Carroll brace secures third straight win
WHUFC.com
West Ham United beat Swansea City 3-1 with an Andy Carroll brace and Diafra
Sakho goal
07.12.2014
Barclays Premier League
West Ham United 3-1 Swansea City
Andy Carroll scored twice as West Ham United secured their eighth win of the
season, beating Swansea City 3-1 at the Boleyn Ground on Sunday. Having
gone a goal down through Wilfried Bony's 19th goal of 2014, the Hammers
responded emphatically as Carroll scored two headers before Diafra Sakho
sealed the win with a fierce shot late in the second half. The Hammers had
several chances with Kevin Nolan and Enner Valencia going close in the early
stages. Alex Song, returning to the side from injury, also proved to be an
influential figure as he began to pull the strings in midfield. However it
was the visitors who took a surprise lead through top goal scorer Bony with
their first attack of the game. The Ivorian international opened the scoring
with an assured finish following a neat one-two between Gylfi Sigurdsson and
Jefferson Montero. The Hammers appeared to be stung by going a goal down yet
they regrouped and continued to forge several chances towards the end of the
second half.
Following his winner against Newcastle United last Saturday, Aaron Cresswell
looked set to double his tally when he headed Stewart Downing's pinpoint
cross toward the top corner however Swansea goalkeeper Fabianski was on hand
to save well. In the 41st minute, the Hammers' scored a deserved equaliser
through Andy Carroll as he rose highest to head home Carl Jenkinson's superb
cross. The right-back curled in an inch-perfect delivery for the No9 to
score his first goal of the campaign. The Hammers started the second half
much like the first as they put the Swans under early pressure. Jenkinson
and Downing continued to supply excellent service to the front men yet the
Swansea defence stood resolute. Cresswell created an excellent chance as
he single handedly beat two men and drilled a cross into the six yard box.
Unfortunately for the Hammers the delivery was just a fraction ahead of the
onrushing Carroll. The visitors responded with a chance of their own
moments later when Swansea's counter attack resulted in Bony clipping the
crossbar from the edge of the box.
West Ham's top goal scorer this season, Sakho, made a welcome return to the
Boleyn Ground, replacing Enner Valencia at half-time. The striker's pace
proved too much for Swansea to handle and it was not long before a sublime
bit of skill won his side a corner. From Downing's resulting delivery, the
Hammers took the lead through Carroll's second of the afternoon as he headed
into the left hand corner despite Leon Britton's best attempts to clear off
the line. Having been out of action for the majority of the season, Carroll
wheeled away in delight as raced away to celebrate with the West Ham bench.
Two minutes later Sakho's pace created more havoc as he knocked the ball
past Fabianski. Despite crashing into the forward, Sakho managed to shoot
from a tight angle, hitting the inside of the post and away. Having played
the advantage, referee Chris Foy pulled the game back for the foul and sent
Fabianski off. Despite Swansea's best efforts to equalise, Sakho secured
the victory in the final minutes as he lashed home ferociously as he burst
through the Swansea defence.
West Ham United: Adrian, Reid, Cresswell, Nolan (c), Tomkins, Kouyate
(Collins 86), Carrol, Downing, Jenkinson (O'Brien 79), Song, Valencia (Sakho
45)
Subs: Jaaskelainen, Zarate, Amalfitano, Cole
Goals: Carroll 41, 66, Sakho 87
Swansea City: Fabianski, Ki, Williams (c), Britton (Tremmel 71), Bony,
Routledge, Montero (Gomis 75), Rangel (Dyer 86), Sigurdsson, Bartley,
Richards
Subs: Amat, Shelvey, Carroll, Tiendalli
Goals: Bony 19
Booked: Routledge
Sent off: Fabianski
Referee: Chris Foy
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On-song Sam sings winning tune
WHUFC.com
Big Sam hailed his strikers and the outstanding Alex Song following Sunday's
3-1 win over Swansea City
07.12.2014
Sam Allardyce hailed his sensational strikers as Andy Carroll and Diafra
Sakho lifted West Ham United up to third in the Barclays Premier League. The
Hammers frontmen combined for all the goals as West Ham recovered from a
goal down to defeat Swansea City 3-1 at the Boleyn Ground. That is three
wins in nine days for Big Sam and his players, who came from a goal down for
the second game in succession to take all three points. After Wilfried Bony
had fired the visitors in front against the run of play on 19 minutes,
Carroll took centre-stage, powering in Carl Jenkinson's fine cross just
before half-time, then rising high to nod in Stewart Downing's inch-perfect
corner midway through the second half. Substitute Sakho, on his return from
a back injury, then attracted a challenge from Swansea goalkeeper Lukasz
Fabianski which saw the Pole sent-off before hitting both posts with low
shots. The Senegalese was not to be denied, however, and thrashed home the
clinching third when he beat Ashley Williams to Carroll's flick-on.
"When we came back from an unfortunate defeat at Everton which I didn't
think we deserved, I asked the lads what they could do in a big week for
us," Big Sam started. "We were playing for nine points in nine days, rather
than nine points in three weeks as we were at the start of the season, when
we had international breaks. "That's why everybody else is sitting up and
taking notice, because nobody else in the Premier League has won all three
games and only Manchester United can match us by winning on Monday when they
play. "Nobody else has managed to achieve what we have and that puts us in
real top form again. Considering we have gone a goal down in the last two
games and come back to win, it shows the ability of this squad to overcome
some adversity. "We switched off for a minute and got caught on the
counter-attack, which were obviously Swansea's tactics, and that man Bony
only needs one chance and he put it in the back of the net. "It was a
terrific recovery from there. I was delighted with the number of chances we
created and we scored three goals, including two headers from Andy which
makes him feel great and one for Sakho when he came on as sub. In the end it
couldn't have worked out any better."
While the strikers will take the headlines, Alex Song produced arguably the
outstanding individual performance of the afternoon, dominating the
midfielder with his strength, composure, deceptive pace and incisive
passing. "Song makes us sing!" joked Big Sam. "Because he can control the
midfield. He is composed, cool, calm, accurate with his passing, most of his
passes are forward, he waits for the right pass and he beats a man when he
has to try to make sure he makes the right pass. "He is not match-fit yet,
but he is going to be awesome when he is match-fit. In fact, he was awesome
in this game and a big bonus in terms of the way we played and how much
better we were in possession of the ball and became much more creative. "Him
and Stewart Downing in the diamond looked terrific and I also have to
mention Kevin Nolan and Cheik Kouyate for the work they put in and the
contribution they made. Everybody did their job brilliantly. We just got
caught cold but overcame it with a great victory."
West Ham have scored more headed goals, with 12, than any other Barclays
Premier League side and the second-highest in any of Europe's top five
leagues behind Spanish champions Atletico Madrid. In his West Ham TV
interview, Big Sam put this down to the form of Stewart Downing and the
outstanding delivery from wide areas from both the No11 and the two
full-backs. "That's two more headers today to add to two against West Brom,
plus Sakho's volley, and in final-third areas we score so many goals because
of the quality of our crossing from Downing, Jenkinson and Cresswell," he
continued. "That's 15 games and 26 goals."
The manager calmed fears that Jenkinson could face a spell on the sidelines
after the right-back hobbled off with a minor hamstring injury late on,
suggesting the No18 could be fit for next weekend's trip to Sunderland.
Looking ahead to the visit to the Stadium of Light, Big Sam is hoping for at
least a point to end the second of his eight-game 'phases' of the season on
a high. "We're on a real top target in terms of our phase two. We've taken
14 points from seven games in this phase so if we can get a point or three
then we'll have smashed the second phase out of sight. "That gives us a top
three or four finish based on the points we'll have gathered in that time,
so phase one and phase two will be in the bag if we get another result next
week. That gives us the opportunity to go into phase three and say 'Can we
maintain it?'."
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Andy Carroll: West Ham striker can be 'unstoppable'
BBC.co.uk
Sam Allardyce says Andy Carroll can be an unstoppable force in the Premier
League after West Ham moved up to third with victory against Swansea.
Carroll, 25, headed in his first goals since March either side of half-time
as the Hammers won 3-1. It was only Carroll's fifth appearance this season
after a lengthy spell out with an ankle injury. "He is unstoppable when he
gets that space," Allardyce said.
"Movement in the box is what it is all about, the heading ability only comes
after the movement is right to give you the space to attack the ball and
that happened with his two goals. "I think when he stands a little too close
to defenders and starts fighting them we don't get the best out of him.
Hopefully he continues to learn that way." Carroll, West Ham's record
signing at £15m, returned in November after tearing ankle ligaments in
pre-season. "It is fantastic to be back on the pitch and play as many games
as I have in the last few weeks," said Carroll. "There is nothing better
than scoring goals as a striker, so I was desperate to get a goal, and it is
a great feeling.
"You always have to just think about the positives when injured, the medical
staff have helped me a lot and it is credit to them that I am back."
Diafra Sakho scored West Ham's third after Swansea goalkeeper Lukasz
Fabianski had been sent off for a foul on the Senegal striker.
The win, West Ham's third in a row, continued their impressive form so far
this season. They have lost just once in their last nine games and are six
points behind second-place Manchester City. One of Manchester United or
Southampton will move above the Hammers when they play each other on Monday,
but Allardyce is happy to see a gap developing between themselves and other
teams below. "We are third now and we put a nice gap between ourselves and
the teams below us," added Allardyce, whose side are four points clear of
sixth-place Arsenal. "I hope we can stay as consistent as we have been over
the last nine games - one defeat in that run and three wins in the last
eight days... It shows the importance of three victories in a short period
of time."
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West Ham 3 Swansea 1
7 December 2014
Last updated at 16:11
By Gary Rose
BBC Sport
Andy Carroll scored twice as West Ham moved up to third in the Premier
League with victory against 10-man Swansea. Wilfried Bony put the visitors
ahead with a clinical finish but Carroll headed in the equaliser for his
first goal since March. Bony then hit the bar but Carroll netted again with
a second header. Swansea goalkeeper Lukasz Fabianski was sent off for a foul
on Diafra Sakho, who then wrapped up victory with an emphatic strike late
on. The win, West Ham's third in succession, means they have 27 points and
are six behind second-place Manchester City.
Under Sam Allardyce, the Hammers have undergone something of a reinvention
this season, playing a more flowing, inventive passing style instead of the
direct football they had become known for in recent years. That was on
display early on as Swansea, who had not won away from home in the league
since beating Manchester United 2-1 in the first game of the season, toiled
in the opening stages. But with Bony, the Premier League's top scorer in
2014, Swansea would always be threatening with the few chances they created,
and that proved the case midway through the first half as they snatched the
lead. Gylfi Sigurdsson and Jefferson Montero combined to open up the West
Ham defence before Montero pulled the ball back for Bony to sidefoot home
from the middle of the area. The goal unsettled West Ham and ushered in a
period of Swansea dominance as Sigurdsson and Bony both had shots flash wide
of goal. It prompted West Ham to go more direct, and it was a tactic that
paid dividends just before the break as Carl Jenkinson clipped the ball into
the box and Carroll rose highest to nod a trademark header into the far
corner. While a danger at set pieces, Carroll struggled to form an effective
partnership with Enner Valencia, who was replaced at half-time by Sakho. His
pace, coupled with Carroll's physical presence, posed a constant menace to
the Swansea defence in the second half.
Bony launched an effort against the bar for Swansea, but it was a rare foray
forward and instead West Ham took the lead, Carroll again climbing highest
to direct a header from Stewart Downing's corner beyond Fabianski. Minutes
later, Swansea's and Fabianski's afternoon got worse as the Polish
goalkeeper was shown a red card after he charged out of his area and
clattered into Sakho. That effectively ended the visitors' chances of
getting back into the game and instead Sakho made the points safe as he
burst through to fire in a third from Carroll's headed pass.
Swansea manager Garry Monk: "We did not make enough correct decisions. The
only time we did that we scored the goal. "We didn't do that enough and
really some of the defending, we gifted it to them on a plate to be honest.
No complaints with the result, we didn't deserve anything from the game." On
Fabianski's sending off: "If you look at the build-up to it, he [Sakho]
knocks the ball past the keeper with his hand. Realistically it should have
been a free-kick to us, it wasn't a clear goalscoring opportunity either.
Hopefully we will appeal it."
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Sam Allardyce wants to lead West Ham to the Olympic Stadium
Last Updated: 07/12/14 2:02pm
SSN
In an exclusive interview with Geoff Shreeves on Super Sunday the Hammers
boss admitted that he would have been sacked by owners David Gold and David
Sullivan if he had not started the season well. However, the club have
enjoyed a flying start to the season and Allardyce, whose contract expires
this summer, wants to be in charge when the team move into their new stadium
in 2016. "The ultimate goal has always been progression into the Olympic
Stadium," he said. "It's always been about starting from a low ebb, which is
what the club was in, a really bad place, cleaning it out, remodelling it
internally form a football point of view and giving it the opportunity and
platform for sustained success in the Premier League. It's such a massive
opportunity for the club to progress. "This season was a difficult start.
Nobody knew more than me that if the first 10 games didn't go well it would
probably be the end. I don't think there's any doubt about that. "Somewhere
along the line – if hopefully we continue where we are – we will talk with
the chairmen about a new contract and then we'll see where we go from
there."
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Andy Carroll stars as West Ham beat Swansea 3-1 at Upton Park
By Stephen Mills. Last Updated: 07/12/14 8:22pm
SSN
Two headers from Andy Carroll and a late goal from Diafra Sakho saw West Ham
climb to third in the Premier League with a 3-1 win over Swansea. Wilfried
Bony had given the visitors the lead against the run of play with a smart
first-time finish from Jefferson Montero's pass, but Carroll powered home
his first goal since March to send the sides in level at the break. The
England striker doubled his tally when he headed home a Stewart Downing
corner on 66 minutes and Swansea were reduced to 10 men two minutes later
when Lukasz Fabianski was sent off for rushing out of his area and denying
substitute Sakho a clear goalscoring opportunity. Garry Monk will be
frustrated to see replays that indicated the West Ham forward handled the
ball shortly before he was tripped and it was Sakho who completed the
scoring three minutes from the end with a powerful shot past substitute
goalkeeper Gerhard Tremmel. Sam Allardyce opted to pair Carroll with Enner
Valencia up front for the match and West Ham started brightly with Downing
playing at the front of a midfield diamond behind the strike duo.
The home fans claimed two early penalties when Carl Jenkinson's cross struck
the elbow of Ashley Williams before Downing went down under a challenge from
Leon Britton. Referee Chris Foy was unmoved on both occasions. Kevin Nolan
forced a smart save from Fabianski after a clever free-kick from Downing in
the 18th-minute and moments later was made to pay for his miss as Bony
opened the scoring. Gylfi Sigurdsson played a clever ball in to Montero on
the Swansea left, the Ecuador international getting in behind Jenkinson and
rolling the ball back to Bony inside the six-yard box. The in-form striker
did not need a second invitation and shot low past Adrian to stun Upton
Park.
The home team were visibly rattled and Swansea looked to double their lead
when Sigurdsson and Bony tried their luck from range, but both failed to
beat Adrian. Carroll looked to be the main outlet for West Ham throughout
the first half and it was the big Englishman who found the equaliser with a
trademark header. Jenkinson delivered an inch-perfect cross from the right
and Carroll peeled away from his marker and looped the ball back across goal
and over Fabianski into the net. The goal buoyed West Ham, who threw on top
scorer Sakho for Valencia at half-time and started the second period in a
positive mood, looking for impressive full-back Jenkinson to break down the
right at every opportunity. But it was Swansea who had the first big chance
of the half when Montero broke and fed Bony, who got the ball out of his
feet and smashed a ferocious shot onto Adrian's crossbar. The game was then
turned on its head in a dramatic two-minute spell as Carroll put West Ham
into the lead before Swansea were reduced to 10 men. The big striker jumped
to powerfully head home a Stewart Downing corner on 66 minutes, despite the
best efforts of Leon Britton on the line, although the Swansea defence
afforded him far too much space. The shell-shocked visitors then saw their
goalkeeper sent off when Sakho raced through on goal and Fabianski rushed
out of his area, only to impede the West Ham striker. Sakho carried on and
struck the post from a tight angle, but referee Foy decided a clear
goalscoring opportunity had been denied and he sent Fabianski for an early
bath. However, Swansea boss Monk will not be happy to see replays suggesting
Sakho may have handled the ball with his left arm shortly before the
contact. Sakho hit the woodwork once again when he shot low across
substitute goalkeeper Tremmel instead of crossing to strike partner Carroll,
who was screaming for a hat-trick chance at the far post. But Sakho did
eventually score when a long ball was flicked on by Carroll in the centre
circle and he rushed past Richards before producing a powerful finish to
beat Tremmel and put the game to bed three minutes from time. The result
sees West Ham complete a hat-trick of wins this week and climb above
Manchester United and Southampton into third place.
Player ratings
West Ham: Adrian (6), Jenkinson (8), Tomkins (6), Reid (6), Cresswell (7),
Kouyate (6), Song (6), Downing (7), Nolan (6), Valencia (5), Carroll (9)
Used subs: Sakho (7), O'Brien (5), Collins (5),
Swansea: Fabianski (4), Rangel (6), Bartley (7), Williams (7), Richards
(6), Britton (6), Ki (5), Routledge (5), Sigurdsson (6), Montero (7), Bony
(8)
Used subs: Gomis (5), Tremmel (5), Dyer (5)
Man of the match: Andy Carroll
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Sam Allardyce says Andy Carroll can get better
Last Updated: 07/12/14 5:22pm
SSN
Sam Allardyce says there's more to come from Andy Carroll after his dominant
display in the 3-1 win over Swansea. The striker, making only his fourth
start of the season, scored two and made the other to help West Ham come
from behind and shoot up the Premier League table into third place.
Allardyce said he has been working hard with forwards coach Teddy Sheringham
and after spending the start of the season on the sidelines, Carroll could
be even more dangerous when his fitness improves. The West Ham boss told Sky
Sports: "He is unplayable if he continues to improve his match fitness,
which only games can give him now. The movement is what it's all about. "We
know the heading ability is there, but the movement and finding spaces to
attack is where Andy has got better. Teddy has been talking to him about
that movement and when he has space to attack he becomes unstoppable in
terms of his ability to head the ball. "When he stands with a defender and
starts fighting is when he doesn't get the full effect of his quality in the
air, but he's not just got heading ability, he's got hold-up play and good
touch. "He played up top with a front man and it didn't work quite as well
with Enner Valencia in the first half, but it did when young (Diafra) Sakho
came on."
The win sees West Ham climb into the Champions League places, but Allardyce
is refusing to get carried away ahead of a busy festive fixture list. West
Ham face Sunderland, Leicester, Chelsea and Arsenal before the end of
December and he believes those games will prove if the squad are genuine
top-four contenders or not. Allardyce added: "We put a five-point gap
between those below us, which is a massive gap to make up at this stage of
the season. "It gives us an opportunity to build from here. We've got a full
squad apart from Mark Noble and we will need that over this Christmas
period. "If we carry on over Christmas and come away with a few points – in
two days we've got Chelsea and Arsenal, so what can we gain up to there and
how can we do against those big two? "That will tell us where we're going to
finish this year."
Allardyce also conceded that striker Sakho handled the ball before being
impeded by Lukasz Fabianski, an incident which saw the Swansea goalkeeper
receive a straight red card. However, he says his side – who were 2-1 up at
the time – would have won the game anyway. He said: "It does look like he
has got a hand on the ball, but there was a push from (Ashley) Williams and
I think that contributes to the hand. "It looks like it's on the blind side
of Chris Foy so I don't think there's any chance he can see that. Maybe we
got away with it, but I don't think that puts our dominance in doubt today.
"I think that we were going to win the game whether it stayed 11 vs 11 or if
it went to 10 vs 11."
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Garry Monk wants Lukasz Fabianski red card overturned
Last Updated: 07/12/14 7:29pm
SSN
Garry Monk says Swansea will consider appealing against Lukasz Fabianski's
straight red card in the 3-1 defeat to West Ham. The goalkeeper was sent off
in the 68th minute after rushing out of his area and colliding with Diafra
Sakho, with referee Chris Foy deciding that he had denied the striker a
clear goalscoring opportunity. Replays show the West Ham player handled the
ball shortly before he was touched by Fabianski, but Swansea boss Monk says
the club will only appeal if they are confident the suspension won't be
extended. "It's obvious that he handballs it to get past Lukasz," he told
Sky Sports. I think at that time the referee had already made his mind up
and was adamant he was going to send him off anyway. "Whether he saw the
handball or not I don't know, you'll have to ask the referee. It's
interesting when you watch it. The handball obviously takes it past the
keeper. "Whether there's an appeal or not I don't know. We'll have to take a
look at it. We'll sit down and have a little think about it. "If it was the
cold hard facts then yes you would, but with the way it works nowadays we
will have to have a bit more of a think about it."
Swansea took the lead when Wilfried Bony opened the scoring in the first
half, but two headers from Andy Carroll and a late goal from Sakho saw West
Ham turn the game around. And Monk said his players deserved nothing
following their worst display of the season so far.
He added: "We had our chances but we weren't near the level of what we have
been That's the first time this season I can really say that. "In every
other game we have played we have very much competed. We were very close,
especially away from home, but we weren't at the level we were. The
defensive mistakes we made cost us goals. "Funnily enough when we went down
to 10 men we played our best spell of football. It shouldn't have to take
that for us to switch on and play our better football. "Did we deserve
anything today? For me, no.
"We just weren't brave enough with the ball. We saw with the first goal that
as soon as we play one or two-touch football, which we've done very well
this season, that we can hurt teams. "We showed that with our goal and it
was about doing that more, but unfortunately we didn't pick the right
options with the ball or get on the ball enough and that played into their
hands a little bit more. "Our defending wasn't as good as it has been, which
I was disappointed with and the players are disappointed with. "The first
goal was a very good cross, but for the second goal we lost the striker in
the box, which you can never do against any team, but especially against a
player like Andy Carroll."
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Andy Carroll stars as Hammers move up to third in Premier League
Wilfried Bony struck first but Andy Carroll had the final say at Upton Park
SSN
When Sam Allardyce revealed this week he'd opted to sign Andy Carroll over
Wilfried Bony, there would have been many questioning that decision. After
all, while £15m purchase Carroll spent the first half of last season in the
treatment room and managed just two goals in his last 19 Premier League
appearances before Sunday, Bony has established himself as one of the most
clinical strikers in the top flight.
The Ivory Coast international – who joined Swansea for a club-record £12m
fee in July 2013 - had netted 31 times in 62 appearances for the Welsh side
before heading to Upton Park, where he could so easily have been plying his
trade.
Carroll v Bony on Sunday
Goals: 2 - 1
Assists: 1 - 0
Attempts: 2 - 4
Duels: 28 - 18
Duel success: 50% - 33. 3%
And the former Vitesse forward, who is the Premier League's top scorer in
2014 with 19 strikes this calendar year – one ahead of Sergio Aguero –
demonstrated his superb form with a cool finish on 19 minutes to put Swansea
1-0 up at West Ham. As the Sky Sports cameras cut to a frustrated Allardyce
in the home dugout, you could imagine the West Ham boss ruing the fact the
Swans ace wasn't wearing claret and blue.
However, fit-again Carroll responded in emphatic fashion. Two towering
headers either side of half-time turned the game around and a characteristic
flick-on for Diafra Sakho to add gloss launched West Ham up to third in the
Premier League – their highest position for 15 years. "I've played a couple
of games but until you score you don't feel like you're definitely back,"
Carroll told Sky Sports after the game. "Now I've got two, it means a great
deal."To think West Ham have made their best start to a Premier League
campaign with Carroll only able to start their past four games is testament
to the squad Allardyce has built in east London. Summer signings Sakho,
Enner Valencia and Alex Song have all played key roles in the Hammers'
impressive start to the campaign, but Carroll's return to fitness and form
bolsters their chances of qualifying for European football. "It was immense
stuff from him all afternoon," said Sky Sports pundit Niall Quinn, who
awarded Carroll the man of the match prize. "I'm delighted to see him back
to his best. "There were two classic Andy Carroll goals and it was a
terrific performance from the big man. He's modelled his game on Alan
Shearer but there were times today when he reminded me of the great man.
Swansea will be glad to see the back of him."
Of course, consistency is the key for any striker. It has been a long road
back for Carroll, following the heel injury he picked up in the 2013
pre-season, and his opener on Sunday was his first in 878 minutes of Premier
League action. In contrast, Bony's longest drought in two Premier League
terms is the six matches it took for him to get off the mark this year.
However, West Ham fans have cause for optimism with their 6ft 4in,
25-year-old striker now back in full flow. "The lad has had an horrendous
time, in terms of injuries," added Dwight Yorke. "It's nice to see him back,
he's scoring goals and that will give him an enormous amount of confidence
going forward to the rest of the campaign. "West Ham will benefit from him.
A fully-fit Andy Carroll can cause trouble for any Premier League defenders.
Sam Allardyce will be enjoying this moment but, most importantly, Andy
Carroll is back."
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IT'S SAFE TO SAY, ANDY CARROLL IS BACK!
By Iain Dale 7 Dec 2014 at 16:01
West Ham till I Die
I'm sure someone out there has the answer to this question, but when was the
last time we won two matches in a row, having gone a goal behind? I reckon
it could be more than a decade or two ago.
Three matches in eight days. Three wins, and nine points. We may only be
third for twenty nine hours, but let's enjoy it, because there can surely be
no one who can deny we deserve to be where we are. It is no fluke. We are
playing good, committed football, we are strong defensively, strong in
midfield and we have strikers who know where the net is. Today's match
showed that we have a good team spirit too. All the players looked genuinely
pleased for Andy Carroll, and with the possible exception of Kevin Nolan,
there wasn't an under-par player on the pitch, and even Nolan nearly
snaffled a couple of goals in the first half.
Make no mistake, this game didn't rest on the dismissal of Fabianski, we
were already ahead when he went off and frankly rarely looked like conceding
an equaliser. Swansea are no mugs. Like Newcastle, they went into the match
at Upton Park on a winning streak. They had only lost one in six, and that
was to Chelsea. The fact that we beat Newcastle who had won six on the trot
and beat Swansea who had won five in six shows how impressive these wins
actually are.
Clearly Andy Carroll was man of the match. It wasn't just the way he took
both his headed goals, he was an inspiration all over the pitch. It was he
who laid on Sakho's goal. It was he who made a few telling clearances in
defence. I'm sure that like everyone else, I'd have loved him to have scored
a third. A hattrick would have been no more than he deserved.
But there were two other contenders for man of the match – Aaron Cresswell
and Alex Song. Song put in a real shift and some of his passing from
midfield is simply sublime. He's so committed and the team takes on another
dimension with him in the side. Aaron Cresswell had yet another superb game,
full of attacking flair but also strong defensively. He really has an eye
for an attacking ball and I suspect he will be on the scoresheet again
before too long.
Indeed, our attacking play through the two fullbacks has been one the most
important reasons we have done so well this season. Both Cresswell and
Jenkinson seem to be playing as 'ersatz' wingers. You lose count of how many
crossed they belt in. And they are invariably very threatening. Normally,
when fullbacks attack so much, they leave themselves open to defensive
errors, but it's rare that either of these two put a foot wrong in defence.
It will happen, though, and we must be restrained in our criticism when it
does.
In midfield Kouyate and Song ruled the roost, with Kouyate putting in a
fullblooded performance full of winning tackles. Up front Valencia struggled
and never really looked in the game. he took a couple of Carroll knockdowns
but there didn't seem to be any threat coming from him at all. That changed
when he was replaced by Sakho at half time, and his sheer physical strength
allows Sakho to get into scoring positions which others might struggle with.
And didn't he take his goal well? Having hit each post as well, he too could
have easily bagged more than one. But that's 7 goals in 8 Premier League
appearances for Sahko. What a record.
David Hautzig will be posting his match report later. But finally, my scores
on the doors…
Adrian 7, Reid 7, Tomkins 7, Cresswell 8, Jenkinson 8, Song 8, Kouyate 7,
Nolan 5, Valencia 5, Carroll 8, Sakho 8, Downing 7
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
WEST HAM 3, SWANSEA 1. WELCOME TO THE FUTURE.
By David Hautzig 7 Dec 2014 at 17:25
West Ham Till I Die
O Chico, Chico. Wherefore art thou Chico.
Deny thy face clutch and refuse thy red card.
Or, if thou will continue to cheat, be but sworn to cheat against Spurs.
And I'll no longer hate you passionately.
You have to have your enemies in this game. It makes what would normally be
a normal match into something more meaningful. And we haven't had an enemy
quite like Chico Flores in a long time. Make no mistake, either. We got in
his head. What other footballer would go through the effort to make a screen
shot of the EPL table and tweet it out to the supporters of another team?
For us to have a go at him on social media was actually expected. Normal,
even. But for him to take such notice and get into it with us was anything
but normal. It showed how pathetic he really was. Which is likely one of the
reasons he now plays for Qatari club Lekhwiya SC in the Qatar Stars League.
From a sheer footballing standpoint, the Andy Carroll v. Wilfried Bony
debate was the story that led up to today's game. Twenty twenty hindsight is
all well and good, and through those glasses David Sullivan was right in
wanting to sign Bony over Carroll. At least so far. For the record, I cast
my vote for AC at the time. My reasoning was that strikers coming to England
from the Eredevisie had not had a lot of success. Carroll knew the league,
looked unplayable at times, and was perfectly suited to the style of play we
all expected to continue under Sam. The debate is not over, and today's game
certainly narrowed the gap.
The starting eleven saw two noteworthy changes from the midweek win at West
Brom, neither of which came as any surprise once we knew we had an almost
fully fit squad to choose from. Alex Song and Enner Valencia returned while
Morgan Amalfitano and Mauro Zarate helped themselves to a seat. Mark Noble's
series of little knocks added up to a day off, so Captain Kev got to keep
his boots on and aim for his 100th goal in the Premier League. Like many of
us I often cringe when I see his name, but Nolan acquitted himself nicely on
Tuesday so no complaints were forthcoming from my living room. As well as
Swansea have played this season, their away record hadn't been stellar with
only one win in six matches.
One thing was apparent from the first kick of the game. Alex Song is worth
whatever amount of money we have to offer for him in the summer. His command
of the ball and not only the space around him but the whole damned pitch
borders on supernatural. It allowed both Cresswell and Jenkinson to push
forward, and even seemed to put Nolan a bit more at ease. Still, no real
chances were created despite dominating every aspect of the game.
In the 7th minute, Andy Carroll gave the first glimpse of what kind of day
he was going to have. And he missed the header he went up for. But the
attention he demands of the opposition when he launches himself allows
players around him to take advantage of space. And that is what Valencia
did, although he couldn't control the ball and make something of it. Moments
later Carroll played a ball into space for Jenkinson down the right, but his
cross was blocked by Leon Britton.
In the 15th minute Carroll fed Jenkinson down the right….again….and
Jenkinson found Nolan darting into the box as he so often does, but his
effort on goal went wide. Not wanting to give up on scoring his 100th
Premier League goal, Nolan came close again two minutes later when Downing
put a free kick right in front of Nolan near the left post but his shot was
saved by Fabianski.
In the 19th minute, Swansea took the lead with what the television
announcers called the poster child for goals against the run of play.
Montero and Sigurdsson worked a terrific one-two down the left side. It
could have been contained had Kouyate not stopped moving, or Jenkinson had
stayed with Montero on his run. Both men turned into spectators for no more
than a second. But a second is all Wilfried Bony needed to tuck home
Montero's pass.
West Ham 0, Swansea 1.
Thankfully, West Ham stayed the course and kept the pressure on the visitors
from Wales. To be fair, Swansea looked like they wanted to prove they not
only could take a lead against the run of play, but they could dictate the
run of play as well.
Game on.
The 25th minute saw more solid play from Carroll when he got on the end of a
Cresswell cross and played the ball in for Valencia. However the
Ecuadorian's volley was blocked out for a corner by Ashley Williams. The
ensuing corner was a great lesson for players of all ages and creeds in
going for the ball. If any West Ham player had even tried to get on the end
of Downing's corner the game would have been level. Instead it rolled across
the face of goal and out for a goal kick.
The danger in falling behind the way West Ham did is in trying to do too
much too soon. Patience is a virtue, even when you're down 1-0. Swansea
started to assert themselves for the first time in the match when Montero
found Sigurdsson on the left. A quick shot after cutting back into the
center was punched away by Adrian. That was followed by a cross from Rangel,
and then a dangerous clearance by Cresswell that Ki intercepted. Bony took a
pass from Sigurdsson a minute later but shot wide. 2-0 felt like it was
right around the corner.
West Ham seemed to retreat back into their route 1 ways for a bit, perhaps
to buy some time to regroup and get their composure back. Downing found
Cresswell running towards goal and put a cross right on him, but his header
was easy for Fabianski to grab.
West Ham almost drew level in the 37th minute when an attempted clearance by
Williams came off his partner and fell right to Nolan in what looked to be a
classic Kevo The Poacher moment. His shot was blocked behind for a corner. A
few corners led to scrambles in Swansea's area, but no real chances. The
equalizer felt so close, yet so far.
The vast majority of supporters railed against Sam's tactics for much of the
past two seasons. Rightfully so. This year, however, West Ham have something
that we haven't had that is crucial for that option to be useful. Players
who can cross the ball. In Cresswell and Jenkinson to name just two, West
Ham have that. In the 40th minute, Song fed Jenkinson for what felt like his
421st cross. With barely enough space between him and the defender,
Jenkinson looped a ball into the box that landed on the most valuable head
in English football. And Carroll showed why he is far from surplus to
requirements when his header was placed perfectly into the top left hand
corner of the net, continuing his pretty good record against Swansea at
Upton Park. Among Swansea supporters it must have raised the fears of
dropping more points from a winning position than any team in the Premier
League.
West Ham 1, Swansea 1.
Sam made one change at halftime, bringing Diafra Sakho back into the fold
after his case of Idiot Physiomonia. Valencia took a seat. At first I was
surprised. Valencia hadn't looked himself, but I didn't think he looked
worthy of the hook. Maybe I shouldn't have been considering his recent
injury. Credit to Liam Spencer of Iron Views who tweeted during halftime
that he thought that was the change that needed to be made, and it was.
The second half started much like the first. West Ham controlling the ball,
using the full backs to apply pressure, and crossing the ball into dangerous
areas. That pressure led to the first card of the game when Wayne Routledge
took out Winston Reid who was chasing down the same ball Routledge wanted.
Free kick into the area, but nothing of note.
In the 52nd minute Sakho looked like a guy who had been starving for days
and was presented a steak dinner with all the necessary sides. He got the
ball on the edge of Swansea's area. Then he lost it. Then he went down on
one knee only to bounce back up with the ball. He looked like it he thought
it was his divine right to have the ball and do what he wanted. That energy
and desire has gotten him to the heights he is on, and it continued until
the final whistle.
Young people make mistakes. Lots of mistakes. And while it is cliché to say
that those that learn from them will eventually succeed, it's also true. In
the 58th minute Cresswell made the kind of mistake a kid makes in his first
year in the big time. He made a fantastic run, fighting off defenders in the
process, to have a nice patch of clear green in front of him close to goal.
However, the excitable kid inside him was louder than the seasoned pro he is
quickly becoming and he crossed before anybody could get there to receive
it. That kind of composure will come, and when it does god help the opposing
center backs.
History, at least the history of the day, almost repeated itself in the 60th
minute when Swansea broke on the counter. Montero passed to Bony who was
about 25 yards from goal. He could have waited a second for Routledge to
finish his run into the box, but instead fired a shot that banged off the
top of the crossbar. If anything, it showed how careful West Ham has to be.
Swansea's counters, even if they have been few and far between, have been
scary for the home supporters to watch.
In the 66th minute, those fears turned into an eruption of joy when a Stuart
Downing cross found Andy Carroll yet again. His soft header should have been
cleared by someone, anyone, covering the far post for Swansea. Not to
mention that Ashley Williams completely lost Carroll. Yet the goal showed
how physically and emotionally draining it can be to cover a player like
Carroll when he is both on his game and getting the support he needs.
West Ham 2, Swansea 1.
Two minutes later, Gary Monk needed a drink to go along with a new
goalkeeper. Yet another ball to Carroll at midfield that was flicked into
space. That space was inhabited by Sakho, who pushed the ball between the
Swansea defenders and towards an onrushing Fabianski. The keeper came miles
out of his area and crashed into Sakho, who still was able to get to the
ball and dribble a soft shot off the post. Replays showed Chris Foy going to
his pocket immediately, and Fabianski's day was done.
The 74th minute saw Swansea replace Montero with their own version of Man
Mountain, Bafetimbi Gomis. Along with Bony, and down to ten men, it looked
like Swansea were going to turn to their opposing manager for guidance in
finding a second goal. And at times they didn't look like a team down a man.
A testament to their quality, I must say.
Pure goal scorers are a different breed. They are like thoroughbred horses
with blinders on. All they see, all they are really interested in is the
goal. Sam alluded to that trait a few weeks ago when talking about Sakho. In
the 78th minute, that trait almost gave West Ham a 3-1 lead. It should have,
because if Sakho had taken the blinders off he would have seen Carroll all
alone in front of goal with nothing but net in front of him. Instead, he
shot. It went off the post, and if things had ended differently Sakho might
have had a huge fine in Kangaroo Court.
Swansea made the home crowd very uneasy for a spell in the final ten
minutes. They won numerous corners, were gifted an opportunity in front of
goal after a horrendous clearance by Carroll, and saw a golden opportunity
from Bartley sail over the bar. Under Zola, Grant, maybe even Curbs that
havoc in front of our goal would have ended up with a 2-2 scoreline. But
times have changed, and West Ham weathered the storm.
There will be no better example of direct football in my lifetime than the
goal that sealed the game for West Ham. Goal kick from Adrian to Andy
Carroll. Carroll flicked the ball onto the feet of a rushing Diafra Sakho,
who split the defenders with ease and fired an absolute cannonball past
Tremmel. He then lifted his jersey to show a t-shirt that said R.I.P Happy.
@kaz7289 answered my calls for help on Twitter and said he thought it was
Sakho's mother. My best mate Jon thought it was his desire to show that
t-shirt that made him choose to shoot when he should have passed to Carroll.
I thought it showed his nature as a striker. Shoot first, ask questions
later. Whatever the reason, it showed that when he plays goals are in his
boots. And a Sakho-Carroll partnership is now another powerful weapon Sam
has in his holster. His fist pumping celebration was in some ways the best
moment of the day.
West Ham 3, Swansea 1.
The last minutes of the game were pure joy for the home side and the
supporters. Downing, Cresswell, and Sakho didn't turn their engines down one
bit. There was a ball cleared off the line in the 89th minute, although I
didn't write down any details about it. I was too busy pacing the room in
jubilation.
Today's game was a chance for one of these two clubs to grab onto a ledge of
the rock we are both trying to climb with our second hand and pull ourselves
up. Set up camp, do some work, and then keep climbing. Today that team was
West Ham United. None of us know how far we can climb, or how long we can
even stay close to where we are. But the whole scenario presented by
Sullivan, Gold and Brady a few years ago is starting to look more like a
plan they knew would work than a hope they all shared. They may not have
billions, but they have quite a bit of something else that starts with the
letter B.
Brains.
I am getting used to this.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Sam Allardyce delighted with West Ham performance as they go third with
Swansea victory
Dec 07, 2014 16:39 By Paul Gorst
Two goals from Andy Carroll and a Diafra Sakho strike were enough for the
Hammers who recorded their third win in eight days on Sunday afternoon
The Mirror
West Ham United boss Sam Allardyce was delighted with his side's display as
they beat Swansea City to go third in the Premier League.
The Hammers fought back from a goal down to beat the Swans 3-1 at Upton Park
on Sunday afternoon - and the victory is their third in just eight days.
Wilfried Bony put the visitors in front against the run of play but Andy
Carroll responded with a looping header shortly before the break. The former
Liverpool striker then gave the Hammers the lead when he rose highest at a
corner to nod goalwards, and Leon Britton was unable to keep the effort out
on the line. Carroll was involved once more when he headed a long ball into
Diafra Sakho's path three minutes from time, and the in-form forward kept
his composure to slam the ball beyond Gerhard Tremmel, who was brought on
for Britton after Lukasz Fabianski had been sent off. West Ham manager
Allardyce said: "Three wins in eight days - that hasn't been matched by
anyone else in the Premier League this week. "We are really flying and we
have a lot of players fit. We will enjoy ourselves for a day or two and get
ourselves ready for the next game. "I must mention Alex Song and the control
he gives to our midfield, it is brilliant. He gives the right service to the
front men." Two-goal hero Carroll added: "It was a tough game today but we
got the win and I got my goals. I've got two today and it means a great
deal. "I just try to get in the box and get a run around the back, and I've
managed to get on the end of them."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Andy Carroll puts improved performances for West Ham down to getting engaged
Dec 07, 2014 10:43 By Will Metcalfe
The former Newcastle striker said he been in better form since he started
dating reality TV star Billi Mucklow
The Mirror
Andy Caroll believes settling down off the pitch is helping him to improve
his performances on the pitch. Since he began dating his fiancée Billi
Mucklow in 2013 the big man thinks his displays on the pitch have improved
after he swapped nights on the tiles for evening yoga sessions, much to the
delight of West Ham manager Sam Allardyce. Before he started seeing Billi
Carroll was often pictured out on the town and his reputation as a party
animal tended to go before him. But that has all changed since he hooked up
with former TOWIE star Billi. "My life has completely changed off the
pitch," said the former Newcastle striker. "I've settled down with Billi and
she has got a studio in Essex with Bikram Yoga and Cycle Rhythm, which is a
spinning studio. Andy Carroll proposed to Billi MucklowEngaged: The happy
couple celebrate their engagement in Rome She has opened them, so when I was
injured I was doing a lot of work up there. "When I was injured I was coming
into the training ground and doing my work with the physios. Then, in the
night-time I was going to the gym up there and doing a lot more work. "Like
I said, my life has changed off the pitch. "I've settled down a lot and
don't go out and get up to the things I used to. "She has calmed me down
quite a lot." The pair got engaged last month when he proposed when they
were on holiday in Rome . Such was the change in the striker's habits Sam
Allardyce phoned Billi and asked her to keep doing what she was doing after
he noticed a change in his attitude. He added: "When I was single, I wasn't
someone who could sit in the house by myself and watch TV, so I was always
out with friends or trying to meet new people or go to new places. "I was
always active so, when it came to training I wasn't 100% because I'd been
doing things all week. "Now, I don't do that. "I spend all my time at home
with my missus chilled out with my feet up. "I feel privileged with where I
am in football and with where I am off the pitch. "Now I have got Billi and
I can travel with her. If you are settled at home, then you are settled at
the club as well. "She is from down here and I am settled down here and I'm
more than happy at West Ham. "It's a great club and like the gaffer told me,
once I was settled down it would feel like home."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Oh baby – the difference nine months makes
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on December 7, 2014 in Whispers
Harry Sherlock
Claret & Hugh
Harry Sherlock of www.goal.com was back on the Hammers beat today and brings
his unique insight on the conception and delivery of this new West Ham.
"Hope you know how to spell tosh," cried the fuming West Ham fan as he
descended the steps next to the Upton Park press box. He had had enough, and
was leaving before the final whistle. When it came, it signaled three more
points for the Hammers, as they defeated Hull 2-1. But the performance was
so lifeless, so devoid of quality, that the home fans turned against the
team and manager, even in victory. That was March.
On Sunday, a supporter danced past the press box, singing 'We're gonna win
the league!' What a difference nine months make. In the same time it takes
to conceive and deliver a child, Sam Allardyce has rebirthed this West Ham
team. There aren't many managers who get the time Allardyce was given, and
that is to the credit of David Gold and David Sullivan. The pair backed
their man at a time when many chairmen would have pulled the revolver out of
their desk and pulled the trigger. "We'll sit around the table and talk
about it," said Allardyce after another vital win in 2014-15, this time over
Swansea City. "It," of course, is a new contract. This time last year, on
December 7, West Ham were 17th. From 15 games, they had accrued just 13
points. They had scored 13 goals, and conceded 19. Now, they are third, with
27 points, breathing the rarefied air once only occupied by Manchester City,
Chelsea and the rest of the Premier League's elite. They have scored 26
goals and conceded 18. And, on the back of a truly scintillating second-half
performance on Sunday, few would bet against Allardyce extending his stay at
the Boleyn.
With a squad bursting with talent, a happy Boleyn Ground and chairmen who
preach stability over chaos, things are rosy. Add in a potent Andy Carroll,
a hungry Diafra Sakho and an on-form Alex Song and you have a recipe for
unprecedented success. On Sunday, Carroll started up front with Enner
Valencia and while the Ecuadorian huffed and puffed to little reward,
Carroll turned in a performance that almost justified the £35 million
Liverpool once spent on him. This was a striker reinvigorated, a striker
hungry and in top shape. "He's not yet there with match fitness," said
Allardyce afterwards. If this was Carroll out of shape then Premier League
defences ought to run for cover. Anyone who dared challenge him was
steamrollered, as Carroll vindicated his manager's decision to sign him over
Wilfried Bony. Two goals and an assist. What more could you want? Despite
his reputation as a 'big man', Carroll showcased his remarkable ability to
pull the ball down and make a difference on the deck. Time and again he
showed his agility to control a high, floated ball, before bringing it into
his feet and laying off to midfield runners. Ashley Williams and Kyle
Bartley were made to look foolish as they attempted in vain to bring him
under control, like two clueless poachers trying to sedate a ruthless,
irrepressible rhinoceros.
But it would be a waste to simply praise Carroll, despite his virtuoso
display. Sakho emerged from the bench at half-time, replacing a limp
Valencia, and instantly transformed a West Ham attack that had slipped into
the age-old habit of reverting to type; with cross after cross aimed at
Carroll's head. With his introduction Sakho injected some much-needed
energy, and ran the beleaguered Swansea backline ragged. With Carroll
alongside him, West Ham suddenly had options, and it was the England man's
flick-on which gave the summer signing the chance to make it 3-1. Of course,
after such a brilliant cameo, the former Metz man grabbed the opportunity
with both hands, sending the Upton Park crowd into a chorus of 'Barcelona,
we're coming for you!' Of course, some woeful defending and Lukasz
Fabianski's sending off aided the Hammers, but these were three points won
on merit. Stewart Downing, Carl Jenkinson, Winston Reid, Song, and Kevin
Nolan were also excellent, and Allardyce was effusive in his praise of his
team afterwards. He did sound a cautionary note, however, explaining that
the Irons must maintain their current levels of performance if they are to,
indeed, "come for Barcelona." He's right. But, for now, he'd be best off
simply enjoying the ride. For a man under so much pressure a year ago, he
deserves it.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Alex Song must be our priority this summer – The ExWHUemployee Column
By ExWHUemployee on December 7, 2014 in ExWHUemployee column
Today's performance was top quality
That was simply brilliant! If you said to me that we would be third coming
into the Christmas period at the start of the season, I would have laughed
at you and dismissed the comment without even giving it a second thought.
How little did I know?!
The performance today was superb. We totally dominated the game and the win
was more than deserved. Andy Carroll was back to his brilliant best and won
everything in the air, scoring two brilliant goals in the process as well as
getting the assist for Sakho. I thought the two of them looked so dangerous
as a pair and gave real hope for the future. It is satisfying to see a
forward feeding off Carroll's top class knock downs. I think the partnership
of Valencia and Sakho has been superb this year but Carroll with either of
them is equally as promising, that isn't even mentioning Zarate in the
equation.
Alex Song is getting better and better
I felt Alex Song was brilliant again and showed his class. He totally
controlled the midfield and dictated our play. It is great that a defensive
midfielder can offer so much going forward as well as defensively. His
passing was sometimes too good for our own players who didn't read his chain
of thought quick enough to take advantage. He has to be our number one
priority as soon as this season ends and we need to get him signed as soon
as possible.
I thought defensively our centre backs were brilliant as well. They snuffed
out so many attacks, won everything in the air and stood strong against an
attack-minded Swansea side. With only Mark Noble out of the game our squad
looked extremely solid (although we have now lost Carl Jenkinson to a
hamstring injury). The fact that James Collins cannot get in the team and he
was my Hammer of the Month for November shows the depth. Equally Morgan
Amalfitano has been brilliant as well. Every player on our bench was an
international at one stage (yes this includes Carlton Cole) and that speaks
a great deal. Our £11m winger can't even get on the bench now – this shows
how far we have come and if possible I would cash in on him in January. I
think it also has to be said that Kevin Nolan played well against Swansea
and the more defensive role seems to be more suited to his lack of pace.
Club in another marketing scandal
The FA Cup draw will be made at 7pm tomorrow and we are ball 42. I was
interested to receive a marketing email today telling me that we will wear
the third shirt, the purple one, for our FA Cup games this season. Obviously
we hope this is more than one game, as I'm sure the marketing department do!
This is a marketing ploy as our third shirts have not sold as many as had
hoped and there is a surplus of kits. It also means that the club cannot be
criticised for having a kit that has never been worn. With the kit
manufacturer changing at the end of the season these kits need to be sold
and this explains the decision. I had heard that some children's sizes of
the other kits have sold out and will not be available for the Christmas
period. I find this staggering and as a child I was almost guaranteed that
Father Christmas would bring me one! To think of many children missing out
on this is terrible considering it is a crucial way to secure young support.
I really hope this is not the case and that kits are available in time.
Exactly who is Mr Moon?
I was asked during the game what this "Mr Moon has entered the stadium"
business is all about. Most regular attenders of games know the reason and
in fact our former stadium announcer released a book with that as the title.
It is basically a safety announcement informing staff that the fire alarms
have gone off. So when Mr Moon enters the stadium the fire alarms have
started. When the situation has been checked out, given the all clear and
the fire alarms have gone off "Mr Moon has now left the stadium" is played
to let the employees know that the situation is clear. These announcements
have been going on for as long as I can remember and Mr Moon's general late
arrival and swift exit have always brought a smile to my face despite
knowing what it means. I can remember the days when Mr Moon had a rival for
novelty fame at the club and this was Super Sponge! For those of you too
young to remember, whenever a player went down injured the newly installed
screens in the corners would show an image of a sponge dressed as a super
hero and it would spin around the screen with the caption "It is time for
Super Sponge". I think the club should resurrect him for our last season and
a dance off between HammerHead, Bubbles, Pooper Scooper (remember him?!)
Super Sponge and Mr Moon would be great halftime entertainment.
I love going into work now especially as most of my colleagues support
Arsenal, Tottenham or Liverpool and we are sitting pretty above all of them.
I really think it is time that we at least acknowledge our manager's
contribution in this recent success. Can we manage a Big Fat Sam's Claret
and Blue army chant before Christmas?! Let's hope so! It is great being a
Hammer right now!
COYI
ExWHUemployee
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Monday, December 8
Sunday, December 7
Daily WHUFC News - 7th December 2014
Sheringham loving life at the Hammers
WHUFC.com
Teddy Sheringham is relishing his coaching role at West Ham United
06.12.2014
Teddy Sheringham is loving life back at the Hammers - as his coaching
charges follow in his footsteps by finding the back of the net at the Boleyn
Ground. Sheringham is no stranger to the good times here at West Ham. He's
witnessed the bad times too, of course. But he reflects fondly on the
instrumental role he played in the Championship play-off final success in
2005 - and a year later, when he returned to Cardiff as part of Alan
Pardew's team that were just moments away from winning the FA Cup. He uses
both experiences as a reminder to the players that they must savour the
special moments while they can. "It was fantastic," he says. "I was a
supporter as a young boy and would watch games in the North Bank. So to a
get chance to play for West Ham late in my career was great. And here I am
again, working for them which is lovely too. "Looking back, I had great
memories. It was a good time for the club really. Alan Pardew was doing a
very good job and there was a real buzz. "I wasn't a major part of it but
the FA Cup run was special. To have pulled that off would have been amazing,
especially having the chance to beat Liverpool. We were so close to doing
that and it would have been a major feat. But it wasn't to be. "So, I say to
a lot of the players to enjoy it when things are going well because you have
a lot of bad times in football. "They need to enjoy the camaraderie you do
get when you get a good club because there can be moments in football where
you don't enjoy going into work."
Sheringham has saluted his boss Sam Allardyce for leading the Hammers to a
fine start to the season, helping to ensure that West Ham is a harmonious
place to be. He added: "I think Sam has been fantastic. I couldn't have
asked to work with a better boss for my first real impression of what
managerial life is like. He's been very open with me and I've got the utmost
respect for that. "He's very experienced and in a nice place at the moment
here at the club, which adds to a nice atmosphere around the place."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Lack of a winter break is putting players' careers at risk, says West Ham
boss Sam Allardyce
Dec 06, 2014 22:30 By Steve Stammers
The Hammers boss is one of a growing number of managers who feel the Premier
League could benefit from a fortnight off
The Mirror
Sam Allardyce believes players' careers are in jeopardy because of the
punishing Christmas and New Year schedule as he renewed his call for a
winter break. West Ham start a hectic period of matches this afternoon when
they face Swansea at Upton Park and by the turn of 2015 they will have
played Sunderland, Leicester, Chelsea, Arsenal and West Brom in the Premier
League followed by an FA Cup third round tie.
Hammers boss Allardyce said: "My opinion has never changed and it never
will. You keep flogging your players and keep asking them to maintain the
levels they maintain, then you are asking for injuries. "And injuries have a
great cost to every investment you make in football. Every injury takes its
toll on the player. "But if they consistently start getting injuries then
the player will pay a price down the line. It will shorten his career.
"Until everybody gets their head together and really sorts it out, we are
always going to be faced with the fact that at this time of year we are
asking them to deliver four games in eight days. "And for them not to have a
break, it means they are open to being criticised because the players can't
get to where they want to produce the sort of football everybody is
expecting and continue to want them to get to, because they are not
physically capable of doing it any more."
West Ham – along with Southampton and Sunday's opponents Swansea – have been
a surprise package among the frontrunners in the Premier League this
season. But to maintain that momentum, Allardyce needs to call on his
first-choice squad players. And after the heavy domestic programme, he faces
losing three players to the African Cup of Nations next month – Diafra Sakho
and Cheikhou Kouyate to Senegal and Alex Song to Cameroon. Allardyce is
hopeful the players are not over-trained. "It depends how much they play and
how long they play there for and what type of training their coaches give
them while they are there," he said. "There is little or no coaching that
they need, but you are not in control of that and when you listen to what
some of the coaches do when they go there, they start thinking they have to
get them fitter. "That is the last thing they need to do – to start running
them around when they have just come through the Christmas period here."
Allardyce's long-term future remains undecided. He had to win over a
sceptical section of fans who objected to the brand of football in his
initial period but the dissent has died down. However, his contract runs out
at the end of the season along with that of defender Winston Reid. On his
own situation, Allardyce said: "There haven't been any talks yet. It will
happen like it happened last time – when we get closer to the end of the
season. It all depends on how you do as a manager. "Whether you have a
contract or not, if you've got good results, you're fine. "If you haven't
got good results, you get sacked. If you get a new set of owners it doesn't
matter how well you do – if they don't like you, they move you on. "I have
had that happen on two occasions. But I can't see West Ham being sold at
this moment in time." And on Reid – who has yet to accept the offer of a new
four-year contract – he said: "That is an on-going issue between the owners
and his agent."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Liverpool leading the race for want-away West Ham centre-back Winston Reid
Dec 06, 2014 22:30 By Tom Hopkinson, Dean Jones
The New Zealand defender has been in good form for the Hammers this season
but his deal expires at the end of the season and he could be on the move
The Mirror
Liverpool are pushing on with their bid to land West Ham's Winston Reid,
reports the Sunday People. The New Zealand defender has been a star
performer this season and the Hammers have been desperately trying to secure
his future. But with his deal expiring at the end of the season, it is
thought he is keen on a big move. Arsenal are among the sides keeping an eye
on him but they are set to sign Tyrone Mings from Ipswich instead. West Ham
boss Sam Allardyce says that Reid, who will command a wage of around £80,000
per week, has to make a decision soon. He said: "His contract situation is
an on-going factor between the owner and his agent. I would imagine one or
both are going to come to the conclusion this has gone as far as it's going
to go and can't go any farther."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Sam Allardyce: Only change of owners can stop my new West Ham deal
Sam Allardyce's contract with West Ham runs out in the summer
Alladyce signed a two-year contract with the Hammers in May 2013
West Ham have had an excellent start to this season's Premier League
Allardyce's side face Swansea at Upton Park on Sunday
West Ham are targeting their eighth win of the campaign
By RIATH AL-SAMARRAI FOR THE MAIL ON SUNDAY
PUBLISHED: 22:28, 6 December 2014 | UPDATED: 23:51, 6 December 2014
Daily Mail
Sam Allardyce does not expect his West Ham contract to be renewed until the
last minute — but believes only a change in ownership will scupper his
chances of a new deal. Allardyce has overseen a stunning season despite not
knowing if he will have a future at the club beyond the summer, when his
contract runs out. No talks have yet been planned but Allardyce, whose
previous two-year extension was signed in May 2013, insisted he is
'comfortable' to wait. 'I think it will happen like it did last time when we
get closer to the end of the season,' he said. 'We will decide on where we
are going and what we are going to do. 'Just after getting promoted [in
2012] there were no new contract talks in the Premier League until April and
the back of end May. It will probably be the same this time round. I've
always been comfortable with that. I was last time and I'm comfortable with
it this time.' By Allardyce's logical rationale, which is that good results
will keep him safe, his future should be all but assured after an excellent
start to the season. They face Swansea at Upton Park on Sunday looking for
an eighth win of the campaign, boosted by the possible return of Alex Song
and Diafra Sakho from injury.
Allardyce said: 'Whether you have a contract or haven't got a contract, if
you have good results you're fine. If you haven't got good results, whether
you have a contract or not, you get sacked. 'If you get a set of new owners
then they might not like you and it doesn't matter how well you do, they'll
move you on. From that point of view, I can't see West Ham being sold at
this moment in time.' And he added: 'We are winning a lot of people over.
But any fans at any club, when results are not going well, make themselves
heard. You always win them over if you start winning, playing better and buy
better players.'
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Healthy Hammers ready to rumble
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on December 6, 2014 in Whispers
Claret & Hugh
That's the exciting news from the Hammers camp ahead of tomorrow's clash
against Swansea. ClaretandHugh has received a call within the last few
minutes in which we were told that the entire squad is fit and that manager
Sam Allardyce now has the tricky choice of deciding on his best X1. The odds
are that Mark Noble and Alex Song will return for the game probably for
Kevin Nolan and Morgan Amalfitano but the big question now is who will he
team together up front. Diafra Sakho has been badly missed but although we
are assured he's ready to be let loose again, it would be a surprise if he
were thrown in from the start. The manager tends to reintroduce formerly
injured players slowly which would indicate that Andy Carroll and Enner
Valencia will start with the Senegal hitman arriving into the fray later as
sub.
However, our source said: "There may well be an opportunity for Sam to show
us his best team should he choose to take it.":
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Carroll injury rumour quashed
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on December 6, 2014 in Whispers
Claret & Hugh
Wild rumours that Andy Carroll had again injured his ankle in training today
were quashed by West Ham sources this evening. Claretandhugh has received
three phone calls over the last two hours that the big striker had "gone
over" on the ankle and that he was back in trouble. But Hammers sources
quickly described the claims as "nonsense" insisting the player is 100 per
cent and available for selection for tomorrow's game against Swansea.
Stories had been rumbling around all day of a training ground incident
involving the player but we have been assured that they are entirely untrue.
ClaretandHugh's well placed source said: "Yours was not the first call but
we can assure everybody out there who may have been hearing the gossip that
it's simply not true – he's 100 per cent ok."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
"Go with Sakho and Valencia Sam – sorry Andy!"
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on December 6, 2014 in Whispers
Claret & Hugh
I hope Sam Allardyce plays his very best team tomorrow against Swansea and
that means teaming Enner Valencia and Diafra Sakho together up front as we
go back to the system that brought all that early success. I understand that
we have a fully fit squad and that's great news as we look to get back into
the routine that won us all those early games with such a swagger We want to
see the diamond back in place and Stewart Downing playing in the role that
saw him perform well enough to join the international squad. Andy Carroll is
a top player but there's no two ways about it, Valencia and Sakho have been
the main men and that's where we need to get back to fast. If Sakho is fit
for the squad then he's fit for selection and Sam should play him. No
messing. Swansea play with a front three. it doesn't vary so we should see
Alex Song, Mark Noble and Cheik Kouyate dealing with Bony and Dyer and
Montero across the middle. This is a game we really want to win and take our
tally to 27. Swansea are a good side but they are very beatable and if Sam
picks the team that I'm looking for I believe we will win it. We don't want
to be giving possession back to Swansea too much because that team can play.
If we are at our best though we have the pace and power to lift the points
and head towards the Christmas programme with real confidence. It's
important that we put on the style again tomorrow after the attritional
battles against Villa, Everton, Newcastle and West Brom. The fans have been
fed some fantastic football early on this season and we need to get back
there. Newcastle showed this afternoon just what a good side they are by
beating Chelsea and that puts our victory over the Magpies into a very good
perspective. Leroy will be on BBC 2 this evening at 6pm when Manish Bahsin
introduces highlights of the FA Cup Round Two matches.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Gold: 'Carroll v Bony…what about Sakho?'
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on December 6, 2014 in Whispers
Claret & Hugh
Diafra Sakho is fully expected to play a part in tomorrow afternoon's
intriguing clash between the Irons and Swansea at the Boleyn.
It's been ironic to see the full glare of publicity turned on the Wilfried
Bony and Andy Carrollwhen perhaps minds should be more focused on the
likely return to action of Diafra Sakho. Managers Sam Allardyce, Gary Monk
and the media have been having fun comparing the records of the first two
given that Bony was a Hammers target before joining the Swans for £13
million with Carroll arriving at Upton Park for a fee, with extras,
currently approaching £18 million. Hammers co chairman David Gold has his
own view of that declaring: "The comparison is wrong because of Andy's
injuries but there's no reason at all why he shouldn't come out ahead of
Bony by the end of this campaign. "It will also be interesting to make the
comparison between the Swansea striker and Sakho particularly bearing in
mind that our lad cost around £10 million less than him. The guy has been an
absolute revelation and Sam Allardyce loves him to bits. He's got that happy
knack of turning up in the right place at the right time and is forever
tracking and tackling back. "He has been passionate about this club since he
got here and is a real hero with the fans. We all have our fingers crossed
he'll be back on duty tomorrow."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
http://vyperz.blogspot.com
---
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WHUFC.com
Teddy Sheringham is relishing his coaching role at West Ham United
06.12.2014
Teddy Sheringham is loving life back at the Hammers - as his coaching
charges follow in his footsteps by finding the back of the net at the Boleyn
Ground. Sheringham is no stranger to the good times here at West Ham. He's
witnessed the bad times too, of course. But he reflects fondly on the
instrumental role he played in the Championship play-off final success in
2005 - and a year later, when he returned to Cardiff as part of Alan
Pardew's team that were just moments away from winning the FA Cup. He uses
both experiences as a reminder to the players that they must savour the
special moments while they can. "It was fantastic," he says. "I was a
supporter as a young boy and would watch games in the North Bank. So to a
get chance to play for West Ham late in my career was great. And here I am
again, working for them which is lovely too. "Looking back, I had great
memories. It was a good time for the club really. Alan Pardew was doing a
very good job and there was a real buzz. "I wasn't a major part of it but
the FA Cup run was special. To have pulled that off would have been amazing,
especially having the chance to beat Liverpool. We were so close to doing
that and it would have been a major feat. But it wasn't to be. "So, I say to
a lot of the players to enjoy it when things are going well because you have
a lot of bad times in football. "They need to enjoy the camaraderie you do
get when you get a good club because there can be moments in football where
you don't enjoy going into work."
Sheringham has saluted his boss Sam Allardyce for leading the Hammers to a
fine start to the season, helping to ensure that West Ham is a harmonious
place to be. He added: "I think Sam has been fantastic. I couldn't have
asked to work with a better boss for my first real impression of what
managerial life is like. He's been very open with me and I've got the utmost
respect for that. "He's very experienced and in a nice place at the moment
here at the club, which adds to a nice atmosphere around the place."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Lack of a winter break is putting players' careers at risk, says West Ham
boss Sam Allardyce
Dec 06, 2014 22:30 By Steve Stammers
The Hammers boss is one of a growing number of managers who feel the Premier
League could benefit from a fortnight off
The Mirror
Sam Allardyce believes players' careers are in jeopardy because of the
punishing Christmas and New Year schedule as he renewed his call for a
winter break. West Ham start a hectic period of matches this afternoon when
they face Swansea at Upton Park and by the turn of 2015 they will have
played Sunderland, Leicester, Chelsea, Arsenal and West Brom in the Premier
League followed by an FA Cup third round tie.
Hammers boss Allardyce said: "My opinion has never changed and it never
will. You keep flogging your players and keep asking them to maintain the
levels they maintain, then you are asking for injuries. "And injuries have a
great cost to every investment you make in football. Every injury takes its
toll on the player. "But if they consistently start getting injuries then
the player will pay a price down the line. It will shorten his career.
"Until everybody gets their head together and really sorts it out, we are
always going to be faced with the fact that at this time of year we are
asking them to deliver four games in eight days. "And for them not to have a
break, it means they are open to being criticised because the players can't
get to where they want to produce the sort of football everybody is
expecting and continue to want them to get to, because they are not
physically capable of doing it any more."
West Ham – along with Southampton and Sunday's opponents Swansea – have been
a surprise package among the frontrunners in the Premier League this
season. But to maintain that momentum, Allardyce needs to call on his
first-choice squad players. And after the heavy domestic programme, he faces
losing three players to the African Cup of Nations next month – Diafra Sakho
and Cheikhou Kouyate to Senegal and Alex Song to Cameroon. Allardyce is
hopeful the players are not over-trained. "It depends how much they play and
how long they play there for and what type of training their coaches give
them while they are there," he said. "There is little or no coaching that
they need, but you are not in control of that and when you listen to what
some of the coaches do when they go there, they start thinking they have to
get them fitter. "That is the last thing they need to do – to start running
them around when they have just come through the Christmas period here."
Allardyce's long-term future remains undecided. He had to win over a
sceptical section of fans who objected to the brand of football in his
initial period but the dissent has died down. However, his contract runs out
at the end of the season along with that of defender Winston Reid. On his
own situation, Allardyce said: "There haven't been any talks yet. It will
happen like it happened last time – when we get closer to the end of the
season. It all depends on how you do as a manager. "Whether you have a
contract or not, if you've got good results, you're fine. "If you haven't
got good results, you get sacked. If you get a new set of owners it doesn't
matter how well you do – if they don't like you, they move you on. "I have
had that happen on two occasions. But I can't see West Ham being sold at
this moment in time." And on Reid – who has yet to accept the offer of a new
four-year contract – he said: "That is an on-going issue between the owners
and his agent."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Liverpool leading the race for want-away West Ham centre-back Winston Reid
Dec 06, 2014 22:30 By Tom Hopkinson, Dean Jones
The New Zealand defender has been in good form for the Hammers this season
but his deal expires at the end of the season and he could be on the move
The Mirror
Liverpool are pushing on with their bid to land West Ham's Winston Reid,
reports the Sunday People. The New Zealand defender has been a star
performer this season and the Hammers have been desperately trying to secure
his future. But with his deal expiring at the end of the season, it is
thought he is keen on a big move. Arsenal are among the sides keeping an eye
on him but they are set to sign Tyrone Mings from Ipswich instead. West Ham
boss Sam Allardyce says that Reid, who will command a wage of around £80,000
per week, has to make a decision soon. He said: "His contract situation is
an on-going factor between the owner and his agent. I would imagine one or
both are going to come to the conclusion this has gone as far as it's going
to go and can't go any farther."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Sam Allardyce: Only change of owners can stop my new West Ham deal
Sam Allardyce's contract with West Ham runs out in the summer
Alladyce signed a two-year contract with the Hammers in May 2013
West Ham have had an excellent start to this season's Premier League
Allardyce's side face Swansea at Upton Park on Sunday
West Ham are targeting their eighth win of the campaign
By RIATH AL-SAMARRAI FOR THE MAIL ON SUNDAY
PUBLISHED: 22:28, 6 December 2014 | UPDATED: 23:51, 6 December 2014
Daily Mail
Sam Allardyce does not expect his West Ham contract to be renewed until the
last minute — but believes only a change in ownership will scupper his
chances of a new deal. Allardyce has overseen a stunning season despite not
knowing if he will have a future at the club beyond the summer, when his
contract runs out. No talks have yet been planned but Allardyce, whose
previous two-year extension was signed in May 2013, insisted he is
'comfortable' to wait. 'I think it will happen like it did last time when we
get closer to the end of the season,' he said. 'We will decide on where we
are going and what we are going to do. 'Just after getting promoted [in
2012] there were no new contract talks in the Premier League until April and
the back of end May. It will probably be the same this time round. I've
always been comfortable with that. I was last time and I'm comfortable with
it this time.' By Allardyce's logical rationale, which is that good results
will keep him safe, his future should be all but assured after an excellent
start to the season. They face Swansea at Upton Park on Sunday looking for
an eighth win of the campaign, boosted by the possible return of Alex Song
and Diafra Sakho from injury.
Allardyce said: 'Whether you have a contract or haven't got a contract, if
you have good results you're fine. If you haven't got good results, whether
you have a contract or not, you get sacked. 'If you get a set of new owners
then they might not like you and it doesn't matter how well you do, they'll
move you on. From that point of view, I can't see West Ham being sold at
this moment in time.' And he added: 'We are winning a lot of people over.
But any fans at any club, when results are not going well, make themselves
heard. You always win them over if you start winning, playing better and buy
better players.'
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Healthy Hammers ready to rumble
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on December 6, 2014 in Whispers
Claret & Hugh
That's the exciting news from the Hammers camp ahead of tomorrow's clash
against Swansea. ClaretandHugh has received a call within the last few
minutes in which we were told that the entire squad is fit and that manager
Sam Allardyce now has the tricky choice of deciding on his best X1. The odds
are that Mark Noble and Alex Song will return for the game probably for
Kevin Nolan and Morgan Amalfitano but the big question now is who will he
team together up front. Diafra Sakho has been badly missed but although we
are assured he's ready to be let loose again, it would be a surprise if he
were thrown in from the start. The manager tends to reintroduce formerly
injured players slowly which would indicate that Andy Carroll and Enner
Valencia will start with the Senegal hitman arriving into the fray later as
sub.
However, our source said: "There may well be an opportunity for Sam to show
us his best team should he choose to take it.":
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Carroll injury rumour quashed
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on December 6, 2014 in Whispers
Claret & Hugh
Wild rumours that Andy Carroll had again injured his ankle in training today
were quashed by West Ham sources this evening. Claretandhugh has received
three phone calls over the last two hours that the big striker had "gone
over" on the ankle and that he was back in trouble. But Hammers sources
quickly described the claims as "nonsense" insisting the player is 100 per
cent and available for selection for tomorrow's game against Swansea.
Stories had been rumbling around all day of a training ground incident
involving the player but we have been assured that they are entirely untrue.
ClaretandHugh's well placed source said: "Yours was not the first call but
we can assure everybody out there who may have been hearing the gossip that
it's simply not true – he's 100 per cent ok."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
"Go with Sakho and Valencia Sam – sorry Andy!"
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on December 6, 2014 in Whispers
Claret & Hugh
I hope Sam Allardyce plays his very best team tomorrow against Swansea and
that means teaming Enner Valencia and Diafra Sakho together up front as we
go back to the system that brought all that early success. I understand that
we have a fully fit squad and that's great news as we look to get back into
the routine that won us all those early games with such a swagger We want to
see the diamond back in place and Stewart Downing playing in the role that
saw him perform well enough to join the international squad. Andy Carroll is
a top player but there's no two ways about it, Valencia and Sakho have been
the main men and that's where we need to get back to fast. If Sakho is fit
for the squad then he's fit for selection and Sam should play him. No
messing. Swansea play with a front three. it doesn't vary so we should see
Alex Song, Mark Noble and Cheik Kouyate dealing with Bony and Dyer and
Montero across the middle. This is a game we really want to win and take our
tally to 27. Swansea are a good side but they are very beatable and if Sam
picks the team that I'm looking for I believe we will win it. We don't want
to be giving possession back to Swansea too much because that team can play.
If we are at our best though we have the pace and power to lift the points
and head towards the Christmas programme with real confidence. It's
important that we put on the style again tomorrow after the attritional
battles against Villa, Everton, Newcastle and West Brom. The fans have been
fed some fantastic football early on this season and we need to get back
there. Newcastle showed this afternoon just what a good side they are by
beating Chelsea and that puts our victory over the Magpies into a very good
perspective. Leroy will be on BBC 2 this evening at 6pm when Manish Bahsin
introduces highlights of the FA Cup Round Two matches.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Gold: 'Carroll v Bony…what about Sakho?'
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on December 6, 2014 in Whispers
Claret & Hugh
Diafra Sakho is fully expected to play a part in tomorrow afternoon's
intriguing clash between the Irons and Swansea at the Boleyn.
It's been ironic to see the full glare of publicity turned on the Wilfried
Bony and Andy Carrollwhen perhaps minds should be more focused on the
likely return to action of Diafra Sakho. Managers Sam Allardyce, Gary Monk
and the media have been having fun comparing the records of the first two
given that Bony was a Hammers target before joining the Swans for £13
million with Carroll arriving at Upton Park for a fee, with extras,
currently approaching £18 million. Hammers co chairman David Gold has his
own view of that declaring: "The comparison is wrong because of Andy's
injuries but there's no reason at all why he shouldn't come out ahead of
Bony by the end of this campaign. "It will also be interesting to make the
comparison between the Swansea striker and Sakho particularly bearing in
mind that our lad cost around £10 million less than him. The guy has been an
absolute revelation and Sam Allardyce loves him to bits. He's got that happy
knack of turning up in the right place at the right time and is forever
tracking and tackling back. "He has been passionate about this club since he
got here and is a real hero with the fans. We all have our fingers crossed
he'll be back on duty tomorrow."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
http://vyperz.blogspot.com
---
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Saturday, December 6
Daily WHUFC News - 6th December 2014
Preview - Swansea City
WHUFC.com
Everything you need to know about Sunday's match against Swansea City
05.12.2014
WEST HAM UNITED v SWANSEA CITY
BARCLAYS PREMIER LEAGUE
BOLYEN GROUND
SUNDAY 7 DECEMBER 2014
KICK-OFF: 1.30PM
REFEREE: CHRIS FOY
In brief
West Ham United host Swansea City on Sunday afternoon looking to extend
their winning run of games to three. Following wins over Newcastle United
and West Bromwich Albion, the Hammers are looking to complete a great week
by securing nine points in as many days.
Sunday's visitors Swansea are also enjoying a good run of form having taken
seven points from a possible 12.
The Swans have beaten the likes of Manchester United and Arsenal already
this term, sitting in seventh place just two points behind the Hammers on 22
points.
Related stories
Big Sam on: Swansea City
Chadwell Chatter
Who are they?
Formed in 1912 as Swansea Town, The Swans adopted the name Swansea City when
the town was granted City status in 1969.
Having almost gone out of business in 1985 following consecutive
relegations, the directors managed to salvage the club. They continued to
slip through the Football League to the fourth division yet their fortunes
changed in 2005 with a move away from Vetch Field to the Liberty Stadium.
Since the move, the Swans have enjoyed four promotions in a decade and are
now an established Premier League team. Praised for their possession-based
style of football, their recent success was capped off by winning the League
Cup in 2012/13, subsequently qualifying for the Europa League the following
year.
Team news
West Ham United
Enner Valencia played the last 25 minutes in the 2-1 win over the Baggies,
and is in contention to start on Sunday. Diafra Sakho and Alex Song have
returned to training this week and could also be involved. Manager Sam
Allardyce will make a late decision on Mark Noble's fitness after he missed
the game in midweek following a calf injury sustained against Newcastle.
Swansea City
Swansea have an almost clean bill of health with Federico Fernandez the only
likely absentee through injury. Neil Taylor is suspended but otherwise,
Garry Monk has a full squad to choose from as they came out of their 2-0 win
over Queens Park Rangers unscathed.
Referee
Sunday's referee is Chris Foy. The 52-year-old referee has 13 years of top
flight experience. Foy has taken charge of two West Ham games this season,
the opening day 1-0 defeat by Tottenham Hotspur and the 2-2 away draw with
Stoke City. The Assistant Referees are Gary Beswick and Marc Perry, while
Mike Dean is the Fourth Official.
Statistics
(2014/15 season - Barclays Premier League only)
Matches refereed: 10
Yellow cards shown: 27
Red cards shown: 3
Penalties awarded: 0
One to watch
West Ham United
With his teammates grabbing the headlines, Morgan Amalfitano's excellent
contribution has gone slightly under the radar. The Frenchman has made ten
appearances this season, scoring two crucial goals in wins against Liverpool
and Manchester City. The tenacious midfielder has been in fine form, working
hard for the team as well as linking up well with Carl Jenkinson down the
right wing.
Swansea City
Wilfried Bony is Swansea's main man scoring six goals this season. Bony is
2014's top Premier League scorer with 18 in total, and he has started this
season as he finished the last.. The Ivorian international has struck up a
productive relationship with midfield creator Gylfi Sigurdsson, who has the
second highest number of assists on eight, just two behind Cesc Fabregas on
ten.
Tickets
Tickets will be available to buy on the day, with the Alpari Stand ticket
office open from 9am. Tickets are still available online here.
Tickets for the Hammers' home game with Leicester City on Saturday 20
December are available here.
Travel
For the very latest news on the London Underground, please visit the TfL
website here.
Weather
Sunday evening is set to be a cloudy day with rain predicted for later in
the afternoon. Temperature at kick off is forecast to be 10C (50F).
Last meeting
West Ham United 2-0 Swansea City
Barclays Premier League
1 February 2014
Andy Carroll twice set up goals for Kevin Nolan before being sent off as
10-man West Ham beat Swansea to ease their relegation predicament. Carroll
caused chaos in the visiting defence, but 14 minutes into the second half
received a straight red card from referee Howard Webb for an altercation
with Chico Flores, after appearing to brush the defender with his elbow. For
the first goal, West Ham broke from deep and left-back McCartney drilled a
cross into the area which Carroll stretched to reach. His header found the
late-arriving Nolan, who chested the ball down before volleying into the
bottom corner. For the Hammers' second Stewart Downing's inswinging cross
was met at the far post by Carroll, who craned his neck enough to direct the
ball back into the six-yard box and Nolan headed it inside the post to
double his tally for the season.
West Ham United: Adrian, Demel, Collins, Tomkins, McCartney, Noble, Taylor
(Reid 79), Jarvis (C Cole), Nolan (Nocerino 87), Downing, Carroll, C. Cole,
Nocerino
Subs not used: Jaaskelainen, Johnson, Morrison, Borriello
Swansea City: Tremmel, Amat (Pozuelo 63), Chico Flores, Williams, Tiendalli,
Davies, Shelvey (Hernandez 70), Dyer (Ngog 77), Routledge, de Guzman, Bony
Subs not used: Cornell, Rangel, Britton, Lamah
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Big Sam on: Swansea City
WHUFC.com
The manager spoke to the press on Friday morning ahead of the Swansea City
match
05.12.2014
Sam Allardyce faced the media on Friday morning ahead of Sunday's Barclays
Premier League clash with Swansea City. The manager answered questions on
his returning players, containing Wilfried Bony and his team's fine start to
December.
What's the team news for this weekend?
SA: "Diafra Sakho and Alex Song have been training with us this week.
They're in contention to make the squad but we'll have to wait and see
because they've both been out for a while. We don't want to throw them in
too early and risk further injury. Mark Noble could also make it but we
don't have much time after the injury he picked up last weekend."
How hard is it going to be to contain Wilfried Bony?
SA: "It'll be very difficult to contain him because he's in such good form.
We'll have to limit the supply into him from the midfield and wide men. We
need to get tight to him but not too tight because he can roll defenders
well, he's strong and very skilful. To try and knock him off the ball is not
an easy task. It'll be a good test for our lads to play against a player
who's in such good form."
You scouted Bony when he was at Vitesse, and reportedly put in a bid for
him. What happened there, why didn't the transfer go through?
SA: "We signed Andy Carroll and it was a case of one or the other. We
couldn't do both with the budget we had, we also needed to bring in other
players in different positions."
Bony has been the top scorer this calendar year and has scored six in twelve
games this season. Diafra Sakho has scored six in seven starts, you wouldn't
want to switch them, would you?
SA: "No I wouldn't. We're looking forward to having Diaf back, I'm not sure
he's ready to start a match yet. We've also got Enner back, he played 25
minutes against West Brom and then we've also got Carlton Cole and Mauro
Zarate so this is the best striking options we've ever had."
What did you make of the win over West Brom in midweek?
SA: "We got another valuable three points. It wasn't the best performance
but we ground out a result. It's been a busy week and we've got six points
so far so we're all happy with that. However I think Sunday's game is the
biggest test of them all. Three games in eight days is a big test but we're
approaching it with confidence. If we win what a great week it would've been
for us."
James Tomkins was outstanding against West Brom, scoring the winner. After
the incident at Everton, how impressed have you been with his sense of
character to bounce back?
SA: "I think with everyone there are times in your life when you have things
you have to deal with. So it was a test of character for him but he's come
through it. I know he regrets what happened at Everton but he's got on with
his job and he needs to make sure it's not going to happen again."
Your next three games are Swansea, Sunderland and Leicester, three games
that you and your staff must be hoping to get some points from?
SA: "Yes, we've bounced back from the defeat against Everton with two wins
and now we want to maintain that level of performance and get some
consistency. We want to build some momentum ahead of our massive Christmas
fixtures with Chelsea and Arsenal. We know both those games will be very
difficult so to get as many points as we can beforehand will be very
useful."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Chadwell Chatter
WHUFC.com
Stewart Downing reflects on the win over West Brom and looks ahead to
Swansea
04.12.2014
Hello everyone,
As you know, it's been a very busy few days with two games in four days
against Newcastle and West Bromwich Albion. Thankfully we secured back to
back wins, which I think we thoroughly deserved. It was great to see AC back
at the Boleyn and causing the Newcastle defence problems. I thought he was
excellent against West Brom too. His overhead effort that led to Kev's goal
was a demonstration of what he can do. It's great to have him back and I
know he's loving it. It was also nice to get an assist for Tonks' goal. He's
had a bit of stick after the Everton game but he responded in the best way
possible by scoring the winning goal. During the game their defenders had
been marking AC and Reidy but hadn't been concentrating on Tonks so I put
the ball in an area he could attack and thankfully he did the rest.
We've scored a lot of headers this season, but not many from set pieces. We
work on them a fair amount in training, both defensively and attacking so it
was nice to see it come off in a match.
It was a big win for us on Tuesday but we know we can still improve. We
should have come out of the blocks better than we did and that is something
we will look to do on Sunday against Swansea City this Sunday at the Boleyn
Ground. We know it will be a tough game as Swansea have some quality players
that we will need to look out for. Wilfried Bony is a player we know we'll
have to keep quiet while Gylfi Sigurdsson is another player I admire. We
know we'll have to limit their time on the ball and if we do that we have a
good chance of getting a result.
Swansea, like ourselves, have had a good season so far. As have Southampton,
I think they've surprised a lot of people. Overall, teams doing better than
expected is good for the league as it makes it less predictable and more
exciting. Having won four of our home games already, we want to continue our
form and turn the Boleyn into a real fortress, one that teams don't look
forward to visiting.
After Sunday, the games keep coming thick and fast as we have five games in
19 days over the Christmas period. It's a difficult time coming up, as
you'll remember last year we suffered from a lot injuries and suspensions.
This season however, we have a bigger squad and a good strength in depth
which will really help us out. It was good to see Enner Valencia coming on
for the last 25 minutes on Tuesday as he recovers from injury and hopefully
we'll have Diafra and Alex back with us soon.
See you on Sunday!
Stewart
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
On this day - 5 December
WHUFC.com
A brilliant solo goal from Bobby Zamora set the Hammers on their way to
victory nine years ago today
05.12.2014
Classic match
Birmingham City 1-2 West Ham United
Premier League
5 December 2005
A stunning solo effort from Bobby Zamora and a goal from Marlon Harewood
were enough to give the Hammers all three points at St Andrews.
Emile Heskey had given the hosts the lead after 11 minutes before Zamora
produced a spectacular goal, beating three players and sliding the ball
through the keepers legs, to level the scores. The scoring was completed
before half-time as Harewood notched his sixth goal of the season with two
minutes until the break to secure a brilliant away result for the Hammers in
their first season back in the Premier League.
Complete record - 5 December
1925 Everton 2-0 West Ham United (Division One)
1931 West Ham United 4-2 Everton (Division One)
1936 Bradford City 2-1 West Ham United (Division Two)
1953 West Ham United 1-2 Notts County (Division Two)
1959 West Ham United 4-1 Nottingham Forest (Division One)
1964 West Ham United 0-0 Leicester City (Division One)
1970 Derby County 2-4 West Ham United (Division One)
1981 West Ham United 1-2 Arsenal (Division One)
1987 West Ham United 2-1 Southampton (Division One)
1998 Leeds United 4-0 West Ham United (Premier League)
2001 West Ham United 1-1 Aston Villa (Premier League)
2005 Birmingham City 1-2 West Ham United (Premier League)
2009 West Ham United 0-4 Manchester United (Premier League)
2010 Sunderland 1-0 West Ham United (Premier League)
Played 14, Won 5, Drawn 2, Lost 7, Scored 20, Conceded 26
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham v Swansea
KO 13:30
5 December 2014
Last updated at 13:43
By Steve Bower
BBC Match of the Day commentator
BARCLAYS PREMIER LEAGUE
Venue: Upton Park Date: Sunday, 7 December
TEAM NEWS
West Ham manger Sam Allardyce is hopeful that Diafra Sakho and Alex Song
will be available on Sunday after respective back and knee injuries. Enner
Valencia could start after making a return from injury as a substitute in
midweek but the game could be too soon for Mark Noble, who has a calf
problem. Swansea defender Neil Taylor is suspended after picking up his
fifth booking of the season in midweek.
Federico Fernandez remains sidelined by a calf injury.
MATCH PREVIEW
It sums up the unpredictability of the Premier League season so far that,
going into this weekend in December, this was a meeting of two of the top
seven, separated by two points. Both clubs fully deserve their current
accolades as they defy the pre-season predictions.
Lawro's prediction "I keep thinking Swansea might go on a bit of an iffy
spell but, each time, they pick up a win like they did against QPR in
midweek. I also thought West Ham would have buckled a bit by now, but they
certainly haven't done that."
West Ham are one of the form teams, having lost only once in their last
eight league matches. The Hammers were the sixth lowest scorers in the
division last season but they've managed a dramatic improvement in the
current campaign and have found the back of the net in 12 of their last 13
games.
Sam Allardyce was backed in the transfer market and he has used his funds
extremely wisely. His squad has much more depth and quality to it and that
has been reflected in their results so far. Gone is the over reliance on
Kevin Nolan and Andy Carroll. It illustrates the options available that the
midweek win at West Brom was achieved without both Mark Noble and Alex Song,
while £12m striker Enner Valencia was among the substitutes. They've had 11
different goalscorers already and you can feel the positivity in their play.
While Allardyce has called on his experience of over 400 Premier League
games, he'll face a manager 25 years his junior who is in his first full
season in charge. Gary Monk's seamless transition at Swansea is there for
all to see. When you spend time in his company he is very measured and calm,
and that's exactly how his team have performed so far this season. I watched
them push Manchester City all the way at the Etihad Stadium recently and,
even when they fell behind in the second half, there wasn't any panic and
still a desire to pass the ball. The Swansea boss described the win over QPR
in the week as a 'complete performance' and he won't a fear a trip to east
London. He'll know, though, those standards can't afford to drop or the
Hammers could strike a blow.
MATCH FACTS
Head-to-head
Swansea's only win in their 23 league visits to West Ham came in the old
Division Two in August 1956 (W1, D5, L17).
West Ham are unbeaten in their last three league meetings with Swansea (W2,
D1) and haven't conceded a goal in those matches.
West Ham
West Ham's tally of 24 points from 14 matches represents their best start to
a Premier League campaign. The last time they had a better tally in the top
flight was in 1983-84 (29 pts).
They have only lost one of their last eight league matches (W5, D2).
Only Chelsea (12) have had more Premier League goalscorers this season than
West Ham (11).
Andy Carroll hasn't scored or assisted a goal in his last 10 West Ham league
games, spanning 756 minutes.
Kevin Nolan needs one goal to reach 100 in league football.
Swansea
Swansea are also enjoying their best Premier League start, with 22 points
from 14 matches.
They have lost one of their last six league games (W3, D2) - keeping three
clean sheets in the process.
Wilfried Bony and Gylfi Sigurdsson have either scored or created more than
three quarters of Swansea's league goals this season (15 of 19).
Only Cesc Fabregas (10) has created more league goals than Sigurdsson this
season (8).
Swansea and Chelsea lead the Premier League this season in ever-present
players, both with seven.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Andy Carroll was signed over Wilfried Bony
BBC.co.uk
West Ham manager Sam Allardyce chose to sign striker Andy Carroll over
Swansea top scorer Wilfried Bony last summer. Bony, set to start at Upton
Park on Sunday, signed from Vitesse Arnhem for £12m and has scored six
league goals this season after 16 last time round. Carroll has struggled
with injury since his £15m move from Liverpool, scoring just twice in 19
league appearances. Allardcye said: "It was a case of one or the other. We
couldn't do both with the budget we had." West Ham's wins over Newcastle and
West Brom this week leave them in fifth place in the Premier League with
Allardyce, who admitted making an initial bid for Bony, delivering on his
promise to bring a new brand of attacking football to the Londoners.
Swansea though are just two places and two points below the Hammers and
Allardyce knows, in Ivory Coast's Bony, the Welshmen have a striker capable
of causing defences damage. "It'll be very difficult to contain him because
he's in such good form," he said. "We'll have to limit the supply into him
from the midfield and wide men. "We need to get tight to him but not too
tight because he can roll defenders well, he's strong and very skilful. "To
try and knock him off the ball is not an easy task. It'll be a good test for
our lads to play against a player who's in such good form."
Carroll, 25, has started just two matches for West Ham this season after
returning from four months out following ankle surgery. He missed the
majority of 2013-14 with a heel problem. He cost Liverpool £35m in January
2011 but was loaned to West Ham in August, scoring seven goals in 24 games.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
42
KUMB.com
Filed: Friday, 5th December 2014
By: Staff Writer
It may be the answer to the Ultimate Question of Life, The Universe, and
Everything - but 42 is also the number of West Ham's ball in next week's FA
Cup third round draw!
It's one of the most eagerly-anticipated weekends of the football season,
when the part-timers, the minnows and those featuring at the lower end of
the football pyramid have the opportunity to test themselves against the
giants of the Premier League.
On Monday evening in Hull, TV pundit Alan Shearer and local volunteer Paul
Adamson will draw the 64 balls for this season's third round draw, for which
West Ham have been granted the number 42.
A number of non-league clubs will be involved in the draw, such as Gateshead
and Warrington Town (both number 55 as their second round tie remains
unresolved), Dover Athletic (61 should they beat Cheltenham Town) plus
Southport and Eastleigh (both 54).
Some of the other numbers to look out for with view to potential opponents
include 27 (Millwall), 12 (Chelsea) and 25 (Manchester United). You may tune
into Monday evening's live draw on BBC2 or thefa.com from 7pm.
FA Cup 3rd Round Draw Numbers
1 AFC Bournemouth
2 Arsenal
3 Aston Villa
4 Birmingham City
5 Blackburn Rovers
6 Blackpool
7 Bolton Wanderers
8 Brentford
9 Brighton & Hove Albion
10 Burnley
11 Cardiff City
12 Charlton Athletic
13 Chelsea
14 Crystal Palace
15 Derby County
16 Everton
17 Fulham
18 Huddersfield Town
19 Hull City
20 Ipswich Town
21 Leeds United
22 Leicester City
23 Liverpool
24 Manchester City
25 Manchester United
26 Middlesbrough
27 Millwall
28 Newcastle United
29 Norwich City
30 Nottingham Forest
31 Queens Park Rangers
32 Reading
33 Rotherham United
34 Sheffield Wednesday
35 Southampton
36 Stoke City
37 Sunderland
38 Swansea City
39 Tottenham Hotspur
40 Watford
41 West Bromwich Albion
42 West Ham United
43 Wigan Athletic
44 Wolverhampton Wanderers
45 Oxford United Or Tranmere Rovers
46 Bury Or Luton Town
47 Wrexham Or Maidstone United
48 Scunthorpe United Or Worcester City
49 Colchester United Or Peterborough United
50 Wycombe Wanderers Or AFC Wimbledon
51 Accrington Stanley Or Yeovil Town
52 Hartlepool United Or Blyth Spartans
53 Milton Keynes Dons Or Chesterfield
54 Southport Or Eastleigh
55 Gateshead Or Warrington Town
56 Oldham Athletic Or Doncaster Rovers
57 Preston North End Or Shrewsbury Town
58 Barnsley Or Chester
59 Bradford City Or Dartford
60 Sheffield United Or Plymouth Argyle
61 Cheltenham Town Or Dover Athletic
62 Cambridge United Or Mansfield Town
63 Bristol City Or AFC Telford United
64 Aldershot Town Or Rochdale
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Adidas kit out of stock - again
KUMB.com
Filed: Friday, 5th December 2014
By: Staff Writer
Thousands of young Hammers will be left disappointed again this Christmas
after it was confirmed club shops would not be re-stocking replica kit
before the new year. For the second successive year, West Ham have been left
short by kit supplier Adidas who have informed the club that a scheduled
order will not be delivered in time for Christmas. "Adidas informed the Club
on Thursday that its major junior order for the Christmas period will not be
delivered due to stock supply issues," read a statement on whufc.com. "This
disappointing news means that the Club will not be receiving any further
children's replica kits this season and will therefore be out of stock in
most junior sizes in the run-up to Christmas. "In a statement, adidas said:
'Unfortunately due to stock supply issues we have been unable to provide the
originally agreed quantities of the new West Ham United Matchwear in time
for Christmas. "We apologise for any inconvenience caused to fans. We are
confident that alternative adidas West Ham United clothing range can be
found currently in stores.'"
Last Christmas fans were similarly disappointed when exactly the same thing
happened, as West Ham sold their entire stock of replica junior shorts -
only to be told that Adidas would not be supplying any more. At the time,
West Ham blamed "exceptional response" for the problem. "We advise all fans
and make clear in our marketing communications at the start of the season to
buy early to avoid missing out", read a statement published at the time.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Sakho and Song return for Swansea clash
KUMB.com
Filed: Friday, 5th December 2014
By: Staff Writer
Sam Allardyce has revealed that both Diafra Sakho and Alex Song are expected
to be involved in this weekend's Premier League clash with Swansea - whilst
the inclusion of Mark Noble is also a possibility. Sakho, who was touch and
go for the West Brom trip earlier in the week and Song, who has been out of
action since the goalless draw with Aston Villa at the beginning of November
are both expected to be in the 18-man party to face the Jacks at the Boleyn
Ground this Saturday lunchtime. However Noble's situation is slightly more
precarious and the vice captain may have to wait for the trip to Sunderland
before making his return. "Diafra Sakho and Alex Song have been training
with us this week," confirmed Allardyce. "They're in contention to make the
squad but we'll have to wait and see because they've both been out for a
while. "We don't want to throw them in too early and risk further injury.
Mark Noble could also make it but we don't have much time after the injury
he picked up last weekend. "We're looking forward to having Diaf back though
I'm not sure he's ready to start a match yet. We've also got Enner back, he
played 25 minutes against West Brom and then we've also got Carlton Cole and
Mauro Zarate; these are the best striking options we've ever had."
In recent seasons West Ham have fared well against Swansea. On the four
occasions the two clubs have met this century (all in the last two two
seasons), West Ham have lost just once - and kept clean sheets in the last
three meetings, including successive wins at the Boleyn.
However Allardyce believes his players will be tested to the hilt, having
played three times in the space of a week. "It's been a busy week and we've
got six points so far so we're all happy with that," he said. "However I
think Sunday's game is the biggest test of them all. Three games in eight
days is a big test but we're approaching it with confidence. "We want to
build some momentum ahead of our massive Christmas fixtures with Chelsea and
Arsenal. We know both those games will be very difficult so to get as many
points as we can beforehand will be very useful. "If we win, what a great
week it would've been for us."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Allardyce: we could've signed Bony - but chose Carroll
KUMB.com
Filed: Friday, 5th December 2014
By: Staff Writer
Sam Allardyce believes that stopping Wilfried Bony is key to stopping
Swansea. The 25-year-old striker is his club's leading goalscorer having
found the back of the net six times already this season. And when asked
about his importance to the Swansea squad, Allardyce - speaking to the press
ahead of Sunday lunchtime's game - insisted that stopping Bony, a player he
almost signed, was paramount. "It'll be very difficult to contain him
because he's in such good form", admitted the Hammers boss. "We'll have to
limit the supply into him from the midfield and wide men. "We need to get
tight to him but not too tight because he can roll defenders well as he's
strong and very skilful. To try and knock him off the ball is not an easy
task. It'll be a good test for our lads to play against a player who's in
such good form. "We signed Andy Carroll [in 2013] and it was a case of one
or the other. We couldn't do both with the budget we had, we also needed to
bring in other players in different positions."
Meanwhile the Ivory Coast international, who has been a huge hit at the
Liberty Stadium since signing for the Jacks in July of last year admitted
that he's happy not to score - if it means a win for his team, who go into
Sunday's match just two points and two places behind West Ham. "What is more
important is to win," he said. "It's good for me, it's good for the team. If
I don't score, I can create chances for other players to score. We take the
games step by step. We don't care what other people say. We just care about
what we do and our performances. We just focus on our way of play."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
In-form West Ham and Swansea tussle for top-four opening
Last Updated: 05/12/14 9:04pm
SSN
Two of the Premier League's in-form sides meet in a mouth-watering encounter
at Upton Park to kick off Sky Sports' Super Sunday double header. Just two
points and two places separate West Ham and Swansea in the league and both
enter Sunday's early kick-off fresh off the back of midweek victories. The
Hammers followed up Saturday's 1-0 win over Newcastle with their third away
success of the season at West Brom. Sam Allardyce's men showed their
resilience having initially gone behind at The Hawthorns, with goals from
Kevin Nolan and James Tomkins ensuring that a third win on the bounce on
Sunday would see the Hammers rise to third in the table.
Swansea got back to winning ways on Tuesday night, after a disappointing
draw at home to Crystal Palace, but were made to sweat by a stubborn QPR
side inspired by the brilliant Rob Green. Ki Sung-Yeung's 78th-minute opener
finally broke the deadlock before Wayne Routledge sealed the points just
minutes later to rightfully hand the Swans the victory their determined
performance warranted. A victory in the capital would see Garry Monk's side
leapfrog West Ham in the table and that could well hinge on the form of
influential striker Wilfried Bony. Allardyce has openly admitted stopping
Bony from running riot at Upton Park should be his team's top priority. And
rightfully so; the Ivorian is in prolific form in the Premier League this
calendar year, having hit the back of the net on 18 occasions.
Team News
Allardyce is hoping to have a trio of players fit and ready to feature for
West Ham. The game may come too early for midfielder Mark Noble (calf) but
the Hammers boss believes both Diafra Sakho (back) and Alex Song (knee)
could play some part against the Swans. With Enner Valencia making his own
comeback from injury in the midweek victory at West Brom and Andy Carroll
fit, Allardyce will now have all of his attacking options available as he
looks to guide the Hammers to an eighth league win of the campaign.
Neil Taylor misses the trip to east London after picking up his fifth
booking of the season in midweek. With no natural cover at left-back, either
Dwight Tiendalli or Jazz Richards are likely to deputise, with Angel Rangel
restored on the right after being rested from the victory over QPR. Swansea
boss Garry Monk will assess how Leon Britton came through his first start of
the season after three months out before finalising his side at Upton Park,
but Argentina defender Federico Fernandez is still not fit enough to make
the matchday squad despite returning to training this week after a calf
problem.
Opta Facts
West Ham have won nine and lost none of their last 18 home games against
Swansea in all competitions.
Swansea have failed to score in their last three Premier League games
against the Hammers.
None of West Ham's last five league goals have been scored by their
strikers. Of the previous nine, seven were netted by their front men.
Andy Carroll has not scored or assisted a single goal in any of his last 10
Premier League appearances for West Ham (756 mins).
Of all regular first-choice goalkeepers, Lukasz Fabianski has the best
saves-to-shots ratio in the Premier League this season (76%).
Before this season Kevin Nolan had started all 68 Premier League he had
played for West Ham. This season, he has started just three of the 10 league
games he has played in.
Merson's Prediction
"I think both of these sides are good teams. I've been really impressed with
West Ham. Even though I saw them lose at Goodison the other week, they were
better than Everton and they've bounced back from that to a good result in
midweek."
PAUL PREDICTS: 2-2
Betting
West Ham are Sky Bet's 13/10 favourites for victory as they look to maintain
their impressive start, with fellow in-form outfit Swansea 2/1 to win, with
the draw 12/5. Both sides have shortened significantly in the top-four and
top-six betting thanks to their early-season form, having each started the
season at shorter prices for relegation than Champions League qualification.
On average, West Ham are scoring 1.3 goals at home in the league this
season, while Swansea average exactly one per game on the road - a 1-1 draw
is available to back at 5/1.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Swansea boss Garry Monk says West Ham did not want Wilfried Bony enough
Last Updated: 05/12/14 7:55pm
SSN
Swansea City manager Garry Monk believes West Ham did not show enough
ambition in trying to sign Wilfried Bony. The Ivory Coast international
striker signed for the Welsh club from Vitesse Arnhem in 2013 but he was
also a target for the Hammers at the same time, according to manager Sam
Allardyce. The London club instead brought in Andy Carroll from Liverpool
for £15m with Allardyce claiming he did not have the funds to pursue both
players. Monk has suggested this shows that West Ham did not want Bony
enough, while the Swans pushed out all the stops to get their man. "It's the
first I've heard of it, but if that's what they were doing they didn't
really want him enough," Monk said responding to Allardyce's comments. We
obviously pursued Wilfried, he's committed to us, we're committed to him and
the rest is history."
Bony has been in impressive form since moving to the Liberty Stadium,
scoring 31 goals so far, and has been linked to a number of Champions League
teams, while Carroll has struggled with injury during his time at Upton
Park. Despite the difference in form, Monk refuses to be drawn on who the
better player is. "They've got different strengths and they're two very good
players, and I think you'll see in games this season what they can offer
both teams," he added. "I don't look at who is the better player. I look at
what Wilf does for us and they will concentrate on what Andy Carroll does
for them. "We managed to sign Wilfried and we've done a lot of development
with him as far as the team is concerned. "He plays to our strengths, the
team to play to his strengths and it obviously works for Wilfried and
Swansea City."
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West Ham's Allardyce: I chose to buy Andy Carroll over Wilfried Bony and
think it was right decision
Dec 05, 2014 22:30 By Alec Shilton
Boss doesn't regret opting for Geordie who has suffered 3 major injuries
since joining instead of Ivorian who is Prem's joint-top scorer in 2014
The Mirror
Sam Allardyce has admitted he opted to sign Andy Carroll ahead of Wilfried
Bony - and still reckons he got the better deal. The pair were both
available in the summer of 2013 and West Ham boss Allardyce made enquiries
about signing Ivorian striker Bony from Vitesse Arnhem.
But as Carroll had impressed with seven goals in 24 appearances while on
loan from Liverpool the previous season, Allardyce went with a tried and
trusted option over Bony. Three major injuries have restricted Carroll to
just two goals in 19 appearances for the Hammers since he moved to east
London permanently in a £15million deal - having been forced to undergo
ankle surgery after getting injured on the club's pre-season tour to New
Zealand. Meanwhile, Bony joined Swansea for £12m has struck 22 times in 48
league games in the same period. He is level with Manchester City's Sergio
Aguero for most Premier League goals this calendar year at 18. Carroll has
completed 90 minutes just once this season as he returns to fitness - in the
1-0 win over former club Newcastle a week ago - but will lead the line when
his team host Bony and Swansea on Sunday. But despite his team being 11
points and 11 goals better off than they were at this stage of last season,
Carroll is yet to get on the score-sheet. New signings Enner Valencia and
Diafra Sakho among the early-season goals - of which the last nine have come
from nine different players. Carroll's manager has repeatedly denied having
any regrets over signing him and Allardyce has now moved a step further by
claiming time will prove his decision to sign him instead of Bony as a good
one. When asked if he would get to see the better value of the two deals,
Allardyce said: "I think so. "Hopefully, in the end, it will be an Andy that
is not picking up injuries and starts getting back to what we know he can
do. His first season in the Premier League at Newcastle he scored 11 goals
in 16 or 17 matches. "That showed at that young age he was a massive
goal-scoring threat against anyone. He has done it before. Because of the
injuries he had, that career hasn't blossomed as it should have done. "It
was one [player] or the other, it couldn't be both. We got the deal done
with Andy and we couldn't do both - we didn't have enough money in the
budget that year."
Allardyce appears to have spent his £30million wisely over the summer on the
likes of Valencia, Sakho and Cheikhou Kouyate but accepts there is always a
risk bringing in players from abroad. "For every one that succeeds, there
are probably four or five who don't," he added. "They will get forgotten
about because they end up getting sold back abroad again and get lost to
this country but from Bony's point of view, he has been an outstanding
success."
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West Ham plan Ravel Morrison transfer in January once his wash-out loan
spell at Cardiff ends
Dec 04, 2014 22:30 By Darren Witcoop
The 21-year-old has been battling injury and started just once for the
Championship side but the Hammers hope a Prem team facing relegation will
take him
The Mirror
Ravel Morrison will be touted about to Premier League strugglers in January.
Morrison is set to return to West Ham after a nightmare loan spell in the
Championship with Cardiff. The former Manchester United starlet has made
little impression and could even head back to the Hammers early after making
just one start. Morrison, 21, has been plagued by a long-term knee injury in
Wales. But the Irons still plan on offering his services and sending him
straight back out. Burnley and Leicester were among the clubs to show
interest at the start of the season. And they could move again with both
goal-shy sides eyeing an injection of quality in attack.
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CandH EXCLUSIVE: Reid's six year contract offer
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on December 5, 2014 in Whispers
Claret & Hugh
ClaretandHugh has today discovered that Winston Reid has been offered a SIX
YEAR DEAL with the club in advance of £60k a week. Yet despite the
phenomenal deal, the New Zealander is continuing to keep the club waiting
for an answer as he awaits to see what options arise in January. The
extraordinary stand-off between Reid and the club has of course been going
on for several months but until now the terms of the Hammers offer have been
never made entirely clear. By our reckoning were Reid to put pen to paper
the six year deal worth around £3 million a year plus bonuses which could
net the player in advance of £20 million over the contract's duration which
would take him to beyond his 32nd birthday, It has also become clear that
the club are ready to leave the deal on the table rather than present the
player with a deadline to sign as was thought to be the case. We were told:
"We have no control. It seems Winston wants to see what options he is
presented with in January and there's no guarantee the situation couldn't go
on into the summer. "The club has no real control over the situation. It's
the players decision. He has been offered a fantastic six year contract and
it's all in his hands."
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Yes Barca we ARE coming to get you!
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on December 5, 2014 in Whispers
Claret & Hugh
Our New York based blogger Scott Alsweiler's first blog received a great
reception from readers. But our east-end boy, serving a self imposed US
exile since marrying his American wife, still flies the Hammers flag outside
his home. Here's the second piece from Scott where like most of us he's in
very positive mood.
By Scott Alsweiler
"We're going to win the league". Okay, we're really not (although it is
mathematically possible). And there's some irony in it. But let's not write
it off on a permanent basis. As Hammers we're used to the roller-coaster
sensation of rising to the top middle, followed by the stomach churning fall
into a lower league. The constant relegation battles. This year feels
different.
We've got strength in depth, the likes of which we haven't seen in a long
time. We're definitely being helped by some fairly average performances from
some of the bigger clubs, but we shouldn't let that impugn the results we've
seen.
Some of them have been scrappy, like our mid week against WBA (although
there was 30 min of great football in there). Some of them have been
desperately unlucky. But we're fifth. From out in the football wilderness of
Central New York state I have a genuine sense of belief.
Sam has defied his critics - myself included - by doing as the owners, and
perhaps more importantly us - the fans, have demanded. He's built a team
capable of playing attractive, attacking football. And haven't the squad
responded!
We did astonishingly well in the transfer market over the summer. We still
need to try and cement a couple of places, so the job is not yet complete,
but we're approaching it. It hasn't always been pretty, but it's been so
more often than not. We'll see it again this Sunday when we meet, and beat,
Swansea.
Let's look ahead. We can genuinely challenge for a top six place this year.
Build on our current squad next summer as we prepare for our final season
before moving to the Olympic Stadium. Start pushing the league leaders. It
won't be this year. Or next. But it can happen.
We're growing, we're learning, if we continue as we've started we're only
going to get better. "Barcelona, we're coming for you."
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Tottenham interested in Besiktas manager Slaven Bilic
Posted by: Eren Sarigul December 5, 2014
Tottenham are interested in hiring Beşiktaş's manager Slaven Bilic according
to Turkish newspaper Sabah. The report claims that Spurs have reached out to
Bilic's representatives. The former Croatia national team manager has been
with the Istanbul club since July 2013 and still has two-years left on his
contract. Beşiktaş are yet to offer the 46-year-old manager a contract
extension but have made it clear that they do want Bilic to remain as head
coach. Bilic recently underlined that he is happy at Beşiktaş but were he to
move in the future it would be to a Premier League club. "I have not
received an offer from West Ham however, of course like any manager one day
I would like to manage in the Premier League," Bilic. Bilic spent four years
in England during his playing career. The former Croatia national team coach
played for West Ham United and Everton. The Black Eagles are currently first
in the Turkish Super League with 23 points from 11 games. Tottenham sit 10th
in the Premier Leauge, far below pre-season expectations. Slaven Bilic has
also been linked with Aston Villa in recent weeks.
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WHUFC.com
Everything you need to know about Sunday's match against Swansea City
05.12.2014
WEST HAM UNITED v SWANSEA CITY
BARCLAYS PREMIER LEAGUE
BOLYEN GROUND
SUNDAY 7 DECEMBER 2014
KICK-OFF: 1.30PM
REFEREE: CHRIS FOY
In brief
West Ham United host Swansea City on Sunday afternoon looking to extend
their winning run of games to three. Following wins over Newcastle United
and West Bromwich Albion, the Hammers are looking to complete a great week
by securing nine points in as many days.
Sunday's visitors Swansea are also enjoying a good run of form having taken
seven points from a possible 12.
The Swans have beaten the likes of Manchester United and Arsenal already
this term, sitting in seventh place just two points behind the Hammers on 22
points.
Related stories
Big Sam on: Swansea City
Chadwell Chatter
Who are they?
Formed in 1912 as Swansea Town, The Swans adopted the name Swansea City when
the town was granted City status in 1969.
Having almost gone out of business in 1985 following consecutive
relegations, the directors managed to salvage the club. They continued to
slip through the Football League to the fourth division yet their fortunes
changed in 2005 with a move away from Vetch Field to the Liberty Stadium.
Since the move, the Swans have enjoyed four promotions in a decade and are
now an established Premier League team. Praised for their possession-based
style of football, their recent success was capped off by winning the League
Cup in 2012/13, subsequently qualifying for the Europa League the following
year.
Team news
West Ham United
Enner Valencia played the last 25 minutes in the 2-1 win over the Baggies,
and is in contention to start on Sunday. Diafra Sakho and Alex Song have
returned to training this week and could also be involved. Manager Sam
Allardyce will make a late decision on Mark Noble's fitness after he missed
the game in midweek following a calf injury sustained against Newcastle.
Swansea City
Swansea have an almost clean bill of health with Federico Fernandez the only
likely absentee through injury. Neil Taylor is suspended but otherwise,
Garry Monk has a full squad to choose from as they came out of their 2-0 win
over Queens Park Rangers unscathed.
Referee
Sunday's referee is Chris Foy. The 52-year-old referee has 13 years of top
flight experience. Foy has taken charge of two West Ham games this season,
the opening day 1-0 defeat by Tottenham Hotspur and the 2-2 away draw with
Stoke City. The Assistant Referees are Gary Beswick and Marc Perry, while
Mike Dean is the Fourth Official.
Statistics
(2014/15 season - Barclays Premier League only)
Matches refereed: 10
Yellow cards shown: 27
Red cards shown: 3
Penalties awarded: 0
One to watch
West Ham United
With his teammates grabbing the headlines, Morgan Amalfitano's excellent
contribution has gone slightly under the radar. The Frenchman has made ten
appearances this season, scoring two crucial goals in wins against Liverpool
and Manchester City. The tenacious midfielder has been in fine form, working
hard for the team as well as linking up well with Carl Jenkinson down the
right wing.
Swansea City
Wilfried Bony is Swansea's main man scoring six goals this season. Bony is
2014's top Premier League scorer with 18 in total, and he has started this
season as he finished the last.. The Ivorian international has struck up a
productive relationship with midfield creator Gylfi Sigurdsson, who has the
second highest number of assists on eight, just two behind Cesc Fabregas on
ten.
Tickets
Tickets will be available to buy on the day, with the Alpari Stand ticket
office open from 9am. Tickets are still available online here.
Tickets for the Hammers' home game with Leicester City on Saturday 20
December are available here.
Travel
For the very latest news on the London Underground, please visit the TfL
website here.
Weather
Sunday evening is set to be a cloudy day with rain predicted for later in
the afternoon. Temperature at kick off is forecast to be 10C (50F).
Last meeting
West Ham United 2-0 Swansea City
Barclays Premier League
1 February 2014
Andy Carroll twice set up goals for Kevin Nolan before being sent off as
10-man West Ham beat Swansea to ease their relegation predicament. Carroll
caused chaos in the visiting defence, but 14 minutes into the second half
received a straight red card from referee Howard Webb for an altercation
with Chico Flores, after appearing to brush the defender with his elbow. For
the first goal, West Ham broke from deep and left-back McCartney drilled a
cross into the area which Carroll stretched to reach. His header found the
late-arriving Nolan, who chested the ball down before volleying into the
bottom corner. For the Hammers' second Stewart Downing's inswinging cross
was met at the far post by Carroll, who craned his neck enough to direct the
ball back into the six-yard box and Nolan headed it inside the post to
double his tally for the season.
West Ham United: Adrian, Demel, Collins, Tomkins, McCartney, Noble, Taylor
(Reid 79), Jarvis (C Cole), Nolan (Nocerino 87), Downing, Carroll, C. Cole,
Nocerino
Subs not used: Jaaskelainen, Johnson, Morrison, Borriello
Swansea City: Tremmel, Amat (Pozuelo 63), Chico Flores, Williams, Tiendalli,
Davies, Shelvey (Hernandez 70), Dyer (Ngog 77), Routledge, de Guzman, Bony
Subs not used: Cornell, Rangel, Britton, Lamah
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Big Sam on: Swansea City
WHUFC.com
The manager spoke to the press on Friday morning ahead of the Swansea City
match
05.12.2014
Sam Allardyce faced the media on Friday morning ahead of Sunday's Barclays
Premier League clash with Swansea City. The manager answered questions on
his returning players, containing Wilfried Bony and his team's fine start to
December.
What's the team news for this weekend?
SA: "Diafra Sakho and Alex Song have been training with us this week.
They're in contention to make the squad but we'll have to wait and see
because they've both been out for a while. We don't want to throw them in
too early and risk further injury. Mark Noble could also make it but we
don't have much time after the injury he picked up last weekend."
How hard is it going to be to contain Wilfried Bony?
SA: "It'll be very difficult to contain him because he's in such good form.
We'll have to limit the supply into him from the midfield and wide men. We
need to get tight to him but not too tight because he can roll defenders
well, he's strong and very skilful. To try and knock him off the ball is not
an easy task. It'll be a good test for our lads to play against a player
who's in such good form."
You scouted Bony when he was at Vitesse, and reportedly put in a bid for
him. What happened there, why didn't the transfer go through?
SA: "We signed Andy Carroll and it was a case of one or the other. We
couldn't do both with the budget we had, we also needed to bring in other
players in different positions."
Bony has been the top scorer this calendar year and has scored six in twelve
games this season. Diafra Sakho has scored six in seven starts, you wouldn't
want to switch them, would you?
SA: "No I wouldn't. We're looking forward to having Diaf back, I'm not sure
he's ready to start a match yet. We've also got Enner back, he played 25
minutes against West Brom and then we've also got Carlton Cole and Mauro
Zarate so this is the best striking options we've ever had."
What did you make of the win over West Brom in midweek?
SA: "We got another valuable three points. It wasn't the best performance
but we ground out a result. It's been a busy week and we've got six points
so far so we're all happy with that. However I think Sunday's game is the
biggest test of them all. Three games in eight days is a big test but we're
approaching it with confidence. If we win what a great week it would've been
for us."
James Tomkins was outstanding against West Brom, scoring the winner. After
the incident at Everton, how impressed have you been with his sense of
character to bounce back?
SA: "I think with everyone there are times in your life when you have things
you have to deal with. So it was a test of character for him but he's come
through it. I know he regrets what happened at Everton but he's got on with
his job and he needs to make sure it's not going to happen again."
Your next three games are Swansea, Sunderland and Leicester, three games
that you and your staff must be hoping to get some points from?
SA: "Yes, we've bounced back from the defeat against Everton with two wins
and now we want to maintain that level of performance and get some
consistency. We want to build some momentum ahead of our massive Christmas
fixtures with Chelsea and Arsenal. We know both those games will be very
difficult so to get as many points as we can beforehand will be very
useful."
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Chadwell Chatter
WHUFC.com
Stewart Downing reflects on the win over West Brom and looks ahead to
Swansea
04.12.2014
Hello everyone,
As you know, it's been a very busy few days with two games in four days
against Newcastle and West Bromwich Albion. Thankfully we secured back to
back wins, which I think we thoroughly deserved. It was great to see AC back
at the Boleyn and causing the Newcastle defence problems. I thought he was
excellent against West Brom too. His overhead effort that led to Kev's goal
was a demonstration of what he can do. It's great to have him back and I
know he's loving it. It was also nice to get an assist for Tonks' goal. He's
had a bit of stick after the Everton game but he responded in the best way
possible by scoring the winning goal. During the game their defenders had
been marking AC and Reidy but hadn't been concentrating on Tonks so I put
the ball in an area he could attack and thankfully he did the rest.
We've scored a lot of headers this season, but not many from set pieces. We
work on them a fair amount in training, both defensively and attacking so it
was nice to see it come off in a match.
It was a big win for us on Tuesday but we know we can still improve. We
should have come out of the blocks better than we did and that is something
we will look to do on Sunday against Swansea City this Sunday at the Boleyn
Ground. We know it will be a tough game as Swansea have some quality players
that we will need to look out for. Wilfried Bony is a player we know we'll
have to keep quiet while Gylfi Sigurdsson is another player I admire. We
know we'll have to limit their time on the ball and if we do that we have a
good chance of getting a result.
Swansea, like ourselves, have had a good season so far. As have Southampton,
I think they've surprised a lot of people. Overall, teams doing better than
expected is good for the league as it makes it less predictable and more
exciting. Having won four of our home games already, we want to continue our
form and turn the Boleyn into a real fortress, one that teams don't look
forward to visiting.
After Sunday, the games keep coming thick and fast as we have five games in
19 days over the Christmas period. It's a difficult time coming up, as
you'll remember last year we suffered from a lot injuries and suspensions.
This season however, we have a bigger squad and a good strength in depth
which will really help us out. It was good to see Enner Valencia coming on
for the last 25 minutes on Tuesday as he recovers from injury and hopefully
we'll have Diafra and Alex back with us soon.
See you on Sunday!
Stewart
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On this day - 5 December
WHUFC.com
A brilliant solo goal from Bobby Zamora set the Hammers on their way to
victory nine years ago today
05.12.2014
Classic match
Birmingham City 1-2 West Ham United
Premier League
5 December 2005
A stunning solo effort from Bobby Zamora and a goal from Marlon Harewood
were enough to give the Hammers all three points at St Andrews.
Emile Heskey had given the hosts the lead after 11 minutes before Zamora
produced a spectacular goal, beating three players and sliding the ball
through the keepers legs, to level the scores. The scoring was completed
before half-time as Harewood notched his sixth goal of the season with two
minutes until the break to secure a brilliant away result for the Hammers in
their first season back in the Premier League.
Complete record - 5 December
1925 Everton 2-0 West Ham United (Division One)
1931 West Ham United 4-2 Everton (Division One)
1936 Bradford City 2-1 West Ham United (Division Two)
1953 West Ham United 1-2 Notts County (Division Two)
1959 West Ham United 4-1 Nottingham Forest (Division One)
1964 West Ham United 0-0 Leicester City (Division One)
1970 Derby County 2-4 West Ham United (Division One)
1981 West Ham United 1-2 Arsenal (Division One)
1987 West Ham United 2-1 Southampton (Division One)
1998 Leeds United 4-0 West Ham United (Premier League)
2001 West Ham United 1-1 Aston Villa (Premier League)
2005 Birmingham City 1-2 West Ham United (Premier League)
2009 West Ham United 0-4 Manchester United (Premier League)
2010 Sunderland 1-0 West Ham United (Premier League)
Played 14, Won 5, Drawn 2, Lost 7, Scored 20, Conceded 26
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West Ham v Swansea
KO 13:30
5 December 2014
Last updated at 13:43
By Steve Bower
BBC Match of the Day commentator
BARCLAYS PREMIER LEAGUE
Venue: Upton Park Date: Sunday, 7 December
TEAM NEWS
West Ham manger Sam Allardyce is hopeful that Diafra Sakho and Alex Song
will be available on Sunday after respective back and knee injuries. Enner
Valencia could start after making a return from injury as a substitute in
midweek but the game could be too soon for Mark Noble, who has a calf
problem. Swansea defender Neil Taylor is suspended after picking up his
fifth booking of the season in midweek.
Federico Fernandez remains sidelined by a calf injury.
MATCH PREVIEW
It sums up the unpredictability of the Premier League season so far that,
going into this weekend in December, this was a meeting of two of the top
seven, separated by two points. Both clubs fully deserve their current
accolades as they defy the pre-season predictions.
Lawro's prediction "I keep thinking Swansea might go on a bit of an iffy
spell but, each time, they pick up a win like they did against QPR in
midweek. I also thought West Ham would have buckled a bit by now, but they
certainly haven't done that."
West Ham are one of the form teams, having lost only once in their last
eight league matches. The Hammers were the sixth lowest scorers in the
division last season but they've managed a dramatic improvement in the
current campaign and have found the back of the net in 12 of their last 13
games.
Sam Allardyce was backed in the transfer market and he has used his funds
extremely wisely. His squad has much more depth and quality to it and that
has been reflected in their results so far. Gone is the over reliance on
Kevin Nolan and Andy Carroll. It illustrates the options available that the
midweek win at West Brom was achieved without both Mark Noble and Alex Song,
while £12m striker Enner Valencia was among the substitutes. They've had 11
different goalscorers already and you can feel the positivity in their play.
While Allardyce has called on his experience of over 400 Premier League
games, he'll face a manager 25 years his junior who is in his first full
season in charge. Gary Monk's seamless transition at Swansea is there for
all to see. When you spend time in his company he is very measured and calm,
and that's exactly how his team have performed so far this season. I watched
them push Manchester City all the way at the Etihad Stadium recently and,
even when they fell behind in the second half, there wasn't any panic and
still a desire to pass the ball. The Swansea boss described the win over QPR
in the week as a 'complete performance' and he won't a fear a trip to east
London. He'll know, though, those standards can't afford to drop or the
Hammers could strike a blow.
MATCH FACTS
Head-to-head
Swansea's only win in their 23 league visits to West Ham came in the old
Division Two in August 1956 (W1, D5, L17).
West Ham are unbeaten in their last three league meetings with Swansea (W2,
D1) and haven't conceded a goal in those matches.
West Ham
West Ham's tally of 24 points from 14 matches represents their best start to
a Premier League campaign. The last time they had a better tally in the top
flight was in 1983-84 (29 pts).
They have only lost one of their last eight league matches (W5, D2).
Only Chelsea (12) have had more Premier League goalscorers this season than
West Ham (11).
Andy Carroll hasn't scored or assisted a goal in his last 10 West Ham league
games, spanning 756 minutes.
Kevin Nolan needs one goal to reach 100 in league football.
Swansea
Swansea are also enjoying their best Premier League start, with 22 points
from 14 matches.
They have lost one of their last six league games (W3, D2) - keeping three
clean sheets in the process.
Wilfried Bony and Gylfi Sigurdsson have either scored or created more than
three quarters of Swansea's league goals this season (15 of 19).
Only Cesc Fabregas (10) has created more league goals than Sigurdsson this
season (8).
Swansea and Chelsea lead the Premier League this season in ever-present
players, both with seven.
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Andy Carroll was signed over Wilfried Bony
BBC.co.uk
West Ham manager Sam Allardyce chose to sign striker Andy Carroll over
Swansea top scorer Wilfried Bony last summer. Bony, set to start at Upton
Park on Sunday, signed from Vitesse Arnhem for £12m and has scored six
league goals this season after 16 last time round. Carroll has struggled
with injury since his £15m move from Liverpool, scoring just twice in 19
league appearances. Allardcye said: "It was a case of one or the other. We
couldn't do both with the budget we had." West Ham's wins over Newcastle and
West Brom this week leave them in fifth place in the Premier League with
Allardyce, who admitted making an initial bid for Bony, delivering on his
promise to bring a new brand of attacking football to the Londoners.
Swansea though are just two places and two points below the Hammers and
Allardyce knows, in Ivory Coast's Bony, the Welshmen have a striker capable
of causing defences damage. "It'll be very difficult to contain him because
he's in such good form," he said. "We'll have to limit the supply into him
from the midfield and wide men. "We need to get tight to him but not too
tight because he can roll defenders well, he's strong and very skilful. "To
try and knock him off the ball is not an easy task. It'll be a good test for
our lads to play against a player who's in such good form."
Carroll, 25, has started just two matches for West Ham this season after
returning from four months out following ankle surgery. He missed the
majority of 2013-14 with a heel problem. He cost Liverpool £35m in January
2011 but was loaned to West Ham in August, scoring seven goals in 24 games.
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42
KUMB.com
Filed: Friday, 5th December 2014
By: Staff Writer
It may be the answer to the Ultimate Question of Life, The Universe, and
Everything - but 42 is also the number of West Ham's ball in next week's FA
Cup third round draw!
It's one of the most eagerly-anticipated weekends of the football season,
when the part-timers, the minnows and those featuring at the lower end of
the football pyramid have the opportunity to test themselves against the
giants of the Premier League.
On Monday evening in Hull, TV pundit Alan Shearer and local volunteer Paul
Adamson will draw the 64 balls for this season's third round draw, for which
West Ham have been granted the number 42.
A number of non-league clubs will be involved in the draw, such as Gateshead
and Warrington Town (both number 55 as their second round tie remains
unresolved), Dover Athletic (61 should they beat Cheltenham Town) plus
Southport and Eastleigh (both 54).
Some of the other numbers to look out for with view to potential opponents
include 27 (Millwall), 12 (Chelsea) and 25 (Manchester United). You may tune
into Monday evening's live draw on BBC2 or thefa.com from 7pm.
FA Cup 3rd Round Draw Numbers
1 AFC Bournemouth
2 Arsenal
3 Aston Villa
4 Birmingham City
5 Blackburn Rovers
6 Blackpool
7 Bolton Wanderers
8 Brentford
9 Brighton & Hove Albion
10 Burnley
11 Cardiff City
12 Charlton Athletic
13 Chelsea
14 Crystal Palace
15 Derby County
16 Everton
17 Fulham
18 Huddersfield Town
19 Hull City
20 Ipswich Town
21 Leeds United
22 Leicester City
23 Liverpool
24 Manchester City
25 Manchester United
26 Middlesbrough
27 Millwall
28 Newcastle United
29 Norwich City
30 Nottingham Forest
31 Queens Park Rangers
32 Reading
33 Rotherham United
34 Sheffield Wednesday
35 Southampton
36 Stoke City
37 Sunderland
38 Swansea City
39 Tottenham Hotspur
40 Watford
41 West Bromwich Albion
42 West Ham United
43 Wigan Athletic
44 Wolverhampton Wanderers
45 Oxford United Or Tranmere Rovers
46 Bury Or Luton Town
47 Wrexham Or Maidstone United
48 Scunthorpe United Or Worcester City
49 Colchester United Or Peterborough United
50 Wycombe Wanderers Or AFC Wimbledon
51 Accrington Stanley Or Yeovil Town
52 Hartlepool United Or Blyth Spartans
53 Milton Keynes Dons Or Chesterfield
54 Southport Or Eastleigh
55 Gateshead Or Warrington Town
56 Oldham Athletic Or Doncaster Rovers
57 Preston North End Or Shrewsbury Town
58 Barnsley Or Chester
59 Bradford City Or Dartford
60 Sheffield United Or Plymouth Argyle
61 Cheltenham Town Or Dover Athletic
62 Cambridge United Or Mansfield Town
63 Bristol City Or AFC Telford United
64 Aldershot Town Or Rochdale
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Adidas kit out of stock - again
KUMB.com
Filed: Friday, 5th December 2014
By: Staff Writer
Thousands of young Hammers will be left disappointed again this Christmas
after it was confirmed club shops would not be re-stocking replica kit
before the new year. For the second successive year, West Ham have been left
short by kit supplier Adidas who have informed the club that a scheduled
order will not be delivered in time for Christmas. "Adidas informed the Club
on Thursday that its major junior order for the Christmas period will not be
delivered due to stock supply issues," read a statement on whufc.com. "This
disappointing news means that the Club will not be receiving any further
children's replica kits this season and will therefore be out of stock in
most junior sizes in the run-up to Christmas. "In a statement, adidas said:
'Unfortunately due to stock supply issues we have been unable to provide the
originally agreed quantities of the new West Ham United Matchwear in time
for Christmas. "We apologise for any inconvenience caused to fans. We are
confident that alternative adidas West Ham United clothing range can be
found currently in stores.'"
Last Christmas fans were similarly disappointed when exactly the same thing
happened, as West Ham sold their entire stock of replica junior shorts -
only to be told that Adidas would not be supplying any more. At the time,
West Ham blamed "exceptional response" for the problem. "We advise all fans
and make clear in our marketing communications at the start of the season to
buy early to avoid missing out", read a statement published at the time.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Sakho and Song return for Swansea clash
KUMB.com
Filed: Friday, 5th December 2014
By: Staff Writer
Sam Allardyce has revealed that both Diafra Sakho and Alex Song are expected
to be involved in this weekend's Premier League clash with Swansea - whilst
the inclusion of Mark Noble is also a possibility. Sakho, who was touch and
go for the West Brom trip earlier in the week and Song, who has been out of
action since the goalless draw with Aston Villa at the beginning of November
are both expected to be in the 18-man party to face the Jacks at the Boleyn
Ground this Saturday lunchtime. However Noble's situation is slightly more
precarious and the vice captain may have to wait for the trip to Sunderland
before making his return. "Diafra Sakho and Alex Song have been training
with us this week," confirmed Allardyce. "They're in contention to make the
squad but we'll have to wait and see because they've both been out for a
while. "We don't want to throw them in too early and risk further injury.
Mark Noble could also make it but we don't have much time after the injury
he picked up last weekend. "We're looking forward to having Diaf back though
I'm not sure he's ready to start a match yet. We've also got Enner back, he
played 25 minutes against West Brom and then we've also got Carlton Cole and
Mauro Zarate; these are the best striking options we've ever had."
In recent seasons West Ham have fared well against Swansea. On the four
occasions the two clubs have met this century (all in the last two two
seasons), West Ham have lost just once - and kept clean sheets in the last
three meetings, including successive wins at the Boleyn.
However Allardyce believes his players will be tested to the hilt, having
played three times in the space of a week. "It's been a busy week and we've
got six points so far so we're all happy with that," he said. "However I
think Sunday's game is the biggest test of them all. Three games in eight
days is a big test but we're approaching it with confidence. "We want to
build some momentum ahead of our massive Christmas fixtures with Chelsea and
Arsenal. We know both those games will be very difficult so to get as many
points as we can beforehand will be very useful. "If we win, what a great
week it would've been for us."
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Allardyce: we could've signed Bony - but chose Carroll
KUMB.com
Filed: Friday, 5th December 2014
By: Staff Writer
Sam Allardyce believes that stopping Wilfried Bony is key to stopping
Swansea. The 25-year-old striker is his club's leading goalscorer having
found the back of the net six times already this season. And when asked
about his importance to the Swansea squad, Allardyce - speaking to the press
ahead of Sunday lunchtime's game - insisted that stopping Bony, a player he
almost signed, was paramount. "It'll be very difficult to contain him
because he's in such good form", admitted the Hammers boss. "We'll have to
limit the supply into him from the midfield and wide men. "We need to get
tight to him but not too tight because he can roll defenders well as he's
strong and very skilful. To try and knock him off the ball is not an easy
task. It'll be a good test for our lads to play against a player who's in
such good form. "We signed Andy Carroll [in 2013] and it was a case of one
or the other. We couldn't do both with the budget we had, we also needed to
bring in other players in different positions."
Meanwhile the Ivory Coast international, who has been a huge hit at the
Liberty Stadium since signing for the Jacks in July of last year admitted
that he's happy not to score - if it means a win for his team, who go into
Sunday's match just two points and two places behind West Ham. "What is more
important is to win," he said. "It's good for me, it's good for the team. If
I don't score, I can create chances for other players to score. We take the
games step by step. We don't care what other people say. We just care about
what we do and our performances. We just focus on our way of play."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
In-form West Ham and Swansea tussle for top-four opening
Last Updated: 05/12/14 9:04pm
SSN
Two of the Premier League's in-form sides meet in a mouth-watering encounter
at Upton Park to kick off Sky Sports' Super Sunday double header. Just two
points and two places separate West Ham and Swansea in the league and both
enter Sunday's early kick-off fresh off the back of midweek victories. The
Hammers followed up Saturday's 1-0 win over Newcastle with their third away
success of the season at West Brom. Sam Allardyce's men showed their
resilience having initially gone behind at The Hawthorns, with goals from
Kevin Nolan and James Tomkins ensuring that a third win on the bounce on
Sunday would see the Hammers rise to third in the table.
Swansea got back to winning ways on Tuesday night, after a disappointing
draw at home to Crystal Palace, but were made to sweat by a stubborn QPR
side inspired by the brilliant Rob Green. Ki Sung-Yeung's 78th-minute opener
finally broke the deadlock before Wayne Routledge sealed the points just
minutes later to rightfully hand the Swans the victory their determined
performance warranted. A victory in the capital would see Garry Monk's side
leapfrog West Ham in the table and that could well hinge on the form of
influential striker Wilfried Bony. Allardyce has openly admitted stopping
Bony from running riot at Upton Park should be his team's top priority. And
rightfully so; the Ivorian is in prolific form in the Premier League this
calendar year, having hit the back of the net on 18 occasions.
Team News
Allardyce is hoping to have a trio of players fit and ready to feature for
West Ham. The game may come too early for midfielder Mark Noble (calf) but
the Hammers boss believes both Diafra Sakho (back) and Alex Song (knee)
could play some part against the Swans. With Enner Valencia making his own
comeback from injury in the midweek victory at West Brom and Andy Carroll
fit, Allardyce will now have all of his attacking options available as he
looks to guide the Hammers to an eighth league win of the campaign.
Neil Taylor misses the trip to east London after picking up his fifth
booking of the season in midweek. With no natural cover at left-back, either
Dwight Tiendalli or Jazz Richards are likely to deputise, with Angel Rangel
restored on the right after being rested from the victory over QPR. Swansea
boss Garry Monk will assess how Leon Britton came through his first start of
the season after three months out before finalising his side at Upton Park,
but Argentina defender Federico Fernandez is still not fit enough to make
the matchday squad despite returning to training this week after a calf
problem.
Opta Facts
West Ham have won nine and lost none of their last 18 home games against
Swansea in all competitions.
Swansea have failed to score in their last three Premier League games
against the Hammers.
None of West Ham's last five league goals have been scored by their
strikers. Of the previous nine, seven were netted by their front men.
Andy Carroll has not scored or assisted a single goal in any of his last 10
Premier League appearances for West Ham (756 mins).
Of all regular first-choice goalkeepers, Lukasz Fabianski has the best
saves-to-shots ratio in the Premier League this season (76%).
Before this season Kevin Nolan had started all 68 Premier League he had
played for West Ham. This season, he has started just three of the 10 league
games he has played in.
Merson's Prediction
"I think both of these sides are good teams. I've been really impressed with
West Ham. Even though I saw them lose at Goodison the other week, they were
better than Everton and they've bounced back from that to a good result in
midweek."
PAUL PREDICTS: 2-2
Betting
West Ham are Sky Bet's 13/10 favourites for victory as they look to maintain
their impressive start, with fellow in-form outfit Swansea 2/1 to win, with
the draw 12/5. Both sides have shortened significantly in the top-four and
top-six betting thanks to their early-season form, having each started the
season at shorter prices for relegation than Champions League qualification.
On average, West Ham are scoring 1.3 goals at home in the league this
season, while Swansea average exactly one per game on the road - a 1-1 draw
is available to back at 5/1.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Swansea boss Garry Monk says West Ham did not want Wilfried Bony enough
Last Updated: 05/12/14 7:55pm
SSN
Swansea City manager Garry Monk believes West Ham did not show enough
ambition in trying to sign Wilfried Bony. The Ivory Coast international
striker signed for the Welsh club from Vitesse Arnhem in 2013 but he was
also a target for the Hammers at the same time, according to manager Sam
Allardyce. The London club instead brought in Andy Carroll from Liverpool
for £15m with Allardyce claiming he did not have the funds to pursue both
players. Monk has suggested this shows that West Ham did not want Bony
enough, while the Swans pushed out all the stops to get their man. "It's the
first I've heard of it, but if that's what they were doing they didn't
really want him enough," Monk said responding to Allardyce's comments. We
obviously pursued Wilfried, he's committed to us, we're committed to him and
the rest is history."
Bony has been in impressive form since moving to the Liberty Stadium,
scoring 31 goals so far, and has been linked to a number of Champions League
teams, while Carroll has struggled with injury during his time at Upton
Park. Despite the difference in form, Monk refuses to be drawn on who the
better player is. "They've got different strengths and they're two very good
players, and I think you'll see in games this season what they can offer
both teams," he added. "I don't look at who is the better player. I look at
what Wilf does for us and they will concentrate on what Andy Carroll does
for them. "We managed to sign Wilfried and we've done a lot of development
with him as far as the team is concerned. "He plays to our strengths, the
team to play to his strengths and it obviously works for Wilfried and
Swansea City."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham's Allardyce: I chose to buy Andy Carroll over Wilfried Bony and
think it was right decision
Dec 05, 2014 22:30 By Alec Shilton
Boss doesn't regret opting for Geordie who has suffered 3 major injuries
since joining instead of Ivorian who is Prem's joint-top scorer in 2014
The Mirror
Sam Allardyce has admitted he opted to sign Andy Carroll ahead of Wilfried
Bony - and still reckons he got the better deal. The pair were both
available in the summer of 2013 and West Ham boss Allardyce made enquiries
about signing Ivorian striker Bony from Vitesse Arnhem.
But as Carroll had impressed with seven goals in 24 appearances while on
loan from Liverpool the previous season, Allardyce went with a tried and
trusted option over Bony. Three major injuries have restricted Carroll to
just two goals in 19 appearances for the Hammers since he moved to east
London permanently in a £15million deal - having been forced to undergo
ankle surgery after getting injured on the club's pre-season tour to New
Zealand. Meanwhile, Bony joined Swansea for £12m has struck 22 times in 48
league games in the same period. He is level with Manchester City's Sergio
Aguero for most Premier League goals this calendar year at 18. Carroll has
completed 90 minutes just once this season as he returns to fitness - in the
1-0 win over former club Newcastle a week ago - but will lead the line when
his team host Bony and Swansea on Sunday. But despite his team being 11
points and 11 goals better off than they were at this stage of last season,
Carroll is yet to get on the score-sheet. New signings Enner Valencia and
Diafra Sakho among the early-season goals - of which the last nine have come
from nine different players. Carroll's manager has repeatedly denied having
any regrets over signing him and Allardyce has now moved a step further by
claiming time will prove his decision to sign him instead of Bony as a good
one. When asked if he would get to see the better value of the two deals,
Allardyce said: "I think so. "Hopefully, in the end, it will be an Andy that
is not picking up injuries and starts getting back to what we know he can
do. His first season in the Premier League at Newcastle he scored 11 goals
in 16 or 17 matches. "That showed at that young age he was a massive
goal-scoring threat against anyone. He has done it before. Because of the
injuries he had, that career hasn't blossomed as it should have done. "It
was one [player] or the other, it couldn't be both. We got the deal done
with Andy and we couldn't do both - we didn't have enough money in the
budget that year."
Allardyce appears to have spent his £30million wisely over the summer on the
likes of Valencia, Sakho and Cheikhou Kouyate but accepts there is always a
risk bringing in players from abroad. "For every one that succeeds, there
are probably four or five who don't," he added. "They will get forgotten
about because they end up getting sold back abroad again and get lost to
this country but from Bony's point of view, he has been an outstanding
success."
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West Ham plan Ravel Morrison transfer in January once his wash-out loan
spell at Cardiff ends
Dec 04, 2014 22:30 By Darren Witcoop
The 21-year-old has been battling injury and started just once for the
Championship side but the Hammers hope a Prem team facing relegation will
take him
The Mirror
Ravel Morrison will be touted about to Premier League strugglers in January.
Morrison is set to return to West Ham after a nightmare loan spell in the
Championship with Cardiff. The former Manchester United starlet has made
little impression and could even head back to the Hammers early after making
just one start. Morrison, 21, has been plagued by a long-term knee injury in
Wales. But the Irons still plan on offering his services and sending him
straight back out. Burnley and Leicester were among the clubs to show
interest at the start of the season. And they could move again with both
goal-shy sides eyeing an injection of quality in attack.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
CandH EXCLUSIVE: Reid's six year contract offer
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on December 5, 2014 in Whispers
Claret & Hugh
ClaretandHugh has today discovered that Winston Reid has been offered a SIX
YEAR DEAL with the club in advance of £60k a week. Yet despite the
phenomenal deal, the New Zealander is continuing to keep the club waiting
for an answer as he awaits to see what options arise in January. The
extraordinary stand-off between Reid and the club has of course been going
on for several months but until now the terms of the Hammers offer have been
never made entirely clear. By our reckoning were Reid to put pen to paper
the six year deal worth around £3 million a year plus bonuses which could
net the player in advance of £20 million over the contract's duration which
would take him to beyond his 32nd birthday, It has also become clear that
the club are ready to leave the deal on the table rather than present the
player with a deadline to sign as was thought to be the case. We were told:
"We have no control. It seems Winston wants to see what options he is
presented with in January and there's no guarantee the situation couldn't go
on into the summer. "The club has no real control over the situation. It's
the players decision. He has been offered a fantastic six year contract and
it's all in his hands."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Yes Barca we ARE coming to get you!
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on December 5, 2014 in Whispers
Claret & Hugh
Our New York based blogger Scott Alsweiler's first blog received a great
reception from readers. But our east-end boy, serving a self imposed US
exile since marrying his American wife, still flies the Hammers flag outside
his home. Here's the second piece from Scott where like most of us he's in
very positive mood.
By Scott Alsweiler
"We're going to win the league". Okay, we're really not (although it is
mathematically possible). And there's some irony in it. But let's not write
it off on a permanent basis. As Hammers we're used to the roller-coaster
sensation of rising to the top middle, followed by the stomach churning fall
into a lower league. The constant relegation battles. This year feels
different.
We've got strength in depth, the likes of which we haven't seen in a long
time. We're definitely being helped by some fairly average performances from
some of the bigger clubs, but we shouldn't let that impugn the results we've
seen.
Some of them have been scrappy, like our mid week against WBA (although
there was 30 min of great football in there). Some of them have been
desperately unlucky. But we're fifth. From out in the football wilderness of
Central New York state I have a genuine sense of belief.
Sam has defied his critics - myself included - by doing as the owners, and
perhaps more importantly us - the fans, have demanded. He's built a team
capable of playing attractive, attacking football. And haven't the squad
responded!
We did astonishingly well in the transfer market over the summer. We still
need to try and cement a couple of places, so the job is not yet complete,
but we're approaching it. It hasn't always been pretty, but it's been so
more often than not. We'll see it again this Sunday when we meet, and beat,
Swansea.
Let's look ahead. We can genuinely challenge for a top six place this year.
Build on our current squad next summer as we prepare for our final season
before moving to the Olympic Stadium. Start pushing the league leaders. It
won't be this year. Or next. But it can happen.
We're growing, we're learning, if we continue as we've started we're only
going to get better. "Barcelona, we're coming for you."
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Tottenham interested in Besiktas manager Slaven Bilic
Posted by: Eren Sarigul December 5, 2014
Tottenham are interested in hiring Beşiktaş's manager Slaven Bilic according
to Turkish newspaper Sabah. The report claims that Spurs have reached out to
Bilic's representatives. The former Croatia national team manager has been
with the Istanbul club since July 2013 and still has two-years left on his
contract. Beşiktaş are yet to offer the 46-year-old manager a contract
extension but have made it clear that they do want Bilic to remain as head
coach. Bilic recently underlined that he is happy at Beşiktaş but were he to
move in the future it would be to a Premier League club. "I have not
received an offer from West Ham however, of course like any manager one day
I would like to manage in the Premier League," Bilic. Bilic spent four years
in England during his playing career. The former Croatia national team coach
played for West Ham United and Everton. The Black Eagles are currently first
in the Turkish Super League with 23 points from 11 games. Tottenham sit 10th
in the Premier Leauge, far below pre-season expectations. Slaven Bilic has
also been linked with Aston Villa in recent weeks.
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http://vyperz.blogspot.com
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Friday, December 5
Daily WHUFC News - 5th December 2014
Tomkins glad to end two-year wait
WHUFC.com
James Tomkins ended a goal drought when he scored the winner at West Brom
04.12.2014
James Tomkins ended a two-year wait for a goal when he popped up with the
winner at West Bromwich Albion on Tuesday night. Having last scored in a 2-1
defeat at Wigan Athletic in the 2012/13 season, the No5 was delighted to
help his team maintain their fine form with victory at the Hawthorns. He
said: "I hadn't scored for two years, so I don't think the fans were
expecting me to score. I think they thought it was AC! "It was nice to score
- a winner as well - and the three points is always the most important
thing. "Getting on the scoresheet is a bonus. It was a hard-fought game, we
started sloppily but did well towards the end of the first half to go in 2-1
up.
"We kept it tight at the back and held out."
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Matthew Etherington: Winger retires with back injury
BBC.co.uk
Former Stoke and West Ham winger Matthew Etherington has retired from
football after failing to overcome a back injury. The 33-year-old left Stoke
in the summer, although he was recently training with Millwall. He started
his career with Peterborough and also played for Tottenham, Bradford on loan
and West Ham before moving to the Potters in 2009. In total, Etherington
made 493 club appearances, scoring 43 goals. He tweeted: "Due to an
ongoing back problem, the day has come for me to retire from professional
football. I have some amazing memories since the day I made my debut at just
15 years old. "Thank you to all the great clubs I have played for and to the
supporters. I have made some mistakes along the way but it has made me who I
am today. I look at the past with pride and to the future with optimism.
"Thanks to everyone for the kind messages. Really overwhelming reading them
all. Nice to know I left a few good memories during my career."
A few of his former team-mates tweeted that Etherington would be missed.
Potters keeper Asmir Begovic said: "Big congrats to @mattyethers on his
fantastic career! One of the best wingers I have played with so far.
#topman" Stoke striker Peter Crouch said: "@mattyethers is retiring! Great
player, great career and best of all a great lad! Can see that golf handicap
coming right down now." Middlesbrough midfielder Dean Whitehead, another
former Stoke team-mate said: "@mattyethers, what a player you've been lad,
pleasure to have played with you!! proper winger. #class act."
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Zarate decision angers team mates
KUMB.com
Filed: Thursday, 4th December 2014
By: Staff Writer
The decision to allow West Ham United's Mauro Zarate to represent Chile has
angered some of the country's established stars. Queens Park Rangers forward
Eduardo Vargas claims he spoke for many of his international team mates when
he argued that Zarate, who has previously appeared for Argentina in youth
competitions shouldn't be allowed to change allegiance. That he is being
given the opportunity to do so is as the result of having a father born in
Chile. However Vargas still maintains that Zarate will not be generally
welcomed if selected to represent La Roja. "The truth is that it is
something that does not seem right," he argued. "The squad has very good
Chilean players and we don't need to nationalise others to come and perform
in our place. It is up to the coach, but the players are not happy with it.
"It's not a decision very well received by the dressing room but if the
coach [Jorge Sampaoli] decides he is important and brings him to the team,
welcome."
Zarate has never represented Argentina at full international level but made
five appearances in a sky blue and white shirt in the Under 20 championships
back in 2007. He spent the first 20 years of his life in Argentina before
securing a move to Qutari side Al-Sadd in 2007, since when he has largely
lived in Europe.
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Cole joins fight against Ebola
KUMB.com
Filed: Thursday, 4th December 2014
By: Staff Writer
Carlton Cole is one of the stars of a new campaign helping to fight the
spread of the deadly Ebola disease. West Ham United's number 24 is one of
six footballers to feature in a video (see below) commissioned by UNICEF
that aims to provide information and support - both financial and otherwise
- to the people of West Africa who are fighting Ebola on a daily basis.
Entitled 'Africa United We've Got Your Back', the video highlights the
workers involved at 'ground zero' - the doctors, nurses and other aid
workers who provide support on the ground to those afflicted with the virus.
The other five players to feature alongside Cole in the short film are Yaya
Touré, Andros Townsend, Patrick Vieira, Kei Kamara and Fabrice Muamba. For
further information, visit the campaign website at
www.weareafricaunited.org.
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AND NOW THEY'RE GONNA BELIEVE US!!!
By Bianca Westwood 4 Dec 2014 at 08:23
West Ham till I Die
I know I've said this before but this time I mean it. Today's column is
going to be short and sweet. And a teeny bit rushed. Needs must at the
moment with the busy football schedule and to be totally honest I'm running
out of ways of praising our team!
Another 6 points in the bag. First a really important win against one of the
in-form teams in the Premier League followed by an away day at the
Hawthorns, coming back from a goal down to seal a valuable victory. Mustn't
grumble hey? Although unbelievably people are!! That good old fashion West
Ham fan mentality is creeping in. Inch by inch.
It was vital to bounce back after the disappointment at Goodison and try to
regain some momentum. After all, our performance had been worthy of a point
but I was concerned that after a 3 game winless run we might have lost some
of that verve and confidence we had been showing over the past few months.
We could have easily slipped up at home against a Newcastle team that had
been beating all-comers of late. We didn't.
No it wasn't always pretty. The goal was scruffy. It was spawny to say the
least but I'm not complaining. It's about time we started getting that
oh-so-precious rub of the green and when Kouyate fluffed his lines only for
it to it fall very nicely indeed for young Cresswell you kind of knew it
would be our day. It was a super cool finish too.
I was buoyed by how hard the team worked. They really grafted for each other
and remained resolute until the final whistle. Job done.
There was no letting up at the Hawthorns. Despite going behind early, the
determination and effort did not falter. It was a really gritty team
performance. We fought hard and won. And that was without Sakho, Song and
Noble.
Say what you like about Nolan but he does seem to pop up at the right time.
He may not be the player he was but he put a decent shift in and can still
play a key role in the team when needed. As for Tomkins, he powered his
header home in such a way you knew he was hoping we would forget his amateur
dramatics of the previous week. Dive? What dive?
It was a spirited performance that the 3000 travelling Hammers could be
proud of. Yet today I was incredulous to see some fans still spouting
negativity and nonsense on Facebook etc about Sam's tactics and the teams's
approach. Yes we 'defended the lead' (isn't that what you're supposed to
do?) and I read lots of complaints about shutting up shop on 65 minutes.
Listen I'd rather have the two wins in the bag thanks. Some fans seem to
think Sam is hellbent on playing mind-numbing hoofball but that is seriously
not the case. Ok, when Andy Carroll is in the team the tendency is to play
more direct. The big man is never going to run at defenders and dribble past
opponents into the box. We're not always going to be able to play pretty
football. You can't always press high and sometimes you have to defend
deeper. Sometimes you have to grind out results (especially when missing our
marquee players). Those moaning fans need to deal with it.
What impresses me now is we can do both. We're the fourth highest scorers in
the league but when we're not bang on our game we can still win without
playing well. It's what all good teams do. Did I really just say that?
So we head into the festive period comfortably placed in fifth position,
brimming with belief and rubbing our hands together at the prospect of
Swansea, Sunderland and Leicester to come.
You don't have to pinch yourselves. It's real. It's happening. So for all
you Grinches out there…brace yourselves for a very merry Christmas!!!
Come on you Irons!
B x
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
James Tomkins: West Ham players staying grounded despite supporters'
European hopes
Dec 03, 2014 22:30 By David Anderson
Hammers fans have been chanting about potential meetings with Barcelona, but
Tomkins says the team are focused on their next game
The Mirror
James Tomkins claims West Ham's players will leave the Barcelona songs to
the fans. Jubilant Hammers supporters are dreaming of the Champions League,
chanting "Barcelona, we're coming for you" after beating West Brom to stay
fifth. Tomkins says the players know it was tongue in cheek and they are
looking no further than Swansea on Sunday. "That shows their sense of
humour," said the defender, who scored the winner against the Baggies. "I
don't think they will get carried away and I know the players are certainly
not singing it!
"It's just a bit of banter and we won't be getting carried away. We're in a
good position, but we'll be trying to get more points on the board. "The
fans are saying we're going to be top of the league, but we're just enjoying
how we're playing and we're getting a few players back, which makes the team
even stronger."
Tomkins insists the players are ambitious to finish high up the table and
said: "Who knows what we can achieve? Watch this space because we're on a
good run. "Look at our position last season and it wasn't as pretty as this.
It just shows after a bit of team spirit, good organisation and good players
we are getting the benefits. "The lads are excited about what we're doing
and it's all about keeping the run going."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Time for us fans to think much BIGGER
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on December 4, 2014 in Whispers
Claret & Hugh
It maybe time for us fans to start adjusting our thinking to things West Ham
in as radical manner as the team has adjusted it's tactics and style. Truth
is, this new West Ham is taking a lot of getting used to and the ancient
debates on Twitter and the Claretandhugh Facebook page/web site are often
as irrelevant as last season's league position. Thankfully – although it
surfaces now and again – the pro/anti Sam Allardyce debate is all but dead
in the water until the next couple of bad results no doubt. Sure there's the
odd voice raised but it's not a serious issue right now. However, the Andy
Carroll thing is still running at full force and we too have asked the
question as to how he may respond if not a regular first team choice. Mauro
Zarate is another player seemingly with the same problem and the Winston
Reid "will he won't he stay" saga is still flickering in the background. But
very often all of us show the mentality which is seemingly attached to a
middle range club – we over analyse, over worry and then OVER REACT. Take
the Carroll issue…it's not a case of what West Ham will do but how Andy will
feel six or seven games down the line should he not be automatic first
choice. Personally if we are hanging around the top six I'd bet decent money
he will stay as we grow into a bigger club and rotate like the other big
boys. Zarate? Who knows but there's a lot of thought going into squad
building so I for one am not unduly concerned. Winston Reid? No point in
worrying about it is there? He will do what he has to do and like all other
big clubs we will hopefully get a better replacement – should he leave – as
we head towards Europe and the Olympic Stadium. We need to free ourselves of
this thinking too that the minute a player is in or out of form he is either
a regular or a discard. We've said many times this is a squad game and
different games need different approaches. Sam Allardyce and the Davids have
built a squad which is better than anyone could have expected. We are
adequately covered everywhere and we can all look forward with great
confidence. Let's look forward with a broader viewer view of how big we are
s gonna be – not how average it's been for too long. I believe the vast
majority of us are still having great trouble processing what's been going
on at our club but it's actually simple. We are bigger, better and going
places and can't quite get our heads around it. Let's all start trying a bit
harder…stop the feuding that too easily rises up and go forward united as
this club reaches for the stars.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Carroll v Bony judgement day
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on December 4, 2014 in Whispers
Claret & Hugh
Sunday afternoon against Swansea presents a fascinating sub plot within the
main event – Andy Carroll v Wilfried Bony! We don't need to have the longest
memories to recall that Bony was of course very much on his way to Upton
Park ahead of Carroll until Sam Allardyce decided that the Geordie was the
striker he wanted. It's now almost pat of West Ham folklore that Bony was
available at to us at around £8 million and eventually cost Swansea £13
million whilst Carroll finally got the nod for closer to £18 million. Andy
spiced up the clash and comparison himself when telling the official site
this week: ""I think he's a great player and has been fantastic for them.
bony-429217"He's big, strong and keeps the ball well and he can score goals
on the floor and in the air. He is going to be one to watch and keep a hold
of." Carroll – now into his third game proper – after a cameo appearance in
his first against Villa – is still awaiting his first goal of the season
after managing two in 16 starts last season. Bony, meanwhile, has managed
six from 16 this season and finished last term with 25 from 48n outings –
several in the Europa League.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Irons ready to stuff Turks for Song
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on December 4, 2014 in Whispers
Claret & Hugh
West Ham remain confident they can clinch the permanent signature of Alex
Song despite likely competition from Galatasaray and others at the end of
the season. The Turkish outfit have long fancied the Hammers "enforcer" but
will be unable to snatch him away in January after it was confirmed by co
chairman David Gold on Twitter Song's spell at Upton Park was an 'until end
of season ' deal. That, however, will not stop the Turks making a bid in the
summer when the player has made it clear he will make up his mind on "what
next?"
But the Hammers – with the rest of the squad nicely settled – will have
money to outbid the Turkish outfit given they need the £15 million rated
Song and possibly another central defender should Winston Reid move on. A
source told ClaretandHugh: "The whole key to the summer market for us is
that we have such a decent strike force and these are the boys who always
cost the big money. "It means for the first time in a long time that we will
have a majority of cash to spend elsewhere and obviously the Song signing
will become a priority.
"We can throw some money at that knowing too that Alex and his wife in
particular love life in London – it's a deal we want to do."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Gold looks for winning return after illness
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on December 4, 2014 in Whispers
Claret & Hugh
David Gold is hoping the Irons welcome him back to the director's box with a
Sunday afternoon victory. The joint chairman has been laid up with a mid
winter bug and has missed the Everton, Newcastle and West Brom games on
doctor's orders. But all being well the boss will be back in his position
for the clash with the Welsh outfit and a victory would be a very welcome
tonic. He told ClaretandHugh "We have players on the way back and the
victory at West Brom showed the sort of stuff this team is made of. It's
also brilliant to hear the fans discussing the different options we may have
available. "It's a long long time since the club has been in this position
and with players on the way back we can look forward to this game and keep
things going. "It's the oldest cliche in the game that if you can win when
not playing at anywhere near your best things look good. That was us on
Tuesday night. "Hopefully we'll have our players back and the manager will
have plenty of options and that makes me hopeful I'll be making a return
to"duty" with a victory. "Garry Monk has done a fine job at Swansea and they
will come with confidence on the back of a decent run but we are a very good
team this season aren't we?"
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Carroll out to bury Flores memories
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on December 4, 2014 in Whispers
Claret & Hugh
Andy Carroll – in wanting to bury memories of last season's clash with
Swansea – has a far better than even money chance of doing so …given Chico
Flores is now thousands of miles away in some Qatar footballing outpost. The
big centre forward referred to the matter briefly when declaring that last
season's clash "wasn't a very good ending" for him. You can say that again!
The sight of Flores crashing to the ground and writhing in agony as a
trailing Carroll arm brushed his hair was one of the worst sights many of us
have ever witnessed in the game. Flores is now out of sight having teamed up
with his former boss Michael Laudrup at Lekwhiya and Carroll said that
hopefully he will get a couple of goals this time around and no red card –
which would "be even better." Hopefully too, there will be no repeats of the
official dramas that followed as the Hammers management and board considered
their plans to fight the issues involved before eventually having to accept
the outcome.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Valencia/Carroll in line for Swansea
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on December 4, 2014 in Whispers
Claret & Hugh
Enner Valencia and Andy Carroll are set to line up alongside each other for
the clash with Swansea on Sunday. And although there remains a slight doubt
it looks likely that Diafra Sakho will be on the bench for the match against
the seventh placed outfit. Swansea disposed of Queens Park Rangers on
Tuesday evening and who have been beaten once in the last five games. And
ClaretandHugh has learned that both Mark Noble and Alex Song are set to play
a part in what looks a very tasty match-up between two highly in-form sides.
We were told: "Swansea are a dangerous team and we are very hopeful that the
three injured players from Tuesday night will be in the squad. "We are
encouraged by Diafra's progress and he could be back whilst Enner got useful
minutes under his belt against West Brom. At this stage it would seem that
he and Andy are the likely front line."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
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WHUFC.com
James Tomkins ended a goal drought when he scored the winner at West Brom
04.12.2014
James Tomkins ended a two-year wait for a goal when he popped up with the
winner at West Bromwich Albion on Tuesday night. Having last scored in a 2-1
defeat at Wigan Athletic in the 2012/13 season, the No5 was delighted to
help his team maintain their fine form with victory at the Hawthorns. He
said: "I hadn't scored for two years, so I don't think the fans were
expecting me to score. I think they thought it was AC! "It was nice to score
- a winner as well - and the three points is always the most important
thing. "Getting on the scoresheet is a bonus. It was a hard-fought game, we
started sloppily but did well towards the end of the first half to go in 2-1
up.
"We kept it tight at the back and held out."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Matthew Etherington: Winger retires with back injury
BBC.co.uk
Former Stoke and West Ham winger Matthew Etherington has retired from
football after failing to overcome a back injury. The 33-year-old left Stoke
in the summer, although he was recently training with Millwall. He started
his career with Peterborough and also played for Tottenham, Bradford on loan
and West Ham before moving to the Potters in 2009. In total, Etherington
made 493 club appearances, scoring 43 goals. He tweeted: "Due to an
ongoing back problem, the day has come for me to retire from professional
football. I have some amazing memories since the day I made my debut at just
15 years old. "Thank you to all the great clubs I have played for and to the
supporters. I have made some mistakes along the way but it has made me who I
am today. I look at the past with pride and to the future with optimism.
"Thanks to everyone for the kind messages. Really overwhelming reading them
all. Nice to know I left a few good memories during my career."
A few of his former team-mates tweeted that Etherington would be missed.
Potters keeper Asmir Begovic said: "Big congrats to @mattyethers on his
fantastic career! One of the best wingers I have played with so far.
#topman" Stoke striker Peter Crouch said: "@mattyethers is retiring! Great
player, great career and best of all a great lad! Can see that golf handicap
coming right down now." Middlesbrough midfielder Dean Whitehead, another
former Stoke team-mate said: "@mattyethers, what a player you've been lad,
pleasure to have played with you!! proper winger. #class act."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Zarate decision angers team mates
KUMB.com
Filed: Thursday, 4th December 2014
By: Staff Writer
The decision to allow West Ham United's Mauro Zarate to represent Chile has
angered some of the country's established stars. Queens Park Rangers forward
Eduardo Vargas claims he spoke for many of his international team mates when
he argued that Zarate, who has previously appeared for Argentina in youth
competitions shouldn't be allowed to change allegiance. That he is being
given the opportunity to do so is as the result of having a father born in
Chile. However Vargas still maintains that Zarate will not be generally
welcomed if selected to represent La Roja. "The truth is that it is
something that does not seem right," he argued. "The squad has very good
Chilean players and we don't need to nationalise others to come and perform
in our place. It is up to the coach, but the players are not happy with it.
"It's not a decision very well received by the dressing room but if the
coach [Jorge Sampaoli] decides he is important and brings him to the team,
welcome."
Zarate has never represented Argentina at full international level but made
five appearances in a sky blue and white shirt in the Under 20 championships
back in 2007. He spent the first 20 years of his life in Argentina before
securing a move to Qutari side Al-Sadd in 2007, since when he has largely
lived in Europe.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Cole joins fight against Ebola
KUMB.com
Filed: Thursday, 4th December 2014
By: Staff Writer
Carlton Cole is one of the stars of a new campaign helping to fight the
spread of the deadly Ebola disease. West Ham United's number 24 is one of
six footballers to feature in a video (see below) commissioned by UNICEF
that aims to provide information and support - both financial and otherwise
- to the people of West Africa who are fighting Ebola on a daily basis.
Entitled 'Africa United We've Got Your Back', the video highlights the
workers involved at 'ground zero' - the doctors, nurses and other aid
workers who provide support on the ground to those afflicted with the virus.
The other five players to feature alongside Cole in the short film are Yaya
Touré, Andros Townsend, Patrick Vieira, Kei Kamara and Fabrice Muamba. For
further information, visit the campaign website at
www.weareafricaunited.org.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
AND NOW THEY'RE GONNA BELIEVE US!!!
By Bianca Westwood 4 Dec 2014 at 08:23
West Ham till I Die
I know I've said this before but this time I mean it. Today's column is
going to be short and sweet. And a teeny bit rushed. Needs must at the
moment with the busy football schedule and to be totally honest I'm running
out of ways of praising our team!
Another 6 points in the bag. First a really important win against one of the
in-form teams in the Premier League followed by an away day at the
Hawthorns, coming back from a goal down to seal a valuable victory. Mustn't
grumble hey? Although unbelievably people are!! That good old fashion West
Ham fan mentality is creeping in. Inch by inch.
It was vital to bounce back after the disappointment at Goodison and try to
regain some momentum. After all, our performance had been worthy of a point
but I was concerned that after a 3 game winless run we might have lost some
of that verve and confidence we had been showing over the past few months.
We could have easily slipped up at home against a Newcastle team that had
been beating all-comers of late. We didn't.
No it wasn't always pretty. The goal was scruffy. It was spawny to say the
least but I'm not complaining. It's about time we started getting that
oh-so-precious rub of the green and when Kouyate fluffed his lines only for
it to it fall very nicely indeed for young Cresswell you kind of knew it
would be our day. It was a super cool finish too.
I was buoyed by how hard the team worked. They really grafted for each other
and remained resolute until the final whistle. Job done.
There was no letting up at the Hawthorns. Despite going behind early, the
determination and effort did not falter. It was a really gritty team
performance. We fought hard and won. And that was without Sakho, Song and
Noble.
Say what you like about Nolan but he does seem to pop up at the right time.
He may not be the player he was but he put a decent shift in and can still
play a key role in the team when needed. As for Tomkins, he powered his
header home in such a way you knew he was hoping we would forget his amateur
dramatics of the previous week. Dive? What dive?
It was a spirited performance that the 3000 travelling Hammers could be
proud of. Yet today I was incredulous to see some fans still spouting
negativity and nonsense on Facebook etc about Sam's tactics and the teams's
approach. Yes we 'defended the lead' (isn't that what you're supposed to
do?) and I read lots of complaints about shutting up shop on 65 minutes.
Listen I'd rather have the two wins in the bag thanks. Some fans seem to
think Sam is hellbent on playing mind-numbing hoofball but that is seriously
not the case. Ok, when Andy Carroll is in the team the tendency is to play
more direct. The big man is never going to run at defenders and dribble past
opponents into the box. We're not always going to be able to play pretty
football. You can't always press high and sometimes you have to defend
deeper. Sometimes you have to grind out results (especially when missing our
marquee players). Those moaning fans need to deal with it.
What impresses me now is we can do both. We're the fourth highest scorers in
the league but when we're not bang on our game we can still win without
playing well. It's what all good teams do. Did I really just say that?
So we head into the festive period comfortably placed in fifth position,
brimming with belief and rubbing our hands together at the prospect of
Swansea, Sunderland and Leicester to come.
You don't have to pinch yourselves. It's real. It's happening. So for all
you Grinches out there…brace yourselves for a very merry Christmas!!!
Come on you Irons!
B x
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
James Tomkins: West Ham players staying grounded despite supporters'
European hopes
Dec 03, 2014 22:30 By David Anderson
Hammers fans have been chanting about potential meetings with Barcelona, but
Tomkins says the team are focused on their next game
The Mirror
James Tomkins claims West Ham's players will leave the Barcelona songs to
the fans. Jubilant Hammers supporters are dreaming of the Champions League,
chanting "Barcelona, we're coming for you" after beating West Brom to stay
fifth. Tomkins says the players know it was tongue in cheek and they are
looking no further than Swansea on Sunday. "That shows their sense of
humour," said the defender, who scored the winner against the Baggies. "I
don't think they will get carried away and I know the players are certainly
not singing it!
"It's just a bit of banter and we won't be getting carried away. We're in a
good position, but we'll be trying to get more points on the board. "The
fans are saying we're going to be top of the league, but we're just enjoying
how we're playing and we're getting a few players back, which makes the team
even stronger."
Tomkins insists the players are ambitious to finish high up the table and
said: "Who knows what we can achieve? Watch this space because we're on a
good run. "Look at our position last season and it wasn't as pretty as this.
It just shows after a bit of team spirit, good organisation and good players
we are getting the benefits. "The lads are excited about what we're doing
and it's all about keeping the run going."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Time for us fans to think much BIGGER
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on December 4, 2014 in Whispers
Claret & Hugh
It maybe time for us fans to start adjusting our thinking to things West Ham
in as radical manner as the team has adjusted it's tactics and style. Truth
is, this new West Ham is taking a lot of getting used to and the ancient
debates on Twitter and the Claretandhugh Facebook page/web site are often
as irrelevant as last season's league position. Thankfully – although it
surfaces now and again – the pro/anti Sam Allardyce debate is all but dead
in the water until the next couple of bad results no doubt. Sure there's the
odd voice raised but it's not a serious issue right now. However, the Andy
Carroll thing is still running at full force and we too have asked the
question as to how he may respond if not a regular first team choice. Mauro
Zarate is another player seemingly with the same problem and the Winston
Reid "will he won't he stay" saga is still flickering in the background. But
very often all of us show the mentality which is seemingly attached to a
middle range club – we over analyse, over worry and then OVER REACT. Take
the Carroll issue…it's not a case of what West Ham will do but how Andy will
feel six or seven games down the line should he not be automatic first
choice. Personally if we are hanging around the top six I'd bet decent money
he will stay as we grow into a bigger club and rotate like the other big
boys. Zarate? Who knows but there's a lot of thought going into squad
building so I for one am not unduly concerned. Winston Reid? No point in
worrying about it is there? He will do what he has to do and like all other
big clubs we will hopefully get a better replacement – should he leave – as
we head towards Europe and the Olympic Stadium. We need to free ourselves of
this thinking too that the minute a player is in or out of form he is either
a regular or a discard. We've said many times this is a squad game and
different games need different approaches. Sam Allardyce and the Davids have
built a squad which is better than anyone could have expected. We are
adequately covered everywhere and we can all look forward with great
confidence. Let's look forward with a broader viewer view of how big we are
s gonna be – not how average it's been for too long. I believe the vast
majority of us are still having great trouble processing what's been going
on at our club but it's actually simple. We are bigger, better and going
places and can't quite get our heads around it. Let's all start trying a bit
harder…stop the feuding that too easily rises up and go forward united as
this club reaches for the stars.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Carroll v Bony judgement day
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on December 4, 2014 in Whispers
Claret & Hugh
Sunday afternoon against Swansea presents a fascinating sub plot within the
main event – Andy Carroll v Wilfried Bony! We don't need to have the longest
memories to recall that Bony was of course very much on his way to Upton
Park ahead of Carroll until Sam Allardyce decided that the Geordie was the
striker he wanted. It's now almost pat of West Ham folklore that Bony was
available at to us at around £8 million and eventually cost Swansea £13
million whilst Carroll finally got the nod for closer to £18 million. Andy
spiced up the clash and comparison himself when telling the official site
this week: ""I think he's a great player and has been fantastic for them.
bony-429217"He's big, strong and keeps the ball well and he can score goals
on the floor and in the air. He is going to be one to watch and keep a hold
of." Carroll – now into his third game proper – after a cameo appearance in
his first against Villa – is still awaiting his first goal of the season
after managing two in 16 starts last season. Bony, meanwhile, has managed
six from 16 this season and finished last term with 25 from 48n outings –
several in the Europa League.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Irons ready to stuff Turks for Song
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on December 4, 2014 in Whispers
Claret & Hugh
West Ham remain confident they can clinch the permanent signature of Alex
Song despite likely competition from Galatasaray and others at the end of
the season. The Turkish outfit have long fancied the Hammers "enforcer" but
will be unable to snatch him away in January after it was confirmed by co
chairman David Gold on Twitter Song's spell at Upton Park was an 'until end
of season ' deal. That, however, will not stop the Turks making a bid in the
summer when the player has made it clear he will make up his mind on "what
next?"
But the Hammers – with the rest of the squad nicely settled – will have
money to outbid the Turkish outfit given they need the £15 million rated
Song and possibly another central defender should Winston Reid move on. A
source told ClaretandHugh: "The whole key to the summer market for us is
that we have such a decent strike force and these are the boys who always
cost the big money. "It means for the first time in a long time that we will
have a majority of cash to spend elsewhere and obviously the Song signing
will become a priority.
"We can throw some money at that knowing too that Alex and his wife in
particular love life in London – it's a deal we want to do."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Gold looks for winning return after illness
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on December 4, 2014 in Whispers
Claret & Hugh
David Gold is hoping the Irons welcome him back to the director's box with a
Sunday afternoon victory. The joint chairman has been laid up with a mid
winter bug and has missed the Everton, Newcastle and West Brom games on
doctor's orders. But all being well the boss will be back in his position
for the clash with the Welsh outfit and a victory would be a very welcome
tonic. He told ClaretandHugh "We have players on the way back and the
victory at West Brom showed the sort of stuff this team is made of. It's
also brilliant to hear the fans discussing the different options we may have
available. "It's a long long time since the club has been in this position
and with players on the way back we can look forward to this game and keep
things going. "It's the oldest cliche in the game that if you can win when
not playing at anywhere near your best things look good. That was us on
Tuesday night. "Hopefully we'll have our players back and the manager will
have plenty of options and that makes me hopeful I'll be making a return
to"duty" with a victory. "Garry Monk has done a fine job at Swansea and they
will come with confidence on the back of a decent run but we are a very good
team this season aren't we?"
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Carroll out to bury Flores memories
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on December 4, 2014 in Whispers
Claret & Hugh
Andy Carroll – in wanting to bury memories of last season's clash with
Swansea – has a far better than even money chance of doing so …given Chico
Flores is now thousands of miles away in some Qatar footballing outpost. The
big centre forward referred to the matter briefly when declaring that last
season's clash "wasn't a very good ending" for him. You can say that again!
The sight of Flores crashing to the ground and writhing in agony as a
trailing Carroll arm brushed his hair was one of the worst sights many of us
have ever witnessed in the game. Flores is now out of sight having teamed up
with his former boss Michael Laudrup at Lekwhiya and Carroll said that
hopefully he will get a couple of goals this time around and no red card –
which would "be even better." Hopefully too, there will be no repeats of the
official dramas that followed as the Hammers management and board considered
their plans to fight the issues involved before eventually having to accept
the outcome.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Valencia/Carroll in line for Swansea
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on December 4, 2014 in Whispers
Claret & Hugh
Enner Valencia and Andy Carroll are set to line up alongside each other for
the clash with Swansea on Sunday. And although there remains a slight doubt
it looks likely that Diafra Sakho will be on the bench for the match against
the seventh placed outfit. Swansea disposed of Queens Park Rangers on
Tuesday evening and who have been beaten once in the last five games. And
ClaretandHugh has learned that both Mark Noble and Alex Song are set to play
a part in what looks a very tasty match-up between two highly in-form sides.
We were told: "Swansea are a dangerous team and we are very hopeful that the
three injured players from Tuesday night will be in the squad. "We are
encouraged by Diafra's progress and he could be back whilst Enner got useful
minutes under his belt against West Brom. At this stage it would seem that
he and Andy are the likely front line."
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