Carroll relishing festive football
WHUFC.com
Andy Carroll is gearing up for the festive football after his latest 90
minutes at Sunderland
15.12.2014
While the festive season tends to be a testing one for most in the Barclays
Premier League, Andy Carroll is relishing the prospect of a flurry of
football. Following ankle surgery in the summer, the England international
missed the first three months of the season, but has now started each of
West Ham United's last five league outings. With lost time to make up, the
25-year-old reckons he is still in the equivalent of a traditional
pre-season and so is looking forward to getting stuck into a hectic
Christmas and New Year schedule. Speaking after his latest 90 minutes in
Saturday's 1-1 draw at Sunderland, Carroll said: "It feels great for me.
It's very important for me to come back from injury and stay injury free.
All the work I'm doing with the medical staff and the treatment team is
keeping me toned and fully fit, so it's obviously great for me to get
another 90 minutes. "Even though I haven't been playing games at the start
of the season, I've still been working very, very hard getting myself fit.
It's probably even more strenuous and harder work being injured and working
yourself back up than it is playing. "It's like my pre-season now, just
coming back. It's my first few games, so I'm raring to go. I'm still feeling
good and feeling fresh."
Reflecting on the weekend's hard-earned point at the Stadium of Light,
Carroll lamented missed opportunities, not least a late side-footed effort
that was a whisker away from bagging the Hammers another away win. He also
went close early on, nodding a pinpoint Stewart Downing cross over the top.
He explained: "It was a fantastic ball from Stewie and I thought I could
have done better with it. I got too much on it and my timing was a little
bit out. It was the first real cross that we got in and had it been another
five minutes into the game, maybe I'd have done better with it. "The one at
the end fell nicely for me and I've side-footed it just past the post. I
thought it was a decent effort, but it wasn't on target. It was a good
strike, but unfortunately it's not got gone in. "It was great to get a point
away from home, but I think we could have had the three and deservedly
should have had the three."
On the back of Saturday's stalemate, Carroll reckons the visit of Leicester
City has now taken on greater significance, with the Hammers targeting
maximum points against the Premier League strugglers. "It'll be another
tough game, every game's a tough game and obviously they're not doing
particularly well at the minute but it's still going to be tough for us," he
continued. "We've got to go out there and try to get the points that we
want. "With the game on Saturday, we felt the next two were winnable games
and six points would have been great for us. We've come up here, it's been a
tough game, got the one, so it's more important now to get the three against
Leicester, which I think we can do."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Mediawatch - 16 December
WHUFC.com
Our daily look at West Ham United in the news
16.12.2014
Andy Carroll tells the Mail Online that he is raring to go after completing
another 90 minutes at Sunderland on Saturday.
Sam Allardyce is quoted in the Evening Standard as saying his team are
making life easy for him this season.
According to the Mirror, Alex Song has given the Club fresh hope that they
would be able to sign him on a permanent basis.
BBC Sport confirm that Ravel Morrison has been granted compassionate leave
by Cardiff City to train with the Hammers.
Sticking with Morrison, the Mail believe that the Hammers could be peparing
to sell the midfielder in January.
In the same newspaper, West Ham are said to be renewing their interest in
26-year-old Sporting Lisbon striker Islam Slimani.
Meanwhile, the Telegraph include a round-up of possible transfer deadlings
for the Hammers in January.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
On this day - 16 December
WHUFc.com
Elliot Lee turns 20 today while the Hammers also enjoyed home success on
this day in 1972
16.12.2014
Anniversary
West Ham United striker Elliot Lee celebrates his 20th birthday today. The
forward was born on this day in Durham in 1994. Stocky, powerful and blessed
with a natural finisher's ability, Lee finished the 2011/12 season as the
under-18s leading goal scorer, netting more than 20 times in all
competitions. The son of former West Ham United and England midfielder Rob
Lee, the frontman is a prolific goal-getter. This season he is the
Development Squad's top scorer, having already netted five goals in eight
games.
Classic match
West Ham United 3-2 Stoke City
Division One
16 December 1972
The Hammers recorded only their second win in six games as they earned a
hard fought victory over Stoke City at the Boleyn Ground.
A double from Bryan 'Pop' Robson helped the home side on their way with
Clyde Best also to thank as he netted one of the seven league goals which he
managed during the season. The win moved the Hammers up to seventh place, a
position they would be in and around all season before they eventually ended
up sixth.
Complete record - 16 December
1922 Wolverhampton Wanderers 1-4 West Ham United (Division Two)
1933 Port Vale 0-0 West Ham United (Division Two)
1950 Hull City 1-2 West Ham United (Division Two)
1961 Manchester United 1-2 West Ham United (Division One)
1963 West Ham United 6-0 Workington Town (League Cup)
1967 Sheffield Wednesday 4-1 West Ham United (Division One)
1972 West Ham United 3-2 Stoke City (Division One)
1978 West Ham United 2-0 Charlton Athletic (Division Two)
1989 West Ham United 0-2 Oldham Athletic (Division Two)
1995 West Ham United 2-1 Southampton (Premier League)
1999 West Ham United 2-2 Aston Villa (League Cup)
2000 Everton 1-1 West Ham United (Premier League)
Played 12, Won 6, Drawn, 3, Lost 3, Scored 25, Conceded 15
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
New deal for Sakho?
KUMB.com
Filed: Tuesday, 16th December 2014
By: Staff Writer
Speculation is rife tonight that Diafra Sakho has been rewarded for his fine
form with a new contract. The Senegal international, who signed for West Ham
back in August spent the afternoon at the home of co-owner David Sullivan
where, it has been claimed, negotiations over a new, improved contract were
had. Either way, it seems the two found some common ground at some point ...
as the image below, posted by Sakho on his Twitter feed this afternoon,
indicates!
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Go now, Ravel!
KUMB.com
Filed: Tuesday, 16th December 2014
By: Staff Writer
West Ham United are planning to release Ravel Morrison on a free transfer
with immediate effect, according to Matt Law. Law, writing in the Telegraph
tonight claims that the club are seeking to effectively cancel Morrison's
contract six months before it is due to expire, at the end of the current
season. The troubled midfielder returned to West Ham at the weekend 10 days
ahead of his scheduled return from Cardiff, where he had been on loan since
August. During his time with the Bluebirds Morrison made just seven
appearances, without scoring a single goal. Prior to that he featured twice
for West Ham this season, against Sheffield United (defeat on penalties) and
Southampton (a 3-1 defeat). Law adds that West Ham will argue Morrison's
numerous off-field issues - combined with a poor disciplinary record whilst
on club duty - allows the club to refrain from paying off his contract in
full - a sum in the region of £400,000.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham take half of FA Cup allocation
KUMB.com
Filed: Tuesday, 16th December 2014
By: Staff Writer
West Ham have requested 3,000 tickets for the FA Cup tie at Everton on
Tuesday, 6 January - just 50 per cent of those available.
As a result of the tie being moved from the weekend to a Tuesday night, West
Ham have taken just half of the available allocation for Goodison Park as
opposed to the larger number available to away teams in the FA Cup. FA rules
state that clubs can ask for up to 15 per cent of the stadium's capacity,
which in this case is just over 40,000 - meaning that the Hammers could have
requested up to 6,000 tickets. However the decision to move the tie to a
Tuesday evening for the benefit of the TV audience- a first for an FA Cup
third round tie - means that thousands of West Ham fans who would have
otherwise made the 220 mile trip from east London to Merseyside will not now
be able to attend.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Allardyce to break Cup hoodoo?
KUMB.com
Filed: Tuesday, 16th December 2014
By: Staff Writer
Sam Allardyce will be hoping to win his first ever FA Cup tie since joining
West Ham when he takes his team to Goodison Park next month.
West Ham might be flying high in the Premier League right now but Big Sam
will have to break an unwelcome sequence if he is to help propel West Ham
into the next round of the FA Cup. Back in 2012, in Allardyce's first season
at the Boleyn Ground, West Ham were dumped out of the competition at the
first attempt by Sheffield Wednesday, then a League One club; the only goal
of the game coming from Chris O'Grady two minutes from the end of normal
time. The Hammers fared little better a year later when drawn against
Manchester United. Despite having home advantage, West Ham were denied a
famous victory when Robin Van Persie scored a 90th minute equaliser to send
the game into a replay at Old Trafford, which the hosts won 1-0. And the
less said about last season the better, when a mostly young and
inexperienced West Ham team including the likes of George Moncur (now at
Colchester), Callum Driver (now at non-league Dartford), Alou Diarra
(currently training with Brighton) and Modibo Maiga (on loan at Metz) were
thrashed 5-0 by Championship side Nottingham Forest in front of live TV
cameras.
In fact, the last time Allardyce managed to take a team beyond the third
round of the competition was back in 2009, when his then Blackburn side
reached the fifth round before being beaten by Coventry City. And only twice
in 19 seasons has he led a team beyond the 5th round - both whilst at
Bolton, in 2000 (semi final) and 2005 (quarter final).
Big Sam's FA Cup Record
West Ham United
2013: 3rd Round (Nottingham Forest)
2012: 3rd Round (Manchester United, replay)
2011: 3rd Round (Sheffield Wednesday)
Blackburn Rovers
2010: 3rd Round (Aston Villa)
2009: 5th Round (Coventry City)
Newcastle United
2008: 3rd Round (sacked before replay with Stoke)
Bolton Wanderers
2007: 4th Round (Arsenal, replay)
2006: 5th Round (West Ham, replay)
2005: Quarter Final (Arsenal)
2004: 3rd Round (Tranmere, replay)
2003: 3rd Round (Sunderland, replay)
2002: 4th Round (Tottenham)
2001: 5th Round (Blackburn, replay)
2000: Semi Final (Aston Villa, penalties)
Notts County
1999: 1st Round (Bournemouth, replay)
1998: 3rd Round (Sheffield Wednesday, replay)
1997: 3rd Round (Aston Villa, replay)
Blackpool
1996: 3rd Round: (Huddersfield)
1995: 1st Round (Preston North End)
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Kevin Nolan leads West Ham team in visit to children's ward in east London
hospital
West Ham stars gave out festive goodie bags to young patients
They visited the Rainbow Ward at Newham University Hospital on Tuesday
Kevin Nolan led seven of his team-mates in giving out the presents
James Tomkins, James Collins, Stewart Downing, Mauro Zarate, Diego Poyet,
Matt Jarvis and Alex Song were among those at the visit
By MATT LAWLESS FOR MAILONLINE
PUBLISHED: 20:24, 16 December 2014 | UPDATED: 20:25, 16 December 2014
West Ham's stars helped spread some Christmas cheer on Tuesday afternoon as
captain Kevin Nolan led a hospital visit to a children's ward in east
London. Just a stone's throw away from the Hammers' Upton Park home, Nolan
was one of eight first-team players from Sam Allardyce's squad to hand out
festive goodie bags containing games, mini-footballs, towels and much more
to young patients on the Rainbow Ward at Newham University Hospital. Nurses
and hospital staff were equally delighted as they posed for photographs and
got autographs from Nolan, James Tomkins, James Collins, Stewart Downing,
Mauro Zarate, Diego Poyet, Matt Jarvis and Alex Song. Defender Tomkins said
he and his team-mates were aware of how difficult the holiday season can be
for those who cannot be at home for Christmas. 'It's a time of year I enjoy
coming to see the kids and being very humble, as some of them are really ill
and you just hope they can get home in time for Christmas,' he said.
'Spending time with family is what it's all about at this time of year, so
it keeps your feet on the ground when you know there are kids out there
going through a tough time. 'We just wish them all well and hope they get
home and spend Christmas in front of the tree, which is where everyone wants
to be. I have got a fairly big family and I can obviously relate to seeing
the mums and dads here with their kids in hospital, which is not the ideal
place they want to be. 'All the lads have been really positive and given
them some nice West Ham treats for Christmas, so hopefully we have puts some
smiles on faces.' The Hammers, meanwhile, will be looking to maintain their
fine form when they host the Premier League's bottom side Leicester on
Saturday. Allardyce's side are unbeaten in their last five games and sit
high in fourth place, just three points behind Manchester United.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Irons won't rule out move for Spaniard
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on December 16, 2014 in Whispers
Claret & Hugh
West Ham are not entirely ruling out a move for Valencia defensive
midfielder Javi Fuego but insist there have been no talks "at this stage."
The 30 year old has been on the Irons radar for some time without any formal
moves having been put together and as the stories emerged again today a top
Hammers source told ClaretandHugh: "You can never say never." "However, at
this moment it appears to be agents talking although no approach has been
made by West Ham at this time." However, should the Irons move in on the
player, it may be tricky taking him out of the Spanish club where he is
under contract until 2016. Reports coming out of the club are that Valencia
– one of the financially poorest in La Liga – are simply not interested in
selling but there's more than an even money chance the Irons may go back in
for him.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Ravel can have no complaints as time runs out
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on December 16, 2014 in Whispers
Claret & Hugh
That Ravel Morrison should take a picture of himself and post it on
Instagram on his return to Upton Park showing his track suit bottoms
accompanied by the single word "gym" showed that nothing much has changed.
We've become used to the boy posting pictures of himself in Chelsea and
Arsenal shirts and the like over the past couple of years along with a
number of enigmatic Tweets. My first thought when seeing the latest pic was:
"Why?" After everything that's gone off in his life why would he be posting
on social media at a time when his sole focus should surely have been on
life at the club given the current circumstances. We've seen Ravel score
truly stupendous goals and produce a level of performance which brought him
to the attention of England under-21 manager Gareth Southgate before being
shipped out to Queens Park Rangers and later Cardiff City. His talent and
skill factor is unique. He's a player the like of which at his best, we
probably haven't seen in this country since the days of Gazza. But along
the way there have also been court appearances with the main hearing due
for January 26. The questions he faces in Crown Court may be easier to
answer than those regarding his future football career which looks certain
to be away from Upton Park. After being managed by three of the country's
most experienced bosses – Sir Alex Ferguson, Sam Allardyce and Harry
Redknapp – the obvious question now is where on earth next?
It's a tragedy. Players like Ravel come along only two or three times in a
lifetime and he could have – still might if he can truly get his thing
together – a big career. Ravel is a young man with a troubled past who
somehow has to find his way into a future. I, for one, hope and pray the boy
finds his way forward for if not we will witness one of the saddest stories
of the modern game. One thing I know for sure is that West Ham United has
given him every chance to find himself at the Boleyn. He has received more
arms around the shoulder than can be counted. Now a decision is about to be
made and whatever the outcome the boy can have no complaints over the
decisions taken after being given every opportunity to find himself. The
only one West Ham may regret not taking was the offer from Fulham when it
was allegedly on the table. In every respect they have managed a hugely
difficult situation as well as anyone could have expected.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Sakho new deal done – Noble next!
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on December 16, 2014 in Whispers
Claret & Hugh
Diafra Sakho has ironed out his new West Ham deal which is due to kick in
after 25 games. ClaretandHugh revealed several weeks ago that co chairman
David Sullivan wanted to reward the player and after pictures were posted by
Sakho on the social media networks it was clear a deal had been done. The
player and chairman thrashed out the deal at Sullivan's mansion today after
the player has made one of the most successful steps into the Premier League
by any player EVER! Currently much of the striker's deal is based on
appearance money but the new deal is thought to take him up tpo £25k a week
with bonuses. Sakho arrived at the club for £3.5 million which goes to £7
million after he has played around 150 games and we were told by a well
placed source there are no escape clauses. A ClaretandHugh source said:
"This has been on the cards for some time and is a great deal for player and
the club. The next big deal on the agenda is Mark Noble's who will be
offered another five years in the summer
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Sakho: The financials …as Noble waits
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on December 16, 2014 in Whispers
Claret & Hugh
Mark Noble is the next Hammer in line to be offered a hefty new contract. Co
chairman and chief shareholder David Sullivan tonight kept his pledge to
reward the extraordinary Diafra Sakho with a vastly improved deal after his
early season goal-scoring feats. ClaretandHugh reported on October 28 that
Sullivan was ready to up his contract as a reward for excellence. The player
accepted terms of around £15,000 a week, a percentage of which was based on
first team appearances when joining the club. We said: "Such has been his
utterly outstanding start to the season the club are set to review the terms
of his contract. sakho-diafra_3214372A well placed insider was reported as
saying: "David is keen to reward him. He gets a review after 25 starts in
his contract. If he keeps scoring, however, David will bring that forward as
a reward for excellence." And that is precisely what has happened with the
player now believed to be on £25k a week with appearance bonuses. Noble is
now set to receive a new offer although we are told that will be closer to
the summer with Sullivan taking up the two year option the club hold on him
whilst offering another three years on improved money.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Downing makes a very serious point
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on December 16, 2014 in Whispers
Claret & Hugh
Stewart Downing has made a particularly strong point in claiming the manager
and players were happy with the point at Sunderland. Quite apart from the
fact that it's a hard place to visit – as Chelsea discovered when being held
to a draw – he makes it clear that after three games in nine days, all of
them won, this was a fine effort. Such has been the excitement of watching
the Hammers reverting whenever possible to the brand of football that
attracted most of us to the club in the first place, it's easy to overlook
simple virtues. And the resilience of this side in beating Newcastle West
Brom and Swansea, coming from behind in the last two games whilst doing the
same for the Sunderland point, is a tremendous achievement. This comes from
the confidence the team has amassed this season in never knowing when it is
beaten and reinforces the point made by Claretandhugh's chief analyst/pundit
that they are truly where they belong.
Downing sums it up neatly saying: "We should go into Christmas with a lot of
confidence now. Obviously we've got games in the space of three days over
that period – away at Chelsea on Boxing Day and here against Arsenal on 28
December – but there are no excuses because we have a big squad and can make
changes, so onwards and upwards. We're brimming with confidence, as you
could see with the way we came back at Sunderland. We kept going and got a
big point in the end. As David Gold Claretandhugh last week in an interview:
"We can all start believing we are supporting a very good team."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham ready to terminate Ravel Morrison's contract
Ravel Morrison, the troubled West Ham United midfielder, faces Upton Park
exit
By Matt Law
4:28PM GMT 16 Dec 2014
West Ham United want to terminate troubled midfielder Ravel Morrison's
contract with immediate effect. Morrison has returned to the Upton Park club
after his Cardiff City loan was cut short and has trained with West Ham's
Under-21s. But, rather than wait to try to find another club willing to sign
him, West Ham have decided they want to get rid of Morrison as quickly as
possible. Morrison earns around £15,000-a-week, but West Ham are unlikely to
offer him the full terms of his contract to leave. Instead, they will argue
that a host of disciplinary issues mean they do not have to hand the
21-year-old a pay-off. It remains to be seen whether or not Morrison digs
his heels in and tries to fight his corner, but the England Under-21
international looks set to be faced with trying to find himself a new club.
Co-owner David Sullivan rejected advice from close allies on numerous
occasions to try to help Morrison realise his potential at Upton Park, but
even his patience appears to have now snapped. Cardiff claimed that Morrison
had returned to West Ham on compassionate grounds, but the player made
little impact in Wales despite his considerable talent. Not wanting to risk
him disturbing the good spirit within the first-team squad, who lie fourth
in the Premier League table, the club told Morrison that he would have to
train with the club's youngsters. Morrison has an £18 million release clause
in his West Ham contract and there was also a second clause that stated the
club would have to increase his wages to £60,000-a-week if they received a
£10m bid. Fulham had a £4m offer for Morrison turned down 12 months ago and
were reported to the Premier League by West Ham, before he joined Queens
Park Rangers on loan in February. Morrison enjoyed bright moments under
Harry Redknapp at Loftus Road, but, ultimately, failed to convince QPR to
try to sign him permanently. The loan to Championship club Cardiff was seen
as a last chance for Morrison to get his career on track, but with that
opportunity now gone West Ham no longer want to be responsible for his next
move. Morrison was last month cleared of threatening to throw acid in the
face of his ex-girlfriend and have her killed. But he will stand trial at
Manchester Crown Court on January 26 on on three remaining charges of
assaulting Reah Mansoor, 19, and her mother, Parveen Mansoor, 39, in the
early hours of July 24.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
http://vyperz.blogspot.com
---
This email has been checked for viruses by Avast antivirus software.
http://www.avast.com
Wednesday, December 17
Tuesday, December 16
Daily WHUFC News - 16th December 2014
Manager on Monday
WHUFC.com
West Ham United boss Sam Allardyce had high praise for Stewart Downing after
Saturday's draw
14.12.2014
Sam Allardyce is thrilled that Stewart Downing is continuing to produce some
of the best football of his career with West Ham United this season. The
Hammers midfielder notched his third goal of the campaign in Saturday's 1-1
draw with Sunderland, to cancel out Jordi Gomez's opener and earn his side a
point. Downing's goal threat has increased significantly this season after
only notching once last term and Big Sam says his shift to a more central
role has helped with that. He explained: "When you talk about changing a
player's position, with somebody like Stewart's experience, you say 'well,
if it doesn't work you go back to where you were and we don't worry about it
- it's more my responsibility than yours.' "But he hasn't just liked it,
he's loved it. You can see the freedom he's gained by being able to pop up
in different areas of the field, finding space that we need to find, and our
other midfield players will find him with the ball. "He will turn and run at
opposition defenders and cause them huge amounts of problems. Not only did
he do that on Saturday, but he scored as well. He got one all of last
season, but he's got three already now and could have had six or seven, so I
hope he continues in the same vein. "Lots of players have to change the way
they play when they get that little bit older and gain that experience,
finding a different way of expressing their ability, and it's worked
brilliantly for us and him at the minute."
The point at Sunderland extended the Hammers' unbeaten run to four matches
and Allardyce felt his side showed the necessary attacking instincts to have
won the game. He added: "We didn't sit back at any stage of the game on
Saturday, every time we got the chance to go forward we did, and that was us
trying to get the win. "It's coming up to half way now and we're still in
the top four. It makes my job easier when the team goes out and plays like
it did on Saturday."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Hard-earned point pleases Downing
WHUFC.com
Goalscorer Stewart Downing was content to grab a share of the spoils at
Sunderland
15.12.2014
Stewart Downing continued his outstanding 2014/15 season by scoring West Ham
United's goal in a competitive 1-1 draw at Sunderland.
The No11 drew the Hammers level when Jordi Gomez deflected his 20-yard shot
past Costel Pantilimon just minutes after the Black Cats had taken the lead
through the Spaniard's disputed penalty. West Ham started the brighter, but
Sunderland took the lead on 21 minutes when James Tomkins was penalised for
what looked like minimal contact with Adam Johnson. Sam Allardyce's side
regrouped and Downing bagged his third goal of the season eight minutes
later. With six assists and three goals in 15 league appearances this
season, the England international is in wonderful form. "I am obviously
pleased with the goal but the most important thing was that we got something
out of the game," he began. "We had a tough week, but we managed to get the
maximum nine points out of nine, so this point was a bonus for us from a
really tough game. "The manager stressed that we needed to get off to a good
start and I thought we did and could have gone a couple of goals up. "The
penalty was a little bit soft and they took the lead, but I thought we
responded very well and I think a draw was a fair result in the end."
For the third league match in succession, West Ham had to come from a goal
down to secure a positive result, grabbing a draw following wins over West
Bromwich Albion and Swansea City. It is a habit the midfielder is keen to
shake off. "The manager stressed that, although we're doing well by coming
back and not losing games, we need to start well because, if you're playing
against the top boys and they get a cushion of two or three goals, you won't
come back from that. "I think that's the only disappointing thing [going
behind], because we started well and then we conceded, so we did things the
opposite way around! "I don't think it was a penalty, but we got a big point
and now we go into the next home game and if we get maximum points in that
then we've had a good couple of weeks."
Downing's goal was similar to the one he netted at Crystal Palace in August,
cutting in from the right before shooting low with his left foot. "I think
my shot took a deflection off Gomez and went past him. He's a big lad, their
'keeper, so had to be something in the corner to get round him. "I just hit
it hard and low and, if he parries it, then one of the other lads could have
been sniffing and followed it in. I think the deflection has taken it in, so
I'll take it!"
With 28 points from 16 games, West Ham's dressing room is a hugely confident
place at present, but both Downing and manager Sam Allardyce have warned
that the Hammers cannot afford to start congratulating themselves. "The
manager is obviously pleased with us, but he is keeping us on our toes
because the competition for places is driving us on. One bad performance and
you're out and you could be out for weeks. "I think it breeds a lot of
confidence in the team. I'm sure the manager is very pleased at the moment
because he has a lot to pick from, but we're making it easier for him
because we keep winning games and getting back to back wins. "That was a big
point for us and hopefully we can carry on our home form and get another
three points next week. "The manager has told us that, because we beat Man
City, we can't just expect to turn up and win easily. It's not always like
that. "Sunderland is a difficult place to play and it proved that, with
their fans behind them. They will probably be disappointed they didn't win
with the chances they had, but we're the same so it probably evened itself
out in the end. A draw was a good result."
Now, West Ham gave a home fixture with bottom club Leicester City to look
forward to before a busy Christmas period that includes a Boxing Day trip to
Chelsea and home games with Arsenal and West Brom. "We should go into
Christmas with a lot of confidence. If you look at the table, we're in a
healthy position and we've got games we're confident of getting results in.
"Obviously we've got games in the space of three days over that period, but
there are no excuses because we have a big squad and can make changes, so
onwards and upwards.
"We're brimming with confidence, as you could see with the way we came back
at Sunderland. We kept going and got a big point in the end."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Mediawatch - 15 December
WHUFc.com
Our daily look at West Ham United in the news
15.12.2014
Monday's newspapers include further coverage of Saturday's 1-1 draw at
Sunderland, with this report in the Express focusing on the Hammers' top-six
credentials.
In the Mail Online, Sam Allardyce again champions Stewart Downing's England
cause after his goalscoring display at the Stadium of Light.
Downing's praises are also sung in the Guardian, Times (£) and Mirror.
Andy Carroll says his party-boy reputation is an unfair one in the Mirror.
A comment piece in City AM reckons West Ham will battle it out with
Tottenham Hotspur and Arsenal for fourth place in the league.
Finally, Modibo Maiga will learn his punishment for missing Metz's game at
Marseille from Les Grenats this week, according to the Mirror.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Loan watch
WHUFC.com
Catch up on how the West Ham United loanees fared this weekend
15.12.2014
Tim Brown played the full game as Canvey Island beat Peacehaven & Telscombe
2-1 in the Ryman Premier League. Canvey came from a goal behind to win
through a Harrison Chatting penalty and John Easterford's winner in the
second half. Sean Maguire played the full 90 minutes as Accrington Stanley
beat Portsmouth 3-2. Stanley raced to a 2-0 lead after just 15 minutes
through Rob Atkinson and John O'Sullivan. However the hosts responded well
with goals from Marcus Bean and Craig Westcarr to make it 2-2 at half-time.
Piero Mingoia sealed the victory for Stanley to take them to eleventh in
League Two.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Ladies held in six-goal thriller
WHUFC.com
West Ham United led and trailed before drawing 3-3 at Charlton Athletic
15.12.2014
West Ham United Ladies came from behind to rescue a 3-3 FA Women's Premier
League Southern Division draw at Charlton Athletic on Sunday afternoon. The
Hammers led at the break through winger Sarah McCrea's volley, before Kelley
Blanchflower doubled the visitors' lead shortly after half-time after good
build-up play involving Lily Mellors and April Bowers. Charlton forced their
way back into the game through Kit Graham's brace, before Addicks skipper
Charley Clifford netted a third directly from a corner. The Hammers worked
hard to get back into the game and got their reward when Vicky Kinsman rose
the highest in a crowd to head home from Danica Revell's free-kick.
Manager Julian Dicks had a near full-strength team available for the match
at Sporting Club Thamesmead, with striker Emma Sherwood overcoming injury
and illness to take a place on the substitutes' bench alongside Development
Squad star Jade Smith and returning Hammer Kerry Stimson. Adele Sale made
her first-team debut in place of Ruby Baxter, who was ruled out with illness
on the day of the game.
The visitors went into the game looking to end 2014 with a positive result,
having picked up six victories from their nine league fixtures prior to
kick-off.
After Charlton had bossed the game in the early minutes, West Ham worked
hard to regain control of the match and were rewarded with the opening goal
when McCrea timed her run perfectly towards the front post to meet
Blanchflower's corner with a sweet volley into the bottom corner of the net.
The Hammers kept up their pressure for the remainder of the first half and
almost doubled their lead when Bowers met Blanchflower's cross with a free
header from six yards out, before McCrea fired low straight at Charlton
goalkeeper Megan Linch. After the break, the pressure told and the visitors
did register their second goal. After Mellors plucked the ball out of the
air, Bowers refused to give up inside the penalty area, battling for
possession and allowing Blanchflower to step in and find the back of the net
despite the best efforts of an Addicks defender to clear off the line.
Within the next 15 minutes however, West Ham found themselves level at 2-2
after a brace from Graham. Firstly, the 19-year-old met Nikita Whinnett's
cross to head home, before slamming in the equalizer from close range with
68 minutes on the clock.
If that was not enough to shock the travelling Hammers, they found
themselves behind three minutes later when Clifford's right-wing corner
somehow managed to find its way directly into the top left-hand corner of
the net. After suffering defeat by Charlton earlier this season in the Ryman
Cup, the visitors refused to give up on the game and they levelled with just
over ten minutes left on the clock when Kinsman appeared to get the final
touch in a crowd to head home from Revell's free-kick just inside the
Charlton half.
In the final ten minutes, both sides had chances to steal all three points.
Graham continued to threaten as she looked for her third goal of the game,
whilst McCrea narrowly fired over the bar at the other end of the pitch. The
Hammers end 2014 in sixth position in the Women's Premier League South, with
19 points from their ten fixtures this season. Dicks' side return to action
in the New Year with a trip to Somerset to face Keynsham Town Ladies on
Sunday 4 January 2015, with kick off scheduled for 2pm. The following
weekend, West Ham hit the road again to Brighton & Hove Albion for an FA
Women's Cup second round tie, before returning to Aveley to host Billericay
Town as they begin their defence of the Essex FA County Cup on Sunday 18
January.
Ladies: Runnacles, King (Stimson), Revell, Little, Bottom, McCrea, Bowers,
Sale (Sherwood), Blanchflower, Kinsman, Mellors
Sub not used: Smith
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Cardiff City: Ravel Morrison returns to West Ham
BBC.co.uk
Cardiff have granted Ravel Morrison compassionate leave and permitted him to
train with parent club West Ham. The midfielder, 21, on loan from the
Hammers, had been due to remain at Cardiff until after the Boxing Day match
against Charlton Athletic. But he has been allowed to return to more
familiar surroundings because of personal circumstances. The former
Manchester United trainee has made seven appearances for Cardiff since
joining in September. Morrison's last outing for Cardiff was as a substitute
in the 0-0 draw against Rotherham United at the beginning of December. His
appearance against the Millers was his first since Cardiff's 3-0 defeat away
at Bolton on 4 November. Morrison joined West Ham from Manchester United in
a £650,000 deal in January 2012.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Ravel Morrison back at West Ham
KUMb.com
Filed: Monday, 15th December 2014
By: Staff Writer
Ravel Morrison has ended his loan spell at Cardiff a fortnight early - and
is already back in training at West Ham. The troubled midfielder posted a
picture of himself on Instagram this afternoon working in the gym at
Chadwell Heath - almost two weeks before he was scheduled to return to the
club. Morrison's post is likely to be in response to a story by Jason Burt
in the Telegraph at the weekend in which it was claimed West Ham were set to
sell the England Under 21 international at the earliest possible
opportunity, having finally ran out of patience with him. During his brief
stint with the Bluebirds, Morrison managed just seven appearances, without
scoring a single goal. Prior to that he featured twice for West Ham this
season, against Sheffield United (defeat on penalties) and Southampton (a
3-1 defeat).
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Ravel Morrison back with West Ham after Cardiff loan is cut short
Last Updated: 15/12/14 7:45pm
SSN
Ravel Morrison has returned to West Ham after his loan spell with Cardiff
was cut short due to 'personal circumstances'. Morrison was due to remain on
loan with the Championship club until Boxing Day but the 21-year-old is now
back training with his parent club. The 21-year-old, who made just seven
appearances for Cardiff since joining the Welsh club two-and-a-half months
ago, posted a picture of himself during a training session at Upton Park on
Monday. Cardiff said in a statement: "Due to personal circumstances, Cardiff
City have allowed Ravel Morrison compassionate leave and permission to train
in more familiar surroundings at this time with his parent club, West Ham
United." Former Manchester United starlet Morrison joined Sam Allardyce's
side in January 2012 and has previously been loaned out to Birmingham City
and Queens Park Rangers.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Hammers rule out midfielder move
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on December 15, 2014 in Whispers
Claret & Hugh
Speculation that the Hammers are ready to hold talks for Brescia playmaker
Ismail H'Maidat were tonight denied. Reports have been circulating for the
last couple of days that the Hammers had joined AC Milan, Fiorentina and
Sassuolo in the chase for the 19 year old.
H'Maidat has made 12 appearances in Serie B for Brescia so far this season,
providing a lone assist. He is a product of Anderlecht's youth academy, has
also turned out twice in the Coppa Italia. However, a Hammers source told
Claretandhugh this evening: "We are aware of him but there's no truth in
stories that we are planning to hold talks with his agent."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Leroy: "Champions League on way to Boleyn"
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on December 15, 2014 in Whispers
Claret & Hugh
West Ham are about to have their current and future situations defined in
the games against Arsenal and Chelsea. And I believe they will emerge from
the Christmas games with English football being forced to accept that they
are now a genuine top four club. I bumped into Sam Allardyce over the
weekend at the Premier League where I work as a pundit and this is a man who
is extraordinarily confident at the moment – there's a spring in his step
and quite rightly too. Sam has always been a manager who has planned how to
defend against or exploit the weaknesses of the opposition. I really don't
think that's the case anymore. He knows – and so do I – that the Irons are a
team for others to worry about. They are genuinely top class and can stay in
the top four from now until the end of the season.
There are very few teams who carry the pace, power and threat of West Ham
United and I fully expect them to show how good they are by beating
Leicester and Arsenal. Chelsea may be a slightly different proposition but
we are gonna give them one hell of a game. We may be beaten but don't count
on it and we will then go on to beat West Brom! I watch an awful lot of
football over the course of a season and to date i haven't seen a team in
action of which the Hammers need to be afraid – the opposite is true. For us
to be coming from behind to gain points on a regular basis tells us all we
need to know about this team – we a re top four and I think Champions league
football is a very real possibility at the Boleyn next season. The rest of
English football will soon have to wake up to the fact hat we are a top top
side!
COYI
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Cole has chance of a new deal
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on December 15, 2014 in News Agenda, Whispers
Claret & Hugh
Carlton Cole still has the chance to earn himself a new West Ham deal over
the rest of the season. ClaretandHugh mistakenly reported yesterday that the
Cole contract was up in January, for which we apologise, when in fact his
deal runs out in the summer. And we were told earlier this afternoon that it
would be wrong to entirely rule out a new contract offer to the player who
has served the club for eight years. Cole, however, remains down the pecking
order of course and were an offer to come in for him the club would
understand were he to decide that he wanted the chance of of regular first
team football. We were told: "It's all in Carlton's hands. A new offer may
be considered unlikely by some but it depends on how he performs over the
second half of the season. "We never rule anything out on any front until we
have the end of season review as was demonstrated very clearly last season
with the manager."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham United January transfer news and rumours
Latest: All the transfer news, rumours and gossip for West Ham United in the
Premier League's summer window - will Manchester City's Micah Richards be
tempted to become a Hammers player?
By Matt Law
The Telegraph
Transfer window history: West Ham fans will pray there are no repeats of the
bizarre January loan signing of central defender Roger Johnson from
Wolverhampton Wanderers. Co-chairmen David Sullivan and David Gold are not
big fans of the January sales.
Budget: £5m. West Ham did superb business in the summer transfer window and
won't be looking make major January moves. The club may, however, need a
replacement for central defender Winston Reid.
Dream signing: Winston Reid. West Ham are desperate to tie the Kiwi down to
a new contract, but have so far been able to negotiate an agreement.
Allardyce may have to sell him in January, rather than risk losing him for
free. Arsenal and Everton are interested.
Probable signing: Nicolas N'Koulou. West Ham have been watching the
Marseille defender in case Reid leaves in January. The 24-year-old Cameroon
international would cost around £5m.
Other targets: West Ham would love to turn the loan signing of midfielder
Alex Song, who has been a revelation, into a permanent deal, but
negotiations will have to wait until the summer.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
http://vyperz.blogspot.com
---
This email has been checked for viruses by Avast antivirus software.
http://www.avast.com
WHUFC.com
West Ham United boss Sam Allardyce had high praise for Stewart Downing after
Saturday's draw
14.12.2014
Sam Allardyce is thrilled that Stewart Downing is continuing to produce some
of the best football of his career with West Ham United this season. The
Hammers midfielder notched his third goal of the campaign in Saturday's 1-1
draw with Sunderland, to cancel out Jordi Gomez's opener and earn his side a
point. Downing's goal threat has increased significantly this season after
only notching once last term and Big Sam says his shift to a more central
role has helped with that. He explained: "When you talk about changing a
player's position, with somebody like Stewart's experience, you say 'well,
if it doesn't work you go back to where you were and we don't worry about it
- it's more my responsibility than yours.' "But he hasn't just liked it,
he's loved it. You can see the freedom he's gained by being able to pop up
in different areas of the field, finding space that we need to find, and our
other midfield players will find him with the ball. "He will turn and run at
opposition defenders and cause them huge amounts of problems. Not only did
he do that on Saturday, but he scored as well. He got one all of last
season, but he's got three already now and could have had six or seven, so I
hope he continues in the same vein. "Lots of players have to change the way
they play when they get that little bit older and gain that experience,
finding a different way of expressing their ability, and it's worked
brilliantly for us and him at the minute."
The point at Sunderland extended the Hammers' unbeaten run to four matches
and Allardyce felt his side showed the necessary attacking instincts to have
won the game. He added: "We didn't sit back at any stage of the game on
Saturday, every time we got the chance to go forward we did, and that was us
trying to get the win. "It's coming up to half way now and we're still in
the top four. It makes my job easier when the team goes out and plays like
it did on Saturday."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Hard-earned point pleases Downing
WHUFC.com
Goalscorer Stewart Downing was content to grab a share of the spoils at
Sunderland
15.12.2014
Stewart Downing continued his outstanding 2014/15 season by scoring West Ham
United's goal in a competitive 1-1 draw at Sunderland.
The No11 drew the Hammers level when Jordi Gomez deflected his 20-yard shot
past Costel Pantilimon just minutes after the Black Cats had taken the lead
through the Spaniard's disputed penalty. West Ham started the brighter, but
Sunderland took the lead on 21 minutes when James Tomkins was penalised for
what looked like minimal contact with Adam Johnson. Sam Allardyce's side
regrouped and Downing bagged his third goal of the season eight minutes
later. With six assists and three goals in 15 league appearances this
season, the England international is in wonderful form. "I am obviously
pleased with the goal but the most important thing was that we got something
out of the game," he began. "We had a tough week, but we managed to get the
maximum nine points out of nine, so this point was a bonus for us from a
really tough game. "The manager stressed that we needed to get off to a good
start and I thought we did and could have gone a couple of goals up. "The
penalty was a little bit soft and they took the lead, but I thought we
responded very well and I think a draw was a fair result in the end."
For the third league match in succession, West Ham had to come from a goal
down to secure a positive result, grabbing a draw following wins over West
Bromwich Albion and Swansea City. It is a habit the midfielder is keen to
shake off. "The manager stressed that, although we're doing well by coming
back and not losing games, we need to start well because, if you're playing
against the top boys and they get a cushion of two or three goals, you won't
come back from that. "I think that's the only disappointing thing [going
behind], because we started well and then we conceded, so we did things the
opposite way around! "I don't think it was a penalty, but we got a big point
and now we go into the next home game and if we get maximum points in that
then we've had a good couple of weeks."
Downing's goal was similar to the one he netted at Crystal Palace in August,
cutting in from the right before shooting low with his left foot. "I think
my shot took a deflection off Gomez and went past him. He's a big lad, their
'keeper, so had to be something in the corner to get round him. "I just hit
it hard and low and, if he parries it, then one of the other lads could have
been sniffing and followed it in. I think the deflection has taken it in, so
I'll take it!"
With 28 points from 16 games, West Ham's dressing room is a hugely confident
place at present, but both Downing and manager Sam Allardyce have warned
that the Hammers cannot afford to start congratulating themselves. "The
manager is obviously pleased with us, but he is keeping us on our toes
because the competition for places is driving us on. One bad performance and
you're out and you could be out for weeks. "I think it breeds a lot of
confidence in the team. I'm sure the manager is very pleased at the moment
because he has a lot to pick from, but we're making it easier for him
because we keep winning games and getting back to back wins. "That was a big
point for us and hopefully we can carry on our home form and get another
three points next week. "The manager has told us that, because we beat Man
City, we can't just expect to turn up and win easily. It's not always like
that. "Sunderland is a difficult place to play and it proved that, with
their fans behind them. They will probably be disappointed they didn't win
with the chances they had, but we're the same so it probably evened itself
out in the end. A draw was a good result."
Now, West Ham gave a home fixture with bottom club Leicester City to look
forward to before a busy Christmas period that includes a Boxing Day trip to
Chelsea and home games with Arsenal and West Brom. "We should go into
Christmas with a lot of confidence. If you look at the table, we're in a
healthy position and we've got games we're confident of getting results in.
"Obviously we've got games in the space of three days over that period, but
there are no excuses because we have a big squad and can make changes, so
onwards and upwards.
"We're brimming with confidence, as you could see with the way we came back
at Sunderland. We kept going and got a big point in the end."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Mediawatch - 15 December
WHUFc.com
Our daily look at West Ham United in the news
15.12.2014
Monday's newspapers include further coverage of Saturday's 1-1 draw at
Sunderland, with this report in the Express focusing on the Hammers' top-six
credentials.
In the Mail Online, Sam Allardyce again champions Stewart Downing's England
cause after his goalscoring display at the Stadium of Light.
Downing's praises are also sung in the Guardian, Times (£) and Mirror.
Andy Carroll says his party-boy reputation is an unfair one in the Mirror.
A comment piece in City AM reckons West Ham will battle it out with
Tottenham Hotspur and Arsenal for fourth place in the league.
Finally, Modibo Maiga will learn his punishment for missing Metz's game at
Marseille from Les Grenats this week, according to the Mirror.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Loan watch
WHUFC.com
Catch up on how the West Ham United loanees fared this weekend
15.12.2014
Tim Brown played the full game as Canvey Island beat Peacehaven & Telscombe
2-1 in the Ryman Premier League. Canvey came from a goal behind to win
through a Harrison Chatting penalty and John Easterford's winner in the
second half. Sean Maguire played the full 90 minutes as Accrington Stanley
beat Portsmouth 3-2. Stanley raced to a 2-0 lead after just 15 minutes
through Rob Atkinson and John O'Sullivan. However the hosts responded well
with goals from Marcus Bean and Craig Westcarr to make it 2-2 at half-time.
Piero Mingoia sealed the victory for Stanley to take them to eleventh in
League Two.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Ladies held in six-goal thriller
WHUFC.com
West Ham United led and trailed before drawing 3-3 at Charlton Athletic
15.12.2014
West Ham United Ladies came from behind to rescue a 3-3 FA Women's Premier
League Southern Division draw at Charlton Athletic on Sunday afternoon. The
Hammers led at the break through winger Sarah McCrea's volley, before Kelley
Blanchflower doubled the visitors' lead shortly after half-time after good
build-up play involving Lily Mellors and April Bowers. Charlton forced their
way back into the game through Kit Graham's brace, before Addicks skipper
Charley Clifford netted a third directly from a corner. The Hammers worked
hard to get back into the game and got their reward when Vicky Kinsman rose
the highest in a crowd to head home from Danica Revell's free-kick.
Manager Julian Dicks had a near full-strength team available for the match
at Sporting Club Thamesmead, with striker Emma Sherwood overcoming injury
and illness to take a place on the substitutes' bench alongside Development
Squad star Jade Smith and returning Hammer Kerry Stimson. Adele Sale made
her first-team debut in place of Ruby Baxter, who was ruled out with illness
on the day of the game.
The visitors went into the game looking to end 2014 with a positive result,
having picked up six victories from their nine league fixtures prior to
kick-off.
After Charlton had bossed the game in the early minutes, West Ham worked
hard to regain control of the match and were rewarded with the opening goal
when McCrea timed her run perfectly towards the front post to meet
Blanchflower's corner with a sweet volley into the bottom corner of the net.
The Hammers kept up their pressure for the remainder of the first half and
almost doubled their lead when Bowers met Blanchflower's cross with a free
header from six yards out, before McCrea fired low straight at Charlton
goalkeeper Megan Linch. After the break, the pressure told and the visitors
did register their second goal. After Mellors plucked the ball out of the
air, Bowers refused to give up inside the penalty area, battling for
possession and allowing Blanchflower to step in and find the back of the net
despite the best efforts of an Addicks defender to clear off the line.
Within the next 15 minutes however, West Ham found themselves level at 2-2
after a brace from Graham. Firstly, the 19-year-old met Nikita Whinnett's
cross to head home, before slamming in the equalizer from close range with
68 minutes on the clock.
If that was not enough to shock the travelling Hammers, they found
themselves behind three minutes later when Clifford's right-wing corner
somehow managed to find its way directly into the top left-hand corner of
the net. After suffering defeat by Charlton earlier this season in the Ryman
Cup, the visitors refused to give up on the game and they levelled with just
over ten minutes left on the clock when Kinsman appeared to get the final
touch in a crowd to head home from Revell's free-kick just inside the
Charlton half.
In the final ten minutes, both sides had chances to steal all three points.
Graham continued to threaten as she looked for her third goal of the game,
whilst McCrea narrowly fired over the bar at the other end of the pitch. The
Hammers end 2014 in sixth position in the Women's Premier League South, with
19 points from their ten fixtures this season. Dicks' side return to action
in the New Year with a trip to Somerset to face Keynsham Town Ladies on
Sunday 4 January 2015, with kick off scheduled for 2pm. The following
weekend, West Ham hit the road again to Brighton & Hove Albion for an FA
Women's Cup second round tie, before returning to Aveley to host Billericay
Town as they begin their defence of the Essex FA County Cup on Sunday 18
January.
Ladies: Runnacles, King (Stimson), Revell, Little, Bottom, McCrea, Bowers,
Sale (Sherwood), Blanchflower, Kinsman, Mellors
Sub not used: Smith
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Cardiff City: Ravel Morrison returns to West Ham
BBC.co.uk
Cardiff have granted Ravel Morrison compassionate leave and permitted him to
train with parent club West Ham. The midfielder, 21, on loan from the
Hammers, had been due to remain at Cardiff until after the Boxing Day match
against Charlton Athletic. But he has been allowed to return to more
familiar surroundings because of personal circumstances. The former
Manchester United trainee has made seven appearances for Cardiff since
joining in September. Morrison's last outing for Cardiff was as a substitute
in the 0-0 draw against Rotherham United at the beginning of December. His
appearance against the Millers was his first since Cardiff's 3-0 defeat away
at Bolton on 4 November. Morrison joined West Ham from Manchester United in
a £650,000 deal in January 2012.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Ravel Morrison back at West Ham
KUMb.com
Filed: Monday, 15th December 2014
By: Staff Writer
Ravel Morrison has ended his loan spell at Cardiff a fortnight early - and
is already back in training at West Ham. The troubled midfielder posted a
picture of himself on Instagram this afternoon working in the gym at
Chadwell Heath - almost two weeks before he was scheduled to return to the
club. Morrison's post is likely to be in response to a story by Jason Burt
in the Telegraph at the weekend in which it was claimed West Ham were set to
sell the England Under 21 international at the earliest possible
opportunity, having finally ran out of patience with him. During his brief
stint with the Bluebirds, Morrison managed just seven appearances, without
scoring a single goal. Prior to that he featured twice for West Ham this
season, against Sheffield United (defeat on penalties) and Southampton (a
3-1 defeat).
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Ravel Morrison back with West Ham after Cardiff loan is cut short
Last Updated: 15/12/14 7:45pm
SSN
Ravel Morrison has returned to West Ham after his loan spell with Cardiff
was cut short due to 'personal circumstances'. Morrison was due to remain on
loan with the Championship club until Boxing Day but the 21-year-old is now
back training with his parent club. The 21-year-old, who made just seven
appearances for Cardiff since joining the Welsh club two-and-a-half months
ago, posted a picture of himself during a training session at Upton Park on
Monday. Cardiff said in a statement: "Due to personal circumstances, Cardiff
City have allowed Ravel Morrison compassionate leave and permission to train
in more familiar surroundings at this time with his parent club, West Ham
United." Former Manchester United starlet Morrison joined Sam Allardyce's
side in January 2012 and has previously been loaned out to Birmingham City
and Queens Park Rangers.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Hammers rule out midfielder move
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on December 15, 2014 in Whispers
Claret & Hugh
Speculation that the Hammers are ready to hold talks for Brescia playmaker
Ismail H'Maidat were tonight denied. Reports have been circulating for the
last couple of days that the Hammers had joined AC Milan, Fiorentina and
Sassuolo in the chase for the 19 year old.
H'Maidat has made 12 appearances in Serie B for Brescia so far this season,
providing a lone assist. He is a product of Anderlecht's youth academy, has
also turned out twice in the Coppa Italia. However, a Hammers source told
Claretandhugh this evening: "We are aware of him but there's no truth in
stories that we are planning to hold talks with his agent."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Leroy: "Champions League on way to Boleyn"
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on December 15, 2014 in Whispers
Claret & Hugh
West Ham are about to have their current and future situations defined in
the games against Arsenal and Chelsea. And I believe they will emerge from
the Christmas games with English football being forced to accept that they
are now a genuine top four club. I bumped into Sam Allardyce over the
weekend at the Premier League where I work as a pundit and this is a man who
is extraordinarily confident at the moment – there's a spring in his step
and quite rightly too. Sam has always been a manager who has planned how to
defend against or exploit the weaknesses of the opposition. I really don't
think that's the case anymore. He knows – and so do I – that the Irons are a
team for others to worry about. They are genuinely top class and can stay in
the top four from now until the end of the season.
There are very few teams who carry the pace, power and threat of West Ham
United and I fully expect them to show how good they are by beating
Leicester and Arsenal. Chelsea may be a slightly different proposition but
we are gonna give them one hell of a game. We may be beaten but don't count
on it and we will then go on to beat West Brom! I watch an awful lot of
football over the course of a season and to date i haven't seen a team in
action of which the Hammers need to be afraid – the opposite is true. For us
to be coming from behind to gain points on a regular basis tells us all we
need to know about this team – we a re top four and I think Champions league
football is a very real possibility at the Boleyn next season. The rest of
English football will soon have to wake up to the fact hat we are a top top
side!
COYI
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Cole has chance of a new deal
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on December 15, 2014 in News Agenda, Whispers
Claret & Hugh
Carlton Cole still has the chance to earn himself a new West Ham deal over
the rest of the season. ClaretandHugh mistakenly reported yesterday that the
Cole contract was up in January, for which we apologise, when in fact his
deal runs out in the summer. And we were told earlier this afternoon that it
would be wrong to entirely rule out a new contract offer to the player who
has served the club for eight years. Cole, however, remains down the pecking
order of course and were an offer to come in for him the club would
understand were he to decide that he wanted the chance of of regular first
team football. We were told: "It's all in Carlton's hands. A new offer may
be considered unlikely by some but it depends on how he performs over the
second half of the season. "We never rule anything out on any front until we
have the end of season review as was demonstrated very clearly last season
with the manager."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham United January transfer news and rumours
Latest: All the transfer news, rumours and gossip for West Ham United in the
Premier League's summer window - will Manchester City's Micah Richards be
tempted to become a Hammers player?
By Matt Law
The Telegraph
Transfer window history: West Ham fans will pray there are no repeats of the
bizarre January loan signing of central defender Roger Johnson from
Wolverhampton Wanderers. Co-chairmen David Sullivan and David Gold are not
big fans of the January sales.
Budget: £5m. West Ham did superb business in the summer transfer window and
won't be looking make major January moves. The club may, however, need a
replacement for central defender Winston Reid.
Dream signing: Winston Reid. West Ham are desperate to tie the Kiwi down to
a new contract, but have so far been able to negotiate an agreement.
Allardyce may have to sell him in January, rather than risk losing him for
free. Arsenal and Everton are interested.
Probable signing: Nicolas N'Koulou. West Ham have been watching the
Marseille defender in case Reid leaves in January. The 24-year-old Cameroon
international would cost around £5m.
Other targets: West Ham would love to turn the loan signing of midfielder
Alex Song, who has been a revelation, into a permanent deal, but
negotiations will have to wait until the summer.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
http://vyperz.blogspot.com
---
This email has been checked for viruses by Avast antivirus software.
http://www.avast.com
Monday, December 15
Daily WHUFC News - 15th December 2014
Nolan - 'Our response was fantastic'
WHUFC.com
Kevin Nolan was impressed with another comeback but is desperate to break
the habit of conceding first
14.12.2014
Kevin Nolan hopes he has seen the last of West Ham United's rescue acts for
the time being, keen to get the Hammers firmly back on the front foot.
Following Saturday's 1-1 Barclays Premier League stalemate at Sunderland,
Sam Allardyce's men have now conceded the first goal in three successive
outings. Impressively, they have still managed to collect seven points in
the process, but skipper Nolan insists that falling behind is a habit they
need to shake and need to shake quickly. "It's something we've got to get
out of our systems," he said. "Once we get ahead I think we could be one of
those teams that can really start to punish sides. Gifting teams goals the
way we have in previous games is not what we're about and not a habit we
want to get into. "We've been fantastic coming from behind in the last three
games, but it's something we want to eradicate quickly, because in the
Premier League, sooner or later, teams are going to hold out or hit us on
the counter. "But you can't fault the lads' effort, their response or the
way we've been playing in the last few games. Three wins on the spin and
then obviously this draw makes it ten points out of 12. If you'd have given
us that a fortnight ago going into the Newcastle game, everyone would have
taken that."
While Nolan was hardly about to underestimate the value of a point away from
home, he still felt a tinge of disappointment that West Ham were not leaving
the Stadium of a Light with all three. He continued: "All in all you've got
to respect the point when you get it, you're never going to get an easy game
when you come away from home. I'm just a bit gutted that we had to come from
behind and through no fault of our own. "We're a bit disappointed with a few
major decisions that didn't go our way, especially the penalty, which got
their spirits up. The response from us was fantastic, again, and we could
have gone on to win it. I thought we dominated the game throughout the 90
minutes, but it wasn't to be. "You've got to respect the point, it's a tough
place to come. Everyone finds it tough when they come to Sunderland. They're
a good side and we had to respect that, so we're happy to leave with a
point."
Saturday's draw sees the Hammers unbeaten in four and a November defeat by
Everton is now the only blemish on a ten-game record that includes six wins
and three draws. Nolan is still smarting about that reverse at Goodison Park
and urged the Hammers to keep their latest undefeated sequence intact. "Even
that one defeat against Everton, we thoroughly deserved something out of
it," he added. "So we're very disappointed that we've got that on the
record, but it's now about trying to go as many games without defeat. "We've
got a few tough ones coming up, Leicester, who are fighting for their lives,
next week at home and then we've got Chelsea, who are flying high. They've
been fantastic, so we've got to go to Stamford Bridge and then Arsenal at
home. It's going to be an exciting Christmas and hopefully one that we'll be
celebrating."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Stewart Downing delighted with West Ham form
Last Updated: 12/12/14 12:15pm
SSN
Stewart Downing says West Ham are loving being one of this season's surprise
packages after gatecrashing the Premier League top four.
The Hammers are fourth in the table and Downing reckons breaking the 'big
four' stranglehold on the Champions League places is important for the good
of football. West Ham boss Sam Allardyce spent a reported £31m in the summer
on the likes of Diafra Sahko, Cheikhou Kouyate and Aaron Cresswell but that
was dwarfed by the spending of Manchester United, Arsenal and Liverpool.
"It's good, teams have spent a lot of money and people expected them to be
in the top four because of what they've spent but it doesn't always work
that way," Downing said.
"We have bought very well, the players coming in have settled well.
Sometimes you see players coming to the Premier League struggle to adapt.
It's a big plus for us."
Southampton and the Hammers have shocked the big clubs with their form
during the first half of the season and Downing says that is a good thing.
"I think it would be good for the league," he added. "If you looked at the
league at the minute you'd say it was false but we're there on merit, we've
done well and we've played some big teams and played them off the park on
the day. "We've beaten Liverpool and Manchester City and ground out a win
against Newcastle, which we would have lost last season. We have shown good
qualities." The Hammers head to the Stadium of Light to face Sunderland on
Saturday and the ex-Liverpool winger thinks they can maintain their
challenge for a European spot. "We have to look at each game as it comes.
It's a big thing for us, Christmas, hopefully we can get lucky with injuries
and suspensions," said the 30-year-old. "We had a difficult year last year,
found it hard and were sucked in (to the relegation scrap) so this year
we're playing with confidence. "Selection gets hard and it's one the manager
would like because he's never really had it. Everyone is fighting for their
place and the step up in quality has been good this year."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
WOULD RON VLAAR BE A QUALITY REPLACEMENT FOR WINSTON REID?
By S J Chandos 14 Dec 2014 at 13:00
West Ham till I Die
The contract situation with Winston Reid continues to rumble on. At this
stage, the obvious conclusion to be drawn is that Reid is running down his
contract to secure a lucrative Bosman move. So, the £60k contract offer
remains on the table and the club must seriously contemplate the worst case
scenerio and act decisively to line up a replacement, either in January or
more likely when Reid's current deal expires next June. A number of possible
names have already been linked as a possible replacement, including Celtic's
Virgil Diijk and Austrian international duo, Aleksandar Dragovic and Martin
Hinteregger. All three are promising, young centre-backs, with the potential
to make a major contribution to the future success of the club.
However, there may be another possibility that the club might consider.
According to the transfermarkt website Villa's powerful centre-back, Ron
Vlaar, is in the final year of his contract, which is due to expire on 30
June 2015. In fact, Vlaar's contractual position directly mirror's that of
our own Winston Reid. At 29 years of age, Vlaar is at the peak of his career
and would bring a wealth of experience to central defence. A current Dutch
international, he is a dominant figure, who leads by example. You can never
have enough leaders on the pitch and Vlaar is certainly that. He would
marshall the rearguard magnificently and pass on valuable experience to the
likes of Tomkins and emerging youngsters like Burke and Oxford. Allied to
that, a player of Vlaar's international experience would most definitely be
a positive addition should the club qualify for European competition season
in 2015-16.
I have previously made the point that no player is, or can ever be, bigger
than the club. If a player wants to try his luck elsewhere then West Ham
must set themselves the targets of (a) getting the best deal for the exiting
player and (b) signing a replacement who ideally represents an upgrade in
quality. It could be argued that Vlaar is an upgrade on Reid and would
significantly strengthen our defensive and leadership capacity. He is also
the type of all-action and committed footballer that West Ham fans
traditionally idolise. Could West Ham land Vlaar? Well, there is bound to be
a lot of interest both in the PL and abroad. And he can, of course, sign a
pre-contract deal with a overseas club from January 2015. However, he is the
type of player that an aspiring/upwardly mobile club like the Hammers should
be targeting, especially in view of the significant improvements achieved so
far this season.
Of course, a lot depends on Reid and the PL club's supposedly tracking him.
Will they bid in January or will they seek to capture him on a Bosman next
summer? Of course, there is the very real possibility that Reid is also
lining up a pre-contract deal to move to one of the major European leagues.
In which case, he is effectively going nowhere until the end of the season.
But that might not be too much of a problem if we could snap up a player
like Vlaar on a similiar Bosman deal. It might even be preferable, because
the defensive change could then be made in pre-season to minimise any
disruption and bed-in a new defensive unit.
So, is Ron Vlaar the type of centre-back that West Ham should be looking at
as a replacement for Winston Reid? Is he a realistic target, especially
financially, seeing as he is apparently in the final year of his contract at
Villa? If not, who would be a better option?
SJ. Chandos
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham flop Modibo Maiga facing Upton Park return after going AWOL during
Metz loan
Dec 14, 2014 11:14 By Steve Goodman
The 27-year-old striker failed to turn up for the Ligue 1 clash against
Marseille with Metz chiefs considering cutting his short his loan spell
The Mirror
West Ham flop Modibo Maiga has been made to sweat on his future after going
AWOL while out on loan, reports Steve Goodman in the Sunday People. The Mali
striker is at Metz, but the French club could ship him back to Upton Park
for missing their game last Sunday. Metz chiefs carpeted the 27-year-old
following the 3-1 loss to Marseille. Maiga also missed training on Tuesday.
"Modibo Maiga had a hearing on Thursday with Metz's disciplinary board," a
club spokesman revealed. "He'll be told its decision about his punishment
midway through next week. "Maiga didn't turn up on Decemeber 7 in time to
catch the plane to Marseille. "The club was unable to contact him and had to
set out with just 17 players."
Maiga has made 31 Premier League appearances for the Hammers since his
£5million arrival from Sochaux in 2012. Under contract until 2016, he spent
the second half of last season at QPR.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham's Andy Carroll says his life of partying is over - but his
reputation was unfair anyway
Dec 14, 2014 10:55 By Dean Jones
The West Ham striker is trying to make himself an integral part of the side
after a long spell out with injury
The Mirror
Andy Carroll insists his party-boy reputation is unfair, writes Dean Jones
in the Sunday People. The West Ham striker is trying to change public
opinion of himself and become a pivotal part of Sam Allardyce's plans now
that he is fit again. But he reckons any wild days of partying were blown
out of proportion. Carroll, once pictured partying until 4am in Las Vegas 36
hours before his West Ham medical, said: "I did get a lot of stick but I
went out no more than other players. "It was just that I was seen – so I got
the label. Hopefully that has gone now." In an interview on Soccer AM,
Hammers team-mate Kevin Nolan backed him up. Nolan said: "People notice him
more because he is 6ft 6in and has got long hair. He sticks out in a crowd
whereas I can go into London and not be noticed or recognised."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Irons signings for the future in January
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on December 14, 2014 in Whispers
Claret & Hugh
West Ham are set for a quiet January but are hoping to sign "one or two
players for the future." However, apart from offering a broad outline of
possible plans the club are keeping their cards very close to their chest
on their January plans. The two Davids haven't had a January – either here
or at Birmingham City – when they haven't brought players in but with the
club flying this season all bases look covered. ClaretandHugh was told by a
source: "The squad is strong and January is a time for troubled clubs to try
finding players who can make a difference to their situation. "There's no
serious need to spend a lot of cash on players. Big clubs don't spend a lot
at this time. "It could be the club will invest in one two for the future
and terms for a young centre back subject to work permit are close to being
agreed. He's about six months away from the first team though." He added:
"There's also a possibility one may go and we might sign a replacement."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Irons make big African tournament decision
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on December 14, 2014 in Whispers
Claret & Hugh
West Ham WILL be sending a team of medics to the African Nations Cup to look
after Diafra Sakho, Cheik Kouyate and Alex Song tournament
A top source finally revealed today the decision had been made to ensure
against any cock-ups such as affected Sakho on his last international trip.
ClaretandHugh was told this morning: "That is now the plan and it will
happen. "We can't afford to take any chances at all with the health of our
players. If they are selected to go then they will have our medics with
them." The club has hinted regularly over recent weeks that they are likely
to send club medical staff and have now firmed up the decision. They will
hire medical professionals to travel with the players to ensure there is no
shortage of staff at the club itself should then need to. We were told: "We
understand the players' desire to take part but we have to make sure as far
as we can there is absolutely no threat to any of them."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Bleaker and bleaker for Morrison
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on December 14, 2014 in Whispers
Clart & Hugh
Ravel Morrison's days at the club now look well and truly sealed as the
national press at large pick up the "it's over" story we published
yesterday. Various newspapers are repeating that the club could now even
consider cancelling the 21 year old's contract at Upton Park after a
miserable loan spell at Cardiff City. And this morning a club source
revealed that although he hasn't been helped by a change of manager at the
Welsh club, manager Sam Allardyce had really hoped to see the player buckle
down and play for his West Ham future. Both he and the two owners had wanted
to see the midfielder fulfill his huge potential and return to the Boleyn
ready to rumble.
The club remain hopeful that they will receive an offer for the player in
January but we were told the only "marginal interest" may be from Celtic.
Should nothing come of that and Morrison remains at the club when next
month's transfer window closes, the Hammers seem bound to consider paying
up the remainder of his contract which runs out at the end of the year as
both sides move on.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
http://vyperz.blogspot.com
---
This email has been checked for viruses by Avast antivirus software.
http://www.avast.com
WHUFC.com
Kevin Nolan was impressed with another comeback but is desperate to break
the habit of conceding first
14.12.2014
Kevin Nolan hopes he has seen the last of West Ham United's rescue acts for
the time being, keen to get the Hammers firmly back on the front foot.
Following Saturday's 1-1 Barclays Premier League stalemate at Sunderland,
Sam Allardyce's men have now conceded the first goal in three successive
outings. Impressively, they have still managed to collect seven points in
the process, but skipper Nolan insists that falling behind is a habit they
need to shake and need to shake quickly. "It's something we've got to get
out of our systems," he said. "Once we get ahead I think we could be one of
those teams that can really start to punish sides. Gifting teams goals the
way we have in previous games is not what we're about and not a habit we
want to get into. "We've been fantastic coming from behind in the last three
games, but it's something we want to eradicate quickly, because in the
Premier League, sooner or later, teams are going to hold out or hit us on
the counter. "But you can't fault the lads' effort, their response or the
way we've been playing in the last few games. Three wins on the spin and
then obviously this draw makes it ten points out of 12. If you'd have given
us that a fortnight ago going into the Newcastle game, everyone would have
taken that."
While Nolan was hardly about to underestimate the value of a point away from
home, he still felt a tinge of disappointment that West Ham were not leaving
the Stadium of a Light with all three. He continued: "All in all you've got
to respect the point when you get it, you're never going to get an easy game
when you come away from home. I'm just a bit gutted that we had to come from
behind and through no fault of our own. "We're a bit disappointed with a few
major decisions that didn't go our way, especially the penalty, which got
their spirits up. The response from us was fantastic, again, and we could
have gone on to win it. I thought we dominated the game throughout the 90
minutes, but it wasn't to be. "You've got to respect the point, it's a tough
place to come. Everyone finds it tough when they come to Sunderland. They're
a good side and we had to respect that, so we're happy to leave with a
point."
Saturday's draw sees the Hammers unbeaten in four and a November defeat by
Everton is now the only blemish on a ten-game record that includes six wins
and three draws. Nolan is still smarting about that reverse at Goodison Park
and urged the Hammers to keep their latest undefeated sequence intact. "Even
that one defeat against Everton, we thoroughly deserved something out of
it," he added. "So we're very disappointed that we've got that on the
record, but it's now about trying to go as many games without defeat. "We've
got a few tough ones coming up, Leicester, who are fighting for their lives,
next week at home and then we've got Chelsea, who are flying high. They've
been fantastic, so we've got to go to Stamford Bridge and then Arsenal at
home. It's going to be an exciting Christmas and hopefully one that we'll be
celebrating."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Stewart Downing delighted with West Ham form
Last Updated: 12/12/14 12:15pm
SSN
Stewart Downing says West Ham are loving being one of this season's surprise
packages after gatecrashing the Premier League top four.
The Hammers are fourth in the table and Downing reckons breaking the 'big
four' stranglehold on the Champions League places is important for the good
of football. West Ham boss Sam Allardyce spent a reported £31m in the summer
on the likes of Diafra Sahko, Cheikhou Kouyate and Aaron Cresswell but that
was dwarfed by the spending of Manchester United, Arsenal and Liverpool.
"It's good, teams have spent a lot of money and people expected them to be
in the top four because of what they've spent but it doesn't always work
that way," Downing said.
"We have bought very well, the players coming in have settled well.
Sometimes you see players coming to the Premier League struggle to adapt.
It's a big plus for us."
Southampton and the Hammers have shocked the big clubs with their form
during the first half of the season and Downing says that is a good thing.
"I think it would be good for the league," he added. "If you looked at the
league at the minute you'd say it was false but we're there on merit, we've
done well and we've played some big teams and played them off the park on
the day. "We've beaten Liverpool and Manchester City and ground out a win
against Newcastle, which we would have lost last season. We have shown good
qualities." The Hammers head to the Stadium of Light to face Sunderland on
Saturday and the ex-Liverpool winger thinks they can maintain their
challenge for a European spot. "We have to look at each game as it comes.
It's a big thing for us, Christmas, hopefully we can get lucky with injuries
and suspensions," said the 30-year-old. "We had a difficult year last year,
found it hard and were sucked in (to the relegation scrap) so this year
we're playing with confidence. "Selection gets hard and it's one the manager
would like because he's never really had it. Everyone is fighting for their
place and the step up in quality has been good this year."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
WOULD RON VLAAR BE A QUALITY REPLACEMENT FOR WINSTON REID?
By S J Chandos 14 Dec 2014 at 13:00
West Ham till I Die
The contract situation with Winston Reid continues to rumble on. At this
stage, the obvious conclusion to be drawn is that Reid is running down his
contract to secure a lucrative Bosman move. So, the £60k contract offer
remains on the table and the club must seriously contemplate the worst case
scenerio and act decisively to line up a replacement, either in January or
more likely when Reid's current deal expires next June. A number of possible
names have already been linked as a possible replacement, including Celtic's
Virgil Diijk and Austrian international duo, Aleksandar Dragovic and Martin
Hinteregger. All three are promising, young centre-backs, with the potential
to make a major contribution to the future success of the club.
However, there may be another possibility that the club might consider.
According to the transfermarkt website Villa's powerful centre-back, Ron
Vlaar, is in the final year of his contract, which is due to expire on 30
June 2015. In fact, Vlaar's contractual position directly mirror's that of
our own Winston Reid. At 29 years of age, Vlaar is at the peak of his career
and would bring a wealth of experience to central defence. A current Dutch
international, he is a dominant figure, who leads by example. You can never
have enough leaders on the pitch and Vlaar is certainly that. He would
marshall the rearguard magnificently and pass on valuable experience to the
likes of Tomkins and emerging youngsters like Burke and Oxford. Allied to
that, a player of Vlaar's international experience would most definitely be
a positive addition should the club qualify for European competition season
in 2015-16.
I have previously made the point that no player is, or can ever be, bigger
than the club. If a player wants to try his luck elsewhere then West Ham
must set themselves the targets of (a) getting the best deal for the exiting
player and (b) signing a replacement who ideally represents an upgrade in
quality. It could be argued that Vlaar is an upgrade on Reid and would
significantly strengthen our defensive and leadership capacity. He is also
the type of all-action and committed footballer that West Ham fans
traditionally idolise. Could West Ham land Vlaar? Well, there is bound to be
a lot of interest both in the PL and abroad. And he can, of course, sign a
pre-contract deal with a overseas club from January 2015. However, he is the
type of player that an aspiring/upwardly mobile club like the Hammers should
be targeting, especially in view of the significant improvements achieved so
far this season.
Of course, a lot depends on Reid and the PL club's supposedly tracking him.
Will they bid in January or will they seek to capture him on a Bosman next
summer? Of course, there is the very real possibility that Reid is also
lining up a pre-contract deal to move to one of the major European leagues.
In which case, he is effectively going nowhere until the end of the season.
But that might not be too much of a problem if we could snap up a player
like Vlaar on a similiar Bosman deal. It might even be preferable, because
the defensive change could then be made in pre-season to minimise any
disruption and bed-in a new defensive unit.
So, is Ron Vlaar the type of centre-back that West Ham should be looking at
as a replacement for Winston Reid? Is he a realistic target, especially
financially, seeing as he is apparently in the final year of his contract at
Villa? If not, who would be a better option?
SJ. Chandos
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham flop Modibo Maiga facing Upton Park return after going AWOL during
Metz loan
Dec 14, 2014 11:14 By Steve Goodman
The 27-year-old striker failed to turn up for the Ligue 1 clash against
Marseille with Metz chiefs considering cutting his short his loan spell
The Mirror
West Ham flop Modibo Maiga has been made to sweat on his future after going
AWOL while out on loan, reports Steve Goodman in the Sunday People. The Mali
striker is at Metz, but the French club could ship him back to Upton Park
for missing their game last Sunday. Metz chiefs carpeted the 27-year-old
following the 3-1 loss to Marseille. Maiga also missed training on Tuesday.
"Modibo Maiga had a hearing on Thursday with Metz's disciplinary board," a
club spokesman revealed. "He'll be told its decision about his punishment
midway through next week. "Maiga didn't turn up on Decemeber 7 in time to
catch the plane to Marseille. "The club was unable to contact him and had to
set out with just 17 players."
Maiga has made 31 Premier League appearances for the Hammers since his
£5million arrival from Sochaux in 2012. Under contract until 2016, he spent
the second half of last season at QPR.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham's Andy Carroll says his life of partying is over - but his
reputation was unfair anyway
Dec 14, 2014 10:55 By Dean Jones
The West Ham striker is trying to make himself an integral part of the side
after a long spell out with injury
The Mirror
Andy Carroll insists his party-boy reputation is unfair, writes Dean Jones
in the Sunday People. The West Ham striker is trying to change public
opinion of himself and become a pivotal part of Sam Allardyce's plans now
that he is fit again. But he reckons any wild days of partying were blown
out of proportion. Carroll, once pictured partying until 4am in Las Vegas 36
hours before his West Ham medical, said: "I did get a lot of stick but I
went out no more than other players. "It was just that I was seen – so I got
the label. Hopefully that has gone now." In an interview on Soccer AM,
Hammers team-mate Kevin Nolan backed him up. Nolan said: "People notice him
more because he is 6ft 6in and has got long hair. He sticks out in a crowd
whereas I can go into London and not be noticed or recognised."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Irons signings for the future in January
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on December 14, 2014 in Whispers
Claret & Hugh
West Ham are set for a quiet January but are hoping to sign "one or two
players for the future." However, apart from offering a broad outline of
possible plans the club are keeping their cards very close to their chest
on their January plans. The two Davids haven't had a January – either here
or at Birmingham City – when they haven't brought players in but with the
club flying this season all bases look covered. ClaretandHugh was told by a
source: "The squad is strong and January is a time for troubled clubs to try
finding players who can make a difference to their situation. "There's no
serious need to spend a lot of cash on players. Big clubs don't spend a lot
at this time. "It could be the club will invest in one two for the future
and terms for a young centre back subject to work permit are close to being
agreed. He's about six months away from the first team though." He added:
"There's also a possibility one may go and we might sign a replacement."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Irons make big African tournament decision
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on December 14, 2014 in Whispers
Claret & Hugh
West Ham WILL be sending a team of medics to the African Nations Cup to look
after Diafra Sakho, Cheik Kouyate and Alex Song tournament
A top source finally revealed today the decision had been made to ensure
against any cock-ups such as affected Sakho on his last international trip.
ClaretandHugh was told this morning: "That is now the plan and it will
happen. "We can't afford to take any chances at all with the health of our
players. If they are selected to go then they will have our medics with
them." The club has hinted regularly over recent weeks that they are likely
to send club medical staff and have now firmed up the decision. They will
hire medical professionals to travel with the players to ensure there is no
shortage of staff at the club itself should then need to. We were told: "We
understand the players' desire to take part but we have to make sure as far
as we can there is absolutely no threat to any of them."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Bleaker and bleaker for Morrison
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on December 14, 2014 in Whispers
Clart & Hugh
Ravel Morrison's days at the club now look well and truly sealed as the
national press at large pick up the "it's over" story we published
yesterday. Various newspapers are repeating that the club could now even
consider cancelling the 21 year old's contract at Upton Park after a
miserable loan spell at Cardiff City. And this morning a club source
revealed that although he hasn't been helped by a change of manager at the
Welsh club, manager Sam Allardyce had really hoped to see the player buckle
down and play for his West Ham future. Both he and the two owners had wanted
to see the midfielder fulfill his huge potential and return to the Boleyn
ready to rumble.
The club remain hopeful that they will receive an offer for the player in
January but we were told the only "marginal interest" may be from Celtic.
Should nothing come of that and Morrison remains at the club when next
month's transfer window closes, the Hammers seem bound to consider paying
up the remainder of his contract which runs out at the end of the year as
both sides move on.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
http://vyperz.blogspot.com
---
This email has been checked for viruses by Avast antivirus software.
http://www.avast.com
Sunday, December 14
Daily WHUFC News - 14th December 2014
Downing strike earns away point
WHUFC.com
West Ham United come from behind to secure a 1-1 stalemate at the Stadium of
Light
13.12.2014
Barclays Premier League
Sunderland 1-1 West Ham United
West Ham United battled back from a goal behind against Sunderland to secure
a 1-1 Barclays Premier League draw at the Stadium of Light on Saturday.
After James Tomkins was harshly adjudged to have felled Adam Johnson in the
box, Jordi Gomez set the hosts on their way with a 21st-minute penalty. But
Sam Allardyce's men trailed for just eight minutes, as Stewart Downing's
deflected drive nestled in the far corner of Costel Pantilimon's goal. The
stalemate extends the Hammers' unbeaten sequence to four, while they have
now suffered just one defeat in their last ten. On the back of his
destructive second-half display against Swansea City, Diafra Sakho was
restored to the starting XI, with Enner Valencia the man to make way. And
looking to pick up where they left off on Sunday, the Hammers thrice created
presentable openings in the first ten minutes here.
Sakho firstly hared down the right and brilliantly picked out Andy Carroll,
who sought to find the opposite corner, but headed into the arms of
Pantilimon. Then Carl Jenkinson tested the former Manchester City stopper.
Pouncing on Anthony Reveillere's poor header, the full-back's side-footed
effort was palmed away. And arguably the best of the bunch followed, when
Carroll met Downing's left-wing cross squarely on the forehead, but powered
it over the top. Not that West Ham were having it all their own way, with
Johnson's right-wing cross hanging invitingly in the air for Connor Wickham,
who glanced a header wide of Adrian's right-hand upright. Johnson was in the
thick of it again after 21 minutes, twisting and turning in the Hammers box,
before tumbling under the faintest of Tomkins challenges. Referee Phil Dowd
obliged and Gomez promptly sent Adrian the wrong way from 12 yards. The
Mackems' lead, however, lasted just eight minutes, with Downing taking
matters into his own hands. Once a Sunderland player himself, the
30-year-old cut inside onto his left foot and let fly, with a telling
deflection off Gomez's boot taking it beyond the dive of Pantilimon.
An open game to this point and so it continued, with a long ball over the
top setting Sakho away, only for the Senegalese to blast wide from the
right-hand side of the box. At the other end, Gomez flashed one across the
face, though there was no-one in a red and white shirt to turn it home. And
with the final action of the half, Seb Larsson skipped to the byline and
squared for Jozy Altidore, who looked certain to score, but somehow failed
to make any meaningful contact whatsoever.
The second half began in strange fashion, with Winston Reid coming off worse
in an awkward tangle with Wes Brown, as the duo prepared to contest a
Hammers corner. After lengthy treatment, the New Zealander was eventually
given the all clear to continue.
Larsson, meanwhile, tried his luck from 20 yards, but crashed his shot into
a West Ham wall. Moments later and Song was adjudged to have handled on the
edge of the box, gifting Johnson a good-looking opportunity to the right of
centre. Thankfully, his free-kick was straight at Adrian, who punched it
clear of danger.
For their part, West Ham had a gilt-edged chance on the hour, when Aaron
Cresswell found himself closing in on the six-yard box, but his attempted
cut-back was blocked and the chance gone.
In the 64th minute the visitors went closer still. This time Carroll picked
up the pieces in the box and dinked a measured effort over Pantilimon, only
to narrowly clear the crossbar too. Having weathered an early second-half
storm, the Hammers were well on top by now and some excellent build-up play
culminated in a deflected Carroll header drifting wide.
Sunderland were soon appealing for a second spot-kick of the afternoon when
Santiago Vergini's right-wing cross inadvertently struck the arm of Reid,
but on this occasion Dowd was unmoved.
Big Sam introduced Valencia for the final ten minutes, but it was Sunderland
who came desperately close to snatching it. Wickham collected the second
ball 20 yards from goal and only a stunning Adrian stop prevented his rocket
from flying in.
Carroll subsequently saw a side-footer from the edge of the box drift inches
past the upright of Pantilimon's goal, but the Hammers would ultimately have
to settle for a share of the spoils.
Sunderland: Pantilimon, Cattermole, Larsson, Wickham, Johnson (Alvarez 70),
Gomez, Reveillere, O'Shea, Altidore (Fletcher 62), Vergini
Subs: Mannone, Bridcutt, Rodwell, Coates, Buckley
Goal: Gomez 21
Booked: Gomez, Wickham
West Ham United: Adrian, Jenkinson, Tomkins, Reid, Cresswell, Song, Kouyate,
Nolan (c) (Valencia 81), Downing, Sakho, Carroll
Subs: Jaaskelainen, Zarate, O'Brien, Collins, Amalfitano, Cole
Goal: Downing 29
Booked: Reid, Downing
Referee: Phil Dowd
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Song - 'We showed character'
WHUFC.com
West Ham United midfielder Alex Song was pleased to earn a point after
falling behind at Sunderland
13.12.2014
Alex Song was satisfied with the point after West Ham United extended their
unbeaten run to a fourth game with a 1-1 draw at Sunderland on Saturday. For
the third match in succession, the Hammers had to come from behind to earn
the result, as Stewart Downing cancelled out Jordi Gomez's opener from the
spot. The point kept West Ham in the top four and Song says there were
plenty of positives to take back home. "We are happy to come away with a
point," he said. "I think it is a good point - it is never easy when you go
to play Sunderland
"We conceded the first goal, but then scored ourselves and managed the game
well. We had opportunities to score more, but it didn't come.
"It's good to not lose, you can see the good spirit and we have to focus on
the way we are playing."
The penalty award, for a James Tomkins foul on Adam Johnson, looked harsh on
the Hammers' No5 and Song felt on another day that decision could have gone
the visitors' way, "For me, I don't think it was a penalty. I will have to
see it again, but it was a difficult one," he added. "We showed good
character to come back into the game and it's always good to know that if
we're losing we can come back. "The team has character and everyone is happy
to come away on Saturday having not lost. We want to stay in the top four,
so it's very important to not lose."
Downing's equaliser was his third goal of the season and a further example
of his worth to the team, according to Song. He explained: "I think Stewart
is a very good player. He's shown a lot of things and I'm very happy for him
because he is a good guy as well. "In football sometimes you might try to do
something, and if it doesn't work you have to keep focused on what you're
doing and improve yourself in training, and then you see it on the pitch.
"I'm very happy for him and when he plays like this, good things can happen
for him. He's been back in the national team, and we have to help him do his
job very well. "We've seen what's happened for him and it's a pleasure to
play with him because he is a very good player."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Big Sam applauds Hammers' spirit
WHUFC.com
Sam Allardyce took heart from his side's spirit as West Ham United again
came from behind
13.12.2014
Sam Allardyce was yet again able to hail the spirit within his West Ham
United team after they Hammers came from behind to draw 1-1 at Sunderland.
Big Sam's side fell a goal down for the third Barclays Premier League match
in succession, but for the third time in a row took a positive result as
Stewart Downing cancelled out Jordi Gomez's controversial penalty. Speaking
to West Ham TV, the manager was not impressed with the decision to award
Sunderland a spot-kick on 21 minutes, when Adam Johnson fell under minimal
contact from James Tomkins. To their credit, the visitors regrouped at the
Stadium of Light, levelling eight minutes later when Downing's shot
deflected off Gomez's boot and past Costel Pantilimon. Both teams passed up
chances to take all three points during an entertaining, if goalless, second
half, but Big Sam was content to see his side extend their run to one defeat
in ten matches. "I am delighted in the performance of the team and I'm
really pleased with the way that they played," he began. "Right from the
very start, unlike how we started at West Brom, we took a grip on the game,
created several chances but couldn't put the ball in the net. "We then had
to overcome a massive setback when they were awarded a penalty which wasn't
a penalty, of course. "We got a quick response and another Stewart Downing
goal - I thought he was terrific. I thought the whole of the team played to
their best, apart from the final bit where we couldn't find the clinical
finish we needed to end up winning the game. "Coming back from a goal down
again, albeit against the run of play and from a penalty that wasn't a
penalty, showed the spirit in the team."
When asked about the incident which saw Sunderland awarded their penalty,
Big Sam suggested Johnson had been hugely fortunate to get the decision from
the match officials. "I can sum up the situation just like this as to why
the Sunderland player went down - he was running towards the touchline, he
has overhit the ball, he's not going to get a cross in and there is no
danger, so he had a little dive and made the referee or the assistant
referee make a decision. "There was no danger, there was no need for us to
go tackling him because he wasn't going to anywhere or create any danger.
All those assessments have to be made very quickly by players and by
officials on what they do and unfortunately the assistant referee has made a
horribly wrong decision by giving the penalty. "Phil Dowd, in his position
that we've had a look at on the analysis, could not have seen it because
there were three players in front of him."
Having fallen behind in such circumstances, Big Sam was thrilled that his
players did not sulk, but rather regrouped immediately and hit back through
Downing's equaliser. "Our overall performance was one where we would get to
the last ten or 15 minutes and sit back in and protect the point, but this
time we didn't. "We wanted to win it and you could see all the players went
and tried to win it. I'm delighted that all the defenders did their jobs
correctly and didn't let themselves get caught out by the odd breakout
Sunderland did have. "Like I said, away from home a point is always
acceptable, but overall we're disappointed we didn't win."
Perhaps the mark of how well West Ham have been playing is that the staff,
players and supporters are going into every game expecting a positive
result. For Big Sam, the challenge is to ensure that confidence does not
turn into complacence. "Well, we can't get too greedy, can we! We had three
wins on the trot and have one defeat in ten. "Under normal circumstances,
the chances we created and who they fell to, apart from the one golden
chance that fell to Aaron Cresswell who is not a natural finisher, fell to
our natural finishers. Unfortunately they didn't convert them. "In the end,
one defeat in ten off the back of a week with three victories, picking up a
point away from home, has us ready for Leicester at home next week and
trying to get three more before we go into the Christmas mayhem."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
U18s suffer Chelsea defeat
WHUFC.com
West Ham United U18s ended 2014 with a 5-2 home league defeat by rivals
Chelsea
13.12.2014
West Ham United ended a disappointing week with a 5-2 Barclays U18 Premier
League defeat by Chelsea at Little Heath. The young Hammers, who were
knocked out of the FA Youth Cup at Southampton in midweek, were on the back
foot for the majority of their meeting with the Blues. West Ham goalkeeper
Sam Howes saved an early penalty from Isaac Christie-Davies, but it was not
long before Ike Ugbo put Chelsea in front in a goalmouth scramble following
a corner. Grady Diangana saw a shot deflected narrowly wide as West Ham
looked to hit back immediately, only for the Hammers to concede a second
penalty just before the half-hour mark, which was despatched by Kyle Scott.
Steve Potts' side did pull a goal back just before half-time, when Joe
Powell's free-kick was spilled by Bradley Collins and Fatai Adebayo was on
hand to poke the loose ball into the net. Into the second half and Howes
denied Chelsea a third with a fantastic save from Kasey Palmer, but the
stopper was beaten again moments later when Faiq Bolkiah converted Fikayo
Tomori's cross. Palmer added a fourth from long range before Ugbo made it
5-1 after Howes had saved Palmer's initial shot. There was still time for
Howes to deny Bolkiah a sixth before substitute Decarrey Sheriff made the
final scoreline a little more respectable by finishing low into the corner
in the closing stages. West Ham's youngsters now take a break from
competitive action over the festive season before returning to the pitch
against Reading on Saturday 10 January.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Sunderland 1 West Ham 1
13 December 2014
Last updated at 17:28
By Luke Reddy
BBC Sport
West Ham maintained their place in the Premier League's top four by coming
from behind to draw at Sunderland. They trailed to Jordi Gomez's penalty,
given when Sunderland's Adam Johnson fell under James Tomkins' challenge.
That decision angered Hammers boss Sam Allardyce but Stewart Downing
levelled from 18 yards via a deflection. Jozy Altidore's glaring close-range
miss proved crucial for Sunderland, who drop to 15th, and the visitors'
Aaron Creswell had a one-on-one chance saved. Sunderland have now drawn 10
games from 16 but may take some comfort from the fact their latest point
comes against a side enjoying their best start in 31 years. The West Ham
side of 1973-74, boasting players such as Trevor Brooking and Frank Lampard
Snr, imploded after the turn of the year, but Downing's equaliser at the
Stadium of Light perhaps shows their current team are made of stern stuff.
Goalkeeper Adrian made a stunning late save to deny Connor Wickham, while
Winston Reid and Tomkins completed twice the number of clearances made by
their opposing central defenders. Tomkins was furious when his challenge on
Johnson was penalised, resulting in Gomez's coolly-taken spot-kick, and
Allardyce berated referee Phil Dowd when the official walked to the
touchline to calm the West Ham boss. Stewart Downing created five chances
and, of all the midfielders and forwards on the pitch, he was most accurate
with his passing in the opponents' half, completing 87.9%. He settled,
briefly, but punched the air jubilantly moments later when Downing cut in
from the right to drive in from 18 yards via a deflection.
Downing, recalled to the England squad after a two-year absence last month,
has now scored twice and created three goals in his last six West Ham
outings. Fresh from fixtures with Chelsea, Manchester City and Liverpool,
Sunderland boss Gus Poyet said his side must start winning ahead of kick-off
and they will look at Altidore's miss with the final kick of the opening
half as key. The American striker is yet to score in 10 league outings this
season for a Sunderland side who have failed to score in seven of their last
12 games. Their shortcomings in front of goal are not for lack of willing
and indeed both sides, each operating a 4-4-2 system, pressed for a winner,
with Adrian's tipped save from Wickham pivotal. And at the other end Andy
Carroll, who had seven attempts on goal, also fired wide with minutes
remaining as West Ham's three-game winning run ended. They now go into a
Christmas fixture list, which includes meetings with Arsenal and Chelsea, in
their highest league position at this stage of the season during the Premier
League era.
Sunderland manager Gus Poyet: "We cannot ask the players for more, we cannot
be more organised, but there is something missing and we need to find it.
"Luck helps, but we need to hit the target. When you have a break you need
to put in a good cross. "To play the football I want, at the moment we are
quite far away. We are doing as much as we can at the moment."
West Ham manager Sam Allardyce: "It was not a penalty and it is as simple as
that. It was given by the assistant referee and he got it horribly wrong. "I
wanted three points. I think the performances and chances created deserve
that but we respect a point away from home in the Premier League. "The
overall performance from the players was excellent and you have to be
satisfied when you come back from a goal down."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Sunderland 1-1 West Ham Utd
KUMB.com
Filed: Saturday, 13th December 2014
By: Staff Writer
Sam Allardyce was far from happy at the decision to award Sunderland a first
half penalty - but could have been rueing a second had referee Phil Dowd not
blundered again.
The Hammers boss was left seething on the touchline when Dowd awarded the
home side a first half penalty after Adam Johnson took a tumble in the box
following the slightest of nudges from James Tomkins.
However he was equally relieved that Dowd failed to award a second spot kick
to the home side when Winston Reid clearly handled the ball in the area 18
minutes from time.
In the end a point each was probably a fair result from a game that ebbed
and flowed, with both sides having a series of chances to win the game.
Whilst West Ham created the better opportunities and could lay reasonable
claim to being stronger on the day, they still had Adrian to thank for
preserving a point with a stunning save late on.
Both goals arrived in a busy first half; Gomez sent Adrian the wrong way
from the spot on 21 minutes after the hosts had been awarded an incredibly
soft spot kick following James Tomkins' intervention as Johnson drove into
the penalty box.
The Sunderland winger had no hesitation in throwing himself to the ground
upon feeling a nudge from Tomkins, whose challenge was clumsy but not worthy
of a penalty. The angry protestations of both Tomkins and Allardyce were
ignored.
But their joy was to be shortlived - eight minutes, to be precise - before a
former Black Cat levelled for the Hammers. A trademark strike from Stewart
Downing, who spent a short spell on loan at Sunderland several years ago
restored parity for West Ham moments ahead of the half hour mark.
Drifting in from the right flank, Downing beat 6'8" 'keeper Costel
Pantilimon, albeit with the aid of a slight deflection, low to the 'keeper's
right to make it 1-1 - just as he had at Crystal Palace earlier in the
season.
That's how it stayed until the final whistle - somehow - although both teams
had their goalkeepers to thank for that being the case.
Pantilimon was called into action as early as the sixth minute when he
denied Carl Jenkinson from close range after the marauding full back had
squeezed his way into the penalty box.
Meanwhile Adrian had to be at his very best to deny substitute Steven
Fletcher five minutes from time with a superb fingertip save. The striker's
fierce drive was heading for the roof of the net before the Spanish's
stopper's intervention almost certainly saved a point for the Hammers.
West Ham could have had the game won by then - Andy Carroll being most
guilty of missing a gilt-edged chance on 64 minutes, when the ball broke to
him from a corner but he could only chip an effort onto the roof of the net.
It was a frustrating day for the England striker, who has been outstanding
against Swansea at the Boleyn last weekend. He was left just as annoyed in
the final minute of normal time when he drilled a shot narrowly wide of the
post, with the goal at his mercy.
Yet had 'dozy' Jozy Altidore - without a goal in his last 28 Premier League
appearances stretching back to last December - tucked away the game's best
chance on the stroke of half time, the points may have already have been won
by then.
Fortunately for West Ham, Gomez's low centre got caught under Altidore's
feet and he failed to convert, despite having the goal at his mercy.
The draw ensures West Ham once again end the weekend in the Champions League
spots, level on points with Manchester United (who face Liverpool tomorrow).
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Alex Song open to extended stay
KUMB.com
Filed: Saturday, 13th December 2014
By: Staff Writer
On-loan midfielder Alex Song says he would consider extending his stay at
West Ham beyond the end of the current season. The 27-year-old midfielder is
at the Boleyn for the duration of the 2014/15 campaign and speaking in an
interview with the BBC's Football Focus this lunchtime, admitted he would
consider signing a permanent deal. "The most important thing for me is to be
playing every single game and for my fitness to be 100 per cent," he said.
"We will see at the end of the season and see what's happening. "At the
moment I'm very happy here with the fans and the club. I'm back in London
and I have my house here, so I'm very happy at West Ham. So why not? We will
see!"
Despite the obvious financial riches that a player of such quality could
command, the Caeroon international - who is living in London with his young
family - insisted that personal contentment was of more importance than
fiscal reward. "I hadn't played for a long time and I wanted to come back -
that's what I needed," he added. "West Ham is a massive club and it was a
big opportunity. I can make make my mark here it'll be very good. "I didn't
play for a long time at Barcelona. That was very difficult for me as I
wanted to show the people [what I can do]. When you're not playing people
start to say it's because you're not good enough. "That why I chose West
Ham, to show them - and at the moment I'm every happy. When you're somewhere
you're happy, that's the most important thing. I was very happy at Barcelona
but I wasn't playing - and when you're not playing, it's very difficult to
be 100 per cent happy."
And in terms of what West Ham - currently fourth in the Premier League - can
achieve this season, Song remains optimistic - yet pragmatic at the same
time. When asked to predict where United would end this season, he replied:
"Don't set the target very high. For me [to qualify for the] Europa League
would be fantastic."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham miss out on third place after draw at Sunderland
Last Updated: 13/12/14 7:03pm
SSN
West Ham United missed the chance to climb to third in the Premier League
after being held 1-1 by Sunderland at the Stadium of Light.
The hosts took the lead through a controversially awarded penalty despatched
by Jordi Gomez after 22 minutes, but Stewart Downing earned Sam Allardyce's
in-form side a point with a deflected left-footed strike seven minutes
later. Gus Poyet was left frustrated with Sunderland's inability to find a
winner in their 1-1 draw with West Ham. Jozy Altidore missed a superb chance
for Sunderland just before half-time and Andy Carroll fired centimetres wide
in the 90th minute for West Ham as both teams spurned fine opportunities to
claim victory. The result sees West Ham remain fourth in the table, level on
points with third-placed Manchester United, while Sunderland stay 15th after
their fifth draw in six games.
Sluggish Sunderland
West Ham made the more potent start and could have been out of sight inside
10 minutes. Carl Jenkinson and Diafra Sakho both had point-blank shots saved
by Costel Pantilimon from promising positions inside the area, and then
Carroll should have done better than head over from 15 yards after a superb
cross from Downing.
The hosts looked toothless in attack and equally susceptible to the counter,
with Downing on the left, Sakho on the right and Carroll through the middle
all threatening to overwhelm the Sunderland back line.
However, down the other end, Adam Johnson was proving just as a dangerous
and when he ran at an exposed James Tomkins in the right channel, the
slightest of contact was enough for him to go down and referee Phil Dowd
gave a penalty, much to the disgust of an irate Allardyce.
Gomez converted comfortably, but it was only a brief lead for Sunderland,
whose defenders inexplicably allowed Downing to shoot left-footed from the
edge of the area eight minutes later. The strike needed a deflection to
defeat Pantilimon and find the bottom corner, but it was nevertheless a
well-deserved equaliser.
Sakho had a fine chance to give West Ham the lead after another direct ball
down the right cut hapless Sunderland left-back Anthony Reveillere out of
the game, but once again the Senegal striker couldn't capitalise and pulled
his shot wide.
Fluffed lines
Sakho's miss was made to look forgivable on the stroke of half-time when
Altidore – six yards out and unmarked - inexplicably failed to make contact
with a low Sebastian Larsson cross.
Sunderland improved markedly after the break, but it was still West Ham who
enjoyed the better chances and Aaron Cresswell saw a low shot stopped by
Pantilimon after a deft pass from Downing.
The visitors' shot tally continued to rise, with Carroll chipping narrowly
over after a latching on to a loose ball 10 yards out, before Winston Reid
found the roof of the net with a looping header.
Sunderland manager Gus Poyet responded by sending on Steven Fletcher for the
ineffective Altidore, and the Scot almost repaid him with a rasping
left-foot shot that Adrian in the West Ham goal did well to save.
The game was now wide open and Connor Wickham thought he had stolen victory
for the hosts with a shot that was tipped narrowly over, but the best chance
fell to Carroll, whose low right-footer on the cusp of injury time flew just
the wrong side of the post.
Soccer Saturday verdict – Charlie Nicholas
Charlie Nicholas believes Gus Poyet will be the happier of the two managers
after Sunderland's 1-1 draw with West Ham. "Gus Poyet might be the happier
manager. I think Sam Allardyce will be pretty agitated to have the penalty
given against him. As the game wore on he ended up having a little bit of a
chuckle with the referee and by the time it was level it was obviously
easier for him. West Ham didn't get too many decisions given to them, but it
was a half-decent game. It lacked a bit of quality and a bit of drive at
times, but West Ham were more ambitious. It's 10 draws for Sunderland and
that tells you the type of team they are."
PLAYER RATINGS
Sunderland: Pantilimon (8), Vergini (6), Reveillere (4), O'Shea (5), Brown
(5), Cattermole (6), Larsson (6), Gomez (7), Johnson (7), Wickham (6),
Altidore (4).
Used subs: Fletcher (6), Alvarez (6).
Leicester City: Adrian (7), Jenkinson (7), Cresswell (7), Reid (6), Tomkins
(5), Kouyate (6), Song (7), Nolan (6), Downing (8), Carroll (7), Sakho (6).
Used subs: Valencia (6).
Man of the match: Stewart Downing.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Sam Allardyce angry at penalty decision after West Ham draw 1-1 at
Sunderland
Last Updated: 14/12/14 7:20am
SSN
West Ham United manager Sam Allardyce criticised referee Phil Dowd and his
assistants for awarding the penalty that denied his side victory in a 1-1
draw against Sunderland at the Stadium of Light. The hosts took the lead
after 22 minutes through a Jordi Gomez spot-kick after Adam Johnson had gone
to ground under a light challenge from James Tomkins. West Ham equalised
through Stewart Downing's deflected shot, but couldn't force a winner and
consequently missed the chance to climb to third in the Premier League. "No,
I'm not [happy]," Allardyce told Sky Sports. "We might have been celebrating
three points here, with the fact that the penalty decision is the wrong one.
'Took a dive'
Charlie Nicholas believes Gus Poyet will be the happier of the two managers
after Sunderland's 1-1 draw with West Ham "I don't think there's any doubt
about the fact that he [Johnson] took a dive. It has not been given by Phil
Dowd because he can't see it - there are three players in front of him - so
it had to be the assistant referee, who, unfortunately for us, has got a
decision horribly wrong.
Would we have won the game 1-0 if that hadn't have happened? Who knows?"
Sunderland had a second claim for a penalty in the second half, when Winston
Reid handled a cross that bounced up on to his arm. This time Dowd waved
play on, and Allardyce thought it was the right decision. "Handballs have to
be intentional," he added. "It says in the rules that if you are going to
handle the ball, it has to be hand to ball, not ball to hand. "When a ball
comes through and bounces and hits you on the arm, it's not a handball in
the interpretation of the rules."
'Attacked constantly'
West Ham are now unbeaten in four matches and, despite his disappointment at
the result at the Stadium of Light, Allardyce was happy to see his team's
high level of performance continue. "Our overall performance was excellent,"
he said. "We came here to attack and we attacked constantly. We made enough
chances in the first 20-25 minutes to win two games but never converted
them. "We left the back door open occasionally because we were attacking so
much and trying to get the winner, which gave Sunderland a couple of
chances, but our goalkeeper has had little to do. "Performance-wise it was
very good, but result-wise we are slightly disappointed because of the
circumstances it has ended up being a draw."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
SUNDERLAND 1, WEST HAM 1. SHOULD HAVE WON, COULD HAVE LOST.
By David Hautzig 13 Dec 2014 at 18:55
West Ham Till I Die
The buildup to a match is often amplified by whatever rational or irrational
dislike I have for the opposition. Which made today's game a little
different. I don't really have anything against Sunderland. I remember going
to my local pub in Manhattan at something like 6am to watch Freddie Kanoute
score in a 1-0 win in the FA Cup, and the Sunderland supporters there were
fantastic to be around even in defeat. Barry Glendenning of the Football
Weekly podcast, my favorite guest on the pod, is a Sunderland supporter. And
even though his reign was short by any measure, Di Canio's time there made
every West Ham supporter look out for Sunderland results. I have no issues
with them.
That isn't to say there wasn't anything of intrigue about today's match.
When Sam was supposedly a dead man walking last year many bookies had Gus
Poyet as the favorite to take over at Upton Park. As for the guys on the
pitch, last week we got to see Andy Carroll take the stand and tell the jury
why the debate about him or Bony ain't quite over. This week Diafra Sakho
had the opportunity to show Connor Wickham why West Ham bought the right
guy. I'm pretty sure he has already convinced Sam that he's lucky he can't
always get what he wants, and that instead he got what he needed.
Keith Richards would do well in the transfer market.
With basically a fully fit squad to choose from, the anticipation for the
2pm announcement of the starting eleven wasn't that exciting. There was
speculation that Mark Noble could return and Kouyate could start on the
bench. The fact that such a suggestion about a key signing didn't send
shockwaves through the supporter community spoke volumes about how different
the club is now and how we all feel about it. As it turned out, Noble wasn't
quite fit enough to be selected.
Sunderland looked more comfortable on the ball in the opening five minutes,
with West Ham comfortable to deal with the pressure and settle themselves
down. For the first time in many years, we have the kind of attacking
options and prowess that can erupt at any moment. Which is what happened in
the 6th minute when the ball broke to Jenkinson near the back post, but his
shot was saved by Pantilimon. A few minutes later Sakho sent a cross into
the box that had nobody there to meet it, and then Carroll had a shot on
target that was easily handled by Pantilimon.
West Ham continued to apply the pressure when Aaron Cresswell made his way
down the left hand side before passing to Downing. Carroll made a run in the
box, and Downing found the most expensive skull in history but the attempt
went over the bar.
The Christmas season has many predictable features. Shops are dressed up in
lights and holiday decorations, the same Christmas music is played over and
over again in virtually every public space, and Kevin Nolan gets a three
match vacation. In the 12th minute, Santiago Vergini was brought down by
Captain Kev and while I knew it wouldn't be a red card, I thoroughly
expected a yellow. However, Phil Dowd decided to have a word with him
instead and he escaped a booking. Maybe that's an ancillary benefit of being
higher up the table?
The words "Song passes to Jenkinson down the right side" are becoming so
commonplace I wonder why defenders more often than not look utterly
unprepared for it. I mean, if we know its gonna happen shouldn't they? This
time, instead of a ball into the box, Jenkinson cut back and attempted a
shot. With good players in and around the area, our fullbacks have options.
And those options will create chances. Nothing came from this mini chance,
but it made the moment stick out.
When he is on his game, Adam Johnson can be a handful for defenders. He's
quick with the ball, able to turn defenders around and create just enough
space to either shoot or make an accurate pass. In the 21st minute, he did
that to James Tomkins on the right side of the penalty area and got behind
our central defender. Tomkins then tried to recover, put his forearm on
Johnson's back, and the striker went down. I may take some stick
here…actually I will certainly take some because every one of my Twitter
friends were furious at the call. But I immediately expected Dowd to award
the penalty. It was a matter of positioning in my opinion, and once Johnson
got behind Tomkins we were in trouble. Maybe if JT had not touched Johnson
and let him continue his run, the resulting cross would have been dealt
with. I, for one, had no problem with the call other than being upset we
would likely go down 1-0. Which we did.
Sunderland 1, West Ham 0.
For the third consecutive match, West Ham had conceded the opening goal. We
all know how the last two ended up, so unlike previous years the depression
that settled in was replaced by resolve. Fine, we'll just make you feel that
much more disappointed when you don't win the game.
When Stuart Downing scored his goal at Crystal Palace, the jokes about him
being fined by Sam for shooting from outside the box were plentiful. So when
the television screen showed our rejuvenated playmaker collect the ball from
Kevin Nolan outside the box in the 29th minute and cut to his left before
firing, you could have superimposed the goal at Selhurst Park over the
action today and it would have been hard to tell the difference. Yeah, the
ball took a deflection. Yeah, that needed a bit of luck. But players make
their own luck with hard work and skill, and Downing has done that all
season.
Sunderland 1, West Ham 1.
The Hammers were certainly energized by the equalizer. In the 38th minute
Kouyate put a ball downfield that at first glance looked like a clearance.
Until, that is, Sakho came into the picture to chase it down and have a
crack at goal. It was easily handled, but Sakho is making it clear that when
there is even a sniff of nylon in the air he will go for goal. It's how he
is wired.
The first name to be written down by Phil Dowd was Winston Reid when he took
Jozy Altidore down right after my fellow American flicked the ball forward
to Larsson. Dowd played the advantage, and Sunderland had the ball in a
dangerous area for more time than I was comfortable with. Thankfully for us,
all that time amounted to nothing.
Two minutes of injury time were added to the end of the half, and both teams
tried to sneak into halftime with a second goal. First Jordi Gomez collected
a quick free kick that caught West Ham by surprise. It also, however, caught
most of the Sunderland players by surprise as well so nobody attacked his
ball in the box that was there to be slotted in. Carroll then earned a free
kick after receiving a pass from Downing but couldn't create a real chance
from it. The pendulum swung back to Sunderland when Larsson found Altidore
all alone in front of Adrian. The ball was a shade behind him, and he
couldn't control it. West Ham escaped that one, and Altidore's woes in the
Premier League continued.
Halftime.
West Ham started the second forty five minutes the better side. Early on,
Jenkinson made a very tasty pass to Sakho down the right side and his cross
was deflected out for a corner. Downing took it, and the ball floated across
the penalty area, which included Winston Reid laying on the ground clutching
his head. Replays showed Wes Brown giving him a little tug which sent him to
ground, and then Brown's boot caught the side of Reid's head as the
Sunderland defender fell over our defender. No autopsy, no foul I guess. A
second corner went to Carroll, but his header went right to Pantilimon.
In the 53rd minute Sunderland took their turn on attack. A nice one-two for
Larsson led to a shot that was deflected out for what would be the first of
three quick corners for the home side. Carroll cleared the first one with
his head, reminding us that he can use that part of his body on both ends of
the pitch. The second presented itself to Connor Wickham who couldn't finish
the job, and the third was cleared out of danger. If anything, it got the
home crowd to make some noise.
Some things in life happen so infrequently that if you miss it, you may
never see it again. A comet streaking through the sky comes to mind. Return
trips for them are measured in the thousands of years. So too are absolute
foul ups by Alex Song. That happened in the 54th minute when he misjudged a
looping ball to him so badly it bounced off his upper arm inches outside the
penalty area, resulting in a Sunderland free kick. Adrian punched the ball
away, and moments later West Ham were on the counter with Downing running
the ball up with a full head of steam. Jordi Gomez would have none of that,
and tripped Downing from behind to earn himself a place in Phil Down's book.
Connor Wickham had a half chance in the 58th minute when he was played into
the box, but Jenkinson took the half a chance and turned it into no chance
by getting between Wickham and the ball as it rolled out for a goal kick.
West Ham then had a full blown chance in the 60th minute. Song fed Downing
on the left side of the box. Downing found Cresswell making an overlapping
run, but Pantilimon came out to meet the left back's attempt and made the
save. It was the best chance of the second half for either side up to that
point.
I have a soft spot for Jozy Altidore, so I was disappointed when he was
subbed for Steven Fletcher in the 62nd minute. I'd like Altidore to show the
side of him we here in America have seen many times, although not against
West Ham. I also hated to see Fletcher come on because he is a goal scorer,
and him nicking one would not have shocked me at all.
Carroll came close to giving West Ham the lead in the 64th minute when
Downing got on the end of a ball on the right side just before it went out
for a goal kick. He crossed to Sakho, who went down from a Wes Brown
challenge but not before flicking the ball to Carroll whose chip over
Pantilimon was so close you could hear the gasps throughout our community. A
minute later, Reid tried a back header from a corner that also went over the
bar. Then Song and Nolan played a one-two that ended up on Cresswell's boot.
His cross was intended for you know who, but O'Shea steered it out for a
corner. Nothing came from it, but we were far better than the hosts.
The football gods love to play jokes. Just when we think they are against
us, they show that while we play our little games they play theirs. Larsson
curled a cross into the box that looked to hit Reid right on the arm. The
Stadium Of Light illuminated with cries for a second spot kick, but Dowd
ignored them. Maybe he remembered Sam's protests on the penalty in the first
half and decided our manager would burst a blood vessel in his huge neck at
another one and such a scene would best be avoided.
The minute Andy Carroll was fit and returned to the side, I have wanted to
see him on the pitch with both Sakho and Valencia. That is not to say I have
any tactical nous to explain why I think it would be a good idea. I just
think that if it worked, then we could be so deadly on attack it would defy
our wildest dreams. In the 81st minute I got my wish when Valencia replaced
Nolan. There was no way ANYONE could accuse Allardyce of doing anything but
going for the win.
Larsson showed his worth on the defensive end of the pitch in the 84th
minute when he tracked back to chase down a dangerous run from Downing.
After winning the ball and getting it to Fletcher, the Scottish
international laid the ball off for Connor Wickham. Would this be his moment
like Carroll had his last week against Bony? No, but it was close as Adrian
pushed it out for a corner. A few minutes later West Ham were back on the
front foot when Carroll collected a deflection inside the penalty area. His
low shot was just a few inches wide of the bottom right hand corner. Both
sides wanted it, but would either get it?
Five minutes of added time saw Sakho win a header from a free kick, and Reid
break up a last ditch effort by Wickham. Those same joking gods wanted a
draw, and they got one.
Final score. Sunderland 1, West Ham 1.
In sales, sometimes slow and steady growth is better than explosive growth.
The same can be said for football. In that vain, a draw today should not be
looked as two points dropped. Either team could have won, and either team
could have lost. Overall, West Ham were the slightly better team with more
meaningful possession and intent with the ball. But Sunderland had their
chances as well and showed why they don't fall over when the likes of
Chelsea come for a visit.
My weekend mood is dictated by our club. Not easy on the family, I know. But
it's how I'm wired. I wanted to win. But I'm still feeling ok.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham's Ravel Morrison has door slammed shut on possible return to Upton
Park
Dec 13, 2014 22:30 By Tom Hopkinson
Former Man United starlet's loan at Cardiff hasn't worked out and if the
Hammers cannot find a taker for him in January they may try to cancel his
contract
The Mirror
West Ham have told Ravel Morrison there is no way back for him at Upton Park
and that they will look to move him on in the January transfer window,
reports Tom Hopkinson in the Sunday People. Former Manchester United starlet
Morrison has been sent back to West Ham from Championship club Cardiff,
where he was on loan. And that has proved the last straw for the Hammers,
who have finally run out of patience with the gifted midfielder. If a buyer
cannot be found for the 21-year-old, then the club could even explore the
option of cancelling his contract.
Morrison joined West Ham in 2012 after his Old Trafford manager Sir Alex
Ferguson tired of the youngster's wayward ways. Irons boss Sam Allardyce
decided to take a chance on the player. However, he has never managed to get
a consistent run of games at Upton Park, with the Mancunian's behavioural
issues continuing to prove a problem. His deal – which contained an
£18million release clause – expires at the end of the season. If there are
no takers in January, and the club cannot cancel his contract, then they
will let him go for nothing in the summer.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham boss Sam Allardyce slams referee Phil Dowd over Adam Johnson 'dive'
in Sunderland draw
Dec 13, 2014 19:51 By Colin Young
The hosts were awarded a first-half spot-kick at the Stadium of Light for a
foul on the winger but Allardyce believes he conned official Dowd
The Mirror
West Ham boss Sam Allardyce accused England winger Adam Johnson of diving as
his side squandered a chance to stay third at the Stadium of Light. Jordi
Gomez stroked home from the penalty spot after referee Phil Dowd, under
guidance from his assistant David Bryan, awarded a first half spot-kick
against James Tomkins for a foul on Johnson. But Allardyce, who led furious
protests by the touchline, claimed Johnson had cheated to win the penalty.
The Hammers boss said: "It's a dive. I have seen four angles on the laptop
and the assistant referee has made the wrong decision, in my opinion. "It
was not the referee's decision because he couldn't see from where he was
because he was obscured by three players. "You can only ask him why he has
made the decision. After all the years experience he has gained how if he
doesn't see that is a dive it is concerning I have to say. "To recover from
a poor decision on the penalty shows good character. A good point in the end
and we went all out to get three."
Sunderland boss Gus Poyet rubbished Allardyce's attack on Johnson, who was
substituted before the end. Poyet said: "It is a little bit harsh to say he
dived, but I don't think it was a penalty. "I didn't think he dived. The
defender was in front of him and stronger and bigger. If the referee gives a
penalty, you are not going to say no. "He probably didn't talk about the
second half penalty but I bet if it had been the other way round I bet it
would not be a dive and it would be a blatant handball.' Gomez's second
Sunderland goal was cancelled out by former Middlesbrough winger Stewart
Downing, who spent a seven-game spell on loan at the Stadium of Light. Both
sides had chances to win three points but Jozy Altidore fluffed an open goal
and former Newcastle striker Andy Carroll twice narrowly missed the target.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Song's "I may stay" interviews raise worries
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on December 13, 2014 in Whispers
Claret & Hugh
West Ham reckon Alex Song will take the best deal available to him at the
end of the season despite the player's constant reminders he could stay with
the Irons. Song has given numerous interviews in which he has made
essentially the same point – "that there's a chance he could stay." Regular
interviews in the written press were followed today by a BBC Football Focus
interview in which he declared: "The most important thing for me is to be
playing every single game and for my fitness to be 100 per cent,. We will
see at the end of the season and see what's happening. "At the moment I'm
very happy here with the fans and the club. I'm back in London and I have my
house here, so I'm very happy at West Ham. So why not? We will see!" There's
a danger in such circumstances that the board will go overboard in trying to
convince him NOW or over the next few weeks and making rushed offers. A top
source told ClaretandHugh: "It hasn't escaped our attention that Alex is
saying the same thing publicly to different media outlets very regularly and
it doesn't help things. "What is does do is remind clubs that he is still
very much available and thus there's an obvious danger we are a shop window
.
"Yes, we want to keep him, yes we will make a strong offer but in the end
the player is likely to take the best offer he receives. It's the way of the
world. We're interested in his actions not words"
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Downing earns battling Irons share of spoils
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on December 13, 2014 in Whispers
Sunderland 1 Irons 1
Claret & Hugh
Stewart Downing earned the Irons a hard won point in a dour affair. The home
side had taken the lead via a Jordi Gomez penalty after a very dodgy
decision by Phil Dowd against James Tomkins with Johnson gaining a very soft
decision.r. We had looked the better side in the early exchanges with Alex
Song protecting a well organised back four whilst looking dangerous on the
break. We were pressing high with Nolan pushing forward to join Carroll and
Sakho and although the home side battled they carried little threat. However
Johnson managed to gain his penalty running at Tomkins to draw the foul in
the 23rd minute. Gomez sent Adrian the wrong way from the spot. It made
little difference to the thrust of the game which saw the Irons pushing
forward and always looking likely to score. Downing got us back on terms
with a left-foot shot from the right-hand edge of the box which took a
deflection past keeper Pantilimon. Sakho dragged a shot wide in the 38th
minute and saw the Sunderland keeper save on the break as the two sides went
blow for blow without the home side ever look seriously potent. Song had a
fine game in midfield for West Ham, stifling almost all of Sunderland's play
through the middle although the home team were finding more tempo as the
second half progressed. And we were lucky to escape a second penalty in the
72nd minute when replays showed Reid had handled and later. Immediately
afterwards Fletcher tested Adrian who saved well. Sunderland were looking
the more likely at this stage and Adrian was in fine touch when finger
tipping over a Wickham thunderbolt. Carroll and Sakho had half chances but
with the hosts attacking towards the final whistle a draw was probably a
fair result.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
http://vyperz.blogspot.com
---
This email has been checked for viruses by Avast antivirus software.
http://www.avast.com
WHUFC.com
West Ham United come from behind to secure a 1-1 stalemate at the Stadium of
Light
13.12.2014
Barclays Premier League
Sunderland 1-1 West Ham United
West Ham United battled back from a goal behind against Sunderland to secure
a 1-1 Barclays Premier League draw at the Stadium of Light on Saturday.
After James Tomkins was harshly adjudged to have felled Adam Johnson in the
box, Jordi Gomez set the hosts on their way with a 21st-minute penalty. But
Sam Allardyce's men trailed for just eight minutes, as Stewart Downing's
deflected drive nestled in the far corner of Costel Pantilimon's goal. The
stalemate extends the Hammers' unbeaten sequence to four, while they have
now suffered just one defeat in their last ten. On the back of his
destructive second-half display against Swansea City, Diafra Sakho was
restored to the starting XI, with Enner Valencia the man to make way. And
looking to pick up where they left off on Sunday, the Hammers thrice created
presentable openings in the first ten minutes here.
Sakho firstly hared down the right and brilliantly picked out Andy Carroll,
who sought to find the opposite corner, but headed into the arms of
Pantilimon. Then Carl Jenkinson tested the former Manchester City stopper.
Pouncing on Anthony Reveillere's poor header, the full-back's side-footed
effort was palmed away. And arguably the best of the bunch followed, when
Carroll met Downing's left-wing cross squarely on the forehead, but powered
it over the top. Not that West Ham were having it all their own way, with
Johnson's right-wing cross hanging invitingly in the air for Connor Wickham,
who glanced a header wide of Adrian's right-hand upright. Johnson was in the
thick of it again after 21 minutes, twisting and turning in the Hammers box,
before tumbling under the faintest of Tomkins challenges. Referee Phil Dowd
obliged and Gomez promptly sent Adrian the wrong way from 12 yards. The
Mackems' lead, however, lasted just eight minutes, with Downing taking
matters into his own hands. Once a Sunderland player himself, the
30-year-old cut inside onto his left foot and let fly, with a telling
deflection off Gomez's boot taking it beyond the dive of Pantilimon.
An open game to this point and so it continued, with a long ball over the
top setting Sakho away, only for the Senegalese to blast wide from the
right-hand side of the box. At the other end, Gomez flashed one across the
face, though there was no-one in a red and white shirt to turn it home. And
with the final action of the half, Seb Larsson skipped to the byline and
squared for Jozy Altidore, who looked certain to score, but somehow failed
to make any meaningful contact whatsoever.
The second half began in strange fashion, with Winston Reid coming off worse
in an awkward tangle with Wes Brown, as the duo prepared to contest a
Hammers corner. After lengthy treatment, the New Zealander was eventually
given the all clear to continue.
Larsson, meanwhile, tried his luck from 20 yards, but crashed his shot into
a West Ham wall. Moments later and Song was adjudged to have handled on the
edge of the box, gifting Johnson a good-looking opportunity to the right of
centre. Thankfully, his free-kick was straight at Adrian, who punched it
clear of danger.
For their part, West Ham had a gilt-edged chance on the hour, when Aaron
Cresswell found himself closing in on the six-yard box, but his attempted
cut-back was blocked and the chance gone.
In the 64th minute the visitors went closer still. This time Carroll picked
up the pieces in the box and dinked a measured effort over Pantilimon, only
to narrowly clear the crossbar too. Having weathered an early second-half
storm, the Hammers were well on top by now and some excellent build-up play
culminated in a deflected Carroll header drifting wide.
Sunderland were soon appealing for a second spot-kick of the afternoon when
Santiago Vergini's right-wing cross inadvertently struck the arm of Reid,
but on this occasion Dowd was unmoved.
Big Sam introduced Valencia for the final ten minutes, but it was Sunderland
who came desperately close to snatching it. Wickham collected the second
ball 20 yards from goal and only a stunning Adrian stop prevented his rocket
from flying in.
Carroll subsequently saw a side-footer from the edge of the box drift inches
past the upright of Pantilimon's goal, but the Hammers would ultimately have
to settle for a share of the spoils.
Sunderland: Pantilimon, Cattermole, Larsson, Wickham, Johnson (Alvarez 70),
Gomez, Reveillere, O'Shea, Altidore (Fletcher 62), Vergini
Subs: Mannone, Bridcutt, Rodwell, Coates, Buckley
Goal: Gomez 21
Booked: Gomez, Wickham
West Ham United: Adrian, Jenkinson, Tomkins, Reid, Cresswell, Song, Kouyate,
Nolan (c) (Valencia 81), Downing, Sakho, Carroll
Subs: Jaaskelainen, Zarate, O'Brien, Collins, Amalfitano, Cole
Goal: Downing 29
Booked: Reid, Downing
Referee: Phil Dowd
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Song - 'We showed character'
WHUFC.com
West Ham United midfielder Alex Song was pleased to earn a point after
falling behind at Sunderland
13.12.2014
Alex Song was satisfied with the point after West Ham United extended their
unbeaten run to a fourth game with a 1-1 draw at Sunderland on Saturday. For
the third match in succession, the Hammers had to come from behind to earn
the result, as Stewart Downing cancelled out Jordi Gomez's opener from the
spot. The point kept West Ham in the top four and Song says there were
plenty of positives to take back home. "We are happy to come away with a
point," he said. "I think it is a good point - it is never easy when you go
to play Sunderland
"We conceded the first goal, but then scored ourselves and managed the game
well. We had opportunities to score more, but it didn't come.
"It's good to not lose, you can see the good spirit and we have to focus on
the way we are playing."
The penalty award, for a James Tomkins foul on Adam Johnson, looked harsh on
the Hammers' No5 and Song felt on another day that decision could have gone
the visitors' way, "For me, I don't think it was a penalty. I will have to
see it again, but it was a difficult one," he added. "We showed good
character to come back into the game and it's always good to know that if
we're losing we can come back. "The team has character and everyone is happy
to come away on Saturday having not lost. We want to stay in the top four,
so it's very important to not lose."
Downing's equaliser was his third goal of the season and a further example
of his worth to the team, according to Song. He explained: "I think Stewart
is a very good player. He's shown a lot of things and I'm very happy for him
because he is a good guy as well. "In football sometimes you might try to do
something, and if it doesn't work you have to keep focused on what you're
doing and improve yourself in training, and then you see it on the pitch.
"I'm very happy for him and when he plays like this, good things can happen
for him. He's been back in the national team, and we have to help him do his
job very well. "We've seen what's happened for him and it's a pleasure to
play with him because he is a very good player."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Big Sam applauds Hammers' spirit
WHUFC.com
Sam Allardyce took heart from his side's spirit as West Ham United again
came from behind
13.12.2014
Sam Allardyce was yet again able to hail the spirit within his West Ham
United team after they Hammers came from behind to draw 1-1 at Sunderland.
Big Sam's side fell a goal down for the third Barclays Premier League match
in succession, but for the third time in a row took a positive result as
Stewart Downing cancelled out Jordi Gomez's controversial penalty. Speaking
to West Ham TV, the manager was not impressed with the decision to award
Sunderland a spot-kick on 21 minutes, when Adam Johnson fell under minimal
contact from James Tomkins. To their credit, the visitors regrouped at the
Stadium of Light, levelling eight minutes later when Downing's shot
deflected off Gomez's boot and past Costel Pantilimon. Both teams passed up
chances to take all three points during an entertaining, if goalless, second
half, but Big Sam was content to see his side extend their run to one defeat
in ten matches. "I am delighted in the performance of the team and I'm
really pleased with the way that they played," he began. "Right from the
very start, unlike how we started at West Brom, we took a grip on the game,
created several chances but couldn't put the ball in the net. "We then had
to overcome a massive setback when they were awarded a penalty which wasn't
a penalty, of course. "We got a quick response and another Stewart Downing
goal - I thought he was terrific. I thought the whole of the team played to
their best, apart from the final bit where we couldn't find the clinical
finish we needed to end up winning the game. "Coming back from a goal down
again, albeit against the run of play and from a penalty that wasn't a
penalty, showed the spirit in the team."
When asked about the incident which saw Sunderland awarded their penalty,
Big Sam suggested Johnson had been hugely fortunate to get the decision from
the match officials. "I can sum up the situation just like this as to why
the Sunderland player went down - he was running towards the touchline, he
has overhit the ball, he's not going to get a cross in and there is no
danger, so he had a little dive and made the referee or the assistant
referee make a decision. "There was no danger, there was no need for us to
go tackling him because he wasn't going to anywhere or create any danger.
All those assessments have to be made very quickly by players and by
officials on what they do and unfortunately the assistant referee has made a
horribly wrong decision by giving the penalty. "Phil Dowd, in his position
that we've had a look at on the analysis, could not have seen it because
there were three players in front of him."
Having fallen behind in such circumstances, Big Sam was thrilled that his
players did not sulk, but rather regrouped immediately and hit back through
Downing's equaliser. "Our overall performance was one where we would get to
the last ten or 15 minutes and sit back in and protect the point, but this
time we didn't. "We wanted to win it and you could see all the players went
and tried to win it. I'm delighted that all the defenders did their jobs
correctly and didn't let themselves get caught out by the odd breakout
Sunderland did have. "Like I said, away from home a point is always
acceptable, but overall we're disappointed we didn't win."
Perhaps the mark of how well West Ham have been playing is that the staff,
players and supporters are going into every game expecting a positive
result. For Big Sam, the challenge is to ensure that confidence does not
turn into complacence. "Well, we can't get too greedy, can we! We had three
wins on the trot and have one defeat in ten. "Under normal circumstances,
the chances we created and who they fell to, apart from the one golden
chance that fell to Aaron Cresswell who is not a natural finisher, fell to
our natural finishers. Unfortunately they didn't convert them. "In the end,
one defeat in ten off the back of a week with three victories, picking up a
point away from home, has us ready for Leicester at home next week and
trying to get three more before we go into the Christmas mayhem."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
U18s suffer Chelsea defeat
WHUFC.com
West Ham United U18s ended 2014 with a 5-2 home league defeat by rivals
Chelsea
13.12.2014
West Ham United ended a disappointing week with a 5-2 Barclays U18 Premier
League defeat by Chelsea at Little Heath. The young Hammers, who were
knocked out of the FA Youth Cup at Southampton in midweek, were on the back
foot for the majority of their meeting with the Blues. West Ham goalkeeper
Sam Howes saved an early penalty from Isaac Christie-Davies, but it was not
long before Ike Ugbo put Chelsea in front in a goalmouth scramble following
a corner. Grady Diangana saw a shot deflected narrowly wide as West Ham
looked to hit back immediately, only for the Hammers to concede a second
penalty just before the half-hour mark, which was despatched by Kyle Scott.
Steve Potts' side did pull a goal back just before half-time, when Joe
Powell's free-kick was spilled by Bradley Collins and Fatai Adebayo was on
hand to poke the loose ball into the net. Into the second half and Howes
denied Chelsea a third with a fantastic save from Kasey Palmer, but the
stopper was beaten again moments later when Faiq Bolkiah converted Fikayo
Tomori's cross. Palmer added a fourth from long range before Ugbo made it
5-1 after Howes had saved Palmer's initial shot. There was still time for
Howes to deny Bolkiah a sixth before substitute Decarrey Sheriff made the
final scoreline a little more respectable by finishing low into the corner
in the closing stages. West Ham's youngsters now take a break from
competitive action over the festive season before returning to the pitch
against Reading on Saturday 10 January.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Sunderland 1 West Ham 1
13 December 2014
Last updated at 17:28
By Luke Reddy
BBC Sport
West Ham maintained their place in the Premier League's top four by coming
from behind to draw at Sunderland. They trailed to Jordi Gomez's penalty,
given when Sunderland's Adam Johnson fell under James Tomkins' challenge.
That decision angered Hammers boss Sam Allardyce but Stewart Downing
levelled from 18 yards via a deflection. Jozy Altidore's glaring close-range
miss proved crucial for Sunderland, who drop to 15th, and the visitors'
Aaron Creswell had a one-on-one chance saved. Sunderland have now drawn 10
games from 16 but may take some comfort from the fact their latest point
comes against a side enjoying their best start in 31 years. The West Ham
side of 1973-74, boasting players such as Trevor Brooking and Frank Lampard
Snr, imploded after the turn of the year, but Downing's equaliser at the
Stadium of Light perhaps shows their current team are made of stern stuff.
Goalkeeper Adrian made a stunning late save to deny Connor Wickham, while
Winston Reid and Tomkins completed twice the number of clearances made by
their opposing central defenders. Tomkins was furious when his challenge on
Johnson was penalised, resulting in Gomez's coolly-taken spot-kick, and
Allardyce berated referee Phil Dowd when the official walked to the
touchline to calm the West Ham boss. Stewart Downing created five chances
and, of all the midfielders and forwards on the pitch, he was most accurate
with his passing in the opponents' half, completing 87.9%. He settled,
briefly, but punched the air jubilantly moments later when Downing cut in
from the right to drive in from 18 yards via a deflection.
Downing, recalled to the England squad after a two-year absence last month,
has now scored twice and created three goals in his last six West Ham
outings. Fresh from fixtures with Chelsea, Manchester City and Liverpool,
Sunderland boss Gus Poyet said his side must start winning ahead of kick-off
and they will look at Altidore's miss with the final kick of the opening
half as key. The American striker is yet to score in 10 league outings this
season for a Sunderland side who have failed to score in seven of their last
12 games. Their shortcomings in front of goal are not for lack of willing
and indeed both sides, each operating a 4-4-2 system, pressed for a winner,
with Adrian's tipped save from Wickham pivotal. And at the other end Andy
Carroll, who had seven attempts on goal, also fired wide with minutes
remaining as West Ham's three-game winning run ended. They now go into a
Christmas fixture list, which includes meetings with Arsenal and Chelsea, in
their highest league position at this stage of the season during the Premier
League era.
Sunderland manager Gus Poyet: "We cannot ask the players for more, we cannot
be more organised, but there is something missing and we need to find it.
"Luck helps, but we need to hit the target. When you have a break you need
to put in a good cross. "To play the football I want, at the moment we are
quite far away. We are doing as much as we can at the moment."
West Ham manager Sam Allardyce: "It was not a penalty and it is as simple as
that. It was given by the assistant referee and he got it horribly wrong. "I
wanted three points. I think the performances and chances created deserve
that but we respect a point away from home in the Premier League. "The
overall performance from the players was excellent and you have to be
satisfied when you come back from a goal down."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Sunderland 1-1 West Ham Utd
KUMB.com
Filed: Saturday, 13th December 2014
By: Staff Writer
Sam Allardyce was far from happy at the decision to award Sunderland a first
half penalty - but could have been rueing a second had referee Phil Dowd not
blundered again.
The Hammers boss was left seething on the touchline when Dowd awarded the
home side a first half penalty after Adam Johnson took a tumble in the box
following the slightest of nudges from James Tomkins.
However he was equally relieved that Dowd failed to award a second spot kick
to the home side when Winston Reid clearly handled the ball in the area 18
minutes from time.
In the end a point each was probably a fair result from a game that ebbed
and flowed, with both sides having a series of chances to win the game.
Whilst West Ham created the better opportunities and could lay reasonable
claim to being stronger on the day, they still had Adrian to thank for
preserving a point with a stunning save late on.
Both goals arrived in a busy first half; Gomez sent Adrian the wrong way
from the spot on 21 minutes after the hosts had been awarded an incredibly
soft spot kick following James Tomkins' intervention as Johnson drove into
the penalty box.
The Sunderland winger had no hesitation in throwing himself to the ground
upon feeling a nudge from Tomkins, whose challenge was clumsy but not worthy
of a penalty. The angry protestations of both Tomkins and Allardyce were
ignored.
But their joy was to be shortlived - eight minutes, to be precise - before a
former Black Cat levelled for the Hammers. A trademark strike from Stewart
Downing, who spent a short spell on loan at Sunderland several years ago
restored parity for West Ham moments ahead of the half hour mark.
Drifting in from the right flank, Downing beat 6'8" 'keeper Costel
Pantilimon, albeit with the aid of a slight deflection, low to the 'keeper's
right to make it 1-1 - just as he had at Crystal Palace earlier in the
season.
That's how it stayed until the final whistle - somehow - although both teams
had their goalkeepers to thank for that being the case.
Pantilimon was called into action as early as the sixth minute when he
denied Carl Jenkinson from close range after the marauding full back had
squeezed his way into the penalty box.
Meanwhile Adrian had to be at his very best to deny substitute Steven
Fletcher five minutes from time with a superb fingertip save. The striker's
fierce drive was heading for the roof of the net before the Spanish's
stopper's intervention almost certainly saved a point for the Hammers.
West Ham could have had the game won by then - Andy Carroll being most
guilty of missing a gilt-edged chance on 64 minutes, when the ball broke to
him from a corner but he could only chip an effort onto the roof of the net.
It was a frustrating day for the England striker, who has been outstanding
against Swansea at the Boleyn last weekend. He was left just as annoyed in
the final minute of normal time when he drilled a shot narrowly wide of the
post, with the goal at his mercy.
Yet had 'dozy' Jozy Altidore - without a goal in his last 28 Premier League
appearances stretching back to last December - tucked away the game's best
chance on the stroke of half time, the points may have already have been won
by then.
Fortunately for West Ham, Gomez's low centre got caught under Altidore's
feet and he failed to convert, despite having the goal at his mercy.
The draw ensures West Ham once again end the weekend in the Champions League
spots, level on points with Manchester United (who face Liverpool tomorrow).
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Alex Song open to extended stay
KUMB.com
Filed: Saturday, 13th December 2014
By: Staff Writer
On-loan midfielder Alex Song says he would consider extending his stay at
West Ham beyond the end of the current season. The 27-year-old midfielder is
at the Boleyn for the duration of the 2014/15 campaign and speaking in an
interview with the BBC's Football Focus this lunchtime, admitted he would
consider signing a permanent deal. "The most important thing for me is to be
playing every single game and for my fitness to be 100 per cent," he said.
"We will see at the end of the season and see what's happening. "At the
moment I'm very happy here with the fans and the club. I'm back in London
and I have my house here, so I'm very happy at West Ham. So why not? We will
see!"
Despite the obvious financial riches that a player of such quality could
command, the Caeroon international - who is living in London with his young
family - insisted that personal contentment was of more importance than
fiscal reward. "I hadn't played for a long time and I wanted to come back -
that's what I needed," he added. "West Ham is a massive club and it was a
big opportunity. I can make make my mark here it'll be very good. "I didn't
play for a long time at Barcelona. That was very difficult for me as I
wanted to show the people [what I can do]. When you're not playing people
start to say it's because you're not good enough. "That why I chose West
Ham, to show them - and at the moment I'm every happy. When you're somewhere
you're happy, that's the most important thing. I was very happy at Barcelona
but I wasn't playing - and when you're not playing, it's very difficult to
be 100 per cent happy."
And in terms of what West Ham - currently fourth in the Premier League - can
achieve this season, Song remains optimistic - yet pragmatic at the same
time. When asked to predict where United would end this season, he replied:
"Don't set the target very high. For me [to qualify for the] Europa League
would be fantastic."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham miss out on third place after draw at Sunderland
Last Updated: 13/12/14 7:03pm
SSN
West Ham United missed the chance to climb to third in the Premier League
after being held 1-1 by Sunderland at the Stadium of Light.
The hosts took the lead through a controversially awarded penalty despatched
by Jordi Gomez after 22 minutes, but Stewart Downing earned Sam Allardyce's
in-form side a point with a deflected left-footed strike seven minutes
later. Gus Poyet was left frustrated with Sunderland's inability to find a
winner in their 1-1 draw with West Ham. Jozy Altidore missed a superb chance
for Sunderland just before half-time and Andy Carroll fired centimetres wide
in the 90th minute for West Ham as both teams spurned fine opportunities to
claim victory. The result sees West Ham remain fourth in the table, level on
points with third-placed Manchester United, while Sunderland stay 15th after
their fifth draw in six games.
Sluggish Sunderland
West Ham made the more potent start and could have been out of sight inside
10 minutes. Carl Jenkinson and Diafra Sakho both had point-blank shots saved
by Costel Pantilimon from promising positions inside the area, and then
Carroll should have done better than head over from 15 yards after a superb
cross from Downing.
The hosts looked toothless in attack and equally susceptible to the counter,
with Downing on the left, Sakho on the right and Carroll through the middle
all threatening to overwhelm the Sunderland back line.
However, down the other end, Adam Johnson was proving just as a dangerous
and when he ran at an exposed James Tomkins in the right channel, the
slightest of contact was enough for him to go down and referee Phil Dowd
gave a penalty, much to the disgust of an irate Allardyce.
Gomez converted comfortably, but it was only a brief lead for Sunderland,
whose defenders inexplicably allowed Downing to shoot left-footed from the
edge of the area eight minutes later. The strike needed a deflection to
defeat Pantilimon and find the bottom corner, but it was nevertheless a
well-deserved equaliser.
Sakho had a fine chance to give West Ham the lead after another direct ball
down the right cut hapless Sunderland left-back Anthony Reveillere out of
the game, but once again the Senegal striker couldn't capitalise and pulled
his shot wide.
Fluffed lines
Sakho's miss was made to look forgivable on the stroke of half-time when
Altidore – six yards out and unmarked - inexplicably failed to make contact
with a low Sebastian Larsson cross.
Sunderland improved markedly after the break, but it was still West Ham who
enjoyed the better chances and Aaron Cresswell saw a low shot stopped by
Pantilimon after a deft pass from Downing.
The visitors' shot tally continued to rise, with Carroll chipping narrowly
over after a latching on to a loose ball 10 yards out, before Winston Reid
found the roof of the net with a looping header.
Sunderland manager Gus Poyet responded by sending on Steven Fletcher for the
ineffective Altidore, and the Scot almost repaid him with a rasping
left-foot shot that Adrian in the West Ham goal did well to save.
The game was now wide open and Connor Wickham thought he had stolen victory
for the hosts with a shot that was tipped narrowly over, but the best chance
fell to Carroll, whose low right-footer on the cusp of injury time flew just
the wrong side of the post.
Soccer Saturday verdict – Charlie Nicholas
Charlie Nicholas believes Gus Poyet will be the happier of the two managers
after Sunderland's 1-1 draw with West Ham. "Gus Poyet might be the happier
manager. I think Sam Allardyce will be pretty agitated to have the penalty
given against him. As the game wore on he ended up having a little bit of a
chuckle with the referee and by the time it was level it was obviously
easier for him. West Ham didn't get too many decisions given to them, but it
was a half-decent game. It lacked a bit of quality and a bit of drive at
times, but West Ham were more ambitious. It's 10 draws for Sunderland and
that tells you the type of team they are."
PLAYER RATINGS
Sunderland: Pantilimon (8), Vergini (6), Reveillere (4), O'Shea (5), Brown
(5), Cattermole (6), Larsson (6), Gomez (7), Johnson (7), Wickham (6),
Altidore (4).
Used subs: Fletcher (6), Alvarez (6).
Leicester City: Adrian (7), Jenkinson (7), Cresswell (7), Reid (6), Tomkins
(5), Kouyate (6), Song (7), Nolan (6), Downing (8), Carroll (7), Sakho (6).
Used subs: Valencia (6).
Man of the match: Stewart Downing.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Sam Allardyce angry at penalty decision after West Ham draw 1-1 at
Sunderland
Last Updated: 14/12/14 7:20am
SSN
West Ham United manager Sam Allardyce criticised referee Phil Dowd and his
assistants for awarding the penalty that denied his side victory in a 1-1
draw against Sunderland at the Stadium of Light. The hosts took the lead
after 22 minutes through a Jordi Gomez spot-kick after Adam Johnson had gone
to ground under a light challenge from James Tomkins. West Ham equalised
through Stewart Downing's deflected shot, but couldn't force a winner and
consequently missed the chance to climb to third in the Premier League. "No,
I'm not [happy]," Allardyce told Sky Sports. "We might have been celebrating
three points here, with the fact that the penalty decision is the wrong one.
'Took a dive'
Charlie Nicholas believes Gus Poyet will be the happier of the two managers
after Sunderland's 1-1 draw with West Ham "I don't think there's any doubt
about the fact that he [Johnson] took a dive. It has not been given by Phil
Dowd because he can't see it - there are three players in front of him - so
it had to be the assistant referee, who, unfortunately for us, has got a
decision horribly wrong.
Would we have won the game 1-0 if that hadn't have happened? Who knows?"
Sunderland had a second claim for a penalty in the second half, when Winston
Reid handled a cross that bounced up on to his arm. This time Dowd waved
play on, and Allardyce thought it was the right decision. "Handballs have to
be intentional," he added. "It says in the rules that if you are going to
handle the ball, it has to be hand to ball, not ball to hand. "When a ball
comes through and bounces and hits you on the arm, it's not a handball in
the interpretation of the rules."
'Attacked constantly'
West Ham are now unbeaten in four matches and, despite his disappointment at
the result at the Stadium of Light, Allardyce was happy to see his team's
high level of performance continue. "Our overall performance was excellent,"
he said. "We came here to attack and we attacked constantly. We made enough
chances in the first 20-25 minutes to win two games but never converted
them. "We left the back door open occasionally because we were attacking so
much and trying to get the winner, which gave Sunderland a couple of
chances, but our goalkeeper has had little to do. "Performance-wise it was
very good, but result-wise we are slightly disappointed because of the
circumstances it has ended up being a draw."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
SUNDERLAND 1, WEST HAM 1. SHOULD HAVE WON, COULD HAVE LOST.
By David Hautzig 13 Dec 2014 at 18:55
West Ham Till I Die
The buildup to a match is often amplified by whatever rational or irrational
dislike I have for the opposition. Which made today's game a little
different. I don't really have anything against Sunderland. I remember going
to my local pub in Manhattan at something like 6am to watch Freddie Kanoute
score in a 1-0 win in the FA Cup, and the Sunderland supporters there were
fantastic to be around even in defeat. Barry Glendenning of the Football
Weekly podcast, my favorite guest on the pod, is a Sunderland supporter. And
even though his reign was short by any measure, Di Canio's time there made
every West Ham supporter look out for Sunderland results. I have no issues
with them.
That isn't to say there wasn't anything of intrigue about today's match.
When Sam was supposedly a dead man walking last year many bookies had Gus
Poyet as the favorite to take over at Upton Park. As for the guys on the
pitch, last week we got to see Andy Carroll take the stand and tell the jury
why the debate about him or Bony ain't quite over. This week Diafra Sakho
had the opportunity to show Connor Wickham why West Ham bought the right
guy. I'm pretty sure he has already convinced Sam that he's lucky he can't
always get what he wants, and that instead he got what he needed.
Keith Richards would do well in the transfer market.
With basically a fully fit squad to choose from, the anticipation for the
2pm announcement of the starting eleven wasn't that exciting. There was
speculation that Mark Noble could return and Kouyate could start on the
bench. The fact that such a suggestion about a key signing didn't send
shockwaves through the supporter community spoke volumes about how different
the club is now and how we all feel about it. As it turned out, Noble wasn't
quite fit enough to be selected.
Sunderland looked more comfortable on the ball in the opening five minutes,
with West Ham comfortable to deal with the pressure and settle themselves
down. For the first time in many years, we have the kind of attacking
options and prowess that can erupt at any moment. Which is what happened in
the 6th minute when the ball broke to Jenkinson near the back post, but his
shot was saved by Pantilimon. A few minutes later Sakho sent a cross into
the box that had nobody there to meet it, and then Carroll had a shot on
target that was easily handled by Pantilimon.
West Ham continued to apply the pressure when Aaron Cresswell made his way
down the left hand side before passing to Downing. Carroll made a run in the
box, and Downing found the most expensive skull in history but the attempt
went over the bar.
The Christmas season has many predictable features. Shops are dressed up in
lights and holiday decorations, the same Christmas music is played over and
over again in virtually every public space, and Kevin Nolan gets a three
match vacation. In the 12th minute, Santiago Vergini was brought down by
Captain Kev and while I knew it wouldn't be a red card, I thoroughly
expected a yellow. However, Phil Dowd decided to have a word with him
instead and he escaped a booking. Maybe that's an ancillary benefit of being
higher up the table?
The words "Song passes to Jenkinson down the right side" are becoming so
commonplace I wonder why defenders more often than not look utterly
unprepared for it. I mean, if we know its gonna happen shouldn't they? This
time, instead of a ball into the box, Jenkinson cut back and attempted a
shot. With good players in and around the area, our fullbacks have options.
And those options will create chances. Nothing came from this mini chance,
but it made the moment stick out.
When he is on his game, Adam Johnson can be a handful for defenders. He's
quick with the ball, able to turn defenders around and create just enough
space to either shoot or make an accurate pass. In the 21st minute, he did
that to James Tomkins on the right side of the penalty area and got behind
our central defender. Tomkins then tried to recover, put his forearm on
Johnson's back, and the striker went down. I may take some stick
here…actually I will certainly take some because every one of my Twitter
friends were furious at the call. But I immediately expected Dowd to award
the penalty. It was a matter of positioning in my opinion, and once Johnson
got behind Tomkins we were in trouble. Maybe if JT had not touched Johnson
and let him continue his run, the resulting cross would have been dealt
with. I, for one, had no problem with the call other than being upset we
would likely go down 1-0. Which we did.
Sunderland 1, West Ham 0.
For the third consecutive match, West Ham had conceded the opening goal. We
all know how the last two ended up, so unlike previous years the depression
that settled in was replaced by resolve. Fine, we'll just make you feel that
much more disappointed when you don't win the game.
When Stuart Downing scored his goal at Crystal Palace, the jokes about him
being fined by Sam for shooting from outside the box were plentiful. So when
the television screen showed our rejuvenated playmaker collect the ball from
Kevin Nolan outside the box in the 29th minute and cut to his left before
firing, you could have superimposed the goal at Selhurst Park over the
action today and it would have been hard to tell the difference. Yeah, the
ball took a deflection. Yeah, that needed a bit of luck. But players make
their own luck with hard work and skill, and Downing has done that all
season.
Sunderland 1, West Ham 1.
The Hammers were certainly energized by the equalizer. In the 38th minute
Kouyate put a ball downfield that at first glance looked like a clearance.
Until, that is, Sakho came into the picture to chase it down and have a
crack at goal. It was easily handled, but Sakho is making it clear that when
there is even a sniff of nylon in the air he will go for goal. It's how he
is wired.
The first name to be written down by Phil Dowd was Winston Reid when he took
Jozy Altidore down right after my fellow American flicked the ball forward
to Larsson. Dowd played the advantage, and Sunderland had the ball in a
dangerous area for more time than I was comfortable with. Thankfully for us,
all that time amounted to nothing.
Two minutes of injury time were added to the end of the half, and both teams
tried to sneak into halftime with a second goal. First Jordi Gomez collected
a quick free kick that caught West Ham by surprise. It also, however, caught
most of the Sunderland players by surprise as well so nobody attacked his
ball in the box that was there to be slotted in. Carroll then earned a free
kick after receiving a pass from Downing but couldn't create a real chance
from it. The pendulum swung back to Sunderland when Larsson found Altidore
all alone in front of Adrian. The ball was a shade behind him, and he
couldn't control it. West Ham escaped that one, and Altidore's woes in the
Premier League continued.
Halftime.
West Ham started the second forty five minutes the better side. Early on,
Jenkinson made a very tasty pass to Sakho down the right side and his cross
was deflected out for a corner. Downing took it, and the ball floated across
the penalty area, which included Winston Reid laying on the ground clutching
his head. Replays showed Wes Brown giving him a little tug which sent him to
ground, and then Brown's boot caught the side of Reid's head as the
Sunderland defender fell over our defender. No autopsy, no foul I guess. A
second corner went to Carroll, but his header went right to Pantilimon.
In the 53rd minute Sunderland took their turn on attack. A nice one-two for
Larsson led to a shot that was deflected out for what would be the first of
three quick corners for the home side. Carroll cleared the first one with
his head, reminding us that he can use that part of his body on both ends of
the pitch. The second presented itself to Connor Wickham who couldn't finish
the job, and the third was cleared out of danger. If anything, it got the
home crowd to make some noise.
Some things in life happen so infrequently that if you miss it, you may
never see it again. A comet streaking through the sky comes to mind. Return
trips for them are measured in the thousands of years. So too are absolute
foul ups by Alex Song. That happened in the 54th minute when he misjudged a
looping ball to him so badly it bounced off his upper arm inches outside the
penalty area, resulting in a Sunderland free kick. Adrian punched the ball
away, and moments later West Ham were on the counter with Downing running
the ball up with a full head of steam. Jordi Gomez would have none of that,
and tripped Downing from behind to earn himself a place in Phil Down's book.
Connor Wickham had a half chance in the 58th minute when he was played into
the box, but Jenkinson took the half a chance and turned it into no chance
by getting between Wickham and the ball as it rolled out for a goal kick.
West Ham then had a full blown chance in the 60th minute. Song fed Downing
on the left side of the box. Downing found Cresswell making an overlapping
run, but Pantilimon came out to meet the left back's attempt and made the
save. It was the best chance of the second half for either side up to that
point.
I have a soft spot for Jozy Altidore, so I was disappointed when he was
subbed for Steven Fletcher in the 62nd minute. I'd like Altidore to show the
side of him we here in America have seen many times, although not against
West Ham. I also hated to see Fletcher come on because he is a goal scorer,
and him nicking one would not have shocked me at all.
Carroll came close to giving West Ham the lead in the 64th minute when
Downing got on the end of a ball on the right side just before it went out
for a goal kick. He crossed to Sakho, who went down from a Wes Brown
challenge but not before flicking the ball to Carroll whose chip over
Pantilimon was so close you could hear the gasps throughout our community. A
minute later, Reid tried a back header from a corner that also went over the
bar. Then Song and Nolan played a one-two that ended up on Cresswell's boot.
His cross was intended for you know who, but O'Shea steered it out for a
corner. Nothing came from it, but we were far better than the hosts.
The football gods love to play jokes. Just when we think they are against
us, they show that while we play our little games they play theirs. Larsson
curled a cross into the box that looked to hit Reid right on the arm. The
Stadium Of Light illuminated with cries for a second spot kick, but Dowd
ignored them. Maybe he remembered Sam's protests on the penalty in the first
half and decided our manager would burst a blood vessel in his huge neck at
another one and such a scene would best be avoided.
The minute Andy Carroll was fit and returned to the side, I have wanted to
see him on the pitch with both Sakho and Valencia. That is not to say I have
any tactical nous to explain why I think it would be a good idea. I just
think that if it worked, then we could be so deadly on attack it would defy
our wildest dreams. In the 81st minute I got my wish when Valencia replaced
Nolan. There was no way ANYONE could accuse Allardyce of doing anything but
going for the win.
Larsson showed his worth on the defensive end of the pitch in the 84th
minute when he tracked back to chase down a dangerous run from Downing.
After winning the ball and getting it to Fletcher, the Scottish
international laid the ball off for Connor Wickham. Would this be his moment
like Carroll had his last week against Bony? No, but it was close as Adrian
pushed it out for a corner. A few minutes later West Ham were back on the
front foot when Carroll collected a deflection inside the penalty area. His
low shot was just a few inches wide of the bottom right hand corner. Both
sides wanted it, but would either get it?
Five minutes of added time saw Sakho win a header from a free kick, and Reid
break up a last ditch effort by Wickham. Those same joking gods wanted a
draw, and they got one.
Final score. Sunderland 1, West Ham 1.
In sales, sometimes slow and steady growth is better than explosive growth.
The same can be said for football. In that vain, a draw today should not be
looked as two points dropped. Either team could have won, and either team
could have lost. Overall, West Ham were the slightly better team with more
meaningful possession and intent with the ball. But Sunderland had their
chances as well and showed why they don't fall over when the likes of
Chelsea come for a visit.
My weekend mood is dictated by our club. Not easy on the family, I know. But
it's how I'm wired. I wanted to win. But I'm still feeling ok.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham's Ravel Morrison has door slammed shut on possible return to Upton
Park
Dec 13, 2014 22:30 By Tom Hopkinson
Former Man United starlet's loan at Cardiff hasn't worked out and if the
Hammers cannot find a taker for him in January they may try to cancel his
contract
The Mirror
West Ham have told Ravel Morrison there is no way back for him at Upton Park
and that they will look to move him on in the January transfer window,
reports Tom Hopkinson in the Sunday People. Former Manchester United starlet
Morrison has been sent back to West Ham from Championship club Cardiff,
where he was on loan. And that has proved the last straw for the Hammers,
who have finally run out of patience with the gifted midfielder. If a buyer
cannot be found for the 21-year-old, then the club could even explore the
option of cancelling his contract.
Morrison joined West Ham in 2012 after his Old Trafford manager Sir Alex
Ferguson tired of the youngster's wayward ways. Irons boss Sam Allardyce
decided to take a chance on the player. However, he has never managed to get
a consistent run of games at Upton Park, with the Mancunian's behavioural
issues continuing to prove a problem. His deal – which contained an
£18million release clause – expires at the end of the season. If there are
no takers in January, and the club cannot cancel his contract, then they
will let him go for nothing in the summer.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham boss Sam Allardyce slams referee Phil Dowd over Adam Johnson 'dive'
in Sunderland draw
Dec 13, 2014 19:51 By Colin Young
The hosts were awarded a first-half spot-kick at the Stadium of Light for a
foul on the winger but Allardyce believes he conned official Dowd
The Mirror
West Ham boss Sam Allardyce accused England winger Adam Johnson of diving as
his side squandered a chance to stay third at the Stadium of Light. Jordi
Gomez stroked home from the penalty spot after referee Phil Dowd, under
guidance from his assistant David Bryan, awarded a first half spot-kick
against James Tomkins for a foul on Johnson. But Allardyce, who led furious
protests by the touchline, claimed Johnson had cheated to win the penalty.
The Hammers boss said: "It's a dive. I have seen four angles on the laptop
and the assistant referee has made the wrong decision, in my opinion. "It
was not the referee's decision because he couldn't see from where he was
because he was obscured by three players. "You can only ask him why he has
made the decision. After all the years experience he has gained how if he
doesn't see that is a dive it is concerning I have to say. "To recover from
a poor decision on the penalty shows good character. A good point in the end
and we went all out to get three."
Sunderland boss Gus Poyet rubbished Allardyce's attack on Johnson, who was
substituted before the end. Poyet said: "It is a little bit harsh to say he
dived, but I don't think it was a penalty. "I didn't think he dived. The
defender was in front of him and stronger and bigger. If the referee gives a
penalty, you are not going to say no. "He probably didn't talk about the
second half penalty but I bet if it had been the other way round I bet it
would not be a dive and it would be a blatant handball.' Gomez's second
Sunderland goal was cancelled out by former Middlesbrough winger Stewart
Downing, who spent a seven-game spell on loan at the Stadium of Light. Both
sides had chances to win three points but Jozy Altidore fluffed an open goal
and former Newcastle striker Andy Carroll twice narrowly missed the target.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Song's "I may stay" interviews raise worries
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on December 13, 2014 in Whispers
Claret & Hugh
West Ham reckon Alex Song will take the best deal available to him at the
end of the season despite the player's constant reminders he could stay with
the Irons. Song has given numerous interviews in which he has made
essentially the same point – "that there's a chance he could stay." Regular
interviews in the written press were followed today by a BBC Football Focus
interview in which he declared: "The most important thing for me is to be
playing every single game and for my fitness to be 100 per cent,. We will
see at the end of the season and see what's happening. "At the moment I'm
very happy here with the fans and the club. I'm back in London and I have my
house here, so I'm very happy at West Ham. So why not? We will see!" There's
a danger in such circumstances that the board will go overboard in trying to
convince him NOW or over the next few weeks and making rushed offers. A top
source told ClaretandHugh: "It hasn't escaped our attention that Alex is
saying the same thing publicly to different media outlets very regularly and
it doesn't help things. "What is does do is remind clubs that he is still
very much available and thus there's an obvious danger we are a shop window
.
"Yes, we want to keep him, yes we will make a strong offer but in the end
the player is likely to take the best offer he receives. It's the way of the
world. We're interested in his actions not words"
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Downing earns battling Irons share of spoils
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on December 13, 2014 in Whispers
Sunderland 1 Irons 1
Claret & Hugh
Stewart Downing earned the Irons a hard won point in a dour affair. The home
side had taken the lead via a Jordi Gomez penalty after a very dodgy
decision by Phil Dowd against James Tomkins with Johnson gaining a very soft
decision.r. We had looked the better side in the early exchanges with Alex
Song protecting a well organised back four whilst looking dangerous on the
break. We were pressing high with Nolan pushing forward to join Carroll and
Sakho and although the home side battled they carried little threat. However
Johnson managed to gain his penalty running at Tomkins to draw the foul in
the 23rd minute. Gomez sent Adrian the wrong way from the spot. It made
little difference to the thrust of the game which saw the Irons pushing
forward and always looking likely to score. Downing got us back on terms
with a left-foot shot from the right-hand edge of the box which took a
deflection past keeper Pantilimon. Sakho dragged a shot wide in the 38th
minute and saw the Sunderland keeper save on the break as the two sides went
blow for blow without the home side ever look seriously potent. Song had a
fine game in midfield for West Ham, stifling almost all of Sunderland's play
through the middle although the home team were finding more tempo as the
second half progressed. And we were lucky to escape a second penalty in the
72nd minute when replays showed Reid had handled and later. Immediately
afterwards Fletcher tested Adrian who saved well. Sunderland were looking
the more likely at this stage and Adrian was in fine touch when finger
tipping over a Wickham thunderbolt. Carroll and Sakho had half chances but
with the hosts attacking towards the final whistle a draw was probably a
fair result.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
http://vyperz.blogspot.com
---
This email has been checked for viruses by Avast antivirus software.
http://www.avast.com
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
Posts
