Carroll nets in friendly draw
WHUFC.com
Hammers frontman Andy Carroll capped his first 90 minutes of the campaign with a goal
13.11.2014
Andy Carroll was back among the goals in Claret and Blue on Thursday afternoon, as a West Ham United XI drew 3-3 with Fulham in a behind-closed-doors friendly at the Boleyn Ground. England international Carroll, who made his first Barclays Premier League appearance of the season as a substitute in the goalless draw against Aston Villa, completed the 90 minutes and netted from close range to level the scores at two apiece. West Ham's No9 looked sharp, putting in a typically robust display, as he won headers at will and created a number of chances for himself and team-mates alike. Fielding a strong-looking XI, West Ham opened the scoring early on courtesy of a superb Ricardo Vaz Te volley, one that owed plenty to Matt Jarvis' burst into the box. In an entertaining and open affair, both sides had several a sight of goal, before Moussa Dembele squared things up with a smart finish. Kevin Nolan then smashed the bar, but the Cottagers were to turn the game on its head when Chris David struck. The topsy-turvy contest continued with Carroll's leveller, before former Oldham Athletic and Leeds United forward Matt Smith fired Fulham in front for a second time. The Hammers, however, had the final say, with Nolan striking late on to complete the scoring.
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New Stadium Newsletter - No.4
Whufc.COM
The famous Champions Sculpture on Barking Road could be set for a new home
13.11.2014
Champions Sculpture could be set for new home
Since West Ham United were awarded the status of anchor concessionaire at the former Olympic Stadium in March 2013, the Club have been clear that the iconic venue and its surrounds will look and feel like home to the Claret and Blue Army come the Hammers' first game in 2016.
One of the key subjects of discussion by West Ham fans is the relocation of the world-famous Champions Sculpture. This week sees the start of the process to make that wish become a reality.
The sculpture, which famously sits on Barking Road, was jointly commissioned by Newham Council and West Ham United in 2001, depicting the iconic World Cup celebrations of Bobby Moore, Sir Geoff Hurst, Martin Peters and Ray Wilson.
Created by the Royal Sculptor, Philip Jackson, it was unveiled in April 2003 by the Duke of York, then president of the Football Association.
With preparations for life at the new Stadium continuing apace, a planning application is set to be submitted that identifies a suitable spot on Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park as a potential new home for the prestigious sculpture.
Subject to further consultation with Hammers supporters, local residents and councillors and the relevant planning authorities, it is likely that the 16-foot sculpture will be relocated to the Stadium Island.
The planning application, which will be submitted by the E20 Stadium Partnership to the London Legacy Development Corporation, outlines proposals for a new landmark that would not only make the Stadium site look and feel like West Ham's new home, but also continue to respect the legacy of the 2012 Games.
The Club are also continuing to work closely with Galliard Group, who are leading the redevelopment project for the Boleyn Ground, about how best to honour and respect more than 110 years of West Ham history on the site. Galliard are expected to submit a planning application to Newham Council within the next few weeks, which will include eye-catching features that celebrate West Ham United's legacy in Upton Park.
No reservations about new Stadium seat selection process
There have been rave reviews from new Club London members about their experience at our dedicated Reservation Centre in Westfield Stratford City, and the market-leading 'virtual venue' technology that has helped them select their seats.
Lifelong Hammer Lee Andrews, 25, said: "I didn't expect what I saw, to be honest, I thought it was brilliant. It's got me so much more excited to make the move and frankly I now wish we were going next season.
"I thoroughly enjoyed seeing everything up on the big screen, particularly when they showed exactly where I'll be sitting. It was great.
"If people are debating whether to go down there or not, I'd advise that they 100 per cent do. It really does give you a good insight and it's a great way of showing the fans what there is to come."
A Season Ticket Holder of some 30 years, Laurence Marshall, 46, was one of the very first to experience the Reservation Centre and he too was suitably impressed.
He said: "It's incredibly helpful. To go there and experience it allows you to get a far better feel for the Stadium. It gives you a better idea of what the experience will be at the new Stadium and the whole experience is really impressive.
"If people are concerned about where they sit and with whom they sit, spending some time with the team, who, in fairness, were very transparent and passed on a lot of information about the Stadium and the different options, is hugely important."
For Mr Marshall, not only was he able to secure a seat for himself, but also ensure that he remains with a group of friends, who have all sat together at the Boleyn Ground for many a year.
"The person dealing with me was fantastic," he confirmed. "He's a West Ham fan, very knowledgeable on what the various offerings were and was incredibly helpful in trying to get the most suitable option for myself and also to consider the enlarged group that I sit with.
"A number of us that have been sitting together for ten years and we'd said that it would be nice when we move to the new Stadium for all of us to be able to continue sitting together.
"To be honest, I explained this to the staff and they helped us get the block of seats together, arranging for people to go down and experience the Reservation Centre.
"They did a fantastic job of working with us all and we actually all said at the last home game, having now secured the seats that actually everyone has got a lot more excitement and is looking forward to the prospect of moving to the Olympic Stadium and the facilities that it's got to offer. We found it all a very positive experience."
The Club would like to remind fans that all existing Season Ticket Holders will be emailed with details of when their appointment at the Reservation Centre is likely to be early next year.
Club London filling up fast
It is not just in the Barclays Premier League that West Ham United have made a fast start, with the spectacular Club London facilities at our new Stadium filling up quickly.
When we move to Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park in 2016, Club London will offer supporters the chance to watch the most exciting league in the world from the newest and most luxurious members' club in the capital.
In just seven weeks since the launch of Club London, many of the blocks of seats in the new Stadium's West Stand are already full to capacity.
The BM6, celebrating Bobby Moore's legacy, is sold out and the other VIP areas are also proving popular, with more than three-quarters of the places in The Forge 1895 lounge sold and memberships in the Royal East and Arnold Hills lounges being snapped up quickly too.
Anyone who is interested in securing a place in the Royal East or Arnold Hills lounges is advised to sign up to the waiting list without delay. To avoid missing out CLICK HERE. If you're an existing corporate customer who is yet to book an appointment, please do so today by calling 0808 110 2016.
New Stadium questions
Thanks to the many hundreds of you who responded to our invitation to send in questions about the new Stadium. The Reservation Centre, Club London and the migration of Season Ticket Holders remain the hot topics so here are answers to some of the most common questions you have been asking:
As a Season Ticket Holder, when can I expect to hear about my appointment at the Reservation Centre?
The Club will start making contact with Season Ticket Holders in Spring 2015 with details of when to expect confirmation of their own appointment.
At the appointment, dedicated advisors will help supporters select the most appropriate seat at the new Stadium for their needs using groundbreaking virtual technology.
Full details and timing of this migration process will be announced early next year.
I want to continue to sit with the group of friends that I sit with at the Boleyn Ground, but we've never officially bought Season Tickets together. How we do go about it?
It has always been a key part of the Club's thinking that the move to the new Stadium will allow fans the chance to surround themselves with their friends and family. That is an essential part of maximising the atmosphere and community spirit within our new home, and making matchdays an even more special day out.
We appreciate that for the majority of people that has been impossible at the Boleyn Ground, with key parts of the ground being so densely populated with Season Ticket Holders, whereas it is something that the extra capacity at the new Stadium will enable. Further details on how supporters can arrange their grouping will be released early next year.
Please keep your questions coming by emailing newstadium@westhamunited.co.uk. We will answer more of the most popular questions in the next newsletter.
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Lionel lights up the Boleyn Ground
WHUFC.com
Lionel Messi lit up the Boleyn Ground on Wednesday in Argentina's 2-1 friendly win over Croatia
13.11.2014
The Boleyn Ground enjoyed a taste of the exotic on Wednesday evening, as a star-laden Argentina side came from behind to down Croatia 2-1.
They turned out in their numbers to see Carlos Tevez, Lionel Messi et al and, after a spluttering start, were not to be disappointed.
The little magician sparkled, intermittently, and, fittingly, struck the decisive second-half penalty to complete the South Americans' turnaround. There was also the small matter of a certain Tevez gracing the Boleyn Ground once more.The West Ham United favourite joined the fray shortly after the hour, with his every touch greeted with suitably noisy approval from the stands. Not only was this his first Upton Park outing since November 2012 but also an international return three long years in the making. It was his night and he should have marked it with a goal, dragging an effort wide of the far post after 70 minutes. Carlos Tevez received a hero's welcome upon making his Boleyn return .
Croatia, for their part, were easy on the eye and a touch unlucky, perhaps. Their opener typified their efforts on the night. Some fancy Mateo Kovacic footwork presented Anas Sharbini with a sight of goal, whose unerring finish into the far corner was delightful. Barcelona teenager Alen Halilovic looked the part too, though the Europeans did most of the defending after the break. But Argentina, as you might expect, came on strong after the interval and Christian Ansaldi's hopeful blast clattered into Sergio Aguero and beyond Lovre Kalinic. It looked suspiciously like it might have struck an arm, but this was hardly an evening of controversy. Aguero was then felled by the Croat 'keeper, handing Messi the chance to score at the Boleyn from the spot, much to the delight of most of the 19,834 strong crowd. He didn't miss, he rarely does, though he did strike a post late on. Among the fanfare was the occasional rendition of bubbles. Incongruous? Perhaps, but Carlos, for one, felt at home.
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Downing delighted with England recall
WHUFC.com
Hammers' midfielder Stewart Downing is relishing his return to international football
13.11.2014
West Ham United midfielder Stewart Downing has been in superb form this season scoring twice from his new found position at the top the midfield diamond. Now, his impressive exploits have been rewarded with an England call up by manager Roy Hodgson. The 30-year-old is hoping to add to his collection of 34 international caps when England play Slovenia in their Euro 2016 qualifier on Saturday at Wembley.
Speaking ahead of the match, Downing said: "I'm certainly enjoying my football. You have your ups and down in football and at the moment I'm on a high and playing well. "Thankfully Roy has noticed that and I just want to continue. I think playing in a good team, in form has helped as well. I just want to carry on as I have been doing."
Downing's good form is in large part due to his transition from a winger to an attacking midfielder which has inspired the Hammers to climb up to fourth in the Premier League. The main thing for me is that the manager is happy with the way I'm playing. There's a lot England players who are playing in a similar role, but I'm happy to play wherever, on the wing or in the middle. There's a lot of competition but we'll have to see what the manager decides."I prefer it in the middle because I'm more involved, it's a bit different but I'm really enjoying it at the minute. Hopefully I can perform and I'm itching to get playing."
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Ravel returns to West Ham - for one night
KUMB.com
Filed: Thursday, 13th November 2014
By: Staff Writer
Ravel Morrison was back at the Boleyn Ground last night - to watch Argentina beat Croatia 2-1. The on-loan midfielder took his place with members of the Development Squad last night in the otherwise-empty Alpari Upper to watch Lionel Messa and Co. reverse a 1-0 deficit, with the Barca star grabbing the match-winning penalty in front of the Bobby Moor Lower.
Morrison - who is currently on loan at Championship club Cardiff City - drove the 150 miles from Wales to the east End after training finished for the day in order to attend the match, only the second international friendly to be staged in Upton Park. Upon watching the game - and instead of remaining in the capital overnight - Morrison, accompanied by a friend, drove straight back to Wales where he resumed training with the Bluebirds this morning.
Since moving to Cardiff on loan at the beginning of September, Morrison has made six appearances for City - five as a substitute - without scoring a goal. His most recent appearance came in s 3-0 defeat at Bolton the weekend before last. Out of contract with West Ham this coming summer, the former Manchester United graduate is unlikely to be offered a new deal with the hammers - despite being rated around the £10million mark at one point last season.
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Mauro Zarate denies exit rumours
KUMB.com
Filed: Thursday, 13th November 2014
By: Staff Writer
Mauro Zarate has challenged reports that he wants to leave West Ham, telling followers of his Twitter feed that he has no desire to leave the club. It was reported earlier in the week that the 27-year-old forward was eyeing a return to Serie A. However those reports appar to be well wide of the mark, as you may see from Mauro's comments on Twitter this morning below,.
Mauro Zarate ✔ @mau_zeta
According to recent news articles i would like to inform that I have no agent and I never said that I wanted to leave West Ham.
Mauro Zarate ✔ @mau_zeta
If that would happen it would be because a joint decision of the club and myself. The most important thing is that West Ham will keep progressing. The manager is doing a great job and has my full support!
Mauro Zarate ✔ @mau_zeta
Come on you irons !!!!!!
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Stewart Downing is happy to be back in the England squad after lengthy absence
Last Updated: 13/11/14 8:00am
SSN
Stewart Downing is pleased to have finally made a return to the England squad and has vowed to take full advantage of the second opportunity he thought would never come. Roy Hodgson recalled the West Ham winger back into the squad for this month's games with Slovenia and Scotland – thereby ending a two-year spell in the international wilderness. And Downing credits his fine club form for his unexpected recall to the international stage. "I've admitted in the past that I thought my chance had passed. But you've got to keep going and trying to play well and it's paid off," Downing told Sky Sports News HQ. "Roy's been watching the West Ham games and he's called me up so I'm very happy about that. I need to carry that form into an England shirt and stay here. "The squad is a little bit different; I was a little nervous coming in yesterday. Obviously there's the same faces in the staff but there a lot of new lads coming in. It's exciting, I'm happy to be here with the top players and great talent. Hopefully I can help them along the way and we can get some good results this week."
Downing's last England appearance came in Hodgson's first game in charge of the national side, a 1-0 victory away to Norway in the build-up to Euro 2012. Similarly to that tournament, England were sent crashing out of this summer's World Cup - albeit at an earlier stage. And Downing was full of praise for a squad he claims have fully recovered from their Brazil heartache. "There are a lot of young lads here under a lot of pressure and they've responded really well," Downing added. "It's going to take time - they are only young boys and they've got to build a team here and it will take a couple of campaigns to get going. But I think Roy is doing a good job. He's building a team and he's got a good mix of seniors and young lads to bring them through."
Wayne Rooney is on course to win his 100th England cap in Saturday's qualifier with Slovenia, and Downing believes England's talismanic figure deserves all the plaudits ahead of another historic night at Wembley. "First of all it's a great achievement, especially for someone of his age," Downing said. "He's adapted himself very well; he's always been available for England and turned up when he's been called upon. Not only that he's a great player. "We want players like Wayne Rooney here - he's obviously a talisman for us and gets a lot of goals so hopefully he'll continue that by getting at the weekend goal to celebrate a great achievement."
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MY NIGHT WITH MESSI
By Sean Whetstone 13 Nov 2014 at 19:19
West Ham Till I Die
Guest Post by Nigel Kahn
As we wind our way into Christmas the pantomime season is beginning and where better to see my first show than at one of if not the greatest theatre in the country, The Boleyn Ground. A fair sized audience were in attendance to see a stellar cast of performers complete with Villains, Returning Hero's and the Dashing prince. In-between the performance an attempt at a game of football broke out between Argentina and Croatia, two teams gifted in their own way with skill power and pace.
While of course it appears that the introduction is to be tongue in cheek actually to me it was all most like being at a pantomime. The prince of football in attendance being Lionel Messi, cheered from the first moment his name was called out, every time he received the ball the crowd around where I was rose in anticipation willing him to beat five men and put the ball in the goal. The Villain came in the guise of Eric Llamella, a second half substitute who was roundly booed not just when he came onto the pitch but every time he touched the ball and then we have the returning hero, Carlos Tevez. The most expensive player in West Ham's history, back on the pitch he once graced, roared on by those in the crowd that remember his efforts in the Claret and blue shirt of West Ham.
Friendly internationals are generally are not the most entertaining of games but with this fixture the chance to pass up on seeing Messi playing at the Boleyn, well it was just too good to miss, the game though, to me, looked like a side show, the crowd was not your usual West Ham crowd for a start, I reckon most of those round me hardly ever attended football games. Every time Messi went to take a corner in front of us, they ran forward with their camera phones out, some even turning their back to the pitch to get a selfie with Messi in the background.
I must admit I do despair at the road football is going, luckily West Ham is not afflicted yet with a mass of football tourists, there for the occasion and not watching the game, though once the move to the Olympic Stadium has taken place I imagine the influx will be substantial. If this is the future then I can see me having no part of it, call me a dinosaur, a football snob I don't care, I walked out the ground feeling I had been to a pantomime, perhaps if I had been sitting with the large group of Argentinian fans in the chicken run I may have had a different experience as they looked to have enjoyed the game for what it was, from the parts I could see, was a good game of football. Messi in flight is a joy to behold, and the technical abilities of Arguero and Di Maria look second to none.
Saying that though the Croatians played very well, neat interchanging passing , looking to breakfast on the counter, they were not second class at all and considering they were missing their heart beat in Modric were unlucky to lose the game in my opinion. I suppose looking back the two pluses of the night were that Karren Brady's claim of world class players at West Ham has finally come true and without the need of moving, West Ham last night finally cracked the old question "How do we get more of the local community to come". The answer is Don't have West Ham playing there!
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ZARATE WANTS TO STAY
By Sean Whetstone 13 Nov 2014 at 14:02
West Ham Till I Die
Yesterday a person claiming to be Mauro Zarate's agent claimed his client may seek a move away from West Ham in the winter transfer window. He claims Zarate is unsettled in London after being continually played out of his preferable position. Speaking to ITV Sport, his agent said, "At West Ham he plays behind the strikers and that is not his position," said Luis Ruzzi.
"He is a centre-forward and if there is a team out there willing to let him play in his natural role, then we will be very happy to consider it. Mauro is often used out of position by the current coach (Sam Allardyce) and this is pushing him to seriously consider changing his club. It's true he has a contract until 2017 with the Hammers but I think we can find a solution to suit everyone. At this time you could get Zarate for a much lower price than he is really worth. Anyone who decides to go for him will certainly be getting a bargain.It's true, there has been contact with Torino, but also with other Italian club," Ruzzi said. "Can Zarate return to Serie A? We shall see, we shall see. The market is about to reopen and there are teams looking for strikers. Mauro is 27, so he's matured and ready for the big step up. After all, we know his quality."
Sources close to the club dispute the claims that Zarate is unsettled in London and is unhappy with manager Sam Allardyce. They claim he is loving his time in East London and sometimes wears his West Ham shirt when he is out and about. They have been surprised by the comments made by the man claiming to be his agent.
This afternoon the player himself set the record straight on twitter "According to recent news articles i would like to inform that I have no agent and I never said that I wanted to leave West Ham.If that would happen it would be because a joint decision of the club and myself. The most important thing is that West Ham will keep progressing. The manager is doing a great job and has my full support! Come on you irons !!!!!! Sorry about my English!!!"
When he signed for West Ham in the summer his agent was his brother Rolando Zarate pictured below
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£215,000 PER WEEK FOR ALEX SONG? ARE YOU HAVING A LAUGH?
By Sean Whetstone 13 Nov 2014 at 09:47
West Ham Till I Die
Reports in the Daily Express that West Ham are paying Alex Song £140,000 per week while on loan seem very wide of the mark.
Express Sport claims "West Ham are paying all of Song's £140,000–a–week Barca wages, making him the highest–paid player in the club's history. The wages are in addition to the £3 million loan fee Sullivan and Gold splashed out to bring the player to east London.
Barca signed Song from Arsenal for £15m in 2012 and have told West Ham they want to recoup the entirety of their outlay."
The suggestion is we will pay £5.6m in wages plus a £3 million loan fee costing us £8.6 million over 40 weeks is quite frankly ludicrous, this would mean Alex Song is costing the Hammers an equivalent of £215,000 per week! The story also claims Barcelona will want the full £15m as a permanent transfer fee.
We could never fit those kind of wages in our Financial Fair Play budget of £60 million per season.
Alex Song is claimed to have earned £55,000 per week at Arsenal, jumping up to £70,000 per week when he joined Barcelona. He is thought to be earning £80,000 per week at West Ham, £60,000 per week less than the Express claim. I also understand there is no loan fee as the Express stated meaning the real cost over the 40 week loan is £3.2 million compared to the £8.6m claim. It is suggested Song could be available for around a £10 million transfer fee at the end of the season.
Don't believe the hype!
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West Ham striker Mauro Zarate rejects suggestion he wants to leave Upton Park in January
Nov 13, 2014 15:34 By Liam Prenderville
The Argentine has made just four Premier League appearances and quotes emerged on Thursday indicating he was after a move away
The Mirror
West Ham's Mauro Zarate has rejected suggestions he is already considering his future with the club. Reports on Thursday claimed the Argentine was unhappy at Upton Park after being played out of position by Sam Allardyce. Quotes from his alleged agent Luis Ruzzi indicated Zarate would leave west London in January if things didn't change, with Italian side Torini interested. He was quoted as saying: "At West Ham he plays behind the strikers and that is not his position. He is a centre-forward and if there is a team out there willing to let him play in his natural role, then we will be very happy to consider it." However, Zarate has taken to Twitter to quash the suggestions and insists he does not even have an agent. He tweeted: "According to recent news articles i would like to inform that I have no agent and I never said that I wanted to leave West Ham. "If that would happen it would be because a joint decision of the club and myself. The most important thing is that West Ham will keep progressing. "The manager is doing a great job and has my full support! Come on you irons!!!"
Zarate joined Sam Allardyce's men on a three-year deal this summer but has made just four Premier League appearances. Diafra Sakho and Enner Valencia have established themselves as the Hammers' first-choice strike partnership with Zarate not featuring since the win over Stoke at the start of October. He was back on the bench against Stoke earlier this month but failed to make the matchday squad for Saturday's draw with Aston Villa.
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FFP alone knocks Song story on head
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on November 13, 2014 in Whispers
Claret & Hugh
Like most, I could barely believe my eyes this morning when I read a story claiming that Alex Song was costing the club a combined total of around £215k a in loan and wages fees. That was as much to do with the fact that I knew it wasn't true as being amazed that such figures could find their way into print. The story emerged at the same time as we had run a question and answer session with David Sullivan in which he said this of the FFP situation: "We have a wage cap this season for all players, including 124% employers NI of *£56m which includes all win and positional bonuses.. Next year it goes to £60m. "You can only exceed that figure if you increase NON TV income or make a profit selling players. We are right on the limit."
So the very idea that we could afford to pay such a ludicrous loan fee and wages (£3 million plus £140k personal terms) really did take silly season speculation to a new high. However, as a double check we asked the co owner to confirm which he was happy to do and that tells us one very encouraging thing about West Ham and world football. Slowly but surely top players are ready to join this club without holding us to ransom and that has a lot to do with the Olympic Stadium scenario which they perceive as representing the ambition of the club. However, make no mistake, the sort of wages mentioned in this morning's bizarre 'exclusive are not within the bounds of current FFP figures or indeed the modus operandi of this club's co owners …as their record shows very clearly!
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Zarate 'move' shows day to day agent madness
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on November 13, 2014 in Whispers
Claret & Hugh
Mauro Zarate was this afternoon forced onto Twitter to explain that he had no current connection with an agent who appeared to be speaking in his name! The agent, Luis Ruzzi, declared that the Argentinian was unhappy at not being played as a striker by Sam Allardyce and this could push him out of the club claiming that Torino would be among the interested clubs. The story prompted a ClaretandHugh probe into Ruzzi and has demonstrated for the umpteenth time the madness faced by club owners. And whilst it is quite true that Zarate like any player in the world – is unhappy at being played out of position – it's clear that Ruzzi appears to have been positioning himself to receive offers to move Mauro. Well played Mauro for coming straight out and making it clear the bloke has no authority to speak on your behalf.
Indeed a very well placed club source told us that although he wants to play, and in his preferred position, he acknowledges the present team is doing a great job and is more than ready to wait his chance. Whilst Mauro has no formal agent he listens to the advice of a trusted adviser who has remained close to the player for nearly ten years . We at ClarertandHugh will not be running or repeating any stories of this nature again unless the quotes come from him. Our source told us: "This demonstrates the agent problem in this game. I know of one situation where a player's father told no less than TEN agents to try finding a player a Premier League club. That's the madness we face on a day to day basis."
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Hammers and Europe presents perils
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on November 13, 2014 in Whispers
Scott A
Claret & Hugh
Scott Alsweiler is a fanatical Hammer currently residing in Upstate New York with his American wife, where he confuses his neighbours by flying a West Ham flag outside his house and his insistence on speaking English. We are delighted to welcome him to the Claretandhugh team of bloggers and in his first piece he discusses whether European football would necessarily be a good thing for the club in the run-up to the Olympic Stadium move. Glad to welcome you aboard mate!
After eleven games we're currently sitting in fourth. We're really having an astounding season to date, and people are wondering if we'll end up playing European football next season.
If the squad stays fit, and we continue to see the sort of quality football we've seen so far this season, it just might happen. And nothing would excite me more. But would it necessarily be a good thing for the club in the lead-up to our move to the Olympic Stadium?
If we do make it, the big issue will be fitness and injuries. It could easily destroy our last season in the Premier League at Upton Park if we end up afflicted by a string of injuries to key players.
2014-02-23 10.49.28 (1)And therein lies the danger. It is possible for us to make this work. But only if the Davids are willing and able to continue spending to bolster the squad significantly. Players need rest, and a hectic schedule of EPL, cups, and European games won't allow it.
As it is we need to shore up our defence – injuries to Reid and Collins could leave us woefully short and I think we lack depth in the centre back positions.
If we do manage to spend wisely (and FFP will come into play here), and strengthen the squad, then playing in Europe on the eve of our move could be the best thing for us.
We'll gain a larger fanbase and be more ready to fill seats at our new home. We'll need to spend on quality players for each and every position, to ensure we are able to best deal with the needs of all competitions.
Europe? Most pundits doubt our ability to remain in contention. I might be biased, but I think they're wrong. But if we're looking seriously at it, the club must be ready to pull out the chequebook and enhance the squad in a significant fashion.
If we don't, we risk losing not only at that level, but also in the home-grown competitions. And that is truly unaffordable.
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Thursday, November 13
Daily WHUFC News - 13th November 2014
End of an era as Bacon bids farewell
KUMB.com
Filed: Wednesday, 12th November 2014
By: Staff Writer
Local photographer and fans' favourite Steve Bacon has ended his association
with the Recorder Group after more than 40 years of (almost) uninterrupted
service. Bacon, now 62, has maintained a pictorial history of West Ham since
the early 1970s when he first joined the local Recorder. But after 42 years
of reporting on the Hammers, he has been made redundant by the newspaper.
West Ham United's official photographer for more than 30 years, Bacon has
suffered with health issues recently - something that led to him missing the
end of the 2011/12 season after having surgery on a knee. However he was
back the following year in time for the launch of his recent book entitled
'There's One Stevie Bacon' - the chant which he used to be greeted with in
the 1980s when he first became a cult hero on the terraces.
Bacon, who also has a burger named after him - the 'Bacon Burger', naturally
- admitted recently that he was 'flattered' to have been involved with West
Ham United throughout his career. "I put it down to longevity," he said. "If
you are in the same place for long enough, you are always going to become
part of the furniture. "I am a local lad who still lives ten minutes from
the ground, so to become so heavily involved with the fans and the club is
something very close to my heart."
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Mauro Zarate considers Serie A move
KUMB.com
Filed: Wednesday, 12th November 2014
By: Staff Writer
Mauro Zarate is being linked with a transfer window move to Serie A.
According to sources in Italy, Torino - who are keen to reinforce their
strike options in January - are keeping tabs on the Argentinian's progress -
or lack of - at West Ham. And Zarate's brother Rolando admitted last night
that the striker would consider a return to Serie A if he is unable to
secure a first team spot in Sam Allardyce's squad. "It's a very interesting
option," he said, "but for now there has been no official approach." Zarate,
who moved to London in the summer on a free transfer from Velez Sarsfield is
currently recovering from an injury sustained during a practise match last
month.
Although he has featured on five occasions for West Ham this season, the
27-year-old forward is yet to play a full 90 minutes, with four of those
appearances coming from the substitutes bench. Sam Allardyce currently has
Enner Valencia, Diafra Sakho, Carlton Cole, Andy Carroll and Zarate fighting
for two available spaces. Should all remain fit, the possibility of allowing
Zarate to leave - even if only temporarily on loan - could prove a viable,
short-term solution.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Stewart Downing: Liverpool playing me at left-back was low point of my
career
Nov 12, 2014 22:30 By John Cross
Winger who is back in the England squad following a bargain move to West Ham
opens up over his two difficult years at Anfield
The Mirror
Stewart Downing admits he thought his England career was over after Brendan
Rodgers made him play left back. Downing described that as being as "low as
it got" when even his Liverpool team-mates started mickey taking by calling
him "left back." The midfielder, now at West Ham, has admitted he was "hurt"
by Kop boss Rodgers' treatment and suggestions he needed to try harder, and
knew then he had to quit the Anfield giants. Downing, 30, is now enjoying a
renaissance with club and country, his England recall coming after
two-and-a-half years in the international wilderness. Even more enjoyable
has been his form this season after Hammers manager Sam Allardyce moved him
from the wing as he adopted a midfield diamond formation. When asked whether
being played at left-back was as low as it got, Downing replied: "I think
so, yes. I was out of the team (at Liverpool) so for me just to play and get
back in the team was a big thing.
"At left-back it was obviously difficult, but it was a chance to get back
into the team for me, so I had to go along with it. I wasn't happy playing
left-back. It is not my natural position. But I knew from then it was the
time for me to move. "I was getting signals other players were coming in,
and I was getting used at left-back when I was a winger. I think you know
when the writing is on the wall for you under a manager or at a club. "The
West Ham move came at a good time for me and was a chance to go out and play
football regularly and play under a manager who wanted me to play every
week."
Downing moved to Upton Park for £5m in 2013 - just two seasons after joining
Liverpool from Aston Villa for four times that figure - and he admits he
thought his England career was over. "I was honest enough to think it had
gone," he said. "I hadn't been picked [by England] for two and a half years,
so with the younger players coming through I thought Roy would go in that
direction. "It does hurt. You want to get picked for your country but I had
bigger things to deal with at the time - I wasn't a regular in the team at
Liverpool. I was in and out, I had a difficult spell there. "But getting the
West Ham move came at a good time, a new challenge for me, to go play week
in week out. It has helped my game and helped me get noticed again. "But
you've just got to keep playing well and hopefully knock on the door and
it's been proved with getting picked again. I am over the moon to be here
and I just want to play some part and get back out here."
Downing believes there may also be a Three Lions return in sight for his
West Ham team-mate Andy Carroll, now he's back from summer ankle surgery. He
added: "I think Roy (Hodgson) is a big admirer of him. I think when he's
been fit he's picked him. For Andy, the most important thing is getting
through the next six or seven weeks training and games. "He came back last
time and broke down, but he's itching to play. He's been out for a long
while. I know he wants to play for England because he's enjoyed being here
before. "We need him back fit because we need that competition for goals.
He's a different option for us and I'm sure the manager is pleased to have
him back."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
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KUMB.com
Filed: Wednesday, 12th November 2014
By: Staff Writer
Local photographer and fans' favourite Steve Bacon has ended his association
with the Recorder Group after more than 40 years of (almost) uninterrupted
service. Bacon, now 62, has maintained a pictorial history of West Ham since
the early 1970s when he first joined the local Recorder. But after 42 years
of reporting on the Hammers, he has been made redundant by the newspaper.
West Ham United's official photographer for more than 30 years, Bacon has
suffered with health issues recently - something that led to him missing the
end of the 2011/12 season after having surgery on a knee. However he was
back the following year in time for the launch of his recent book entitled
'There's One Stevie Bacon' - the chant which he used to be greeted with in
the 1980s when he first became a cult hero on the terraces.
Bacon, who also has a burger named after him - the 'Bacon Burger', naturally
- admitted recently that he was 'flattered' to have been involved with West
Ham United throughout his career. "I put it down to longevity," he said. "If
you are in the same place for long enough, you are always going to become
part of the furniture. "I am a local lad who still lives ten minutes from
the ground, so to become so heavily involved with the fans and the club is
something very close to my heart."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Mauro Zarate considers Serie A move
KUMB.com
Filed: Wednesday, 12th November 2014
By: Staff Writer
Mauro Zarate is being linked with a transfer window move to Serie A.
According to sources in Italy, Torino - who are keen to reinforce their
strike options in January - are keeping tabs on the Argentinian's progress -
or lack of - at West Ham. And Zarate's brother Rolando admitted last night
that the striker would consider a return to Serie A if he is unable to
secure a first team spot in Sam Allardyce's squad. "It's a very interesting
option," he said, "but for now there has been no official approach." Zarate,
who moved to London in the summer on a free transfer from Velez Sarsfield is
currently recovering from an injury sustained during a practise match last
month.
Although he has featured on five occasions for West Ham this season, the
27-year-old forward is yet to play a full 90 minutes, with four of those
appearances coming from the substitutes bench. Sam Allardyce currently has
Enner Valencia, Diafra Sakho, Carlton Cole, Andy Carroll and Zarate fighting
for two available spaces. Should all remain fit, the possibility of allowing
Zarate to leave - even if only temporarily on loan - could prove a viable,
short-term solution.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Stewart Downing: Liverpool playing me at left-back was low point of my
career
Nov 12, 2014 22:30 By John Cross
Winger who is back in the England squad following a bargain move to West Ham
opens up over his two difficult years at Anfield
The Mirror
Stewart Downing admits he thought his England career was over after Brendan
Rodgers made him play left back. Downing described that as being as "low as
it got" when even his Liverpool team-mates started mickey taking by calling
him "left back." The midfielder, now at West Ham, has admitted he was "hurt"
by Kop boss Rodgers' treatment and suggestions he needed to try harder, and
knew then he had to quit the Anfield giants. Downing, 30, is now enjoying a
renaissance with club and country, his England recall coming after
two-and-a-half years in the international wilderness. Even more enjoyable
has been his form this season after Hammers manager Sam Allardyce moved him
from the wing as he adopted a midfield diamond formation. When asked whether
being played at left-back was as low as it got, Downing replied: "I think
so, yes. I was out of the team (at Liverpool) so for me just to play and get
back in the team was a big thing.
"At left-back it was obviously difficult, but it was a chance to get back
into the team for me, so I had to go along with it. I wasn't happy playing
left-back. It is not my natural position. But I knew from then it was the
time for me to move. "I was getting signals other players were coming in,
and I was getting used at left-back when I was a winger. I think you know
when the writing is on the wall for you under a manager or at a club. "The
West Ham move came at a good time for me and was a chance to go out and play
football regularly and play under a manager who wanted me to play every
week."
Downing moved to Upton Park for £5m in 2013 - just two seasons after joining
Liverpool from Aston Villa for four times that figure - and he admits he
thought his England career was over. "I was honest enough to think it had
gone," he said. "I hadn't been picked [by England] for two and a half years,
so with the younger players coming through I thought Roy would go in that
direction. "It does hurt. You want to get picked for your country but I had
bigger things to deal with at the time - I wasn't a regular in the team at
Liverpool. I was in and out, I had a difficult spell there. "But getting the
West Ham move came at a good time, a new challenge for me, to go play week
in week out. It has helped my game and helped me get noticed again. "But
you've just got to keep playing well and hopefully knock on the door and
it's been proved with getting picked again. I am over the moon to be here
and I just want to play some part and get back out here."
Downing believes there may also be a Three Lions return in sight for his
West Ham team-mate Andy Carroll, now he's back from summer ankle surgery. He
added: "I think Roy (Hodgson) is a big admirer of him. I think when he's
been fit he's picked him. For Andy, the most important thing is getting
through the next six or seven weeks training and games. "He came back last
time and broke down, but he's itching to play. He's been out for a long
while. I know he wants to play for England because he's enjoyed being here
before. "We need him back fit because we need that competition for goals.
He's a different option for us and I'm sure the manager is pleased to have
him back."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
http://vyperz.blogspot.com
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Wednesday, November 12
Daily WHUFC News - 12th November 2014
New date for Hull at home
WHUFC.com
Fixture change details for January
11.11.2014
West Ham United's home Barclays Premier League fixture against Hull City
will now be played on Sunday 18 January at 1.30pm.
The game was originally scheduled for Saturday 17 January.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Jenkinson relishing U21s tests
WHUFC.com
Carl Jenkinson will face Portugal and France for England U21s over the next
week
11.11.2014
Carl Jenkinson is looking to build on a good run of games in the West Ham
United team when he links up with the England U21s this week.
The right back has started in every Barclays Premier League match since the
last international break, helping Sam Allardyce's men to a five-match
unbeaten run. Now he heads into two international friendlies with Gareth
Southgate's team - at home to Portugal on Thursday and then away at France
four days later. Jenkinson sees this as a chance to continue his fine form
and begin to edge his way back towards Roy Hodgson's senior squad. "I'm
looking forward to the internationals this week," he said. "It's always a
massive honour to play for your country. We've qualified for the European
Championships in the summer now and done incredibly well to get there.
"There's only eight teams in it, so we've got a very good chance of going
there and doing well. We've got two friendlies against good opposition,
which will be a good test for us and it's an exciting time to be involved
with the Under-21s as well. "It's a natural step from the Under-21s to the
senior team and I feel like I'm getting there. I feel like there's an
opportunity to get into the senior squad. "I know I've got the ability to do
it, I've just got to express myself and hopefully catch Roy Hodgson's eye.
"I've had a good run at West Ham so I know I'm getting there, all I've got
to do is work hard and hopefully that call-up will come in the near future."
Having arrived on loan from Arsenal in the summer and missed the start of
the season due to a hamstring injury, the No18 is now feeling up to speed
after a solid run of games. He continued: "It has been positive and a great
run for the team. We're unbeaten in five games so that's a good sign of
where this Club's going, and personally it's the first time I've had a run
of games in a couple of years now and I'm really happy with it. "I'm really
finding my feet and trying to contribute defensively and going forward as
well. "It was nice to keep a clean sheet on Saturday, I got an assist a
couple of weeks ago and I want to add to that. I want to get as near to ten
assists as I can this year. It's going to be tough but that's my aim."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Howes signs pro contract
WHUFC.com
Academy goalkeeper Sam Howes has signed his first professional contract
10.11.2014
West Ham United Academy goalkeeper Sam Howes has signed his first
professional contract with the Hammers on the day of his 17th birthday,
putting pen to paper on a two-and-a-half year deal. Despite his tender
years, the highly-rated stopper already has an impressive CV, having this
summer made his first-team debut in the Hammers' pre-season tour of New
Zealand. Howes has also been capped at several different youth levels, most
notably en route to England U17s' European Championship success in Malta
2014. "It's a really proud day for me, my family and all the coaches," he
told whufc.com. "It's nice to see that all the hard work has paid off."I was
in shock when I found out the contract was coming. I wasn't expecting to get
a professional contract. Since I've known, it's been hard to not tell
anyone, but it's a very special day, particularly as it's my birthday as
well." Reflecting on a busy year, Howes continued: "It's been a really good
few months, starting with the Euros and then of course the tour of New
Zealand. I've enjoyed everything about it."
See Howes in action as the U21s next face PSV Eindhoven at the Boleyn Ground
on Wednesday 19 November, kick-off 7pm.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
It's all getting a bit Messi
KUMB.com
Filed: Tuesday, 11th November 2014
By: Staff Writer
West Ham United's Development Squad were given the arduous task of keeping
Argentina in check this evening when Gerardo 'Tata' Martino's World Cup
runners-up dropped in to the club's Rush Green training ground for a
practise match. The likes of Dan Potts and Blair Turgott had the opportunity
to test themselves against Lionel Messi and co. when United's Under 21s
provided the opposition against the Argentinians, ahead of their friendly
with Croatia at the Boleyn Ground tomorrow night.
Messi was joined by the likes of Sergio Aguero, Angel Di Maria and former
Hammers duo Javier Mascherano and Carlos Tevez at West Ham United's Rush
Green training ground - plus hundreds of local school children determined to
get a glimpse of their idols.
West Ham have announced that tickets for tomorrow night's friendly will be
available on the door. Tickets may also be purchased in advance by calling
0871 529 1966, or from the club's ticket office at the Boleyn Ground.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Hull clash rearranged
KUMB.com
Filed: Tuesday, 11th November 2014
By: Staff Writer
West Ham United's Premier League clash with Hull City in January has been
moved for the benefit of TV. One again paying scant regard to the wishes of
the consumer - or what used to be known as 'supporters' - the Premier League
and its members, in cahoots with Sky TV have moved the fixture from a 3pm
Saturday kick-off to the following day - Sunday 18 January, at 1.30pm. On
the bright side, no away fixtures have been moved - so those travelling West
Ham supporters having already purchased tickets will not lose out, on this
occasion. However the same cannot be said for unlucky Stoke fans, who had
originally planned to visit the capital on Saturday, 10 January. Their
fixture at Arsenal has likewise been postponed until the following day. Over
the past decade or so, thousands of supporters have been left out of pocket
due to the whims of the Premier League and TV companies without any recourse
whatsoever. Calls for a central fund to reimburse those supporters left
out-of-pocket through no fault of their own have been ignored by both the
Premier League and West Ham United.
January fixtures live on TV
Saturday, January 10: Crystal Palace v Tottenham Hotspur (5.30pm)
Sunday, January 11: Arsenal v Stoke City (1.30pm); Manchester United v
Southampton, (4pm)
Saturday, January 17: Newcastle United v Southampton (5.30pm)
Sunday, January 18: West Ham United v Hull City (1.30pm); Manchester City v
Arsenal (4pm)
Monday, January 19: Everton v West Bromwich Albion (8pm)
Saturday, January 31: Chelsea v Manchester City (5.30pm)
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Howes about that? Sam secures pro deal
KUMB.com
Filed: Tuesday, 11th November 2014
By: Staff Writer
England Youth international Sam Howes has signed a two-and-a-half year
contract with West Ham. 17 yesterday, the promising goalkeeper got the best
present of all when he put pen to paper on his first professional contract.
"It's a really proud day for me, my family and all the coaches," he told
whufc.com. "It's nice to see that all the hard work has paid off. "I was in
shock when I found out the contract was coming. Since I've known, it's been
hard to not tell anyone, but it's a very special day, particularly as it's
my birthday as well."
Howes made his international debut for Kenny Swain's Under 16s in March
2013, since when he has progressed to the Under 17s squad. He was part of
the 18-man squad that took part in the European Championship in Malta at the
end of last season. He made his debut appearance for West Ham United's first
team during the summer tour of New Zealand, as a late substitute in the
match against Sydney FC. Speaking at the time, he said: "I'm not 17 until
November, so to make my debut for the first team on this tour was not just
an achievement for me, but for everyone around me - the coaching staff and
everyone who has helped me at West Ham. "It's a dream come true for me to
play for the first team, training with the lads and also to meet all the
fans as well. Words can't describe how I'm feeling at the moment. It's been
blinding."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
WEST HAM LINKED WITH A MOVE FOR FULHAM'S GEORGE WILLIAMS
By S J Chandos 11 Nov 2014 at 13:00
West Ham Till I Die
According to Sky Sports News (SSN) West Ham are one of a number of Premier
League clubs tracking Fulham's young starlet, George Williams. Williams, 19,
has broken into the first-team at Fulham this season to make 10 Championship
appearances so far, with his impressive performances alerting the club to
his potential. The winger, who joined Fulham from MK Dons in June 2012, is
out of contract next summer. And, with talks on a new deal at Fulham still
to commence, the Hammers could seek to take advantage of the situation in
the January transfer window.
Having made his full international debut for Wales in last month's 2-1 Euro
2016 qualifying win over Cyprus, Williams could earn a second start in
Sunday's home game against Belgium. Both club boss, Kit Symons, and
international manager, Chris Coleman, have praised his ability and potential
to progress in the game. However, West Ham may decide to try to tempt Fulham
with a January bid, with a view to developing that potential at Upton
Park/the OS. With this possibility in mind, it will be an interesting
exercise to see how, if selected, Williams performs against the talented
Belgian national side.
Talking of promising youngsters, it has also been reported that U-21 goal
keeper Sam Howes has signed his first professional contract. The young
custodian is well thought of at the club and hopefully he will be able to
push on, in time, and challenge for a regular first team spot. However, the
Reece Oxford situation still rumbles on, with Man Utd, Chelsea and Arsenal
all allegedly interested in poaching a prospect referred to as 'the new Rio
Ferdinand.' Hopefully, the youngster will accept that West Ham is the best
place for him to develop his talent and he will sign his first professional
contract at the club. Regardless, the club must play 'hard ball' in this
instance, much like they did with Man Utd over their recent interest in
Oscar Borg.
It is a fact of life that PL clubs will try to poach oustanding prospects
from each other, but West Ham must actively resist such overtures to retain
the Academy's best prospects. And, in doing so, the likes of Borg and Oxford
need to be sold a vision of a 'club on the rise,' as we approach the crucial
2016-17 move to the Olympic Stadium. Ultimately, that must translate in to
regular European competition via our finishing PL position, not just in the
occasional good year, but consistently, season after season. Surely that has
to be the ambitious core vision for the future progression of the club?
SJ. Chandos.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
THESE COLOURS DON'T RUN
By Brian Williams 11 Nov 2014 at 08:00
West Ham Till I DIe
While the Aston Villa defence may not have been quite as generous as we'd
hoped at the weekend, West Ham supporters still have cause to be grateful to
the Midlands club. We may well have acquired our iconic colours from them.
There is a wonderful story that when we were in our infancy a man named Bill
Dove, who helped train the Thames Ironworks team and was the father of one
of the better players, was at a fair in Birmingham where he was challenged
to a foot race by four Villa lads who happened to be there as well. What's
more, they wanted to have a few quid on the result.
Unfortunately for them, Bill was a top-class sprinter and romped home a
clear winner. More unfortunate still, they didn't have the cash to honour
their debt - and no one took plastic in those days. Just as it was all on
the point of turning ugly it transpired that one of the Villa boys was
responsible for doing the club's washing and he offered a complete set of
kits by way of payment. The story goes he later told his incredulous bosses
that the gear had mysteriously "gone missing".
Sadly, there's not a shred of evidence to support the tale - which is a
shame, because I love the idea of receiving stolen goods from the Villains.
Early photographic evidence suggests that Thames Ironworks - which every
Hammer from the age of seven upwards should know was the factory side which
evolved into West Ham United FC - played its first games in a dark blue
strip, before switching to light blue shirts, white shorts and red socks.
However, as all those pictures were monochrome the whole business is not as
black and white as might be hoped.
So if Thames Ironworks never played in claret and blue, when did West Ham
first do so? "The earliest photograph I have been able to find showing West
Ham wearing today's colours was taken on 16 January 1904," says historian
John Simkin. "The game was against Plymouth Argyle at the Memorial Ground."
Simkin is a clever man, and he's got three degrees to prove it (he's not got
the Three Degrees, obviously - that would be tantamount to kidnap, which is
clearly a very serious offence). Simkin doesn't believe the Bill Dove story,
but he reckons there might be an Aston Villa connection. He says: "The
directors of West Ham were seriously concerned about the financial situation
of the club at the beginning of the 1903-04 season. Given their perilous
situation, did the wealthiest club in England take pity on them and donate
them a set of claret and blue shirts?" I guess we'll never know.
You'd think that no shirt would be complete without a badge, but study the
old photos and you'll see that West Ham teams of the past often played
without wearing one (a badge, not the shirt - this isn't Newcastle). And
when they did, there was no castle. Early shirt badges merely had the two
crossed hammers that represent our ship-building heritage. The highly
stylised fortress which symbolises the Boleyn Castle didn't appear until
much later.
Of course, the move to the Olympic Stadium has prompted another redesign and
the Boleyn Castle has got the chop. The revamped crest includes the word
"London", which I guess is handy if at any time you forget where you are.
But I can't help thinking we've missed a trick here.
Rather than merely listing the name of England's capital city, we could have
given the badge an extra touch of class by adding a motto. If we're going to
a superpower in European football as a result of taking up residency in such
grand surroundings at Stratford, we might as well have all the trimmings.
Not that we have to waste a lot of time dreaming up one of our own - we can
simply borrow someone else's. It doesn't matter much what it says, but it
does have to be in Latin. It's just not a proper motto otherwise.
There are a few to choose from. Tottenham go with Audere est facere (to dare
is to do), but we don't want anything from them, thank you very much. Man
City's motto is Superbia in proelia (pride in battle) while Everton's is Nil
satis nisi optimum. That translates roughly as "only the best is good
enough" - but for my generation those words will always be preceded by the
line: "The Milky Bar Kid is strong and tough," so it doesn't quite fit the
bill.
For Blackburn the way forward is Arte et labore - by skill and hard work -
but look where that has got them; Bolton's _Supera morass (overcome delays)
sounds as if it was created as an early radio traffic bulletin for anyone
using the M6; and, despite the best efforts of several managers, not least
our very own Paolo Di Canio, Sunderland still have some way to go
consectatio excellentiae - in pursuit of excellence.
I've always had a soft spot for Queen's Park, the Scottish outfit whose home
ground is Hampden Park even though they themselves are amateurs. There's
nothing like thinking big in my book. Their motto, Ludere causa ludendi,
means "to play for the sake of playing" - and while that may not quite tie
in with the club's ethos of recent years, I reckon it sums up what West Ham
are all about.
Incidentally, if there are any Jesuit scholars reading this who quibble with
the Latin translations I suggest you take up the matter with my learned
friend who provided them, Professor Vic E. Pedia.
With or without a badge, I reckon shirts generally look better on players
than supporters. Replica kit certainly doesn't suit middle aged men with
bulging midriffs - I know this because there is no shortage of mirrors in my
home. I'm a scarf man, myself.
My mum knitted my first West Ham scarf - alternate squares of the sacred
claret and blue with tassely bits of wool at both ends. I loved it. Sadly,
the other kids with whom I went to school didn't - especially the ones who
supported Chelsea. Things came to a head in the playground one day when some
of these boys in blue tried to part me from my precious knitwear. But I had
no intention of giving it up (although I have to admit now it was not
because I have ever been particularly brave; the truth is there was no way I
was going home to face my mother without that scarf, which she had sweated
over for hours).
I'm not going to exaggerate here - this wasn't the Rumble in the Jungle. Nor
was it the Thrilla in Manila. This was the Tussle with the Tassels. Even so,
with a couple of kids pulling one end and me desperately clinging on to the
other, the immediate future was looking decidedly bleak for my scarf.
My mum wasn't the world's most enthusiastic knitter (I'd had to beg for
months before she got cracking with her needles) but she obviously knew what
she was doing. As the tug-of-war became more intense it seemed inevitable
her creation would come apart in our hands. Amazingly, it didn't. But it did
stretch. By the time my assailants lost interest, that scarf was about
twelve feet long. The squares, so carefully created, were no longer square -
they were distinctly rectangular. However, they were still in my possession
and now I had an item of clothing that I could wrap around more than just my
neck. I could have mummified myself in it.
This was some years before Tom Baker became Doctor Who. (I think it was
Patrick Troughton at the time). But I did wonder in later years if one of
the small crowd who had witnessed my rather undignified struggle had gone on
to be something in the BBC's wardrobe department and convinced the producers
that what a Time Lord really needed was a scarf as long as the District
line.
As a parent myself, I do realise that it would be impossible to fob off your
kids with a bit of homemade knitwear these days. You've just got to smile
bravely and visit the club shop knowing full well you are going to have to
put your hand in your pocket and buy the replica kit.
However, if you are in that position yourself, you may like to use the
following piece of football trivia as a way of recouping some of the outlay.
Wait until you on are on a long drive home from an away game and tell your
travelling companions that the game which led to teams having to wear
different colours in a match took place in 1890 when two sides confusingly
turned out in red and white stripes. Be generous, and inform them at no
extra cost that the home team was Sunderland. (If you're stuck in a traffic
jam, and really want to spin this story out, you could add that when
differing kits became compulsory in 1892 it was the home side which was
compelled to change if there was a clash, a rule that was in place until
1921. I'll leave that up to you.)
Providing your mates are still awake, you now raise the prospect of making
this discussion more interesting by suggesting a small wager that no one can
name the other side in red and white stripes at this historic encounter.
Give them three guesses - the chances are they won't come up with the right
answer. It's Wolves. Unless you've got a right clever dick in the car, it's
got to be worth a punt that none of them will know that. Just don't put your
shirt on it.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
"There's nothing suspicious!" - David Gold gives update on whereabouts of
West Ham star
HITC
Olly Dawes
West Ham United co-chairman David Gold has told fans not to worry about
Mauro Zarate. West Ham United have enjoyed a superb start to the new season,
but Saturday's 0-0 draw with Aston Villa was one of the more frustrating
afternoons of the campaign. Villa goalkeeper Brad Guzan kept the Hammers at
bay for 90 minutes, producing a number of fine saves, including one late on
from returning striker Andy Carroll.
The former Newcastle and Liverpool target man made his long-awaited return
from injury on Saturday, but fans are still waiting for Mauro Zarate to make
a similar comeback. Zarate, a summer signing from Velez Sarsfield, scored
against Crystal Palace earlier this season but hasn't been seen on the pitch
since the Hammers beat QPR at Upton Park at the start of October.
Now after over a month out, rumours have been suggesting that there is
something more to Zarate's absence, especially considering that he's been in
the news lately having switched his international allegiance from Argentina
to Chile. However, West Ham co-chairman David Gold has told Claret & Hugh
that there is nothing untoward over Zarate, and that the 27-year-old is
simply out injured at the moment.
"Mauro is very much part of the first team squad but there's no need to take
chances on players when so many are fit and available," he said. "We are in
a very strong position at the moment and there is nothing suspicious about
this at all. Mauro is a valued player and like many others, really having to
challenge for his place in all circumstances," added Gold. With Enner
Valencia and Diafra Sakho impressing in the West Ham attack this season,
Zarate has a real task on his hands to get into Sam Allardyce's starting
line-up - though he may be better in the hole behind the strikers, where
Stewart Downing has excelled this season.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Carroll may be set for super-sub role
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on November 11, 2014 in Whispers
Claret & Hugh
Sam Allardyce could solve his striking headache by using Andy Carroll as a
regular super-sub this season. The manager has regularly made it clear he
won't be rushing the record signing back into action and that he is on a six
week "pre-season" programme. And that has led to suggestions that Allardyce
is playing a canny game which is aimed at keeping the Geordie 100 per cent
focused and injury free as n off the bench performer. Already the manager
has told the player he needs to calm down his frantic playing style which
may have contributed to his injury problems. Carroll responded by making it
clear that he would find that very difficult and Allardyce therefore seems
ready to take the decision on himself and perhaps protect the player from
himself!. Speaking recently he said;:"It is me saying 'You are in
pre-season. If I put you on any sooner or quicker and you get injured again,
that will be my fault not yours and I'm not prepared to do that.
Slowly and surely with Andy - we'll judge it week by week!" With Enner
Valencia and Diafra Sakho in such great form Allardyce has no reason to rush
the Carroll situation and a six week pre-season would take him up to
Christmas anyway. And one source told ClaretandHugh: "Sam is going to treat
the Andy situation with great caution. Nobody would be surprised to see him
used as a super-impact sub for the remainder of the season."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Hammers ready to open exit door
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on November 11, 2014 in Whispers
Claret & Hugh
West Ham will be looking at doing more outward business in January than
inward with several players becoming available to interested clubs. And
whilst we will be looking at getting decent fees, the bigger priority will
be to free up the wage bill in order to strengthen again next summer. Among
those the club are ready to allow out are Ricardo Vaz Te, Joey O'Brien and
Carlton Cole who may have become a more attractive proposition to potential
buyers following regular appearances in an ultra strong Hammers side.
Looking further ahead to the summer Ravel Morrison looks likely to move on
and of course the ongoing Winston Reid saga is now being viewed in the light
of him running down his contract. A source told Claretandhugh: "Yes, there
are players we would let go on the right terms as it becomes more and more
apparent how the first team squad is shaping up. "It would be good to see
some outward movement as we believe we are now building on a very firm base
following last summer's transfer activity."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Villa show the Irons 'fear factor'
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on November 11, 2014 in Whispers
Claret & Hugh
I never believed it would be easy against Villa and we will now have to get
used to the idea that teams will come to Upton Park determined to sit and
defend - a bit like we did at Chelsea last season! And the fact that's going
to be the approach of many teams shows just how far the Hammers have come -
we are now a team to be feared. However, the weekend match also showed us
that there will be periods when our style of play will allow teams into the
game and we could leak the odd goal. When you play the type of attacking
free-flowing game we are seeing from this Hammers side that's going to
happen at certain times in the game. It's not that the opposition has
suddenly worked out how to play against us, just that a few gaps appear - as
they did at the start of the second half on Saturday when Villa took
advantage.
It was good to see Andy Carroll back in the side after so long and silencing
those who claim he will struggle to get past those strikers in possession.
I've said over and over again that this is a squad game and that managers
have to be ready for all sorts of eventualities. I really can't remember a
West Ham team with so many options. To even think of selling Andy or anyone
else at the moment is utter madness. Sam Allardyce's Christmases have all
come at once because he will win far more games than he loses. This is a
very good time to be a hammers player and fan!
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Carroll's late late show an "opportunity lost"
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on November 10, 2014 in Whispers
Claret & Hugh
Sam Allardyce's bizarre decision to give Carlton Cole an extended run as sub
against Aston Villa whilst handing Andy Carroll five minutes at the end
raised some annoyed eyebrows among top Irons insiders. Carroll created havoc
when appearing at the end of the game and could have scored twice as the
Hammers threw everything at the midlanders with goal; deadlocked at 0-0. And
one top insider told ClaretandHugh: "Andy had more than five minutes action
in him - that was obvious. It was an odd decision to put it mildly. "A lot
of us were very surprised when Carlton appeared off the bench with a quarter
of an hour to go and it became quite irritating when we saw the impact Andy
had in the short time he was on the field. "Nobody can say we would have won
the match had he been brought on earlier but it looked like an opportunity
lost."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
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WHUFC.com
Fixture change details for January
11.11.2014
West Ham United's home Barclays Premier League fixture against Hull City
will now be played on Sunday 18 January at 1.30pm.
The game was originally scheduled for Saturday 17 January.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Jenkinson relishing U21s tests
WHUFC.com
Carl Jenkinson will face Portugal and France for England U21s over the next
week
11.11.2014
Carl Jenkinson is looking to build on a good run of games in the West Ham
United team when he links up with the England U21s this week.
The right back has started in every Barclays Premier League match since the
last international break, helping Sam Allardyce's men to a five-match
unbeaten run. Now he heads into two international friendlies with Gareth
Southgate's team - at home to Portugal on Thursday and then away at France
four days later. Jenkinson sees this as a chance to continue his fine form
and begin to edge his way back towards Roy Hodgson's senior squad. "I'm
looking forward to the internationals this week," he said. "It's always a
massive honour to play for your country. We've qualified for the European
Championships in the summer now and done incredibly well to get there.
"There's only eight teams in it, so we've got a very good chance of going
there and doing well. We've got two friendlies against good opposition,
which will be a good test for us and it's an exciting time to be involved
with the Under-21s as well. "It's a natural step from the Under-21s to the
senior team and I feel like I'm getting there. I feel like there's an
opportunity to get into the senior squad. "I know I've got the ability to do
it, I've just got to express myself and hopefully catch Roy Hodgson's eye.
"I've had a good run at West Ham so I know I'm getting there, all I've got
to do is work hard and hopefully that call-up will come in the near future."
Having arrived on loan from Arsenal in the summer and missed the start of
the season due to a hamstring injury, the No18 is now feeling up to speed
after a solid run of games. He continued: "It has been positive and a great
run for the team. We're unbeaten in five games so that's a good sign of
where this Club's going, and personally it's the first time I've had a run
of games in a couple of years now and I'm really happy with it. "I'm really
finding my feet and trying to contribute defensively and going forward as
well. "It was nice to keep a clean sheet on Saturday, I got an assist a
couple of weeks ago and I want to add to that. I want to get as near to ten
assists as I can this year. It's going to be tough but that's my aim."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Howes signs pro contract
WHUFC.com
Academy goalkeeper Sam Howes has signed his first professional contract
10.11.2014
West Ham United Academy goalkeeper Sam Howes has signed his first
professional contract with the Hammers on the day of his 17th birthday,
putting pen to paper on a two-and-a-half year deal. Despite his tender
years, the highly-rated stopper already has an impressive CV, having this
summer made his first-team debut in the Hammers' pre-season tour of New
Zealand. Howes has also been capped at several different youth levels, most
notably en route to England U17s' European Championship success in Malta
2014. "It's a really proud day for me, my family and all the coaches," he
told whufc.com. "It's nice to see that all the hard work has paid off."I was
in shock when I found out the contract was coming. I wasn't expecting to get
a professional contract. Since I've known, it's been hard to not tell
anyone, but it's a very special day, particularly as it's my birthday as
well." Reflecting on a busy year, Howes continued: "It's been a really good
few months, starting with the Euros and then of course the tour of New
Zealand. I've enjoyed everything about it."
See Howes in action as the U21s next face PSV Eindhoven at the Boleyn Ground
on Wednesday 19 November, kick-off 7pm.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
It's all getting a bit Messi
KUMB.com
Filed: Tuesday, 11th November 2014
By: Staff Writer
West Ham United's Development Squad were given the arduous task of keeping
Argentina in check this evening when Gerardo 'Tata' Martino's World Cup
runners-up dropped in to the club's Rush Green training ground for a
practise match. The likes of Dan Potts and Blair Turgott had the opportunity
to test themselves against Lionel Messi and co. when United's Under 21s
provided the opposition against the Argentinians, ahead of their friendly
with Croatia at the Boleyn Ground tomorrow night.
Messi was joined by the likes of Sergio Aguero, Angel Di Maria and former
Hammers duo Javier Mascherano and Carlos Tevez at West Ham United's Rush
Green training ground - plus hundreds of local school children determined to
get a glimpse of their idols.
West Ham have announced that tickets for tomorrow night's friendly will be
available on the door. Tickets may also be purchased in advance by calling
0871 529 1966, or from the club's ticket office at the Boleyn Ground.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Hull clash rearranged
KUMB.com
Filed: Tuesday, 11th November 2014
By: Staff Writer
West Ham United's Premier League clash with Hull City in January has been
moved for the benefit of TV. One again paying scant regard to the wishes of
the consumer - or what used to be known as 'supporters' - the Premier League
and its members, in cahoots with Sky TV have moved the fixture from a 3pm
Saturday kick-off to the following day - Sunday 18 January, at 1.30pm. On
the bright side, no away fixtures have been moved - so those travelling West
Ham supporters having already purchased tickets will not lose out, on this
occasion. However the same cannot be said for unlucky Stoke fans, who had
originally planned to visit the capital on Saturday, 10 January. Their
fixture at Arsenal has likewise been postponed until the following day. Over
the past decade or so, thousands of supporters have been left out of pocket
due to the whims of the Premier League and TV companies without any recourse
whatsoever. Calls for a central fund to reimburse those supporters left
out-of-pocket through no fault of their own have been ignored by both the
Premier League and West Ham United.
January fixtures live on TV
Saturday, January 10: Crystal Palace v Tottenham Hotspur (5.30pm)
Sunday, January 11: Arsenal v Stoke City (1.30pm); Manchester United v
Southampton, (4pm)
Saturday, January 17: Newcastle United v Southampton (5.30pm)
Sunday, January 18: West Ham United v Hull City (1.30pm); Manchester City v
Arsenal (4pm)
Monday, January 19: Everton v West Bromwich Albion (8pm)
Saturday, January 31: Chelsea v Manchester City (5.30pm)
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Howes about that? Sam secures pro deal
KUMB.com
Filed: Tuesday, 11th November 2014
By: Staff Writer
England Youth international Sam Howes has signed a two-and-a-half year
contract with West Ham. 17 yesterday, the promising goalkeeper got the best
present of all when he put pen to paper on his first professional contract.
"It's a really proud day for me, my family and all the coaches," he told
whufc.com. "It's nice to see that all the hard work has paid off. "I was in
shock when I found out the contract was coming. Since I've known, it's been
hard to not tell anyone, but it's a very special day, particularly as it's
my birthday as well."
Howes made his international debut for Kenny Swain's Under 16s in March
2013, since when he has progressed to the Under 17s squad. He was part of
the 18-man squad that took part in the European Championship in Malta at the
end of last season. He made his debut appearance for West Ham United's first
team during the summer tour of New Zealand, as a late substitute in the
match against Sydney FC. Speaking at the time, he said: "I'm not 17 until
November, so to make my debut for the first team on this tour was not just
an achievement for me, but for everyone around me - the coaching staff and
everyone who has helped me at West Ham. "It's a dream come true for me to
play for the first team, training with the lads and also to meet all the
fans as well. Words can't describe how I'm feeling at the moment. It's been
blinding."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
WEST HAM LINKED WITH A MOVE FOR FULHAM'S GEORGE WILLIAMS
By S J Chandos 11 Nov 2014 at 13:00
West Ham Till I Die
According to Sky Sports News (SSN) West Ham are one of a number of Premier
League clubs tracking Fulham's young starlet, George Williams. Williams, 19,
has broken into the first-team at Fulham this season to make 10 Championship
appearances so far, with his impressive performances alerting the club to
his potential. The winger, who joined Fulham from MK Dons in June 2012, is
out of contract next summer. And, with talks on a new deal at Fulham still
to commence, the Hammers could seek to take advantage of the situation in
the January transfer window.
Having made his full international debut for Wales in last month's 2-1 Euro
2016 qualifying win over Cyprus, Williams could earn a second start in
Sunday's home game against Belgium. Both club boss, Kit Symons, and
international manager, Chris Coleman, have praised his ability and potential
to progress in the game. However, West Ham may decide to try to tempt Fulham
with a January bid, with a view to developing that potential at Upton
Park/the OS. With this possibility in mind, it will be an interesting
exercise to see how, if selected, Williams performs against the talented
Belgian national side.
Talking of promising youngsters, it has also been reported that U-21 goal
keeper Sam Howes has signed his first professional contract. The young
custodian is well thought of at the club and hopefully he will be able to
push on, in time, and challenge for a regular first team spot. However, the
Reece Oxford situation still rumbles on, with Man Utd, Chelsea and Arsenal
all allegedly interested in poaching a prospect referred to as 'the new Rio
Ferdinand.' Hopefully, the youngster will accept that West Ham is the best
place for him to develop his talent and he will sign his first professional
contract at the club. Regardless, the club must play 'hard ball' in this
instance, much like they did with Man Utd over their recent interest in
Oscar Borg.
It is a fact of life that PL clubs will try to poach oustanding prospects
from each other, but West Ham must actively resist such overtures to retain
the Academy's best prospects. And, in doing so, the likes of Borg and Oxford
need to be sold a vision of a 'club on the rise,' as we approach the crucial
2016-17 move to the Olympic Stadium. Ultimately, that must translate in to
regular European competition via our finishing PL position, not just in the
occasional good year, but consistently, season after season. Surely that has
to be the ambitious core vision for the future progression of the club?
SJ. Chandos.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
THESE COLOURS DON'T RUN
By Brian Williams 11 Nov 2014 at 08:00
West Ham Till I DIe
While the Aston Villa defence may not have been quite as generous as we'd
hoped at the weekend, West Ham supporters still have cause to be grateful to
the Midlands club. We may well have acquired our iconic colours from them.
There is a wonderful story that when we were in our infancy a man named Bill
Dove, who helped train the Thames Ironworks team and was the father of one
of the better players, was at a fair in Birmingham where he was challenged
to a foot race by four Villa lads who happened to be there as well. What's
more, they wanted to have a few quid on the result.
Unfortunately for them, Bill was a top-class sprinter and romped home a
clear winner. More unfortunate still, they didn't have the cash to honour
their debt - and no one took plastic in those days. Just as it was all on
the point of turning ugly it transpired that one of the Villa boys was
responsible for doing the club's washing and he offered a complete set of
kits by way of payment. The story goes he later told his incredulous bosses
that the gear had mysteriously "gone missing".
Sadly, there's not a shred of evidence to support the tale - which is a
shame, because I love the idea of receiving stolen goods from the Villains.
Early photographic evidence suggests that Thames Ironworks - which every
Hammer from the age of seven upwards should know was the factory side which
evolved into West Ham United FC - played its first games in a dark blue
strip, before switching to light blue shirts, white shorts and red socks.
However, as all those pictures were monochrome the whole business is not as
black and white as might be hoped.
So if Thames Ironworks never played in claret and blue, when did West Ham
first do so? "The earliest photograph I have been able to find showing West
Ham wearing today's colours was taken on 16 January 1904," says historian
John Simkin. "The game was against Plymouth Argyle at the Memorial Ground."
Simkin is a clever man, and he's got three degrees to prove it (he's not got
the Three Degrees, obviously - that would be tantamount to kidnap, which is
clearly a very serious offence). Simkin doesn't believe the Bill Dove story,
but he reckons there might be an Aston Villa connection. He says: "The
directors of West Ham were seriously concerned about the financial situation
of the club at the beginning of the 1903-04 season. Given their perilous
situation, did the wealthiest club in England take pity on them and donate
them a set of claret and blue shirts?" I guess we'll never know.
You'd think that no shirt would be complete without a badge, but study the
old photos and you'll see that West Ham teams of the past often played
without wearing one (a badge, not the shirt - this isn't Newcastle). And
when they did, there was no castle. Early shirt badges merely had the two
crossed hammers that represent our ship-building heritage. The highly
stylised fortress which symbolises the Boleyn Castle didn't appear until
much later.
Of course, the move to the Olympic Stadium has prompted another redesign and
the Boleyn Castle has got the chop. The revamped crest includes the word
"London", which I guess is handy if at any time you forget where you are.
But I can't help thinking we've missed a trick here.
Rather than merely listing the name of England's capital city, we could have
given the badge an extra touch of class by adding a motto. If we're going to
a superpower in European football as a result of taking up residency in such
grand surroundings at Stratford, we might as well have all the trimmings.
Not that we have to waste a lot of time dreaming up one of our own - we can
simply borrow someone else's. It doesn't matter much what it says, but it
does have to be in Latin. It's just not a proper motto otherwise.
There are a few to choose from. Tottenham go with Audere est facere (to dare
is to do), but we don't want anything from them, thank you very much. Man
City's motto is Superbia in proelia (pride in battle) while Everton's is Nil
satis nisi optimum. That translates roughly as "only the best is good
enough" - but for my generation those words will always be preceded by the
line: "The Milky Bar Kid is strong and tough," so it doesn't quite fit the
bill.
For Blackburn the way forward is Arte et labore - by skill and hard work -
but look where that has got them; Bolton's _Supera morass (overcome delays)
sounds as if it was created as an early radio traffic bulletin for anyone
using the M6; and, despite the best efforts of several managers, not least
our very own Paolo Di Canio, Sunderland still have some way to go
consectatio excellentiae - in pursuit of excellence.
I've always had a soft spot for Queen's Park, the Scottish outfit whose home
ground is Hampden Park even though they themselves are amateurs. There's
nothing like thinking big in my book. Their motto, Ludere causa ludendi,
means "to play for the sake of playing" - and while that may not quite tie
in with the club's ethos of recent years, I reckon it sums up what West Ham
are all about.
Incidentally, if there are any Jesuit scholars reading this who quibble with
the Latin translations I suggest you take up the matter with my learned
friend who provided them, Professor Vic E. Pedia.
With or without a badge, I reckon shirts generally look better on players
than supporters. Replica kit certainly doesn't suit middle aged men with
bulging midriffs - I know this because there is no shortage of mirrors in my
home. I'm a scarf man, myself.
My mum knitted my first West Ham scarf - alternate squares of the sacred
claret and blue with tassely bits of wool at both ends. I loved it. Sadly,
the other kids with whom I went to school didn't - especially the ones who
supported Chelsea. Things came to a head in the playground one day when some
of these boys in blue tried to part me from my precious knitwear. But I had
no intention of giving it up (although I have to admit now it was not
because I have ever been particularly brave; the truth is there was no way I
was going home to face my mother without that scarf, which she had sweated
over for hours).
I'm not going to exaggerate here - this wasn't the Rumble in the Jungle. Nor
was it the Thrilla in Manila. This was the Tussle with the Tassels. Even so,
with a couple of kids pulling one end and me desperately clinging on to the
other, the immediate future was looking decidedly bleak for my scarf.
My mum wasn't the world's most enthusiastic knitter (I'd had to beg for
months before she got cracking with her needles) but she obviously knew what
she was doing. As the tug-of-war became more intense it seemed inevitable
her creation would come apart in our hands. Amazingly, it didn't. But it did
stretch. By the time my assailants lost interest, that scarf was about
twelve feet long. The squares, so carefully created, were no longer square -
they were distinctly rectangular. However, they were still in my possession
and now I had an item of clothing that I could wrap around more than just my
neck. I could have mummified myself in it.
This was some years before Tom Baker became Doctor Who. (I think it was
Patrick Troughton at the time). But I did wonder in later years if one of
the small crowd who had witnessed my rather undignified struggle had gone on
to be something in the BBC's wardrobe department and convinced the producers
that what a Time Lord really needed was a scarf as long as the District
line.
As a parent myself, I do realise that it would be impossible to fob off your
kids with a bit of homemade knitwear these days. You've just got to smile
bravely and visit the club shop knowing full well you are going to have to
put your hand in your pocket and buy the replica kit.
However, if you are in that position yourself, you may like to use the
following piece of football trivia as a way of recouping some of the outlay.
Wait until you on are on a long drive home from an away game and tell your
travelling companions that the game which led to teams having to wear
different colours in a match took place in 1890 when two sides confusingly
turned out in red and white stripes. Be generous, and inform them at no
extra cost that the home team was Sunderland. (If you're stuck in a traffic
jam, and really want to spin this story out, you could add that when
differing kits became compulsory in 1892 it was the home side which was
compelled to change if there was a clash, a rule that was in place until
1921. I'll leave that up to you.)
Providing your mates are still awake, you now raise the prospect of making
this discussion more interesting by suggesting a small wager that no one can
name the other side in red and white stripes at this historic encounter.
Give them three guesses - the chances are they won't come up with the right
answer. It's Wolves. Unless you've got a right clever dick in the car, it's
got to be worth a punt that none of them will know that. Just don't put your
shirt on it.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
"There's nothing suspicious!" - David Gold gives update on whereabouts of
West Ham star
HITC
Olly Dawes
West Ham United co-chairman David Gold has told fans not to worry about
Mauro Zarate. West Ham United have enjoyed a superb start to the new season,
but Saturday's 0-0 draw with Aston Villa was one of the more frustrating
afternoons of the campaign. Villa goalkeeper Brad Guzan kept the Hammers at
bay for 90 minutes, producing a number of fine saves, including one late on
from returning striker Andy Carroll.
The former Newcastle and Liverpool target man made his long-awaited return
from injury on Saturday, but fans are still waiting for Mauro Zarate to make
a similar comeback. Zarate, a summer signing from Velez Sarsfield, scored
against Crystal Palace earlier this season but hasn't been seen on the pitch
since the Hammers beat QPR at Upton Park at the start of October.
Now after over a month out, rumours have been suggesting that there is
something more to Zarate's absence, especially considering that he's been in
the news lately having switched his international allegiance from Argentina
to Chile. However, West Ham co-chairman David Gold has told Claret & Hugh
that there is nothing untoward over Zarate, and that the 27-year-old is
simply out injured at the moment.
"Mauro is very much part of the first team squad but there's no need to take
chances on players when so many are fit and available," he said. "We are in
a very strong position at the moment and there is nothing suspicious about
this at all. Mauro is a valued player and like many others, really having to
challenge for his place in all circumstances," added Gold. With Enner
Valencia and Diafra Sakho impressing in the West Ham attack this season,
Zarate has a real task on his hands to get into Sam Allardyce's starting
line-up - though he may be better in the hole behind the strikers, where
Stewart Downing has excelled this season.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Carroll may be set for super-sub role
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on November 11, 2014 in Whispers
Claret & Hugh
Sam Allardyce could solve his striking headache by using Andy Carroll as a
regular super-sub this season. The manager has regularly made it clear he
won't be rushing the record signing back into action and that he is on a six
week "pre-season" programme. And that has led to suggestions that Allardyce
is playing a canny game which is aimed at keeping the Geordie 100 per cent
focused and injury free as n off the bench performer. Already the manager
has told the player he needs to calm down his frantic playing style which
may have contributed to his injury problems. Carroll responded by making it
clear that he would find that very difficult and Allardyce therefore seems
ready to take the decision on himself and perhaps protect the player from
himself!. Speaking recently he said;:"It is me saying 'You are in
pre-season. If I put you on any sooner or quicker and you get injured again,
that will be my fault not yours and I'm not prepared to do that.
Slowly and surely with Andy - we'll judge it week by week!" With Enner
Valencia and Diafra Sakho in such great form Allardyce has no reason to rush
the Carroll situation and a six week pre-season would take him up to
Christmas anyway. And one source told ClaretandHugh: "Sam is going to treat
the Andy situation with great caution. Nobody would be surprised to see him
used as a super-impact sub for the remainder of the season."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Hammers ready to open exit door
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on November 11, 2014 in Whispers
Claret & Hugh
West Ham will be looking at doing more outward business in January than
inward with several players becoming available to interested clubs. And
whilst we will be looking at getting decent fees, the bigger priority will
be to free up the wage bill in order to strengthen again next summer. Among
those the club are ready to allow out are Ricardo Vaz Te, Joey O'Brien and
Carlton Cole who may have become a more attractive proposition to potential
buyers following regular appearances in an ultra strong Hammers side.
Looking further ahead to the summer Ravel Morrison looks likely to move on
and of course the ongoing Winston Reid saga is now being viewed in the light
of him running down his contract. A source told Claretandhugh: "Yes, there
are players we would let go on the right terms as it becomes more and more
apparent how the first team squad is shaping up. "It would be good to see
some outward movement as we believe we are now building on a very firm base
following last summer's transfer activity."
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Villa show the Irons 'fear factor'
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on November 11, 2014 in Whispers
Claret & Hugh
I never believed it would be easy against Villa and we will now have to get
used to the idea that teams will come to Upton Park determined to sit and
defend - a bit like we did at Chelsea last season! And the fact that's going
to be the approach of many teams shows just how far the Hammers have come -
we are now a team to be feared. However, the weekend match also showed us
that there will be periods when our style of play will allow teams into the
game and we could leak the odd goal. When you play the type of attacking
free-flowing game we are seeing from this Hammers side that's going to
happen at certain times in the game. It's not that the opposition has
suddenly worked out how to play against us, just that a few gaps appear - as
they did at the start of the second half on Saturday when Villa took
advantage.
It was good to see Andy Carroll back in the side after so long and silencing
those who claim he will struggle to get past those strikers in possession.
I've said over and over again that this is a squad game and that managers
have to be ready for all sorts of eventualities. I really can't remember a
West Ham team with so many options. To even think of selling Andy or anyone
else at the moment is utter madness. Sam Allardyce's Christmases have all
come at once because he will win far more games than he loses. This is a
very good time to be a hammers player and fan!
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Carroll's late late show an "opportunity lost"
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on November 10, 2014 in Whispers
Claret & Hugh
Sam Allardyce's bizarre decision to give Carlton Cole an extended run as sub
against Aston Villa whilst handing Andy Carroll five minutes at the end
raised some annoyed eyebrows among top Irons insiders. Carroll created havoc
when appearing at the end of the game and could have scored twice as the
Hammers threw everything at the midlanders with goal; deadlocked at 0-0. And
one top insider told ClaretandHugh: "Andy had more than five minutes action
in him - that was obvious. It was an odd decision to put it mildly. "A lot
of us were very surprised when Carlton appeared off the bench with a quarter
of an hour to go and it became quite irritating when we saw the impact Andy
had in the short time he was on the field. "Nobody can say we would have won
the match had he been brought on earlier but it looked like an opportunity
lost."
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Tuesday, November 11
Daily WHUFC News - 11th November 2014
Manager on Monday
WHUFC.com
After five games unbeaten, Sam Allardyce is delighted with the squad's
strength in depth
09.11.2014
Sam Allardyce praised his squad's strength in depth after West Ham United
extended their unbeaten run to five games following the 0-0 draw with Aston
Villa at the Boleyn Ground on Saturday. Allardyce elected to start with the
in-form strike partnership of Diafra Sakho and Enner Valencia, who have
scored nine league goals between them, but despite being on top for the
majority of the game, the Hammers were unable to break the deadlock. Big Sam
sought to change that by bringing on Carlton Cole and Andy Carroll as
second-half substitutes, with the latter making his first appearance of the
season after returning from an ankle injury. "Our strength in depth is a
real asset," Big Sam explained. "Now we have four strikers available it's
given us the opportunity to change the system when we lulled a bit in the
second half. "That ability to change the personnel allowed us to give the
fans an exciting finish to the game and I think that will stand us in good
stead for the rest of the season. The only thing was while our finishing was
good, their keeper was even better."
Speaking about Carroll's return to first-team football, the manager said
that while he was delighted to see the powerful striker back on the pitch,
he stressed that it would take several games before he is back to full
fitness. "He's still five or six games away from being fully fit. It's
pre-season for him really, so we'll gradually increase his pitch time and
see how he copes and how quickly he recovers.
"We need to be careful that we don't rush him back too quickly because we
don't want to risk him getting injured again. Thankfully our squad is
working well at the moment and that gives me the freedom to slowly work him
back into the side. We'll take each week as it comes and go by a game by
game basis. "It's great to see him back out there. He loves playing football
so to be out for such a long period was very frustrating for him. He's
worked incredibly hard to get back fit and he's back ahead of schedule,
which is excellent. "It also goes to show his desire and hunger to play
football. I think he demonstrated that in the few minutes he was on. We also
have Coley fit and looking good. Valencia and Sakho are looking better and
better as a partnership the more they play together."
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Loan round up
WHUFC.com
See how the five West Ham United loanees fared this weekend
10.11.2014
George Moncur played the first 60 minutes as Colchester United beat
Conference South side Gosport Borough 6-3 in a thrilling encounter in the FA
Cup first round.
Goals from Gavin Massey, Sanchez Watt, Alex Gilbey, Sammie Szmodics and two
from Freddie Sears secured the win. The score was 4-2 to the U's when Moncur
was replaced by Craig Eastmond
Modibo Maiga played the full game as FC Metz lost 3-0 to Toulouse. Goals
from Pantxi Sirieix, Wissam Ben Yedder and Aleksandar Pesic saw the home
side win emphatically.
Sean Maguire did not play for Accrington Stanley as they drew 0-0 away to
Notts County in the FA Cup first round.
Diego Poyet was an unused substitute in Huddersfield Town 3-1 defeat by
Fulham. Goals from Hugo Rodallega, Vigen Christensen and Ross McCormack
secured the victory for Kit Symons' men. The talented midfielder was not
expected to feature having joined the club just 24 hours before kick off.
Ravel Morrison was not involved in Cardiff City's 0-0 draw away to
Birmingham City who are unbeaten since new manager Gary Rowett took charge.
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Tevez and Messi in town!
WHUFC.com
Carlos Tevez, Lionel Messi and co trained at the Hammers' Rush Green
training complex on Monday
27.10.2014
Carlos Tevez and Lionel Messi trained at West Ham United's Rush Green
training complex on Monday afternoon, as the build-up to Wednesday's
international showdown with Croatia at the Boleyn Ground hots up. Fans
favourite Tevez was joined by a full Argentinian squad, Messi and all, as
manager Gerardo Martino put his side through their paces in east London 48
hours ahead of kick-off. Wednesday's prestige friendly will pit Tevez,
Messi and company against their fellow 2014 FIFA World Cup qualifiers in
what promises to be a hugely entertaining clash.
The 7.45pm kick-off could also see Argentina's former Hammers midfielder
Javier Mascherano return to east London, while ex-West Ham striker Davor
Suker is now President of the Croatian Football Federation. Messi could be
just one of a host of household names on show for La Albiceleste, with
Barclays Premier League stars Sergio Aguero, Angel di Maria, Erik Lamela and
Pablo Zabaleta all among the familiar faces at Rush Green.
Croatia also possess a strong group of players, with Real Madrid playmaker
Luka Modric, Atletico Madrid striker Mario Mandzukic and Messi's Barcelona
team-mate Ivan Rakitic all expected to be involved. The two nations have met
three times previously, with each recording one victory. The most-recent
meeting took place in Switzerland in March 2006, when Messi and former
Hammers striker Tevez were on target, but Croatia won 3-2. Argentina will be
playing in London for the first time since September 2006, when they took on
South American rivals Brazil at Arsenal, losing 2-0. Croatia's most-recent
visit to London was also an unhappy one, with England running out 5-1
winners in a FIFA World Cup qualifier at Wembley in September 2009.
Tickets for the match are on General Sale now and are available directly
from West Ham United.
Standard Ticket prices start from £25 for Adults and £15 for Over-65s and
Under-16s. Disabled Ticket prices are the same, including a complimentary
carer. Family Tickets priced at £60 for two Adults and two Under-16s are
also available in the Sir Trevor Brooking Stand Upper.
Demand for tickets for this exciting fixture is expected to be high, so fans
are urged to book early to avoid disappointment.
To make sure of your seat now, click here, call 0871 529 1966 (calls cost
10p/min plus network extras) or buy in person at the Alpari Stand Ticket
Office.
Corporate hospitality packages are also available, with Executive Boxes
available for just £1,250 plus VAT and lounge packages starting from only
£60 per person plus VAT. To book a package now, please 0871 091 1911 (calls
cost 10p/min plus network extras).
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Noble thrilled with squad strength
WHUFC.com
Mark Noble believes the strength of West Ham United's squad bodes well for a
positive season
10.11.2014
Mark Noble is determined to keep West Ham United in the upper reaches of the
Barclays Premier League table for the long haul. Despite being frustrated by
Aston Villa in a 0-0 draw at the Boleyn Ground on Saturday, the Hammers
moved back up to fourth in the league, with a further boost being provided
by the return from injury of Andy Carroll. Noble believes that, with the
squad returning to full strength, the Hammers are well placed to build on
their strong start to the campaign. He explained: "It was a good performance
from the lads and it was nice to have Andy back out there. It's a very good
squad with a lot of comeptition for places. "We've got to thrive off that
competition and want to get better. "It's been a successful period for us
since the last international break. We came back from Stoke after a big
performance and got another point on Saturday, but most importantly a clean
sheet and a good performance. "We have to carry on and look forward to the
next game. We can't dwell on how well we're playing or how many points we've
got. We need to try to stay in this position as long as we can."
As for Saturday's game itself, Noble held mixed feelings after a positive
performance was not matched with the maximum reward. "We're a little bit
gutted if we're honest," he continued. "We played well enough to win the
three points and created enough chances to score goals but sometimes it
doesn't go for you. "Villa got that little bit of luck on Saturday that
nothing quite hit the back of the net for us, but we're in good form, we got
another point and are fourth in the league. "We keep picking up points and
it's another clean sheet so it's looking good for us."
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Ravel Morrison cleared of acid threats to ex-girlfriend
BBC.co.uk
Ravel Morrison has four England Under-21 caps
England Under-21 footballer Ravel Morrison has been cleared of threatening
to throw acid in the face of his ex-girlfriend, have her killed and blow up
her house. He was accused of harassing Reah Mansoor, 19, over four years but
the Crown Prosecution Service withdrew the allegation at Manchester Crown
Court. The West Ham star, 21, who is on loan at Cardiff City, denies three
remaining charges of assault against Miss Mansoor and her mother, Parveen
Mansoor. He will stand trial on 26 January. Mr Morrison, who is originally
from Manchester, pleaded not guilty to two counts of assault by beating and
one of assault causing actual bodily harm on 24 July. The midfielder was
bailed on condition he lives at an address in Cardiff and does not contact
his ex-girlfriend and Ms Mansoor, 39. He cannot enter the Greater Manchester
area unless he has a court appearance or when he plays in his professional
capacity. Mr Morrison played for Manchester United and appeared in the
League Cup before former manager Sir Alex Ferguson sold him to West Ham for
£650,000 in January 2012. West Ham manager Sam Allardyce later loaned him to
Birmingham and Queens Park Rangers. Mr Morrison, who has four England
Under-21 caps, is currently playing for Championship club Cardiff City on a
three-month loan deal.
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Ravel Morrison 'murder' charge dropped
KUMB.com
Filed: Monday, 10th November 2014
By: Staff Writer
Ravel Morrison has been found not guilty of threatening to have a former
girlfriend murdered. The 21-year-old midfielder, currently on loan at
Championship club Cardiff City appeared at Manchester Crown Court this
morning where he was informed that a charge relating to harassment was being
dropped by the Crown Prosecution Service and recorded as a 'not guilty'
verdict. It had been alleged that Morrison threatened to have acid thrown
in the woman's face in exchange for £10,000 - just one of a string of
incidents that were said to have occurred between 2010 and earlier this
year, when the England under-21 international was briefly imprisoned before
being released on bail following his arrest in Manchester on Sunday, 27
July.
Police had been called to an address on Alexandra Road, Salford, following
reports that a 19-year-old woman - Morrison's former girlfriend Reah Mansoor
- and her mother, 39-year-old Parveen Mansoor, had been assaulted. Whilst
Morrison - whose contract at West Ham is unlikely to be renewed - will no
doubt welcome today's news, he was reminded that he should return to court
in January of next year to face outstanding charges of actual bodily harm
and assault.
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Powell seeking to extend Poyet loan
KUMB.com
Filed: Monday, 10th November 2014
By: Staff Writer
Current Huddersfield boss Chris Powell has admitted he hopes to retain the
services of Diego Poyet beyond the agreed 28-day period. The 19-year-old
midfielder moved to West Ham in the summer via Charlton, where Poyet and
Powell were both previously employed. Having developed a positive working
relationship at The Addicks, the Terriers boss is delighted to once again
team up with Poyet. "He's made his Premier League bow for West Ham and we
will give him further Championship experience," said Powell. "I am grateful
that the club has demonstrated a willingness to enhance the squad and move
quickly to get the move done. "We only met him at 6.30pm on Friday night
down here in the hotel. He wasn't involved in any of the preparation going
into the game so it was about him being involved in the squad today
(Saturday). "There is a quality player there and it is really good for us
that West Ham have allowed him to come to us for an initial 28 days, and we
will see from there. The busy December and Christmas period is coming up
where you can't bring players in, so it is important to get the squad
right." "I have kept my eye on Diego, obviously I know him well from
Charlton. He will make us a better team for sure. He is a tenacious midfield
player with a great range of passing, should dovetail brilliantly with our
other midfield players at the Club and fit right into the squad in terms of
his personality."
Poyet - who has been given the number 44 shirt - was an unused substitute as
Huddersfield went down 3-1 at Fulham in the battle of the Championship
strugglers on Saturday. It's a defeat that leaves Powell's side just four
points above the relegation zone. The Terriers next fixture is against
Sheffield Wednesday 12 days from now.
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Long ball, tall story
KUMB.com
Filed: Monday, 10th November 2014
By: Staff Writer
West Ham United's five-match unbeaten run is currently only bettered by
Chelsea in the Premier League. Victories against Queens Park Rangers,
Burnley and Manchester City - added to the two recent draws against Stoke
and Aston Villa on Saturday - have helped catapult Sam Allardyce's side into
the higher echelons of the Premier League. Only the league leaders - who are
still unbeaten this season having won nine and drawn two - can boast a
better record, although Newcastle - who have won their last four under Alan
Pardew - are also unbeaten in five.
* Whilst West Ham have been largely praised for their apparent change in
emphasis when in possession of the ball this season, the stats tell a
slightly different story.
Almost one-third of West Ham's goals this season have arrived from set
pieces - a total of six goals (two at home, four away), the league's highest
and a number that only next weekend's opponents Everton can currently match.
In contrast, West Ham's total of 11 goals scored from open play is bettered
by six clubs.
* As for the long ball tag with which Big Sam has long been tainted, West
Ham's average of 66 long passes per game is only the tenth highest in the
Premier League.
Strugglers Burnley currently top that particular chart with an average of
73, closely followed by Manchester United and fellow new boys Leicester City
(73). Arsenal, with the league's lowest score of 42 can genuinely claim to
"play on the floor" - certainly not Southampton, as suggested by their fans
last season, who have the fifth highest total on 71.
* Andy Carroll's return to the fold will almost certainly encourage the
likes of Aaron Cresswell, Carl Jenkinson and Stewart Downing to fire more
crosses into the box. Yet even without the England international, West Ham's
average of 26 crosses per game so far this season is only marginally
bettered by Arsenal and Southampton (27 each) and matched by Manchester
United.
Conversely, West Ham's 313 short passes attempted on average per game is one
of the league's lowest; only last weekend's opponents Aston Villa (309),
Crystal Palace (236) and Premier League newcomers Burnley (295) and QPR
(297) have attempted fewer. Arsenal again lead the way with 567 per match.
* The north London club also lead the average possession chart having
enjoyed a shade under 60 per cent per match. West Ham, perhaps surprisingly
given the club's overall form are way down in 14th place with just 47.1 per
cent - the lowest possession rate outside of the Premier League's bottom six
clubs.
Oddly perhaps, Allardyce's side have seen slightly more of the ball away
from home - 49.7 per cent on their travels (9th overall) compared to just
44.9 per cent on average (16th) at the Boleyn Ground. Meanwhile West Ham's
combined pass success rate of 76.4 per cent is also way down the table in
15th (again, only better than the league's bottom five clubs).
* Given that the opposition have tended to see more of the ball so far this
campaign is has been essential that West Ham have been able to rely on their
defence. James Collins has been a rock at the back in recent weeks and only
Jason Shackell (Burnley, 11.5) and Michael Dawson (Hull, 11.2) have averaged
more clearances per game than the Welsh international (11). Winston Reid
(with 9.5 clearances per match) and James Tomkins (9.4) also feature in that
particular top ten.
* In terms of goalscorers, Diafra Sakho's average of 3.4 shots per game is
the league's seventh highest total (led by Man City's Sergio Aguero with
5.2). The Senegal international rises to third in the table if only
considering attempts at goal away from home (4.0) with Stewart Downing
appearing on that list in sixth place (3.2).
* Finally, despite having make an apparently promising start to his new
career at Hull, the Premier League's most dispossessed player so far during
the current campaign (3.3 lost challenges per game) is ... Hull City's Mo
Diame.
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Morrison cleared of threatening to throw acid at his ex-girlfriend and have
her killed
Last Updated: 10/11/14 1:43pm
SSN
West Ham midfielder Ravel Morrison has been cleared of threatening to throw
acid in the face of his ex-girlfriend and have her killed.
The 21-year-old was said to have harassed Reah Mansoor over a four-year
period but the Crown Prosecution Service have formally withdrawn the
allegation. Morrison, who is currently on loan at Cardiff City, was also
accused of threatening to blow up Miss Mansoor's house as part of the
alleged conduct between January 2010 and July this year. A not guilty
verdict on Morrison's harassment charge was formally recorded in a case
management hearing at Manchester Crown Court, which the footballer attended.
Morrison will stand trial at the same court on January 26 on three remaining
charges of assaulting Miss Mansoor, 19, and her mother, Parveen Mansoor, 39,
in the early hours of July 24. The ex-Manchester United player denied the
harassment charge at a preliminary hearing held in August. He also pleaded
not guilty to two counts of assault by beating and one of assault causing
actual bodily harm. Morrison was bailed on condition he lives at an address
in Cardiff, does not contact the two women complainants, and does not enter
the Greater Manchester area except for a court appearance or when he plays
in his professional capacity.
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NO OFFERS PLEASE - THESE HAMMERS ARE NOT FOR SALE!
By HamburgHammer 10 Nov 2014 at 13:52
West Ham Till I Die
Another break for some International footie and the Hammers are still
sitting comfortably in fourth place in the Premier League table. Yes, that's
your good old West Ham United, we are still talking football and after
numerous gruesome pinching sessions I have convinced myself that this is in
fact really happening.
I'm salivating at the thought of our options in upcoming games with a fully
fit squad as Demel should also return after the break, same as Zarate who
apparently had a bit of a niggle (nothing more) before the Villa game and
according to some usually well informed sources is still very much in our
plans for the future.
Life is bizarrely very good for a West Ham fan right now.
Which brings out the pedantic side in this particular German, the worrying
side which makes one feel suspicious if things go too smoothly and so much
better than according to the realistic and conservative plan we may have had
at the start of the season. And it got me thinking about the boring domestic
league I have to suffer at home, the Bundesliga. I hear you all collectively
sigh: What is the prat talking about ? Standing terraces, cheap tickets,
beer allowed in the ground, some hugely entertaining football and a
fantastic national side to boot who are the current World Champions.
But trust me, this is now a league that's as boring as it gets. The one
reason: Bayern Munich. They seem to have a subscription on the title and
usually win it at a canter six or seven weeks before the season officially
ends, only every four or five years another team gets a shot, but even those
teams never really can close the gap to the mighty Bavarans for several
seasons in a row. Why ? Because Bayern have a habit of snatching away the
key players that make competitors tick. It's been happening since I started
watching football as a five year old in front of our black and white telly.
Before teams can build squads to really challenge Bayern for years to come
the key player(s) are presented with offers from Bayern that neither the
players nor their club can refuse. These players more often than not then
ride the Bayern bench for the next few years instead of being regular
starters. But Bayern don't care as long as Dortmund, Schalke, Stuttgart or
whoever cannot continue to benefit from those players. I've even got tired
of hating Bayern as it is so futile now, the best players from the league
are just being hoovered up by Bayern who rarely seem to lose out to even
bigger clubs like Real or Barcelona.
The result: Teams like Dortmund, Bremen, Stuttgart and Hamburg who at one
point were all title holders are now bumbling along the bottom of the table,
although it is of course not solely Bayern's fault they have fallen that far
behind.
For West Ham the situation is even more difficult as in the Premier League
there are several clubs doing the hoovering up on top of other moneybag
clubs of course like PSG, Real, Barcelona or the Milan clubs. West Ham have
always been known as a selling club, the Academy of Football developed the
players, they became good, but before they reached the 'brilliant' stage
they were sold to the highest bidder. And rarely for amounts that reflected
their true value.
With West Ham about to move into the OS this mentality has to change, even
at the risk of turning down some good or even fantastic financial offers
from other clubs.
I don't think other clubs see West Ham as a threat to the big clubs yet, so
there will be no deliberate effort to weaken our squad, but clubs will still
try to take our best players away from us, those that have hit the ground
running and those that have surprised us all with their breath of fresh air
performances: Guys like Sakho, Valencia, Downing, Kouyate, Song, Cresswell,
maybe even Adrian if he continues to improve.
Our board have mentioned in the recent past that we were no longer a selling
club and I reckon the time is near when we can put those statements to the
test of harsh reality.
Will we get weak in the knees when offers for Sakho and Valencia fly into
the club's offices ? Will we consider selling for 15 million ? 20 million ?
When does an offer become too good to turn down ?
I have a very strong opinion on this: You choose the players you consider to
be the spine of your team and then do a Barcelona, well, maybe a Barcelona
light – you slap ridiculous price tags on their heads to fend off interested
parties. You want Sakho who fits our team like a hand in glove ? Bidding
starts at 50 million.
Same for Valencia. Interested in Cresswell ? Well, have you got those 30
million available in cash please ? You get my drift.
Realistically you don't want to lose those spine players but if you have to
you at least ask for serious money that allows you to bring in adequate
replacements that will keep the team at the same level of quality.
I live in the real world. I know if any offers for our players reach a
certain level they will be gone in a flash. But I hope our board are true to
their statement.
We need to stop being a selling club if we want to be a challenger for years
to come and make the move into the OS a success.
We need to keep building our squad, not dismantling it once we've started
playing well. Let's try and make the Premier League a bit more interesting
in the next few years.
Mind you, it's a lot more interesting right now than the boring Bundesliga.
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Fit-again Andy Carroll insists he can adapt game to contribute to West Ham's
bright new dawn
Nov 09, 2014 22:30 By Neil McLeman
The former Liverpool forward made his return against Aston Villa and is
confident he can make an impact in the weeks ahead
The Mirror
Andy Carroll insisted he can play the new West Ham way after a typically
barnstorming return to the side in the 0-0 draw against Aston Villa . Making
his first appearance of the season, the £15million star came off the bench
to force the brilliant Brad Guzan into two late saves from towering headers.
But without the England striker the Hammers have enjoyed their best ever
Premier League start, with summer signings Diafra Sakho and Enner Valenica
adding a new attacking dimension. Pace and movement with the ball on the
floor is this season's style rather than relying on route one. Yet Carroll,
who suffered an ankle injury in pre-season, said he is itching to show he
has the all-round game to play a central role in the future. "I have
enough quality on the floor as well as in the air – the style doesn't really
matter," he said. "It doesn't really affect me. People have got that image
of me, just on the end of long balls. "They have got the image of Sam
Allardyce and long balls. It just does not work like that. The gaffer knows
he can play both ways and he has shown that this season. I think I am
capable of doing that as well. I think it is a tag that we have both got
that is not justified. "The signings the gaffer has brought in have been
great. And I can complement them. "There is nothing better than to have to
fight to try to get your spot. Our team is doing fantastic and I am
delighted to have that fight."
Carroll announced his engagement to former TOWIE star Billi Mucklow last
week, and admitted he was more nervous seeing his team-mates the next day
than making his latest return from injury. Should be quite a stag party. But
Carroll, now 25, said: "I do think I have settled down a lot. I think it
shows in training and off the pitch." He said he was "champing at the bit"
to feature against his former club Newcastle but boss Allardyce (above)
warned the club's record signing is still "five or six games" away from
being fit. He added: "With Andy we have to be firm and say 'You are in
pre-season – if I put you on any quicker or sooner and you get injured again
then that will be my fault not yours'. We will gauge it each week."
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Gold: "This is my strongest squad in 20 years"
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on November 10, 2014 in Whispers
Claret & Hugh
David Gold cannot remember in the 20 years he has been involved in the game
ever seeing a squad of the quality currently in place at Upton Park. And he
has made it clear in an an exclusive ClaretandHugh interview that absolutely
nobody will now be picked on anything other than form and ability. He points
to Matt Jarvis as an example of the current situation declaring: "He
understands the position and will be entirely philosophical about it. He
knows what he has to do because here's a £10 million fully fit signing who
can't get on the bench.
"He will be moving heaven and earth to make it back into the squad and it is
a perfect example of where we are at right now. "We are similar to all the
top teams. Everybody is having to really fight for their places. This is the
most powerful squad I've been involved with in my time in the game."
The Jarvis example puts to bed once and for all any talk that he will be on
his way this January unless of course some club wants to come along and give
us something close to what we paid for him. Even then it may not happen!
The interesting thought which emerges from all of this: Perhaps we needed to
live through the horrors of last season to arrive at where we are today!
After all wasn't it the departed Mo Diame who claimed players weren't
putting it in on the training pitch last season because they were sure of
the shirt at the weekend. All of this, however, presents a new set of
challenges to a manager who has many fans and a hard core bunch of
detractors. Gold said: "You're right about new challenges. Players have to
be kept motivated when they are not in the picture currently but will be
constantly reminded of how quickly things can change with suspensions and
injuries. "They all have to step up to the plate and that as a club will
make us stronger and stronger. Our expectations are being exceeded. Allowing
Diego Poyet out on loan is another example of where we are at because he is
a very fine young player..
"Diafra Sakho has been outstanding, Enner Valencia too, and now Andy Carroll
is back. We look strong everywhere and we are playing the sort of game we've
all been crying out for. "I'm enjoying it, the players are enjoying it but
most of all the fans – who will always be the Number One priority – are
enjoying it. We all deserve this.
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Mighty Irons singing a new Song!
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on November 10, 2014 in Whispers
Claret & Hugh
Richard Oses is the founder of a highly successful Facebook page Bubbles
Fanzine @ https://www.facebook.com/rich.oses?fref=ts He is a lifelong Hammer
and will be blogging here when he believes he has something important to
say. In his first article for the site he makes it clear that the Irons
really need to move heaven and earth to bring in Alex Song at the end of the
season. There's no denying West Ham look a great team this season – and we
all know why. We had a great transfer window! We have a top group of players
with the likes of Sakho, Valencia, Kouyate and Creswell being key to our new
found success. As a result our ambitions now rise as high as European
qualification. UNREAL! But for me the key signing so far has been Alex Song
on loan. Just the fact that we secured this deal in the first place amid
interest from top European clubs is in itself a statement of intent from the
club's board. He is the midfield anchor who has the ability to defend well,
and create sublime attacking passes to link up the play between the centre
of the park and the strikers. He may not have been at his best on Saturday
against Villa but he remains a highly composed, calm figure who thrives
under pressure which is vitally important especially if we are hanging on to
a slender lead or are chasing the game.
Liverpool, Man Utd and Arsenal are all thought to be showing interest in
buying him in January but the Hammers will keep him until the end of the
season and then the battle will be on. For me it's an absolute given we
have to keep this guy and it's good that the sounds coming from the
boardroom confirm the club feels the e same way. He is happy here and if we
can clinch a top six finish then we can hope to keep him and bring in more
like him – that's how high our ambitions are rising and after last season
that is a miracle.
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http://vyperz.blogspot.com
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WHUFC.com
After five games unbeaten, Sam Allardyce is delighted with the squad's
strength in depth
09.11.2014
Sam Allardyce praised his squad's strength in depth after West Ham United
extended their unbeaten run to five games following the 0-0 draw with Aston
Villa at the Boleyn Ground on Saturday. Allardyce elected to start with the
in-form strike partnership of Diafra Sakho and Enner Valencia, who have
scored nine league goals between them, but despite being on top for the
majority of the game, the Hammers were unable to break the deadlock. Big Sam
sought to change that by bringing on Carlton Cole and Andy Carroll as
second-half substitutes, with the latter making his first appearance of the
season after returning from an ankle injury. "Our strength in depth is a
real asset," Big Sam explained. "Now we have four strikers available it's
given us the opportunity to change the system when we lulled a bit in the
second half. "That ability to change the personnel allowed us to give the
fans an exciting finish to the game and I think that will stand us in good
stead for the rest of the season. The only thing was while our finishing was
good, their keeper was even better."
Speaking about Carroll's return to first-team football, the manager said
that while he was delighted to see the powerful striker back on the pitch,
he stressed that it would take several games before he is back to full
fitness. "He's still five or six games away from being fully fit. It's
pre-season for him really, so we'll gradually increase his pitch time and
see how he copes and how quickly he recovers.
"We need to be careful that we don't rush him back too quickly because we
don't want to risk him getting injured again. Thankfully our squad is
working well at the moment and that gives me the freedom to slowly work him
back into the side. We'll take each week as it comes and go by a game by
game basis. "It's great to see him back out there. He loves playing football
so to be out for such a long period was very frustrating for him. He's
worked incredibly hard to get back fit and he's back ahead of schedule,
which is excellent. "It also goes to show his desire and hunger to play
football. I think he demonstrated that in the few minutes he was on. We also
have Coley fit and looking good. Valencia and Sakho are looking better and
better as a partnership the more they play together."
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Loan round up
WHUFC.com
See how the five West Ham United loanees fared this weekend
10.11.2014
George Moncur played the first 60 minutes as Colchester United beat
Conference South side Gosport Borough 6-3 in a thrilling encounter in the FA
Cup first round.
Goals from Gavin Massey, Sanchez Watt, Alex Gilbey, Sammie Szmodics and two
from Freddie Sears secured the win. The score was 4-2 to the U's when Moncur
was replaced by Craig Eastmond
Modibo Maiga played the full game as FC Metz lost 3-0 to Toulouse. Goals
from Pantxi Sirieix, Wissam Ben Yedder and Aleksandar Pesic saw the home
side win emphatically.
Sean Maguire did not play for Accrington Stanley as they drew 0-0 away to
Notts County in the FA Cup first round.
Diego Poyet was an unused substitute in Huddersfield Town 3-1 defeat by
Fulham. Goals from Hugo Rodallega, Vigen Christensen and Ross McCormack
secured the victory for Kit Symons' men. The talented midfielder was not
expected to feature having joined the club just 24 hours before kick off.
Ravel Morrison was not involved in Cardiff City's 0-0 draw away to
Birmingham City who are unbeaten since new manager Gary Rowett took charge.
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Tevez and Messi in town!
WHUFC.com
Carlos Tevez, Lionel Messi and co trained at the Hammers' Rush Green
training complex on Monday
27.10.2014
Carlos Tevez and Lionel Messi trained at West Ham United's Rush Green
training complex on Monday afternoon, as the build-up to Wednesday's
international showdown with Croatia at the Boleyn Ground hots up. Fans
favourite Tevez was joined by a full Argentinian squad, Messi and all, as
manager Gerardo Martino put his side through their paces in east London 48
hours ahead of kick-off. Wednesday's prestige friendly will pit Tevez,
Messi and company against their fellow 2014 FIFA World Cup qualifiers in
what promises to be a hugely entertaining clash.
The 7.45pm kick-off could also see Argentina's former Hammers midfielder
Javier Mascherano return to east London, while ex-West Ham striker Davor
Suker is now President of the Croatian Football Federation. Messi could be
just one of a host of household names on show for La Albiceleste, with
Barclays Premier League stars Sergio Aguero, Angel di Maria, Erik Lamela and
Pablo Zabaleta all among the familiar faces at Rush Green.
Croatia also possess a strong group of players, with Real Madrid playmaker
Luka Modric, Atletico Madrid striker Mario Mandzukic and Messi's Barcelona
team-mate Ivan Rakitic all expected to be involved. The two nations have met
three times previously, with each recording one victory. The most-recent
meeting took place in Switzerland in March 2006, when Messi and former
Hammers striker Tevez were on target, but Croatia won 3-2. Argentina will be
playing in London for the first time since September 2006, when they took on
South American rivals Brazil at Arsenal, losing 2-0. Croatia's most-recent
visit to London was also an unhappy one, with England running out 5-1
winners in a FIFA World Cup qualifier at Wembley in September 2009.
Tickets for the match are on General Sale now and are available directly
from West Ham United.
Standard Ticket prices start from £25 for Adults and £15 for Over-65s and
Under-16s. Disabled Ticket prices are the same, including a complimentary
carer. Family Tickets priced at £60 for two Adults and two Under-16s are
also available in the Sir Trevor Brooking Stand Upper.
Demand for tickets for this exciting fixture is expected to be high, so fans
are urged to book early to avoid disappointment.
To make sure of your seat now, click here, call 0871 529 1966 (calls cost
10p/min plus network extras) or buy in person at the Alpari Stand Ticket
Office.
Corporate hospitality packages are also available, with Executive Boxes
available for just £1,250 plus VAT and lounge packages starting from only
£60 per person plus VAT. To book a package now, please 0871 091 1911 (calls
cost 10p/min plus network extras).
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Noble thrilled with squad strength
WHUFC.com
Mark Noble believes the strength of West Ham United's squad bodes well for a
positive season
10.11.2014
Mark Noble is determined to keep West Ham United in the upper reaches of the
Barclays Premier League table for the long haul. Despite being frustrated by
Aston Villa in a 0-0 draw at the Boleyn Ground on Saturday, the Hammers
moved back up to fourth in the league, with a further boost being provided
by the return from injury of Andy Carroll. Noble believes that, with the
squad returning to full strength, the Hammers are well placed to build on
their strong start to the campaign. He explained: "It was a good performance
from the lads and it was nice to have Andy back out there. It's a very good
squad with a lot of comeptition for places. "We've got to thrive off that
competition and want to get better. "It's been a successful period for us
since the last international break. We came back from Stoke after a big
performance and got another point on Saturday, but most importantly a clean
sheet and a good performance. "We have to carry on and look forward to the
next game. We can't dwell on how well we're playing or how many points we've
got. We need to try to stay in this position as long as we can."
As for Saturday's game itself, Noble held mixed feelings after a positive
performance was not matched with the maximum reward. "We're a little bit
gutted if we're honest," he continued. "We played well enough to win the
three points and created enough chances to score goals but sometimes it
doesn't go for you. "Villa got that little bit of luck on Saturday that
nothing quite hit the back of the net for us, but we're in good form, we got
another point and are fourth in the league. "We keep picking up points and
it's another clean sheet so it's looking good for us."
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Ravel Morrison cleared of acid threats to ex-girlfriend
BBC.co.uk
Ravel Morrison has four England Under-21 caps
England Under-21 footballer Ravel Morrison has been cleared of threatening
to throw acid in the face of his ex-girlfriend, have her killed and blow up
her house. He was accused of harassing Reah Mansoor, 19, over four years but
the Crown Prosecution Service withdrew the allegation at Manchester Crown
Court. The West Ham star, 21, who is on loan at Cardiff City, denies three
remaining charges of assault against Miss Mansoor and her mother, Parveen
Mansoor. He will stand trial on 26 January. Mr Morrison, who is originally
from Manchester, pleaded not guilty to two counts of assault by beating and
one of assault causing actual bodily harm on 24 July. The midfielder was
bailed on condition he lives at an address in Cardiff and does not contact
his ex-girlfriend and Ms Mansoor, 39. He cannot enter the Greater Manchester
area unless he has a court appearance or when he plays in his professional
capacity. Mr Morrison played for Manchester United and appeared in the
League Cup before former manager Sir Alex Ferguson sold him to West Ham for
£650,000 in January 2012. West Ham manager Sam Allardyce later loaned him to
Birmingham and Queens Park Rangers. Mr Morrison, who has four England
Under-21 caps, is currently playing for Championship club Cardiff City on a
three-month loan deal.
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Ravel Morrison 'murder' charge dropped
KUMB.com
Filed: Monday, 10th November 2014
By: Staff Writer
Ravel Morrison has been found not guilty of threatening to have a former
girlfriend murdered. The 21-year-old midfielder, currently on loan at
Championship club Cardiff City appeared at Manchester Crown Court this
morning where he was informed that a charge relating to harassment was being
dropped by the Crown Prosecution Service and recorded as a 'not guilty'
verdict. It had been alleged that Morrison threatened to have acid thrown
in the woman's face in exchange for £10,000 - just one of a string of
incidents that were said to have occurred between 2010 and earlier this
year, when the England under-21 international was briefly imprisoned before
being released on bail following his arrest in Manchester on Sunday, 27
July.
Police had been called to an address on Alexandra Road, Salford, following
reports that a 19-year-old woman - Morrison's former girlfriend Reah Mansoor
- and her mother, 39-year-old Parveen Mansoor, had been assaulted. Whilst
Morrison - whose contract at West Ham is unlikely to be renewed - will no
doubt welcome today's news, he was reminded that he should return to court
in January of next year to face outstanding charges of actual bodily harm
and assault.
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Powell seeking to extend Poyet loan
KUMB.com
Filed: Monday, 10th November 2014
By: Staff Writer
Current Huddersfield boss Chris Powell has admitted he hopes to retain the
services of Diego Poyet beyond the agreed 28-day period. The 19-year-old
midfielder moved to West Ham in the summer via Charlton, where Poyet and
Powell were both previously employed. Having developed a positive working
relationship at The Addicks, the Terriers boss is delighted to once again
team up with Poyet. "He's made his Premier League bow for West Ham and we
will give him further Championship experience," said Powell. "I am grateful
that the club has demonstrated a willingness to enhance the squad and move
quickly to get the move done. "We only met him at 6.30pm on Friday night
down here in the hotel. He wasn't involved in any of the preparation going
into the game so it was about him being involved in the squad today
(Saturday). "There is a quality player there and it is really good for us
that West Ham have allowed him to come to us for an initial 28 days, and we
will see from there. The busy December and Christmas period is coming up
where you can't bring players in, so it is important to get the squad
right." "I have kept my eye on Diego, obviously I know him well from
Charlton. He will make us a better team for sure. He is a tenacious midfield
player with a great range of passing, should dovetail brilliantly with our
other midfield players at the Club and fit right into the squad in terms of
his personality."
Poyet - who has been given the number 44 shirt - was an unused substitute as
Huddersfield went down 3-1 at Fulham in the battle of the Championship
strugglers on Saturday. It's a defeat that leaves Powell's side just four
points above the relegation zone. The Terriers next fixture is against
Sheffield Wednesday 12 days from now.
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Long ball, tall story
KUMB.com
Filed: Monday, 10th November 2014
By: Staff Writer
West Ham United's five-match unbeaten run is currently only bettered by
Chelsea in the Premier League. Victories against Queens Park Rangers,
Burnley and Manchester City - added to the two recent draws against Stoke
and Aston Villa on Saturday - have helped catapult Sam Allardyce's side into
the higher echelons of the Premier League. Only the league leaders - who are
still unbeaten this season having won nine and drawn two - can boast a
better record, although Newcastle - who have won their last four under Alan
Pardew - are also unbeaten in five.
* Whilst West Ham have been largely praised for their apparent change in
emphasis when in possession of the ball this season, the stats tell a
slightly different story.
Almost one-third of West Ham's goals this season have arrived from set
pieces - a total of six goals (two at home, four away), the league's highest
and a number that only next weekend's opponents Everton can currently match.
In contrast, West Ham's total of 11 goals scored from open play is bettered
by six clubs.
* As for the long ball tag with which Big Sam has long been tainted, West
Ham's average of 66 long passes per game is only the tenth highest in the
Premier League.
Strugglers Burnley currently top that particular chart with an average of
73, closely followed by Manchester United and fellow new boys Leicester City
(73). Arsenal, with the league's lowest score of 42 can genuinely claim to
"play on the floor" - certainly not Southampton, as suggested by their fans
last season, who have the fifth highest total on 71.
* Andy Carroll's return to the fold will almost certainly encourage the
likes of Aaron Cresswell, Carl Jenkinson and Stewart Downing to fire more
crosses into the box. Yet even without the England international, West Ham's
average of 26 crosses per game so far this season is only marginally
bettered by Arsenal and Southampton (27 each) and matched by Manchester
United.
Conversely, West Ham's 313 short passes attempted on average per game is one
of the league's lowest; only last weekend's opponents Aston Villa (309),
Crystal Palace (236) and Premier League newcomers Burnley (295) and QPR
(297) have attempted fewer. Arsenal again lead the way with 567 per match.
* The north London club also lead the average possession chart having
enjoyed a shade under 60 per cent per match. West Ham, perhaps surprisingly
given the club's overall form are way down in 14th place with just 47.1 per
cent - the lowest possession rate outside of the Premier League's bottom six
clubs.
Oddly perhaps, Allardyce's side have seen slightly more of the ball away
from home - 49.7 per cent on their travels (9th overall) compared to just
44.9 per cent on average (16th) at the Boleyn Ground. Meanwhile West Ham's
combined pass success rate of 76.4 per cent is also way down the table in
15th (again, only better than the league's bottom five clubs).
* Given that the opposition have tended to see more of the ball so far this
campaign is has been essential that West Ham have been able to rely on their
defence. James Collins has been a rock at the back in recent weeks and only
Jason Shackell (Burnley, 11.5) and Michael Dawson (Hull, 11.2) have averaged
more clearances per game than the Welsh international (11). Winston Reid
(with 9.5 clearances per match) and James Tomkins (9.4) also feature in that
particular top ten.
* In terms of goalscorers, Diafra Sakho's average of 3.4 shots per game is
the league's seventh highest total (led by Man City's Sergio Aguero with
5.2). The Senegal international rises to third in the table if only
considering attempts at goal away from home (4.0) with Stewart Downing
appearing on that list in sixth place (3.2).
* Finally, despite having make an apparently promising start to his new
career at Hull, the Premier League's most dispossessed player so far during
the current campaign (3.3 lost challenges per game) is ... Hull City's Mo
Diame.
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Morrison cleared of threatening to throw acid at his ex-girlfriend and have
her killed
Last Updated: 10/11/14 1:43pm
SSN
West Ham midfielder Ravel Morrison has been cleared of threatening to throw
acid in the face of his ex-girlfriend and have her killed.
The 21-year-old was said to have harassed Reah Mansoor over a four-year
period but the Crown Prosecution Service have formally withdrawn the
allegation. Morrison, who is currently on loan at Cardiff City, was also
accused of threatening to blow up Miss Mansoor's house as part of the
alleged conduct between January 2010 and July this year. A not guilty
verdict on Morrison's harassment charge was formally recorded in a case
management hearing at Manchester Crown Court, which the footballer attended.
Morrison will stand trial at the same court on January 26 on three remaining
charges of assaulting Miss Mansoor, 19, and her mother, Parveen Mansoor, 39,
in the early hours of July 24. The ex-Manchester United player denied the
harassment charge at a preliminary hearing held in August. He also pleaded
not guilty to two counts of assault by beating and one of assault causing
actual bodily harm. Morrison was bailed on condition he lives at an address
in Cardiff, does not contact the two women complainants, and does not enter
the Greater Manchester area except for a court appearance or when he plays
in his professional capacity.
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NO OFFERS PLEASE - THESE HAMMERS ARE NOT FOR SALE!
By HamburgHammer 10 Nov 2014 at 13:52
West Ham Till I Die
Another break for some International footie and the Hammers are still
sitting comfortably in fourth place in the Premier League table. Yes, that's
your good old West Ham United, we are still talking football and after
numerous gruesome pinching sessions I have convinced myself that this is in
fact really happening.
I'm salivating at the thought of our options in upcoming games with a fully
fit squad as Demel should also return after the break, same as Zarate who
apparently had a bit of a niggle (nothing more) before the Villa game and
according to some usually well informed sources is still very much in our
plans for the future.
Life is bizarrely very good for a West Ham fan right now.
Which brings out the pedantic side in this particular German, the worrying
side which makes one feel suspicious if things go too smoothly and so much
better than according to the realistic and conservative plan we may have had
at the start of the season. And it got me thinking about the boring domestic
league I have to suffer at home, the Bundesliga. I hear you all collectively
sigh: What is the prat talking about ? Standing terraces, cheap tickets,
beer allowed in the ground, some hugely entertaining football and a
fantastic national side to boot who are the current World Champions.
But trust me, this is now a league that's as boring as it gets. The one
reason: Bayern Munich. They seem to have a subscription on the title and
usually win it at a canter six or seven weeks before the season officially
ends, only every four or five years another team gets a shot, but even those
teams never really can close the gap to the mighty Bavarans for several
seasons in a row. Why ? Because Bayern have a habit of snatching away the
key players that make competitors tick. It's been happening since I started
watching football as a five year old in front of our black and white telly.
Before teams can build squads to really challenge Bayern for years to come
the key player(s) are presented with offers from Bayern that neither the
players nor their club can refuse. These players more often than not then
ride the Bayern bench for the next few years instead of being regular
starters. But Bayern don't care as long as Dortmund, Schalke, Stuttgart or
whoever cannot continue to benefit from those players. I've even got tired
of hating Bayern as it is so futile now, the best players from the league
are just being hoovered up by Bayern who rarely seem to lose out to even
bigger clubs like Real or Barcelona.
The result: Teams like Dortmund, Bremen, Stuttgart and Hamburg who at one
point were all title holders are now bumbling along the bottom of the table,
although it is of course not solely Bayern's fault they have fallen that far
behind.
For West Ham the situation is even more difficult as in the Premier League
there are several clubs doing the hoovering up on top of other moneybag
clubs of course like PSG, Real, Barcelona or the Milan clubs. West Ham have
always been known as a selling club, the Academy of Football developed the
players, they became good, but before they reached the 'brilliant' stage
they were sold to the highest bidder. And rarely for amounts that reflected
their true value.
With West Ham about to move into the OS this mentality has to change, even
at the risk of turning down some good or even fantastic financial offers
from other clubs.
I don't think other clubs see West Ham as a threat to the big clubs yet, so
there will be no deliberate effort to weaken our squad, but clubs will still
try to take our best players away from us, those that have hit the ground
running and those that have surprised us all with their breath of fresh air
performances: Guys like Sakho, Valencia, Downing, Kouyate, Song, Cresswell,
maybe even Adrian if he continues to improve.
Our board have mentioned in the recent past that we were no longer a selling
club and I reckon the time is near when we can put those statements to the
test of harsh reality.
Will we get weak in the knees when offers for Sakho and Valencia fly into
the club's offices ? Will we consider selling for 15 million ? 20 million ?
When does an offer become too good to turn down ?
I have a very strong opinion on this: You choose the players you consider to
be the spine of your team and then do a Barcelona, well, maybe a Barcelona
light – you slap ridiculous price tags on their heads to fend off interested
parties. You want Sakho who fits our team like a hand in glove ? Bidding
starts at 50 million.
Same for Valencia. Interested in Cresswell ? Well, have you got those 30
million available in cash please ? You get my drift.
Realistically you don't want to lose those spine players but if you have to
you at least ask for serious money that allows you to bring in adequate
replacements that will keep the team at the same level of quality.
I live in the real world. I know if any offers for our players reach a
certain level they will be gone in a flash. But I hope our board are true to
their statement.
We need to stop being a selling club if we want to be a challenger for years
to come and make the move into the OS a success.
We need to keep building our squad, not dismantling it once we've started
playing well. Let's try and make the Premier League a bit more interesting
in the next few years.
Mind you, it's a lot more interesting right now than the boring Bundesliga.
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Fit-again Andy Carroll insists he can adapt game to contribute to West Ham's
bright new dawn
Nov 09, 2014 22:30 By Neil McLeman
The former Liverpool forward made his return against Aston Villa and is
confident he can make an impact in the weeks ahead
The Mirror
Andy Carroll insisted he can play the new West Ham way after a typically
barnstorming return to the side in the 0-0 draw against Aston Villa . Making
his first appearance of the season, the £15million star came off the bench
to force the brilliant Brad Guzan into two late saves from towering headers.
But without the England striker the Hammers have enjoyed their best ever
Premier League start, with summer signings Diafra Sakho and Enner Valenica
adding a new attacking dimension. Pace and movement with the ball on the
floor is this season's style rather than relying on route one. Yet Carroll,
who suffered an ankle injury in pre-season, said he is itching to show he
has the all-round game to play a central role in the future. "I have
enough quality on the floor as well as in the air – the style doesn't really
matter," he said. "It doesn't really affect me. People have got that image
of me, just on the end of long balls. "They have got the image of Sam
Allardyce and long balls. It just does not work like that. The gaffer knows
he can play both ways and he has shown that this season. I think I am
capable of doing that as well. I think it is a tag that we have both got
that is not justified. "The signings the gaffer has brought in have been
great. And I can complement them. "There is nothing better than to have to
fight to try to get your spot. Our team is doing fantastic and I am
delighted to have that fight."
Carroll announced his engagement to former TOWIE star Billi Mucklow last
week, and admitted he was more nervous seeing his team-mates the next day
than making his latest return from injury. Should be quite a stag party. But
Carroll, now 25, said: "I do think I have settled down a lot. I think it
shows in training and off the pitch." He said he was "champing at the bit"
to feature against his former club Newcastle but boss Allardyce (above)
warned the club's record signing is still "five or six games" away from
being fit. He added: "With Andy we have to be firm and say 'You are in
pre-season – if I put you on any quicker or sooner and you get injured again
then that will be my fault not yours'. We will gauge it each week."
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Gold: "This is my strongest squad in 20 years"
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on November 10, 2014 in Whispers
Claret & Hugh
David Gold cannot remember in the 20 years he has been involved in the game
ever seeing a squad of the quality currently in place at Upton Park. And he
has made it clear in an an exclusive ClaretandHugh interview that absolutely
nobody will now be picked on anything other than form and ability. He points
to Matt Jarvis as an example of the current situation declaring: "He
understands the position and will be entirely philosophical about it. He
knows what he has to do because here's a £10 million fully fit signing who
can't get on the bench.
"He will be moving heaven and earth to make it back into the squad and it is
a perfect example of where we are at right now. "We are similar to all the
top teams. Everybody is having to really fight for their places. This is the
most powerful squad I've been involved with in my time in the game."
The Jarvis example puts to bed once and for all any talk that he will be on
his way this January unless of course some club wants to come along and give
us something close to what we paid for him. Even then it may not happen!
The interesting thought which emerges from all of this: Perhaps we needed to
live through the horrors of last season to arrive at where we are today!
After all wasn't it the departed Mo Diame who claimed players weren't
putting it in on the training pitch last season because they were sure of
the shirt at the weekend. All of this, however, presents a new set of
challenges to a manager who has many fans and a hard core bunch of
detractors. Gold said: "You're right about new challenges. Players have to
be kept motivated when they are not in the picture currently but will be
constantly reminded of how quickly things can change with suspensions and
injuries. "They all have to step up to the plate and that as a club will
make us stronger and stronger. Our expectations are being exceeded. Allowing
Diego Poyet out on loan is another example of where we are at because he is
a very fine young player..
"Diafra Sakho has been outstanding, Enner Valencia too, and now Andy Carroll
is back. We look strong everywhere and we are playing the sort of game we've
all been crying out for. "I'm enjoying it, the players are enjoying it but
most of all the fans – who will always be the Number One priority – are
enjoying it. We all deserve this.
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Mighty Irons singing a new Song!
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on November 10, 2014 in Whispers
Claret & Hugh
Richard Oses is the founder of a highly successful Facebook page Bubbles
Fanzine @ https://www.facebook.com/rich.oses?fref=ts He is a lifelong Hammer
and will be blogging here when he believes he has something important to
say. In his first article for the site he makes it clear that the Irons
really need to move heaven and earth to bring in Alex Song at the end of the
season. There's no denying West Ham look a great team this season – and we
all know why. We had a great transfer window! We have a top group of players
with the likes of Sakho, Valencia, Kouyate and Creswell being key to our new
found success. As a result our ambitions now rise as high as European
qualification. UNREAL! But for me the key signing so far has been Alex Song
on loan. Just the fact that we secured this deal in the first place amid
interest from top European clubs is in itself a statement of intent from the
club's board. He is the midfield anchor who has the ability to defend well,
and create sublime attacking passes to link up the play between the centre
of the park and the strikers. He may not have been at his best on Saturday
against Villa but he remains a highly composed, calm figure who thrives
under pressure which is vitally important especially if we are hanging on to
a slender lead or are chasing the game.
Liverpool, Man Utd and Arsenal are all thought to be showing interest in
buying him in January but the Hammers will keep him until the end of the
season and then the battle will be on. For me it's an absolute given we
have to keep this guy and it's good that the sounds coming from the
boardroom confirm the club feels the e same way. He is happy here and if we
can clinch a top six finish then we can hope to keep him and bring in more
like him – that's how high our ambitions are rising and after last season
that is a miracle.
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http://vyperz.blogspot.com
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