David Sullivan Exclusive - Part One
WHUFC.com
The first part of whufc.com's exclusive interview with the Joint-Chairman
covers the start to the season
10.10.2014
With no first-team game this weekend, whufc.com sat down with West Ham
United Joint-Chairman David Sullivan to bring you an exclusive interview on
the Hammers' encouraging start to the 2014/15 season. The extensive
interview will be split over two days; part one will look at the summer's
transfer activity, the team's start to the season and the much-discussed
West Ham way, while part two will look at the next two transfer windows, the
final season at the Boleyn Ground and the upcoming move to the New Stadium.
To view the full interview, make sure you log on to the Club's official
YouTube channel, or watch the embedded video in the story below.
West Ham United joint Chairman David Sullivan believes the Club are
fulfilling the promise of returning to the West Ham way, after a strong
start to the 2014/15 season. Several eye-catching displays have seen the
team climb to seventh position in the fledgling Barclays Premier League
table, but it is more the manner of ascent that has pleased the lifelong
Hammers fan the most. Mr Sullivan has been impressed by the entertaining
style of play from Big Sam's team this season, but also the work of the Club
away from the pitch - both two key components of what he believes
demonstrates a return to the 'West Ham way'.
"The West Ham way is how we played in the first half against Liverpool -
quick, strong tackling, everybody giving 100%, attacking and trying to score
goals," Mr Sullivan said. "It's about behaving in a responsible way, it's
playing with passion, playing attacking football and passing football. We
were at Manchester United and they were back to the walls. The last half of
that game we were entrenched in their half trying to score and they were
kicking it out anywhere, panicking. We were the footballing side. "Beyond
the football, it's about being a Club that gives back to the community.
We've completely shaken up the Community Sports Trust and look at the work
they're doing.
"We've got a fantastic guy [Joe Lyons] running the Trust and he's doing a
wonderful job. That's part of the West Ham ethos of giving back."
The Joint-Chairman added that while he was pleased with the 'promising
start', he believes the team's performances have actually deserved more.
Aside from the defeat to Southampton, Mr Sullivan particularly felt the
players' efforts in the defeats against Tottenham Hotspur and Manchester
United and the draw at Hull City warranted a better return.
"I think it's a very promising start and it could have been so much better.
What's good, aside from Southampton, are in all the games we've lost or
drawn, we could've won. We could have beaten Tottenham, Hull and Manchester
United, so we could've been on 18 points.
"What's pleasing is that we haven't looked bad against anybody so we,
perhaps foolishly, think we can play against anyone and give them a run for
their money. It's very optimistic times at West Ham and we've got the best
team we've had for many years. "As a supporter, last season you go to every
game thinking 'how are we going to get anything from this?' This year you
think 'how are we going to win this?' We are looking to win games."
Much of the side's promising start has been linked to the Club's transfer
activity this summer, where a total of nine first-team players - with an
average age of just 24.4 - were signed. Aaron Cresswell and Carl Jenkinson
have slotted in seamlessly at full-back, Alex Song, Diego Poyet and Cheik
Kouyate have added steel in midfield and Diafra Sakho, Mauro Zarate, Morgan
Amalfitano and Enner Valencia have provided potency in attack. "We've bought
good forwards and good players but you do need a bit of luck and you need
players to hit the ground running and maybe we've had that bit of luck," he
said. "We decided as a club that unless an outstanding older player came
along we would sign younger players but that didn't rule out anybody but we
wanted attacking players. We signed two full-backs who can both bomb
forward. "We signed three forwards, Mauro Zarate, Enner Valencia and Diafra
Sakho, who were the three top goalscorers in Argentina, Mexico and the
French Ligue 2 respectively. We signed two fantastic midfielders and one for
the future [Poyet]. "They've all got a lot to prove and we're not signing
players at the end of their career on huge wages who are perhaps too
comfortable. They are hungry players bought into the West Ham way, bought
into working hard and as they achieve more they will be rewarded more."
The deadline day capture of Amalfitano completed a busy summer for the Club
and, in particular, Mr Sullivan personally. After a flurry of early
activity, the latter signings were able to be more considered, with Song
unveiled in front of the Boleyn Ground crowd before the Southampton match
just two days before the close of the window. "Ideally you'd love to do all
of your business early but you'd want to hold some back for someone like
Alex Song. The good thing was that because we had a bit of time we got good
players in and didn't have to make desperation buys. I don't think people
realise how many hours go into the transfer side and how stressful it is.
For every player you buy you've probably tried to buy three or four more.
"Sam [Allardyce] and I spoke every day and we pursued targets that either he
or I had identified. You work around the clock. On Alex Song, we were
speaking to him at eleven or 12 at night to get him to get on a plane and
come to us. "With some agents you were negotiating with weeks and nobody can
comprehend how stressful it is. It was the hardest window I've ever known.
"In the end I think it was our best transfer window by a long, long way. All
of the players are incentivised to play and we want them to want to play and
that's all they want to do. We've got players that are desperate to do their
bit for the Club."
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U21s set for Spanish inquisition
WHUFC.com
The Development Squad will host Athletic Bilbao in their first Premier
League International Cup tie
10.10.2014
West Ham United's young professionals will get a tasts of European football
when they welcome Spanish side Athletic Bilbao to the Boleyn Ground on
Wednesday evening. The Hammers' Development Squad will kick-off their
Premier League International Cup campaign by taking on Los Leones in what
promises to be an entertaining night in east London. Kick-off is at 7pm.
Nick Haycock's team go into the game in promising form, having drawn at
Fulham and beaten Sunderland in their last two Barclays U21 Premier League
matches. The Development Squad manager is anticipating an attractive game
against a gifted Bilbao outfit.
"They'll be a technical team," Haycock confirmed. "I've been out to Bilbao
on a study visit so I know a little bit about them. They're a fantastic
football team, they've got a good reputation in Spain, a great history and a
tradition of producing Basque players.
"They only sign Basque players which is a brave philosophy but it works.
They work hard for the shirt, so it'll be a tough test but one we are
looking forward to."
The Premier League International Cup is a new competition introduced this
season which will also see West Ham take on Dutch giants PSV and fellow
Londoners Fulham in the group stage. At one stage, it appeared that UEFA
regulations may force the tournament to be cancelled, but it will now go
ahead with all matches behind held in England. Haycock says it will offer
his players a different but hugely beneficial experience as they continue
their path down the road to, if all goes well, becoming first-team players.
"It's a good idea from the Premier League," he continued. "They've worked
hard to deliver the tournament. It was a disappointment when it looked like
it was off but they've changed it so all the games will be played in
England. We can't have the return leg out in Bilbao or Eindhoven until UEFA
rubber stamp it. "If they see the competition working well this year, which
I hope they do, then they might endorse it next season. If that happens
it'll be a full international competition. If you look at the Premier League
now I think it's about 60 per cent foreign players now, so to play more
foreign sides on a more regular basis is an excellent idea and something we
are looking forward too. "More important is the fact that we qualified it
last season, so we deserve to be in it. It's a nice thing for the players to
be involved in. It's also good for the fans and something slightly different
to watch."
Bilbao are famed for having one of the finest Academies in European
football, with the Club's policy of using only Basque-born players placing a
requirement on producing home-grown talent. The policy has been successful,
with Bilbao winning eight Spanish league titles and having never been
relegated from Spain's top-flight in their 116-year history. The club has
produced some of the finest players the country has ever seen. Among those
to come through the Bilbao ranks are prolific goalscorer Guillermo
Gorostiza, the infamous 'Butcher of Bilbao' Andoni Goikoetxea, gifted
playmaker Julen Guerrero, towering forward Ismael Urzaiz and current Spain
internationals Iker Muniain, Ander Iturraspe and Fernando Llorente (now with
Juventus). The club's U21 side, Bilbao Athletic, compete in Spain's Second
Division B Group II - the equivalent of a regional League One - and have
made a decent start to the 2014/15 season. Forward Inaki Williams has scored
eight goals as Athletic have won four of their opening seven league matches
to sit fourth in the table. Twenty-year-old goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga is
a current Spain U21 international. Admission to Wednesday's Premier League
International Cup opener at the Boleyn Ground will be charged at £3
Adults/£1 Concessions and FREE to all Season Ticket Holders.
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On this day - 11 October
WHUFC.com
West Ham United put six, without reply, past Sunderland on this day in 1992
11.10.2014
Classic match
West Ham United 6-0 Sunderland
Division One
11 October 1992
The Black Cats left east London with their tails between their legs after
six of the best from the Hammers on this day in 1992. Goals from Kevin Keen,
Trevor Morley, Alvin Martin, Martin Allen and a double from Mark Robson saw
the home side make up for defeat to lower league Crewe Alexandra in the
League Cup the week before. The win was however seen by just over 10,000
fans, the lowest league crowd to attend at the Boleyn Ground for 30 years.
West Ham went onto secure promotion to the Premier League later that season,
finishing second in the table behind champions Newcastle United.
Complete record - 11 October
1919 Grimsby Town 0-1 West Ham United (Division Two)
1924 West Ham United 1-1 Bury (Division One)
1930 West Ham United 5-1 Manchester United (Division One)
1947 Newcastle United 1-0 West Ham United (Division Two)
1952 Blackburn Rovers 3-0 West Ham United (Division Two)
1958 West Ham United 1-2 Birmingham City (Division One)
1967 West Ham United 4-1 Bolton Wanderers (League Cup)
1969 Coventry City 2-2 West Ham United (Division One)
1975 West Ham United 2-1 Newcastle United (Division One)
1980 West Ham United 2-0 Blackburn Rovers (Division One)
1986 West Ham United 5-3 Chelsea (Division One)
1992 West Ham United 6-0 Sunderland (Division One)
Played 12, Won 7, Drawn 2, Lost 3, Scored 29, Conceded 15
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David Sullivan exclusive - Part Two
WHUFC.com
Read the second part of our exclusive interview with the Joiint-Chairman
here
11.10.2014
Here, in part two, Mr Sullivan talks about how the squad could improve
further, the final season at the Boleyn Ground and the upcoming move to the
New Stadium. Remember, you can watch the full video interviews now by
clicking the video player below or by visiting the Club's official YouTube
channel.
West Ham United Joint-Chairman David Sullivan believes the ambition of a
top-six finish is not beyond the realms of possibility, given the quality of
West Ham United's start to the season. While Mr Sullivan admits that the
financial power of the leading Barclays Premier League sides is hard to
compete with, the team's impressive performances thus far means the Club can
aim high. He believes the upcoming run of fixtures presents an opportunity
to return more points and possibly climb higher than their current seventh
place in the Barclays Premier League table.
"I've said right at the start we can finish sixth and I think it's
possible," Mr Sullivan said. "We could be on 18 points now. It's not a dream
- we just needed a bit of luck in three games where we didn't get what we
deserved. I don't think we've had a single game this season where we got
more than we deserved out of a game. "We've had three games where it
wouldn't have taken a lot get more than we got. If we got points out of
them, you're moving towards sixth place. "I also realise things can go wrong
but I think there are grounds for optimism. It's not rhetoric based on
nothing, it's based on what we've achieved so far and the fixtures we've got
coming up. If we play them like cup finals and play the West Ham way and
score some goals, we could be in the top six. "Whether we will is a bit of a
tall order but it's not impossible. You've got to aim high and see where you
finish."
While yesterday's interview focused on the new arrivals at the Boleyn
Ground, the familiar faces of last season have also more than played their
part this term. Stewart Downing, in particular, has won plaudits for his
performances at the tip of Sam Allardyce's new diamond formation and the
Joint-Chairman is delighted to see him flourishing in his new role.
"Stewart's like a different player and you'd have to thank Sam for changing
the formation, which seems to suit him a lot better than just being a
winger. "All of his life he has been a winger, now he's in the diamond he's
a much better player. His passing is fantastic and he'll score a few goals.
On the wing he looked alright but he didn't look the special player we
thought we'd signed, but he now looks like that special player."
The summer transfer window closed just six weeks ago, so for most it may
seem a little premature to start planning for the next two windows; in
January and next summer. But such is Mr Sullivan's meticulous eye for detail
and planning that that is exactly what he is doing.
"We cannot go above the wage limit under the Financial Fair Play rules, so
even if we want to sign players in January, we cannot sign someone unless
someone leaves as those are the rules. "There might be a deal that is too
good to refuse that we can do if we've done a new commercial deal. There is
an exception to every rule but we're not looking to sign five loan players
that cost us £5-6 million like last season. "We had to do that last season
as we were such a small squad under such pressure - we had to get some cover
in and it kept us up.
"We will always invest where we can and we'll look to improve again next
summer but I don't want to give any figures yet. Just to reiterate, though,
if we wanted to put money in we can't because you're restrained by your
wages budget unless you have new commercial income."
January 2015 will mark five years since Mr Sullivan and his long-term
business partner and friend David Gold took a controlling stake in West Ham
United and in that time, the Club has seen impressive progress on the field,
with two comfortable Premier League finishes in the last two years,
substantial third-party debt reduction off it and a move to a stunning new
home secured. Mr Sullivan feels there is still more work to be done, though,
but is optimistic about the direction the Club is heading in. "I wouldn't
say I am happy with where we are yet, no. We never anticipated getting
relegated, that put us back a year or two. It really hurt us financially and
from a squad point of view as we had to let players go. "If we finish in the
top six this year that would be terrific, but up to now we haven't done
enough.
"I think we are starting to get it right. We've signed young and attacking
players and that's a change of philosophy. Our hope is that the Olympic
Stadium can help fast-track our progress. It will give us a bit more to buy
players. "Anything is possible and you have to dream and I just don't
subscribe to the fact that we've had a successful season if we finished
17th. That's not good enough for West Ham fans.
"I would love to be back in Europe, even with extra games. It would bring
some of the glorious old days back to supporters. I think we may be making
some progress towards that. "I'm optimistic, the supporters are optimistic,
the way the team is playing is fantastic and with a small bit of luck, we
can have a fantastic season."
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Valencia nets in Ecuador draw
WHUFC.com
Enner Valencia scored his ninth international goal as Ecuador drew with USA
on Friday
11.10.2014
Enner Valencia hit a sensational goal as Ecuador drew 1-1 with the United
States in Connecticut on Friday evening. The West Ham United forward struck
a swerving shot from 25 yards which left goalkeeper Brad Guzan totally
wrong-footed and levelled matters just two minutes from time. USA looked set
to give Landon Donovan the perfect send-off when they took a first half lead
through Mix Diskerud. But Valencia had other ideas and his goal - his ninth
in just 16 internationals - gave Ecuador a share of the spoils.
Elsewhere, Kieran Sadlier played 45 minutes as Republic of Ireland U21 were
defeated 4-1 by Norway on Thursday evening. Meanwhile, Jamie Harney
captained Northern Ireland U19 as they fell to a 2-0 defeat to Czech
Republic in their UEFA U19 European Championship Qualifying Round opener.
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U18s held but extend unbeaten run
WHUFC.com
Steve Potts' youngsters drew 0-0 at home to Arsenal on Saturday to extend
their unbeaten start
11.10.2014
West Ham United extended their unbeaten start to the Barclays U18 Premier
League season to eight games with a 0-0 draw with Arsenal at Little Heath on
Saturday morning. The hosts had the best chance to open the scoring in the
opening 45 minutes when midfielder Marcus Browne saw his low shot cleared as
it was heading into the net, before Arsenal striker Stephy Mavididi spurned
several opportunities to steal the points for the visitors in the second
period. U18s manager Steve Potts made just one change to his team that
defeated Brighton and Hove Albion 3-0 the previous weekend, with centre-half
Josh Pask returning to the side to replace Tunji Akinola. Striker Jordan
Brown lined up against his former club looking to score for the sixth
consecutive league match, having only failed to net in the Hammers' opening
two fixtures against West Bromwich Albion and Leicester City. The opening
ten minutes contained little action in front of goal. Both sides matched
each other all over the pitch, with both defences standing strong to protect
their goalkeepers. It was Brown who was causing the most problems for the
Gunners and he recorded the first shot on goal for either side after 17
minutes, but goalkeeper Ryan Huddart was in the right place to palm clear
any danger.
Just a minute later and Browne had the best opportunity of the half when he
latched onto a block in the penalty area from Brown's shot to fire towards
the corner, only for an Arsenal defender to appear from nowhere to keep the
ball out. The Hammers' next opportunity came after 29 minutes, when defender
Emmanual Onariase was inches away from getting a header onto a deep corner
at the back post. From then on, the game lacked notable chances in front of
goal. Sam Howes easily caught Chris Willock's 22-yard free-kick, whilst
Brown had a number of shots inside the Arsenal penalty area that were
blocked by the visiting defenders. After the break, Arsenal had a golden
chance to go in front. From a cross on the left, striker Mavididi headed
over from close range.
With an hour on the clock, West Ham again launched an attack into the
Gunners penalty area. After beating a defender inside the box, Djair
Parfitt-Williams attempted to feed a cross into the middle, but Huddart
stepped in to collect the ball. On 74 minutes, Arsenal had another
opportunity to score. Kaylen Hinds managed to get away in the Hammers
penalty area and, after squaring for Mavididi to tap in at the back post,
the striker managed to put it wide under pressure from Pask. Mavididi again
caused a problem to the Hammers back line four minutes later, but after
sliding the ball past Howes, the ball traveled just past the post. The final
action of the game saw the hosts have two chances to grab a winner from
corners. From the first, Parfitt-Williams failed to beat the man at the
front post, before his second just evaded the head of Pask at the near
upright. West Ham stay in second position in the Barclays U18 Premier League
after Saturday's draw with Arsenal, three points behind leaders Chelsea.
West Ham's next league fixture is a trip across London to face Fulham on
Saturday 18 October. Kick-off is at 11am.
U18s: Howes, Pike, Pask, Onariase, Neufville, Browne, Sylvestre, Diangana
(Bailey), Borg (Carter), Brown, Parfitt-Williams
Subs not used: Akinola, Parsons, Sheriff
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West Ham United vice-chairman Karren Brady backs plans for Premier League
games to be played overseas
Hammers vice-chairman supports proposals for full round of Premier League
games to be played at international venues
West Ham United's Karren Brady backs plans for Premier League games to be
played overseas
Jason Burt By Jason Burt7:00PM BST 11 Oct 2014
Telegraph.co.uk
Karren Brady, the West Ham United vice-chairman, has predicted that Premier
League clubs could play a round of regular league matches abroad within the
next three years. Brady revealed that discussions have taken place about
what she said was a "six-season period" in which "each club would play a
maximum of three 'home games' abroad". She said that the clubs had agreed
the matches would not include what would be regarded as "traditional local
derbies" – such as West Ham against Tottenham Hotspur. Taking such games
abroad has "been ruled out", she stated. In her column in The Sun newspaper
Brady added: "I have to say I do like the idea of the recent proposal to
play a full round of Premier League games at international venues across the
world. But there is clearly some work to be done, particularly around the
emotiveness of our own supporters and how this would affect them. "Plus the
impact of ticket prices – season-ticket holders would get one less game. The
proposal is that across any six-season period each club would play a maximum
of three 'home games' abroad.
"There's plenty of time to work out a central position as the earliest it
can be introduced is January 2017." That date would relate to the three-year
cycle where the Premier League has to agree the next television deal from
2016-17. The tender documents for that bidding process are being drawn up
and any proposal for a "38th game" abroad would have to be included.
Although the Premier League is adamant that playing a round of matches
abroad has only been put forward as an idea and is in the embryonic stage –
it was discussed last month at the meeting of the clubs – some clubs are
pushing hard for it to be introduced. West Ham are regarded as among the
most enthusiastic supporters of the plan which would replace the
controversial "39th game" – playing a round of extra matches – which was
shot down six years ago. Huw Jenkins, the Swansea City chairman, recently
told a fans forum that he could see clubs playing league matches abroad
within 12 months – but that suggestion has been firmly knocked down by the
Premier League, given the deals that are already in place. However Jenkins,
along with the West Ham co-owner David Gold, has declared it is "inevitable"
that the clubs will play matches across the United States, Asia and even
South Africa where many embark on lucrative club tours.
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Reid deal – it's not personal just business!
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on October 11, 2014 in Whispers
Clart & Hugh
I've been giving a lot of thought to the Winston Reid issue of late and of
course watching the extreme Twitter reactions whenever his still unaccepted
contract is mentioned. I've read on the one hand that if he doesn't accept
he should be made to rot in the reserves or on the other that he should be
offered £70k a week which the tweeter assumes will see him immediately reach
for the old Bic! Extreme reactions are always the wrong reactions and it
seems that Reid's only issue in all of this is to get the possible deal for
him and he's determined to wait until the last minute if necessary. It's all
too easy to start talking about loyalty and what we as lifelong Irons
believe he should or should not do but I've never believed the 'L' word has
a serious place in the world of football. Players who have served the club
well are quickly offloaded when their best years are behind them or if a
board receives an offer which see them interested in trousering the cash.
Loyalty? No I don't think that's a word we need to dwell on.. More pertinent
perhaps is how the club has allowed the situation to reach a point where the
central defender could be lost for nothing in the summer. Well, I don't
think - indeed I know – that wasn't the plan. The two chairmen are canny
guys who would have done a deal in a heartbeat given the chance.
No, what's happening here is that Winston is determined to give himself a
chance of the best possible deal – whether with us or someone else – and all
the loose chat going on in the media right now is part of the plot . Those
close to him perhaps will plant a story here and a story there to keep the
interest going and thus worry the supporters to death – par for the
course…been going on since there was a King on the throne! So the situation
is simple: It's down to Reid. If he stays…GOOD. If a club comes in – and I
find it highly significant that none has yet, nor has there been an inquiry,
we'll live with it simply because we have to. Given that he's been offered
£60k a week there's obviously cash around for a great replacement and if
that's what it comes down to in the end I hope that man will be Micah
Richards should it prove necessary. Whatever the result of this rather
tiresome soap opera, life goes on. We are becoming a real good team and that
could influence Winston in the end but – to finish with a well worn cliche –
no player is bigger than this club!
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Zarate scores again
Posted by Sean Whetstone on October 11, 2014 in Whispers
Claret & Hugh
Mauro Zarate was the only Hammer on the score sheet on Friday in a behind
closed doors match with Norwich City at the Boleyn Ground. The game was
eventually lost 2-1. The West Ham XI consisted of Jaaskelainen, Bywater,
Knoyle, Oxford, Makasi, Page, Lletget, Nolan, Zarate, Lee and Cole with subs
Spiegel, Fanimo, Nasha, Mavila and Gordon. Kevin Nolan managed to play the
full ninety minutes and declared himself match fit after the game.
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Irons injury comebacks update
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on October 11, 2014 in Whispers
Claret & Hugh
David Gold's optimistic forecast that all injured personnel – bar Andy
Carroll – will be fit to return for next week's clash with Burnley at Turf
Moor looks to be a little off target. It now seems – according to the
regular updates on www.physioroom.com – that only Mark Noble and Guy Demel
can be counted on to return. Carl Jenkinson – having withdrawn from the
England under 21 squad with a continuing hamstring problem – is almost
certain to miss the trip and James Collins is booked for a n October 20
return. Chiekhou Kouyate's return has now been put back to November 1 whilst
Carroll is expected back by November 29.
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African Nations Cup danger may aid Hammers
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on October 11, 2014 in Whispers
Claret & Hugh
West Ham could be spared the possible absences of three star players to the
African Nations cup if a "postpone l it " plea from the Moroccan government
is heeded. Senegal pair Chiekhou Kouyate and Diafra Sakho are likely to be
required along with Cameroon defender Alex Song if the competition goes
ahead. But the biennial competition – scheduled to be held between 17
January and 8 February 2015 – could now be postponed after the Ebola
outbreak. Sakho celebratesThe clubs of players involved are also likely to
lodge their own appeals as they will not want their players put in any sort
of danger. Sources inside West Ham are monitoring the situation closely and
are likely to only become involved after a decision is taken. The BBC
reported that the Morocco health ministry made the plea in the wake of their
decision "to avoid events which involve those countries affected by the
Ebola virus.
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Caroll v Sakho: The Comparsion
Posted by Sean Whetstone on October 10, 2014 in Whispers
Claret & Hugh
Andy Carroll signed for the Hammers permanently in June 2013 for an initial
fee £15.75m which has since risen to £16.25m, He has earned £5.75m wages
through his generous £85,000 per week contract. He managed just 1,077
minutes on the pitch last season and none this season via 15 appearances. 9
of those matches he was either substituted on or off leaving just six full
90 minute games last season.
His two goal tally since signing permanently has cost £11 million per goal
and work out a goal on average every 538 minutes of play. His 1,077 minutes
have cost West Ham £20,427 per minute played so far.
Diafro Sakho signed for West Ham in August this year for an initial fee of
£3.5m earning just £15,000 per week. He has made just five appearances so
far this season, three as a substitute and two full 90 minutes totalling 268
minutes on the pitch.
Even at this early stage of his Hammers career he is cheaper than Andy
Carroll at £13,507 per minute played and each of his five goals work out at
£724,000 per goal. This can only improve as the season progresses. The real
value is a goal on average every 53 minutes, an impressive statistic if he
can keep that up.
When it comes to a return on investment there can be only one winner!
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Irons rule out chance of January Kop Song deal
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on October 10, 2014 in Whispers
Claret & Hugh
Liverpool's reported hopes that they could sign Alex Song in January have
been described as "a non starter" by Upton Park sources.
Speculation arose today that Kop boss Brendan Rodgers may move to have
Barcelona recall the player to the Nou Camp in January and re-loan him to
the Kop club with a view to a permanent deal at the end of the season. But
with no "break" in the season-long deal negotiated by the Hammers and a
signed contract and loan fee in place that's not going to happen. However,
the Irons can certainly expect fierce competition for Song come the end of
the season although they hold the 'London trump card' with himself and his
wife loving the capital.
Galatasaray remain keen on the player but Song has settled well at West Ham
although if it comes to a shoot-out on wages, the Turks are likely to win.
However, a top campaign and the prospect of playing his football at the
Olympic Stadium are strong persuaders for the Irons cause.
A ClaretandHugh source said: "Alex has settled here very well and it was
reasonably well known he was available in the summer yet Liverpool made no
move. "Why would we believe, even if it were possible, they would get into
such a complicated January situation. It can't happen. He's our player until
the end of the season but then of course it becomes a totally different
story!"
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Valencia Cancels Out Diskerud Strike After Donovan Hits Post In Farewell
Match
By Jason Le Miere @JasonLeMiere on October 10 2014 9:08 PM
Ibtimes.com
Landon Donovan was agonizingly denied a fairytale farewell in a match that
saw the United States denied victory late on against Ecuador in East
Hartford, Conn. Enner Valencia's wicked shot from distance with two minutes
remaining cancelled out an early strike from Mix Diskerud.
In a final ceremonial appearance to bring the curtain down on his 14-year
career with the U.S. men's national team, Donovan looked anything but out of
place in a sendoff that was extended past its stated 30-minute time limit.
And he came within a whisker of extending his record goal-scoring tally for
his country to 58 when his poked shot came back off the inside of the post.
He did, though, play a part in setting up his team's only goal. It was the
Los Angeles Galaxy star's cross that was laid off by DeAndre Yedlin for
Diskerud to strike home in just the fifth minute.
Even coach Jurgen Klinsmann, with whom Donovan described his relationship as
"non-existent" this week, appeared desperate for the man he left out of his
2014 World Cup squad to get a goal before his international career came to
an end. It wasn't forthcoming, but the star of the night did get an apt
standing ovation from all four corners of Rentschler Field and a longer than
perhaps anticipated, although still undeniably awkward, embrace with
Klinsmann.
As a player who did so much to bring U.S. soccer to where it is today bowed
out, Klinsmann's process of trying to take the country onto another level
again in Russia in four year's time continued. Diskerud impressed as the
dictating hub in midfield, particularly in a first half that saw a much
better display from the U.S. than in a substitution-riddled second. Ecuador,
which looked dangerous throughout, ensured there was some disappointment at
the end of a celebratory evening when West Ham's Valencia continued his fine
scoring run for his country. It will be hoped that an early knee injury that
forced Joe Gyau, who along with Greg Garza, was making his first U.S.
appearance on home soil, to be taken off.
This night was all about Donovan, though. After receiving a special shirt to
commemorate his historic career with the U.S., Donovan showed that he could
still be a part of the international setup without the need for his
testimonial occasion. In the opening minutes, he made a telling
contribution. Having got to the byline down the left, his deep cross was
kept alive by Jozy Altidore. Yedlin, playing in a more advanced midfield
role, then showed impressive composure for a 21-year-old to tee up Diskerud
and the Rosenborg midfielder met the ball with a first-time shot to get his
fourth goal for his country.
It was far from Donovan's last involvement against a shaky Ecuador defense
that might almost have been hand-picked to try and ensure him a last moment
to savor. He could have scored with a quick-reaction header from close range
that Ecuador keeper Maximo Banguera did well to repel. After Altidore had
missed a good chance to cap an otherwise encouraging performance for the
striker struggling at club level with Sunderland, Donovan came even closer
to finding the net one last time. Altidore played a his forward partner in
with a clever drag back, but, under pressure, Donovan's shot struck the
post. After he failed to get onto the rebound, he laid on the ground with
his head in his hands in recognition that it just wasn't meant to be. When
he then fired wide from the edge of the area, already past his agreed stint
on the field, the time had come for him to bid farewell.
In his absence, Yedlin came close to making it 2-0 before the break. In an
open first half there could have been more goals at both ends, with Brad
Guzan having to bail out his defense on a couple of occasions. Substitutions
came thick and fast after the interval to predictably interrupt the game's
rhythm. But Ecuador, which only just failed to miss the last 16 at the World
Cup, came on strong at the end and finally got their reward. Valencia's shot
form 30 yards moved all over the place and may well have got a touch off
substitute Tim Ream, but it certainly had enough to wrong-foot Guzan and
find the net. With almost the final kick of the game another of the young
players with hopes to be a part of the post-Donovan era, fluffed his lines
when through on goal to leave the scores tied.
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Henry/Glover roles make life interesting
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on October 11, 2014 in Whispers
Claret & Hugh
West Ham's decision to employ two men in very similar - if not the same
role – is interesting to put it mildly. Tony Henry's arrival from
Sunderland, after a spell on gardening leave, is clearly a move aimed at
ensuring the club misses nothing and nobody as far as player talent is
concerned. Sam Allardyce has a much trusted long term head of recruitment
in Martin Glover, whilst Henry is the choice of David Sullivan to help him
discover the best buys. Henry – as exclusively revealed by this site –
earlier in the week will be reporting only to the co-chairman who is
Director of Football in everything but name and reports to the board on all
matters recruitment. Back in the summer it became clear via various
statements that the board was set to have a much greater input (some might
call it 'control over' ) player purchases.
Now it seems, with the arrival of Henry, that could be a far more important
move than the much more heralded appointment of Teddy Sheringham attacking
coach. Quite how his Henry's role sits alongside Glover's is a big question
although it was described to CandH privately as "a move to help closer
cooperation between the managerial side and board." Henry carries the title
'recruitment director to the board' whilst Glover is'head of recruitment'
and it's a tad tricky at this stage working out where one man's
responsibilities end and the other's start. Hopefully it will all work to
the greater good of the club but one thing's sure – there has been am mini
revolution inside the club at most levels this summer and autumn.
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Saturday, October 11
Daily WHUFC News - 11th October 2014
Enner scoops awards double
WHUFC.com
Enner Valencia's stunning goal against Hull City has won the whufc.com Goal of the Month prize
10.10.2014
Enner Valencia has added the West Ham United Goal of the Month prize for September to his Player of the Month award. Having already won the whufc.com website vote to be named September's top performer, he followed that up with a landslide victory in the Goal of the Month poll. His rocket at Hull City, which drew the Hammers level at 1-1 en route to a 2-2 draw, was selected as the top strike by 76% of you.
Diafra Sakho's sumptuous chip against Liverpool was second with 11% of the vote, while another Sakho effort - a wonderful team goal in a friendly match against Ipswich - was just behind with 10%.
There would be no arguing over the winner, though, as Valencia announced his arrival on the Barclays Premier League scene in style.
The Ecuador striker gave Tigers stopper Allan McGregor no chance with his rocket of a shot from 25 yards, which flew past the Scotsman
before he could even react.
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Chadwell Chatter
WHUFC.com
West Ham United's in-form midfielder Stewart Downing on his new role, Sakho's goals and England
09.10.2014
Hello everyone,
Writing this column during the international break has given me an opportunity to reflect on our great start to the season. The break gives us time to get some of our injured players back fit. We've got over a week till our game away at Burnley, so we should have a strong squad available for that match. In terms of our good form, it would have been nice to keep on playing, we've done well since the Southampton game. That was a very long two weeks afterwards and everyone was itching to play again. Similarly, everyone is looking forward to the next game with Burnley.
In pre-season we spoke about the importance of getting the season off to a good start and I think we've done that well. Another positive is the effect the new players have had. They've all settled really quickly which has helped us a lot as last year we had a lot of injuries. The manager did very well to get them in early, and the benefits are clear to see out on the pitch. With five goals in five games Diafra Sakho has deservedly taken the plaudits for his performances so far. Diafra is a very quick, powerful striker and he'll only get better as the season progresses. I think the biggest positive is that every time we go forward we look like we're going to score. We have scored quite a few goals already and we need to continue that form. While Diafra has scored four of our twelve league goals, we've had eight different scorers so that's very pleasing.
As for my form, I'm feeling good at the moment and it's always nice to have your efforts acknowledged. The system we're playing has helped a lot as it creates more options for me. Enner and Diafra both like to run a lot and their movement stretches defences, which helps me find the right passes. They know where the net is, so they can put it away. I played a similar role at Middlesbrough when we played a 4-4-1-1 formation, however I think this system is even better as I have three lads in behind me. As a result I receive the ball a lot higher up the field.
I'm certainly enjoying my new position and it's something I spoke about when I signed here. The manager didn't have that luxury last year with the injuries we had to deal with. This season you can see the strength in depth, we can mix it up which has worked well for us. He's got options to change it when he needs it.
That was what was most pleasing about the QPR result. We had about seven or eight players out but still managed to field a strong eleven. I thought we played QPR off the park. Despite the injuries we didn't need to change the system too much. To get that continuity is a big plus for us.
As for the calls about an England call up, obviously I'd love to be involved again. It's the pinnacle of every player's career to represent their country so to have won 34 caps is something I'm very proud of.
Realistically I don't think I'll get picked at the moment. Roy Hodgson is going for younger players which is fair enough, that's his decision. All I can do is try my best, keep playing well and we'll see what happens from there.
Enjoy the break and see you soon!
COYI
Stewart
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Nolan continues comeback
WHUFC.com
Kevin Nolan played 90 minutes as a Hammers XI lost out to Norwich City on Friday
10.10.2014
Kevin Nolan got another 90 minutes under his belt as West Ham United took on Norwich City in a behind closed doors friendly at the Boleyn Ground on Friday. The Hammers skipper continued his comeback from a shoulder injury with the run-out, as he led a young Hammers side who were edged out 2-1 by the Championship high-flyers. For Nolan, improving his match fitness was his major positive and he is thrilled to be back earlier than originally expected. Nolan said: "It was nice to get another 90 minutes. I felt a lot better than I did eight or nine days ago and it's coming back slowly but surely. "I've got to keep on working as hard as I can, training as hard as I can and hopefully I'll get my chance. "I'm about three or weeks ahead of schedule from when I first suffered the injury and all the physios and coaching staff have been great. That support makes you want to be back."
The visitors, Norwich, have enjoyed a good start to their league campaign as they sit top of the Championship table. Canaries' manager Neil Adams fielded a strong side at the Boleyn Ground, with seasoned professionals such as Carlos Cuellar, Gary Hooper and Jonny Howson all starting. There was also a return to E13 for ex-Hammer Gary O'Neil. The visitors started brightly and forced a number of good saves from veteran goalkeeper Jaaskelainen. However the Hammers responded with a smart volley from the edge of the box from Mauro Zarate as he tried to recreate his superb goal against Crystal Palace earlier in the season. It was the tenacious Argentine who then almost broke the deadlock as he ran from the half way line to force goalkeeper Declan Rudd into a fantastic save. Norwich continued to create and they made it count in on the half hour mark. Elliot Bennett broke into the box and squared it to Gary Hooper, who from six yards out could not miss.
The Canaries doubled their lead shortly after half-time as Jaaskelainen was caught out when under pressure from Bennett, who finished from close range. The Hammers continued to try and find a way to break the resolute Canaries and they eventually unlocked the door courtesy of Zarate, who strolled to the edge of the box, and from a seemingly tight angle shot across the 'keeper and into the far corner. The hosts' efforts to secure an equaliser went unrewarded as Norwich claimed the victory.
West Ham United: Jaaskelainen, Bywater, Knoyle, Oxford, Makasi, Page, Lletget, Nolan, Zarate, Lee (Mavila 63), Cole (Gordon 74)
Subs: Spiegel, Fanimo, Nasha, Mavila
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Potts looking ahead to Gunners
WHUFC.com
Steve Potts's Under-18s face Arsenal at Little Heath on Saturday
10.10.2014
West Ham United Under 18s are looking to continue their superb run of form when they face local rivals Arsenal at Little Heath this Saturday. Last weekend the Hammers extended their unbeaten start to the season with a comprehensive 3-0 win over Brighton & Hove Albion. Goals from Djair Parfitt-Williams, Jordan Brown and an own goal secured the Hammers' fourth win of the season and took them second in the Barclays U18 Premier League South table.
One of the Hammers' stand out performers this season has been ex-Arsenal striker Jordan Brown, who has netted six goals in seven games this season. Speaking about their performance last Saturday, Under-18s manager Steve Potts said: "I think we got there in the end. Brighton made it difficult for us because they sat deep. "In the second half we upped the tempo. Once we got our first goal we were okay, it put us in control and we could have scored more than three in the end."
The win saw the Hammers keep their second consecutive clean sheet, a feat the former defender is proud of. He continued: "If I had to be critical of the team I would say that we've leaked too many goals. That made games difficult for us which we don't want. But we've got two clean sheets in the last two games which has been good and helped us get the maximum points."
Despite the good start, Potts believes there is still room for improvement: "We've talked about controlling the game more. We've had good spells in the game but we want to control the game for longer. We've asked the boys if they can maintain possession better, and when we do, can we make more of it?"
With Arsenal in such good form, having taken 14 points from their first seven games, Potts knows his team face a stern test.
"With Arsenal you always know it's going to be tough. They've spent quite a bit of money on their youth teams. They have quality and it'll be a very good test for our lads. "The worry for me going down to Brighton was whether or not they'd be at the top of their games. Away from home against Brighton it was a tough one. "This weekend we have Arsenal at home, the players won't need raising for the game, and they know it'll be a tough one. It's just down to whether they can perform or not."
West Ham United U18s play Arsenal at Little Heath on Saturday. Kick-off is at 11am and admission is FREE.
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Bonds on the mend
WHUFC.com
West Ham United legend Billy Bonds is recovering from a succesful hip operation
10.10.2014
West Ham United legend Billy Bonds MBE has undergone a successful hip operation at the Horder Centre in Crowborough, East Sussex. Having made nearly 800 first team appearances in a 24 year playing career, Bonds is the Hammers' record all-time appearance maker. In his illustrious career he largely managed to avoid injuries, but after beginning to suffer problems around five years ago when walking a few miles became a struggle, he opted to undergo surgery recently Speaking about his decision to have the operation, he said: "I chose the Horder Centre because a friend of mine had just had an operation there and said it was absolutely brilliant. I can't speak highly enough of it. When I came round after my operation, the first thing I saw were a couple of rabbits dancing in the woodland outside. "All the staff, from the surgeon to the hall porter were top drawer."
Since the operation, Billy has been recuperating at his home in Chislehurst and says he is looking forward to kicking a ball about with his two granddaughters. In 2013, Bonds, who was voted by fans into the West Ham United all time XI was awarded the Club's first ever Lifetime Achievement award. Everyone at West Ham United wishes Billy a continued speedy recovery.
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Mediawatch - 10 October
WHUFC.com
Our daily look at the West Ham United stories making the news
10.10.2014
The Mail Online carries coverage of yesterday's Q&A with Stewart Downing on the Club's Official Twitter Page, in which he said the Hammers should be targeting Europe this season, while admitting he still harbours hopes of an England recall.
On Sky Sports, England U21s manager Gareth Southgate has confirmed that on-loan full-back Carl Jenkinson has left the training camp to resolve a niggling hamstring problem.
On the same website, former Stuttgart boss Thomas Schneider has admitted to fielding interest from English clubs in defender Antonio Rudiger, with West Ham reportedly among his prospective suitors.
The Daily Express includes a report speculating on Winston Reid's future.
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Sullivan hints at permanent Alex Song deal
KUMB.com
Filed: Friday, 10th October 2014
By: Staff Writer
West Ham's co-owner David Sullivan wants to tie Barcelona loanee Alex Song to a permanent contract. The 26-year-old midfielder has enjoyed an excellent start to his West Ham career and already fans have began to talk about the possibility of extending his stay past the agreed season-long loan. It is a proposition that appeals equally to Sullivan, who told the Evening Standard that he would look into the possibility later in the season - even if he believes Song may feel he still has bigger fish to fry. "Alex has been terrific but we haven't seen the best of him yet," hew said. "He has admitted he needs more matches before he will be 100 per cent, but I believe he could be the best player at the club. "We have a season loan and there is no break clause. At the end of the season we will look at things. It might be he has higher aspirations than us but he may love it at West Ham. I know him and his wife love London. "It's very premature to talk about what we will do — I think you must look at it later in the season. We'd love him to stay but maybe a club in Turkey will offer him a crazy salary tax-free. It's hard to compete with that financially if the player is willing to play in Turkey or Russia."
Whilst next summer's deals are already being anticipated, Sullivan effectively ruled out the club strengthening the squad during the January transfer window - a time when buying clubs usually have to pay well over the odds to land their preferred targets. "I'm hoping we don't have to do any," he said. "We're right up against our wage cap and this is the best squad we've ever had in terms of depth and quality. "It's a tall order, but I'm hoping we will have 30 points at the halfway stage. That means realistically you can't be relegated and we can throw everything at the FA Cup."
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Bonzo thanks docs
KUMB.com
Filed: Friday, 10th October 2014
By: Staff Writer
West Ham United legend Billy Bonds has thanked doctors at a Sussex-based health centre after he underwent hip surgery. Last month Bonds, now 68, had an operation to cure a troublesome hip problem that had plagued him for the last five years. This week he returned to the Horder Centre for a check-up during which he thanked surgeon Hugh Apthorp and his team for their excellent service. "I chose The Horder Centre because an actor friend of mine, whom I see once a year, had just had an operation there and said it was absolutely brilliant," Bonds told the Kent & Sussex Courier. "I can't speak highly enough of it. "When I came round after my operation, the first thing I saw were a couple of rabbits dancing in the woodland outside! All the staff, from the surgeon to the porter - apart from the fact he supported Spurs - were top drawer. "I think it is the attention to detail that makes the Horder Centre special. My brother, who had a similar operation elsewhere, couldn't believe it when I told him that a nurse escorted me to my car when I left!"
Bonds made 793 first team appearances for West Ham in a career than spanned 21 seasons (1967-88). He returned as manager of the club in 1990, two years after his retirement and led the club for a further four years before being replaced by Harry Redknapp.
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Faubert's double delight
KUMB.com
Filed: Friday, 10th October 2014
By: Staff Writer
Former Hammer Julian Faubert joined a select group of professional footballers earlier this week when he made his international debut for Martinique. The 31-year-old winger became one of just a handful of players to have represented two international teams at full level when he played in the tiny Caribbean Island's 1-1 draw with neighbours Curacao, an even smaller island that is situated around 100km north of Venezuela in the Caribbean Sea, on Wednesday evening. Faubert - who made a sole start (plus one as sub) for France against Bosnia in 2006 used a loophole to feature for Martinique, who are registered to CONCACAF but not FIFA, in the Caribbean Nations Cup 2014. He scored the island's only goal of the game after 51 minutes and in doing so, joined a group of illustrious names such as Ferenc Puskas (Hungary/Spain), Alfredo di Stefano (Argentina, Colombia & Spain), and Kubala (Czechoslovakia, Hungary & Spain).
However Faubert's joy was to be short lived as Curacao grabbed a valuable point with an equaliser two minutes into added on time.
The former Hammer is expected to feature again later today when Martinique tackle Guadeloupe in Les Abymes, before they wrap up their Group 9 schedule with a tie against Saint Vincent and the Grenadines on Sunday.
The top two teams in the four-nation group will progress to the next phase of the tournament.
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Big Sam in for Big Ron?
KUMB.com
Filed: Friday, 10th October 2014
By: Staff Writer
West Ham are being linked with a winter transfer window move for Porto's experienced interntaional defender Rolando Jorge Pires da Fonseca. The 29-year-old centre half- popularly known simply as 'Rolando' - spent last season on loan with Inter in Italy, where he made 29 appearances as I Nerazzurri finished fifith in Serie A. Yet despite having a clause inserted in his contract whereby Milan could have made the deal permanent this summer, 6'2" Rolando returned to his parent club at the end of last season - even though the Italian club are also rumoured to be keen to take him back to Italy in January. West Ham's need for an additional central defender has become more acute in recent weeks with Winston Reid, who is out of contract next summer, having failed to sign a contract extension. The right-footed Rolando, who has been capped 19 times for his country and is out of contract next summer is said to be valued around the €1.5million mark and is rumoured to be interesting the likes of West Brom and Turkish giants Galatasary, as well as the Hammers.
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West Ham chairman David Sullivan hails manager Sam Allardyce
Last Updated: 10/10/14 2:58pm
SSN
The Londoners currently lie in seventh place in the Premier League table with new strikers Diafra Sakho and Enner Valencia making an immediate impact - but Sullivan believes it is the switch to a diamond formation that has brought about the upturn in form. "There is a lot of optimism about the place now," Sullivan told the Evening Standard. "I genuinely believe we have the best squad since we've been at the club. We've signed some high-energy, younger players and we have discovered the 'West Ham way'. "He (Allardyce) changed the style after that to a diamond formation. Sam made that decision so he deserves the accolades because, had it not worked, he would have been castigated." "He, Allardyce, changed the style after that to a diamond formation. Sam made that decision so he deserves the accolades because, had it not worked, he would have been castigated. "We have a policy - and it's as much for Sam as us - that we sit down at the end of the season, maybe a bit earlier if we're safe, and judge things over an entire season. "We've always done it that way. Last year I was being asked at various times if Sam would be going but my answer was always that we'd look at it at the end of the campaign. We're very loyal to our managers "We always talk on a Monday or the day after a midweek match and if he has a problem he calls me. We all want the same thing and that is the best for this club. "Sam wants to be successful and he's very flexible at looking at ways to achieve that. The change in formation was not my idea - he's the one who made that bold decision to change the strategy."
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Big Three set for ANC absence
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on October 10, 2014 in Whispers
Claret & Hugh
West Ham boss Sam Allardyce is set to be without three star players during the the African Cup of Nations. Both Cheikhou Kouyate and Diafra Sakho look likely to be called up by Senegal whilst Alex Song looks set for inclusion in the Cameroon squad. The competition takes place between January 17 and February 8 which would rule the trio out for games against Hull (h), Liverpool (a). Manchester United and Southampton (a). And they could be out of action for either one or both of the earlier games against WBA and Swansea, depending upon the departure date for their training camps. It's the kind of situation experienced by other successful Premier League sides and again shows the strides the Irons are making this season. A source said: "It's a double-edged sword. You want top players but having got them you will face situations such as this. Sakho whamaction"The beauty is as is being seen we have the depth in our squad to cope but they are big players to lose for several games at an important time of the season. "Having said that it demonstrates that the Hammers are very much back in the big time."
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£15m Kop for Reid? A pig has just flown by window
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on October 10, 2014 in Whispers
Claret & Hugh
Stories circulating in the national press this morning claim that Liverpool are ready to pay £15 million for Winston Reid in January!
Ah yes, and a pig has just flown past my window! According to this very odd story, Reid has already snubbed a move to Arsenal because he has his heart set on a move to Anfield and Brendan Rodgers will try to make it happen. Then comes the classic line: "Reid is unlikely to come cheap as he is a crucial part of the Hammers squad, but it's thought that they could sell for about £15million." The whole story is of course a total piece of nonsense as no club in the world will pay £15 million for a player who has six months left on his contract.
And the whole point of a player allowing his contract to run down is to avoid a huge transfer fee and instead see the money that would have been spent on a fee loaded into his personal terms. ClaretandHugh has learned that as far as the club is concerned the situation remains unchanged with a £60k a week offer on the table. A source said: "Should he fail to sign it he will obviously be put on the transfer list but £15m? Someone's dreaming!"
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Sam deal talks wait until end of season
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on October 10, 2014 in Whispers
Claret & Hugh
David Sullivan today made it clear there will be no early decision on whether Sam Allardyce is offered a new deal at West Ham. Despite his delight at the team's start to the new campaign the co chairman wants to see a full season behind him before the big decisions are made. Indeed it's situation normal as the board follow a policy that's been in place for years. A question and answer session with the London Evening Standard may have given the impression a new deal was on but speaking to Claretand Hugh – the co chairman said: "Both Sam and myself am happy. We'll do exactly as we have done in previous seasons. "We will look at it at the end of the season. Its exactly like last season and the season before. There's no change" He had told the Standard: "Last year I was being asked at various times if Sam would be going but my answer was always that we'd look at it at the end of the campaign. We're very loyal to our managers. "(Our relationship) is fine, very amicable. We always talk on a Monday or the day after a midweek match and if he has a problem he calls me. We all want the same thing and that is the best for this club. But it's clear that no quick fire decision will be made and that Sullivan and the manager will take their time coming to a decision.
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'We have the best squad since I arrived and Sam Allardyce is making bold decisions' - Q&A with West Ham co-owner David Sullivan
STANDARD SPORT
Published: 10 October 2014 Updated: 12:42, 10 October 2014
West Ham co-owner David Sullivan has every right to be pleased… he says the club have their best squad since he took over, they are thriving under a new system and have the Olympic move to look forward to.
You said you cried at times last season but the tissues are staying in the box at the moment aren't they?
There is a lot of optimism about the place now and I genuinely believe we have the best squad since we've been at the club. We've signed some high-energy, younger players and we have discovered the 'West Ham way'. That first-half performance against Liverpool was the most satisfying 45 minutes since we became involved. We were quick, tough — we scored goals — and that is the intention this season, to score as many goals as we can. As a result we have only kept one clean sheet but the exciting thing is that, with the exception of the Southampton defeat where we didn't turn up, we could well be on 18 points now, instead of 10. That was the watershed game and full credit to Sam [Allardyce], he changed the style after that to a diamond formation. Sam made that decision so he deserves the accolades because, had it not worked, he would have been castigated. What has really impressed me is we've played some big clubs and there hasn't been a lot between us. Against Manchester United we had more shots, more shots on target and more corners.
Sam is in the final year of his contract. Have you talked to him yet about a new deal?
We have a policy — and it's as much for Sam as us — that we sit down at the end of the season, maybe a bit earlier if we're safe, and judge things over an entire season. We've always done it that way. Last year I was being asked at various times if Sam would be going but my answer was always that we'd look at it at the end of the campaign. We're very loyal to our managers.
How is your relationship with Sam?
It's fine, very amicable. We always talk on a Monday or the day after a midweek match and if he has a problem he calls me. We all want the same thing and that is the best for this club. Sam wants to be successful and he's very flexible at looking at ways to achieve that. The change in formation was not my idea — he's the one who made that bold decision to change the strategy.
Whose idea was it to appoint a forwards' coach?
It was our concept but the manager has to have the final say. Fortunately Sam loved the idea and it was his pick. We liked the idea of appointing an ex-player but it wasn't essential, as long as the person had some gravitas. Teddy Sheringham was the perfect fit.
How big a part does West Ham play in your life these days?
It consumes me, I'm thinking about the club morning, noon and night. If we lose I can't sleep. I had the most tiring summer I've ever had because I knew we had to get players in. We did some good early deals and that meant we locked in players and could be more selective at the back end but as it turned out, the best business might have been late on, with Diafra Sakho and Alex Song.
There has been some speculation this week about Liverpool trying to sign Song. What is your response to that?
First of all, I think Alex has been terrific but we haven't seen the best of him yet. He has admitted he needs more matches before he will be 100 per cent. I believe he could be the best player at the club. We have a season loan and there is no break clause. At the end of the season we will look at things. It might be he has higher aspirations than us but he may love it at West Ham. I know him and his wife love London. It's very premature to talk about what we will do — I think you must look at it later in the season. We'd love him to stay but maybe a club in Turkey will offer him a crazy salary tax-free. It's hard to compete with that financially if the player is willing to play in Turkey or Russia.
Do you anticipate doing a lot of business in January?
I'm hoping we don't have to do any. We're right up against our wage cap and this is the best squad we've ever had in terms of depth and quality. It's a tall order but I'm hoping we will have 30 points at the halfway stage. That means realistically you can't be relegated and we can throw everything at the FA Cup.
You were reported as saying that signing Andy Carroll was a mistake. Do you still feel that?
What people asked me was that, "If you knew what was going to happen, would you have signed Andy Carroll?" Hindsight is a wonderful thing and if you could have forseen that Andy was going to be out injured for so long, we may have reconsidered. I was just stating the obvious. What I would say now is that I would love him to come back fit and strong. The good thing is we don't have to rush him back. I think it could still turn out to be a good decision to sign Andy. We think he will make a huge contribution when he does return.
How much of a disappointment has it been to you that Ravel Morrison hasn't really progressed?
The biggest disappointment is Ravel is such a talented individual. Thousands of kids would give anything to have his ability. Maybe the penny will drop eventually but his contract is up next summer. We all love him but we can't do it all for him. He has to do it himself.
How is the financial situation?
We've put in around £55million in loans and we don't collect interest. If and when the club sells shares to new investors or we become wealthy then we might get our loans back. We spent £30m on players this year. We hope by the time we move to the Olympic Stadium there will be no third party debt other than normal trading.
Next year — the last before the big move — will be special, won't it?
It will be very emotional but fantastic. The demand for season tickets is already huge. It will end 110 years of history but you have to move on. When the referee blows his whistle to signal the end of the final game at the Boleyn I will feel sad. When we were at Birmingham we didn't have anything like the affinity we have for West Ham but when we were leaving, I remember walking across the pitch and suddenly the floodlights went out. I felt sad then but nothing compared with saying goodbye to the old ground. You have to move on, though, and I feel very excited about the future. These are optimistic times. I will be disappointed if we don't fill every seat in the 54,000-capacity new stadium. The rail links are excellent, we will attract new supporters, people will want to come and see the stadium, the away following will be high.
Your next home match is against Manchester City, who beat you four times last season. How much are you relishing that game?
I hope we will have a full-strength team against them. It's a big ask because they're a £400m team but I would just love to get something from that match.
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WHUFC.com
Enner Valencia's stunning goal against Hull City has won the whufc.com Goal of the Month prize
10.10.2014
Enner Valencia has added the West Ham United Goal of the Month prize for September to his Player of the Month award. Having already won the whufc.com website vote to be named September's top performer, he followed that up with a landslide victory in the Goal of the Month poll. His rocket at Hull City, which drew the Hammers level at 1-1 en route to a 2-2 draw, was selected as the top strike by 76% of you.
Diafra Sakho's sumptuous chip against Liverpool was second with 11% of the vote, while another Sakho effort - a wonderful team goal in a friendly match against Ipswich - was just behind with 10%.
There would be no arguing over the winner, though, as Valencia announced his arrival on the Barclays Premier League scene in style.
The Ecuador striker gave Tigers stopper Allan McGregor no chance with his rocket of a shot from 25 yards, which flew past the Scotsman
before he could even react.
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Chadwell Chatter
WHUFC.com
West Ham United's in-form midfielder Stewart Downing on his new role, Sakho's goals and England
09.10.2014
Hello everyone,
Writing this column during the international break has given me an opportunity to reflect on our great start to the season. The break gives us time to get some of our injured players back fit. We've got over a week till our game away at Burnley, so we should have a strong squad available for that match. In terms of our good form, it would have been nice to keep on playing, we've done well since the Southampton game. That was a very long two weeks afterwards and everyone was itching to play again. Similarly, everyone is looking forward to the next game with Burnley.
In pre-season we spoke about the importance of getting the season off to a good start and I think we've done that well. Another positive is the effect the new players have had. They've all settled really quickly which has helped us a lot as last year we had a lot of injuries. The manager did very well to get them in early, and the benefits are clear to see out on the pitch. With five goals in five games Diafra Sakho has deservedly taken the plaudits for his performances so far. Diafra is a very quick, powerful striker and he'll only get better as the season progresses. I think the biggest positive is that every time we go forward we look like we're going to score. We have scored quite a few goals already and we need to continue that form. While Diafra has scored four of our twelve league goals, we've had eight different scorers so that's very pleasing.
As for my form, I'm feeling good at the moment and it's always nice to have your efforts acknowledged. The system we're playing has helped a lot as it creates more options for me. Enner and Diafra both like to run a lot and their movement stretches defences, which helps me find the right passes. They know where the net is, so they can put it away. I played a similar role at Middlesbrough when we played a 4-4-1-1 formation, however I think this system is even better as I have three lads in behind me. As a result I receive the ball a lot higher up the field.
I'm certainly enjoying my new position and it's something I spoke about when I signed here. The manager didn't have that luxury last year with the injuries we had to deal with. This season you can see the strength in depth, we can mix it up which has worked well for us. He's got options to change it when he needs it.
That was what was most pleasing about the QPR result. We had about seven or eight players out but still managed to field a strong eleven. I thought we played QPR off the park. Despite the injuries we didn't need to change the system too much. To get that continuity is a big plus for us.
As for the calls about an England call up, obviously I'd love to be involved again. It's the pinnacle of every player's career to represent their country so to have won 34 caps is something I'm very proud of.
Realistically I don't think I'll get picked at the moment. Roy Hodgson is going for younger players which is fair enough, that's his decision. All I can do is try my best, keep playing well and we'll see what happens from there.
Enjoy the break and see you soon!
COYI
Stewart
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Nolan continues comeback
WHUFC.com
Kevin Nolan played 90 minutes as a Hammers XI lost out to Norwich City on Friday
10.10.2014
Kevin Nolan got another 90 minutes under his belt as West Ham United took on Norwich City in a behind closed doors friendly at the Boleyn Ground on Friday. The Hammers skipper continued his comeback from a shoulder injury with the run-out, as he led a young Hammers side who were edged out 2-1 by the Championship high-flyers. For Nolan, improving his match fitness was his major positive and he is thrilled to be back earlier than originally expected. Nolan said: "It was nice to get another 90 minutes. I felt a lot better than I did eight or nine days ago and it's coming back slowly but surely. "I've got to keep on working as hard as I can, training as hard as I can and hopefully I'll get my chance. "I'm about three or weeks ahead of schedule from when I first suffered the injury and all the physios and coaching staff have been great. That support makes you want to be back."
The visitors, Norwich, have enjoyed a good start to their league campaign as they sit top of the Championship table. Canaries' manager Neil Adams fielded a strong side at the Boleyn Ground, with seasoned professionals such as Carlos Cuellar, Gary Hooper and Jonny Howson all starting. There was also a return to E13 for ex-Hammer Gary O'Neil. The visitors started brightly and forced a number of good saves from veteran goalkeeper Jaaskelainen. However the Hammers responded with a smart volley from the edge of the box from Mauro Zarate as he tried to recreate his superb goal against Crystal Palace earlier in the season. It was the tenacious Argentine who then almost broke the deadlock as he ran from the half way line to force goalkeeper Declan Rudd into a fantastic save. Norwich continued to create and they made it count in on the half hour mark. Elliot Bennett broke into the box and squared it to Gary Hooper, who from six yards out could not miss.
The Canaries doubled their lead shortly after half-time as Jaaskelainen was caught out when under pressure from Bennett, who finished from close range. The Hammers continued to try and find a way to break the resolute Canaries and they eventually unlocked the door courtesy of Zarate, who strolled to the edge of the box, and from a seemingly tight angle shot across the 'keeper and into the far corner. The hosts' efforts to secure an equaliser went unrewarded as Norwich claimed the victory.
West Ham United: Jaaskelainen, Bywater, Knoyle, Oxford, Makasi, Page, Lletget, Nolan, Zarate, Lee (Mavila 63), Cole (Gordon 74)
Subs: Spiegel, Fanimo, Nasha, Mavila
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Potts looking ahead to Gunners
WHUFC.com
Steve Potts's Under-18s face Arsenal at Little Heath on Saturday
10.10.2014
West Ham United Under 18s are looking to continue their superb run of form when they face local rivals Arsenal at Little Heath this Saturday. Last weekend the Hammers extended their unbeaten start to the season with a comprehensive 3-0 win over Brighton & Hove Albion. Goals from Djair Parfitt-Williams, Jordan Brown and an own goal secured the Hammers' fourth win of the season and took them second in the Barclays U18 Premier League South table.
One of the Hammers' stand out performers this season has been ex-Arsenal striker Jordan Brown, who has netted six goals in seven games this season. Speaking about their performance last Saturday, Under-18s manager Steve Potts said: "I think we got there in the end. Brighton made it difficult for us because they sat deep. "In the second half we upped the tempo. Once we got our first goal we were okay, it put us in control and we could have scored more than three in the end."
The win saw the Hammers keep their second consecutive clean sheet, a feat the former defender is proud of. He continued: "If I had to be critical of the team I would say that we've leaked too many goals. That made games difficult for us which we don't want. But we've got two clean sheets in the last two games which has been good and helped us get the maximum points."
Despite the good start, Potts believes there is still room for improvement: "We've talked about controlling the game more. We've had good spells in the game but we want to control the game for longer. We've asked the boys if they can maintain possession better, and when we do, can we make more of it?"
With Arsenal in such good form, having taken 14 points from their first seven games, Potts knows his team face a stern test.
"With Arsenal you always know it's going to be tough. They've spent quite a bit of money on their youth teams. They have quality and it'll be a very good test for our lads. "The worry for me going down to Brighton was whether or not they'd be at the top of their games. Away from home against Brighton it was a tough one. "This weekend we have Arsenal at home, the players won't need raising for the game, and they know it'll be a tough one. It's just down to whether they can perform or not."
West Ham United U18s play Arsenal at Little Heath on Saturday. Kick-off is at 11am and admission is FREE.
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Bonds on the mend
WHUFC.com
West Ham United legend Billy Bonds is recovering from a succesful hip operation
10.10.2014
West Ham United legend Billy Bonds MBE has undergone a successful hip operation at the Horder Centre in Crowborough, East Sussex. Having made nearly 800 first team appearances in a 24 year playing career, Bonds is the Hammers' record all-time appearance maker. In his illustrious career he largely managed to avoid injuries, but after beginning to suffer problems around five years ago when walking a few miles became a struggle, he opted to undergo surgery recently Speaking about his decision to have the operation, he said: "I chose the Horder Centre because a friend of mine had just had an operation there and said it was absolutely brilliant. I can't speak highly enough of it. When I came round after my operation, the first thing I saw were a couple of rabbits dancing in the woodland outside. "All the staff, from the surgeon to the hall porter were top drawer."
Since the operation, Billy has been recuperating at his home in Chislehurst and says he is looking forward to kicking a ball about with his two granddaughters. In 2013, Bonds, who was voted by fans into the West Ham United all time XI was awarded the Club's first ever Lifetime Achievement award. Everyone at West Ham United wishes Billy a continued speedy recovery.
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Mediawatch - 10 October
WHUFC.com
Our daily look at the West Ham United stories making the news
10.10.2014
The Mail Online carries coverage of yesterday's Q&A with Stewart Downing on the Club's Official Twitter Page, in which he said the Hammers should be targeting Europe this season, while admitting he still harbours hopes of an England recall.
On Sky Sports, England U21s manager Gareth Southgate has confirmed that on-loan full-back Carl Jenkinson has left the training camp to resolve a niggling hamstring problem.
On the same website, former Stuttgart boss Thomas Schneider has admitted to fielding interest from English clubs in defender Antonio Rudiger, with West Ham reportedly among his prospective suitors.
The Daily Express includes a report speculating on Winston Reid's future.
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Sullivan hints at permanent Alex Song deal
KUMB.com
Filed: Friday, 10th October 2014
By: Staff Writer
West Ham's co-owner David Sullivan wants to tie Barcelona loanee Alex Song to a permanent contract. The 26-year-old midfielder has enjoyed an excellent start to his West Ham career and already fans have began to talk about the possibility of extending his stay past the agreed season-long loan. It is a proposition that appeals equally to Sullivan, who told the Evening Standard that he would look into the possibility later in the season - even if he believes Song may feel he still has bigger fish to fry. "Alex has been terrific but we haven't seen the best of him yet," hew said. "He has admitted he needs more matches before he will be 100 per cent, but I believe he could be the best player at the club. "We have a season loan and there is no break clause. At the end of the season we will look at things. It might be he has higher aspirations than us but he may love it at West Ham. I know him and his wife love London. "It's very premature to talk about what we will do — I think you must look at it later in the season. We'd love him to stay but maybe a club in Turkey will offer him a crazy salary tax-free. It's hard to compete with that financially if the player is willing to play in Turkey or Russia."
Whilst next summer's deals are already being anticipated, Sullivan effectively ruled out the club strengthening the squad during the January transfer window - a time when buying clubs usually have to pay well over the odds to land their preferred targets. "I'm hoping we don't have to do any," he said. "We're right up against our wage cap and this is the best squad we've ever had in terms of depth and quality. "It's a tall order, but I'm hoping we will have 30 points at the halfway stage. That means realistically you can't be relegated and we can throw everything at the FA Cup."
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Bonzo thanks docs
KUMB.com
Filed: Friday, 10th October 2014
By: Staff Writer
West Ham United legend Billy Bonds has thanked doctors at a Sussex-based health centre after he underwent hip surgery. Last month Bonds, now 68, had an operation to cure a troublesome hip problem that had plagued him for the last five years. This week he returned to the Horder Centre for a check-up during which he thanked surgeon Hugh Apthorp and his team for their excellent service. "I chose The Horder Centre because an actor friend of mine, whom I see once a year, had just had an operation there and said it was absolutely brilliant," Bonds told the Kent & Sussex Courier. "I can't speak highly enough of it. "When I came round after my operation, the first thing I saw were a couple of rabbits dancing in the woodland outside! All the staff, from the surgeon to the porter - apart from the fact he supported Spurs - were top drawer. "I think it is the attention to detail that makes the Horder Centre special. My brother, who had a similar operation elsewhere, couldn't believe it when I told him that a nurse escorted me to my car when I left!"
Bonds made 793 first team appearances for West Ham in a career than spanned 21 seasons (1967-88). He returned as manager of the club in 1990, two years after his retirement and led the club for a further four years before being replaced by Harry Redknapp.
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Faubert's double delight
KUMB.com
Filed: Friday, 10th October 2014
By: Staff Writer
Former Hammer Julian Faubert joined a select group of professional footballers earlier this week when he made his international debut for Martinique. The 31-year-old winger became one of just a handful of players to have represented two international teams at full level when he played in the tiny Caribbean Island's 1-1 draw with neighbours Curacao, an even smaller island that is situated around 100km north of Venezuela in the Caribbean Sea, on Wednesday evening. Faubert - who made a sole start (plus one as sub) for France against Bosnia in 2006 used a loophole to feature for Martinique, who are registered to CONCACAF but not FIFA, in the Caribbean Nations Cup 2014. He scored the island's only goal of the game after 51 minutes and in doing so, joined a group of illustrious names such as Ferenc Puskas (Hungary/Spain), Alfredo di Stefano (Argentina, Colombia & Spain), and Kubala (Czechoslovakia, Hungary & Spain).
However Faubert's joy was to be short lived as Curacao grabbed a valuable point with an equaliser two minutes into added on time.
The former Hammer is expected to feature again later today when Martinique tackle Guadeloupe in Les Abymes, before they wrap up their Group 9 schedule with a tie against Saint Vincent and the Grenadines on Sunday.
The top two teams in the four-nation group will progress to the next phase of the tournament.
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Big Sam in for Big Ron?
KUMB.com
Filed: Friday, 10th October 2014
By: Staff Writer
West Ham are being linked with a winter transfer window move for Porto's experienced interntaional defender Rolando Jorge Pires da Fonseca. The 29-year-old centre half- popularly known simply as 'Rolando' - spent last season on loan with Inter in Italy, where he made 29 appearances as I Nerazzurri finished fifith in Serie A. Yet despite having a clause inserted in his contract whereby Milan could have made the deal permanent this summer, 6'2" Rolando returned to his parent club at the end of last season - even though the Italian club are also rumoured to be keen to take him back to Italy in January. West Ham's need for an additional central defender has become more acute in recent weeks with Winston Reid, who is out of contract next summer, having failed to sign a contract extension. The right-footed Rolando, who has been capped 19 times for his country and is out of contract next summer is said to be valued around the €1.5million mark and is rumoured to be interesting the likes of West Brom and Turkish giants Galatasary, as well as the Hammers.
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West Ham chairman David Sullivan hails manager Sam Allardyce
Last Updated: 10/10/14 2:58pm
SSN
The Londoners currently lie in seventh place in the Premier League table with new strikers Diafra Sakho and Enner Valencia making an immediate impact - but Sullivan believes it is the switch to a diamond formation that has brought about the upturn in form. "There is a lot of optimism about the place now," Sullivan told the Evening Standard. "I genuinely believe we have the best squad since we've been at the club. We've signed some high-energy, younger players and we have discovered the 'West Ham way'. "He (Allardyce) changed the style after that to a diamond formation. Sam made that decision so he deserves the accolades because, had it not worked, he would have been castigated." "He, Allardyce, changed the style after that to a diamond formation. Sam made that decision so he deserves the accolades because, had it not worked, he would have been castigated. "We have a policy - and it's as much for Sam as us - that we sit down at the end of the season, maybe a bit earlier if we're safe, and judge things over an entire season. "We've always done it that way. Last year I was being asked at various times if Sam would be going but my answer was always that we'd look at it at the end of the campaign. We're very loyal to our managers "We always talk on a Monday or the day after a midweek match and if he has a problem he calls me. We all want the same thing and that is the best for this club. "Sam wants to be successful and he's very flexible at looking at ways to achieve that. The change in formation was not my idea - he's the one who made that bold decision to change the strategy."
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Big Three set for ANC absence
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on October 10, 2014 in Whispers
Claret & Hugh
West Ham boss Sam Allardyce is set to be without three star players during the the African Cup of Nations. Both Cheikhou Kouyate and Diafra Sakho look likely to be called up by Senegal whilst Alex Song looks set for inclusion in the Cameroon squad. The competition takes place between January 17 and February 8 which would rule the trio out for games against Hull (h), Liverpool (a). Manchester United and Southampton (a). And they could be out of action for either one or both of the earlier games against WBA and Swansea, depending upon the departure date for their training camps. It's the kind of situation experienced by other successful Premier League sides and again shows the strides the Irons are making this season. A source said: "It's a double-edged sword. You want top players but having got them you will face situations such as this. Sakho whamaction"The beauty is as is being seen we have the depth in our squad to cope but they are big players to lose for several games at an important time of the season. "Having said that it demonstrates that the Hammers are very much back in the big time."
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£15m Kop for Reid? A pig has just flown by window
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on October 10, 2014 in Whispers
Claret & Hugh
Stories circulating in the national press this morning claim that Liverpool are ready to pay £15 million for Winston Reid in January!
Ah yes, and a pig has just flown past my window! According to this very odd story, Reid has already snubbed a move to Arsenal because he has his heart set on a move to Anfield and Brendan Rodgers will try to make it happen. Then comes the classic line: "Reid is unlikely to come cheap as he is a crucial part of the Hammers squad, but it's thought that they could sell for about £15million." The whole story is of course a total piece of nonsense as no club in the world will pay £15 million for a player who has six months left on his contract.
And the whole point of a player allowing his contract to run down is to avoid a huge transfer fee and instead see the money that would have been spent on a fee loaded into his personal terms. ClaretandHugh has learned that as far as the club is concerned the situation remains unchanged with a £60k a week offer on the table. A source said: "Should he fail to sign it he will obviously be put on the transfer list but £15m? Someone's dreaming!"
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Sam deal talks wait until end of season
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on October 10, 2014 in Whispers
Claret & Hugh
David Sullivan today made it clear there will be no early decision on whether Sam Allardyce is offered a new deal at West Ham. Despite his delight at the team's start to the new campaign the co chairman wants to see a full season behind him before the big decisions are made. Indeed it's situation normal as the board follow a policy that's been in place for years. A question and answer session with the London Evening Standard may have given the impression a new deal was on but speaking to Claretand Hugh – the co chairman said: "Both Sam and myself am happy. We'll do exactly as we have done in previous seasons. "We will look at it at the end of the season. Its exactly like last season and the season before. There's no change" He had told the Standard: "Last year I was being asked at various times if Sam would be going but my answer was always that we'd look at it at the end of the campaign. We're very loyal to our managers. "(Our relationship) is fine, very amicable. We always talk on a Monday or the day after a midweek match and if he has a problem he calls me. We all want the same thing and that is the best for this club. But it's clear that no quick fire decision will be made and that Sullivan and the manager will take their time coming to a decision.
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'We have the best squad since I arrived and Sam Allardyce is making bold decisions' - Q&A with West Ham co-owner David Sullivan
STANDARD SPORT
Published: 10 October 2014 Updated: 12:42, 10 October 2014
West Ham co-owner David Sullivan has every right to be pleased… he says the club have their best squad since he took over, they are thriving under a new system and have the Olympic move to look forward to.
You said you cried at times last season but the tissues are staying in the box at the moment aren't they?
There is a lot of optimism about the place now and I genuinely believe we have the best squad since we've been at the club. We've signed some high-energy, younger players and we have discovered the 'West Ham way'. That first-half performance against Liverpool was the most satisfying 45 minutes since we became involved. We were quick, tough — we scored goals — and that is the intention this season, to score as many goals as we can. As a result we have only kept one clean sheet but the exciting thing is that, with the exception of the Southampton defeat where we didn't turn up, we could well be on 18 points now, instead of 10. That was the watershed game and full credit to Sam [Allardyce], he changed the style after that to a diamond formation. Sam made that decision so he deserves the accolades because, had it not worked, he would have been castigated. What has really impressed me is we've played some big clubs and there hasn't been a lot between us. Against Manchester United we had more shots, more shots on target and more corners.
Sam is in the final year of his contract. Have you talked to him yet about a new deal?
We have a policy — and it's as much for Sam as us — that we sit down at the end of the season, maybe a bit earlier if we're safe, and judge things over an entire season. We've always done it that way. Last year I was being asked at various times if Sam would be going but my answer was always that we'd look at it at the end of the campaign. We're very loyal to our managers.
How is your relationship with Sam?
It's fine, very amicable. We always talk on a Monday or the day after a midweek match and if he has a problem he calls me. We all want the same thing and that is the best for this club. Sam wants to be successful and he's very flexible at looking at ways to achieve that. The change in formation was not my idea — he's the one who made that bold decision to change the strategy.
Whose idea was it to appoint a forwards' coach?
It was our concept but the manager has to have the final say. Fortunately Sam loved the idea and it was his pick. We liked the idea of appointing an ex-player but it wasn't essential, as long as the person had some gravitas. Teddy Sheringham was the perfect fit.
How big a part does West Ham play in your life these days?
It consumes me, I'm thinking about the club morning, noon and night. If we lose I can't sleep. I had the most tiring summer I've ever had because I knew we had to get players in. We did some good early deals and that meant we locked in players and could be more selective at the back end but as it turned out, the best business might have been late on, with Diafra Sakho and Alex Song.
There has been some speculation this week about Liverpool trying to sign Song. What is your response to that?
First of all, I think Alex has been terrific but we haven't seen the best of him yet. He has admitted he needs more matches before he will be 100 per cent. I believe he could be the best player at the club. We have a season loan and there is no break clause. At the end of the season we will look at things. It might be he has higher aspirations than us but he may love it at West Ham. I know him and his wife love London. It's very premature to talk about what we will do — I think you must look at it later in the season. We'd love him to stay but maybe a club in Turkey will offer him a crazy salary tax-free. It's hard to compete with that financially if the player is willing to play in Turkey or Russia.
Do you anticipate doing a lot of business in January?
I'm hoping we don't have to do any. We're right up against our wage cap and this is the best squad we've ever had in terms of depth and quality. It's a tall order but I'm hoping we will have 30 points at the halfway stage. That means realistically you can't be relegated and we can throw everything at the FA Cup.
You were reported as saying that signing Andy Carroll was a mistake. Do you still feel that?
What people asked me was that, "If you knew what was going to happen, would you have signed Andy Carroll?" Hindsight is a wonderful thing and if you could have forseen that Andy was going to be out injured for so long, we may have reconsidered. I was just stating the obvious. What I would say now is that I would love him to come back fit and strong. The good thing is we don't have to rush him back. I think it could still turn out to be a good decision to sign Andy. We think he will make a huge contribution when he does return.
How much of a disappointment has it been to you that Ravel Morrison hasn't really progressed?
The biggest disappointment is Ravel is such a talented individual. Thousands of kids would give anything to have his ability. Maybe the penny will drop eventually but his contract is up next summer. We all love him but we can't do it all for him. He has to do it himself.
How is the financial situation?
We've put in around £55million in loans and we don't collect interest. If and when the club sells shares to new investors or we become wealthy then we might get our loans back. We spent £30m on players this year. We hope by the time we move to the Olympic Stadium there will be no third party debt other than normal trading.
Next year — the last before the big move — will be special, won't it?
It will be very emotional but fantastic. The demand for season tickets is already huge. It will end 110 years of history but you have to move on. When the referee blows his whistle to signal the end of the final game at the Boleyn I will feel sad. When we were at Birmingham we didn't have anything like the affinity we have for West Ham but when we were leaving, I remember walking across the pitch and suddenly the floodlights went out. I felt sad then but nothing compared with saying goodbye to the old ground. You have to move on, though, and I feel very excited about the future. These are optimistic times. I will be disappointed if we don't fill every seat in the 54,000-capacity new stadium. The rail links are excellent, we will attract new supporters, people will want to come and see the stadium, the away following will be high.
Your next home match is against Manchester City, who beat you four times last season. How much are you relishing that game?
I hope we will have a full-strength team against them. It's a big ask because they're a £400m team but I would just love to get something from that match.
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Friday, October 10
Daily WHUFC News - 10th October 2014
Cresswell wants more clean sheets
WHUFC.com
Defender wants more of the same after Queens Park Rangers shut out
08.10.2014
Aaron Cresswell hopes Sunday's shut out against Queens Park Rangers was a
sign of things to come from West Ham United. Although they have been in top
form going forward this season, the Hammers' defensive solidity has not
matched that at times over the first two months of the campaign. But victory
over the R's married a goalscoring threat with a meanness at the back and
the summer signing from Ipswich Town wants that to be the case on a regular
basis. He is delighted with how he has settled in since making the move from
Portman Road and would love to keep the Hammers in the Barclays Premier
League's top ten. He explained: "It's always nice to get a win, and a clean
sheet as well. That was our first one of the season, so it was important to
go into the international break with the three points to push us further up
the table. "On Sunday we went 1-0 up and then controlled the game in the
first half. Of course it helped to score the early goal. It was the same
when we played Liverpool - we got the two early goals that day and it was
the same kind of situation against QPR. "I thought the whole eleven were
excellent on Sunday. We controlled the game very well in the first half and,
although they had a spell in the first ten minutes after half time when they
changed formation, overall we deserved to win the game."
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Army football team visit Hammers
WHUFC.com
The British Army women's football team visited Chadwell Heath last week
09.10.2014
Last week the British Army women's football team were invited to watch the
West Ham United first team in training as part of their pre-season
preparations. Having won the annual Inter-Services Cup for a fourth
consecutive year, the tean comprises of servicewomen from a range of units
across the British Army.
Speaking at the training session the manager, Major Sandra Hodgson said:
"This is the culmination of a week's trial for the ladies. We've had them in
all week as we're getting ready for the new season. Today we're having a day
off here at West Ham, watching the men's first team in training which is
brilliant, it's fantastic to be here."
Major Hodgson continued to explain how the team was formed: "The team's been
in existence for around 14 years now. It started off on quite a small scale
with a few girls from the UK bases only. The German based girls had their
own team too. "After a period of time that was amalgamated. Now a group of
girls from Germany, the UK and Cyprus are together for training. We only get
one day's training and then we play our games in the Southern Counties
division. The team comes from a range of different units."
The team's captain is Sergeant Krissy Wright, who has been part of the setup
for a number of years. "The role and importance of all sports in the Army is
huge. The pressure the girls are under through operational requirements,
exercises and courses is huge, so sport offers us an opportunity to get
together, relax a little bit and make the most of being in the army.
"Luckily fitness is not an issue as it is something we can work on when
we're back in our units. We don't get much opportunity to train together as
we only have a day before a game to train properly, so maintaining fitness
is really important."
The required standard to impress at trials are high, and according to Wright
are improving each year: "The standard is very good. I've been playing for a
number of years now and the quality of the girls is definitely improving.
"We've got a few girls who have played at U16 level for England and Wales.
We've got a player who plays for Portsmouth, she's currently injured. One of
the girls used to play for Blackburn. So we're lucky that we've got girls
who have got good experience of high level football."
With the sport's popularity increasing over the last decade, a trend set to
continue, Major Hodgson concurs that standards within the women's game are
improving too: "We've seen with the improvement of the quality of the
players that we've had, that standards are going up. "We've now got girls
who are very good players. We're lucky that now we can use Army and Army
reserve girls too. The standard is improving year on year and every time we
have trials it gets harder and harder to pick players."
For Major Hodgson, unlike a normal football manager, there are a number of
unique circumstances that hinder the team selection: "Obviously their Army
duties are the priority and that can affect the players that are available
for selection. But we try to ensure we have the strongest squad possible,
especially for the Inter Services tournament. Speaking about their hopes for
the upcoming season. Both manager and captain are positive that their side
can enjoy a successful campaign. Sergeant Wright pinned her colours to the
mast saying: "Hopefully a title challenge is on the cards. We came very
close last season. The quality is very high but we push ourselves every
season. With the players we have got this year we've got a very good squad
and could well be successful."
While Major Hodgson continued to say: "We want to retain the Inter-Services
trophy that we won last year. It would be devastating if we didn't win it
again this year. "It'll be our fifth consecutive win. As a player and a
coach I've lost it twice over a period of about eleven years. We don't focus
on losing. We will win the Inter-Services cup."
That sounds like fighting talk!
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Mediawatch - 9 October
WHUFC.com
Our daily look at the West Ham United stories making the news
09.10.2014
The Evening Standard reports on the positive progress made by the Hammers'
injured players. Their story says that Mark Noble is back in training and
Cheikhou Kouyate has an outside chance of being fit for next Saturday's trip
to Burnley.
In the Daily Mail, Harry Redknapp says Ravel Morrison has the ability to 'be
the next Gareth Bale' if he can apply his undoubted talent on the pitch.
London24 carries an extract from Sir Trevor Brooking's new autobiography, in
which he states his belief that England will win the World Cup again in his
lifetime, as long as the progress in developing young players is maintained.
Another Mail story examines the work done by all Premier League clubs in the
summer transfer window, praising the Hammers for 'having one of their best
windows for a long time.'
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Jimmy Walker: I would've saved Steven Gerrard's FA Cup equaliser
KUMB.com
Filed: Thursday, 9th October 2014
By: Staff Writer
Former Hammers goalkeeper Jimmy Walker insists he would have saved the shot
that cost West Ham United the 2006 FA Cup Final. With just seconds remaining
in the game, Alan Pardew's underdogs led reigning European Champions
Liverpool 3-2 in Cardiff when Reds captain Steven Gerrard picked up the ball
35 yards from goal. Without hesitation, Liverpool's talisman took aim and
fired past West Ham 'keeper Shaka Hislop from some 35 yards - a goal that
took the Final into extra time and a resulting penalty shootout, which the
Reds won 3-1.
Walker, who had been stretchered off the same ground a year earlier in the
Championship play off Final against Preston was an unused substitute on the
day, having made just three appearances that season as a result of the
career-threatening injury he'd sustained.
However he firmly believes that had Alan Pardew taken his advice and
reinstated him to the team for the Final, West Ham would have emerged
victorious - as he would have saved Gerrard's last-gasp equaliser. "One
million percent. That's what made it even more devastating,"
Walker told the KUMB Podcast. "It wouldn't have been Gerrard's Final, it
would just have been a West Ham win. But those things happen, it's fine
margins. "I was so getting into Pardew's head," he recalled. "To be fair to
Shaka he'd played in every round and was fantastic but before the final, at
the start of the week, I was knocking on his door going, 'this is fate Pards
- it's a year to the day that I done my knee and everyone thought I was
finished. I'm back, at the same spot it happened. This is fate, you've got
to play me!' "I was doing well at the time, really enjoying my football and
the fittest I've ever been. He called me in on the Thursday [before the
game] and it was 50/50. I was thinking 'please just play me, just play me!'
Pards said, 'look, I'm going to have to go with Shaka. It'd kill him as he'd
played in every round'. "I understood what he was saying but I still told
him after the game - which didn't go down too well - that I would have
changed history because that was my game, low down from 40 yards!"
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Redknapp pans 'petulant' Ravel
KUMB.com
Filed: Thursday, 9th October 2014
By: Staff Writer
Queens Park Rangers manager Harry Redknapp has revealed how he lost his
temper with West Ham midfielder Ravel Morrison. The 67-year-old former
Hammers boss took Morrison to Loftus Road on loan for the second half of
last season - only to end up dropping him due to a perceived attitude
problem. Speaking in his new book, which is being serialised by the Daily
Mail this week, Redknapp recalled an incident during a game which caused him
to lose his temper with the England under 21 international. "There was one
game last season when we'd lost confidence and were losing," he explained.
"I asked him to change his position, to play on the left - and his face fell
into a petulant pout. "I pulled him away from the rest, took him outside and
explained as patiently as the time allowed. 'Ravel, we are losing the
f***ing game,' I said. 'I just want you to play there and do a job for the
team. We have to win the game. It's not about you, OK? It's about the team.
"People look at your face in there when I've asked you to do something, and
they will all go away and think you are a big-headed bastard, because your
attitude stinks. That's what people say about you.'
"Second half he was absolutely different class. He ran the game, everything
good we did came from him and we were all watching it thinking, 'What a
talent'. You looked at that performance and thought he could get us promoted
on his own if he put his mind to it.
"It was like watching a player with Gareth Bale's class in the Championship.
If Morrison had played consistently at his best, he might have gone to the
World Cup. "But by the time we came to the end of the season he couldn't
get in our starting line-up and on his bad days, you wouldn't have put him
in our reserve team."
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THIRTY MINUTES WITH SIR TREVOR BROOKING
By Iain Dale 9 Oct 2014 at 20:35
West Ham Till I Die
Earlier today I sat down with Sir Trevor Brooking to do an interview for my
LBC Drivetime show. Because of the Ebola breaking news we had to curtail
what we broadcast live on the show to only seven minutes, but I deliberately
recorded a lot more than we would ever have been able to use on the show,
and virtually all of it is about West Ham. When I went down to meet him in
the Global Radio reception he was being mobbed by several West Ham and
Norwich (fans).. So, sit down for half an hour as Sir Trevor and I chew the
West Ham fat. It was an absolute pleasure to meet the great man.
Oh, and by the way, the auction was won by someone who bid £3,900. I wonder
if they were readers of this site. I guess I will soon find out! It's an
astonishing sum to raise, and thanks once again to David Sullivan for making
it possible.
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HARRY ON RAVEL
By Iain Dale 9 Oct 2014 at 14:08
West Ham Till I Die
Harry Redknapp has a new book out – A MAN WALKS ON TO A PITCH. Here's what
he says about Ravel Morrison…
I had Ravel Morrison at QPR last season. Sir Alex Ferguson said he was the
most naturally gifted player he had seen at Manchester United since Paul
Scholes – and then sold him because he could do nothing with him. He'd been
at West Ham, scored one of the goals of the season against Tottenham but
they, too, found it hard to control him. He'd already had one loan spell at
Birmingham City, but ended up with me. The kid can really play. He goes past
people and makes them look silly. He's like the strolling England player
Alan Hudson in the 1970s. He doesn't run, he glides. By the time we came to
the end of the season, though, he couldn't get in our starting line-up.
There was one game last season when we'd lost confidence and were losing. I
asked him to change his position, to play on the left. His face fell into a
petulant pout.
I pulled him away from the rest, took him outside and explained as patiently
as the time allowed. 'Ravel, we are losing the f****** game,' I said. 'I
just want you to play there and do a job for the team. We have to win the
game. It's not about you, OK? It's about the team. 'People look at your face
in there when I've asked you to do something, and they will all go away and
think you are a big-headed bastard, because your attitude stinks. That's
what people say about you.'
Second half he was absolutely different class. He ran the game, everything
good we did came from him and we were all watching it thinking, ''What a
talent''. You looked at that performance and thought he could get us
promoted on his own if he put his mind to it. It was like watching a player
with Gareth Bale's class in the Championship.
Lee Clark, the Birmingham City manager, said to Ravel that he was the best
player since Gazza. His response: 'Who's Gazza?' Should that surprise us?
Admittedly that World Cup in Italy is 24 years ago now, and Ravel is 21, but
however long ago it was I think he can be expected to know who Paul
Gascoigne is. But it does show you that when you've gone, when you've had
your day, nobody cares. If Morrison had played consistently at his best, he
might have gone to the World Cup; on his bad days you wouldn't have put him
in our reserve team.
Not a lot you could argue with there.
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SUPER SAKHO
By Bianca Westwood 9 Oct 2014 at 08:00
West Ham Till I Die
If two out of three ain't bad then Meatloaf would be over the moon with
Diafra Sakho's stellar start to the season. I know I am. Five goals in five
starts is a terrific return by anyone's standard. For a Premier League
newbie who has just joined our little club from France's Ligue 2, it makes
his splash all the more spectacular. And just think if it was down to Sam he
wouldn't even be here.
I heard once on the grapevine that we turned down Alvaro Negredo in June
2013 in favour of signing Andy Carroll on a permanent deal. I don't know
this to be certain and you can decide amongst yourselves whether, if true,
that was the right thing to do but at least this time, the correct decision
was made and the right striker was acquired. The fact that it was down to
David Sullivan that we are now the proud beneficiaries of the Senegalese
player's obvious talents makes it even more interesting.
What our chairman saw in Sakho is becoming more and more apparent. He's
strong, he's quick, he works his socks off and, hallelujah, the boy can
score goals. Metz's top scorer and last season's Ligue 2 player of the year
is fast becoming a fans' favourite. Why Sam thought he was a gamble is
unknown but we have Mr Sullivan to thank for his personal intervention and
perseverance in getting him to Upton Park. Seems like he does know a thing
or two about football after all!
There's always been a lot of negativity surrounding Sullivan and Gold. From
football fans both inside and outside of the club. Something I've never
really understood. Maybe it's because of how they made their money I don't
know. People do like to get on the old high horse about these things but
it's never bothered me. When they took over the reins at West Ham most of my
colleagues and people I knew in the game were quick to make fun of us and
suggest we'd all be going to hell in a handcart. But I knew we were already
half way there anyway after the Icelandic debacle. The way I see it, apart
from the handling of Zola and the introduction of the subsequent manager,
they got us out of a monstrous hole and they've always done their best by
the club. No they haven't got a bottomless pit of cash. But then who has
these days? And even if you do you're not allowed to spend it all at once.
After what I've seen happen over the years to the likes of Leeds,
Portsmouth, and what is now hanging over QPR like the sword of Damocles, I
think we got a decent deal.
Ok, so he's on fire now and if Sakho's prolificacy ends tomorrow we may be
having a different debate next week but the evidence suggests his star has
only just begun to shine and will continue to do so.
When I interviewed Alex Song last week he singled Sakho out for high praise.
He admitted he hadn't heard of him before he came to the club but he was
really impressed, and a little surprised, with what he'd seen so far. He is
well liked in the dressing room, he has a will and a desire to win, he
doesn't shirk from putting in the graft on the training field and he is
intent on giving his best whenever he steps onto the pitch. We've not always
had players like that in recent years and I don't think that hunger will
leave him in a hurry.
At the risk of sounding like an X Factor sob story Sakho has had a difficult
journey to get to where he is today. But in actual fact his background
really is no joke. He grew up playing football barefoot in the streets of
Senegal before leaving the abject poverty of West Africa at 18 years old to
find his fame and fortune in French football. Soon after he joined Metz he
learned his father had died, leaving his mother to look after his three
siblings alone. As anyone who has lost a loved one knows, it's a tragedy
that changes you forever. He admits the loss hardened him. He has certainly
gained strength from his experiences and used them as motivation to succeed
in his trade. He shows no fear on the pitch that's for sure and you won't
see him ducking out of a challenge in a hurry. Apparently questions were
asked about his attitude before he joined but I see no indication of a
problem there. He's definitely a fighter but that's no bad thing, the West
Ham fans will love that about him.
He's broken a 26 year club record already. He's exciting. He has great
vision. He is a poacher of goals. He always seems to be in the right place
at the right time and if he's not nicking them inside the box, he has a deft
touch that can send the ball sumptuously looping over a goalkeepers head. As
Simon Mignolet will testify.
West Ham haven't had an out and out goal scorer in quite some time. I often
wistfully wonder what delights would have been bestowed upon our fans and
our club if Dean Ashton hadn't tragically lost his career so prematurely.
I'll never forget that goal he scored in the FA cup quarter final at
Manchester City. The future looked like it was Ashton's for the taking.
Unfortunately for him it wasn't to be. I felt a similar level of excitement
when Andy Carroll first graced our pitch with his presence…again the
treatment table has claimed another victim, although thankfully not forever
in his case and a return is looking imminent.
Wouldn't it be nice if we finally found ourselves a goal machine! I know
it's only early days and it's only five goals but when you've been in the
middle of a desert for so long you get a little excited at the first sign of
water. Let's hope Sakho isn't a mirage!! He wears the number 15 shirt of his
idol Didier Drogba and dreams of emulating the Ivorian's stratospheric
success. As long he sticks around if he does I'm not complaining.
And what a snip he could be at £4.5m!!
Only time will tell, but the optimism I was told would die out around about
now is still alive and kicking in East London. This could be an oasis.
Hallelujah!
B x
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Stewart Downing believes West Ham can 'aim for Europe' after bright start to
Premier League campaign
Stewart Downing is hoping West Ham can target European football for next
season
West Ham have made bright start to Premier League campaign and sit in
seventh place
Downing has been key to West Ham's success so far this season
By MATT LAWLESS FOR MAILONLINE
PUBLISHED: 15:30, 9 October 2014 | UPDATED: 16:38, 9 October 2014
Daily Mail
Stewart Downing believes West Ham should target European football for next
year after their impressive start to the new season. After last weekend's
2-0 win over QPR, Sam Allardyce's seventh-placed side sit above Arsenal and
Liverpool in the Barclays Premier League and are just three points behind
third-placed Southampton. The Hammers have earned plaudits for their
attacking brand of football with Downing the heartbeat of their positive
performances.The former £20million Liverpool star's magnificent form
prompted boss Allardyce to hail him as the 'best midfielder in the league'.
Downing is quick to play down his manager's glowing praise, however. But he
does hope to continue to shine as he looks to guide West Ham into Europe for
the first time since 2006. 'It's a great compliment. Maybe exaggerated a
little! But as a player it gives you great confidence and I'm really
enjoying playing right now,' he said, answering questions from West Ham
supporters on the club's official Twitter feed. 'Realistically, I don't see
why we can't aim for Europe if we carry on like how we've started.' Downing
has been successfully remoulded by boss Allardyce as a central midfielder in
recent weeks, playing behind strikers Enner Valencia and Diafra Sakho. And
the former Middlesbrough and Aston Villa winger revealed he is relishing his
new role in the team.'The new players have settled quickly and the formation
is working well,' he said. 'At the minute, the way the team's playing, I
prefer playing behind the strikers.' 'Obviously I'd like to score more
goals, but as long as I'm playing well and the team is I don't think about
it.' Despite calls for Downing to win back his place in national side, boss
Roy Hodgson has overlooked him for England's Euro 2016 qualifiers against
San Marino and Estonia. Speaking exclusively to Sportsmail's Matt Lawton
last week, Downing admitted he was disappointed to have been overlooked,
adding the likes of fellow Hammers' Mark Noble and James Tomkins also
deserve a chance. 'Maybe he just wants to go for younger players, which I
guess is fair,' said the 30-year-old. '(Noble) has been doing it
consistently for seven or eight years. And James Tomkins. 'I think there are
a few players who should feel disappointed. 'But sometimes it's difficult.
You see the squad and there are a lot of players who are not playing for
their clubs, but they're getting picked.' Downing, who has 34 international
caps to his name, insists he would love to pull on the Three Lions jersey
again telling Hammers' fans on Thursday that he would be delighted to answer
any future call-ups. 'Realistically, I'm not sure I'll get picked but if I
am I'd love to play.' Downing, meanwhile, revealed West Ham's 2016 move to
the Olympic Stadium played a huge part in his £5million switch from Anfield
last summer. 'It's a big part of why I came here,' said Downing, who also
confessed to enjoying the East End's favourite dish pie and mash. 'If we
keep going the way we're going we'll head there in a good position.'
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham signs deal to sell stadium in 2016
BY TOM WALKER
http://www.leisureopportunities.co.uk/
West Ham United Football Club (WHU) has agreed to sell its Upton Park
stadium to developer The Galliard Group when the club completes its move to
the Olympic Stadium in 2016. According to WHU, Galliard won the bidding due
to its links to the local community and its commitment to "honour the
history of the Hammers" at the Boleyn Ground as part of its proposed
development. Galliard's plans include a mixed-used projects with leisure,
retail and new homes and there are plans to establish a central garden park
named after the late WHU legend Bobby Moore. Fans and local residents will
also be invited to enter a poll to name each building after a legendary
player or an historic event at the Club. Galliard has appointed Sculptress
Frances Siegelman to create a statue of Bobby Moore and other artwork
celebrating the heritage of the Football Club. The current West Ham
memorial garden by the front entrance to the grounds will also be retained,
protected and incorporated into the new development. The development, which
will have a construction programme of some 30 months, has an anticipated
completion date of late 2018. WHU vice chair Karren Brady said: "We opted
to reach an agreement with Galliard because it is a local London developer
and employer with origins in east London. "We know it is committed to
working closely with the local community and Newham Council on proposals to
transform the site into a residential and retail village, which will benefit
the local community and east London's regional economy. "The deal
demonstrates that we have been true to our word by securing the regeneration
of two areas of east London through our move to the Olympic Stadium in
2016."
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Sakho 'no escape' deal gets big welcome
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on October 9, 2014 in Whispers
Claret & Hugh
Diafra Sakho's West Ham deal – as revealed by Claretandhugh – has no release
clauses! Such deals are becoming increasingly rare in the Premier League
with many professionals wanting the opportunity to move on should a suitable
deal be available. That's why clauses are included which often beg the
quesrtion: "When is a contract not a contract?" as players move around
seemingly at will. ClaretandHugh columnist Leroy Rosenior was delighted to
learn of the 'no frills' deal the Irons had concluded with the former Metz
striker. He said: "I think it's absolutely shocking that players are in a
position to call the shots to that extent. "When a club pays a load of money
in transfer fee and wages surely they should be able to expect total
loyalty."My attitude would be: ' You either want to play for us or not' and
if this is how you feel, we'll look elsewhere."
And he smiled: "I wonder how acceptable they would be to a clause being
inserted which allows a club to dock money if they aren't playing well?
"Sakho meanwhile looks the buy of the season so far. I'm thrilled for the
lad – ghe's going to become a very big star I'm sure. "That he and his
advisers have committed to such a contract is really refreshing and shows
how badly he wants to be with us."
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Gold: Carroll return will make life interesting
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on October 9, 2014 in Whispers
Claret & Hugh
David Gold – having appeared to accurately predict a November return to
action for Andy Carroll – has accepted the striker will have a tough call
getting back into the team. But he believes that things change so quickly in
the game that its foolhardy to start getting a crystal ball at work on what
may or may not happen in team terms The medics are claiming privately that
the big man will be available for the home match against Newcastle on the
29th of November but the co-chairman believes it could be earlier. He said:
"Andy welcomes the competition he is facing from other strikers and he is
working really hard. He knows the pressure is on and that's a good thing. It
helps everybody's game "There's always the chance he could be back earlier
and the new signings have given the manager options he didn't have before.
"When all the strikers are fit and firing we face a very interesting
situation – we're all looking forward to that. "Diafra Sakho and Enner
Valencis have been a total revelation and will get better. Things look great
and it throws up some very interesting selection issues."
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Tony Henry starts work as Hammers talent finder
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on October 9, 2014 in Whispers
Claret & Hugh
West Ham have now appointed former Everton and Sunderland chief scout Tony
Henry to his new job as 'recruitment director to the board.'
Henry – who was formerly chief scout at Sunderland before resigning – was
placed on gardening leave by the Black Cats and was unable to take up his
new role until recently. However, he is now actively involved in his new
role which ClaretandHugh has learned sees him reporting directly to
co-chairman David Sullivan who has the responsibility of reporting targets
to the board. It's a separate set up to that involving manager Sam Allardyce
and his scouting team but is seen as a step in ensuring that the Hammers are
aware of every top target. A highly placed source told ClaretandHugh: "Tony
reports directly to the co-chairman and this is seen very much part of the
the closer consultative process on new signings between the board and
manager. The more talent there is available in that area of operations the
better it is for the future of West Ham United."
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Gold: 'This guy is a brand new player '
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on October 9, 2014 in Whispers
Claret & Hugh
David Gold described Stewart Downing as "the most improved player" on his
Twitter feed today but in an exclusive interview with ClaretandHugh he gets
much closer to the truth dubbing him "a new player." Gold has been an even
more regular visitor to Twitter than usual over the last few days clearly
determined to enjoy this moment. And speaking to this site he declared:
"It's clear hes the most improved player but I'll go further – he's a brand
new player. "Playing in that diamond has been the making of him and it's him
who is making things tick in there. "His passing is absolutely spot on and
although I've said it before I believe he is our new Alan Devonshire this
season. "Dev of course was different in that he ghosted past players but
there's elements of Stewart's game that are similar. "It's such a joy to be
able to talk positively about West Ham. I'm enjoying what's happening as
much as any fan because that's what I am. "The new players have allow
Stewart to play in a different role but it's down to him that he has done so
successfully. "West Ham have had many bad times and I'm thrilled to bits
that our fans are so high this season and being given so much to cheer and
enjoy."
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WHUFC.com
Defender wants more of the same after Queens Park Rangers shut out
08.10.2014
Aaron Cresswell hopes Sunday's shut out against Queens Park Rangers was a
sign of things to come from West Ham United. Although they have been in top
form going forward this season, the Hammers' defensive solidity has not
matched that at times over the first two months of the campaign. But victory
over the R's married a goalscoring threat with a meanness at the back and
the summer signing from Ipswich Town wants that to be the case on a regular
basis. He is delighted with how he has settled in since making the move from
Portman Road and would love to keep the Hammers in the Barclays Premier
League's top ten. He explained: "It's always nice to get a win, and a clean
sheet as well. That was our first one of the season, so it was important to
go into the international break with the three points to push us further up
the table. "On Sunday we went 1-0 up and then controlled the game in the
first half. Of course it helped to score the early goal. It was the same
when we played Liverpool - we got the two early goals that day and it was
the same kind of situation against QPR. "I thought the whole eleven were
excellent on Sunday. We controlled the game very well in the first half and,
although they had a spell in the first ten minutes after half time when they
changed formation, overall we deserved to win the game."
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Army football team visit Hammers
WHUFC.com
The British Army women's football team visited Chadwell Heath last week
09.10.2014
Last week the British Army women's football team were invited to watch the
West Ham United first team in training as part of their pre-season
preparations. Having won the annual Inter-Services Cup for a fourth
consecutive year, the tean comprises of servicewomen from a range of units
across the British Army.
Speaking at the training session the manager, Major Sandra Hodgson said:
"This is the culmination of a week's trial for the ladies. We've had them in
all week as we're getting ready for the new season. Today we're having a day
off here at West Ham, watching the men's first team in training which is
brilliant, it's fantastic to be here."
Major Hodgson continued to explain how the team was formed: "The team's been
in existence for around 14 years now. It started off on quite a small scale
with a few girls from the UK bases only. The German based girls had their
own team too. "After a period of time that was amalgamated. Now a group of
girls from Germany, the UK and Cyprus are together for training. We only get
one day's training and then we play our games in the Southern Counties
division. The team comes from a range of different units."
The team's captain is Sergeant Krissy Wright, who has been part of the setup
for a number of years. "The role and importance of all sports in the Army is
huge. The pressure the girls are under through operational requirements,
exercises and courses is huge, so sport offers us an opportunity to get
together, relax a little bit and make the most of being in the army.
"Luckily fitness is not an issue as it is something we can work on when
we're back in our units. We don't get much opportunity to train together as
we only have a day before a game to train properly, so maintaining fitness
is really important."
The required standard to impress at trials are high, and according to Wright
are improving each year: "The standard is very good. I've been playing for a
number of years now and the quality of the girls is definitely improving.
"We've got a few girls who have played at U16 level for England and Wales.
We've got a player who plays for Portsmouth, she's currently injured. One of
the girls used to play for Blackburn. So we're lucky that we've got girls
who have got good experience of high level football."
With the sport's popularity increasing over the last decade, a trend set to
continue, Major Hodgson concurs that standards within the women's game are
improving too: "We've seen with the improvement of the quality of the
players that we've had, that standards are going up. "We've now got girls
who are very good players. We're lucky that now we can use Army and Army
reserve girls too. The standard is improving year on year and every time we
have trials it gets harder and harder to pick players."
For Major Hodgson, unlike a normal football manager, there are a number of
unique circumstances that hinder the team selection: "Obviously their Army
duties are the priority and that can affect the players that are available
for selection. But we try to ensure we have the strongest squad possible,
especially for the Inter Services tournament. Speaking about their hopes for
the upcoming season. Both manager and captain are positive that their side
can enjoy a successful campaign. Sergeant Wright pinned her colours to the
mast saying: "Hopefully a title challenge is on the cards. We came very
close last season. The quality is very high but we push ourselves every
season. With the players we have got this year we've got a very good squad
and could well be successful."
While Major Hodgson continued to say: "We want to retain the Inter-Services
trophy that we won last year. It would be devastating if we didn't win it
again this year. "It'll be our fifth consecutive win. As a player and a
coach I've lost it twice over a period of about eleven years. We don't focus
on losing. We will win the Inter-Services cup."
That sounds like fighting talk!
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Mediawatch - 9 October
WHUFC.com
Our daily look at the West Ham United stories making the news
09.10.2014
The Evening Standard reports on the positive progress made by the Hammers'
injured players. Their story says that Mark Noble is back in training and
Cheikhou Kouyate has an outside chance of being fit for next Saturday's trip
to Burnley.
In the Daily Mail, Harry Redknapp says Ravel Morrison has the ability to 'be
the next Gareth Bale' if he can apply his undoubted talent on the pitch.
London24 carries an extract from Sir Trevor Brooking's new autobiography, in
which he states his belief that England will win the World Cup again in his
lifetime, as long as the progress in developing young players is maintained.
Another Mail story examines the work done by all Premier League clubs in the
summer transfer window, praising the Hammers for 'having one of their best
windows for a long time.'
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Jimmy Walker: I would've saved Steven Gerrard's FA Cup equaliser
KUMB.com
Filed: Thursday, 9th October 2014
By: Staff Writer
Former Hammers goalkeeper Jimmy Walker insists he would have saved the shot
that cost West Ham United the 2006 FA Cup Final. With just seconds remaining
in the game, Alan Pardew's underdogs led reigning European Champions
Liverpool 3-2 in Cardiff when Reds captain Steven Gerrard picked up the ball
35 yards from goal. Without hesitation, Liverpool's talisman took aim and
fired past West Ham 'keeper Shaka Hislop from some 35 yards - a goal that
took the Final into extra time and a resulting penalty shootout, which the
Reds won 3-1.
Walker, who had been stretchered off the same ground a year earlier in the
Championship play off Final against Preston was an unused substitute on the
day, having made just three appearances that season as a result of the
career-threatening injury he'd sustained.
However he firmly believes that had Alan Pardew taken his advice and
reinstated him to the team for the Final, West Ham would have emerged
victorious - as he would have saved Gerrard's last-gasp equaliser. "One
million percent. That's what made it even more devastating,"
Walker told the KUMB Podcast. "It wouldn't have been Gerrard's Final, it
would just have been a West Ham win. But those things happen, it's fine
margins. "I was so getting into Pardew's head," he recalled. "To be fair to
Shaka he'd played in every round and was fantastic but before the final, at
the start of the week, I was knocking on his door going, 'this is fate Pards
- it's a year to the day that I done my knee and everyone thought I was
finished. I'm back, at the same spot it happened. This is fate, you've got
to play me!' "I was doing well at the time, really enjoying my football and
the fittest I've ever been. He called me in on the Thursday [before the
game] and it was 50/50. I was thinking 'please just play me, just play me!'
Pards said, 'look, I'm going to have to go with Shaka. It'd kill him as he'd
played in every round'. "I understood what he was saying but I still told
him after the game - which didn't go down too well - that I would have
changed history because that was my game, low down from 40 yards!"
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Redknapp pans 'petulant' Ravel
KUMB.com
Filed: Thursday, 9th October 2014
By: Staff Writer
Queens Park Rangers manager Harry Redknapp has revealed how he lost his
temper with West Ham midfielder Ravel Morrison. The 67-year-old former
Hammers boss took Morrison to Loftus Road on loan for the second half of
last season - only to end up dropping him due to a perceived attitude
problem. Speaking in his new book, which is being serialised by the Daily
Mail this week, Redknapp recalled an incident during a game which caused him
to lose his temper with the England under 21 international. "There was one
game last season when we'd lost confidence and were losing," he explained.
"I asked him to change his position, to play on the left - and his face fell
into a petulant pout. "I pulled him away from the rest, took him outside and
explained as patiently as the time allowed. 'Ravel, we are losing the
f***ing game,' I said. 'I just want you to play there and do a job for the
team. We have to win the game. It's not about you, OK? It's about the team.
"People look at your face in there when I've asked you to do something, and
they will all go away and think you are a big-headed bastard, because your
attitude stinks. That's what people say about you.'
"Second half he was absolutely different class. He ran the game, everything
good we did came from him and we were all watching it thinking, 'What a
talent'. You looked at that performance and thought he could get us promoted
on his own if he put his mind to it.
"It was like watching a player with Gareth Bale's class in the Championship.
If Morrison had played consistently at his best, he might have gone to the
World Cup. "But by the time we came to the end of the season he couldn't
get in our starting line-up and on his bad days, you wouldn't have put him
in our reserve team."
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THIRTY MINUTES WITH SIR TREVOR BROOKING
By Iain Dale 9 Oct 2014 at 20:35
West Ham Till I Die
Earlier today I sat down with Sir Trevor Brooking to do an interview for my
LBC Drivetime show. Because of the Ebola breaking news we had to curtail
what we broadcast live on the show to only seven minutes, but I deliberately
recorded a lot more than we would ever have been able to use on the show,
and virtually all of it is about West Ham. When I went down to meet him in
the Global Radio reception he was being mobbed by several West Ham and
Norwich (fans).. So, sit down for half an hour as Sir Trevor and I chew the
West Ham fat. It was an absolute pleasure to meet the great man.
Oh, and by the way, the auction was won by someone who bid £3,900. I wonder
if they were readers of this site. I guess I will soon find out! It's an
astonishing sum to raise, and thanks once again to David Sullivan for making
it possible.
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HARRY ON RAVEL
By Iain Dale 9 Oct 2014 at 14:08
West Ham Till I Die
Harry Redknapp has a new book out – A MAN WALKS ON TO A PITCH. Here's what
he says about Ravel Morrison…
I had Ravel Morrison at QPR last season. Sir Alex Ferguson said he was the
most naturally gifted player he had seen at Manchester United since Paul
Scholes – and then sold him because he could do nothing with him. He'd been
at West Ham, scored one of the goals of the season against Tottenham but
they, too, found it hard to control him. He'd already had one loan spell at
Birmingham City, but ended up with me. The kid can really play. He goes past
people and makes them look silly. He's like the strolling England player
Alan Hudson in the 1970s. He doesn't run, he glides. By the time we came to
the end of the season, though, he couldn't get in our starting line-up.
There was one game last season when we'd lost confidence and were losing. I
asked him to change his position, to play on the left. His face fell into a
petulant pout.
I pulled him away from the rest, took him outside and explained as patiently
as the time allowed. 'Ravel, we are losing the f****** game,' I said. 'I
just want you to play there and do a job for the team. We have to win the
game. It's not about you, OK? It's about the team. 'People look at your face
in there when I've asked you to do something, and they will all go away and
think you are a big-headed bastard, because your attitude stinks. That's
what people say about you.'
Second half he was absolutely different class. He ran the game, everything
good we did came from him and we were all watching it thinking, ''What a
talent''. You looked at that performance and thought he could get us
promoted on his own if he put his mind to it. It was like watching a player
with Gareth Bale's class in the Championship.
Lee Clark, the Birmingham City manager, said to Ravel that he was the best
player since Gazza. His response: 'Who's Gazza?' Should that surprise us?
Admittedly that World Cup in Italy is 24 years ago now, and Ravel is 21, but
however long ago it was I think he can be expected to know who Paul
Gascoigne is. But it does show you that when you've gone, when you've had
your day, nobody cares. If Morrison had played consistently at his best, he
might have gone to the World Cup; on his bad days you wouldn't have put him
in our reserve team.
Not a lot you could argue with there.
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SUPER SAKHO
By Bianca Westwood 9 Oct 2014 at 08:00
West Ham Till I Die
If two out of three ain't bad then Meatloaf would be over the moon with
Diafra Sakho's stellar start to the season. I know I am. Five goals in five
starts is a terrific return by anyone's standard. For a Premier League
newbie who has just joined our little club from France's Ligue 2, it makes
his splash all the more spectacular. And just think if it was down to Sam he
wouldn't even be here.
I heard once on the grapevine that we turned down Alvaro Negredo in June
2013 in favour of signing Andy Carroll on a permanent deal. I don't know
this to be certain and you can decide amongst yourselves whether, if true,
that was the right thing to do but at least this time, the correct decision
was made and the right striker was acquired. The fact that it was down to
David Sullivan that we are now the proud beneficiaries of the Senegalese
player's obvious talents makes it even more interesting.
What our chairman saw in Sakho is becoming more and more apparent. He's
strong, he's quick, he works his socks off and, hallelujah, the boy can
score goals. Metz's top scorer and last season's Ligue 2 player of the year
is fast becoming a fans' favourite. Why Sam thought he was a gamble is
unknown but we have Mr Sullivan to thank for his personal intervention and
perseverance in getting him to Upton Park. Seems like he does know a thing
or two about football after all!
There's always been a lot of negativity surrounding Sullivan and Gold. From
football fans both inside and outside of the club. Something I've never
really understood. Maybe it's because of how they made their money I don't
know. People do like to get on the old high horse about these things but
it's never bothered me. When they took over the reins at West Ham most of my
colleagues and people I knew in the game were quick to make fun of us and
suggest we'd all be going to hell in a handcart. But I knew we were already
half way there anyway after the Icelandic debacle. The way I see it, apart
from the handling of Zola and the introduction of the subsequent manager,
they got us out of a monstrous hole and they've always done their best by
the club. No they haven't got a bottomless pit of cash. But then who has
these days? And even if you do you're not allowed to spend it all at once.
After what I've seen happen over the years to the likes of Leeds,
Portsmouth, and what is now hanging over QPR like the sword of Damocles, I
think we got a decent deal.
Ok, so he's on fire now and if Sakho's prolificacy ends tomorrow we may be
having a different debate next week but the evidence suggests his star has
only just begun to shine and will continue to do so.
When I interviewed Alex Song last week he singled Sakho out for high praise.
He admitted he hadn't heard of him before he came to the club but he was
really impressed, and a little surprised, with what he'd seen so far. He is
well liked in the dressing room, he has a will and a desire to win, he
doesn't shirk from putting in the graft on the training field and he is
intent on giving his best whenever he steps onto the pitch. We've not always
had players like that in recent years and I don't think that hunger will
leave him in a hurry.
At the risk of sounding like an X Factor sob story Sakho has had a difficult
journey to get to where he is today. But in actual fact his background
really is no joke. He grew up playing football barefoot in the streets of
Senegal before leaving the abject poverty of West Africa at 18 years old to
find his fame and fortune in French football. Soon after he joined Metz he
learned his father had died, leaving his mother to look after his three
siblings alone. As anyone who has lost a loved one knows, it's a tragedy
that changes you forever. He admits the loss hardened him. He has certainly
gained strength from his experiences and used them as motivation to succeed
in his trade. He shows no fear on the pitch that's for sure and you won't
see him ducking out of a challenge in a hurry. Apparently questions were
asked about his attitude before he joined but I see no indication of a
problem there. He's definitely a fighter but that's no bad thing, the West
Ham fans will love that about him.
He's broken a 26 year club record already. He's exciting. He has great
vision. He is a poacher of goals. He always seems to be in the right place
at the right time and if he's not nicking them inside the box, he has a deft
touch that can send the ball sumptuously looping over a goalkeepers head. As
Simon Mignolet will testify.
West Ham haven't had an out and out goal scorer in quite some time. I often
wistfully wonder what delights would have been bestowed upon our fans and
our club if Dean Ashton hadn't tragically lost his career so prematurely.
I'll never forget that goal he scored in the FA cup quarter final at
Manchester City. The future looked like it was Ashton's for the taking.
Unfortunately for him it wasn't to be. I felt a similar level of excitement
when Andy Carroll first graced our pitch with his presence…again the
treatment table has claimed another victim, although thankfully not forever
in his case and a return is looking imminent.
Wouldn't it be nice if we finally found ourselves a goal machine! I know
it's only early days and it's only five goals but when you've been in the
middle of a desert for so long you get a little excited at the first sign of
water. Let's hope Sakho isn't a mirage!! He wears the number 15 shirt of his
idol Didier Drogba and dreams of emulating the Ivorian's stratospheric
success. As long he sticks around if he does I'm not complaining.
And what a snip he could be at £4.5m!!
Only time will tell, but the optimism I was told would die out around about
now is still alive and kicking in East London. This could be an oasis.
Hallelujah!
B x
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Stewart Downing believes West Ham can 'aim for Europe' after bright start to
Premier League campaign
Stewart Downing is hoping West Ham can target European football for next
season
West Ham have made bright start to Premier League campaign and sit in
seventh place
Downing has been key to West Ham's success so far this season
By MATT LAWLESS FOR MAILONLINE
PUBLISHED: 15:30, 9 October 2014 | UPDATED: 16:38, 9 October 2014
Daily Mail
Stewart Downing believes West Ham should target European football for next
year after their impressive start to the new season. After last weekend's
2-0 win over QPR, Sam Allardyce's seventh-placed side sit above Arsenal and
Liverpool in the Barclays Premier League and are just three points behind
third-placed Southampton. The Hammers have earned plaudits for their
attacking brand of football with Downing the heartbeat of their positive
performances.The former £20million Liverpool star's magnificent form
prompted boss Allardyce to hail him as the 'best midfielder in the league'.
Downing is quick to play down his manager's glowing praise, however. But he
does hope to continue to shine as he looks to guide West Ham into Europe for
the first time since 2006. 'It's a great compliment. Maybe exaggerated a
little! But as a player it gives you great confidence and I'm really
enjoying playing right now,' he said, answering questions from West Ham
supporters on the club's official Twitter feed. 'Realistically, I don't see
why we can't aim for Europe if we carry on like how we've started.' Downing
has been successfully remoulded by boss Allardyce as a central midfielder in
recent weeks, playing behind strikers Enner Valencia and Diafra Sakho. And
the former Middlesbrough and Aston Villa winger revealed he is relishing his
new role in the team.'The new players have settled quickly and the formation
is working well,' he said. 'At the minute, the way the team's playing, I
prefer playing behind the strikers.' 'Obviously I'd like to score more
goals, but as long as I'm playing well and the team is I don't think about
it.' Despite calls for Downing to win back his place in national side, boss
Roy Hodgson has overlooked him for England's Euro 2016 qualifiers against
San Marino and Estonia. Speaking exclusively to Sportsmail's Matt Lawton
last week, Downing admitted he was disappointed to have been overlooked,
adding the likes of fellow Hammers' Mark Noble and James Tomkins also
deserve a chance. 'Maybe he just wants to go for younger players, which I
guess is fair,' said the 30-year-old. '(Noble) has been doing it
consistently for seven or eight years. And James Tomkins. 'I think there are
a few players who should feel disappointed. 'But sometimes it's difficult.
You see the squad and there are a lot of players who are not playing for
their clubs, but they're getting picked.' Downing, who has 34 international
caps to his name, insists he would love to pull on the Three Lions jersey
again telling Hammers' fans on Thursday that he would be delighted to answer
any future call-ups. 'Realistically, I'm not sure I'll get picked but if I
am I'd love to play.' Downing, meanwhile, revealed West Ham's 2016 move to
the Olympic Stadium played a huge part in his £5million switch from Anfield
last summer. 'It's a big part of why I came here,' said Downing, who also
confessed to enjoying the East End's favourite dish pie and mash. 'If we
keep going the way we're going we'll head there in a good position.'
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West Ham signs deal to sell stadium in 2016
BY TOM WALKER
http://www.leisureopportunities.co.uk/
West Ham United Football Club (WHU) has agreed to sell its Upton Park
stadium to developer The Galliard Group when the club completes its move to
the Olympic Stadium in 2016. According to WHU, Galliard won the bidding due
to its links to the local community and its commitment to "honour the
history of the Hammers" at the Boleyn Ground as part of its proposed
development. Galliard's plans include a mixed-used projects with leisure,
retail and new homes and there are plans to establish a central garden park
named after the late WHU legend Bobby Moore. Fans and local residents will
also be invited to enter a poll to name each building after a legendary
player or an historic event at the Club. Galliard has appointed Sculptress
Frances Siegelman to create a statue of Bobby Moore and other artwork
celebrating the heritage of the Football Club. The current West Ham
memorial garden by the front entrance to the grounds will also be retained,
protected and incorporated into the new development. The development, which
will have a construction programme of some 30 months, has an anticipated
completion date of late 2018. WHU vice chair Karren Brady said: "We opted
to reach an agreement with Galliard because it is a local London developer
and employer with origins in east London. "We know it is committed to
working closely with the local community and Newham Council on proposals to
transform the site into a residential and retail village, which will benefit
the local community and east London's regional economy. "The deal
demonstrates that we have been true to our word by securing the regeneration
of two areas of east London through our move to the Olympic Stadium in
2016."
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Sakho 'no escape' deal gets big welcome
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on October 9, 2014 in Whispers
Claret & Hugh
Diafra Sakho's West Ham deal – as revealed by Claretandhugh – has no release
clauses! Such deals are becoming increasingly rare in the Premier League
with many professionals wanting the opportunity to move on should a suitable
deal be available. That's why clauses are included which often beg the
quesrtion: "When is a contract not a contract?" as players move around
seemingly at will. ClaretandHugh columnist Leroy Rosenior was delighted to
learn of the 'no frills' deal the Irons had concluded with the former Metz
striker. He said: "I think it's absolutely shocking that players are in a
position to call the shots to that extent. "When a club pays a load of money
in transfer fee and wages surely they should be able to expect total
loyalty."My attitude would be: ' You either want to play for us or not' and
if this is how you feel, we'll look elsewhere."
And he smiled: "I wonder how acceptable they would be to a clause being
inserted which allows a club to dock money if they aren't playing well?
"Sakho meanwhile looks the buy of the season so far. I'm thrilled for the
lad – ghe's going to become a very big star I'm sure. "That he and his
advisers have committed to such a contract is really refreshing and shows
how badly he wants to be with us."
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Gold: Carroll return will make life interesting
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on October 9, 2014 in Whispers
Claret & Hugh
David Gold – having appeared to accurately predict a November return to
action for Andy Carroll – has accepted the striker will have a tough call
getting back into the team. But he believes that things change so quickly in
the game that its foolhardy to start getting a crystal ball at work on what
may or may not happen in team terms The medics are claiming privately that
the big man will be available for the home match against Newcastle on the
29th of November but the co-chairman believes it could be earlier. He said:
"Andy welcomes the competition he is facing from other strikers and he is
working really hard. He knows the pressure is on and that's a good thing. It
helps everybody's game "There's always the chance he could be back earlier
and the new signings have given the manager options he didn't have before.
"When all the strikers are fit and firing we face a very interesting
situation – we're all looking forward to that. "Diafra Sakho and Enner
Valencis have been a total revelation and will get better. Things look great
and it throws up some very interesting selection issues."
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Tony Henry starts work as Hammers talent finder
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on October 9, 2014 in Whispers
Claret & Hugh
West Ham have now appointed former Everton and Sunderland chief scout Tony
Henry to his new job as 'recruitment director to the board.'
Henry – who was formerly chief scout at Sunderland before resigning – was
placed on gardening leave by the Black Cats and was unable to take up his
new role until recently. However, he is now actively involved in his new
role which ClaretandHugh has learned sees him reporting directly to
co-chairman David Sullivan who has the responsibility of reporting targets
to the board. It's a separate set up to that involving manager Sam Allardyce
and his scouting team but is seen as a step in ensuring that the Hammers are
aware of every top target. A highly placed source told ClaretandHugh: "Tony
reports directly to the co-chairman and this is seen very much part of the
the closer consultative process on new signings between the board and
manager. The more talent there is available in that area of operations the
better it is for the future of West Ham United."
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Gold: 'This guy is a brand new player '
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on October 9, 2014 in Whispers
Claret & Hugh
David Gold described Stewart Downing as "the most improved player" on his
Twitter feed today but in an exclusive interview with ClaretandHugh he gets
much closer to the truth dubbing him "a new player." Gold has been an even
more regular visitor to Twitter than usual over the last few days clearly
determined to enjoy this moment. And speaking to this site he declared:
"It's clear hes the most improved player but I'll go further – he's a brand
new player. "Playing in that diamond has been the making of him and it's him
who is making things tick in there. "His passing is absolutely spot on and
although I've said it before I believe he is our new Alan Devonshire this
season. "Dev of course was different in that he ghosted past players but
there's elements of Stewart's game that are similar. "It's such a joy to be
able to talk positively about West Ham. I'm enjoying what's happening as
much as any fan because that's what I am. "The new players have allow
Stewart to play in a different role but it's down to him that he has done so
successfully. "West Ham have had many bad times and I'm thrilled to bits
that our fans are so high this season and being given so much to cheer and
enjoy."
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