of the season. When I arrived at the ground the Selhurst Park bar prior to
kick off, the Hammers were celebrating like we had already won the match,
you can sample the atmosphere on the video clip below.
News filtered to the bars around the ground that Kevin Nolan was carrying a
shoulder injury and that Mauro Zarate would start and Carlton Cole would
also start instead of Sakho or Valencia, Vaz Te inclusion was also a
puzzlement to many of the 2,600 Hammers fans around the ground. The away
support was brilliant as usual and the Hammers sung their hearts for 90
minutes only briefly muted for a few minutes by Chamakh's consolation goal.
Mauro Zarate, Chekihou Kourate, Aaron Cresswell all stood out for me and
were out to prove they needed no time to adjust to the Premier League pace
and skill. Captain Mark Noble also worked his socks off and was key to the
first half dominance. I told my mate standing next to me it is was like
watching Brazil in the first half as we went in two nil up thanks to two
well taken goals in three minutes by Zarate and Downing. In fact we should
of been more than two nil up at half time but we didn't care, the sun was
shining and we were winning away. Another thing worth mentioning is the
passion Adrian shows every time we scored, he ran over to the away fans and
celebrated close to us when each of the first two goals went in, he has a
great relationship with the away fans.
Second half Palace came at us and as normal with West Ham we had a dodgy ten
minutes when they scored their goal and looked like they were going to score
one or two more. Everything in the team did their piece to turn things
although Ricardo Vaz Te stood out as out of his depth and I wondered why Sam
started him, I was saying the same about Carlton Cole just before he proved
me wrong by scoring a goal. I am a Carlton Cole fan but I was eager to see
Sakho or Valencia. It was a surprise to see Sakho and not Valencia come on
in the 83rd minute, after just 7 minutes in the Spurs game I assumed
Valencia would get more time on the pitch in the second half to build up his
match fitness. Diego Poyet also came on second half to the song 'He tweets
what he wants, he tweets what he wants, Diego Poyet, he tweets what he
wants". There was was some great banter and songs with the Palace fans.
When the final whistle went and the score was 3-1 we celebrated late into
the night and there were many sore heads on Sunday.
However in the sober light of evening we must remember the manager-less
Palace were poor and I can see them struggling this season, I can't see us
playing like Brazil against the Saints next weekend and I am trying to keep
my feet firmly on the ground incase I let optimism creep back into my head
with regards to this season. I look forward to my next away day at Old
Trafford.
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Monday, August 25
Sunday, August 24
Daily WHUFC News - 24th August 2014
Zarate enjoys dream debut
WHUFC.com
Mauro Zarate scored on his debut as the Hammers took the derby spoils at Crystal Palace
23.08.2014
Mauro Zarate enjoyed a dream West Ham United debut as he helped his new team record their first win of the Barclays Premier League season on Saturday.
His stunning 20-yard volley gave the Hammers a first half lead at Crystal Palace on Saturday - and it was an advantage they never relinquished in an accomplished away display. Stewart Downing doubled the advantage shortly after Zarate's opener, and although ex-Hammer Marouane Chamakh pulled one back four minutes after the restart, Carlton Cole made sure of the points with West Ham's third. It sealed an ideal return to English football for the Argentine forward six years after a loan at Birmingham City, and he wore the broadest of smiles at the final whistle "It was a fantastic match for the team," he beamed. "I'm very happy because we took the three points away from home, so it's an important result. "I played behind Carlton and I like that position. It gives me the opportunity to shoot and give passes to my teammates. We played very well and it's a good win. "We had many chances in the first half, Ricardo had one and I had three maybe. On a couple of those I didn't get a great shot away, but I did for the other! "I think it was the second chance I had and it wasn't an easy one as the ball dropped, but I took it well and it went in the corner, so I'm very happy. "We practice volleys in training for that kind of situation and we have to show that in the match."
Zarate is thrilled to be plying his trade back in the Premier League after finishing as top scorer in Argentina last season and the 27-year-old forward is determined to make the most of the opportunity given to him by the Hammers. He added: "It's nice to be back in the Premier League. I like it too much to have not come back and I want to take the chance now. "It's fantastic to win and play very well, and we have to take that into the next match now. "If we play like that again we'll have a great chance of winning against Southampton next week."
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Style and substance delight Sam
WHUFC.com
Entertainment and outstanding goals were top of the agenda in Saturday's 3-1 win at Crystal Palace
23.08.2014
Sam Allardyce was rightly delighted with the substance and the style of Saturday's 3-1 Barclays Premier League win at Crystal Palace. West Ham United played some outstanding football at Selhurst Park and ran out thoroughly deserved victors over the Eagles. Mauro Zarate netted a belter of a maiden West Ham goal to get things started on 34 minutes, volleying the dropping ball in from outside the penalty area after Mark Noble's shot had been blocked high into the air. Three minutes later, it was two as Stewart Downing collected Cheikhou Kouyate's pass, cut in from the right flank and bent an inch-perfect shot into Julian Speroni's far corner. James Tomkins hit the bar with header shortly after half-time before former Hammer Marouane Chamakh arrowed in for Palace three minutes into the second period. The home side then had their best period of the match, but their comeback was nipped in the bud when Tomkins' free-kick dropped to Carlton Cole, who smashed past Speroni on 62 minutes. Diafra Sakho was handed a debut late on as the Hammers played out time and collected their first points of the 2014/15 season. Big Sam told West Ham TV he could not have been happier with the way his side played following their last-gasp home defeat by Tottenham Hotspur the previous weekend. "The disappointment of having 20 attempts at goal and not scoring was totally forgotten as the quality of our three goals was outstanding," said the manager. "It made for the perfect performance for us because we got even better control of the game than we did against Tottenham. "We completely controlled the game for virtually the whole 90 minutes except for when we let a sloppy goal in just after half-time. "They had a ten-minute spell playing on their home ground, but the rest of the game belonged to us and I think the way the lads tactically controlled the game was brilliant."
While the opening goal would just not come against Spurs, it was Zarate who settled nerves with his unstoppable strike, capping a period of sustained West Ham pressure and possession. "It was fantastic to see a debutant in Mauro come in and show what he could do with a very good goal to get us underway. I was just getting a little worried at that time because we hadn't scored, despite the level of pressure we were putting on Palace. We weren't converting our chances. "To come up with that quality of strike from outside the box was brilliant. Then, on top of that, Stewart's finish was equally good, cutting in from the right and passing the ball into the bottom corner of the net. That's what we've been asking him to do."
Even when the home side did emerge after half-time with renewed energy and got themselves on the scoresheet, Big Sam was proud of his players' ability to regroup and put the game to bed through Cole's emphatic volley. "It was a beautiful start, then we all thought Tomkins was going to score his header at the far post, because he doesn't normally miss from there, but it wasn't a goal. "Then, they scored and had a ten-minute spell of pressure before we got control of the game again and I'm delighted that we have scored our first goal of the season off a set play. Carlton worked it and finished it beautifully. "It was the performance and result we were all looking for. Fantastic!"
With a remit to produce more attacking and entertaining football, the manager was delighted with the flair, creativity and innovation in his side's play in south east London. It was easy on the eye when West Ham had the ball, and fantastic to see the relentless work-rate and pressing when they didn't. The manager - as well as everyone else connected with the Club, no doubt - would love to see that combination on a regular basis. "We're introducing new players and I think Aaron Cresswell and Cheikh have shown their capabilities in the two games we've played and we can only hope they get even better, because it's all so new to them. "Zarate made his debut and scored and looked very good in tight areas with his ability, Sakho came on and held it up and had a couple of good lay-offs, had a couple of shots at goal and a header which might have gone in, which was encouraging. "We've got a lot of injured players to come back, so hopefully this is the start of something good and I hope the lads get ready for Sheffield United on Tuesday night and then Southampton. "It gives me optimism and if they continue to finish like they did on Saturday then that's only going to give me more optimism because we're going to be a very, very good side and be in a very good position in the league. "That must have given everyone at the game - the Joint-Chairmen, the fans, us as staff and the players - a huge amount of confidence in the positive way and the quality with which we played."
West Ham return to action at home to Sheffield United in the Capital One Cup second round on Tuesday evening, when Adult tickets are just £10 when bought in advance. Following that, the Hammers welcome Southampton to the Boleyn Ground next Saturday 30 August at 3pm ahead of a 16-day international break.
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Haycock laments missed opportunity
WHUFC.com
Nick Haycock thought the Development Squad were worthy of all three points against Southampton
23.08.2014
Development Squad coach Nick Haycock was left wondering what might have been after West Ham United U21s fell to a 2-1 home defeat by Southampton in the Barclays U21 Premier League on Friday evening. The Saints surged into a two-goal lead at the Boleyn Ground, with the excellent Omar Rowe finishing tidily past Raphael Spiegel early on, before Ryan Seager blasted high into the Hammers net from a corner with ten first-half minutes still to play. The Hammers, however, were transformed after the interval and substitute Adrian Wojcik Kosela had rattled the woodwork and fired over from eight yards before finally halving the deficit in added time. It was scant reward for a dominant second-half display and having lost by the odd goal in three against Tottenham Hotspur on Monday as well, coach Haycock was understandably aggrieved. "I'm disappointed with the result and that's now two games and two narrow defeats," he told West Ham TV. "Though I didn't think we were fully at it first half, I thought we were unlucky not to take the lead and we've had two cleared off the line. On another day they go in. "We regrouped at half-time and we asked for more intensity, more individual responsibility, better care of the football and said the chances would come. We were proved right. "When Adrian came on and hit the bar midway through the second half - that might have been the turning point. We needed to get that first goal early and then it would have given us a bit more of a chance, even though we still had the opportunities to get back in the game late on. "We've had eleven shots to their one in the second half and the boys know we should have got something out of the game. We thought we should have come away with three points. You can see lots of good things there it just needs more of the second-half performance and a little bit of luck going our way."
While the Hammers have little to show for their two outings thus far, Haycock has every confidence in his young men and is looking forward to the tough tests that lie in wait. He continued: "Of course you want to win football matches and teach them how to win, but the learning experiences they gain playing in this league is invaluable. "It's Manchester City next, then Liverpool and then Manchester United. What more could you ask for and I wouldn't have it any other way. It's challenging me as a coach, it's challenging the staff in all departments to produce players who can shine at that level and ultimately knock on the gaffer's door. "We're more than capable of competing in this league. We earned the right to be in it last year and we're delighted to be in that league. Wherever we finish, as long as we're competitive in every game and providing the right challenge for our players, then that's what we're all about."
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Ladies ready for big kick-off
WHUFC.com
Vicki King says West Ham United Ladies cannot wait to get their new league season started
23.08.2014
West Ham United Ladies have undergone many changes over the summer - manager, players, home stadium - but one constant remains. Right-back Vicki King joined the Hammers 16 years ago and now, at the age of 30, is looking forward to working under a player who was playing for the Club when she joined in 1998 - Julian Dicks. The Dicks era will start with the FA Women's Premier League Southern Division opener with Queens Park Rangers on Sunday 24 August at 2pm at Honeycroft, the home of Uxbridge FC. "Pre-season has gone really well," said King. "We've got a few new additions to the squad and Julian's working us really hard, but it's paying off during the games. "I'm definitely enjoying playing for Julian. We needed a fresh set of eyes here and someone that was more objective and Julian is certainly objective. "We also needed a manager that was going to work us hard and help us play some good football and I feel we are starting to do that now. "The new players have integrated into the team very well. It's almost like they've been with us for years which is nice! Everyone gets along in the group and we are a strong team which is a positive on the pitch."
King has been in good personal form during pre-season, netting two goals in four games from long distance. "I've doubled my tally from last season already!" chuckled the former Chelmsford City defender. "I just hope I haven't used up all my goals in pre-season as we'll be needing them when it comes to the league."
With their first league fixture at Queens Park Rangers to be played on Sunday, the Ladies are preparing for a League Cup fixture away at Somerset-based Keynsham Town Ladies this weekend before Dicks' first home league game in charge against Tottenham Hotspur. "The team are ready for whatever is thrown at them this season. We've been working really hard and going forward, we look really positive. Perhaps we may need to straighten the defence out a little bit but we are working on it and it's coming together very well. "The more support we can get this season the better. We already get quite a lot of support from the West Ham fans on social media which is nice, but to get some more faces down to Aveley for the games would be brilliant. "Any game against Spurs means a lot to the girls and especially to me as a West Ham fan. We will be going out trying our hardest to get the three points, that's for sure!"
Overall, King believes that the squad should be aiming for a top-four finish in the FA Women's Premier League Southern Division this season. "I don't think there is a limit to what the girls can achieve this season. I think we should definitely be looking at a top three or four finish this season, so that's what we will be going out to try and get."
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Crystal Palace 1 West Ham 3
23 August 2014
Last updated at 18:27
By Phil McNulty
Chief football writer
Crystal Palace's turbulent start to the new season continued as they were beaten comfortably by West Ham United at Selhurst Park. Palace chairman Steve Parish's urgency to appoint a new manager after Tony Pulis left less than 48 hours before the start of the campaign will have increased after a second successive Premier League defeat. Mauro Zarate scored a spectacular debut goal and Stewart Downing added a second before half-time to put Sam Allardyce's side in control as the Eagles' caretaker manager Keith Millen watched his players struggle desperately. Marouane Chamakh offered some hope for Palace when he pulled a goal back after the restart but Carlton Cole quickly re-established West Ham's supremacy and they closed out a fully deserved win. Parish must now turn his attention to ending the turbulence that has overtaken the club since Pulis's departure and the ill-fated move for Malky Mackay. The move for Mackay was halted after he became embroiled in revelations about texts he shared with Iain Moody while manager at Cardiff City, which subsequently led to Moody's departure as Palace's sporting director.
Tim Sherwood, an early contender to be Eagles' boss, pulled out of the race after Palace moved away from the Mackay appointment and now Parish is left with a major dilemma. The Eagles chairman must decide whether to hand control to Millen with the transfer window not long off closure or move for an outsider, with former Celtic manager Neil Lennon the latest to be linked with the job after rumours that Pulis might make a dramatic return were dismissed. The search for a new manager overshadowed Palace's first home game of the season - but even the pre-match warm-up was not without its troubles as Joe Ledley suffered a groin injury and was replaced by Shaun O'Keefe. The Eagles' passionate support did their best to lift the mood and there were early moments of hope, notably when Chamakh almost got on the end of Martin Kelly's driven cross. The rot soon set in, however, and West Ham's control led to a splendid opener from Argentine debutant Zarate 11 minutes before the interval, meeting a dropping clearance from a corner with the outside of his right foot to beat Julian Speroni from 20 yards.
Zarate had shown a nasty streak when he left a foot in on the back of O'Keefe's ankle but this was the sort of quality Allardyce - and indeed new attacking coach Teddy Sheringham - would have had in mind from the man who had a loan spell at Birmingham City and arrived from Velez Sarsfield this summer.
Downing matched that three minutes later when he cut in from the right flank before a perfect placement from 20 yards with his left foot beat Speroni low to his right. James Tomkins headed against the underside of the bar for West Ham in the opening minutes of the second half, and Palace took advantage of the reprieve as Chamakh pulled a goal back with a clinical low finish from the edge of the area. It was fleeting hope for the hosts though, and West Ham soon restored their two-goal advantage when Cole was given too much time and space in the area and drilled a low effort into the corner. There was nothing else for West Ham to do other than ensure Palace could not mount any sort of recovery and they did so with ease against a side that looked in desperate need of fresh faces and the sort of inspiration a new manager may be able to provide.
Crystal Palace caretaker manager Keith Millen: "I won't be watching Match of the Day tonight. I'll recover hopefully and watch it on Sunday. "It doesn't get any easier. What's gone on this week has been tough for the lads. We never got going at all. "I'll be speaking to the chairman tomorrow to see what the developments are."
West Ham United manager Sam Allardyce: "We got everything right. We could have scored more than we did. "We had a plan of attack to break Crystal Palace down with a patient approach. "We have spent long hours throughout summer trying to acquire the players we have. At the moment they are progressing very well and I hope we can get better."
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Crystal Palace 1-3 West Ham United
KUMB.com
Filed: Saturday, 23rd August 2014
By: Staff Writer
Two good performances + three points on the board = one promising start to the season for Big Sam's new-look West Ham. A good start against Tottenham in the season-opener last weekend was marred by conceding an injury time goal that left the Hammers pointless. Yet despite falling to that disappointing defeat against their nearest Premier League rivals, signs of a new approach - a more positive philosophy, as demanded by fans and owners alike - was clearly evident.
And so it was the case again today when Allardyce's side earned their first win of the campaign with a thoroughly professional performance - and dare one say, assiduously entertaining - against a Palace side made to look a shadow of the team that performed so ably against Arsenal at the Emirates last weekend.
Mauro Zarate - making his competitive debut as replacement for the absent Kevin Nolan - and Stewart Downing both hit the target with technically excellent strikes to give the Hammers a comfortable lead at the half time break.
Former Hammer Marouane Chamakh - who else? - halved United's advantage at the beginning of the second period, but Carlton Cole eased any fears of a Palace comeback with his first goal of the season to earn West Ham their first points of the season. It was the very least Sam Allardyce's side deserved for a fabulous performance full of commitment, drive and attacking football.
Having successfully survived a couple of early Palace attacks, the Hammers took control of the game for the remainder of the first half. Hence it was no surprise when Zarate scored his new club's first goal of the 2014/15 Premier League campaign with 34 minutes on the clock.
A technically superb effort, the Argentinian's decision to loiter on the edge of the penalty box at a corner proved to be a good one. Mark Noble's deflected shot looped up into the air and Zarate kept his eye on the ball before producing a dipping volley that beat the unsighted Julian Speroni into his bottom right corner.
The Hammers had barely finished celebrating Zarate's first goal in a West Ham shirt before they found themselves 2-0 ahead. Stewart Downing, who had kept his full back busy since the game began cut inside from the right flank before sending a curling effort inside the corner of the far post.
West Ham could easily have extended their lead further with their first attacking foray of the second half, however James Tomkins' header crashed back of the underside of the crossbar before bouncing to safety. That proved a costly miss for the centre half as within 90 seconds Chamakh produced a lovely finish from the edge of the box to give Palace a lifeline.
Fortunately for West Ham and their merry band of travelling fans, that was as good as it got for the Eagles (nee Glaziers). With 62 minutes played, the much-maligned Carlton Cole did what he does best, popping up in the penalty box to drive home a direct free kick that had been knocked down into his path by Ricardo Vaz Te. 3-1 and game all but over.
Adrian, who had very little to do overall made a great stop with the game deep in injury time to deny Glenn Murray a consolation goal with the ground already half-empty. It was Palace's fourth effort on target, whilst the Hammers managed double that from 17 attempts - just one less than the 18 shots at goal against Spurs last week.
That in itself signals a dramatic shift of emphasis in Allardyce's approach to the opening two matches of the new Premier League season, with the Hammers looking far more creative and forward-thinking than may have been the case in recent years.
However the addition of quality players such as Aaron Cresswell, Cheikhou Kouyate, Zarate and even young Diego Poyet has certainly afforded Allardyce the opportunity to play the more expansive game that has been so thoroughly welcomed by Hammers fans in the past week.
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Nolan out with shoulder injury
KUMB.com
Filed: Saturday, 23rd August 2014
By: Staff Writer
West Ham captain Kevin Nolan has been ruled out of this afternoon's trip to Crystal Palace with a shoulder injury. The 32-year-old midfielder, who earned West Ham's penalty in the opening game of the campaign against Tottenham at the Boleyn last weekend sustained the injury during training earlier in the week. However his absence was kept a secret until the team was announced for today's game shortly before 2pm this afternoon. Nolan's place in the team has been taken by debutant Mauro Zarate, who was an unused substitute against Tottenham. West Ham are yet to comment on the extent of the injury.
Update: West Ham tweeted the following shortly after this story was first published...
West Ham United FC ✔ @whufc_official
LIVE: Kevin Nolan is nursing a shoulder injury suffered in training on Thursday. He could be sidelined for a few weeks #CPLWHU
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Crystal Palace's woes continue as West Ham win 3-1 at Selhurst Park
By David Bowers. Last Updated: 23/08/14 6:43pm
SSN
Managerless Crystal Palace are still seeking their first win of the Premier League season after losing 3-1 at home to West Ham United. Thirty-four minutes into the game, summer signing Mauro Zarate fired the Hammers into the lead with a superbly struck volley that left Palace keeper Julian Speroni with no chance.
Best of the match
Man of the match: Stewart Downing was a constant threat down the right-hand side and his delivery was faultless throughout. His performance was capped off by a superbly accurate 20 yard drive to put West Ham 2-0 up. Honourable mentions to Cheickou Kouyate and Mauro Zarate.
Moment of the match: Carlton Cole's goal to make it 3-1 silenced a previously boisterous Selhurst Park, who were anticipating an equaliser. Cole's goal put the game beyond doubt.
Goal of the match: Mauro Zarate's volley came straight out of the top drawer, with a sweetly-struck drive leaving Julian Speroni with no chance.
Miss of the match: James Tomkins' header crashed off the bar, despite the centre-back standing just a couple of yards away from goal. It almost cost them, but the Hammers held on.
Talking point: The result shows just how quickly Palace's co-chairman Steve Parish needs to act in their quest to appoint a new manager. Selhurst Park was very flat after West Ham's third and their fans will need a boost in the coming days, but can they secure the right man?
Less than five minutes later, winger Stewart Downing cut in from the right wing and curled a sumptuous effort from 25 yards to double the Irons' lead.
Immediately after Tomkins' glorious chance, Palace pulled a goal back after striker Marouane Chamakh picked up the ball from 20 yards and drilled an effort into the bottom-right corner past a sprawling Adrian. Palace's tails were up and with an equaliser looking inevitable, West Ham went to the other end and put the game beyond doubt after Carlton Cole fired a low drive past a statuesque Speroni to make it 3-1. Palace's second straight defeat plunged the south London club into further distress, with the board still hunting a replacement for Tony Pulis. Hammers boss Allardyce only clung onto his job in the summer after promising the West Ham board more expansive, attacking football. Allardyce's attacking revolution failed to bear fruit on the season's opening day in a frustrating 1-0 Upton Park defeat to Tottenham, with the Hammers spurning a host of half-chances. Former Lazio poacher Zarate was able to cut West Ham's toothless finishing short at Selhurst Park however, capping a lively full debut with a smart first-half finish.
Former Middlesbrough wing Downing claimed just his second West Ham goal moments later, as Palace paid the price for backing off in midfield. Downing raced down the right, cut off his flank and nudged a side-footed effort past the blameless Speroni. James Tomkins headed against the crossbar to open the second half as West Ham sought to kill off the contest, but Palace immediately seized on the reprieve, with former Arsenal forward Chamakh firing in a low shot from 20 yards to half the deficit.
Bannan blasted straight at Adrian from the edge of the area, but just when the hosts scented level terms West Ham struck again with striker Cole, so profligate against Spurs, who pounced on a loose ball in the Palace box to lash past Speroni and kill the contest. Palace's Co-chairman Steve Parish was joined by former Palace striker Mark Bright in the directors' box, and no doubt the pair had plenty to discuss. Parish was all set to hand Malky Mackay the reins to replace Pulis, who walked out on the eve of the season after rows over transfer policy. Mackay fell out of the running after the FA launched an investigation into racist, sexist and homophobic text messages sent during his time as Cardiff manager. Tim Sherwood pulled out of the running for the Palace job after initially being deemed second choice to Mackay, leaving Millen to take charge for the second week running.
While West Ham can look towards Cole and Zarate forging a dangerous strike partnership, Palace know time is running out for transfer recruits with the window closing on September 1. Millen has admitted he will spearhead Palace's recruitment drive in the absence of both Pulis and now Moody. Co-chairman Parish must now act swiftly to secure a new managerial appointment however, with Palace already battling to set their season on track.
PAUL MERSON ON PALACE v WEST HAM
The Palace players look a bit lost if I'm being honest. There wasn't a lot of shape about the team. Over the last six months if you have gone to Palace you've had to work very hard, but when West Ham got on top they stayed there. Palace were begging for half-time because they were all over the place.
They need to get someone in very soon or sort something out. Before the game I would have said yes to Keith Millen, but when you watch that today then maybe no. It wasn't the Tony Pulis team. That's the problem, he's got to get them hard to beat again.
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West Ham boss Sam Allardyce proud of his side after 3-1 win over Crystal Palace
Last Updated: 23/08/14 7:47pm
SSN
West Ham United boss Sam Allardyce believes his side executed their tactics to perfection during their 3-1 win over Crystal Palace on Saturday. Goals from Mauro Zarate, Stewart Downing and Carlton Cole gifted the Hammers their first win of the season, following last week's heart-breaking defeat to Tottenham Hotspur. After their clinical display at Selhurst Park, Allardyce was full of praise for his players and says their performance has mended the wounds of their defeat to Spurs. "I think that tactically we were outstanding today. Within those tactics the players have to play well and they certainly did," Allardyce told Sky Sports. "Last week we didn't have the cutting edge, but our finishing was of outstanding quality this week. If we had one of those quality finishes last week, then we'd probably have six points. "It's a fantastic performance as well as a fantastic result for us, and three very good goals have seen Crystal Palace off."
The Irons boss reserved special praise for forward Zarate, who broke the deadlock in the first-half with a sweetly-struck volley to leave Palace keeper Julian Speroni with no chance. "Zarate has the cutting edge, he's also got the clever brain in where to find the little spaces you need to find when Palace play with two banks of four," Allardyce said. "He dribbles into those areas and the finish was exquisite today. He's an accomplished player on the ball for us – he holds it up very well and brings other players into the game which surprised me. "We knew he was a goalscorer but a lot of his possession was very good today."
Having only won four times away from home last season, Allardyce was delighted to secure all three points against a managerless Palace and hopes that it will be a sign of things to come for his side. "Let's hope it's a record-breaking away adventure for us this year and of course make sure that when we get back home, we get some results," he said. "Today, everything was perfect. The performance, the way the lads played and how they applied themselves."
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NOLAN'S ENFORCED ABSENCE HERALDS THE NEW DAWN – FOR NOW!
By Iain Dale 23 Aug 2014 at 23:38
West Ham Till I Die
Guest Post from The Headmaster (originally posted on Claret & Blues )
So, it took a shoulder injury picked up in training this week to force Allardyce's hand but today, for the moment at least, we got to glimpse the shape of what might be to come in terms of a midfield devoid of Captain Kev and one commited to attacking and more progressive football.
In short, Zarate, playing instead of Nolan and in the hole, was magnificent. Right from the word go, he looked a handful as he skipped past the Palace midfield, played skilful one – twos with Cresswell or Downing, linked up with the workmanlike but effective Noble and looked to be incisive and creative. It was a breath of fresh air. Make no mistake about it though, this man of the match performance was only made possible because Allardyce could not select Nolan. Having seen what we have seen today, it begs the question 'when Nolan is fit, who exactly is going to have to make way for him?' because, let's not kid ourselves, he (Nolan) WILL be played. Allardyce will categorically not drop his talisman.
That is a question for another day. For now, to coin Thatcher's immortal phrase, 'just rejoice'. This was a splendid afternoon to be a Hammer.
The noise at Selhurst Park was its usual cauldron like atmosphere for around 5 minutes today. After this, the strains of the cockney support began to dominate, mirroring their teams' endeavours.
The back 4 were largely assured. O'Brien, much derided at times (mia culpa) was dependable and supported the attack effectively on several occasions as our esteem grew. Reid and Tomkins were largely untroubled at the back and Tomkins was unlucky to hit the bar from a second half corner after Vaz Te finally noticed that someone needed to do the Nolan-block on Speroni! Cresswell was excellent today, both in defence and as a rampaging wing back.
In front of the defence, Kouyate was reminiscent of some of the Diame performances from yesteryear. He is gangly, awkward yet at times imperious and imposing, thrusting forward through the middle of the park with aplomb. Noble did what Noble does. It was unspectacular but it was effective enough and it allowed Zarate to do his thing. I mentioned Di Canio in the same breath as Zarate pre-season and I do so again. Not because in any way the two are comparable in stature as yet but because it is not since Di Canio that I have been so excited by a player to sign for us, judging by what I am seeing so far. This boy has the potential to be big for us, make no mistake about it. Downing's form looks to be excellent just now. He is playing with confidence and intent and has the beating of many a left back if the evidence of the first two games is anything to go by.
Up front? Vaz Te and Cole. They made up the numbers for me, allowing the Zarate, Kouyate and Downing show to flourish and, as far as that went, they did a job. Cole managed to get on the end of the type of goal Coal sometimes (rarely) gets on the end of and the faithful once again urged him to 'always be-lieve i-in….'. Whatever, my thoughts on him are too well documented for me to start all that over again! Sakho made a cameo, as did young Diego Poyet but no Enner Valencia this afternoon.
This was a good day to be a Hammer, especially for those of us that happen to live and work in South London! The jury is out on what it means for the future. Palace is a club in turmoil and the selection of the side was somewhat forced upon the manager so it will be interesting to see his take on our success in due course. But, a first win of the season is, well, it's awesome.
Note from Iain
I'm grateful to all at Claret & Blues for their cooperation on this. For newer readers I should explain that there used to be a bit of bad blood between their site and this, but I am glad that it is all behind us – and has been for some time. I'd like to hope that their main players will return here from time to time and resume commenting, as we've missed them! They run a great site too. The thing is, we all do different things and bring different things to the West Ham blogosphere. And long may it continue!
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Hammers strike while the iron is hot to take three points against Eagles
Aug 23, 2014 20:18 By Steve Stammers
The visitors got their season going with a fine win at Selhurst Park, but Palace fans will be concerned over back-to-back losses
The Mirror
Crystal Palace are a club who have lost their way. West Ham, in contrast, are heading in a new direction. The evidence was there for all to see at Selhurst Park. There was a cohesion about West Ham, while there was more than a hint of desperation about Palace's lifeless play. The outcome was inevitable. Sam Allardyce has been able to rebuild as he tries to win over the sceptics who think he is a disciple of one-dimensional football. And Allardyce has bought well.
In the opposing dug-out was Keith Millen, who is fast becoming the character at Palace that Tony Book once was at Manchester City – new manager, new squad, new photo … and Millen, like Book, is always in shot. He is the go-to man for chairman Steve Parish in times of need. He has stood in for Ian Holloway and now Tony Pulis. You feel for him and the next week will clearly be vital for the shape of Palace's season. A new leader MUST come in – sooner rather than later after the walk-out by Pulis. Malky Mackay thought he had the job until dodgy texts came into the public domain. So, the search resumes and, with a week left in the transfer window, reinforcements are needed at managerial and playing levels. "We were lacklustre in the first half," said Millen. "Did what has happened affect the players? I don't know. They have looked fine in training, but you never know until match day."
Millen's problems started in the pre-match warm-up when Joe Ledley was injured. "That was a blow, " said the caretaker boss. " To be honest, I really don't know what will happen regarding the manager. All I can do is prepare us for the next two matches at Walsall and Newcastle. I don't think the result today will harm my chances of getting the job – not one result."
West Ham barely looked in trouble. And, once they added an edge to their neat approach work, it was game over. "Delighted," beamed Allardyce who was more than pleased with the contribution of Cheikhou Kouyate. The Senegalese cost a bargain £7million from Anderlecht and Allardyce said: "He is the perfect modern midfield player – he is box-to box, high energy and he can tackle. He comes in every day with a smile on his face because he is living the dream." After 34 minutes, West Ham eventually took the lead. If there is one coach at West Ham who is currently earning his money, it is strikers coach Teddy Sheringham, judging by the quality of the first two goals. In the 34th minute, Mark Noble struck the ball goalwards and Fraizer Campbell appeared to have blocked the danger. But the ball went upwards and, from outside the penalty area, Mauro Zarate produced a stunning volley. Palace were unnerved and, three minutes later, they doubled their lead. Stewart Downing had been a constant menace, who frequently left Joel Ward in his wake. And Ward had no answer as Downing cut inside and unleashed a left-foot drive that had Julian Speroni beaten comprehensively.
True, Palace staged a mini-revival after Marouane Chamakh scored with a shot at the near post of West Ham goalkeeper Adrian. But inside 15 minutes, the balance of power was restored. A free-kick from James Tomkins was cleared only as far as Carlton Cole, who drove home unchallenged. On to the next instalment of the Palace soap opera. And they may consider a change to their anthem of Glad All Over as the players come on to the field. Unless matters improve soon, they might switch to another Dave Clark Five hit of the Sixties … Bits and Pieces.
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Hammers still in talks for defender
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on August 23, 2014 in Whispers
Claret & Hugh
West Ham tonight remain in talks with top Atletico Madrid's Belgian defender Toby Alderweireld. The Hammers have made it clear they are very keen to bring in a new central defensive player as their final signing of the season. A source told us soon after the 3-1 win over Palace: "The club is still talking to him and there are one or two other players they are keen on. However, Alderweireld remains an active situation. "It's important to say that at this stage he remains a long shot but if the club can get him a season-long long loan that would solve a problem as there's no cash left for a fee. "There's competition for him but we are hoping we can entice him on a loan. He's a top player and at this stage of our development that's what we are looking at"
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Zarate pours the pressure on Nolan
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on August 23, 2014 in Whispers
Claret & Hugh
Mauro Zarate scored on his debut and produced a performance which may have seen Kevin Nolan finally banished into the Irons shadows. The Argentine scored a brilliant goal and ensured that the pressure is well and truly on the skipper from here on in. He fired home a magnificent effort 34 minutes into the game to set the Irons on their way and when Stewart Downing added a second from 25 yards less than five minutes later the Irons were truly bubbling.
James Tomkins saw a header hit the bar five minutes into the second half before Marouane Chamakh reduced the arrears with a 20 yards drive. An equaliser looked well and truly on but Carlton Cole put things beyond doubt when firing a shot past a statuesque Speroni. Sam Allardyce's attacking approach was aided by the inclusion of Zarate who replaced an injured Nolan and he and Cole looked very lively indeed. Palace had their moments partiucularly when Bannan blasted straight at Adrian from the edge of the area, but the Hammers were worthy winners.
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£6m Leicester and West Ham target apologises for 'breach of contractual duties'
Here Is The City
Islam Slimani has done a Marcos Rojo and apologised for his behaviour at Sporting Lisbon. Will he follow him to the Premier League?
Algeria were one of the surprise packages at this summer's World Cup, with several of their players catching the eyes of admirers across the continent. One such player was striker Islam Slimani - who put in several decent displays in Brazil. The attacker is currently with Portuguese side Sporting Lisbon, who he joined from CR Belouizdad last summer. The 26-year-old has emerged as a transfer target for several Premier League clubs this summer. Leicester City were heavily linked with a £10 million move for the player - but Nigel Pearson appeared to rule them out of the running for his signature last month.
That being said the likes of Newcastle United, West Ham and Crystal Palace have also been linked with his signature - despite all interested teams apparently being thrown off by the £10 million price-tag, although recent reports suggest he could leave for just £6 million. And he has been at the centre of a storm at Sporting, similar in fact to the one that new Manchester United signing Marcos Rojo was embroiled in before his £16 million switch to Old Trafford. He has reportedly been trying to force a move, and has therefore been reprimanded by the club. He was banished from training and fined for his indiscretions.
However he has now apologised to fans through an official statement from the club. The statement reads: "The Sporting Clube de Portugal, Futebol, SAD announces that, in the disciplinary proceedings against the player Islam Slimani, for breach of contractual duties, the athlete acknowledged yesterday, Friday, not acted in a correct and professional manner, showing up sorry for their behavior, and, on this day, Saturday, formalized recognition of his guilt. Consequently, Sporting SAD has decided to reinstate the player in the work of the core team in next Monday, without prejudice to the continuation of disciplinary proceedings and the consequent imposition of disciplinary sanctions as may be. "
So it would appear that Slimani will not be joining Leicester City, Newcastle or West Ham this summer. Although, a word of warning to Sporting fans, Rojo left for United 24 hours after such an announcement.
Who's picking him up from the airport?
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WHUFC.com
Mauro Zarate scored on his debut as the Hammers took the derby spoils at Crystal Palace
23.08.2014
Mauro Zarate enjoyed a dream West Ham United debut as he helped his new team record their first win of the Barclays Premier League season on Saturday.
His stunning 20-yard volley gave the Hammers a first half lead at Crystal Palace on Saturday - and it was an advantage they never relinquished in an accomplished away display. Stewart Downing doubled the advantage shortly after Zarate's opener, and although ex-Hammer Marouane Chamakh pulled one back four minutes after the restart, Carlton Cole made sure of the points with West Ham's third. It sealed an ideal return to English football for the Argentine forward six years after a loan at Birmingham City, and he wore the broadest of smiles at the final whistle "It was a fantastic match for the team," he beamed. "I'm very happy because we took the three points away from home, so it's an important result. "I played behind Carlton and I like that position. It gives me the opportunity to shoot and give passes to my teammates. We played very well and it's a good win. "We had many chances in the first half, Ricardo had one and I had three maybe. On a couple of those I didn't get a great shot away, but I did for the other! "I think it was the second chance I had and it wasn't an easy one as the ball dropped, but I took it well and it went in the corner, so I'm very happy. "We practice volleys in training for that kind of situation and we have to show that in the match."
Zarate is thrilled to be plying his trade back in the Premier League after finishing as top scorer in Argentina last season and the 27-year-old forward is determined to make the most of the opportunity given to him by the Hammers. He added: "It's nice to be back in the Premier League. I like it too much to have not come back and I want to take the chance now. "It's fantastic to win and play very well, and we have to take that into the next match now. "If we play like that again we'll have a great chance of winning against Southampton next week."
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Style and substance delight Sam
WHUFC.com
Entertainment and outstanding goals were top of the agenda in Saturday's 3-1 win at Crystal Palace
23.08.2014
Sam Allardyce was rightly delighted with the substance and the style of Saturday's 3-1 Barclays Premier League win at Crystal Palace. West Ham United played some outstanding football at Selhurst Park and ran out thoroughly deserved victors over the Eagles. Mauro Zarate netted a belter of a maiden West Ham goal to get things started on 34 minutes, volleying the dropping ball in from outside the penalty area after Mark Noble's shot had been blocked high into the air. Three minutes later, it was two as Stewart Downing collected Cheikhou Kouyate's pass, cut in from the right flank and bent an inch-perfect shot into Julian Speroni's far corner. James Tomkins hit the bar with header shortly after half-time before former Hammer Marouane Chamakh arrowed in for Palace three minutes into the second period. The home side then had their best period of the match, but their comeback was nipped in the bud when Tomkins' free-kick dropped to Carlton Cole, who smashed past Speroni on 62 minutes. Diafra Sakho was handed a debut late on as the Hammers played out time and collected their first points of the 2014/15 season. Big Sam told West Ham TV he could not have been happier with the way his side played following their last-gasp home defeat by Tottenham Hotspur the previous weekend. "The disappointment of having 20 attempts at goal and not scoring was totally forgotten as the quality of our three goals was outstanding," said the manager. "It made for the perfect performance for us because we got even better control of the game than we did against Tottenham. "We completely controlled the game for virtually the whole 90 minutes except for when we let a sloppy goal in just after half-time. "They had a ten-minute spell playing on their home ground, but the rest of the game belonged to us and I think the way the lads tactically controlled the game was brilliant."
While the opening goal would just not come against Spurs, it was Zarate who settled nerves with his unstoppable strike, capping a period of sustained West Ham pressure and possession. "It was fantastic to see a debutant in Mauro come in and show what he could do with a very good goal to get us underway. I was just getting a little worried at that time because we hadn't scored, despite the level of pressure we were putting on Palace. We weren't converting our chances. "To come up with that quality of strike from outside the box was brilliant. Then, on top of that, Stewart's finish was equally good, cutting in from the right and passing the ball into the bottom corner of the net. That's what we've been asking him to do."
Even when the home side did emerge after half-time with renewed energy and got themselves on the scoresheet, Big Sam was proud of his players' ability to regroup and put the game to bed through Cole's emphatic volley. "It was a beautiful start, then we all thought Tomkins was going to score his header at the far post, because he doesn't normally miss from there, but it wasn't a goal. "Then, they scored and had a ten-minute spell of pressure before we got control of the game again and I'm delighted that we have scored our first goal of the season off a set play. Carlton worked it and finished it beautifully. "It was the performance and result we were all looking for. Fantastic!"
With a remit to produce more attacking and entertaining football, the manager was delighted with the flair, creativity and innovation in his side's play in south east London. It was easy on the eye when West Ham had the ball, and fantastic to see the relentless work-rate and pressing when they didn't. The manager - as well as everyone else connected with the Club, no doubt - would love to see that combination on a regular basis. "We're introducing new players and I think Aaron Cresswell and Cheikh have shown their capabilities in the two games we've played and we can only hope they get even better, because it's all so new to them. "Zarate made his debut and scored and looked very good in tight areas with his ability, Sakho came on and held it up and had a couple of good lay-offs, had a couple of shots at goal and a header which might have gone in, which was encouraging. "We've got a lot of injured players to come back, so hopefully this is the start of something good and I hope the lads get ready for Sheffield United on Tuesday night and then Southampton. "It gives me optimism and if they continue to finish like they did on Saturday then that's only going to give me more optimism because we're going to be a very, very good side and be in a very good position in the league. "That must have given everyone at the game - the Joint-Chairmen, the fans, us as staff and the players - a huge amount of confidence in the positive way and the quality with which we played."
West Ham return to action at home to Sheffield United in the Capital One Cup second round on Tuesday evening, when Adult tickets are just £10 when bought in advance. Following that, the Hammers welcome Southampton to the Boleyn Ground next Saturday 30 August at 3pm ahead of a 16-day international break.
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Haycock laments missed opportunity
WHUFC.com
Nick Haycock thought the Development Squad were worthy of all three points against Southampton
23.08.2014
Development Squad coach Nick Haycock was left wondering what might have been after West Ham United U21s fell to a 2-1 home defeat by Southampton in the Barclays U21 Premier League on Friday evening. The Saints surged into a two-goal lead at the Boleyn Ground, with the excellent Omar Rowe finishing tidily past Raphael Spiegel early on, before Ryan Seager blasted high into the Hammers net from a corner with ten first-half minutes still to play. The Hammers, however, were transformed after the interval and substitute Adrian Wojcik Kosela had rattled the woodwork and fired over from eight yards before finally halving the deficit in added time. It was scant reward for a dominant second-half display and having lost by the odd goal in three against Tottenham Hotspur on Monday as well, coach Haycock was understandably aggrieved. "I'm disappointed with the result and that's now two games and two narrow defeats," he told West Ham TV. "Though I didn't think we were fully at it first half, I thought we were unlucky not to take the lead and we've had two cleared off the line. On another day they go in. "We regrouped at half-time and we asked for more intensity, more individual responsibility, better care of the football and said the chances would come. We were proved right. "When Adrian came on and hit the bar midway through the second half - that might have been the turning point. We needed to get that first goal early and then it would have given us a bit more of a chance, even though we still had the opportunities to get back in the game late on. "We've had eleven shots to their one in the second half and the boys know we should have got something out of the game. We thought we should have come away with three points. You can see lots of good things there it just needs more of the second-half performance and a little bit of luck going our way."
While the Hammers have little to show for their two outings thus far, Haycock has every confidence in his young men and is looking forward to the tough tests that lie in wait. He continued: "Of course you want to win football matches and teach them how to win, but the learning experiences they gain playing in this league is invaluable. "It's Manchester City next, then Liverpool and then Manchester United. What more could you ask for and I wouldn't have it any other way. It's challenging me as a coach, it's challenging the staff in all departments to produce players who can shine at that level and ultimately knock on the gaffer's door. "We're more than capable of competing in this league. We earned the right to be in it last year and we're delighted to be in that league. Wherever we finish, as long as we're competitive in every game and providing the right challenge for our players, then that's what we're all about."
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Ladies ready for big kick-off
WHUFC.com
Vicki King says West Ham United Ladies cannot wait to get their new league season started
23.08.2014
West Ham United Ladies have undergone many changes over the summer - manager, players, home stadium - but one constant remains. Right-back Vicki King joined the Hammers 16 years ago and now, at the age of 30, is looking forward to working under a player who was playing for the Club when she joined in 1998 - Julian Dicks. The Dicks era will start with the FA Women's Premier League Southern Division opener with Queens Park Rangers on Sunday 24 August at 2pm at Honeycroft, the home of Uxbridge FC. "Pre-season has gone really well," said King. "We've got a few new additions to the squad and Julian's working us really hard, but it's paying off during the games. "I'm definitely enjoying playing for Julian. We needed a fresh set of eyes here and someone that was more objective and Julian is certainly objective. "We also needed a manager that was going to work us hard and help us play some good football and I feel we are starting to do that now. "The new players have integrated into the team very well. It's almost like they've been with us for years which is nice! Everyone gets along in the group and we are a strong team which is a positive on the pitch."
King has been in good personal form during pre-season, netting two goals in four games from long distance. "I've doubled my tally from last season already!" chuckled the former Chelmsford City defender. "I just hope I haven't used up all my goals in pre-season as we'll be needing them when it comes to the league."
With their first league fixture at Queens Park Rangers to be played on Sunday, the Ladies are preparing for a League Cup fixture away at Somerset-based Keynsham Town Ladies this weekend before Dicks' first home league game in charge against Tottenham Hotspur. "The team are ready for whatever is thrown at them this season. We've been working really hard and going forward, we look really positive. Perhaps we may need to straighten the defence out a little bit but we are working on it and it's coming together very well. "The more support we can get this season the better. We already get quite a lot of support from the West Ham fans on social media which is nice, but to get some more faces down to Aveley for the games would be brilliant. "Any game against Spurs means a lot to the girls and especially to me as a West Ham fan. We will be going out trying our hardest to get the three points, that's for sure!"
Overall, King believes that the squad should be aiming for a top-four finish in the FA Women's Premier League Southern Division this season. "I don't think there is a limit to what the girls can achieve this season. I think we should definitely be looking at a top three or four finish this season, so that's what we will be going out to try and get."
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Crystal Palace 1 West Ham 3
23 August 2014
Last updated at 18:27
By Phil McNulty
Chief football writer
Crystal Palace's turbulent start to the new season continued as they were beaten comfortably by West Ham United at Selhurst Park. Palace chairman Steve Parish's urgency to appoint a new manager after Tony Pulis left less than 48 hours before the start of the campaign will have increased after a second successive Premier League defeat. Mauro Zarate scored a spectacular debut goal and Stewart Downing added a second before half-time to put Sam Allardyce's side in control as the Eagles' caretaker manager Keith Millen watched his players struggle desperately. Marouane Chamakh offered some hope for Palace when he pulled a goal back after the restart but Carlton Cole quickly re-established West Ham's supremacy and they closed out a fully deserved win. Parish must now turn his attention to ending the turbulence that has overtaken the club since Pulis's departure and the ill-fated move for Malky Mackay. The move for Mackay was halted after he became embroiled in revelations about texts he shared with Iain Moody while manager at Cardiff City, which subsequently led to Moody's departure as Palace's sporting director.
Tim Sherwood, an early contender to be Eagles' boss, pulled out of the race after Palace moved away from the Mackay appointment and now Parish is left with a major dilemma. The Eagles chairman must decide whether to hand control to Millen with the transfer window not long off closure or move for an outsider, with former Celtic manager Neil Lennon the latest to be linked with the job after rumours that Pulis might make a dramatic return were dismissed. The search for a new manager overshadowed Palace's first home game of the season - but even the pre-match warm-up was not without its troubles as Joe Ledley suffered a groin injury and was replaced by Shaun O'Keefe. The Eagles' passionate support did their best to lift the mood and there were early moments of hope, notably when Chamakh almost got on the end of Martin Kelly's driven cross. The rot soon set in, however, and West Ham's control led to a splendid opener from Argentine debutant Zarate 11 minutes before the interval, meeting a dropping clearance from a corner with the outside of his right foot to beat Julian Speroni from 20 yards.
Zarate had shown a nasty streak when he left a foot in on the back of O'Keefe's ankle but this was the sort of quality Allardyce - and indeed new attacking coach Teddy Sheringham - would have had in mind from the man who had a loan spell at Birmingham City and arrived from Velez Sarsfield this summer.
Downing matched that three minutes later when he cut in from the right flank before a perfect placement from 20 yards with his left foot beat Speroni low to his right. James Tomkins headed against the underside of the bar for West Ham in the opening minutes of the second half, and Palace took advantage of the reprieve as Chamakh pulled a goal back with a clinical low finish from the edge of the area. It was fleeting hope for the hosts though, and West Ham soon restored their two-goal advantage when Cole was given too much time and space in the area and drilled a low effort into the corner. There was nothing else for West Ham to do other than ensure Palace could not mount any sort of recovery and they did so with ease against a side that looked in desperate need of fresh faces and the sort of inspiration a new manager may be able to provide.
Crystal Palace caretaker manager Keith Millen: "I won't be watching Match of the Day tonight. I'll recover hopefully and watch it on Sunday. "It doesn't get any easier. What's gone on this week has been tough for the lads. We never got going at all. "I'll be speaking to the chairman tomorrow to see what the developments are."
West Ham United manager Sam Allardyce: "We got everything right. We could have scored more than we did. "We had a plan of attack to break Crystal Palace down with a patient approach. "We have spent long hours throughout summer trying to acquire the players we have. At the moment they are progressing very well and I hope we can get better."
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Crystal Palace 1-3 West Ham United
KUMB.com
Filed: Saturday, 23rd August 2014
By: Staff Writer
Two good performances + three points on the board = one promising start to the season for Big Sam's new-look West Ham. A good start against Tottenham in the season-opener last weekend was marred by conceding an injury time goal that left the Hammers pointless. Yet despite falling to that disappointing defeat against their nearest Premier League rivals, signs of a new approach - a more positive philosophy, as demanded by fans and owners alike - was clearly evident.
And so it was the case again today when Allardyce's side earned their first win of the campaign with a thoroughly professional performance - and dare one say, assiduously entertaining - against a Palace side made to look a shadow of the team that performed so ably against Arsenal at the Emirates last weekend.
Mauro Zarate - making his competitive debut as replacement for the absent Kevin Nolan - and Stewart Downing both hit the target with technically excellent strikes to give the Hammers a comfortable lead at the half time break.
Former Hammer Marouane Chamakh - who else? - halved United's advantage at the beginning of the second period, but Carlton Cole eased any fears of a Palace comeback with his first goal of the season to earn West Ham their first points of the season. It was the very least Sam Allardyce's side deserved for a fabulous performance full of commitment, drive and attacking football.
Having successfully survived a couple of early Palace attacks, the Hammers took control of the game for the remainder of the first half. Hence it was no surprise when Zarate scored his new club's first goal of the 2014/15 Premier League campaign with 34 minutes on the clock.
A technically superb effort, the Argentinian's decision to loiter on the edge of the penalty box at a corner proved to be a good one. Mark Noble's deflected shot looped up into the air and Zarate kept his eye on the ball before producing a dipping volley that beat the unsighted Julian Speroni into his bottom right corner.
The Hammers had barely finished celebrating Zarate's first goal in a West Ham shirt before they found themselves 2-0 ahead. Stewart Downing, who had kept his full back busy since the game began cut inside from the right flank before sending a curling effort inside the corner of the far post.
West Ham could easily have extended their lead further with their first attacking foray of the second half, however James Tomkins' header crashed back of the underside of the crossbar before bouncing to safety. That proved a costly miss for the centre half as within 90 seconds Chamakh produced a lovely finish from the edge of the box to give Palace a lifeline.
Fortunately for West Ham and their merry band of travelling fans, that was as good as it got for the Eagles (nee Glaziers). With 62 minutes played, the much-maligned Carlton Cole did what he does best, popping up in the penalty box to drive home a direct free kick that had been knocked down into his path by Ricardo Vaz Te. 3-1 and game all but over.
Adrian, who had very little to do overall made a great stop with the game deep in injury time to deny Glenn Murray a consolation goal with the ground already half-empty. It was Palace's fourth effort on target, whilst the Hammers managed double that from 17 attempts - just one less than the 18 shots at goal against Spurs last week.
That in itself signals a dramatic shift of emphasis in Allardyce's approach to the opening two matches of the new Premier League season, with the Hammers looking far more creative and forward-thinking than may have been the case in recent years.
However the addition of quality players such as Aaron Cresswell, Cheikhou Kouyate, Zarate and even young Diego Poyet has certainly afforded Allardyce the opportunity to play the more expansive game that has been so thoroughly welcomed by Hammers fans in the past week.
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Nolan out with shoulder injury
KUMB.com
Filed: Saturday, 23rd August 2014
By: Staff Writer
West Ham captain Kevin Nolan has been ruled out of this afternoon's trip to Crystal Palace with a shoulder injury. The 32-year-old midfielder, who earned West Ham's penalty in the opening game of the campaign against Tottenham at the Boleyn last weekend sustained the injury during training earlier in the week. However his absence was kept a secret until the team was announced for today's game shortly before 2pm this afternoon. Nolan's place in the team has been taken by debutant Mauro Zarate, who was an unused substitute against Tottenham. West Ham are yet to comment on the extent of the injury.
Update: West Ham tweeted the following shortly after this story was first published...
West Ham United FC ✔ @whufc_official
LIVE: Kevin Nolan is nursing a shoulder injury suffered in training on Thursday. He could be sidelined for a few weeks #CPLWHU
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Crystal Palace's woes continue as West Ham win 3-1 at Selhurst Park
By David Bowers. Last Updated: 23/08/14 6:43pm
SSN
Managerless Crystal Palace are still seeking their first win of the Premier League season after losing 3-1 at home to West Ham United. Thirty-four minutes into the game, summer signing Mauro Zarate fired the Hammers into the lead with a superbly struck volley that left Palace keeper Julian Speroni with no chance.
Best of the match
Man of the match: Stewart Downing was a constant threat down the right-hand side and his delivery was faultless throughout. His performance was capped off by a superbly accurate 20 yard drive to put West Ham 2-0 up. Honourable mentions to Cheickou Kouyate and Mauro Zarate.
Moment of the match: Carlton Cole's goal to make it 3-1 silenced a previously boisterous Selhurst Park, who were anticipating an equaliser. Cole's goal put the game beyond doubt.
Goal of the match: Mauro Zarate's volley came straight out of the top drawer, with a sweetly-struck drive leaving Julian Speroni with no chance.
Miss of the match: James Tomkins' header crashed off the bar, despite the centre-back standing just a couple of yards away from goal. It almost cost them, but the Hammers held on.
Talking point: The result shows just how quickly Palace's co-chairman Steve Parish needs to act in their quest to appoint a new manager. Selhurst Park was very flat after West Ham's third and their fans will need a boost in the coming days, but can they secure the right man?
Less than five minutes later, winger Stewart Downing cut in from the right wing and curled a sumptuous effort from 25 yards to double the Irons' lead.
Immediately after Tomkins' glorious chance, Palace pulled a goal back after striker Marouane Chamakh picked up the ball from 20 yards and drilled an effort into the bottom-right corner past a sprawling Adrian. Palace's tails were up and with an equaliser looking inevitable, West Ham went to the other end and put the game beyond doubt after Carlton Cole fired a low drive past a statuesque Speroni to make it 3-1. Palace's second straight defeat plunged the south London club into further distress, with the board still hunting a replacement for Tony Pulis. Hammers boss Allardyce only clung onto his job in the summer after promising the West Ham board more expansive, attacking football. Allardyce's attacking revolution failed to bear fruit on the season's opening day in a frustrating 1-0 Upton Park defeat to Tottenham, with the Hammers spurning a host of half-chances. Former Lazio poacher Zarate was able to cut West Ham's toothless finishing short at Selhurst Park however, capping a lively full debut with a smart first-half finish.
Former Middlesbrough wing Downing claimed just his second West Ham goal moments later, as Palace paid the price for backing off in midfield. Downing raced down the right, cut off his flank and nudged a side-footed effort past the blameless Speroni. James Tomkins headed against the crossbar to open the second half as West Ham sought to kill off the contest, but Palace immediately seized on the reprieve, with former Arsenal forward Chamakh firing in a low shot from 20 yards to half the deficit.
Bannan blasted straight at Adrian from the edge of the area, but just when the hosts scented level terms West Ham struck again with striker Cole, so profligate against Spurs, who pounced on a loose ball in the Palace box to lash past Speroni and kill the contest. Palace's Co-chairman Steve Parish was joined by former Palace striker Mark Bright in the directors' box, and no doubt the pair had plenty to discuss. Parish was all set to hand Malky Mackay the reins to replace Pulis, who walked out on the eve of the season after rows over transfer policy. Mackay fell out of the running after the FA launched an investigation into racist, sexist and homophobic text messages sent during his time as Cardiff manager. Tim Sherwood pulled out of the running for the Palace job after initially being deemed second choice to Mackay, leaving Millen to take charge for the second week running.
While West Ham can look towards Cole and Zarate forging a dangerous strike partnership, Palace know time is running out for transfer recruits with the window closing on September 1. Millen has admitted he will spearhead Palace's recruitment drive in the absence of both Pulis and now Moody. Co-chairman Parish must now act swiftly to secure a new managerial appointment however, with Palace already battling to set their season on track.
PAUL MERSON ON PALACE v WEST HAM
The Palace players look a bit lost if I'm being honest. There wasn't a lot of shape about the team. Over the last six months if you have gone to Palace you've had to work very hard, but when West Ham got on top they stayed there. Palace were begging for half-time because they were all over the place.
They need to get someone in very soon or sort something out. Before the game I would have said yes to Keith Millen, but when you watch that today then maybe no. It wasn't the Tony Pulis team. That's the problem, he's got to get them hard to beat again.
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West Ham boss Sam Allardyce proud of his side after 3-1 win over Crystal Palace
Last Updated: 23/08/14 7:47pm
SSN
West Ham United boss Sam Allardyce believes his side executed their tactics to perfection during their 3-1 win over Crystal Palace on Saturday. Goals from Mauro Zarate, Stewart Downing and Carlton Cole gifted the Hammers their first win of the season, following last week's heart-breaking defeat to Tottenham Hotspur. After their clinical display at Selhurst Park, Allardyce was full of praise for his players and says their performance has mended the wounds of their defeat to Spurs. "I think that tactically we were outstanding today. Within those tactics the players have to play well and they certainly did," Allardyce told Sky Sports. "Last week we didn't have the cutting edge, but our finishing was of outstanding quality this week. If we had one of those quality finishes last week, then we'd probably have six points. "It's a fantastic performance as well as a fantastic result for us, and three very good goals have seen Crystal Palace off."
The Irons boss reserved special praise for forward Zarate, who broke the deadlock in the first-half with a sweetly-struck volley to leave Palace keeper Julian Speroni with no chance. "Zarate has the cutting edge, he's also got the clever brain in where to find the little spaces you need to find when Palace play with two banks of four," Allardyce said. "He dribbles into those areas and the finish was exquisite today. He's an accomplished player on the ball for us – he holds it up very well and brings other players into the game which surprised me. "We knew he was a goalscorer but a lot of his possession was very good today."
Having only won four times away from home last season, Allardyce was delighted to secure all three points against a managerless Palace and hopes that it will be a sign of things to come for his side. "Let's hope it's a record-breaking away adventure for us this year and of course make sure that when we get back home, we get some results," he said. "Today, everything was perfect. The performance, the way the lads played and how they applied themselves."
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NOLAN'S ENFORCED ABSENCE HERALDS THE NEW DAWN – FOR NOW!
By Iain Dale 23 Aug 2014 at 23:38
West Ham Till I Die
Guest Post from The Headmaster (originally posted on Claret & Blues )
So, it took a shoulder injury picked up in training this week to force Allardyce's hand but today, for the moment at least, we got to glimpse the shape of what might be to come in terms of a midfield devoid of Captain Kev and one commited to attacking and more progressive football.
In short, Zarate, playing instead of Nolan and in the hole, was magnificent. Right from the word go, he looked a handful as he skipped past the Palace midfield, played skilful one – twos with Cresswell or Downing, linked up with the workmanlike but effective Noble and looked to be incisive and creative. It was a breath of fresh air. Make no mistake about it though, this man of the match performance was only made possible because Allardyce could not select Nolan. Having seen what we have seen today, it begs the question 'when Nolan is fit, who exactly is going to have to make way for him?' because, let's not kid ourselves, he (Nolan) WILL be played. Allardyce will categorically not drop his talisman.
That is a question for another day. For now, to coin Thatcher's immortal phrase, 'just rejoice'. This was a splendid afternoon to be a Hammer.
The noise at Selhurst Park was its usual cauldron like atmosphere for around 5 minutes today. After this, the strains of the cockney support began to dominate, mirroring their teams' endeavours.
The back 4 were largely assured. O'Brien, much derided at times (mia culpa) was dependable and supported the attack effectively on several occasions as our esteem grew. Reid and Tomkins were largely untroubled at the back and Tomkins was unlucky to hit the bar from a second half corner after Vaz Te finally noticed that someone needed to do the Nolan-block on Speroni! Cresswell was excellent today, both in defence and as a rampaging wing back.
In front of the defence, Kouyate was reminiscent of some of the Diame performances from yesteryear. He is gangly, awkward yet at times imperious and imposing, thrusting forward through the middle of the park with aplomb. Noble did what Noble does. It was unspectacular but it was effective enough and it allowed Zarate to do his thing. I mentioned Di Canio in the same breath as Zarate pre-season and I do so again. Not because in any way the two are comparable in stature as yet but because it is not since Di Canio that I have been so excited by a player to sign for us, judging by what I am seeing so far. This boy has the potential to be big for us, make no mistake about it. Downing's form looks to be excellent just now. He is playing with confidence and intent and has the beating of many a left back if the evidence of the first two games is anything to go by.
Up front? Vaz Te and Cole. They made up the numbers for me, allowing the Zarate, Kouyate and Downing show to flourish and, as far as that went, they did a job. Cole managed to get on the end of the type of goal Coal sometimes (rarely) gets on the end of and the faithful once again urged him to 'always be-lieve i-in….'. Whatever, my thoughts on him are too well documented for me to start all that over again! Sakho made a cameo, as did young Diego Poyet but no Enner Valencia this afternoon.
This was a good day to be a Hammer, especially for those of us that happen to live and work in South London! The jury is out on what it means for the future. Palace is a club in turmoil and the selection of the side was somewhat forced upon the manager so it will be interesting to see his take on our success in due course. But, a first win of the season is, well, it's awesome.
Note from Iain
I'm grateful to all at Claret & Blues for their cooperation on this. For newer readers I should explain that there used to be a bit of bad blood between their site and this, but I am glad that it is all behind us – and has been for some time. I'd like to hope that their main players will return here from time to time and resume commenting, as we've missed them! They run a great site too. The thing is, we all do different things and bring different things to the West Ham blogosphere. And long may it continue!
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Hammers strike while the iron is hot to take three points against Eagles
Aug 23, 2014 20:18 By Steve Stammers
The visitors got their season going with a fine win at Selhurst Park, but Palace fans will be concerned over back-to-back losses
The Mirror
Crystal Palace are a club who have lost their way. West Ham, in contrast, are heading in a new direction. The evidence was there for all to see at Selhurst Park. There was a cohesion about West Ham, while there was more than a hint of desperation about Palace's lifeless play. The outcome was inevitable. Sam Allardyce has been able to rebuild as he tries to win over the sceptics who think he is a disciple of one-dimensional football. And Allardyce has bought well.
In the opposing dug-out was Keith Millen, who is fast becoming the character at Palace that Tony Book once was at Manchester City – new manager, new squad, new photo … and Millen, like Book, is always in shot. He is the go-to man for chairman Steve Parish in times of need. He has stood in for Ian Holloway and now Tony Pulis. You feel for him and the next week will clearly be vital for the shape of Palace's season. A new leader MUST come in – sooner rather than later after the walk-out by Pulis. Malky Mackay thought he had the job until dodgy texts came into the public domain. So, the search resumes and, with a week left in the transfer window, reinforcements are needed at managerial and playing levels. "We were lacklustre in the first half," said Millen. "Did what has happened affect the players? I don't know. They have looked fine in training, but you never know until match day."
Millen's problems started in the pre-match warm-up when Joe Ledley was injured. "That was a blow, " said the caretaker boss. " To be honest, I really don't know what will happen regarding the manager. All I can do is prepare us for the next two matches at Walsall and Newcastle. I don't think the result today will harm my chances of getting the job – not one result."
West Ham barely looked in trouble. And, once they added an edge to their neat approach work, it was game over. "Delighted," beamed Allardyce who was more than pleased with the contribution of Cheikhou Kouyate. The Senegalese cost a bargain £7million from Anderlecht and Allardyce said: "He is the perfect modern midfield player – he is box-to box, high energy and he can tackle. He comes in every day with a smile on his face because he is living the dream." After 34 minutes, West Ham eventually took the lead. If there is one coach at West Ham who is currently earning his money, it is strikers coach Teddy Sheringham, judging by the quality of the first two goals. In the 34th minute, Mark Noble struck the ball goalwards and Fraizer Campbell appeared to have blocked the danger. But the ball went upwards and, from outside the penalty area, Mauro Zarate produced a stunning volley. Palace were unnerved and, three minutes later, they doubled their lead. Stewart Downing had been a constant menace, who frequently left Joel Ward in his wake. And Ward had no answer as Downing cut inside and unleashed a left-foot drive that had Julian Speroni beaten comprehensively.
True, Palace staged a mini-revival after Marouane Chamakh scored with a shot at the near post of West Ham goalkeeper Adrian. But inside 15 minutes, the balance of power was restored. A free-kick from James Tomkins was cleared only as far as Carlton Cole, who drove home unchallenged. On to the next instalment of the Palace soap opera. And they may consider a change to their anthem of Glad All Over as the players come on to the field. Unless matters improve soon, they might switch to another Dave Clark Five hit of the Sixties … Bits and Pieces.
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Hammers still in talks for defender
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on August 23, 2014 in Whispers
Claret & Hugh
West Ham tonight remain in talks with top Atletico Madrid's Belgian defender Toby Alderweireld. The Hammers have made it clear they are very keen to bring in a new central defensive player as their final signing of the season. A source told us soon after the 3-1 win over Palace: "The club is still talking to him and there are one or two other players they are keen on. However, Alderweireld remains an active situation. "It's important to say that at this stage he remains a long shot but if the club can get him a season-long long loan that would solve a problem as there's no cash left for a fee. "There's competition for him but we are hoping we can entice him on a loan. He's a top player and at this stage of our development that's what we are looking at"
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Zarate pours the pressure on Nolan
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on August 23, 2014 in Whispers
Claret & Hugh
Mauro Zarate scored on his debut and produced a performance which may have seen Kevin Nolan finally banished into the Irons shadows. The Argentine scored a brilliant goal and ensured that the pressure is well and truly on the skipper from here on in. He fired home a magnificent effort 34 minutes into the game to set the Irons on their way and when Stewart Downing added a second from 25 yards less than five minutes later the Irons were truly bubbling.
James Tomkins saw a header hit the bar five minutes into the second half before Marouane Chamakh reduced the arrears with a 20 yards drive. An equaliser looked well and truly on but Carlton Cole put things beyond doubt when firing a shot past a statuesque Speroni. Sam Allardyce's attacking approach was aided by the inclusion of Zarate who replaced an injured Nolan and he and Cole looked very lively indeed. Palace had their moments partiucularly when Bannan blasted straight at Adrian from the edge of the area, but the Hammers were worthy winners.
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£6m Leicester and West Ham target apologises for 'breach of contractual duties'
Here Is The City
Islam Slimani has done a Marcos Rojo and apologised for his behaviour at Sporting Lisbon. Will he follow him to the Premier League?
Algeria were one of the surprise packages at this summer's World Cup, with several of their players catching the eyes of admirers across the continent. One such player was striker Islam Slimani - who put in several decent displays in Brazil. The attacker is currently with Portuguese side Sporting Lisbon, who he joined from CR Belouizdad last summer. The 26-year-old has emerged as a transfer target for several Premier League clubs this summer. Leicester City were heavily linked with a £10 million move for the player - but Nigel Pearson appeared to rule them out of the running for his signature last month.
That being said the likes of Newcastle United, West Ham and Crystal Palace have also been linked with his signature - despite all interested teams apparently being thrown off by the £10 million price-tag, although recent reports suggest he could leave for just £6 million. And he has been at the centre of a storm at Sporting, similar in fact to the one that new Manchester United signing Marcos Rojo was embroiled in before his £16 million switch to Old Trafford. He has reportedly been trying to force a move, and has therefore been reprimanded by the club. He was banished from training and fined for his indiscretions.
However he has now apologised to fans through an official statement from the club. The statement reads: "The Sporting Clube de Portugal, Futebol, SAD announces that, in the disciplinary proceedings against the player Islam Slimani, for breach of contractual duties, the athlete acknowledged yesterday, Friday, not acted in a correct and professional manner, showing up sorry for their behavior, and, on this day, Saturday, formalized recognition of his guilt. Consequently, Sporting SAD has decided to reinstate the player in the work of the core team in next Monday, without prejudice to the continuation of disciplinary proceedings and the consequent imposition of disciplinary sanctions as may be. "
So it would appear that Slimani will not be joining Leicester City, Newcastle or West Ham this summer. Although, a word of warning to Sporting fans, Rojo left for United 24 hours after such an announcement.
Who's picking him up from the airport?
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Saturday, August 23
Daily WHUFC News - 23rd August 2014
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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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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