Hammers topple champions City
WHUFC.com
Morgan Amalfitano and the irrepressible Diafra Sakho fire the Hammers to
victory over champions Man City
25.10.2014
Barclays Premier League
West Ham United 2-1 Manchester City
West Ham United's stunning start to the Barclays Premier League season
continued as they toppled reigning champions Manchester City in a pulsating
encounter at the Boleyn Ground on Saturday. Morgan Amalfitano set the
Hammers on their way with the simplest of finishes after 21 minutes, before
Diafra Sakho made it an astonishing six league goals in as many starts with
another supreme header. David Silva's exquisite individual effort made for a
grandstand finish, but the Hammers were to hold on to record a third
successive win and move within a point of second-placed City. Sam Allardyce
stayed loyal to the XI that produced three goals and points at Turf Moor
last weekend, though there was a place for the fit-again Cheikho Kouyate on
the bench. Manchester City, meanwhile, made two changes to the side held by
CSKA Moscow on Tuesday, with Aleksandar Kolarov making way for Gael Clichy
and Jesus Navas in for James Milner.
And it was the visitors who had the first real sight of goal, as David
Silva's sixth-minute free-kick just brushed the top of the Adrian's net. At
the other end, Enner Valencia and Diafra Sakho were at their high-energy
best, when the former chased a lost cause down the left and promptly backed
Vincent Kompany into a corner. As the ball looped up, Sakho and Elaquim
Mangala went head to head, with Joe Hart then having to be on his toes to
tip it over the bar. West Ham's new strike duo combined again in the 19th
minute, this time courtesy of a well-flighted James Collins free-kick. Sakho
flicked it on and Valencia darted around the back, only for Hart to come out
bravely to block and get a hefty blow for his troubles.
And so to the goal, brilliant in its design and simple in its execution.
Alex Song's clever ball bypassed the full-back and gave Valencia the time
and space to run at Mangala. The Ecuadorian skipped past the centre-half and
though his cut back was miss hit, it wrong footed Kompany, before Pablo
Zabaleta collided with Hart and gifted Amalfitano the freedom of the
six-yard box to tap into an almost empty net.
But City were still posing questions of their own and Navas' near-post
corner was matched by the run of Edin Dzeko, whose effort flew just over the
top.
Big Sam's side, for their part, twice threatened to double the lead. Sakho's
cross was only headed up in the air and Stewart Downing nodded over the top
from eight yards, before Valencia's cute free-kick played in goalscorer
Amalfitano, whose ball across the face just flashed beyond a sliding Sakho.
But West Ham still had Adrian to thank for preserving the Hammers' lead at
the break, as Sergio Aguero diverted Navas' centre goalward in first-half
stoppage time, only for the Spanish stopper to somehow keep it out.
Into the second half and Downing again went close. Valencia's free-kick
ricocheted in the path of Song, whose rabona was chested, by Aaron
Cresswell, into Downing's path and he duly blasted it just wide of the far
post. Moments later, Noble picked out Sakho's run with a fine crossfield
ball and the No15's angled volley might have been aimed at Valencia, or
equally at the far corner. It missed both. Aguero then came to the fore,
with two gilt-edged chances in a matter of minutes. First-up, Silva's ball
set him away, forcing Adrian to save with his feet and then Collins to dive
in to smother the rebound. Then, Aguero saw his close-range effort cannon
back off the underside of the crossbar and Yaya Toure, on the follow up, was
foiled by Adrian once more. But one-way traffic it was not. Valencia robbed
Zabaleta and but for Mangala's last-ditch interception, Sakho would surely
have been celebrating again. He very nearly was, collecting from second-half
substitute Kouyate and fizzing a curler inches over the top from the edge of
the box.
City were then denied by the woodwork once more, as Toure's 18-yard drive
clattered into the angle of post and bar. It looked to be a pivotal moment,
as West Ham were soon two goals to the good. Just as he did last weekend,
Cresswell provided the ammunition for Sakho, whose header just snuck beyond
the goalline, despite Hart's despairing efforts. Breathing space? Not a bit
of it, Silva made sure of that. Cutting in off the right flank and jinking
his way past Claret and Blue shirts, the silky Spaniard buried a low strike
into the far corner to halve the City deficit. Stevan Jovetic turned smartly
on the box and saw his piledriver palmed aside, before Kolarov smashed one
into side netting from miles out. But there would be no late drama as West
Ham held firm to record a fourth win in five.
West Ham United: Adrian, Jenkinson, Collins, Reid, Cresswell, Noble (c),
Song, Amalfitano (Kouyate 66), Downing, Valencia (Cole 76), Sakho (Nolan 89)
Subs: Jaaskelainen, Vaz Te, O'Brien, Poyet
Goals: Amalfitano 21, Sakho 75
Booked: Amalfitano, Song
Manchester City: Hart, Zabaleta, Kompany (c), Mangala, Clichy (Kolarov 78),
Fernando (Milner 78) , Toure, Navas, Silva, Aguero, Dzeko (Jovetic 59)
Subs: Caballero, Demichelis, Sagna, Kolarov, Milner, Fernandinho
Goals: Silva 77
Booked: Kompany
Referee: Martin Atkinson
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'We terrorised their defence'
WHUFC.com
Sam Allardyce hailed West Ham United following their 2-1 win over champions
Manchester City
25.10.2014
Sam Allardyce hailed West Ham United's best performance of the season so far
- a 2-1 home win over Barclays Premier League champions Manchester City. The
Hammers were full-value for their win, scoring through Morgan Amalfitano's
first-half finish and Diafra Sakho's second-half header - his seventh goal
in seven starts for the Club - before holding out before and after David
Silva's consolation strike.
The manager, whose team stay fourth after a fifth win in nine league games,
praised his players for their performances all over the pitch.
"There was not doubt that was the best of our three home wins," said Big
Sam. "The performance was the best of the lot as well, because the quality
of the opposition we played makes it the best performance we did this
season. "I think the difficulties we had to cope with in the closing stages
meant this was a magnificent effort by the players. Watching the TV before
the game, they put up the top scorers in Europe and Aguero and Dzeko were
both up there, and neither of those two have scored. That's the big
contribution from a defensive point of view. "Attacking-wise, it was about
maximising our chances and we certainly maximised our possession for the
amount of chances we created against a Manchester City side who are the
current champions. If you look at the possession stats and can't believe
that Man City lost, if you look at the chances we created against the
chances City did you can see why we caused them lots of problems and ended
up winning the game. "We terrorised their defence whenever we got the
chance."
West Ham's goals both came from crosses, albeit different types. The first,
on 21 minutes, saw Alex Song and Enner Valencia combine at lightning speed
before the Ecuadorian crossed low for Amalfitano to convert. A breathless
game appeared to be settled when Aaron Cresswell sent over yet another
inch-perfect cross for Sakho to nod powerfully past Joe Hart with 15 minutes
to go. However, Silva set up a grandstand finish by curling high into the
net seconds later. Either side of the Spaniard's goal, City also hit the
woodwork through Sergio Aguero and Yaya Toure, while Adrian produced a host
of important saves. "People are calling it old-fashioned for some reason,
but crossing the ball and heading it in the net is never going to be
old-fashioned. If you play to your strengths, and these lads are showing
that is one of their strengths, then you will score goals. "These lads are
not as big as Andy Carroll but they're as good in the air as Andy in the
box, so if the quality of the ball continues to be there, they are going to
get more and more chances and more and more goals.
"Two crosses created two goals. Morgan was brilliant coming in off his line
inside the far post. We didn't play with two strikers because I thought that
was too risky against their quality, so we played with a 4-2-3-1 and for me
it was the right decision because we got the right result - and one not many
people expected."
At the back, Adrian and his defenders ran themselves into the ground to
prevent City from stealing a point late on. While West Ham rode their luck,
Big Sam said they deserved their success. "They were there when they were
needed and made a big contribution to us winning. We wanted a clean sheet
but I can't complain about what Silva did, because I said to the players
that if we lose a goal, let it be a brilliant one. That little man pulled
out a bit of genius there, so we have to accept that quality. "That genius
hasn't hurt us, though, and we have got the three points."
So, with 16 points from nine games, what is the challenge now for Big Sam?
"The hard thing is sustaining it. You have spells as a team and those that
are the best are usually the ones who can sustain it the best and stand the
pressures it brings. We are going to find out if we can do that now, because
we have certainly made an impact. "The lads are going to have to cope with
more scrutiny from the opposition in terms of stopping the effect of our
front two, in particular. They will try to protect themselves better against
the problems I don't think anybody expected us to cause. "We have to keep
our feet on the ground and ask ourselves 'Can we get better than we already
are?' - that's our ultimate challenge. For me, the ultimate challenge is not
to see any complacency slip in and them thinking 'We've done it all'.
"We will not do anything unless we continue to work as hard as we've done
for the whole of this season."
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Morgan hails united front
WHUFc.com
Morgan Amalfitano paid tribute to the Hammers' togetherness following
victory against Manchester City
25.10.2014
Goalscorer Morgan Amalfitano believes West Ham United's exceptional run of
form owes much to the players' willingness to work for one another, after
the Hammers downed champions Manchester City at the Boleyn Ground.
Amalfitano got the ball rolling with a 21st-minute opener, his second at the
Boleyn Ground, but was merely grateful that it paved the way for another
fine Barclays Premier League win.
Though the visitors came on strong in the final throes of the contest, the
Frenchman felt his side were good value for the victory, with the Hammers'
united front at the heart of their success. He told West Ham TV: "It's a
great win, against a massive team, but with all the respect that we had for
them, we've produced a big performance."It was difficult right up until the
end, but we're united as a team and so when it's like that, when you defend
as a unit, you can attack better too. That's what made the difference. "With
five added minutes, we knew that it was going to be very tough. We gave
nothing away, so we bring back the important victory that we now have."
As for his goal, Amalfitano was the beneficiary of Enner Valencia's industry
down the right and though ultimately it was a tap in, he will very happily
take it. He continued: "It led to three points for the team, that's the
satisfaction that it brings. "It was very important, a goal's a goal,
whether it's beautiful, simple or difficult, it's the points that count at
the end. So if it brings a win all the better and this afternoon it's a win
for the team! "It's good for the confidence as well. We all try to work for
the team and a little bit extra like that's all good."
Victory on Saturday makes it four wins in five for the Hammers, but
Amalfitano has no plans to rest on his laurels, adamant that his teammates
must always demand more of one another, not least for the fans. "We try to
bring a lot of joy to our fans, that's very important for the team as well
and we're really pleased for them. "We've got to continue to work like that
and we've always got to aim for more. Now, another tough game coming up and
it's up to us to stay together just as we were on Saturday."
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Song - 'The key is team spirit'
WHUFC.com
Alex Song says West Ham United's togetherness is pushing them upwards
25.10.2014
Alex Song produced a Man of the Match display to help West Ham United claim
the scalp of Manchester City at the Boleyn Ground on Saturday.
The on-loan Barcelona man made eleven ball recoveries, alongside three
tackles and an interception to push the Hammers to their second home victory
over UEFA Champions League opposition this season. Morgan Amalfitano's 21st
minute opener was added to by Diafra Sakho 15 minutes from time, and
although David Silva pulled one back, West Ham held on for a memorable
victory. Song was thrilled with the performance and result, but says there
is yet more to come from this team. "Everyone is happy because it was a
great game to play in," he said. "We have to enjoy moments like this - all
the boys gave everything and it's a fantastic result for us. "We have to
continue to improve game-by-game. All the boys together are happy, we enjoy
training together and that's why it's easier to play when you come to the
pitch. "I think the key to the win on Saturday was team spirit. We attack
together and we defend together and at the moment we're playing great
football. "We're taking the opportunities when they come along. It is a
great win for us and now it's important to look forward, rest and go to the
next game. "City is a great team, but we got the three points and everyone
here is happy!"
Song was heavily involved in the opening goal, threading a ball through for
Enner Valencia to cross to Amalfitano. It was a move of the highest quality
and Song says it is a pleasure to play as part of this team. "We enjoy
training together and playing together, and when we have the ball we're
looking for the solution to see the partnerships," he explained. "It was
great movement from Valencia before I played the ball, and that's the
football I love to play. When you have the ball, to play and give the ball
forward. "We had opportunities to score goals and we were also compact when
we had to be."
Sakho's header was his seventh West Ham goal in as many starts and Song has
been thoroughly impressed with his start to life in England.
He added: "Diafra has made an unbelievable start and I think there is even
more to come from this guy because he's hungry. "I'm very happy for him,
it's not easy to come to England from the French league but he has done very
well."
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West Ham 2 Man City 1
25 October 2014
Last updated at 15:25
By Neil Johnston
BBC Sport
Manchester City's title ambitions suffered a setback as Diafra Sakho scored
for the sixth straight league game to help earn West Ham victory. City, five
points behind leaders Chelsea, fell behind when Morgan Amalfitano stabbed
home Enner Valencia's cut-back from three yards. Sergio Aguero and Yaya
Toure hit the bar for the visitors before Sakho headed in Aaron Cresswell's
cross. David Silva pulled one back with a curled shot into the far corner.
City poured forward in the closing stages in search of an equaliser, Stevan
Jovetic denied by a fine Adriano save. But Manuel Pellegrini's men were poor
overall, and West Ham full value for a third straight win that lifts them
one point behind last season's champions. For long periods, City played like
a side jaded after their long midweek Champions League trip to Russia, where
they were held to a draw by CSKA Moscow after blowing a 2-0 lead. They
lacked cutting edge in attack and organisation at the back as Enner Valencia
and Sakho used their pace to torment a defence that has kept just three
clean sheets in 13 league and cup games.
Keeper Joe Hart needed treatment after he was hurt in denying Valencia and
it was the Ecuador forward's ball that led to the opening goal moments
later.
City's England international keeper was left badly exposed as Amalfitano
side-footed home in the 21st minute after Eliaquim Mangala had been outpaced
by Valencia following Song's defence-splitting pass. West Ham have won five
of their opening nine games in a Premier League season for the first time
since 1999-2000. With the visitors looking a shadow of the side that had
destroyed Tottenham a week earlier, Stewart Downing twice went close,
Valencia screwed a chance wide and James Collins narrowly failed to connect
with Amalfitano's ball across the six-yard area. In contrast, Aguero only
looked like adding to his nine Premier League goals once the match entered
its frantic closing stages. The Argentine was denied when Adrian
finger-tipped his 65th-minute effort on to the bar following Toure's surge.
It was then Toure's turn to hit the woodwork with a thunderous effort -
before Sakho doubled the hosts' lead. When the 24-year-old Senegalese
climbed to meet Cresswell's 75th-minute cross, Hart dropped to his left to
get a hand to the ball and turn it away from goal.
But the assistant referee correctly ruled the ball had crossed the line,
leaving the £3.5m summer signing from Boulogne to celebrate becoming the
first Hammers player to score in six straight Premier League games. City
pulled a goal back two minutes later when Silva weaved through the West Ham
defence before launching a shot into the far corner. Adrian denied Jovetic
in the dying moments but Sam Allardyce's men hung on for a deserved win.
West Ham manager Sam Allardyce:
"We put Manchester City's back four to task and, in my opinion, they didn't
hold up. "The quality of our play in the final third is why we have won the
game. "When you have got quality players, quality players look forward to
the big games. "Alex Song led us as a team and the rest of the lads
responded."
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Sam sweating on Sakho injury
KUMB.com
Filed: Saturday, 25th October 2014
By: Staff Writer
Sam Allardyce admits that leading goalscorer Diafra Sakho is an injury
concern ahead of next weekend's trip to Stoke City. The 24-year-old striker,
who prior to this season had never played top flight football scored his
seventh goal in as many starts today when he grabbed the second in West
Ham's 2-1 win over reigning champions Manchester City at the Boleyn. However
Allardyce admitted after the game that Sakho is a major worry ahead of next
week's trip to the Potteries after damaging a shoulder in the second half
today. "My big worry is that my leading goalscorer today came off with a
shoulder problem at the end," he said. "I sincerely hope that damage is not
severe and he can recover very quickly. "When you've got someone who scores
six in six you can ill-afford to lose them at any stage and if we're going
to lose him, that'll be a big blow. "Saying that, everybody who stepped up
to the plate today, with the injuries that we have, has gone out and got a
result, gone out and given a great performance so we're in a very good frame
of mind and we're in a good mood."
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Allardyce on... Manchester City
KUMB.com
Filed: Saturday, 25th October 2014
By: Staff Writer
Big Sam was in top form tonight as he reflected on the performance of the
season so far following his side's defeat of the reigning league champions.
His full post match, press conference exclusively in full here...
Sam: You've beaten two of the clubs who finished in the top four last
season. Was this more satisfying than the Liverpool victory?
The Liverpool victory was fantastic from the point of view that I don't
think anybody expected Liverpool to be quite as ineffective as they've been
this season. They've not hit the heights they did last season so perhaps
this victory's a little better than that.
They've got two of the most dangerous goalscorers in Europe with Dzeko and
Aguero. Dzeko goes quietly about his job and has scored 45 goals in his time
at Manchester City whilst Aguero's scored 61. They're in the top ten in
Europe for scoring goals per minute, I just saw that on the telly before we
started.
That can bring some fears before the game but our defensive lads today
marshalled that [threat] particularly well and that gave us a base to go on
and get the victory.
We have goalscorers, we have players who believe they're going to score -
none more so that Sakho, who scored again. We had a terrific performance
today, that was the big thing for me. It wasn't a lucky victory, it was a
well-deserved victory.
We made some outstanding chances and we took Man City's back four to task
and, in my opinion, it didn't hold up. It didn't hold up because of the
quality of our play in their final third is why we won the game today.
It had everything that performance, didn't it?
Yes, it had great determination, quality, desire, everything you want in
amounts. One or two moments where the game is on the edge but the Premier
League is so exciting because of the amount of activity in both penalty
areas today. It went from end to end and that's why I think it's such a
great product and such a great brand, this league. Gladly, we've come out on
top today and it's a massive victory and a massive statement from us as a
team and a football club. We should all be very proud of ourselves this
weekend.
A word about Alex Song, he was outstanding today?
He's been in the shadows a little bit because of Valencia and Sakho but this
lad has outstanding quality. He goes alongside Fernando Hierro and Jay Jay
Okocha in my teams before. He's prompt with his passing and his protection
to the back players is excellent.
Every man played his best today, that's the beauty. Every man went out their
and gave their all, played their very best and got the victory that I don't
think too many people were expecting today. So well done them, a fantastic
result and a fantastic run we're on at the minute. We'll all meet up again
next week and get started for Stoke away.
Were there any complaints about the challenge in the first half? Mark Noble
seemed to be on the edge of a two-footed one.
Yes, he was complaining bitterly about it. We all had a look at it, you can
make your own mind up. For me it's a very dangerous tackle and Martin
[Atkinson] was right in front of it but I'm not going to talk about
referee's decisions when we've played so well and won the game. None of his
decisions affected the result today which is very important. That can easily
be done.
It was a pretty difficult game to manage because of the commitment of both
sets of players but obviously at the end of it we've managed to come out on
top. Even when they produced the outstanding quality they've got with
[David] Silva we still won the game and that was the beauty of getting the
second goal when we did.
Going back to Song, is it days like this in such a high-profile,
high-intensity game that you get to see the best of him?
Absolutely. Quality players look forward to the big games whereas sometime
the less qualified players can get a little anxious and think oh, look who
I'm playing against today. But Songy led us as a team today and the rest of
the lads responded to that.
As for Valencia and Sakho, I don't think they really know what they've done
yet. I don't really think they know how good they've been. They've just come
here and want to play football, and I don't think they realise how big an
impact they've made. The rest of the team has been lifted by those two, but
also the players who have stayed with me for the last two or three years are
playing much better as well.
There were out there today who were new and did excellent jobs today and the
sixth was [Chiekhou] Kouyate who came on as a sub and who we're really
pleased to have back. The rest of the players who've been with us for a
while are playing their best football as well.
A few weeks ago you were very unhappy with a 2-1 scoreline against another
Manchester club. I imagine you'll be in a more celebratory mood tonight?
Yes, I am. I'm really delighted that it hasn't knocked us back in terms of
confidence that we may have lost by having that goal [at Old Trafford]
disallowed. We're not four wins our of five and three on the trot so our
response has been brilliant. For me, my big worry is that my leading
goalscorer today came off with a shoulder problem at the end so I sincerely
hope that damage is not sever and he can recover very quickly. When you've
got someone who scores six in six you can ill-afford to lose them at any
stage and if we're going to lose him that'll be a big blow.
Saying that, everybody who steps up to the plate today with the injuries
that we have has gone out and got a result and gone out and given a great
performance so we're in a very good frame of mind and we're in a good mood.
It's nice to be able to come in the training ground with everybody smiling
and looking forward to training. It's about grasping those moments and
making sure we make them last as long as we can.
Do you feel a certain amount of vindication? Because in the dark days you
said that when you new signings gel and acclimatise and when people came
back from injury that we'd see a different West Ham to what we saw last
season.
I don't dwell too much on the past to be honest with you. I think too many
people have been talking about the past, even on VT today they asked about
last season. It's well documented but I'm still here! I'm doing my job as
best I can like I've always done. I've done it for 20 years, 13 in the
Premier League.
Gary Neville did us a favour last week with the stats he put up as I didn't
realise they were as good as they were so I'm doing ok, you know! There were
some dark moments but you've got to get through it.
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West Ham Utd 2-1 Manchester City
KUMB.com
Filed: Saturday, 25th October 2014
By: Staff Writer
West Ham proved that their decent start to the 2014/15 campaign was no fluke
when they saw off reigning league champions Manchester City at the Boleyn
Ground this lunchtime.
Morgan Amalfitano's first half effort, combined with the red-hot Diafra
Sakho's seventh goal in as many starts since moving to England were enough
to cement fourth place in the Premier League for Sam Allardyce's in-form
side.
And whilst they certainly rode their luck at times, only the meanest
observers would deny West Ham - winning their third successive Premier
League game - deserved a fifth win of the season and one which takes them to
16 points.
The last time West Ham scored in eight successive top-flight fixtures was
back in December 2009 under Gianfranco Zola's stewardship (a sequence that
extended to ten games). However unlike then, this current West Ham side
always looks to have goals in it - regardless of the opposition.
The pace and determination of Sakho and strike partner Enner Valencia has
tormented a string of defences already this season and today was no
different. Supported by the outrageously brilliant Alex Song, whose
individual performance today was as good as any witnessed at the BG in
recent seasons, they were a constant threat.
Although Adrian was called into action as early as the first minute when he
was forced to deny Sergio Aguero, West Ham - combining an attacking 442
diamond with a defensive 451 formation - were the better side in a busy
opening half.
A mis-kicked clearance on 13 minutes by Eliaquim Mangala saw Joe Hart
reaching to tip the ball over the bar, before the England 'keeper came off
worse in a 50/50 challenge with Enner Valencia six minutes later.
Having received lengthy treatment - yet little sympathy from the West Ham
fans he'd made an obscene gesture towards moments before - Hart may well
have been slightly groggy when West Ham opened the scoring two minutes after
play resumed.
Alex Song, resplendent in half mast shorts and black gloves slipped a
delicious through ball into the path of Valencia, whose centre evaded two
City defenders before finding an unmarked Amalfitano at the back post. The
French winger will probably never score an easier goal, yet few of such
importance.
The rejuvenated Stewart Downing should have doubled West Ham's lead just
ahead of the half-hour mark when he had the entire goal to aim after the
ball broke loose in the box, but could only send his header over the bar.
Then, in the final minute of the half, a clever free kick was turned across
goal by Amalfitano - but just out of the reach of Diafra Sakho and James
Collins, whose desperate attempts to make contact proved in vain.
Bar Aguero's first minute effort, City - who could have gone seven points
clear of West Ham had they won today - also created decent openings from the
likes of David Silva and Edin Dzeko but failed to breach a resolute Hammers
defence.
The second half initially followed a similar pattern, with Downing and Sakho
both going close ahead of the hour mark before Manuel Pellegrini decided to
ring the changes by introducing Stevan Jovetic.
The introduction of the Montenegro international had an instant effect and
within seconds, Aguero somehow managed to hit the bar when it was easier to
miss - before Adrian was forced into a fantastic point blank save from the
same player.
In order to quell the onslaught, Allardyce introduced Cheik Kouyate for a
tiring Amalfitano and this too proved beneficial. After Vicent Kompany has
escaped a second yellow card for one of several late challenges West Ham
produced their best move of the match which ended with Sakho firing narrowly
wide.
That oft-used term 'fine margins' certainly applied between the 74th and
76th minutes when City hit the woodwork for a second time as Yaya Toure's
speculative effort crashed off the woodwork.
90 seconds later, West Ham were two ahead and on the way to all three points
when that man Sakho was on target to convert Aaron Cresswell's cross,
despite Hart's best efforts to try and claw the ball back before it crossed
the line. West Ham wheeled away to celebrate and the goal verdict was
delivered seconds later courtesy of the new goal-line technology system now
in place.
City, who just nine months ago beat West Ham 9-0 over two legs in the
Capital One Cup semi final managed to grab a consolation goal through David
Silva just two minutes after Sakho had doubled United's advantage. The
Spanish international cut inside from the right, skipping over a couple of
half-hearted challenges before curling a well-placed shot into the far
corner.
That left the Irons with some 15 minutes to stave off wave after wave of
City attacks that crashed down on the good ship West Ham with alarming
regularity as the minutes ebbed away. James Collins was imperious in
thwarting the City Armada, throwing himself into last-ditch challenges with
reckless abandon.
Milner and Toure found themselves in good positions but could only find the
side netting, but Adrian - who answered his critics in the best possible way
with a superb performance - single-handedly saved two points for the Hammers
when he dived full length to divert a dipping Jovetic volley that was
heading for the top corner deep into injury time.
That was the end of the road for City and a delirious Boleyn crowd gave West
Ham the reception they fully deserved with a standing ovation at the final
whistle. Sam Allardyce joined in the revelry by taking a bow, which perhaps
represented redemption for the man who only seven months earlier had been
heavily criticised for cupping a hand to an ear when he was booed following
a 2-1 win against Hull.
What is undoubtable is that few now appear to maintain support for the
once-deafening (and vicious) 'Allardyce Out' campaign that blighted the
summer months. Which can only be a good thing, as - to coin a phrase - we
are better together. Also, if any proof that pre-season results mean nothing
in terms of competitive matches, this year surely does just that!
After all who, when waking up to news that West Ham had lost successive
games against Wellington Phoenix and Sydney back in July would have gambled
on the Hammers beating last season's Premier League runners-up and champions
within the opening nine games of the season?
West Ham Utd 2-1 Manchester City: Match Facts
West Ham United: Adrian, Reid, Cresswell, Downing, Sakho, Noble (c),
Jenkinson, Collins, Amalfitano, Song, Valencia.
Subs: Jaaskelainen, Nolan, Kouyate, Vaz Te, O'Brien, Poyet, Cole.
Manchester City: Hart, Kompany (c), Zabaleta, Mangala, Clichy, Fernando,
Navas, Youre, Silva, Dzeko, Aguero.
Subs: Caballero, Demichelis, Sagna, Kolarov, Milner, Fernandinho, Jovetic.
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West Ham manager Sam Allardyce hails Manchester City win
Last Updated: 25/10/14 5:47pm
SSN
The Irons, who had climbed into the top four, took a deserved lead through
Morgan Amalfitano before Diafra Sakho's sixth goal in as many league starts
made it 2-0. David Silva hit back immediately to set up a grandstand finale,
but the home side held on to the delight of the East End natives. They have
now beaten Liverpool, QPR and City in their last three home games which
pleased Allardyce. "There was no doubt that was the best of our three home
wins," Allardyce told the official West Ham website. "The performance was
the best of the lot as well, because the quality of the opposition we played
makes it the best performance we did this season." I think the difficulties
we had to cope with in the closing stages meant this was a magnificent
effort by the players. Watching the TV before the game, they put up the top
scorers in Europe and (Sergio) Aguero and (Edin) Dzeko were both up there,
and neither of those two have scored. That's the big contribution from a
defensive point of view. "Attacking-wise, it was about maximising our
chances and we certainly maximised our possession for the amount of chances
we created against a Manchester City side who are the current champions. "If
you look at the possession stats and can't believe that Man City lost, if
you look at the chances we created against the chances City did you can see
why we caused them lots of problems and ended up winning the game. "We
terrorised their defence whenever we got the chance. "We have to keep our
feet on the ground and ask ourselves 'Can we get better than we already
are?' - that's our ultimate challenge. For me, the ultimate challenge is not
to see any complacency slip in and them thinking 'We've done it all'. "We
will not do anything unless we continue to work as hard as we've done for
the whole of this season."
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West Ham earn battling 2-1 win over Manchester City at Upton Park
By Pete Hall - @PeteHall86. Last Updated: 25/10/14 6:40pm
SSN
West Ham put a severe dent in Manchester City's title aspirations after
earning a deserved 2-1 win at Upton Park. Morgan Amalfitano opened the
scoring after great work from Enner Valencia down the right flank, as the
Hammers dominated the first half. City came out with added impetus after the
break, and were twice denied by the woodwork in their quest to level
proceedings.
Best of the Match
Man of the Match: Alex Song. Controlled the game in the middle of the park.
Goal of the Match: David Silva. Fantastic individual goal.
Save of the Match: Adrian: Late acrobatic stop ensured victory.
Talking Points: How much damage does this result do to City? Can West Ham
keep this form up?
However, the in-form Diafra Sakho headed his sixth successive goal for the
Hammers - becoming the first player to record such a feat in the club's
history, to double his side's lead. David Silva immediately got City back in
the game with a sublime individual effort, and ensured a nervy final 10
minutes were in store for the home fans. However, Adrian and his defence
stood firm and Sam Allardyce's team continued their fantastic start to the
season. The result sees West Ham stay fourth, while City will be hoping for
a favour from bitter rivals Manchester United on Sunday to ensure they don't
fall too far behind leaders Chelsea in their title defence. City had plenty
of early possession, but it was the visitors who looked more threatening
from the word go.
A West Ham free-kick almost led to the opening goal. James Collins lumped it
forward and Sakho flicked it onto Valencia, but Hart saved from close range.
The goalkeeper was clattered by Valencia and looked to be in trouble, but he
managed to shake it off and carry on.
Valencia was causing City all sorts of problems with his pace and power, and
the Ecuadorian was key to earning the Hammers the lead.
Latching onto a fantastic throughball from Alex Song, Valencia drove at
Clichy, got to the byline, and pulled the ball across goal, just evading the
outstretched leg of Pablo Zabaleta, and straight into the path of
Amalfitano, who couldn't miss from one yard out.
The hosts were certainly buoyed by their goal, and they almost doubled their
lead just a few minutes later, but Stewart Downing headed over when he
really should have hit the target after arriving late in the box. Valencia
was in the thick of the action again as the home side continued to dominate.
The lively forward got on the end of an Aaron Cresswell cutback, but he
scuffed his shot just wide. City rarely threatened, but almost got an
undeserved equaliser late in the opening period, but Adrian was alert to use
his feet to clear from under Sergio Aguero's nose as the Argentinian striker
tried to control a low, fizzing cross. The second-half began as the first
ended - with the home side in the ascendancy. Downing wasted a glorious
chance to extend the lead early in the half, after being picked out by some
audacious skill from Song, but the former Liverpool midfielder dragged his
effort wide on the volley. Aguero almost levelled just before the hour mark
after being played in by David Silva, but City's talisman was denied by the
feet of Adrian, and a wonderful James Collins block on the rebound. Then the
Argentinian hitman had the best chance of the match, and a man of his
ability should really have equalised. After being picked out, in space,
three yards out, Aguero somehow contrived to hit the underside of the
crossbar, with the rebound falling to Yaya Toure, but Adrian was equal to
it, making an acrobatic block, even keeping hold of the ball.
City enjoyed a period of dominance following that chance, but they couldn't
find a way through a resolute Hammers rear guard. Toure was then guilty of
missing another great chance to get back on level terms, but his curling
effort from the edge of the box clipped the top of the crossbar. The hosts
made City pay for missing those opportunities just minutes later, with Sakho
once again getting on the scoresheet.
A wonderful left-wing cross from the impressive Cresswell picked out the
in-form Senegalese hitman, who headed towards the bottom corner, which Joe
Hart reached to try to keep out, but the goal decision system revealed it
had crossed the line. City got back into it almost immediately, however,
thanks to a wonderful individual goal from David Silva. The Spanish
midfielder jinked his way through several tackles, and curled a sublime
effort past Adrian to give the visitors hope. It ensured the final 10
minutes were nervy for the Upton Park faithful, but some last ditch
defending kept the champions at bay, and ensured the Hammers' impressive
start to the season continues.
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SAKHO INJURED
By Sean Whetstone 25 Oct 2014 at 21:50
West Ham Til I Die
Not to spoil the celebrations of beating the reigning Premier League
champions but it is now emerged that Sakho was injured on the shoulder
during a collision with Joe Hart.
In his post match conference reported by KUMB.com Allardyce said :"My big
worry is that my leading goalscorer today came off with a shoulder problem
at the end," he said. "I sincerely hope that damage is not severe and he can
recover very quickly. When you've got someone who scores six in six you can
ill-afford to lose them at any stage and if we're going to lose him, that'll
be a big blow.Saying that, everybody who stepped up to the plate today, with
the injuries that we have, has gone out and got a result, gone out and given
a great performance so we're in a very good frame of mind and we're in a
good mood."
Claret and Hugh are reporting he was taken to hospital directly after the
game.
David Gold has answered concerns by fans on twitter by saying "I'm worried,
we will know better after the scan on Monday. dg"
Diafra Sakho who signed from Metz for £3.5m has scored 7 goals from 7 starts
and 6 goals from 6 Premier League starts. Let's hope for good news after the
scan.
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West Ham hero Diafra Sakho in hospital after collision with Man City keeper
Joe Hart
Oct 25, 2014 23:44 By Neil Rowlands
The Mirror
West Ham star Diafra Sakho was taken to hospital on Saturday night after
colliding with Manchester City keeper Joe Hart late on in the Hammers' 2-1
win, writes Tom Hopkinson in the Sunday People . Sakho, who scored the
Irons' second goal in the match , was helped off after clashing with Hart in
the 88th minute and taken to hospital to assess whether he had damaged a
shoulder or his collarbone. The strike was Sakho's sixth goal in as many
games. Speaking of Sakho and striker partner Enner Valencia - also new to
the irons this season - after a thrilling game that keeps West Ham fourth in
the table, boss Sam Allardyce said: "I don't think Valencia and Sakho really
know what they have done yet. They've just come here, they want to play
football and I don't think they realise what a big impact they have made."
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Sunday, October 26
Saturday, October 25
Daily WHUFC News - 25th October 2014
Preview - Manchester City
WHUFC.com
All the essential pre-match information ahead of Saturday's game against Manchester City
24.10.2014
WEST HAM UNITED v MANCHESTER CITY
BARCLAYS PREMIER LEAGUE
BOLEYN GROUND
SATURDAY 25 OCTOBER 2014
KICK-OFF: 12.45PM
REFEREE: MARTIN ATKINSON
In brief
West Ham United welcome Manchester City to the Boleyn Ground on Saturday, with both teams in the top four of the Barclays Premier League.
The Citizens currently sit second, having taken 17 points from their first eight games. They are unbeaten in their last five league games and defeated Tottenham Hotspur 4-1 last weekend.
Sam Allardyce's team are four points and two places behind, having tasted victory in their last two starts. Diafra Sakho, Enner Valencia and Carlton Cole were all on target as Saturday as the Hammers defeated Burnley 3-1.
The Hammers will be hoping to improve on last season's showings against the Citizens, when they lost all four meetings with Manuel Pellegrini's men.
Who are they?
Manchester City were formed in 1880 as St Mark's (West Gordon), eventually taking on their current name in 1894.
They have played at the Etihad Stadium since 2003, having previously turned out at Maine Road from 1923. Their most successful period until recent times came in the late 1960s and early 1970s when they won the league, FA Cup, League Cup and European Cup Winners' Cup.
More recently, they have won the Barclays Premier League twice in the last three years, as well as the FA Cup and Capital One Cup.
Team news
West Ham United
Cheikhou Kouyate and James Tomkins return to the Hammers squad after both overcoming groin injuries to train this week.
Andy Carroll is also back in training but not yet ready to return to the first team.
Manchester City
Frank Lampard will miss out for Manchester City after suffering a thigh injury in last week's win at Tottenham.
Lampard's fellow midfielder Samir Nasri is also absent after undergoing groin surgery.
Referee
Saturday's match referee will be Martin Atkinson. A referee since the age of 16, Atkinson was promoted to the Football League list of assistant referees in 1998. In 2000, Atkinson was promoted to the Select Group of assistant referees, allowing him to run the line in Premier League matches.
He joined the National List of referees for the Football League at the start of the 2003/04 season before taking charge of his first Premier League fixture on 20 April 2005 when Manchester City entertained Birmingham City. He was the man in the middle at the 2006 FA Community Shield between Chelsea and Liverpool at the Millennium Stadium in Cardiff. He also took charge of the 2008 FA Trophy final between Ebbsfleet United and Torquay United at Wembley Stadium.
Atkinson also refereed the Hammers on the final day of last season, when Manchester City clinched the Barclays Premier League title with a 2-0 win at Etihad Stadium, and in the 2-2 draw at Hull City on 15 September.
One to watch
West Ham United
Diafra Sakho's goalscoring form has really caught the eye since his summer move from French side FC Metz. Last Saturday's goal at Burnley was his sixth in as many starts for the Club, and meant he has scored in his last five consecutive Premier League games. He becomes only the second player to achieve that feat for West Ham in the Premier League era, alongside Carlton Cole.
Manchester City
Argentina striker Sergio Aguero is in irrepressible form at the moment, having scored in his last five appearances. He bagged four against Tottenham last week, and could even had added a fifth had he not missed a first half penalty. The 26-year-old now has 61 league goals for the Citizens in just 95 appearances, with his goals helping the club win Premier League titles in 2012 and 2014.
Tickets
Standard tickets for this game have now sold out. However, tickets may become available online as Season Ticket Holders relist their tickets.
TV coverage
Click here for a list of broadcasters for Saturday's game.
Travel
The District Line will be suspended between South Kensington and Aldgate East, but services will be running on the eastern branch of the line to serve Upton Park.
Click here for up to the minute news from TfL and here for National Rail.
Weather
A sunny day is predicted for Saturday, with temperature at kick-off of 14C (57F)
Last meeting
Manchester City 2-0 West Ham United
Barclays Premier League
11 May 2014
Manchester City secured the league title with a 2-0 win over the Hammers on the final day of last season. A goal in each half did the trick, with Vincent Kompany's close-range finish supplementing Samir Nasri's earlier strike.
Manchester City: Hart, Kompany, Zabaleta, Kolarov, Demichelis, Nasri, Garcia, Silva (Milner 76) Y.Toure (Negredo 86), Dzeko (Fernandinho 69), Aguero
Subs: Pantilimon, Lescott, Clichy, Jovetic
Goals: Nasri 39, Kompany 49
West Ham United: Adrian, Reid, McCartney, Tomkins, O'Brien, Nolan (Jarvis 64), Taylor, Noble, Diame (J.Cole 81), Downing, Carroll (C.Cole 72)
Subs: Jaaskelainen, Armero, Collins, Vaz Te
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Noble excited by City clash
WHUFC.com
West Ham United's Mark Noble is relishing Saturday's clash with Manchester City
24.10.2014
West Ham United midfielder Mark Noble is hoping the Hammers can continue their excellent run of form against Premier League champions Manchester City on Saturday. The 27-year-old midfielder has played an integral part of the Hammers' good start to the season, captaining the team to victories over Liverpool and Burnley. The West Ham Academy graduate has now been a mainstay in the first team for a decade as he closes in on West Ham's record Premier League appearance maker. Having made 200 appearances he is just four games behind current record holder Steve Potts. Speaking ahead of the match against Manchester City at the Boleyn Ground, Noble said: "Obviously we're all enjoying being fourth while it lasts. I'm enjoying the way we're playing at the moment, I think most of the players are. The form the boys are in is very enjoyable. "Last year I said we needed to buy good players if we're going to move on, and we've done that. By the time we move to the New Stadium we want to be a top six or seven club."
Looking back to last Saturday's 3-1 win over Burnley, Noble explained: "I think Burnley were probably the better side in the first half on Saturday but we came out strong in the second half and blew them away in the first 20 minutes. "The two goals the strikers scored against Burnley were proper striker's goals. They were two excellent headers from good crosses from the boys out wide, hopefully that will continue."
Speaking about the fantastic impact new signing Diafra Sakho has made since moving from FC Metz, the midfielder said: "Having a top goal scorer is very helpful. It's the difference between winning and losing. Some games last year we were losing games we really should have won but we couldn't get the goals we needed. "Sakho's done extremely well but so has Valencia too. Carlton's made important contributions from the bench and then Andy Carroll is back in full training so the manager has got a lot of options."
Another player who has made an impressive impact is Alex Song. "Alex is a top footballer, we've seen that over the years. He played in the Barcelona team who were arguably the best team ever. It was a big deal that he wanted to come to us. To play alongside a player as good as he is only going to improve my game. "He's thoroughly enjoying the way he's playing here at the moment. He's got a smile on his face
everyday, he looks like a happy man when he's out there playing."
Looking ahead to Saturday's clash with Manchester City, Noble says the Hammers are in a confident mood: "It's a good atmosphere here now, it helps when you're winning games. But we know it's early days we're not going to get carried away with being fourth. Saturday is a massive day against Man City. I know the boys are buzzing for it and hopefully we can give them a good game. "This is certainly the best start to a season I've ever been involved with. There's a buzz around the place and I'm really enjoying it."
Despite City playing away the Champions League in midweek, Noble knows the Hammers will be in for a tough test this Saturday. He concluded: "I don't think there is ever a good time to play them. They have got such a big squad full of top quality players. But at the moment we're playing well, we can go out and attack and be confident. We'll take the game to them and see what happens."
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Haycock happy with Dev Squad effort
WHUFC.com
Dev Squad coach Nick Haycock was pleased with his side's effort against Manchester United
24.10.2014
West Ham United Development Squad manager Nick Haycock was pleased with his sides' effort against Manchester United despite a narrow 2-1 defeat. The visitors took the lead in the first half through the highly rated James Wilson before Elliot Lee equalised with his fifth goal in four matches for the Hammers. The Red Devils claimed the three points late on in the second half after Will Keane finished from close range. Speaking after the game, Haycock said: "When I saw their team sheet before the game I knew it was going to be a tough ask. They had a lot of Premier league experience in there. I think their quality showed tonight, they had a higher calibre of player out there. "I thought we did well in the first half to contain them well. We limited them to only few chances. All week we worked on being more resilient because against Bilbao we conceded too many sloppy goals. "In the second half it was slightly disappointing because we wanted the team to pass the ball. We don't set up a team just to defend, we didn't keep the ball well enough which put us under pressure."
After conceding five goals against Athletic Bilbao last week, the Hammers put in a much more resolute performance. "Yeah I think you can say that because we kept them down to two goals. We're disappointed with the second goal because we think it's a foul and we were on the attack at the time. In terms of defending as a group as think we were better tonight."
Manchester United fielded a strong side including ex-West Ham graduate Michael Carrick as well as experienced first team players such as Anders Lindegaard, Tyler Blackett and James Wilson. Haycock continued: "I said to the boys in there if you can compete against Manchester United you'll be able to beat most sides in the league. I think come the end of the season, they'll be up there. "Warren always has a good work ethic about his team. His young players are trying to catch the eye of Louis van Gaal. There as good a side as we'll play, there's no doubt about that. I couldn't fault them in terms of effort."
Another positive for Haycock is striker Elliot Lee's return to goal scoring form. The captain has now netted five goals in four games.
"Yeah, Elliot's always got a goal in him. He'll be disappointed a bit tonight because he was starved of the ball for too long. I can understand his frustration at not receiving the ball enough. "With him in the team, and his attributes there's always a chance. He's got five goals in four games now and he's still working on other areas of his game."
The Development Squad's next game is away to Norwich City on Thursday 6 November, 2014.
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Chadwell Chatter
WHUFC.com
Enner Valencia reflects on a productive international break and his goal at Burnley
23.10.2014
Hello everyody,
We have Manchester City at home on Saturday and it is a game everybody is looking forward to. We are all happy wih the way the team is going at the moment and we have to keep working to keep it the same way. I was really pleased to score at Burnley, after getting three for my country during the international break. I scored one against the United States which swerved away from Brad Guzan and I practised that sort of shot in training. I'm happy that it is paying off. I try to give my all for the national team, so I am happy with what I have contributed.
To then back it up at Burnley was great and we have a very strong squad this season. All the players are giving their best. In all positions, we have very good players that can give you assists. This makes things easier and we have to keep it the same way. I hope to score my first goal at the Boleyn Ground very soon and it will be nice to score in front of our home fans. I hope I can score in front of them and get them the three points on Saturday. It's great to play up front with Diafra. He is doing really well and scoring goals at pivotal points of the game. He's been doing very well and he is a nice guy, so I am happy for him. I am confident we can get three points against Manchester City. We play in front of our fans in our stadium and I think this gives us a good opportunity to get three points.
The team is training hard every day to achieve those kind of performances. Hopefully we can repeat the performance we had against Liverpool and Manchester United and beat Manchester City and get the three points on Saturday.
Come on you Irons!
Enner
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Joint-Chairman's pride in Enterprise win
WHUFC.com
Joint-Chairman David Gold joined the Club's Premier League Enterprise winners at the Commons
24.10.2014
Joint-Chairman David Gold shared in the celebrations of West Ham United's Premier League Enterprise Challenge winners on Wednesday, as the triumphant Hammers group took centre stage at the House of Commons. Managed by West Ham United Community Sports Trust and delivered by WHU inspire Learning Centre, the Hammers cohort told a gathering of MPs and special guests, including former Premier League duo Graeme Le Saux and Jason Roberts, of how the Enterprise Challenge has helped them. The Enterprise Challenge is the highlight of Premier League
Enterprise, a project which uses the hook of football and the knowledge and expertise of the clubs to engage young people in the world of business and enterprise. The initiative has engaged 90,000 young people since its inception in 2008. Joint-Chairman David Gold meets West Ham's triumphant youngsters "I am so proud of them," Mr Gold said. "I am proud they have come from schools where I was born and proud they are here representing West Ham United. It's just wonderful to see. "We ignore our young people at our peril. They need all the support and encouragement we can offer. Young people get such bad press but when a young person does a good thing, we don't see it in our newspapers. I am just thrilled that this project is succeeding. "It's a momentous occasion for these young men. Here they are in the Houses of Parliament, in front of MPs, and it's incredibly daunting. I couldn't have done this when I was their age. It would have terrified me. "I came from humble beginnings and my life would have been a lot easier if I had had the mentors and encouragement these young men have been given, through the funding and efforts of the Premier League and all the people associated with this scheme."
So impressed was the Joint-Chairman by the West Ham team that he has invited them as VIP guests to the Boleyn Ground, where he plans to discuss the business ideas with the students in more detail. "Going to Downing Street and the House of Commons in one day has been great," said team member Ismaeel Haqq. "Opportunities like this make you more ambitious, they make you aim higher because you know it is possible. I will remember this for a long time. "A lot of people doubted us but I am happy we stuck together as a team, got through it and turned up here. We've now been selected as ambassadors of this competition so we will be mentoring the kids that represent West Ham this year. We hope to take them all the way."
The extension to the long-running partnership between the Premier League and Comic Relief will involve £2.7 million being invested into an expanded Premier League Enterprise programme. The scheme will target hard-to-reach young people who are underachieving or at risk of not realising their potential, with the aim of engaging 7,000 people a year in enterprise education activities.
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Hammers catch Mimms
WHUFC.com
The experienced Bobby Mimms has been appointed as West Ham United's new goalkeeper coach
24.10.2014
West Ham United are pleased to announce the appointment of Bobby Mimms as the Club's new goalkeeper coach. The former Everton and Tottenham Hotspur stopper has joined the Hammers after a spell working with the Bahrain national side. The 51-year-old is a vastly-experienced coach who spent eight years at Wolverhampton Wanderers before working under Sam Allardyce during a four-year spell at Blackburn Rovers. Mimms has joined West Ham following the departure of Martyn Margetson.
After stints with Oldham Athletic and in the Middle East, the one-time England U21 international is relishing a return to the Barclays Premier League. "It's a pleasure to be here," Mimms confirmed. "I got a phone call from Sam and he asked me if I would be interested to come down here and work with the goalies, and I was more than interested. "I've just come back from Bahrain, where I was working with the national team and this opportunity came along. "Sam is a great character who has a lot of knowledge of the game, and I learned a lot from him in the two years I worked with him at Blackburn. He obviously trusts what I do, or else he wouldn't have made the call to ask me to come here. It's great to meet up with him again and to be able to work with him. "Things are going well at the Club at the moment, so hopefully I can add a little bit to that and we can keep it going."
Mimms held his first training session with Jussi Jaaskelainen and Adrian on Thursday and he hopes to build on the work done by his predecessor. "I said to the goalkeepers that I'm not here to rip their game to pieces, but as we go along I hope to pick up bits that I can add to their game. With their knowledge and ability, and my knowledge, hopefully we can add to their skills and make everybody better."
Saturday sees West Ham take on one of Mimms' other former clubs, Manchester City, and he knows whoever starts in goal will face a challenge to keep the ball out of their net. "I am looking forward to returning to the Premier League," he confirmed. "Everybody out in Bahrain was talking about the Premier League and this is the place to work. "I was lucky enough to get this opportunity and I cannot wait for Saturday's game. Hopefully we will carry on how we've been going. "I went to Burnley last weekend for a look and we produced a great performance and a great result, so with a home game coming up hopefully we can build on that."
As a player, Mimms played for Halifax Town and Rotherham United as a youngster before joining league champions Everton in 1985. There, he mainly served as understudy to Neville Southall but he did start the 1986 FA Cup final defeat by Liverpool. After a host of loan spells, the York-born stopper moved to Tottenham Hotspur on a permanent basis in 1988. Two years later, he began a long association with Blackburn, helping Rovers to win promotion to the Premier League, and he was part of the title-winning squad in 1994/95. After spells with a number of Football League clubs, Mimms retired in 2001, having made 552 senior appearances for 13 different clubs.
Mimms' predecessor Margetson joined the Hammers in 2011 and played a role in helping the Club regain and establish its Barclays Premier League status. The Welshman won praise from his fellow coaches and goalkeepers alike for his innovative approach and was central to the signing of Spaniard Adrian in summer 2013. The Club would like to thank Martyn for his efforts and wish him all the best for his future career.
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Potts plotting Villa victory
WHUFC.com
U18s manager Steve Potts is hoping his side can return to winning ways against Villa
24.10.2014
West Ham United U18 manager Steve Potts is looking forward to the opportunity of bouncing back from a first loss of the season after the 3-1 defeat by Fulham last Saturday. The Hammers missed a spot-kick before the Cottagers roared into a three-goal lead at Motspur Park, with a second penalty converted by Alex Pike providing a late consolation. Elijah Adebayo, Josh Walker and Stephen Humphrys got the goals for the hosts, who ended West Ham's eight-match unbeaten run to start the 2014/15 campaign. Summarising his thoughts about the defeat ahead of Saturday's game against Aston Villa, Potts said: "It's always disappointing to get beat. Afterwards, we looked at a game as a whole and I thought we did well enough. "In the three games before that we kept clean sheets and didn't give anything away. We've also been taking our chances in games recently. "Last Saturday we didn't keep it tight enough at the back. We did have some chances at the other end. We had a penalty at 0-0 that didn't go in as well as a few other chances. On the day they were more clinical than us."
Saturday's opponents Aston Villa have had a tough to their season, in particular losing 12-2 to Chelsea, having been 2-0 up. However Villa responded strongly by beating Leicester 2-1 and Potts knows his U18s will have improve from last weekend's display. "It's important they learn the lessons from last weekend. We need to be tighter at the back and sharper in front of goal. We need to move the ball around as well as we have been doing in parts of the season." "They're a good team, I remember playing them last year. They were a very good side. We got two results against them but I think they were the better team in at least one of the games. "They'll probably think they were unlucky not to do better in the games against us. I expect a tough game, Aston Villa always have good teams."
Following the U18s' good start to the season which included an eight game unbeaten run, five of the team featured for the Development Squad in their Barclays Premier League International Cup against Spanish giants Athletic Bilbao. The five players involved were free scoring Jordan Brown, Djair Parfitt-Williams, Manny Onariase, Josh Pask and Grady Diangana. Assessing their performances in the eight goal thriller, Potts said: "They did OK, I think it was difficult for them. Some of them were making their first starts for the Development Squad this year. "A couple of them were making their first starts at the Boleyn Ground and that can be tough in itself. They will have learnt a lot of lessons from that game so going forward that will benefit them. "We gave some poor goals away that night and made it very difficult for ourselves but there was some OK stuff in there too."
West Ham United U18s play Aston Villa on Saturday 25 October at Little Heath, kick-off is 11am.
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Your farewell to the Boleyn
WHUFc.com
The Club are reaching out to fans to gather your thoughts on how best to bid farewell to the Boleyn Ground
24.10.2014
August 2015 will see West Ham United kick off their final season at the Boleyn Ground, ahead of their historic move to the former Olympic Stadium in Stratford. With over a century's history to honour, the Club are determined to ensure that, with your help, the Boleyn bows out in style. So over the coming weeks and months we will be reaching out to Hammers fans to gather your thoughts on how best to bid farewell to the ground we have called home since 1904. Following an initial consultation with the Supporter Advisory Board (SAB) we have identified a shortlist of match themes to be incorporated into our final season's home fixtures. Now it is over to you. Each week we will be launching a poll on whufc.com and on Twitter, alongside a call for fans to share their personal highlights and memories within each theme.
We will also be asking you about your favourite kits from down the years and canvassing your ideas for inspiration for the final commemorative Boleyn kit.
We want all of our loyal supporters to play their part in this unique season, so whether you are a Season Ticket Holder or a fan from afar, we will be calling on you to share your personal highlights and the unforgettable moments that make the Boleyn Ground such a unique place. Keep an eye out next week for the first vote launching next week.
Supporters are already jumping at the chance to book their spot for the final farewell to our home of 110 years, with thousands having put their name down on the Final Season waiting list. To book your place in history, join the waiting list here.
2014/15 Season Ticket Holders will automatically qualify for renewal for the final season. Half-Season Tickets are now on sale and are available online at whufcboxoffice.com, by calling 0871 529 1966 (calls cost 10p per minute plus network extras) or visiting the Stadium Ticket Office in person.
A 2015/16 Season Ticket Holders will gain access to all 19 Premier League home games plus any cup fixtures and secure their place in the migration process to West Ham United's new world-class, iconic home ground at Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park.
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Manchester City look to close gap on Chelsea with win at West Ham
Last Updated: 24/10/14 2:18pm
SSN
Manchester City head to face West Ham at Upton Park in Saturday's early kick-off looking to close the gap on Premier League leaders Chelsea to just two points. Jose Mourinho's men do not play until they take on Manchester United at Old Trafford as part of Sky Sports' Super Sunday so Manuel Pellegrini's side will be bidding to up the pressure on the early pacesetters. The Hammers will be hoping to maintain their own place in the top four, although Sam Allardyce's side have taken just one point from their last six Barclays Premier League encounters with City. They will have to deal with in-form City striker Sergio Aguero, fresh from his four-goal haul against Tottenham last weekend. The Argentine has the best minutes-per-goal rate of any player in Barclays Premier League history and will be looking to add to his tally.
Opta facts
The Hammers lost four times to City last season (twice in the league and both legs of the League Cup semi-final).
Sergio Aguero's record of nine goals in his team's opening eight games has never been bettered in Premier League history.
Diafra Sakho is only the second player in Premier League history (after Mick Quinn) to score in each of his first five starts in the competition.
West Ham have allowed the opposition fewer clear cut chances (7) than any other Premier League team this season.
Pellegrini's side have happy memories of their last clash with Allardyce's men, having secured the league title against West Ham on the final day of the previous season with a 2-0 win at the Etihad - a game in which the visitors failed to muster a single shot on target.
The home side's fine form aside, City's biggest problem could be coping with jet-lag after the long trip back from their 2-2 Champions League draw against CSKA Moscow.
Team news
West Ham will be boosted by the returns of James Tomkins and Cheikhou Kouyate. Defender Tomkins and midfielder Kouyate have recovered from thigh and groin problems respectively while striker Andy Carroll is back in training but not considered ready for the clash at Upton Park.
Guy Demel (thigh), Joey O'Brien (knee) and James Collins (groin) are also out injured. Former West Ham midfielder Frank Lampard has an outside chance of returning for City after picking up a thigh injury against Spurs last weekend, but Samir Nasri is out following a groin operation.
Paul Merson's prediction
West Ham is a tough place to go these days. Diafra Sakho and Enner Valencia play with a lot of pace and can't stop scoring goals and Stewart Downing is playing in a really good position. However, Man City have to win to put some pressure on Chelsea and I think it will prove a hard game for both sides with not a lot in it. Ultimately I think Sergio Aguero will be the difference and for that reason I am going for a narrow Man City win.
MERSON PREDICTS: 1-2
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Sam Allardyce hails the influence of Alex Song at West Ham
Last Updated: 24/10/14 1:35pm
SSN
Sam Allardyce has praised the influence of on-loan midfielder Alex Song in the West Ham changing room. Song joined the Hammers from Barcelona in August and Allardyce feels the 26-year-old has had the same impact for West Ham that Yaya Toure has had for Saturday's opponents Manchester City. West Ham's, who are fourth in the table, will be given a tough test when they host defending champions City on Saturday and when asked about his opponents' world-class stars, the Hammers boss said: "We've got that type of signing in Alex Song.
"That's a Yaya Toure-type signing for us. He's a top quality player of the highest calibre and he'll provide the sort of service our front line need. "He links everything together very well so we've got a top quality international player that's played for Arsenal, for Barcelona and in the Champions League. "He's obviously being slightly overshadowed by Enner Valencia and Sakho at the moment but he'll have a big impact for us."
Allardyce added: "He's a massive influence on the training ground and in the changing room - with his dress sense particularly. "Everyone has a lot respect for what he's done before. He hasn't hit top form yet but he's certainly a major influence for us." West Ham played City four times last season, losing on each occasion and conceding 14 goals while scoring just once. The worst of those defeats came in the Capital One Cup first leg in January when the Hammers were thrashed 6-0 but Allardyce is confident his side will do better this time around. "We've got a different team, a different set of players, some of them last season will remember the fact we didn't get anything against City," the West Ham boss said. "Everyone still talks about the semi-final of the Capital One Cup but there was little we could do with the injuries we had. "If we're going to challenge against them, it's at this moment in time - City have just come back from playing in the Champions League and we're in good, confident form."
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Ebola virus: West Ham star Alex Song says Africa Cup of Nations should be scrapped
Oct 24, 2014 22:30 By Darren Lewis
The epidemic has so far claimed more than 4,500 lives since its outbreak, and the midfielder has called for the tournament to be cancelled
The Mirror
Alex Song has called for January's Africa Cup of Nations to be scrapped because of the Ebola virus. The Cameroon star also said football's high-profile African stars must help those affected. Song said: "If calling it off is the way to stop the spread of the virus then we have to do it. When you watch the TV you don't know where it is going next." The Ebola virus has killed more than 4,500 people since the outbreak in west Africa. Song added: "We have a lot of African players here in the UK - and around in the world - if we can find a solution together to help the people we have to do it. A string of Premier League stars are due to head to Africa for the tournament which runs from January 17 until February 8. Hosts Morocco have asked for it to be postponed but the Confederation of African Football has so refused. The two parties will meet on November 3 to discuss the issue. Song added: "You can't go somewhere and put your life and the lives of all the people coming in at risk. "I am worried because I have a lot of friends in the affected regions. Some people say: 'Its only in Guinea, its not going to come to Cameroon' but the truth is that people don't have any information because the information does not go everywhere. So something has to be done to help."
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Irons aim to make Noble a 'lifer'
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on October 24, 2014 in Whispers
CANDH EXCLUSIVE
BY HUGH SOUTHON
West Ham are preparing to make loyalist Mark Noble an offer he can't refuse next summer and all but tying him to the club for life.
ClaretandHugh can exclusively reveal that the club will activate a two year option on the midfielder's deal and are ready to make him an improved contract offer at the same time. Noble is the man who is set to lead the club into its new Olympic Stadium era and the club want to tie him down for another six years. And the Canning Town-born Mr West Ham looks certain to sign away his footballing life to the club he has served since he was 15, Winston Reid's contract dispute has hogged the headlines over recent months but the club has been working on the Noble scenario for several weeks. And this afternoon a top insider told ClaretandHugh exclusively: "We have an option to extend his contract two years, which we will do and we are likely to be offering him an improved deal and a new four year contract."
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"WE DON'T WANT SPURS AT OS AND THAT'S THAT"
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on October 24, 2014 in Whispers
Claret & Hugh
West Ham have made it clear to the London Legacy Development Corporation they don't want Spurs as ground share "partners" at the Olympic Stadium in their first season at the new 'showpiece' Hammers home. London's mayor Boris Johnson ducked and dived under constant questioning in a video shown on this site yesterday hiding behind Premier League rules and suggesting Hammers approval would be required.
The Irons today made it clear to ClaretandHugh today the club has no intention of giving its approval and had made that clear to the LLDC.
That may explain why Johnson regularly argued that it would be very difficult for the owners of the stadium to agree to a Spurs ground share without the Hammers approval and his regular dismissal of the propostion as a "hypothesis." A well placed Hammers source told ClaretandHugh: We do not want Spurs in our stadium during the first year or any other year and have made our position clear. "This is coming up with monotonous regularity but the truth is there has been no approach from Spurs and we are not expecting one. "They would far sooner go to Wembley but our understanding is they are likely to end up at Milton Keynes!"
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Sam Allardyce: West Ham's owners are best I've ever had and deserve this success after not sacking me
By Henry Winter, Football Correspondent6:21PM BST 24 Oct 2014
Daily Telegraph
When West Ham United met Manchester City last season, Sam Allardyce's side conceded five goals in the Premier League and nine in the Capital One Cup, and many fans bayed for the manager's removal. Upton Park now hosts the champions on Saturday with West Ham in fourth place and Allardyce in a better place with supporters, given the improved quality of football. The club's co-owners, David Sullivan and David Gold, stayed strong in those dark days, backing Allardyce, reinforcing the squad in the summer, successfully installing Teddy Sheringham as attacking coach and quietly requesting football more in keeping with the club's "academy" traditions, "attacking a bit more" in Sullivan's words. "They are the best owners I've ever had," says Allardyce, sitting in his small but neat office at Chadwell Heath. "They are loyal. They could have cracked under pressure. At one stage I thought it might have been very, very close in December and January [to his sacking]. It's very difficult to take the pressure when you're the owner and every man and his dog is saying, 'Your manager's c---, you've got to get rid of him'. "They were saying it to them through social media, through abusive messages and emails. The owners are very easily contactable – personally, I'd say too easily. They get affected by it. I've no problem with that. My life's about adjusting to owners' needs. "When you come into a club – and this is where young managers slip up – the relationship with the owners is the most important thing, not the relationship with players. With owners, it's what do they want? What do they need? They said to me [in 2011 with West Ham in the Championship]: 'Get up – and stay there.' That was the first priority and then can you build on that. Everyone wants to have the best team, and play the best football, but that takes some building, some doing."
Just turned 60, Allardyce rankles over his old "long-ball" reputation. "That's other managers that did that. They used that as an excuse for the times when we beat them: Wenger, O'Leary, Souness, Benítez. It's not founded in fact. "You work with what you've got and get the best out of it. It's like now. People are saying, 'Sam's made this unbelievable change at West Ham' but the change has been evolving from day one. We've given ourselves enough time to evolve this team."
He noted in passing that some of the most lauded midfielders deliver the ball over long range. "Yaya Touré will turn round and ping the ball 60 yards behind our defence. City don't do short, short, short. It was one of the traits of Liverpool last season that Stevie Gerrard played more long passes than anyone else but they were more accurate than anybody else. He was unbelievable. We all sussed that one out, saying 'Stop Stevie Gerrard passing it' and slow Liverpool down as a team." They did last month, beating Liverpool, and playing well. It has taken into what Allardyce calls "Year Four", his fourth season in charge, to blend the styles. "It has got the 'academy' everywhere. I came into a club that got relegated in 2011, and it was all about sorting out the finances and can you put a team out on the pitch which says this is 'the West Ham way'? Can you go to difficult places in the Championship where they won't let you play 'the West Ham way'? What do you do? You do what you need to do to win.
"We have the great new stadium [the Olympic Stadium] that we're going to and that's exciting but that's an extra pressure [to make sure they arrive still in the Premier League in 2016]. At least as time has gone by we've improved, improved, improved. The only way is getting results, not playing 85 passes in midfield, looking pretty and not winning.
"It's not so much 'boring' football, it's about a winning culture that gives you the time to do what you need to do. Eleven managers out of 20 in the Premier League left last year. Half of them we'll never see again." He feared for his job. "The blip has only been November, December last year. It was brutal. Everything is brutal in football when it's not going well. It's brutal for Harry Redknapp at the minute. The Etihad [the 6-0 loss] was brutal. I cope with it because I'm experienced, I've seen it all before. I can't let it make me lose my focus. I can't let it destroy my belief in my own ability.''
Allardyce took the criticism on himself, shielding the players. "If it gets to your players you're finished. I take it on me.''
Allardyce cites Sir Alex Ferguson as the king of diversions in protecting the team. "Fergie was the master at it: create a controversy to take the pressure off the players, so the media would talk about him and not about Fergie's players not being so good for that particular week. They'd all talk about what a disgrace he was doing or saying something.
"There are two types of coaches. There's coaches like me who weigh up the opposition and ask the team to adjust. Fergie was similar. Jose [Mourinho] is similar. Then there's Arsène, who won't adjust. There's Brendan [Rodgers], who looks like he won't adjust. There's Manuel Pellegrini, who looks like he won't adjust, even in the Champions League. He seems to favour what he's got. City are quite open.
"Their [Wenger/Rodgers/Pellegrini's] philosophy is different to ours. Ours is more about who are we playing against. Their philosophy is more, 'We always play this way', and they won't change, they carry doing on the same thing. That's why you can beat them. "This squad is now looking better. Every fan at the moment is happy that we are not only winning but also we're entertaining them. We've scored 15 goals in the first eight games. If we carry on like that, that's 72 goals and that means we'll finish in the top four – unlikely but great. We might have a chance of Europe if we stay consistent."
Allardyce reflects on his past, on the influences that shaped this resilience and helped get him here. "My old man always said you only get what you graft for. It doesn't matter how intelligent you are, how much education you've got, you'll only get there on work rate. My dad was a policeman for 25 years, a sergeant, and he taught me discipline. Any problems on our estate were always sorted out by Bob Allardyce. If we got into any trouble we'd be in trouble with my old man. So discipline was everything. Getting up for work on time, don't be late, shave, don't let anyone down. "We lack a lot of discipline today. It's society. As parents we're all guilty of not disciplining our children enough. I was strong-ish with my children. I don't think my son, who's married now, is as strong [on discipline] as I used to be. That's the way society has gone."
Managers are almost substitute fathers at times, especially with those such as Ravel Morrison who come from splintered families. Ravel's upbringing certainly had an impact on his football life. Then again, there are people who've had that sort of upbringing who fight their way out of that like Incey [Paul Ince] here. He's got that inner drive to succeed." So has Allardyce. He has always grafted, "working in the parks, cutting the grass" as a player, even doing up properties in Bolton during his time as a centre-half at Burnden Park.
"We modernised terraced houses. Buy the place for £6,000. It didn't have a damp-proof course and needed rewiring, so you'd do a rip-out job, revamp it and sell them for £10,000 to £12,000. I did a lot of the mortgages during the season and in the summer, I'd be in there with a sledgehammer, knocking down walls.'' He has fought his way up the managerial ladder, learning the trade at places such as Limerick. When the League of Ireland club were short of money for wages, the chairman, Father Joe Young, put out the word to his mates. "He called in a few favours. Divine intervention! I'd go and collect money with the priest. Fantastic. We'd pull up in the garage, the window would come down, and someone would pass this envelope over. I'd count the punts. Joe would then ring the club secretary, who'd say, 'We need another 200 punts'. Once we got enough, that was it. We had enough to pay the players for Sunday. The collar has mighty powers there.
"Watching Joe, with his faith, was a massive eye-opener for me. He looked after one of the poorest parishes in Limerick, working with people who were struggling, down and out, but it never got him down. We had a brilliant time together. We travelled all over the country in a little minibus, playing games and winning."
He now enjoys the attacking likes of Enner Valencia, Diafra Sakho and Cheikhou Kouyaté at West Ham. "They've settled in fine but we didn't realise they would deliver potential into reality as quickly as this. They want to be successful.''
West Ham's record signing, Andy Carroll, is back in training, and should be available within "two to three" weeks. Allardyce laughs at the suggestion that he had a difficult decision to make. "No, I haven't. Andy has to wait. If those two [Valencia and Sakho] carry on, there's no way they can be put to one side for Andy. Andy will have to earn his place. He knows it."
For £3.5 million, West Ham have already been rewarded with six goals in seven games from Sakho. "He's a brilliant lad, brilliant pro, focused. His self-belief at the minute is sky high. He believes when he runs out on the field that he'll score, even Saturday against City. He did it against Liverpool. Him and Valencia tortured them. Kouyaté is top quality too. "It's exciting. The club has bought players who are younger, and seem to be really hungry. Alex Song has got the best gear we've ever seen, the best hats we've ever seen and unbelievable scarves. He wears glasses when he doesn't need them but they're fashionable. He fetches a chuckle when he comes wandering into the dressing-room."
Allardyce has experienced vibrant wardrobes, having worked with El Hadji Diouf at Bolton and Blackburn. "Dioufy was madder than Alex. Dioufy had a striped suit with 'El Hadji Diouf' written on all the stripes. Dioufy bought a Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren [for £420,000] and had it wrapped in silver. Dioufy was the most likeable rogue I ever met."
His thoughts returning to the West Ham dressing room, Allardyce would like more of his players to have England recognition. "Mark Noble is a candidate, definitely. With the way Stewart Downing is playing, he's a candidate for central midfield for England. Stewart's playing great in there. "Whether Roy [Hodgson] thinks he's a player there he can only find out by sending his scouts to come and watch. Hopefully Andy will get back there if he strives forward and doesn't get any more injuries. While England are struggling at right-back, Carl Jenkinson should be in there.'' He talks to his players about England. "If you want to be an England international now, and dedicate your life to football, there's never been a better time in history to get in the squad. We have so few players to choose from with 70 per cent foreign in the Premier League now. We tell the players to 'keep believing, it will come through consistency and they can't not come and have a look at you'." And Allardyce himself? "England is too far away for me to think that way but I would love it. I'd have loved it last time [in 2006 when Steve McClaren got it]. They made a mistake not doing it. Never mind. That's life." Allardyce always recovers.
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WHUFC.com
All the essential pre-match information ahead of Saturday's game against Manchester City
24.10.2014
WEST HAM UNITED v MANCHESTER CITY
BARCLAYS PREMIER LEAGUE
BOLEYN GROUND
SATURDAY 25 OCTOBER 2014
KICK-OFF: 12.45PM
REFEREE: MARTIN ATKINSON
In brief
West Ham United welcome Manchester City to the Boleyn Ground on Saturday, with both teams in the top four of the Barclays Premier League.
The Citizens currently sit second, having taken 17 points from their first eight games. They are unbeaten in their last five league games and defeated Tottenham Hotspur 4-1 last weekend.
Sam Allardyce's team are four points and two places behind, having tasted victory in their last two starts. Diafra Sakho, Enner Valencia and Carlton Cole were all on target as Saturday as the Hammers defeated Burnley 3-1.
The Hammers will be hoping to improve on last season's showings against the Citizens, when they lost all four meetings with Manuel Pellegrini's men.
Who are they?
Manchester City were formed in 1880 as St Mark's (West Gordon), eventually taking on their current name in 1894.
They have played at the Etihad Stadium since 2003, having previously turned out at Maine Road from 1923. Their most successful period until recent times came in the late 1960s and early 1970s when they won the league, FA Cup, League Cup and European Cup Winners' Cup.
More recently, they have won the Barclays Premier League twice in the last three years, as well as the FA Cup and Capital One Cup.
Team news
West Ham United
Cheikhou Kouyate and James Tomkins return to the Hammers squad after both overcoming groin injuries to train this week.
Andy Carroll is also back in training but not yet ready to return to the first team.
Manchester City
Frank Lampard will miss out for Manchester City after suffering a thigh injury in last week's win at Tottenham.
Lampard's fellow midfielder Samir Nasri is also absent after undergoing groin surgery.
Referee
Saturday's match referee will be Martin Atkinson. A referee since the age of 16, Atkinson was promoted to the Football League list of assistant referees in 1998. In 2000, Atkinson was promoted to the Select Group of assistant referees, allowing him to run the line in Premier League matches.
He joined the National List of referees for the Football League at the start of the 2003/04 season before taking charge of his first Premier League fixture on 20 April 2005 when Manchester City entertained Birmingham City. He was the man in the middle at the 2006 FA Community Shield between Chelsea and Liverpool at the Millennium Stadium in Cardiff. He also took charge of the 2008 FA Trophy final between Ebbsfleet United and Torquay United at Wembley Stadium.
Atkinson also refereed the Hammers on the final day of last season, when Manchester City clinched the Barclays Premier League title with a 2-0 win at Etihad Stadium, and in the 2-2 draw at Hull City on 15 September.
One to watch
West Ham United
Diafra Sakho's goalscoring form has really caught the eye since his summer move from French side FC Metz. Last Saturday's goal at Burnley was his sixth in as many starts for the Club, and meant he has scored in his last five consecutive Premier League games. He becomes only the second player to achieve that feat for West Ham in the Premier League era, alongside Carlton Cole.
Manchester City
Argentina striker Sergio Aguero is in irrepressible form at the moment, having scored in his last five appearances. He bagged four against Tottenham last week, and could even had added a fifth had he not missed a first half penalty. The 26-year-old now has 61 league goals for the Citizens in just 95 appearances, with his goals helping the club win Premier League titles in 2012 and 2014.
Tickets
Standard tickets for this game have now sold out. However, tickets may become available online as Season Ticket Holders relist their tickets.
TV coverage
Click here for a list of broadcasters for Saturday's game.
Travel
The District Line will be suspended between South Kensington and Aldgate East, but services will be running on the eastern branch of the line to serve Upton Park.
Click here for up to the minute news from TfL and here for National Rail.
Weather
A sunny day is predicted for Saturday, with temperature at kick-off of 14C (57F)
Last meeting
Manchester City 2-0 West Ham United
Barclays Premier League
11 May 2014
Manchester City secured the league title with a 2-0 win over the Hammers on the final day of last season. A goal in each half did the trick, with Vincent Kompany's close-range finish supplementing Samir Nasri's earlier strike.
Manchester City: Hart, Kompany, Zabaleta, Kolarov, Demichelis, Nasri, Garcia, Silva (Milner 76) Y.Toure (Negredo 86), Dzeko (Fernandinho 69), Aguero
Subs: Pantilimon, Lescott, Clichy, Jovetic
Goals: Nasri 39, Kompany 49
West Ham United: Adrian, Reid, McCartney, Tomkins, O'Brien, Nolan (Jarvis 64), Taylor, Noble, Diame (J.Cole 81), Downing, Carroll (C.Cole 72)
Subs: Jaaskelainen, Armero, Collins, Vaz Te
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Noble excited by City clash
WHUFC.com
West Ham United's Mark Noble is relishing Saturday's clash with Manchester City
24.10.2014
West Ham United midfielder Mark Noble is hoping the Hammers can continue their excellent run of form against Premier League champions Manchester City on Saturday. The 27-year-old midfielder has played an integral part of the Hammers' good start to the season, captaining the team to victories over Liverpool and Burnley. The West Ham Academy graduate has now been a mainstay in the first team for a decade as he closes in on West Ham's record Premier League appearance maker. Having made 200 appearances he is just four games behind current record holder Steve Potts. Speaking ahead of the match against Manchester City at the Boleyn Ground, Noble said: "Obviously we're all enjoying being fourth while it lasts. I'm enjoying the way we're playing at the moment, I think most of the players are. The form the boys are in is very enjoyable. "Last year I said we needed to buy good players if we're going to move on, and we've done that. By the time we move to the New Stadium we want to be a top six or seven club."
Looking back to last Saturday's 3-1 win over Burnley, Noble explained: "I think Burnley were probably the better side in the first half on Saturday but we came out strong in the second half and blew them away in the first 20 minutes. "The two goals the strikers scored against Burnley were proper striker's goals. They were two excellent headers from good crosses from the boys out wide, hopefully that will continue."
Speaking about the fantastic impact new signing Diafra Sakho has made since moving from FC Metz, the midfielder said: "Having a top goal scorer is very helpful. It's the difference between winning and losing. Some games last year we were losing games we really should have won but we couldn't get the goals we needed. "Sakho's done extremely well but so has Valencia too. Carlton's made important contributions from the bench and then Andy Carroll is back in full training so the manager has got a lot of options."
Another player who has made an impressive impact is Alex Song. "Alex is a top footballer, we've seen that over the years. He played in the Barcelona team who were arguably the best team ever. It was a big deal that he wanted to come to us. To play alongside a player as good as he is only going to improve my game. "He's thoroughly enjoying the way he's playing here at the moment. He's got a smile on his face
everyday, he looks like a happy man when he's out there playing."
Looking ahead to Saturday's clash with Manchester City, Noble says the Hammers are in a confident mood: "It's a good atmosphere here now, it helps when you're winning games. But we know it's early days we're not going to get carried away with being fourth. Saturday is a massive day against Man City. I know the boys are buzzing for it and hopefully we can give them a good game. "This is certainly the best start to a season I've ever been involved with. There's a buzz around the place and I'm really enjoying it."
Despite City playing away the Champions League in midweek, Noble knows the Hammers will be in for a tough test this Saturday. He concluded: "I don't think there is ever a good time to play them. They have got such a big squad full of top quality players. But at the moment we're playing well, we can go out and attack and be confident. We'll take the game to them and see what happens."
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Haycock happy with Dev Squad effort
WHUFC.com
Dev Squad coach Nick Haycock was pleased with his side's effort against Manchester United
24.10.2014
West Ham United Development Squad manager Nick Haycock was pleased with his sides' effort against Manchester United despite a narrow 2-1 defeat. The visitors took the lead in the first half through the highly rated James Wilson before Elliot Lee equalised with his fifth goal in four matches for the Hammers. The Red Devils claimed the three points late on in the second half after Will Keane finished from close range. Speaking after the game, Haycock said: "When I saw their team sheet before the game I knew it was going to be a tough ask. They had a lot of Premier league experience in there. I think their quality showed tonight, they had a higher calibre of player out there. "I thought we did well in the first half to contain them well. We limited them to only few chances. All week we worked on being more resilient because against Bilbao we conceded too many sloppy goals. "In the second half it was slightly disappointing because we wanted the team to pass the ball. We don't set up a team just to defend, we didn't keep the ball well enough which put us under pressure."
After conceding five goals against Athletic Bilbao last week, the Hammers put in a much more resolute performance. "Yeah I think you can say that because we kept them down to two goals. We're disappointed with the second goal because we think it's a foul and we were on the attack at the time. In terms of defending as a group as think we were better tonight."
Manchester United fielded a strong side including ex-West Ham graduate Michael Carrick as well as experienced first team players such as Anders Lindegaard, Tyler Blackett and James Wilson. Haycock continued: "I said to the boys in there if you can compete against Manchester United you'll be able to beat most sides in the league. I think come the end of the season, they'll be up there. "Warren always has a good work ethic about his team. His young players are trying to catch the eye of Louis van Gaal. There as good a side as we'll play, there's no doubt about that. I couldn't fault them in terms of effort."
Another positive for Haycock is striker Elliot Lee's return to goal scoring form. The captain has now netted five goals in four games.
"Yeah, Elliot's always got a goal in him. He'll be disappointed a bit tonight because he was starved of the ball for too long. I can understand his frustration at not receiving the ball enough. "With him in the team, and his attributes there's always a chance. He's got five goals in four games now and he's still working on other areas of his game."
The Development Squad's next game is away to Norwich City on Thursday 6 November, 2014.
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Chadwell Chatter
WHUFC.com
Enner Valencia reflects on a productive international break and his goal at Burnley
23.10.2014
Hello everyody,
We have Manchester City at home on Saturday and it is a game everybody is looking forward to. We are all happy wih the way the team is going at the moment and we have to keep working to keep it the same way. I was really pleased to score at Burnley, after getting three for my country during the international break. I scored one against the United States which swerved away from Brad Guzan and I practised that sort of shot in training. I'm happy that it is paying off. I try to give my all for the national team, so I am happy with what I have contributed.
To then back it up at Burnley was great and we have a very strong squad this season. All the players are giving their best. In all positions, we have very good players that can give you assists. This makes things easier and we have to keep it the same way. I hope to score my first goal at the Boleyn Ground very soon and it will be nice to score in front of our home fans. I hope I can score in front of them and get them the three points on Saturday. It's great to play up front with Diafra. He is doing really well and scoring goals at pivotal points of the game. He's been doing very well and he is a nice guy, so I am happy for him. I am confident we can get three points against Manchester City. We play in front of our fans in our stadium and I think this gives us a good opportunity to get three points.
The team is training hard every day to achieve those kind of performances. Hopefully we can repeat the performance we had against Liverpool and Manchester United and beat Manchester City and get the three points on Saturday.
Come on you Irons!
Enner
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Joint-Chairman's pride in Enterprise win
WHUFC.com
Joint-Chairman David Gold joined the Club's Premier League Enterprise winners at the Commons
24.10.2014
Joint-Chairman David Gold shared in the celebrations of West Ham United's Premier League Enterprise Challenge winners on Wednesday, as the triumphant Hammers group took centre stage at the House of Commons. Managed by West Ham United Community Sports Trust and delivered by WHU inspire Learning Centre, the Hammers cohort told a gathering of MPs and special guests, including former Premier League duo Graeme Le Saux and Jason Roberts, of how the Enterprise Challenge has helped them. The Enterprise Challenge is the highlight of Premier League
Enterprise, a project which uses the hook of football and the knowledge and expertise of the clubs to engage young people in the world of business and enterprise. The initiative has engaged 90,000 young people since its inception in 2008. Joint-Chairman David Gold meets West Ham's triumphant youngsters "I am so proud of them," Mr Gold said. "I am proud they have come from schools where I was born and proud they are here representing West Ham United. It's just wonderful to see. "We ignore our young people at our peril. They need all the support and encouragement we can offer. Young people get such bad press but when a young person does a good thing, we don't see it in our newspapers. I am just thrilled that this project is succeeding. "It's a momentous occasion for these young men. Here they are in the Houses of Parliament, in front of MPs, and it's incredibly daunting. I couldn't have done this when I was their age. It would have terrified me. "I came from humble beginnings and my life would have been a lot easier if I had had the mentors and encouragement these young men have been given, through the funding and efforts of the Premier League and all the people associated with this scheme."
So impressed was the Joint-Chairman by the West Ham team that he has invited them as VIP guests to the Boleyn Ground, where he plans to discuss the business ideas with the students in more detail. "Going to Downing Street and the House of Commons in one day has been great," said team member Ismaeel Haqq. "Opportunities like this make you more ambitious, they make you aim higher because you know it is possible. I will remember this for a long time. "A lot of people doubted us but I am happy we stuck together as a team, got through it and turned up here. We've now been selected as ambassadors of this competition so we will be mentoring the kids that represent West Ham this year. We hope to take them all the way."
The extension to the long-running partnership between the Premier League and Comic Relief will involve £2.7 million being invested into an expanded Premier League Enterprise programme. The scheme will target hard-to-reach young people who are underachieving or at risk of not realising their potential, with the aim of engaging 7,000 people a year in enterprise education activities.
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Hammers catch Mimms
WHUFC.com
The experienced Bobby Mimms has been appointed as West Ham United's new goalkeeper coach
24.10.2014
West Ham United are pleased to announce the appointment of Bobby Mimms as the Club's new goalkeeper coach. The former Everton and Tottenham Hotspur stopper has joined the Hammers after a spell working with the Bahrain national side. The 51-year-old is a vastly-experienced coach who spent eight years at Wolverhampton Wanderers before working under Sam Allardyce during a four-year spell at Blackburn Rovers. Mimms has joined West Ham following the departure of Martyn Margetson.
After stints with Oldham Athletic and in the Middle East, the one-time England U21 international is relishing a return to the Barclays Premier League. "It's a pleasure to be here," Mimms confirmed. "I got a phone call from Sam and he asked me if I would be interested to come down here and work with the goalies, and I was more than interested. "I've just come back from Bahrain, where I was working with the national team and this opportunity came along. "Sam is a great character who has a lot of knowledge of the game, and I learned a lot from him in the two years I worked with him at Blackburn. He obviously trusts what I do, or else he wouldn't have made the call to ask me to come here. It's great to meet up with him again and to be able to work with him. "Things are going well at the Club at the moment, so hopefully I can add a little bit to that and we can keep it going."
Mimms held his first training session with Jussi Jaaskelainen and Adrian on Thursday and he hopes to build on the work done by his predecessor. "I said to the goalkeepers that I'm not here to rip their game to pieces, but as we go along I hope to pick up bits that I can add to their game. With their knowledge and ability, and my knowledge, hopefully we can add to their skills and make everybody better."
Saturday sees West Ham take on one of Mimms' other former clubs, Manchester City, and he knows whoever starts in goal will face a challenge to keep the ball out of their net. "I am looking forward to returning to the Premier League," he confirmed. "Everybody out in Bahrain was talking about the Premier League and this is the place to work. "I was lucky enough to get this opportunity and I cannot wait for Saturday's game. Hopefully we will carry on how we've been going. "I went to Burnley last weekend for a look and we produced a great performance and a great result, so with a home game coming up hopefully we can build on that."
As a player, Mimms played for Halifax Town and Rotherham United as a youngster before joining league champions Everton in 1985. There, he mainly served as understudy to Neville Southall but he did start the 1986 FA Cup final defeat by Liverpool. After a host of loan spells, the York-born stopper moved to Tottenham Hotspur on a permanent basis in 1988. Two years later, he began a long association with Blackburn, helping Rovers to win promotion to the Premier League, and he was part of the title-winning squad in 1994/95. After spells with a number of Football League clubs, Mimms retired in 2001, having made 552 senior appearances for 13 different clubs.
Mimms' predecessor Margetson joined the Hammers in 2011 and played a role in helping the Club regain and establish its Barclays Premier League status. The Welshman won praise from his fellow coaches and goalkeepers alike for his innovative approach and was central to the signing of Spaniard Adrian in summer 2013. The Club would like to thank Martyn for his efforts and wish him all the best for his future career.
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Potts plotting Villa victory
WHUFC.com
U18s manager Steve Potts is hoping his side can return to winning ways against Villa
24.10.2014
West Ham United U18 manager Steve Potts is looking forward to the opportunity of bouncing back from a first loss of the season after the 3-1 defeat by Fulham last Saturday. The Hammers missed a spot-kick before the Cottagers roared into a three-goal lead at Motspur Park, with a second penalty converted by Alex Pike providing a late consolation. Elijah Adebayo, Josh Walker and Stephen Humphrys got the goals for the hosts, who ended West Ham's eight-match unbeaten run to start the 2014/15 campaign. Summarising his thoughts about the defeat ahead of Saturday's game against Aston Villa, Potts said: "It's always disappointing to get beat. Afterwards, we looked at a game as a whole and I thought we did well enough. "In the three games before that we kept clean sheets and didn't give anything away. We've also been taking our chances in games recently. "Last Saturday we didn't keep it tight enough at the back. We did have some chances at the other end. We had a penalty at 0-0 that didn't go in as well as a few other chances. On the day they were more clinical than us."
Saturday's opponents Aston Villa have had a tough to their season, in particular losing 12-2 to Chelsea, having been 2-0 up. However Villa responded strongly by beating Leicester 2-1 and Potts knows his U18s will have improve from last weekend's display. "It's important they learn the lessons from last weekend. We need to be tighter at the back and sharper in front of goal. We need to move the ball around as well as we have been doing in parts of the season." "They're a good team, I remember playing them last year. They were a very good side. We got two results against them but I think they were the better team in at least one of the games. "They'll probably think they were unlucky not to do better in the games against us. I expect a tough game, Aston Villa always have good teams."
Following the U18s' good start to the season which included an eight game unbeaten run, five of the team featured for the Development Squad in their Barclays Premier League International Cup against Spanish giants Athletic Bilbao. The five players involved were free scoring Jordan Brown, Djair Parfitt-Williams, Manny Onariase, Josh Pask and Grady Diangana. Assessing their performances in the eight goal thriller, Potts said: "They did OK, I think it was difficult for them. Some of them were making their first starts for the Development Squad this year. "A couple of them were making their first starts at the Boleyn Ground and that can be tough in itself. They will have learnt a lot of lessons from that game so going forward that will benefit them. "We gave some poor goals away that night and made it very difficult for ourselves but there was some OK stuff in there too."
West Ham United U18s play Aston Villa on Saturday 25 October at Little Heath, kick-off is 11am.
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Your farewell to the Boleyn
WHUFc.com
The Club are reaching out to fans to gather your thoughts on how best to bid farewell to the Boleyn Ground
24.10.2014
August 2015 will see West Ham United kick off their final season at the Boleyn Ground, ahead of their historic move to the former Olympic Stadium in Stratford. With over a century's history to honour, the Club are determined to ensure that, with your help, the Boleyn bows out in style. So over the coming weeks and months we will be reaching out to Hammers fans to gather your thoughts on how best to bid farewell to the ground we have called home since 1904. Following an initial consultation with the Supporter Advisory Board (SAB) we have identified a shortlist of match themes to be incorporated into our final season's home fixtures. Now it is over to you. Each week we will be launching a poll on whufc.com and on Twitter, alongside a call for fans to share their personal highlights and memories within each theme.
We will also be asking you about your favourite kits from down the years and canvassing your ideas for inspiration for the final commemorative Boleyn kit.
We want all of our loyal supporters to play their part in this unique season, so whether you are a Season Ticket Holder or a fan from afar, we will be calling on you to share your personal highlights and the unforgettable moments that make the Boleyn Ground such a unique place. Keep an eye out next week for the first vote launching next week.
Supporters are already jumping at the chance to book their spot for the final farewell to our home of 110 years, with thousands having put their name down on the Final Season waiting list. To book your place in history, join the waiting list here.
2014/15 Season Ticket Holders will automatically qualify for renewal for the final season. Half-Season Tickets are now on sale and are available online at whufcboxoffice.com, by calling 0871 529 1966 (calls cost 10p per minute plus network extras) or visiting the Stadium Ticket Office in person.
A 2015/16 Season Ticket Holders will gain access to all 19 Premier League home games plus any cup fixtures and secure their place in the migration process to West Ham United's new world-class, iconic home ground at Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park.
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Manchester City look to close gap on Chelsea with win at West Ham
Last Updated: 24/10/14 2:18pm
SSN
Manchester City head to face West Ham at Upton Park in Saturday's early kick-off looking to close the gap on Premier League leaders Chelsea to just two points. Jose Mourinho's men do not play until they take on Manchester United at Old Trafford as part of Sky Sports' Super Sunday so Manuel Pellegrini's side will be bidding to up the pressure on the early pacesetters. The Hammers will be hoping to maintain their own place in the top four, although Sam Allardyce's side have taken just one point from their last six Barclays Premier League encounters with City. They will have to deal with in-form City striker Sergio Aguero, fresh from his four-goal haul against Tottenham last weekend. The Argentine has the best minutes-per-goal rate of any player in Barclays Premier League history and will be looking to add to his tally.
Opta facts
The Hammers lost four times to City last season (twice in the league and both legs of the League Cup semi-final).
Sergio Aguero's record of nine goals in his team's opening eight games has never been bettered in Premier League history.
Diafra Sakho is only the second player in Premier League history (after Mick Quinn) to score in each of his first five starts in the competition.
West Ham have allowed the opposition fewer clear cut chances (7) than any other Premier League team this season.
Pellegrini's side have happy memories of their last clash with Allardyce's men, having secured the league title against West Ham on the final day of the previous season with a 2-0 win at the Etihad - a game in which the visitors failed to muster a single shot on target.
The home side's fine form aside, City's biggest problem could be coping with jet-lag after the long trip back from their 2-2 Champions League draw against CSKA Moscow.
Team news
West Ham will be boosted by the returns of James Tomkins and Cheikhou Kouyate. Defender Tomkins and midfielder Kouyate have recovered from thigh and groin problems respectively while striker Andy Carroll is back in training but not considered ready for the clash at Upton Park.
Guy Demel (thigh), Joey O'Brien (knee) and James Collins (groin) are also out injured. Former West Ham midfielder Frank Lampard has an outside chance of returning for City after picking up a thigh injury against Spurs last weekend, but Samir Nasri is out following a groin operation.
Paul Merson's prediction
West Ham is a tough place to go these days. Diafra Sakho and Enner Valencia play with a lot of pace and can't stop scoring goals and Stewart Downing is playing in a really good position. However, Man City have to win to put some pressure on Chelsea and I think it will prove a hard game for both sides with not a lot in it. Ultimately I think Sergio Aguero will be the difference and for that reason I am going for a narrow Man City win.
MERSON PREDICTS: 1-2
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Sam Allardyce hails the influence of Alex Song at West Ham
Last Updated: 24/10/14 1:35pm
SSN
Sam Allardyce has praised the influence of on-loan midfielder Alex Song in the West Ham changing room. Song joined the Hammers from Barcelona in August and Allardyce feels the 26-year-old has had the same impact for West Ham that Yaya Toure has had for Saturday's opponents Manchester City. West Ham's, who are fourth in the table, will be given a tough test when they host defending champions City on Saturday and when asked about his opponents' world-class stars, the Hammers boss said: "We've got that type of signing in Alex Song.
"That's a Yaya Toure-type signing for us. He's a top quality player of the highest calibre and he'll provide the sort of service our front line need. "He links everything together very well so we've got a top quality international player that's played for Arsenal, for Barcelona and in the Champions League. "He's obviously being slightly overshadowed by Enner Valencia and Sakho at the moment but he'll have a big impact for us."
Allardyce added: "He's a massive influence on the training ground and in the changing room - with his dress sense particularly. "Everyone has a lot respect for what he's done before. He hasn't hit top form yet but he's certainly a major influence for us." West Ham played City four times last season, losing on each occasion and conceding 14 goals while scoring just once. The worst of those defeats came in the Capital One Cup first leg in January when the Hammers were thrashed 6-0 but Allardyce is confident his side will do better this time around. "We've got a different team, a different set of players, some of them last season will remember the fact we didn't get anything against City," the West Ham boss said. "Everyone still talks about the semi-final of the Capital One Cup but there was little we could do with the injuries we had. "If we're going to challenge against them, it's at this moment in time - City have just come back from playing in the Champions League and we're in good, confident form."
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Ebola virus: West Ham star Alex Song says Africa Cup of Nations should be scrapped
Oct 24, 2014 22:30 By Darren Lewis
The epidemic has so far claimed more than 4,500 lives since its outbreak, and the midfielder has called for the tournament to be cancelled
The Mirror
Alex Song has called for January's Africa Cup of Nations to be scrapped because of the Ebola virus. The Cameroon star also said football's high-profile African stars must help those affected. Song said: "If calling it off is the way to stop the spread of the virus then we have to do it. When you watch the TV you don't know where it is going next." The Ebola virus has killed more than 4,500 people since the outbreak in west Africa. Song added: "We have a lot of African players here in the UK - and around in the world - if we can find a solution together to help the people we have to do it. A string of Premier League stars are due to head to Africa for the tournament which runs from January 17 until February 8. Hosts Morocco have asked for it to be postponed but the Confederation of African Football has so refused. The two parties will meet on November 3 to discuss the issue. Song added: "You can't go somewhere and put your life and the lives of all the people coming in at risk. "I am worried because I have a lot of friends in the affected regions. Some people say: 'Its only in Guinea, its not going to come to Cameroon' but the truth is that people don't have any information because the information does not go everywhere. So something has to be done to help."
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Irons aim to make Noble a 'lifer'
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on October 24, 2014 in Whispers
CANDH EXCLUSIVE
BY HUGH SOUTHON
West Ham are preparing to make loyalist Mark Noble an offer he can't refuse next summer and all but tying him to the club for life.
ClaretandHugh can exclusively reveal that the club will activate a two year option on the midfielder's deal and are ready to make him an improved contract offer at the same time. Noble is the man who is set to lead the club into its new Olympic Stadium era and the club want to tie him down for another six years. And the Canning Town-born Mr West Ham looks certain to sign away his footballing life to the club he has served since he was 15, Winston Reid's contract dispute has hogged the headlines over recent months but the club has been working on the Noble scenario for several weeks. And this afternoon a top insider told ClaretandHugh exclusively: "We have an option to extend his contract two years, which we will do and we are likely to be offering him an improved deal and a new four year contract."
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"WE DON'T WANT SPURS AT OS AND THAT'S THAT"
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on October 24, 2014 in Whispers
Claret & Hugh
West Ham have made it clear to the London Legacy Development Corporation they don't want Spurs as ground share "partners" at the Olympic Stadium in their first season at the new 'showpiece' Hammers home. London's mayor Boris Johnson ducked and dived under constant questioning in a video shown on this site yesterday hiding behind Premier League rules and suggesting Hammers approval would be required.
The Irons today made it clear to ClaretandHugh today the club has no intention of giving its approval and had made that clear to the LLDC.
That may explain why Johnson regularly argued that it would be very difficult for the owners of the stadium to agree to a Spurs ground share without the Hammers approval and his regular dismissal of the propostion as a "hypothesis." A well placed Hammers source told ClaretandHugh: We do not want Spurs in our stadium during the first year or any other year and have made our position clear. "This is coming up with monotonous regularity but the truth is there has been no approach from Spurs and we are not expecting one. "They would far sooner go to Wembley but our understanding is they are likely to end up at Milton Keynes!"
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Sam Allardyce: West Ham's owners are best I've ever had and deserve this success after not sacking me
By Henry Winter, Football Correspondent6:21PM BST 24 Oct 2014
Daily Telegraph
When West Ham United met Manchester City last season, Sam Allardyce's side conceded five goals in the Premier League and nine in the Capital One Cup, and many fans bayed for the manager's removal. Upton Park now hosts the champions on Saturday with West Ham in fourth place and Allardyce in a better place with supporters, given the improved quality of football. The club's co-owners, David Sullivan and David Gold, stayed strong in those dark days, backing Allardyce, reinforcing the squad in the summer, successfully installing Teddy Sheringham as attacking coach and quietly requesting football more in keeping with the club's "academy" traditions, "attacking a bit more" in Sullivan's words. "They are the best owners I've ever had," says Allardyce, sitting in his small but neat office at Chadwell Heath. "They are loyal. They could have cracked under pressure. At one stage I thought it might have been very, very close in December and January [to his sacking]. It's very difficult to take the pressure when you're the owner and every man and his dog is saying, 'Your manager's c---, you've got to get rid of him'. "They were saying it to them through social media, through abusive messages and emails. The owners are very easily contactable – personally, I'd say too easily. They get affected by it. I've no problem with that. My life's about adjusting to owners' needs. "When you come into a club – and this is where young managers slip up – the relationship with the owners is the most important thing, not the relationship with players. With owners, it's what do they want? What do they need? They said to me [in 2011 with West Ham in the Championship]: 'Get up – and stay there.' That was the first priority and then can you build on that. Everyone wants to have the best team, and play the best football, but that takes some building, some doing."
Just turned 60, Allardyce rankles over his old "long-ball" reputation. "That's other managers that did that. They used that as an excuse for the times when we beat them: Wenger, O'Leary, Souness, Benítez. It's not founded in fact. "You work with what you've got and get the best out of it. It's like now. People are saying, 'Sam's made this unbelievable change at West Ham' but the change has been evolving from day one. We've given ourselves enough time to evolve this team."
He noted in passing that some of the most lauded midfielders deliver the ball over long range. "Yaya Touré will turn round and ping the ball 60 yards behind our defence. City don't do short, short, short. It was one of the traits of Liverpool last season that Stevie Gerrard played more long passes than anyone else but they were more accurate than anybody else. He was unbelievable. We all sussed that one out, saying 'Stop Stevie Gerrard passing it' and slow Liverpool down as a team." They did last month, beating Liverpool, and playing well. It has taken into what Allardyce calls "Year Four", his fourth season in charge, to blend the styles. "It has got the 'academy' everywhere. I came into a club that got relegated in 2011, and it was all about sorting out the finances and can you put a team out on the pitch which says this is 'the West Ham way'? Can you go to difficult places in the Championship where they won't let you play 'the West Ham way'? What do you do? You do what you need to do to win.
"We have the great new stadium [the Olympic Stadium] that we're going to and that's exciting but that's an extra pressure [to make sure they arrive still in the Premier League in 2016]. At least as time has gone by we've improved, improved, improved. The only way is getting results, not playing 85 passes in midfield, looking pretty and not winning.
"It's not so much 'boring' football, it's about a winning culture that gives you the time to do what you need to do. Eleven managers out of 20 in the Premier League left last year. Half of them we'll never see again." He feared for his job. "The blip has only been November, December last year. It was brutal. Everything is brutal in football when it's not going well. It's brutal for Harry Redknapp at the minute. The Etihad [the 6-0 loss] was brutal. I cope with it because I'm experienced, I've seen it all before. I can't let it make me lose my focus. I can't let it destroy my belief in my own ability.''
Allardyce took the criticism on himself, shielding the players. "If it gets to your players you're finished. I take it on me.''
Allardyce cites Sir Alex Ferguson as the king of diversions in protecting the team. "Fergie was the master at it: create a controversy to take the pressure off the players, so the media would talk about him and not about Fergie's players not being so good for that particular week. They'd all talk about what a disgrace he was doing or saying something.
"There are two types of coaches. There's coaches like me who weigh up the opposition and ask the team to adjust. Fergie was similar. Jose [Mourinho] is similar. Then there's Arsène, who won't adjust. There's Brendan [Rodgers], who looks like he won't adjust. There's Manuel Pellegrini, who looks like he won't adjust, even in the Champions League. He seems to favour what he's got. City are quite open.
"Their [Wenger/Rodgers/Pellegrini's] philosophy is different to ours. Ours is more about who are we playing against. Their philosophy is more, 'We always play this way', and they won't change, they carry doing on the same thing. That's why you can beat them. "This squad is now looking better. Every fan at the moment is happy that we are not only winning but also we're entertaining them. We've scored 15 goals in the first eight games. If we carry on like that, that's 72 goals and that means we'll finish in the top four – unlikely but great. We might have a chance of Europe if we stay consistent."
Allardyce reflects on his past, on the influences that shaped this resilience and helped get him here. "My old man always said you only get what you graft for. It doesn't matter how intelligent you are, how much education you've got, you'll only get there on work rate. My dad was a policeman for 25 years, a sergeant, and he taught me discipline. Any problems on our estate were always sorted out by Bob Allardyce. If we got into any trouble we'd be in trouble with my old man. So discipline was everything. Getting up for work on time, don't be late, shave, don't let anyone down. "We lack a lot of discipline today. It's society. As parents we're all guilty of not disciplining our children enough. I was strong-ish with my children. I don't think my son, who's married now, is as strong [on discipline] as I used to be. That's the way society has gone."
Managers are almost substitute fathers at times, especially with those such as Ravel Morrison who come from splintered families. Ravel's upbringing certainly had an impact on his football life. Then again, there are people who've had that sort of upbringing who fight their way out of that like Incey [Paul Ince] here. He's got that inner drive to succeed." So has Allardyce. He has always grafted, "working in the parks, cutting the grass" as a player, even doing up properties in Bolton during his time as a centre-half at Burnden Park.
"We modernised terraced houses. Buy the place for £6,000. It didn't have a damp-proof course and needed rewiring, so you'd do a rip-out job, revamp it and sell them for £10,000 to £12,000. I did a lot of the mortgages during the season and in the summer, I'd be in there with a sledgehammer, knocking down walls.'' He has fought his way up the managerial ladder, learning the trade at places such as Limerick. When the League of Ireland club were short of money for wages, the chairman, Father Joe Young, put out the word to his mates. "He called in a few favours. Divine intervention! I'd go and collect money with the priest. Fantastic. We'd pull up in the garage, the window would come down, and someone would pass this envelope over. I'd count the punts. Joe would then ring the club secretary, who'd say, 'We need another 200 punts'. Once we got enough, that was it. We had enough to pay the players for Sunday. The collar has mighty powers there.
"Watching Joe, with his faith, was a massive eye-opener for me. He looked after one of the poorest parishes in Limerick, working with people who were struggling, down and out, but it never got him down. We had a brilliant time together. We travelled all over the country in a little minibus, playing games and winning."
He now enjoys the attacking likes of Enner Valencia, Diafra Sakho and Cheikhou Kouyaté at West Ham. "They've settled in fine but we didn't realise they would deliver potential into reality as quickly as this. They want to be successful.''
West Ham's record signing, Andy Carroll, is back in training, and should be available within "two to three" weeks. Allardyce laughs at the suggestion that he had a difficult decision to make. "No, I haven't. Andy has to wait. If those two [Valencia and Sakho] carry on, there's no way they can be put to one side for Andy. Andy will have to earn his place. He knows it."
For £3.5 million, West Ham have already been rewarded with six goals in seven games from Sakho. "He's a brilliant lad, brilliant pro, focused. His self-belief at the minute is sky high. He believes when he runs out on the field that he'll score, even Saturday against City. He did it against Liverpool. Him and Valencia tortured them. Kouyaté is top quality too. "It's exciting. The club has bought players who are younger, and seem to be really hungry. Alex Song has got the best gear we've ever seen, the best hats we've ever seen and unbelievable scarves. He wears glasses when he doesn't need them but they're fashionable. He fetches a chuckle when he comes wandering into the dressing-room."
Allardyce has experienced vibrant wardrobes, having worked with El Hadji Diouf at Bolton and Blackburn. "Dioufy was madder than Alex. Dioufy had a striped suit with 'El Hadji Diouf' written on all the stripes. Dioufy bought a Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren [for £420,000] and had it wrapped in silver. Dioufy was the most likeable rogue I ever met."
His thoughts returning to the West Ham dressing room, Allardyce would like more of his players to have England recognition. "Mark Noble is a candidate, definitely. With the way Stewart Downing is playing, he's a candidate for central midfield for England. Stewart's playing great in there. "Whether Roy [Hodgson] thinks he's a player there he can only find out by sending his scouts to come and watch. Hopefully Andy will get back there if he strives forward and doesn't get any more injuries. While England are struggling at right-back, Carl Jenkinson should be in there.'' He talks to his players about England. "If you want to be an England international now, and dedicate your life to football, there's never been a better time in history to get in the squad. We have so few players to choose from with 70 per cent foreign in the Premier League now. We tell the players to 'keep believing, it will come through consistency and they can't not come and have a look at you'." And Allardyce himself? "England is too far away for me to think that way but I would love it. I'd have loved it last time [in 2006 when Steve McClaren got it]. They made a mistake not doing it. Never mind. That's life." Allardyce always recovers.
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Friday, October 24
Daily WHUFC News - 24th October 2014
Big Sam on: Manchester City
WHUFC.com
The manager talks to the media ahead of Saturday's game against Manchester
City
23.10.2014
Sam Allardyce faced the media on Thursday morning ahead of Saturday's game
against Manchester City. West Ham United are looking for a third straight
win, but the manager is under no illusions as to the size of the task facing
his team.
How have you assessed the season so far?
SA: "We've done well so far, the new players have hit the ground running,
each signing has made a positive impact and obviously everyone is raving
about the front two. It's good that we're getting the results our
performances merit at the moment. At the moment we're very good but we have
to remember we're only eight games in. When we get into the nitty gritty in
November and December then we'll know what our team is really capable of."
You're up against Man City on Saturday, having lost to them four times last
season, do you need to change your approach?
SA: "We've got a different team to last season. Obviously the players that
are still here will remember that we didn't get anything from them. There
wasn't much we could do in the Capital One semi finals due to injuries at
that time. "They're a fabulous side, but if we're going to get anything
from them it's now, while we're in form. As well as them coming back from a
Champions League away game. We're in good, confident form but for me it's
about getting the players to their top level. We'll have to play like me did
against Liverpool, probably even better. We'll have to work hard and make
sure we contain their fantastic front line especially."
We've seen players struggle to integrate at different clubs for a number of
years, why has it been so successful here?
SA: "I think we have a good environment. I've learnt how important that is
as I've got more experienced. At Bolton we had an influx of foreign players
and that taught me the importance of thinking about the family rather than
just the player. The players settle quicker than the families because they
come over into our environment and are accepted into our group, we have a
very welcoming environment, it's very friendly and a good spirit. "It's
important we get it right with the family, that they are happy and settled
in the right area. It makes it harder if they don't speak English as well as
you'd like but it's all part of the process. So we give them the tools and
the best chance of succeeding, than it's down to the player to concentrate
and work hard. I have to say all our new players have done that
fantastically well, better than we expected. Their determination and desire
has been fabulous. "I talk to every player before we sign them. I talk to
them about the change of environment it's usually the last stage of the
process of singing a player. There been a few instances where I've decided
not to sign a player based on that final interview. It's far better finding
out early if there are going to problems than when you've signed them and
it's too late."
What effect does it have on the squad when you have a goalscorer like Diafra
Sakho doing so well?
SA: "We've 15 goals in the first eight games, when you compare that to
previous seasons it's a big improvement. Our total in year one was 46, last
year our highest scorer only had seven goals so you can see the improvement.
It's unlikely we'll carry it on, if we did we'd score 70 odd goals which
would be fantastic, we can only hope. It'll get harder as the two strikers
get paid more attention and are singled out."
You mentioned the importance of getting back to back wins, and you got that,
how important is that and is their a greater hunger this year?
SA: "There's no greater hunger, just a better quality of player. With all
due respect to the players we've had, they've all done a fantastic job. I
think it's down to the team growing together as well as that added quality.
Our desire was to find quality players at a younger age. Our average age of
the new signings was just 24-and-a-half years old."
Any team news?
SA: "We've got Cheikhou and James Tomkins back and no new injuries this
week. The other players that were out are making good progress so they
should be back with us shortly. We've got a few out but we're getting
better."
A quick word on Sergio Aguero, how good do you think he is?
SA: "After coming through some injury problems he's done well. He scored
four last week and could have had five. Let's face it sometimes he's
unplayable. We have to focus on limiting the service to him because he's so
dangerous and can wriggle out of a tight situation."
A word on Manchester City, how difficult are they and do you expect them to
challenge for the title again?
SA: "I think they've probably got the best squad in the league. Even though
Chelsea have started as well as they have. For City it depends whether they
have the desire and determination to win it in consecutive years. It's
hugely difficult to win it once never mind back to back. It's only happened
very few times but it all depends on their determination. Last year when
they had an opportunity to take it, they took it. They demonstrated that
they know how to do it so we'll see what happens."
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Six of the best: Manchester City
WHUFC.com
The Official website takes a look back on six memorable wins over Tuesday
night's opponents
23.10.2014
whufc.com begins tne build-up to Saturday's game against Manchester City by
looking back at six classic Boleyn Ground victories over the Citizens.
West Ham United 1-0 Manchester City
Premier League
1 March 2009
West Ham produced a wonderful display of passing football to see off the
challenge of their visitors, who had been taken over the previous September
by Emirati businessmen City had mercurial Brazilian Robinho in their ranks
but even he rarely threatened as a Jack Collison goal 19 minutes from time
deservedly won it for the Hammers. Gianfranco Zola's team moved up to
seventh with the win but eventually finished the season in ninth, one place
above Mark Hughes' City.
West Ham United 4-1 Manchester City
Premier League
11 November 2000
Four second-half goals saw the Hammers blitz their opponents, who had led at
the interval through a Spencer Prior goal after 32 minutes.
Steve Lomas equalised eight minutes after half-time before Trevor Sinclair
put the home side in front five minutes later. Ian Pearce added a third
before Paolo Di Canio netted a fourth from the penalty spot in the final
minute.
West Ham United 4-2 Manchester City
Premier League
23 March 1996
Manchester City came to the Boleyn Ground fighting against relegation in
1996 and they were shown no mercy by the ruthless Hammers.
Niall Quinn's double counted for nothing as two goals by Iain Dowie and one
each for Dani and Julian Dicks made sure of a home win.
City went onto be relegated on goal difference whilst the Hammers secured a
top-half finish.
West Ham United 3-0 Manchester City
Premier League
17 December 1994
West Ham United moved up to 17th in the league courtesy of a Tony Cottee
hat-trick. The striker netted after seven, ten and 57 minutes as the home
side cruised to a routine victory. Cottee's goals were three of the 15 he
managed to net during the course of a season in which West Ham finished
14th, three places above their visitors.
West Ham United 4-1 Manchester City
Division One
25 September 1982
The high-flying Hammers handed Manchester City a beating when the Sky Blues
visited in 1982. The home side started the day in fourth place and went onto
to score four thanks to a double from Sandy Clark and a goal each for
Francois van der Elst and Paul Goddard. Whilst the Hammers enjoyed an
eighth-place finish this season City would go onto suffer the agony of
relegation from England's top flight.
West Ham United 6-1 Manchester City
Division One
18 May 1963
West Ham confirmed Manchester City's relegation to the Second Division by
thrashing them on the final day of the 1962/63 season. Geoff Hurst and Alan
Sealey both bagged a brace while Ronnie Boyce and Peter Brabrook also
chipped in with a goal each. The Hammers' win saw their opponents relegated
by two points and in turn helped them to a 12th place finish. Amazingly,
West Ham had also beaten City 6-1 in their meeting at Maine Road in
September 1962.
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Teddy delighted with striker Sakho
WHUFC.com
Teddy Sheringham believes Diafra Sakho has all the ingredients to be a top
striker
23.10.2014
Teddy Sheringham spotted something special in Diafra Sakho after his very
first training session with West Ham United's new attacking coach. The
former Hammers and England star took the recently-signed Sakho and the
Club's other forwards for a finishing session at Chadwell Heath in early
September. Sheringham had never seen the 24-year-old in the flesh before,
but he was quickly taken by the ex-FC Metz striker's technique, movement and
natural finishing ability. Eight weeks later and Sakho has taken the
Barclays Premier League by storm, scoring in each of his first five starts
in Claret and Blue and impressing all with his outstanding all-round game.
So, why does Sheringham believe the Senegalese has made such an impact?
"First of all, he has an eye for a goal," he enthused. "He can score a goal
first and foremost. "Secondly, and more importantly, he wants to score a
goal and he puts himself in positions where he can score a goal. "He has
enthusiasm all over the pitch, which makes him a team favourite and, at the
same time, a crowd favourite. He is up there in the right or left wing
position, up the middle and then tracking back to the full-back positions.
He pops up everywhere doing something for the team, which makes him
invaluable. "When you look up front and see two boys working their socks off
to close people down and stop their full-backs getting out, then it's
invaluable for the team and you get a boost from that. "On top of that
work-rate, he is scoring goals and is full of confidence and long may it
continue."
While Sakho's new strike partner Enner Valencia has not netted the same
number of goals as the No15, Sheringham says he fully expects the South
American to start hitting the net regularly soon. Sakho became the first
West Ham player ever to score on his first five league appearances for the
Club, and just the ninth Hammer to score in at least six consecutive matches
after Vic Watson, Geoff Hurst, Jimmy Ruffell, John Dick, Johnny Byrne, Bryan
'Pop' Robson, David Cross and Tony Cottee.
Watson enjoyed streaks of nine, seven (twice) and six consecutive scoring
matches during his record-breaking 16-year career at the Club, while Hurst
netted in seven straight games in January-February 1964. Amazingly, Syd
Puddefoot scored in EIGHTEEN consecutive matches in the War-time London
Combination between Feb 1918 and Jan 1919!
Player Consecutive scoring matches Goals scored
Year
Vic Watson 9 (6 Division One/3 FA Cup)
15 1930
Geoff Hurst 7 (5 Division One/2 League Cup) 14
1966
Vic Watson 7 (6 Division One/1 FA Cup)
10 1930-31
Geoff Hurst 7 (4 Division One/2 FA Cup/1 League Cup)
11 1964
Jimmy Ruffell 7 (all Division Two)
10 1929
Vic Watson 7 (all Division One)
9 1929
Vic Watson 6 (all Division One)
10 1927
Johnny Byrne 6 (4 Division One/2 FA Cup)
9 1964
David Cross 6 (3 Division Two/2 European Cup Winners' Cup/1
League Cup) 9 1980
John Dick 6 (all Division Two)
7 1954
John Dick 6 (all Division Two)
6 1957
Bryan 'Pop' Robson 6 (5 Division Two/1 FA Cup)
6 1979
Tony Cottee 6 (4 Division One/2 League Cup) 6
1985
Diafra Sakho 6 (5 Premier League/1 League Cup)
6 2014
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Andy Carroll: West Ham striker could return in 'two to three weeks'
BBC.co.uk
West Ham manager Sam Allardyce says the club's record signing Andy Carroll
could return in "two to three weeks". The £15m striker, 25, has yet to play
this season after tearing ankle ligaments on the Hammers' pre-season tour of
New Zealand. Carroll has started only 12 Premier League matches during an
injury-hit 16-month spell at Upton Park. "It's been a long, hard road again
for Andy and one he's been too familiar with recently, sadly," Allardyce
said. "Hopefully he'll have a major impact when he comes back again."
Andy Carroll's injury record at West Ham
September 2012 - Picks up hamstring injury in his first game on loan - out
for a month
November 2012 -Twists knee against Manchester United - sidelined for two
months
May 2013 - Damages heel in the last game of the season - out for seven
months
July 2014 - Tears ankle ligaments in pre-season - expected to be out for
four months
The striker has returned to training and Allardyce expects the England
forward to feature in Under-18 and Under-21 games before a possible return
to first-team action in mid-November. "It'll be another two to three weeks,
if he has no niggles or problems, before we talk about playing him in the
team at any level," he said. "We'll try to get him through three or four
behind-closed-doors games and if that goes all right then we would hope to
have him back."
Allardyce says that the former Newcastle and Liverpool forward returned too
soon from the foot injury that kept him sidelined for the first five months
of last season. "Last time we got him back he did his ankle but carried on
playing, so this time round we don't want to rush him," he said. Summer
signings Diafra Sakho and Enner Valencia have impressed up front in
Carroll's absence, and, with West Ham lying fourth in the Premier League
table, Allardyce says the club can afford to take extra care over his
return. "We're hopefully going to get him back as quick as we can but we're
not going to rush him back because, touch wood, there's no desperate need at
the moment." he said.
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West Ham v Man City
KO 12:45
23 October 2014
Last updated at 16:00
By Jonathan Pearce
BBC Match of the Day commentator
BARCLAYS PREMIER LEAGUE
Venue: Upton Park Date: Saturday, 25 October
TEAM NEWS
West Ham have midfielder Cheikhou Kouyate and defender James Tomkins
available again after hamstring and thigh injuries respectively.
Andy Carroll was back in training this week after recovering from his ankle
injury, but he is not expected to return to the squad until next month.
Frank Lampard is a doubt for Manchester City having injured his thigh
against Tottenham last weekend. Fellow midfielder Samir Nasri is also
unavailable after a groin operation.
MATCH PREVIEW
Manchester City made mincemeat out of West Ham last season. Four wins in
four games between the clubs. Fourteen goals lashed in, including a 6-0
thrashing in the League Cup. Just one conceded. They haven't lost in 10
meetings. The omens should be ominous for the home side. But the Hammers are
a top-four side at the moment. Upton Park will be rocking. This will be a
real test for the defending champions after their exhausting and frustrating
trip to Moscow.
Vincent Kompany's attack on Uefa's ban on City fans for the
behind-closed-doors Champions League clash was justified. Decisions by
Europe's governing body have had the consistency of jelly over recent years.
But I wonder if the City skipper would have been so vociferous had they held
out for a much-needed Champions League win? The decision to give CSKA a
penalty was appalling. But City should have had the game wrapped up long
before then. They may be unbeaten in seven games. They may be the only side
capable of stopping Chelsea in the title race this season. But they're still
nowhere near top form away from home. If they're not really at it against
West Ham, they could suffer again.
Sam Allardyce's team is full of confidence as they look for a third win on
the spin at home. Critics point out that three of their four league
victories have come against Burnley, Crystal Palace and QPR. But they also
put Liverpool to the sword and were unlucky to come away empty-handed from
Old Trafford. No-one should belittle the transformation. It took them until
mid-January last season to record four league victories. They're capable of
giving City a real game. I'm hoping it'll be high scoring. City better be at
their best, otherwise West Ham's liberated form will continue.
MATCH FACTS
Head-to-head
Manchester City are unbeaten in their last 10 meetings with West Ham in all
competitions (W8, D2).
The Hammers have only won one of the last seven league meetings at Upton
Park (D2, L4).
West Ham
West Ham have won four of their first eight Premier League matches. Last
season they won just four of their opening 23 league matches.
Diafra Sakho scored for the fifth consecutive Premier League game against
Burnley last weekend. He is only the second West Ham player to score in five
consecutive Premier League games, after Carlton Cole.
Only four teams have scored more Premier League goals than West Ham (15)
this season.
Manchester City
No Premier League team has earned more away points than City's 10 this
season.
They are unbeaten in their last five Premier League matches and have won the
last three.
City have scored two goals or more in five of their six away matches this
season in all competitions.
Sergio Aguero has scored eight goals in his last five City games in all
competitions. His 61 league goals for City have come in only 95 appearances.
He averages a goal every 108 minutes, the best record in Premier League
history among players with 20 goals or more.
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Sam Allardyce: West Ham boss happy to wait on contract
BBc.co.uk
West Ham boss Sam Allardyce says he is not concerned the club directors have
yet to offer him a contract extension. The Hammers boss signed a two-year
extension in 2013, but that deal is due to expire at the end of the season.
There were calls from West Ham fans for Allardyce to be sacked last season
when they finished 13th in the Premier League, but now the club sit fourth.
"At my age it doesn't particularly worry me a great deal," Allardyce, 60,
said of his contract. When asked if there had been conversations about a new
contract, Allardyce said the board would wait for his team to reach "a
certain level". "If it has progressed to a certain level that they want to
offer me a new contract, that's fine," Allardyce added. "The industry is
impatient, and the only way you stop it being impatient towards you is by
getting results." Allardyce was appointed manager at Upton Park in June
2011, when the club had just been relegated to the Championship. His side
face Manchester City on Saturday.
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Which Hammer will be the signing of the summer?
KUMB.com
Filed: Friday, 17th October 2014
By: Staff Writer #3
As things stand, the Hammers' faithful should be a fairly happy bunch.
Currently lying seventh in the Premier League table, the goals are flying
in, entertainment levels are high, and the decision to stand by manager Sam
Allardyce is proving to be a wise decision from the board.
The highlight was the 3-1 win over Liverpool and while concerns remain, it's
been a positive start overall and the more optimistic among us would dare to
hope for a more comfortable campaign this time around.
Possibilities
Big Sam was busy in the summer transfer window, bringing in several players
to bolster the ranks at Upton Park. Considering the early season successes
that the Hammers have enjoyed, it proves that the majority of the new boys
have settled in well. It would be fanciful to believe that the Irons can
lift the Premier League title next May, but the odds of around 20/1 with
Betfair on the Hammers finishing in the top six is a possibility, if the
early form can be continued. Here we will discuss the merits of some of
Allardyce's new recruits to see which player could turn out to be the
signing of the summer.
Impressive start
The early season front-runner for this mythical award must be Senegalese
striker Diafra Sakho. The 24-year old frontman joined from French club Metz
in the summer for a nominal fee, and has already repaid the faith shown in
him by bagging five goals in his first six appearances for the club.
Sakho, impressively, has netted in each of his last four Premier League
appearances, which includes strikes against Liverpool and Manchester United.
The front man has provided a serious goal threat for a Hammers side that has
lacked in that department in recent times, and the Upton Park faithful will
be hoping his excellent run of form can continue throughout the season.
Capable performer
One of the finest pieces of business by Allardyce in the most recent window
was to snare Alex Song from Barcelona on a season-long loan deal. The
27-year old Cameroon International has seen limited match-time in Spain, so
a move back to the Premier League – and London - with West Ham does seem a
very logical choice.
Song has played in the last four matches for the Irons and has performed
capably without necessarily excelling in a holding midfield role. His
experience will prove invaluable over the coming months though, and the will
be a key man in protecting the Hammers' back line.
Biggest splash
West Ham's biggest splash of the summer window was on the Ecuadorian World
Cup star Enner Valencia, who arrived from Mexican club Pachuca for £12m and
the striker was soon taken to the hearts of the Hammers faithful with a
wonder-strike at Hull City on debut.
Things have gone a little quiet since for the 24-year old attacker, but
Valencia netted three goals on International duty recently to boost his
confidence levels. His direct style of play and unpredictability, and
hopefully goals, will surely make him a firm favourite at Upton Park this
season.
Bargain purchase
Aaron Cresswell arrived in June from Championship side Ipswich for a nominal
fee, and is another player who is proving to be a bargain purchase by Sam
Allardyce. Cresswell has slotted in nicely in his left-back role, and has
played every minute of West Ham's first seven matches this season. The
24-year old Englishman dispels the notion that Premier League talent cannot
be found in the lower divisions, and he looks to have made his position in
the side secure, barring injury.
No stranger
Frenchman, Morgan Amalfitano is no stranger to the Premier League after
spending a season-long loan at West Bromwich Albion, before agreeing to join
West Ham from parent-club, Marseille. The tricky wide-man settled well into
life in England last season with some excellent performances for the
Baggies, which obviously persuaded Allardyce to hijack a deal for the
29-year old.
Amalfitano netted his first goal in the 3-1 home win over Liverpool last
month but is yet to nail down a regular starting berth under Big Sam.
However, the French star will be an important squad player at Upton Park
this season.
We will only know the answer to the question that this article poses when
the season draws to an end but few would argue that the club haven't made
some shrewd purchases ahead of the new season. The highlight of 2013-14 was
undoubtedly the treble over Spurs and while the chance of a repeat has
already gone, surely we would swap that for a more productive overall
campaign and the new faces at Upton Park are set to provide just that.
At the moment, Diafra Sakho is the man in possession of this hypothetical
trophy but hopefully Enner Valencia will prove to be just as prolific as the
season develops.
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He's a claret and blue hero - but are Mark Noble's days numbered?
KUMB.com
Filed: Monday, 20th October 2014
By: Carys Baker
There are mixed opinions amongst our supporters regarding the ability of
Mark Noble, our current longest-serving player.
He can be labelled as an average player who wouldn't ever do any better than
West Ham by some, but others question why he's not an England regular,
especially ahead of the likes of Tom Cleverley. The argument usually settles
with, "well he's West Ham ain't he, always plays for the shirt - that's all
that matters".
Making his 200th Premier League appearance this weekend put into perspective
how key Mark Noble had been in our squad for the past ten years. He made his
debut aged 17 in the League Cup against Southend in 2004, then enjoyed
successive loan periods at Hull and Ipswich before gradually progressing
into a first team regular, penalty taker and vice captain - our true leader.
Noble really has progressed over the past decade. After earning his place in
the starting line-up regularly, week-in week-out under Alan Curbishley,
Noble has never seemed to have to really fight for his place in the starting
line-up. Maybe the reason is because we haven't had the talent and depth in
our squads - or maybe it is because Noble isn't just "West Ham", he does
work hard and is a talent.
Consequently our squad has strengthened remarkably this season, in midfield
in particular. Alex Song, on loan, is living up to expectations and Cheikhou
Kouyate (who has been out for a few weeks) has stood out already. He's a
Vieira-type player who will undoubtedly impress.
Stewart Downing has stepped up, which was needed, and has been playing more
of a central role which seems to have benefitted him already, with more
assists to his name than the whole of last season. Mauro Zarate has got the
flair we have lacked and he hasn't come to sit on the bench either.
Diego Poyet is a great young prospect too. He made his debut away at
Manchester United where he coped well, sitting in central midfield keeping
it balanced. That's not forgetting the remainder of our midfielders, as well
as our captain Kevin Nolan.
Immediately with all the gains to our squad I thought Mark Noble is going to
have to watch his back making sure he not just performs but shines to
protect his starting place as not everyone's going to be able to play. This
could be the first time in a long while Nobes has had to really fight for
his place.
We've started the season positively, beating Liverpool and deserving at
least a point away to Manchester United. However after beating Queens Park
Rangers it still felt like something was missing and became apparent how
much this side needs Mark Noble.
Granted, he can be off the pace at times and wouldn't be the stand-out
player for me in our midfield anymore. Also, his reluctance to release the
ball quickly enough can sometimes be frustrating. Moreover no-one has been
doing what Noble does in his absence by dropping back to pick the ball up
from the back four and dictating play as a consequence.
We do not have anyone else like him with the capability to link up the
defence and the midfield, nor to provide his leadership during the 90
minutes. We really have missed - and maybe to some extent, taken for granted
- Mark Noble.
Still, Kouyate will come back into the team when fit with him and with he
and Song being better all-round players than Noble technically, he could be
in risk of losing his place. Despite this, it could also be a blessing in
disguise as they could play as a three. Noble could trigger Kouyate and Song
to have more freedom in being able to be more attacking-minded in their
style of play.
Mark Noble's passion for West Ham will never be doubted. He brings drive,
passing, tackling, professionalism and leadership to our team.
Statistically, Noble is on par with England regulars with his pass
completion rate, penalty record and overall work rate. He is undeniably a
better all-round player than he gets credit for.
He's rarely, if ever, off his game. The passion and love he has for the club
is second to none and as fans, we all know that he gives everything for the
badge. We cannot ask for anything more than that.
Despite the additional talent that has been introduced to the squad this
season, I believe we as fans cannot let Mark Noble become an invisible man.
I fear he will continue to perform consistently but may not shine among
supporters as much as he has in the past.
But he should still get all the credit he deserves. After his 200th Premier
League appearance this weekend hopefully there'll be many more to come with
Nobes continuing to be a true, home-grown West Ham hero.
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West Ham's Andy Carroll could be fit enough to make his comeback in next few
weeks
Last Updated: 23/10/14 10:51pm
SSN
The 25-year-old striker is yet to make an appearance for the Hammers this
season due to an ankle injury, but pictures on the club's official twitter
account have revealed that he is back in training. Carroll, who has been
absent since the 2-0 defeat at Manchester City in May, was shown running and
took part in a game of head tennis with team-mates. He will play in a number
of practice games to build-up his fitness, with a possible comeback date
pencilled in for the Premier League home game against Aston Villa on
November 8. "It'll be another two to three weeks, if he has no niggles or
problems, before we talk about playing him in the team at any level," said
Hammers boss Sam Allardyce. "We'll try to get him through three or four
behind-closed-doors games and if that goes all right then we would hope to
have him back. "It's been a long, hard road again for Andy and one he's been
too familiar with recently, sadly. "Hopefully he'll have a major impact when
he comes back again."
A string of injuries have hampered Carroll's career at Upton Park, but the
return of the £15m signing from Liverpool will add further firepower to
Allardyce's high-flying team. Summer signings Diafra Sakho and Enner
Valencia have contributed seven goals between them in the absence of Carroll
and Saturday's 3-1 win at Burnley sent the team up to fourth in the table.
The former Bolton manager admits the team's impressive start to the campaign
means the club do not have to rush Carroll back into action. "Last time we
got him back and he did his ankle but carried on playing so this time round
we don't want to (rush) him," Allardyce added. "We're hopefully going to get
him back as quick as we can but we're not going to rush him back because,
touch wood, there's no desperate need at the moment."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham manager Sam Allardyce believes current side is best yet
Last Updated: 23/10/14 1:08pm
SSN
West Ham United manager Sam Allardyce believes his current side is the best
he has had in his three years at Upton Park. West Ham entertain champions
Manchester City this weekend - and Allardyce says they have a real chance of
upsetting the odds. Diafra Sakho and Enner Valencia have both been in fine
form - the former scoring six goals in seven appearances - as West Ham sit
in fourth place after eight games. Allardyce said: "We've scored 15 goals
in our first eight games and our total last year was 40. It shows what
goalscorers can do. "It looks like being the best side since I've been here
and the big bonus is the new players hitting the ground running. The rest of
the team has been lifted by that increase in quality and energy and we've
got over some injury problems too. "We've got a different team to when we
played Man City last season. They're a fabulous side but if we're going to
challenge them at any time this season this might be it, coming off a
Champions League game. "If we can keep their superb attacking force quiet
we'll then have to see if we can exploit any weaknesses."
There was a further boost for Allardyce when Andy Carroll returned to full
training on Thursday for the first time since suffering an ankle ligament
injury on the pre-season tour to New Zealand. The City match will be too
soon for him as he some weeks short of full fitness, but there was other
positive news for Allardyce, who said: "We've got James Tomkins and Cheik
Kouyate back into the squad, so we'll look forward to having them back."
Meanwhile, Allardyce insists he is not worried about being offered a new
contract despite his current deal expiring at the end of the season.
Allardyce, who signed a two-year extension to his contract in May 2013,
said: "At my age it doesn't particularly worry me a great deal. Contracts
are made and broken in the entire football industry - it doesn't mean
anything like it used to because a long or short contract doesn't protect
you. "It's a winning culture you need - if you continue to win, you improve
the club."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
BIG SAM'S GRAND SLAM SPEAKEASY
By Bianca Westwood 23 Oct 2014 at 09:20
West Ham Till I Die
Plans are made here, games are played here
I could write me a book
Each night astounds you
Rumours are abuzzing
Stories by the dozen
Look around you, cousin
At the news we're making here…
The headlines are reverential, the music is loud, the drinks are flowing and
there's a whole lotta love being shared around in the decadent atmosphere of
Big Sam's Grand Slam Speakeasy! You can imagine his 60th was a rowdy,
riotous affair. The gaffer, luxuriating in the glow of his new-found
success, strides ahead of his cohorts, back-slapping and hand-shaking
through the fawning masses. Grins wide, holds court, critics and splurge
guns silenced. Enemies whacked. An armistice of sorts and the party is wild!
"I've done a fantastic job," he booms. The crowd cheers. His disciples throw
themselves to the dusty floor in zealous genuflexion. Pressure? What
pressure? Was it ever in doubt?
Well yeah kinda.
I think deep down Allardyce is just as shocked as we are. No-one could have
predicted the immediate impact of the new recruits. Sakho, Valencia,
Cresswell, Kouyate, Zarate, Song, Jenkinson have all taken care of business.
No-one could have predicted the regeneration of the old guard. I've run out
of superlatives to describe Stewart Downing. All we need now is the
resurrection of Kevin Nolan and the messianic metamorphosis of Sam Allardyce
will be complete.
Yet, in all honesty, you can't argue with him. In the grand scheme of
things, in the cold light of day, when the speakeasy revellers have
departed, the chairs stacked high on the tables and the janitor is mopping
the mucky floor…yes, he has done a great job.
It's still only early days but it's a remarkable reversal of fortune.
Following the victory against Burnley we now reside loftily in 4th place in
the table. West Ham at Turf Moor like Cerberus guarding the gates of hell, 3
heads, 3 goals, 3 points. The Hammers are now brandishing a style of
football that has even the most cynical of Allardyce detractors swallowing
their words. Points stuffed in swag bags and players playing with swagger.
No in-house spatz, er, I mean spats. The Hammers mob is getting made. And it
feels pretty good.
It's not luck that's got them here. It may have taken longer than eager and
impatient fans would have liked. It may have taken the chairmen's
Godfather-like ultimatum: play the right way or you're swimming with the
fishes (we'll no doubt find out the truth about that in the memoirs); it may
have taken a hitman foisted upon him that has buried 6 goals in 6 games. But
the fact remains, you have to give credit to the man in charge.
If he has to face the backlash for the failures, if he has to bear the brunt
of the responsibility for the defeats, if he has to take the bullet for the
hoof up the park, then surely he's entitled to bask in the glory of this,
perhaps short-term but please God not, brilliant heist.
Let's not forget he has previous. When the likes of Djorkaeff, Anelka,
Hierro, Speed, Campo and Okocha the Magician of Bolton were delighting
all-comers at the Reebok, they weren't being surpassed or suppressed by a
long ball.
During his time there, Allardyce's roll-call of duty was pretty impressive:
play-off promotion to the Premier League, a league cup final and a 6th place
finish, earning the Trotters qualification to the UEFA cup for the first
time in the club's history. Yes they also had their moments flirting with
the drop, but, as we all know, Big Sam has never been relegated and
Wanderers fans enjoyed some of the best football and the best results they'd
seen in years under his tutelage.
I'm not saying the guy is a managerial master, his spell at Newcastle was a
disaster, he was ousted unexpectedly, and probably unfairly, at Blackburn,
but he does deserve a break.
As any fan who has suffered relegation regularly knows, sometimes you have
to dump your pretty principles if you want to stay with the big boys. Needs
must I'm afraid. Maybe now, Sam believes he has finally consolidated his
team in the highest division. Maybe now he knows he has the strength in
depth to not only remain in the Premier League, but to push on to greater
things in the top flight. Maybe now he feels comfortable enough to relax the
route one reins and really expand the brand. Whether you like the man or
not, whether you dislike his principles, or disagree with his methods, he's
achieving his targets, the football looks good and he should take some of
the plaudits being offered. For now…
It will be interesting to see how he fares going forward. I don't think it's
the last we've seen of the direct approach. When the situation calls for it
Allardyce will return to type. And so he should. Any strong team should be
able to adapt and fluctuate to ever-changing opponents. But now we have the
luxury of flexibility. We have options and the head honcho has an array of
weaponry at his fingertips. Last season there was hardly a plan A, let alone
B, C and D! Eyes will be trailing his every move, tactical decision, and
shift in strategy. With the comfort and reliability of a good squad we'll
now see what Sam Allardyce, once touted for the top job in the land, is
truly capable of.
I don't expect to see a new contract offered before the year, possibly even
the season, is out. Allardyce seems, as is his wont, unfazed and
unperturbed. He's been in the game long enough to know que sera sera. He
feels he's already proven himself at this level. He hadn't done so at the
Boleyn. He is doing it now. He guarantees Premier League football and now
he's bringing us fans football to be savour. Badabing badaboom!
The champagne corks are popping at the speakeasy, bubbles quaffed in copious
amounts. It could fall flat after a Champion's visit on Saturday…or, we
could fling some flans in City's faces.
Anybody who is anybody
Will soon walk through that door
At Big Sam's Grand Slam Speakeasy
Once you get here
Feel the good cheer
Like they say in the poem
Big Sam's ain't humble but it's your home sweet home…
Come On You Irons!
B x
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Sullivan on City: "I'm hopeful – you never know"
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on October 23, 2014 in Whispers
Claret & Hugh
Realist David Sullivan is approaching the Saturday lunchtime game with great
caution! The co-chairman isn't a man to deal in cliches which is why we hear
nothing about "this game showing us how far the Irons have come this
season." He admits that he "enjoyed wining in the West Ham Way" at Burnley
and is obviously hopeful that more of the same is on the way against the
City millionaires. And although he refuses to get carried away, speaking
exclusively to ClaretandHugh, he said: " I think we are a far better team
than last season as we have so many more attacking options.""It's a very
hard game, they are a £300/£400m team. "They murdered us four times last
season. I'd love to get so something from them. I'm hopeful rather than
expectant, but in football you never know."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
McAvennie: 'Sakho/Valencia to scare City'
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on October 23, 2014 in Whispers
Claret & Hugh
West Ham striking legend Frank McAvennie insists you can't teach players the
instinct we are seeing in Diafra Sakho. Supermac will be at the Boleyn for a
close up look at the Senegalese scoring sensation this weekend believing the
Irons have every chance of getting a result.
Speaking exclusively to ClaretandHugh he said: "The obvious question always
gets asked: 'What is it he has got?' but the answer isn't quite so easy to
find. "The only answer I can give is that he has the instinct – a knack of
being in precisely the right place at the right time. He's a great striker
who is only going to get a lot better as he plays more in the league. "I
love Enner Valencia too. He has pace and movement and is proving a real
handful for defenders. The two of them are a scary proposition even for the
likes of anchester City. "I'm really looking forward to this game because we
are meeting them when we are clearly in the best form we have been for a
long time and that gives us a chance. "Manchester City won't be taking this
anything other than very seriously indeed but with our two front men
anything is possible. "Many of us have said for a long time that we need two
up. Now it's been proved and we look really good as a result."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Gold solves Fergie's 'West Ham Way' problem
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on October 23, 2014 in Whispers
Claret & Hugh
Gracious David Gold could have chosen to tear into Sir Alex Ferguson after
the former Manchester United manager 's "What is the West Ham Way " outburst
…but quite simply he has too much class for such nonsense Ferguson has spent
a lot of time dissing the West Ham Way and the club's playing style down the
years in his updated biography drawing waves of contempt from Irons fans.
Ferguson had snarled: 'I hope that before I die someone can explain the
"West Ham way." What is it? They last won a trophy in 1980, the FA Cup. 'I
never played against any West Ham team that played football I was afraid of.
They were always surviving, or lucky as hell against us.'
Typically Ferguson! Storms and teacups are the words that come to mind but
the Irons co chairman – born across the road from the Boleyn in Green Street
– and a supporter all his life, refused to get into a major war of words.
Instead, in a one liner to put Ferguson out of business – and speaking
exclusively to ClaretandHugh – he said: "Sir Alex, playing the West Ham Way
is as much about what's in the heart as it is on the eye."
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WHUFC.com
The manager talks to the media ahead of Saturday's game against Manchester
City
23.10.2014
Sam Allardyce faced the media on Thursday morning ahead of Saturday's game
against Manchester City. West Ham United are looking for a third straight
win, but the manager is under no illusions as to the size of the task facing
his team.
How have you assessed the season so far?
SA: "We've done well so far, the new players have hit the ground running,
each signing has made a positive impact and obviously everyone is raving
about the front two. It's good that we're getting the results our
performances merit at the moment. At the moment we're very good but we have
to remember we're only eight games in. When we get into the nitty gritty in
November and December then we'll know what our team is really capable of."
You're up against Man City on Saturday, having lost to them four times last
season, do you need to change your approach?
SA: "We've got a different team to last season. Obviously the players that
are still here will remember that we didn't get anything from them. There
wasn't much we could do in the Capital One semi finals due to injuries at
that time. "They're a fabulous side, but if we're going to get anything
from them it's now, while we're in form. As well as them coming back from a
Champions League away game. We're in good, confident form but for me it's
about getting the players to their top level. We'll have to play like me did
against Liverpool, probably even better. We'll have to work hard and make
sure we contain their fantastic front line especially."
We've seen players struggle to integrate at different clubs for a number of
years, why has it been so successful here?
SA: "I think we have a good environment. I've learnt how important that is
as I've got more experienced. At Bolton we had an influx of foreign players
and that taught me the importance of thinking about the family rather than
just the player. The players settle quicker than the families because they
come over into our environment and are accepted into our group, we have a
very welcoming environment, it's very friendly and a good spirit. "It's
important we get it right with the family, that they are happy and settled
in the right area. It makes it harder if they don't speak English as well as
you'd like but it's all part of the process. So we give them the tools and
the best chance of succeeding, than it's down to the player to concentrate
and work hard. I have to say all our new players have done that
fantastically well, better than we expected. Their determination and desire
has been fabulous. "I talk to every player before we sign them. I talk to
them about the change of environment it's usually the last stage of the
process of singing a player. There been a few instances where I've decided
not to sign a player based on that final interview. It's far better finding
out early if there are going to problems than when you've signed them and
it's too late."
What effect does it have on the squad when you have a goalscorer like Diafra
Sakho doing so well?
SA: "We've 15 goals in the first eight games, when you compare that to
previous seasons it's a big improvement. Our total in year one was 46, last
year our highest scorer only had seven goals so you can see the improvement.
It's unlikely we'll carry it on, if we did we'd score 70 odd goals which
would be fantastic, we can only hope. It'll get harder as the two strikers
get paid more attention and are singled out."
You mentioned the importance of getting back to back wins, and you got that,
how important is that and is their a greater hunger this year?
SA: "There's no greater hunger, just a better quality of player. With all
due respect to the players we've had, they've all done a fantastic job. I
think it's down to the team growing together as well as that added quality.
Our desire was to find quality players at a younger age. Our average age of
the new signings was just 24-and-a-half years old."
Any team news?
SA: "We've got Cheikhou and James Tomkins back and no new injuries this
week. The other players that were out are making good progress so they
should be back with us shortly. We've got a few out but we're getting
better."
A quick word on Sergio Aguero, how good do you think he is?
SA: "After coming through some injury problems he's done well. He scored
four last week and could have had five. Let's face it sometimes he's
unplayable. We have to focus on limiting the service to him because he's so
dangerous and can wriggle out of a tight situation."
A word on Manchester City, how difficult are they and do you expect them to
challenge for the title again?
SA: "I think they've probably got the best squad in the league. Even though
Chelsea have started as well as they have. For City it depends whether they
have the desire and determination to win it in consecutive years. It's
hugely difficult to win it once never mind back to back. It's only happened
very few times but it all depends on their determination. Last year when
they had an opportunity to take it, they took it. They demonstrated that
they know how to do it so we'll see what happens."
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Six of the best: Manchester City
WHUFC.com
The Official website takes a look back on six memorable wins over Tuesday
night's opponents
23.10.2014
whufc.com begins tne build-up to Saturday's game against Manchester City by
looking back at six classic Boleyn Ground victories over the Citizens.
West Ham United 1-0 Manchester City
Premier League
1 March 2009
West Ham produced a wonderful display of passing football to see off the
challenge of their visitors, who had been taken over the previous September
by Emirati businessmen City had mercurial Brazilian Robinho in their ranks
but even he rarely threatened as a Jack Collison goal 19 minutes from time
deservedly won it for the Hammers. Gianfranco Zola's team moved up to
seventh with the win but eventually finished the season in ninth, one place
above Mark Hughes' City.
West Ham United 4-1 Manchester City
Premier League
11 November 2000
Four second-half goals saw the Hammers blitz their opponents, who had led at
the interval through a Spencer Prior goal after 32 minutes.
Steve Lomas equalised eight minutes after half-time before Trevor Sinclair
put the home side in front five minutes later. Ian Pearce added a third
before Paolo Di Canio netted a fourth from the penalty spot in the final
minute.
West Ham United 4-2 Manchester City
Premier League
23 March 1996
Manchester City came to the Boleyn Ground fighting against relegation in
1996 and they were shown no mercy by the ruthless Hammers.
Niall Quinn's double counted for nothing as two goals by Iain Dowie and one
each for Dani and Julian Dicks made sure of a home win.
City went onto be relegated on goal difference whilst the Hammers secured a
top-half finish.
West Ham United 3-0 Manchester City
Premier League
17 December 1994
West Ham United moved up to 17th in the league courtesy of a Tony Cottee
hat-trick. The striker netted after seven, ten and 57 minutes as the home
side cruised to a routine victory. Cottee's goals were three of the 15 he
managed to net during the course of a season in which West Ham finished
14th, three places above their visitors.
West Ham United 4-1 Manchester City
Division One
25 September 1982
The high-flying Hammers handed Manchester City a beating when the Sky Blues
visited in 1982. The home side started the day in fourth place and went onto
to score four thanks to a double from Sandy Clark and a goal each for
Francois van der Elst and Paul Goddard. Whilst the Hammers enjoyed an
eighth-place finish this season City would go onto suffer the agony of
relegation from England's top flight.
West Ham United 6-1 Manchester City
Division One
18 May 1963
West Ham confirmed Manchester City's relegation to the Second Division by
thrashing them on the final day of the 1962/63 season. Geoff Hurst and Alan
Sealey both bagged a brace while Ronnie Boyce and Peter Brabrook also
chipped in with a goal each. The Hammers' win saw their opponents relegated
by two points and in turn helped them to a 12th place finish. Amazingly,
West Ham had also beaten City 6-1 in their meeting at Maine Road in
September 1962.
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Teddy delighted with striker Sakho
WHUFC.com
Teddy Sheringham believes Diafra Sakho has all the ingredients to be a top
striker
23.10.2014
Teddy Sheringham spotted something special in Diafra Sakho after his very
first training session with West Ham United's new attacking coach. The
former Hammers and England star took the recently-signed Sakho and the
Club's other forwards for a finishing session at Chadwell Heath in early
September. Sheringham had never seen the 24-year-old in the flesh before,
but he was quickly taken by the ex-FC Metz striker's technique, movement and
natural finishing ability. Eight weeks later and Sakho has taken the
Barclays Premier League by storm, scoring in each of his first five starts
in Claret and Blue and impressing all with his outstanding all-round game.
So, why does Sheringham believe the Senegalese has made such an impact?
"First of all, he has an eye for a goal," he enthused. "He can score a goal
first and foremost. "Secondly, and more importantly, he wants to score a
goal and he puts himself in positions where he can score a goal. "He has
enthusiasm all over the pitch, which makes him a team favourite and, at the
same time, a crowd favourite. He is up there in the right or left wing
position, up the middle and then tracking back to the full-back positions.
He pops up everywhere doing something for the team, which makes him
invaluable. "When you look up front and see two boys working their socks off
to close people down and stop their full-backs getting out, then it's
invaluable for the team and you get a boost from that. "On top of that
work-rate, he is scoring goals and is full of confidence and long may it
continue."
While Sakho's new strike partner Enner Valencia has not netted the same
number of goals as the No15, Sheringham says he fully expects the South
American to start hitting the net regularly soon. Sakho became the first
West Ham player ever to score on his first five league appearances for the
Club, and just the ninth Hammer to score in at least six consecutive matches
after Vic Watson, Geoff Hurst, Jimmy Ruffell, John Dick, Johnny Byrne, Bryan
'Pop' Robson, David Cross and Tony Cottee.
Watson enjoyed streaks of nine, seven (twice) and six consecutive scoring
matches during his record-breaking 16-year career at the Club, while Hurst
netted in seven straight games in January-February 1964. Amazingly, Syd
Puddefoot scored in EIGHTEEN consecutive matches in the War-time London
Combination between Feb 1918 and Jan 1919!
Player Consecutive scoring matches Goals scored
Year
Vic Watson 9 (6 Division One/3 FA Cup)
15 1930
Geoff Hurst 7 (5 Division One/2 League Cup) 14
1966
Vic Watson 7 (6 Division One/1 FA Cup)
10 1930-31
Geoff Hurst 7 (4 Division One/2 FA Cup/1 League Cup)
11 1964
Jimmy Ruffell 7 (all Division Two)
10 1929
Vic Watson 7 (all Division One)
9 1929
Vic Watson 6 (all Division One)
10 1927
Johnny Byrne 6 (4 Division One/2 FA Cup)
9 1964
David Cross 6 (3 Division Two/2 European Cup Winners' Cup/1
League Cup) 9 1980
John Dick 6 (all Division Two)
7 1954
John Dick 6 (all Division Two)
6 1957
Bryan 'Pop' Robson 6 (5 Division Two/1 FA Cup)
6 1979
Tony Cottee 6 (4 Division One/2 League Cup) 6
1985
Diafra Sakho 6 (5 Premier League/1 League Cup)
6 2014
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Andy Carroll: West Ham striker could return in 'two to three weeks'
BBC.co.uk
West Ham manager Sam Allardyce says the club's record signing Andy Carroll
could return in "two to three weeks". The £15m striker, 25, has yet to play
this season after tearing ankle ligaments on the Hammers' pre-season tour of
New Zealand. Carroll has started only 12 Premier League matches during an
injury-hit 16-month spell at Upton Park. "It's been a long, hard road again
for Andy and one he's been too familiar with recently, sadly," Allardyce
said. "Hopefully he'll have a major impact when he comes back again."
Andy Carroll's injury record at West Ham
September 2012 - Picks up hamstring injury in his first game on loan - out
for a month
November 2012 -Twists knee against Manchester United - sidelined for two
months
May 2013 - Damages heel in the last game of the season - out for seven
months
July 2014 - Tears ankle ligaments in pre-season - expected to be out for
four months
The striker has returned to training and Allardyce expects the England
forward to feature in Under-18 and Under-21 games before a possible return
to first-team action in mid-November. "It'll be another two to three weeks,
if he has no niggles or problems, before we talk about playing him in the
team at any level," he said. "We'll try to get him through three or four
behind-closed-doors games and if that goes all right then we would hope to
have him back."
Allardyce says that the former Newcastle and Liverpool forward returned too
soon from the foot injury that kept him sidelined for the first five months
of last season. "Last time we got him back he did his ankle but carried on
playing, so this time round we don't want to rush him," he said. Summer
signings Diafra Sakho and Enner Valencia have impressed up front in
Carroll's absence, and, with West Ham lying fourth in the Premier League
table, Allardyce says the club can afford to take extra care over his
return. "We're hopefully going to get him back as quick as we can but we're
not going to rush him back because, touch wood, there's no desperate need at
the moment." he said.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham v Man City
KO 12:45
23 October 2014
Last updated at 16:00
By Jonathan Pearce
BBC Match of the Day commentator
BARCLAYS PREMIER LEAGUE
Venue: Upton Park Date: Saturday, 25 October
TEAM NEWS
West Ham have midfielder Cheikhou Kouyate and defender James Tomkins
available again after hamstring and thigh injuries respectively.
Andy Carroll was back in training this week after recovering from his ankle
injury, but he is not expected to return to the squad until next month.
Frank Lampard is a doubt for Manchester City having injured his thigh
against Tottenham last weekend. Fellow midfielder Samir Nasri is also
unavailable after a groin operation.
MATCH PREVIEW
Manchester City made mincemeat out of West Ham last season. Four wins in
four games between the clubs. Fourteen goals lashed in, including a 6-0
thrashing in the League Cup. Just one conceded. They haven't lost in 10
meetings. The omens should be ominous for the home side. But the Hammers are
a top-four side at the moment. Upton Park will be rocking. This will be a
real test for the defending champions after their exhausting and frustrating
trip to Moscow.
Vincent Kompany's attack on Uefa's ban on City fans for the
behind-closed-doors Champions League clash was justified. Decisions by
Europe's governing body have had the consistency of jelly over recent years.
But I wonder if the City skipper would have been so vociferous had they held
out for a much-needed Champions League win? The decision to give CSKA a
penalty was appalling. But City should have had the game wrapped up long
before then. They may be unbeaten in seven games. They may be the only side
capable of stopping Chelsea in the title race this season. But they're still
nowhere near top form away from home. If they're not really at it against
West Ham, they could suffer again.
Sam Allardyce's team is full of confidence as they look for a third win on
the spin at home. Critics point out that three of their four league
victories have come against Burnley, Crystal Palace and QPR. But they also
put Liverpool to the sword and were unlucky to come away empty-handed from
Old Trafford. No-one should belittle the transformation. It took them until
mid-January last season to record four league victories. They're capable of
giving City a real game. I'm hoping it'll be high scoring. City better be at
their best, otherwise West Ham's liberated form will continue.
MATCH FACTS
Head-to-head
Manchester City are unbeaten in their last 10 meetings with West Ham in all
competitions (W8, D2).
The Hammers have only won one of the last seven league meetings at Upton
Park (D2, L4).
West Ham
West Ham have won four of their first eight Premier League matches. Last
season they won just four of their opening 23 league matches.
Diafra Sakho scored for the fifth consecutive Premier League game against
Burnley last weekend. He is only the second West Ham player to score in five
consecutive Premier League games, after Carlton Cole.
Only four teams have scored more Premier League goals than West Ham (15)
this season.
Manchester City
No Premier League team has earned more away points than City's 10 this
season.
They are unbeaten in their last five Premier League matches and have won the
last three.
City have scored two goals or more in five of their six away matches this
season in all competitions.
Sergio Aguero has scored eight goals in his last five City games in all
competitions. His 61 league goals for City have come in only 95 appearances.
He averages a goal every 108 minutes, the best record in Premier League
history among players with 20 goals or more.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Sam Allardyce: West Ham boss happy to wait on contract
BBc.co.uk
West Ham boss Sam Allardyce says he is not concerned the club directors have
yet to offer him a contract extension. The Hammers boss signed a two-year
extension in 2013, but that deal is due to expire at the end of the season.
There were calls from West Ham fans for Allardyce to be sacked last season
when they finished 13th in the Premier League, but now the club sit fourth.
"At my age it doesn't particularly worry me a great deal," Allardyce, 60,
said of his contract. When asked if there had been conversations about a new
contract, Allardyce said the board would wait for his team to reach "a
certain level". "If it has progressed to a certain level that they want to
offer me a new contract, that's fine," Allardyce added. "The industry is
impatient, and the only way you stop it being impatient towards you is by
getting results." Allardyce was appointed manager at Upton Park in June
2011, when the club had just been relegated to the Championship. His side
face Manchester City on Saturday.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Which Hammer will be the signing of the summer?
KUMB.com
Filed: Friday, 17th October 2014
By: Staff Writer #3
As things stand, the Hammers' faithful should be a fairly happy bunch.
Currently lying seventh in the Premier League table, the goals are flying
in, entertainment levels are high, and the decision to stand by manager Sam
Allardyce is proving to be a wise decision from the board.
The highlight was the 3-1 win over Liverpool and while concerns remain, it's
been a positive start overall and the more optimistic among us would dare to
hope for a more comfortable campaign this time around.
Possibilities
Big Sam was busy in the summer transfer window, bringing in several players
to bolster the ranks at Upton Park. Considering the early season successes
that the Hammers have enjoyed, it proves that the majority of the new boys
have settled in well. It would be fanciful to believe that the Irons can
lift the Premier League title next May, but the odds of around 20/1 with
Betfair on the Hammers finishing in the top six is a possibility, if the
early form can be continued. Here we will discuss the merits of some of
Allardyce's new recruits to see which player could turn out to be the
signing of the summer.
Impressive start
The early season front-runner for this mythical award must be Senegalese
striker Diafra Sakho. The 24-year old frontman joined from French club Metz
in the summer for a nominal fee, and has already repaid the faith shown in
him by bagging five goals in his first six appearances for the club.
Sakho, impressively, has netted in each of his last four Premier League
appearances, which includes strikes against Liverpool and Manchester United.
The front man has provided a serious goal threat for a Hammers side that has
lacked in that department in recent times, and the Upton Park faithful will
be hoping his excellent run of form can continue throughout the season.
Capable performer
One of the finest pieces of business by Allardyce in the most recent window
was to snare Alex Song from Barcelona on a season-long loan deal. The
27-year old Cameroon International has seen limited match-time in Spain, so
a move back to the Premier League – and London - with West Ham does seem a
very logical choice.
Song has played in the last four matches for the Irons and has performed
capably without necessarily excelling in a holding midfield role. His
experience will prove invaluable over the coming months though, and the will
be a key man in protecting the Hammers' back line.
Biggest splash
West Ham's biggest splash of the summer window was on the Ecuadorian World
Cup star Enner Valencia, who arrived from Mexican club Pachuca for £12m and
the striker was soon taken to the hearts of the Hammers faithful with a
wonder-strike at Hull City on debut.
Things have gone a little quiet since for the 24-year old attacker, but
Valencia netted three goals on International duty recently to boost his
confidence levels. His direct style of play and unpredictability, and
hopefully goals, will surely make him a firm favourite at Upton Park this
season.
Bargain purchase
Aaron Cresswell arrived in June from Championship side Ipswich for a nominal
fee, and is another player who is proving to be a bargain purchase by Sam
Allardyce. Cresswell has slotted in nicely in his left-back role, and has
played every minute of West Ham's first seven matches this season. The
24-year old Englishman dispels the notion that Premier League talent cannot
be found in the lower divisions, and he looks to have made his position in
the side secure, barring injury.
No stranger
Frenchman, Morgan Amalfitano is no stranger to the Premier League after
spending a season-long loan at West Bromwich Albion, before agreeing to join
West Ham from parent-club, Marseille. The tricky wide-man settled well into
life in England last season with some excellent performances for the
Baggies, which obviously persuaded Allardyce to hijack a deal for the
29-year old.
Amalfitano netted his first goal in the 3-1 home win over Liverpool last
month but is yet to nail down a regular starting berth under Big Sam.
However, the French star will be an important squad player at Upton Park
this season.
We will only know the answer to the question that this article poses when
the season draws to an end but few would argue that the club haven't made
some shrewd purchases ahead of the new season. The highlight of 2013-14 was
undoubtedly the treble over Spurs and while the chance of a repeat has
already gone, surely we would swap that for a more productive overall
campaign and the new faces at Upton Park are set to provide just that.
At the moment, Diafra Sakho is the man in possession of this hypothetical
trophy but hopefully Enner Valencia will prove to be just as prolific as the
season develops.
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He's a claret and blue hero - but are Mark Noble's days numbered?
KUMB.com
Filed: Monday, 20th October 2014
By: Carys Baker
There are mixed opinions amongst our supporters regarding the ability of
Mark Noble, our current longest-serving player.
He can be labelled as an average player who wouldn't ever do any better than
West Ham by some, but others question why he's not an England regular,
especially ahead of the likes of Tom Cleverley. The argument usually settles
with, "well he's West Ham ain't he, always plays for the shirt - that's all
that matters".
Making his 200th Premier League appearance this weekend put into perspective
how key Mark Noble had been in our squad for the past ten years. He made his
debut aged 17 in the League Cup against Southend in 2004, then enjoyed
successive loan periods at Hull and Ipswich before gradually progressing
into a first team regular, penalty taker and vice captain - our true leader.
Noble really has progressed over the past decade. After earning his place in
the starting line-up regularly, week-in week-out under Alan Curbishley,
Noble has never seemed to have to really fight for his place in the starting
line-up. Maybe the reason is because we haven't had the talent and depth in
our squads - or maybe it is because Noble isn't just "West Ham", he does
work hard and is a talent.
Consequently our squad has strengthened remarkably this season, in midfield
in particular. Alex Song, on loan, is living up to expectations and Cheikhou
Kouyate (who has been out for a few weeks) has stood out already. He's a
Vieira-type player who will undoubtedly impress.
Stewart Downing has stepped up, which was needed, and has been playing more
of a central role which seems to have benefitted him already, with more
assists to his name than the whole of last season. Mauro Zarate has got the
flair we have lacked and he hasn't come to sit on the bench either.
Diego Poyet is a great young prospect too. He made his debut away at
Manchester United where he coped well, sitting in central midfield keeping
it balanced. That's not forgetting the remainder of our midfielders, as well
as our captain Kevin Nolan.
Immediately with all the gains to our squad I thought Mark Noble is going to
have to watch his back making sure he not just performs but shines to
protect his starting place as not everyone's going to be able to play. This
could be the first time in a long while Nobes has had to really fight for
his place.
We've started the season positively, beating Liverpool and deserving at
least a point away to Manchester United. However after beating Queens Park
Rangers it still felt like something was missing and became apparent how
much this side needs Mark Noble.
Granted, he can be off the pace at times and wouldn't be the stand-out
player for me in our midfield anymore. Also, his reluctance to release the
ball quickly enough can sometimes be frustrating. Moreover no-one has been
doing what Noble does in his absence by dropping back to pick the ball up
from the back four and dictating play as a consequence.
We do not have anyone else like him with the capability to link up the
defence and the midfield, nor to provide his leadership during the 90
minutes. We really have missed - and maybe to some extent, taken for granted
- Mark Noble.
Still, Kouyate will come back into the team when fit with him and with he
and Song being better all-round players than Noble technically, he could be
in risk of losing his place. Despite this, it could also be a blessing in
disguise as they could play as a three. Noble could trigger Kouyate and Song
to have more freedom in being able to be more attacking-minded in their
style of play.
Mark Noble's passion for West Ham will never be doubted. He brings drive,
passing, tackling, professionalism and leadership to our team.
Statistically, Noble is on par with England regulars with his pass
completion rate, penalty record and overall work rate. He is undeniably a
better all-round player than he gets credit for.
He's rarely, if ever, off his game. The passion and love he has for the club
is second to none and as fans, we all know that he gives everything for the
badge. We cannot ask for anything more than that.
Despite the additional talent that has been introduced to the squad this
season, I believe we as fans cannot let Mark Noble become an invisible man.
I fear he will continue to perform consistently but may not shine among
supporters as much as he has in the past.
But he should still get all the credit he deserves. After his 200th Premier
League appearance this weekend hopefully there'll be many more to come with
Nobes continuing to be a true, home-grown West Ham hero.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham's Andy Carroll could be fit enough to make his comeback in next few
weeks
Last Updated: 23/10/14 10:51pm
SSN
The 25-year-old striker is yet to make an appearance for the Hammers this
season due to an ankle injury, but pictures on the club's official twitter
account have revealed that he is back in training. Carroll, who has been
absent since the 2-0 defeat at Manchester City in May, was shown running and
took part in a game of head tennis with team-mates. He will play in a number
of practice games to build-up his fitness, with a possible comeback date
pencilled in for the Premier League home game against Aston Villa on
November 8. "It'll be another two to three weeks, if he has no niggles or
problems, before we talk about playing him in the team at any level," said
Hammers boss Sam Allardyce. "We'll try to get him through three or four
behind-closed-doors games and if that goes all right then we would hope to
have him back. "It's been a long, hard road again for Andy and one he's been
too familiar with recently, sadly. "Hopefully he'll have a major impact when
he comes back again."
A string of injuries have hampered Carroll's career at Upton Park, but the
return of the £15m signing from Liverpool will add further firepower to
Allardyce's high-flying team. Summer signings Diafra Sakho and Enner
Valencia have contributed seven goals between them in the absence of Carroll
and Saturday's 3-1 win at Burnley sent the team up to fourth in the table.
The former Bolton manager admits the team's impressive start to the campaign
means the club do not have to rush Carroll back into action. "Last time we
got him back and he did his ankle but carried on playing so this time round
we don't want to (rush) him," Allardyce added. "We're hopefully going to get
him back as quick as we can but we're not going to rush him back because,
touch wood, there's no desperate need at the moment."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham manager Sam Allardyce believes current side is best yet
Last Updated: 23/10/14 1:08pm
SSN
West Ham United manager Sam Allardyce believes his current side is the best
he has had in his three years at Upton Park. West Ham entertain champions
Manchester City this weekend - and Allardyce says they have a real chance of
upsetting the odds. Diafra Sakho and Enner Valencia have both been in fine
form - the former scoring six goals in seven appearances - as West Ham sit
in fourth place after eight games. Allardyce said: "We've scored 15 goals
in our first eight games and our total last year was 40. It shows what
goalscorers can do. "It looks like being the best side since I've been here
and the big bonus is the new players hitting the ground running. The rest of
the team has been lifted by that increase in quality and energy and we've
got over some injury problems too. "We've got a different team to when we
played Man City last season. They're a fabulous side but if we're going to
challenge them at any time this season this might be it, coming off a
Champions League game. "If we can keep their superb attacking force quiet
we'll then have to see if we can exploit any weaknesses."
There was a further boost for Allardyce when Andy Carroll returned to full
training on Thursday for the first time since suffering an ankle ligament
injury on the pre-season tour to New Zealand. The City match will be too
soon for him as he some weeks short of full fitness, but there was other
positive news for Allardyce, who said: "We've got James Tomkins and Cheik
Kouyate back into the squad, so we'll look forward to having them back."
Meanwhile, Allardyce insists he is not worried about being offered a new
contract despite his current deal expiring at the end of the season.
Allardyce, who signed a two-year extension to his contract in May 2013,
said: "At my age it doesn't particularly worry me a great deal. Contracts
are made and broken in the entire football industry - it doesn't mean
anything like it used to because a long or short contract doesn't protect
you. "It's a winning culture you need - if you continue to win, you improve
the club."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
BIG SAM'S GRAND SLAM SPEAKEASY
By Bianca Westwood 23 Oct 2014 at 09:20
West Ham Till I Die
Plans are made here, games are played here
I could write me a book
Each night astounds you
Rumours are abuzzing
Stories by the dozen
Look around you, cousin
At the news we're making here…
The headlines are reverential, the music is loud, the drinks are flowing and
there's a whole lotta love being shared around in the decadent atmosphere of
Big Sam's Grand Slam Speakeasy! You can imagine his 60th was a rowdy,
riotous affair. The gaffer, luxuriating in the glow of his new-found
success, strides ahead of his cohorts, back-slapping and hand-shaking
through the fawning masses. Grins wide, holds court, critics and splurge
guns silenced. Enemies whacked. An armistice of sorts and the party is wild!
"I've done a fantastic job," he booms. The crowd cheers. His disciples throw
themselves to the dusty floor in zealous genuflexion. Pressure? What
pressure? Was it ever in doubt?
Well yeah kinda.
I think deep down Allardyce is just as shocked as we are. No-one could have
predicted the immediate impact of the new recruits. Sakho, Valencia,
Cresswell, Kouyate, Zarate, Song, Jenkinson have all taken care of business.
No-one could have predicted the regeneration of the old guard. I've run out
of superlatives to describe Stewart Downing. All we need now is the
resurrection of Kevin Nolan and the messianic metamorphosis of Sam Allardyce
will be complete.
Yet, in all honesty, you can't argue with him. In the grand scheme of
things, in the cold light of day, when the speakeasy revellers have
departed, the chairs stacked high on the tables and the janitor is mopping
the mucky floor…yes, he has done a great job.
It's still only early days but it's a remarkable reversal of fortune.
Following the victory against Burnley we now reside loftily in 4th place in
the table. West Ham at Turf Moor like Cerberus guarding the gates of hell, 3
heads, 3 goals, 3 points. The Hammers are now brandishing a style of
football that has even the most cynical of Allardyce detractors swallowing
their words. Points stuffed in swag bags and players playing with swagger.
No in-house spatz, er, I mean spats. The Hammers mob is getting made. And it
feels pretty good.
It's not luck that's got them here. It may have taken longer than eager and
impatient fans would have liked. It may have taken the chairmen's
Godfather-like ultimatum: play the right way or you're swimming with the
fishes (we'll no doubt find out the truth about that in the memoirs); it may
have taken a hitman foisted upon him that has buried 6 goals in 6 games. But
the fact remains, you have to give credit to the man in charge.
If he has to face the backlash for the failures, if he has to bear the brunt
of the responsibility for the defeats, if he has to take the bullet for the
hoof up the park, then surely he's entitled to bask in the glory of this,
perhaps short-term but please God not, brilliant heist.
Let's not forget he has previous. When the likes of Djorkaeff, Anelka,
Hierro, Speed, Campo and Okocha the Magician of Bolton were delighting
all-comers at the Reebok, they weren't being surpassed or suppressed by a
long ball.
During his time there, Allardyce's roll-call of duty was pretty impressive:
play-off promotion to the Premier League, a league cup final and a 6th place
finish, earning the Trotters qualification to the UEFA cup for the first
time in the club's history. Yes they also had their moments flirting with
the drop, but, as we all know, Big Sam has never been relegated and
Wanderers fans enjoyed some of the best football and the best results they'd
seen in years under his tutelage.
I'm not saying the guy is a managerial master, his spell at Newcastle was a
disaster, he was ousted unexpectedly, and probably unfairly, at Blackburn,
but he does deserve a break.
As any fan who has suffered relegation regularly knows, sometimes you have
to dump your pretty principles if you want to stay with the big boys. Needs
must I'm afraid. Maybe now, Sam believes he has finally consolidated his
team in the highest division. Maybe now he knows he has the strength in
depth to not only remain in the Premier League, but to push on to greater
things in the top flight. Maybe now he feels comfortable enough to relax the
route one reins and really expand the brand. Whether you like the man or
not, whether you dislike his principles, or disagree with his methods, he's
achieving his targets, the football looks good and he should take some of
the plaudits being offered. For now…
It will be interesting to see how he fares going forward. I don't think it's
the last we've seen of the direct approach. When the situation calls for it
Allardyce will return to type. And so he should. Any strong team should be
able to adapt and fluctuate to ever-changing opponents. But now we have the
luxury of flexibility. We have options and the head honcho has an array of
weaponry at his fingertips. Last season there was hardly a plan A, let alone
B, C and D! Eyes will be trailing his every move, tactical decision, and
shift in strategy. With the comfort and reliability of a good squad we'll
now see what Sam Allardyce, once touted for the top job in the land, is
truly capable of.
I don't expect to see a new contract offered before the year, possibly even
the season, is out. Allardyce seems, as is his wont, unfazed and
unperturbed. He's been in the game long enough to know que sera sera. He
feels he's already proven himself at this level. He hadn't done so at the
Boleyn. He is doing it now. He guarantees Premier League football and now
he's bringing us fans football to be savour. Badabing badaboom!
The champagne corks are popping at the speakeasy, bubbles quaffed in copious
amounts. It could fall flat after a Champion's visit on Saturday…or, we
could fling some flans in City's faces.
Anybody who is anybody
Will soon walk through that door
At Big Sam's Grand Slam Speakeasy
Once you get here
Feel the good cheer
Like they say in the poem
Big Sam's ain't humble but it's your home sweet home…
Come On You Irons!
B x
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Sullivan on City: "I'm hopeful – you never know"
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on October 23, 2014 in Whispers
Claret & Hugh
Realist David Sullivan is approaching the Saturday lunchtime game with great
caution! The co-chairman isn't a man to deal in cliches which is why we hear
nothing about "this game showing us how far the Irons have come this
season." He admits that he "enjoyed wining in the West Ham Way" at Burnley
and is obviously hopeful that more of the same is on the way against the
City millionaires. And although he refuses to get carried away, speaking
exclusively to ClaretandHugh, he said: " I think we are a far better team
than last season as we have so many more attacking options.""It's a very
hard game, they are a £300/£400m team. "They murdered us four times last
season. I'd love to get so something from them. I'm hopeful rather than
expectant, but in football you never know."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
McAvennie: 'Sakho/Valencia to scare City'
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on October 23, 2014 in Whispers
Claret & Hugh
West Ham striking legend Frank McAvennie insists you can't teach players the
instinct we are seeing in Diafra Sakho. Supermac will be at the Boleyn for a
close up look at the Senegalese scoring sensation this weekend believing the
Irons have every chance of getting a result.
Speaking exclusively to ClaretandHugh he said: "The obvious question always
gets asked: 'What is it he has got?' but the answer isn't quite so easy to
find. "The only answer I can give is that he has the instinct – a knack of
being in precisely the right place at the right time. He's a great striker
who is only going to get a lot better as he plays more in the league. "I
love Enner Valencia too. He has pace and movement and is proving a real
handful for defenders. The two of them are a scary proposition even for the
likes of anchester City. "I'm really looking forward to this game because we
are meeting them when we are clearly in the best form we have been for a
long time and that gives us a chance. "Manchester City won't be taking this
anything other than very seriously indeed but with our two front men
anything is possible. "Many of us have said for a long time that we need two
up. Now it's been proved and we look really good as a result."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Gold solves Fergie's 'West Ham Way' problem
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on October 23, 2014 in Whispers
Claret & Hugh
Gracious David Gold could have chosen to tear into Sir Alex Ferguson after
the former Manchester United manager 's "What is the West Ham Way " outburst
…but quite simply he has too much class for such nonsense Ferguson has spent
a lot of time dissing the West Ham Way and the club's playing style down the
years in his updated biography drawing waves of contempt from Irons fans.
Ferguson had snarled: 'I hope that before I die someone can explain the
"West Ham way." What is it? They last won a trophy in 1980, the FA Cup. 'I
never played against any West Ham team that played football I was afraid of.
They were always surviving, or lucky as hell against us.'
Typically Ferguson! Storms and teacups are the words that come to mind but
the Irons co chairman – born across the road from the Boleyn in Green Street
– and a supporter all his life, refused to get into a major war of words.
Instead, in a one liner to put Ferguson out of business – and speaking
exclusively to ClaretandHugh – he said: "Sir Alex, playing the West Ham Way
is as much about what's in the heart as it is on the eye."
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