Preview - Bristol City
WHUFC.com
All the need-to-know information ahead of Sunday's game against Bristol City
24.01.2015
BRISTOL CITY v WEST HAM UNITED
FA CUP FOURTH ROUND
ASHTON GATE
SUNDAY 25 JANUARY 2015
KICK-OFF: 2PM
REFEREE: LEE MASON
In brief
The Hammers return to FA Cup action this weekend when they travel to play League One high flyers Bristol City in the fourth round.
The Robins have been in superb form this season, currently sitting second with 54 points with a game in hand. Should they win that game, they would leapfrog lead leaders Swindon Town.
Steve Cotterill's men go into Sunday's game on the back of a fruitful run of games which has sees them unbeaten in seven, winning ten of their last 12 matches.
Having come through that epic third round replay against Everton with Adrian's winning penalty, the Hammers went on to beat Hull City 3-0 at the Boleyn Ground on Sunday 18 January.
Sam Allardyce's men are currently enjoying a record points total at this stage of the season, with 36 points from 22 games, lying seventh in the Premier League table.
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Big Sam on: Bristol City
Chadwell Chatter
Betting Preview
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Who are they?
Founded in 1894 as Bristol South End Football Club, they were renamed Bristol City is 1897. In 1900, they became a professional outfit having merged with Bedminster FC, moving to Ashton Gate in the process.
The Robins recorded their highest ever league placing in 1907, finishing as runners-up of Division One.
The closest they have come to winning the FA Cup came two years later when they were runners up in 1909. The Robins managed to get their hands on some silverware when they won the Football League Trophy in 1985/86 and 2002/03.
Currently, Ashton Gate is undergoing major refurbishment. Incidentally, the East Stand at the Boleyn Ground was opened for the only previous FA Cup meeting with Bristol City in January 1969!
After a delay of one week, due to icy weather conditions postponing the Hammers' final home League game of the year, the new East Stand was used for the first time for the visit of Bristol City on Saturday 4 January 1969 on the occasion of the FA Cup third round tie and the attendance of 32,526 produced then record receipts of £11,058.
It's cantilever style construction made the Stand one of the most modern in the Football League. It cost £170,000 to build and with no pylons to obscure the view of the pitch the Stand was an outstanding example of current constructional engineering.
The new feature of Boleyn Ground replaced the primitive building made of timber with a corrugated iron roof and sides which had stood on that side of the pitch for many decades and was affectionally known as "The Chicken Run."
Team news
West Ham United
James Collins is unavailable having suffered a back injury in the 3-0 win over Hull City. In his place, the Hammers could welcome back Winston Reid after he made his return to first team in the victory over the Tigers. He is likely to play alongside the in form James Tomkins.
Diafra Sakho (back) is still out, while Cheikhou Kouyate is away at the Africa Cup of Nations with Senegal.
Bristol City
The Robins will be without prolific striker Aaron Wilbraham who has an injured hip. The former Crystal Palace man has scored 13 goals this season.
Kieran Agard is also struggling with an ankle problem. James Tavernier is cup-tied having played for Wigan in the previous round.
Referee
Sunday's referee is Lee Mason. The Lancashire based referee has taken charge of one game involving West Ham this season - the Hammers' narrow 2-1 defeat by Manchester United. Wayne Rooney was sent off for a rash challenge on Stewart Downing before Kevin Nolan's late equaliser was ruled out dubiously for offside.
Mason's previous involvement in the FA Cup this season was Leicester City's 1-0 win over Newcastle United in the third round.
The assistant referees will be Stuart Burt and Marc Perry, while Roger East is the fourth official.
One to watch
West Ham United
Andy Carroll scored his fifth goal of the season when he opened the scoring against Hull City last Sunday. The England international has been in superb form recently and will be looking to open his FA Cup account this weekend.
Bristol City
Jay Emmanuel-Thomas has been in great goalscoring form recently, netting four goals in his last three appearances. The former Arsenal youngster will come up against Aaron Cresswell, who were teammates at Ipswich Town.
Television Coverage
Sunday's game will be shown live on BBC One, kick off is at 2pm.
Tickets
Tickets for this match have SOLD OUT.
Travel
For all your travel information on getting to and from Ashton Gate, click here
For the latest news on National Rail disruptions, click here.
Weather
Sunday is expected to be a cloudy but dry day. Temperature at kick-off is predicted to be 9C (48F).
Last meeting
Bristol City 1-1 West Ham United
English Championship
Tuesday 17 April 2012
The Hammers took the lead through a James Tomkins header from Mark Nobles' deep free kick. Their lead did not last long as Cole Skuse equalised for the Robins just four minutes later.
The draw virtually ended the Hammers chance of an automatic promotion place, meaning they would have to go through the play offs.
Bristol City: Gerken, Fontaine, Foster, Bikey, McGivern, Skuse, Cisse (Woolford 69), Pearson, Stead (Carey 88), Bolasie (Adomah 69), Wood
Subs not used: James, Kilkenny
West Ham United: Green, Reid, Tomkins, Demel (Faubert 74), Collins (Carew 63), Nolan, Taylor, Noble, Lansbury, Maynard (Collison 74), Vaz Te
Subs not used: Henderson, Diop
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Downing's up for the cup
WHUFC.com
Stewart Downing wants to continue his terrific form against Bristol City in the FA Cup
25.01.2015
West Ham United midfielder Stewart Downing has been enjoying a great season, scoring five goals in 2014/15 as well as contributing seven assists.
The 30-year-old midfielder has largely played in a more central position, at the tip of the diamond formation that manager Sam Allardyce has favoured for the majority of this campaign.
With the Hammers currently in good form, sitting in seventh in the Premier League with 36 points, Downing is hopeful that his teammates can bring their good league record into their FA Cup fourth round tie with Bristol City.
Speaking ahead of the game, Downing said: "This season has been very enjoyable. Maybe we've surprised a few people, but in this building itself this is what we wanted. We all believe in the ability of the squad and we've proved it. We lost the first game but from then on the way we've played has been really pleasing. I think we deserve to be where we are.
"I spoke to the manager in pre-season, even when I signed we talked playing in the middle in a three or off the frontman. I don't think he's had the luxury of doing that until now. This season he can mix it about which has helped me out massively but also the team.
"The new role really suits me. Playing with really good players obviously helps. The lads behind me do a lot to get me the ball and get into dangerous positions. I'm really enjoying it, the way we're playing especially at home has been really good. You can sense that the confidence in the team is high, and mine certainly is too."
Sunday's opponents Bristol City have also been in great form as they seek promotion to the Championship. Currently, Steve Cotterill's men are second in League One with 54 points and Downing knows that the Robins will provide a stern test.
"We will approach the game the same way we would if we played Chelsea. Playing at their place it is going to rocking. Obviously they play differently to a Chelsea but it will still be difficult. I've played there before with Middlesbrough. They made it hard for us, it finished 2-2 and we finally beat them on penalties. Cup games are never easy.
"I think you have to treat every game the same. If you don't then you can be punished. It's massive for them and I'm sure they'll treat it as a cup final.
"I've been there a few times, it is a difficult place to play at. The pitch wasn't great and the noise was loud. Sheffield United proved that playing lower league teams is never easy when they beat us at home."
Since the midfielder joined the Hammers in 2013, Downing has experienced two very contrasting seasons. While the Hammers struggled last term due to persistent injury problems, the former Liverpool and Aston Villa man praised his manager, Sam Allardyce, for the way he handled the pressure.
"The manager gives us a lot of confidence. When we were struggling last season he kept on saying keep on doing the right things and we'll get out of it. He an enthusiastic person and he gets in among the lads.
"Last year he was under a lot pressure but he helped to take it off the lads and shouldered it himself. Where we are in the league is very good but we have to keep on going.
"Deep down he must be enjoying this season. The lads are playing well and performing for him. I think picking the team must be difficult because everyone is doing well. The big thing is flexibility, he's got the numbers and the options to change things around when necessary.
"When I joined West Ham I was hoping we would do something like this. It didn't really click in until the last few games. This season, we've kept fit and shown everyone what we can do. We're not there by luck or fluke, we've beaten some of the teams around us."
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U18s clip Seagulls
WHUFC.com
A goal in each half saw West Ham United U18s edge out Brighton at Little Heath
24.01.2015
West Ham United grabbed a deserved three points as they saw off Brighton & Hove Albion 2-1 in the Barclays U18 Premier League at Little Heath. The home side opened the scoring on 26 minutes when Anthony Scully's right-wing cross was headed home by England U17 international striker Jahmal Hector-Ingram, before Connor Tighe levelled from the penalty spot minutes before half-time. After the break, the Hammers sealed the victory when Jerry Amoo (pictured) was well-placed in the six yard box to stab home from Joe Powell's cross. The Hammers made three changes to the starting XI which lost 2-0 at Southampton the previous weekend. Jake Eggleton, Kieran Bailey and Joe Powell were given the nod to replace Alex Pike, Grady Diangana and Vashon Neufville. Noha Sylvestre dropped into right-back, allowing Bailey to partner Matt Carter in the centre of midfield, while Scully took up a more central role in attack. Both Powell and Carter featured for the U18s after getting important minutes under their belts for Steve Potts' U21 squad against Chelsea on Friday evening. After suffering a heart-breaking defeat by the Saints, where they created and missed a host of chances, the Hammers may have been worrying about a similar outcome after wasting several opportunities in the opening 20 minutes against Brighton. It was Hector-Ingram who had his head in his hands after just three minutes when Carter raced towards the byline and supplied a low cross, only for the striker put the ball high over the bar.
Brighton came back strong and were only denied an opening goal of their own by an outstanding acrobatic save from Hammers goalkeeper Sam Howes. After Tunji Akinola lost the ball in the defence, Brighton winger Tighe attempted an audacious lob from 40 yards out, but Howes managed to get enough of a hand to it to clear the danger. West Ham raised the tempo and began to control the game. Bailey and Carter worked hard in the midfield to open up attacking opportunities, but neither Amoo, Scully nor Powell could keep their efforts on target.
The Hammers did eventually break the deadlock, however. Sylvestre spotted the run of Scully down the right touchline and, after picking up the ball and shrugging off his marker, the schoolboy midfielder picked out Hector-Ingram in the penalty box and the cutest of headers put the hosts ahead.
It was a deserved lead for the Hammers and they continued to dominate for much the remainder of the opening 45 minutes. Just three minutes before the break, though, Brighton dragged themselves level. Emmanuel Onariase got the wrong side of his marker in the penalty area and committed a foul, allowing Tighe to step up and bring the visitors back into the game from the spot. On 48 minutes, the Hammers regained the lead when Powell's cross fell perfectly at Amoo's feet at the back post, with the speedy winger tapping in under pressure from a number of Brighton defenders. West Ham got stronger as the game continued, looking for a third goal to kill the game off. Powell narrowly shot wide of the post before Hector-Ingram fired straight at Brighton 'keeper Bailey Vose and Scully also blazed over from just yards out. Brighton struggled to get a foothold back in the match in the final stages and the Hammers held on to take the three points.
"I said to the players last weekend that their performance against Southampton was fantastic, but they just didn't score," revealed caretaker manager Mark Phillips. "This week, we created less chances in front of goal and had less possession but got the three points. I suppose that's football sometimes. "Having said that, I still think that we deserved to win the game against Brighton and I feel that maybe a victory by the odd goal is a fair result based on the way the game played out. "Brighton came back into it during the second half but I think that might've been down to the fact that we were a very young team that started to fatigue. "We had several U16 players and even U15 players on that pitch in the second half so perhaps Brighton thought that they could exploit that and work their way back into the game. "Overall, I'm very happy with the result and we will prepare ourselves again for the trip to Arsenal next weekend."
The Hammers travel to Arsenal's London Colney Training Centre on Saturday 31 January 2015, with kick-off scheduled for 11am.
U18s: Howes, Sylvestre (Kanu), Onariase, Akinola, Eggleton, Carter (Rice), Bailey, Scully (Morris), Amoo, Powell, Hector-Ingram
Subs not used: Boness, Trialist
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Lletget: "It was a good lesson"
WHUFC.com
Sebastian Lletget said a youthful Dev Squad did well against a tough Chelsea side
24.01.2015
West Ham United Development Squad midfielder Sebastian Lletget was pleased to score his first goal of the season in a 3-1 defeat by league leaders Chelsea. The Blues, who named a strong side, took an early lead when Kasey Palmer's impressive flick nestled in the far corner. The west London outfit took a commanding lead into the break when Dominic Solanke scored twice, despite his first looking as though he had come back from an offside position. Nevertheless, the Dev Squad, in Steve Potts' first game since being appointed U21s coach, rallied when Lletget bundled in Djair Parfitt-Williams pinpoint cross. Speaking after the game, Lletget said: "It was a tough game, Chelsea always are. I thought we prepared well under Steve Potts, it was his first game tonight. I thought we did OK but its our first game really. "It was nice to score. I've been practising my movement in the box and finally it paid off. Djair did really well to set the cross up and I just had to put it away."
The win sees Chelsea go top of the Barclays U21 Premier League, however Lletget insisted the game would be a good lesson for the Hammers, who included ten U18s in their squad. "I thought they did well, considering Chelsea is always a very tough game. They're up at the top of the league so it was a tough game but it was a good lesson. "We let a couple of goals in in the first half but the important thing is that we came back in the second half, we didn't crumble and we'll take that from the game. "They were definitely up the there with the best teams we've faced this year, especially in terms of moving the ball around, they were outstanding."
January has been a busy month for the Dev Squad and their fixture is on Monday 26 Janaury, away at Southampton: "We've got just two days to recover and then we're back at it against Southampton on Monday. Hopefully we will get a win because we really need a win." The Dev Squad's next home game is Fulham at Rush Green Stadium on Friday 6 February, kick is 7pm.
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West Ham striker returns to Accrington Stanley
BBC.co.uk
West Ham striker Sean Maguire has rejoined League Two side Accrington Stanley on an initial month-long loan. The 20-year-old scored four goals in 16 appearances during a four-month loan at Accrington, which expired last week. Maguire is now available for another seven games, with his latest loan deal running until February 22. "I'm sure he can be as much of a success for us as he was first time around," Accrington manager John Coleman told the club website.
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Sakho back for Liverpool trip
KUMB.com
Filed: Saturday, 24th January 2015
By: Staff Writer
David Gold has revealed that he expects leading goalscorer Diafra Sakho to be fit enough to face Liverpool on January 31. The Senegalese striker was forced to miss out on the African Cup of Nations after aggravating a back injury originally sustained at the tail end of 2014 against West Bromwich Albion on New Year's Day. However co-owner Gold, speaking via Twitter revealed that the 24-year-old should be back in time for the trip to Anfield - where West Ham will be seeking their first win since 1962.
David Gold ✔ @davidgold
"@whu333: Any truth that Sakho could return against Liverpool
I am hopeful he will be available for selection against Liverpool. dg
The 78-year-old, who celebrated five years at the helm of West Ham last week also revealed that the club are hoping to expand their squad ahead of the transfer deadline, which is just ten days away. When asked whether supporters can expect to see any new signings before the closure of the window, Gold said: "Our intention is to strengthen the squad."
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Cav for Rav swap mooted
KUMB.com
Filed: Saturday, 24th January 2015
By: Staff Writer
West Ham are keeping tabs on Lazio's Belgian youth international defender Luis Pedro Cavanda. The 24-year-old right-back - who can also play on the left side of defence - was born in Angola but moved to Europe at an early age, since when he has represented his new country at Under 18, Under 19 and Under 21 level. And according to Tutto Mercato Web this afternoon, West Ham - who would prefer to make Carl Jenkinson's loan spell permanent but have baulked at the £8million asking price - have made tentative enquiries into his availability.
One player Cavenda could be replacing at West Ham is Ravel Morrison, who is on his way to Italy at the end of the season on a free transfer according to reports this morning.
A fortnight ago we revealed that the out-of-favour midfielder, who was recently cleared of all charges relating to an incident with an ex-girlfriend and her mother, could be on his way to mainland Europe. And with no UK-based club willing to make the troubled Morrison a suitable offer, it appears that the 21-year-old has opted for a spell in Serie A with Lazio who are said to have reached agreement with the player over a permanent contract.
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Ravel Morrison is to join Lazio at the end of the season
Last Updated: 24/01/15 2:02pm
SSN
Sky sources are reporting that West Ham's Ravel Morrison has agreed to join Italian side Lazio on a free transfer at the end of the season. Morrison's deal expires in the summer and he has agreed a contract with the Serie A side, although he has not formally signed yet. A very skilful performer, Morrison was a hot property as a youngster at Manchester United and has represented England at U16, U17, U18, and U21 level. He was signed by the Hammers on a three and a half year deal in January 2012 but his career has stalled a little since his arrival and he has been sent to three different clubs on loan. The 21-year-old spent time in previous seasons at Birmingham and QPR, featuring regularly for the London side towards the end of last season, although he was an unused substitute for their play-off final win over Derby. This term he joined Cardiff on a three-month loan switch in September but he returned early in December. Several clubs in Europe have reportedly expressed an interest in signing Morrison during the current transfer window but it looks like he has opted to let his contract expire before departing Upton Park.
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ARE THE NEXT FEW GAMES 'MAKE OR BREAK'?
By Iain Dale 23 Jan 2015 at 08:00
West Ham Till I Die
Guest Post by Benjamin Cronin
With a convincing second half performance that led to a comfortable victory against a struggling Hull side, talk of Europa League and (don't say it too loud) Champions League football is on the lips of many a West Ham fan once again. We're creeping closer to the the business end of the season and rather than concerning ourselves with those fabled relegation six pointers, Big Sam is looking up and thinking positive as he takes his side into possibly the most important seven games of the season. Granted, a good start or strong finish can always save a team or salvage one of those top four places. But what will these next few games tell us about West Ham?
Within the next month or so, The Mighty Irons will host Manchester United and the current leaders of the Premier League, Chelsea, as well as travelling to another three of the six sides who sit above us in the table; Southampton, Tottenham and Arsenal. As if this task didn't seem daunting enough, it all kicks off with a trip to Anfield to face a side who sit just one place and one point below us. So, will the bubbles streaming from the Boleyn soon be burst or will even the most optimistic of Hammers fans be in for a shock come 24th May?
With Liverpool seemingly creeping towards their form of last year (albeit still a long way off), the trip to Anfield will be a lot more of a challenge than it would have appeared only a few weeks back, or certainly more than the reverse fixture when we had them beat within the first ten minutes in September. The Reds League Cup success could both help and hinder The Irons, another positive performance against Chelsea could see them reach the final and boost morale ahead of the encounter but a loss could deflate the side who will also be left with fitness concerns (assuming Rodgers plays Gerrard, it's most likely he would need to be rested for the following game) after the second leg of their tie. In a game that is sure to be a close run thing, the likes of Carroll and Downing can return to what will undoubtedly be a frosty reception at Anfield and prove they do have the ability that earned them big money moves to Merseyside. As Liverpool currently sit second in the leagues form table, I would be looking for a strong defensive performance with avoiding defeat perhaps more important than trying to steal a win. Big Sam and the boys coming back to the East End with a point would be a positive but there's always a chance of nabbing all three if we keep it close.
Next is a home game against Manchester United, which, bar the last two seasons, would usually only go one way. Although we've had numerous 'big results' back in the days of Ferguson, United would always seemingly scrape through (or score a 50-yard half volley) and get a result. They've had a few moments where they've played well and shown how Van Gaals much publicised 'football philosophy' could potentially work but there's still no caparison to the side who, under Ferguson, could play terribly and come away with a 3-0 win. It tense game at Old Trafford, when two early goals put United in the driving seat and they managed to cling on for a win. It's another game that I'd like to see the side of Allardyce that had many calling for his head last season. Defence should be given priority (as I'm sure it will with concerns over clean sheets coming to the fore over the last few weeks) and providing we take the chances that will undoubtedly be created, a win wouldn't be a shock but again, I'd settle for a point.
Trips to St. Mary's and White Hart Lane are always going to be difficult with both teams showing consistent form. Although no one can deny how impressive Southampton have been this season, Tottenham aren't exactly cruising to victories (with a late 2-1 apparently popping up every week). Spurs are perhaps more accustomed to their current position but have a completely new squad to the one that reached the Champions League and have been there or thereabouts since, as well as a new manager who after a good few seasons in the Premier League still appears to divide opinion. With Crystal Palace following these two fixtures I would expect a minimum of four points out of the three games but between six and nine wouldn't come as a surprise.
Southampton are perhaps one side who have come to the Boleyn this season and actually outplayed West Ham. Another side who have the potential to do the same is the current leaders and favourites for the title, Chelsea. In all honestly, West Ham were lucky to come back from Stamford Bridge on Boxing Day without being embarrassed like Swansea last weekend. Mourinho's men ran the game and it was only thanks to Adrian that the deficit wasn't more than two. If Chelsea turn up and play well, The Hammers will have to be at their resolute best for the entire 90 minutes to keep them out. Although the Blues have been by far the best team in the league this season, they have shown instances of struggling through games. Big Sam will be hoping that Jose and his team aren't at their sleek and stylish best (an exit from the League Cup could help this) and that the crowd and our impressive home form can get us a result.
A trip to the emirates brings an end to this run of crucial fixtures and come mid-March, we could be expecting rather than speculating about the prospect of European football. It certainly doesn't feel like it was eight-years ago that Bobby Zamora scored the goal that helped West Ham, then led by Curbishley, to be the first side to win at the Emirates, but in that time a lot has changed. We've been down and up and now, on the verge of our own 'big move', are a completely differently club. After Gary Neville and Jamie Carragher apparently jumped ship and started supporting Arsenal following their performance against City, I'm still yet to be convinced. City were far from at their best and although Arsenal took advantage of it, I'm sure Neville and Carragher will be picking holes in the Gunners defensive frailties in the not too distant future. It's another game in which our multi-faceted approach could be key. A strong, physical defensive performance tends to result in Arsenal struggling and that, paired with Carrol and Valencia putting pressure on a notoriously (despite the pundits drastic change of opinion) defence, a positive result isn't out of reach. Again, avoiding defeat must be given priority but it's a game I can see us growing into and taking three points from.
The likes of Adrian, Cresswell, Jenkinson, Song, Downing and Carroll have stood out for me this season but I feel the next few games will be decided by smart tactics and Big Sam can show just what a great manager he can be. The much maligned solid and compact system from last year may well return over the next few weeks and although many fans would like to see us continue our attacking football against the likes of; Liverpool, Manchester United, Southampton, Tottenham and Chelsea it will instead be the ability to provide disciplined defensive performances that will define our season. If the side manage to get through the next month or so with only one or two extra losses on the record, there is a great possibility of kicking on and finishing the season strongly. The consistency of the first half of the season must remain, those influential players previous mentioned need to avoid the inevitable injuries and with a little bit of luck (turning draws against the likes of Swansea and West Brom into victories), The Boleyn could be hosting some of Europe's finest next year.
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AND MY PLAYERS OF THE SEASON SO FAR ARE...
By Iain Dale 24 Jan 2015 at 08:40
West Ham Till I Die
Guest Post by Banjo
You will be delighted to know I am not intending to make a habit of this but I thought I would offer this as a Guest Post because me and my droogs spent a whole journey to the Academy and back debating the subject and we could not agree between the five of us. We ended up allowing each person to choose a top three, strictly in order, with 2 honourable mentions (2 because no one could limit it to one!)
We spent the whole journey on Sunday, both ways, on this subject and summing up took place on the back of paper napkins late in the evening in the local curry house. Here was my entry and subsequent reasoning;
1. Andy Carroll – I know the front 2 divides opinion but I just love it when the big man plays. I see the pain on the defenders faces during the match and the relief as they walk off after 90 mins knowing they will not have to play him again for 6 months. All 3 main strikers have played nearly the same number of matches this season ( Valencia 12 and Sakho and Carroll 11 each) so whilst I hope the distribution of starts continue, the big man is my first choice. I love it when he scores, love his big smile and when he blows a kiss to Billie. I know some have been critical of his lifestyle in the past but he really seems to be in a good place right now.
2. Aaron Cresswell – for me the buy of the pre-season. At last a player that can fill Julian Dicks boots and wear the no. 3 shirt. I feel assured when he is defending, I love it when he gets forward and his crosses into the box are as good as any. I also think he is making free kicks in a certain position his own. He has been ever present since joining us, he is loving it, and it shows.
3. Alex Song – the first 2 were easy, this was the tough one. Either of the honourable mentions could have had the 3rd birth but I went for Alex Song because I think he has been key to our success. So much that we do goes through him and perhaps if he was really ours he might have got the top spot. I love it when he makes a pass through a gap and the defenders watch it thread through them in the knowledge the next boot it will find will belong to a West Ham player. Suckers!
Honourable mentions – again this was really tough and both could have made the top three, how lucky are we this season? But I went for Stewart Downing, without doubt the most improved player this year with 5 goals, most assists and like Cresswell ever present. And of course Diafa Sakho, how I can mention him last after 8 goals is lunacy but there you go.
Adrian, Collins and Jenkinson all featured on my pals list and if I am honest I couldn't disagree with any of their choices and reasoning.
My wife word checked this to remove my "annoying" abbreviations so I hope it passes the reasonable grammar test.
There are no rules, and even if there were I wouldn't change them half way through the post, so no one is right or wrong so need to argue :)
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MATCH PREVIEW: BRISTOL CITY
By Dan Coker 24 Jan 2015 at 13:29
West Ham Till I Die
Blast from the past
Today's blast from the past features our only previous FA Cup encounter with this weekend's opponents, Bristol City. It was a third round tie on the 4th of January 1969, a 3-2 win for West Ham United at the Boleyn Ground in front of 32,526 spectators.
Harold Wilson was Prime Minister, The Beatles' White Album topped the album charts and the top-flight Hammers began their 1969 FA Cup campaign against the Second Division Robins. John Galley gave the visitors the lead after 11 minutes but Martin Peters levelled with a header from Harry Redknapp's corner just four minutes later. That's how the game remained at half-time but the hosts led within seven minutes of the restart after Geoff Hurst hooked the ball over Mike Gibson. Peters notched his second of the game on 64 minutes but Alan Skirton reduced the deficit by scoring with two minutes remaining.
The Hammers would go on to win 2-0 at Huddersfield in the fourth round but would be knocked out in a 3-0 reverse at Third Division Mansfield in the fifth round. The FA Cup was won by Manchester City in 1969 as they defeated Leicester City 1-0 in the Final at Wembley. In doing so they became, behind West Ham United in 1975, the second-last all-English team to win the FA Cup.
West Ham United: Bobby Ferguson, Billy Bonds, Bobby Moore, Alan Stephenson, John Cushley, John Charles, Harry Redknapp, Ronnie Boyce, Jimmy Lindsay, Martin Peters, Geoff Hurst.
Bristol City: Mike Gibson, Trevor Jacobs, Alec Briggs, Ken Wimshurst, Jack Connor, Gordon Parr, Alan Skirton, Chris Garland, John Galley, Bobby Kellard, Gerry Sharpe.
Club Connections
A reasonably large list of players have turned out for both Bristol City and West Ham United over the years. These include: Fred Harrison, Ray Atteveld, David Noble, Marlon Harewood, Jordan Spence, Paul Allen, Hugh Monteith, Jack Landells, Fred Corbett, David James, Bobby Gould, Leroy Rosenior, George Parris, Albert Carnelly, Nicky Maynard, Gavin Williams, Joe Durrell, Steve Jones, Hogan Ephraim, Eamonn Dolan, William Ingham, Ralph Milne, Stephen Henderson and Sam Baldock.
Today's focus though is on a forward who came through the youth system at West Ham and went on to enjoy goalscoring success with Bristol City. Nicky Morgan was born in East Ham on the 30th October 1959. He began his career at his boyhood club, West Ham United, starting as an apprentice before earning a professional contract in 1978. He made his first-team debut in a 1-0 Second Division victory at home against Luton on 9th April 1979, following that up with another appearance the following month in a 0-0 draw at Cardiff. Morgan made seven appearances in 1979/80, scoring his first goal for the club in the 4-1 win over Charlton on 5th May 1980. He came on as a substitute at Wembley in the 1-0 Charity Shield defeat to Liverpool in August 1980 and went on to make six appearances in the promotion campaign of 1980/81, scoring the winner in the 1-0 win at Sheffield Wednesday on 8th May 1981. He also experienced European football, turning out three times in the European Cup Winners' Cup – Morgan played in both legs against Castilla and in the home leg against Poli Timisoara.
Morgan spent the 1981/82 season on loan with Den Haag, scoring 6 goals in 20 appearances, but the Dutch club were relegated at the end of the campaign. He returned to east London to play in seven First Division matches in 1982/83, although he didn't score, and the 1-1 home draw with Stoke on 19th March 1983 would transpire to be his last outing in claret and blue. Having scored 2 goals in 26 Hammers outings, he left for Portsmouth later that month.
Morgan enjoyed three full seasons at Fratton Park, spent almost exclusively in the second tier, before joining Stoke in the early part of 1986/87. After almost four full seasons with the Potters, he dropped down to the Third Division to sign for Bristol City in April 1990. Morgan scored four goals in seven matches for the Robins as they secured promotion to the Second Division, ironically swapping places with the team he had just departed. He scored 17 goals in 1990/91, his highest return in a season for any of his clubs, as City ended the campaign in ninth place. He dropped out of the first-team picture at Ashton Gate in 1991/92 however and spent a short spell on loan at Bournemouth in 1992/93. He left Bristol City permanently in August 1993, signing for Exeter City having scored 29 goals in 89 appearances in all competitions for the Robins. After 4 goals in 12 matches with Exeter, Morgan decided to retire from professional football.
Referee
Sunday's referee will be Lee Mason from Greater Manchester. Mason refereed four of our games last season, sending off two of our players (Mark Noble against Everton and James Tomkins at Cardiff) and disallowing a perfectly good Stewart Downing equaliser at Crystal Palace. He has officiated in one Hammers match this term, that being the 2-1 defeat at Old Trafford when he sent off Wayne Rooney, denied the Hammers a penalty when Morgan Amalfitano's cross struck Radamel Falcao's arm and disallowed Kevin Nolan's last-minute strike for a marginal offside.
Mason was also the ref for our home fixture with Manchester United in 2011. He awarded West Ham two penalties, both converted by Mark Noble, but then failed to give Nemanja Vidic a red card for a professional foul on Demba Ba with the score at 2-0 to the Hammers. United went on to win 4-2, with their crucial third a very controversial penalty for handball against Matthew Upson, which Rooney converted. Mason also sent off Noble at Birmingham the season before.
Possible line-ups
Bristol City are currently second in League One under Steve Cotterill having battled against relegation for much of last season. The Robins also seem set for Wembley in the Johnstone's Paint Trophy having established a first-leg lead over Gillingham in the Southern Area Final. Sunday's game at Ashton Gate, however, will be the first time the club have appeared in the FA Cup fourth round since 2007. Striker Jay Emmanuel-Thomas has scored seven goals in his past eight Cup matches while fellow forward Matt Smith, on loan from Fulham, has nine goals in his last seven matches. Bristol City have doubts over striker Aaron Wilbraham, who is struggling with a hip problem and has not featured for the Robins since December, and Kieran Agard who last played on Boxing Day. Defender James Tavernier is cup-tied after playing for parent club Wigan in their 1-0 defeat to Bolton in the previous round. City defender Aden Flint stands at 6'5 – he is likely to be marking Andy Carroll. Cotterill has largely employed a 3-5-2 system this season.
West Ham United are unbeaten in their past 10 meetings with Bristol City in all competitions in a run stretching back to February 1978. Sam Allardyce has ruled out Welsh international defender James Collins, while fellow centre-back James Tomkins also limped out of last week's victory over Hull with a hamstring strain. Should a decision be made not to risk Tomkins, Joey O'Brien is likely to fill in at centre-back after Reece Burke played 90 minutes for the Development Squad on Friday. Morgan Amalfitano scored and impressed from the bench last week and could claim a starting place ahead of Mark Noble, who put in a rare below-par performance last time out.
Possible Bristol City XI: Fielding; Ayling, Flint, Williams; Little, Elliott, K Smith, Freeman, Bryan; Emmanuel-Thomas, M Smith.
Possible West Ham United XI: Adrian; Jenkinson, O'Brien, Reid, Cresswell; Song, Nolan, Amalfitano; Downing; Carroll, Valencia.
Enjoy the game – Come On You Irons!
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Gold confirms Sakho recovery
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on January 24, 2015 in Whispers
Claret & Hugh
David Gold has confirmed that Diafra Sakho is back in the selection frame for the Irons. ClaretandHugh revealed exclusively a few hours ago that the striker had an outside chance of making the bench for tomorrow's fourth round FA Cup clash at Ashton Gate adding that next week's match against Liverpool at Anfield was a real target. And the co chairman has confirmed that is the case in responding to a follower who asked if there was "any truth" in the story. Gold declared: "I am hopeful he will be available for selection against Liverpool." A source told us: "There remains a small chance he'll make the bench tomorrow. He has recovered quicker than expected."
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Sakho back in the selection frame
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on January 24, 2015 in Whispers
Claret & Hugh
Diafra Sakho has an outside chance of making it onto the Hammers bench against Bristol City although in the last few minutes we have been told it's more likely he'll feature at Liverpool next week! Whewther it's tomorrow or next weekend , the Hammers will have no hesitation in thrusting him into FA Cup action despite earlier threats from the Senegal Football Federation. They had claimed after his back injury against West Brom that should he return to Premier League action before the end of the African Cup of Nations they would throw the Fifa rule book at the Irons. However, they ,may find that difficult given that Leicester City's Jeffrey Schlupp who missed joining the Ghana squad with a knee injury was fit to play against Stoke City last week.
Foxes Boss Nigel Pearson revealed that he had acted entirely within the rules by telling Ghana the player would be out for between 10-14 days just as the Hammers did Senegal over Sakho explaining it could take up to four or six weeks. ClaretandHugh was told exclusively this morning: "Diafra has made a quicker than expected recovery and may feature on the bench at Ashton Gate – we will see. However, it could be we will give him another seven days. "There's less than a 50 per cent chance of Senegal taking action given the Leicester City precedent and should the player be fit, we'll take our chances!"
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Central defender NEVER a target
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on January 24, 2015 in Whispers
Claret & Hugh
Nigerian defender Azubuike Egwuekwe is not in London and has never been a West Ham target! Sam Allardyce has confirmed the ClaretandHugh story of several weeks ago when we revealed that the player was not remotely on the club's radar. In talking up the possibility of a Darren Fletcher switch to the club, the manager let it be known that the 25 year old central defender was not a target for us. And that suggests Winston Reid is set to stay with the club at least until the summer with a source telling us: "There have still been no inquiries for the player." Allardyce revealed: "We have not taken a Nigerian defender. It is not the case that he has flown in."
And on the Darren Fletcher situation he added: ""I don't know what the timeline is going to be but for me if any of the other packages we have offered are accepted then we will accept that. "If someone else accepts and the other one hasn't made their mind up, or they are negotiating somewhere else, then that would be it because we couldn't wait for ever. "At this stage of the window if you do get something nailed on you must take it because you might very well end up with nothing if you don't."
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Hammers update signings situation
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on January 24, 2015 in Whispers
Claret & Hugh
West Ham's chiefs have told the fans not to hold their breath on January signings! Unless the board is 100 per cent convinced a new signing will "definitely improve the squad." they will be keeping the coffers firmly shut. Last year's moves for striker Marco Borriello,midfielder Antonio Nocerino (pictured above) and Colombia left back Paolo Armero – brought in on top wages – were all released after deeply disappointing spells. Thirty four year old Dirk Kuyt is the latest veteran to be linked with the club after a week in which Darren Fletcher was been at the centre of the club's thoughts. But this morning an insider told ClaretandHugh:"There's been a lot of talking going on all week but nothing has been concluded. It's a time to look around of course but in the main January buys are never good buys. "We are in a good position to only buy players who we really believe will improve the team, either short or long term.
"If you look at the money spent over previous January windows, the cost has run to tens of millions with fees, agents fees and wages and very few of the players had any impact. Our position is very healthy."
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Bristol City show real class to us Irons
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on January 25, 2015 in Whispers
Claret & Hugh
Bristol City is a very likeable club. I've spent many afternoons inside Ashton Gate reporting games over the years and it has always been a hospitable , media friendly place where people know how to behave and respond. So it came as absolutely no surprise to find that The Robins had decided to allow the Irons to take their bubbles machine to the ground this afternoon on the basis that they want "everybody to enjoy themselves." I'm an Iron to my backbone but credit where it's due. Chairman Steve Lansdown and his team have shown real class and Claretandhugh would like to say 'thank you' on behalf of all our fans who we believe will have a winning afternoon out. Football is full of measly and miserly-mouthed individuals without a thought in their heads for anyone but themselves. And although it's only a tiny gesture in the great scheme of things it shows some much needed qualityand our co chairman David Gold was quick to offer his thanks to the club. He told ClaretandHugh: "Well done Bristol City – that is absolutely brilliant and shows real class. We're grateful." A shower of bubbles over Ashton Gate following a day of incredible FA shocks will give the lads a lift as they take to the field. Thank you City and "COME ON YOU IRONS!"
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DG: "Cup shocks best team talk ever for the lads"
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on January 24, 2015 in Whispers
Claret & Hugh
David Gold claimed this evening that the FA shocks of this afternoon will have a greater impact on the West Ham players than any pep talk Sam Allardyce can give them. DG sat at home this afternoon watching like most of us in disbelief as Chelsea, Manchester City and Spurs were kicked out of the FA Cup. And he told ClaretandHugh: "It's a massive warning of what can happen and the players will be sitting in their hotel saying: "We can't let that happen to us." And he roared with laughterwhen he declared: : "Of course, I'm absolutely heartbroken for Tottenham Hotspur!" "It will help that we have set our stall out since pre-season as far as this competiton is concerned – it has always been very high on the priority list but everybody inside the club and every player will be aware of what can happen if we are not bang on our game after today. "I believe we have learned our lesson in the past. We will put possibly our strongest team out and so long as we are at our best we can get the result. "It's all about Wembley – we want to go to Wembley for the semi-finals and the Final and with these massive clubs now out of the competition our chance is clear. "There's a balancing act for the players – they can see the chance but must make sure they don't suffer the same fate. They will be prepared and ready, "It will be an exciting and I believe a winning afternoon in Bristol. We can't fail."
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Man U's Fletcher: more deal details revealed
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on January 24, 2015 in Whispers
Claret & hUgh
Sam Allardyce is keen to take Darren Fletcher on loan for six months with the offer of a two and half year deal at the end of it! The manager is the driving force behind a deal which remains very much in the balance as the Manchester United midfielder studies options he has received from us and West Bromwich Albion. Others inside the club are cooler are on the player but are backing the manager up to a point as they wait to hear back from Fletcher. Allardyce this morning in outspoken national newspaper comments attempted to pile pressure on Fletcher to sign and ClaretandHugh – as a result – spoke to club contacts about the forces driving the deal. At 30 years of age the player sits outside the board's stated policy of taken no players older than 27 but it seems the manager is seeking an exception is made in the case of a player he rates highly. And he's ready to agree terms that would take Fletcher up to beyond his 33rd birthday as a medium term replacement for captain Kevin Nolan.
Our source said: "Sam wants this deal. Bizarrely, a clause is wanted which says he stays on if we remain in the Premier League which is a given anyway. "Some of the staff have worries about his injury record. The last thing we want is a player on a two and a half year deal who isn't available for periods of time. "Everybody has a high regard to how the player has overcome serious health problems but clubs can't be overly sentimental when a lot of money is onvolved."
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Saturday, January 24
Daily WHUFC News - 24th January 2015
Big Sam on: Bristol City
WHUFC.com
The manager speaks to the media ahead of Sunday's FA Cup tie at Bristol City
23.01.2015
Sam Allardyce faced the media on Friday morning ahead of Sunday's FA Cup tie
at Bristol City. He fielded questions on team news, transfer dealings and
more.
Sam, what is the team news?
SA: "We're all fit and well apart from James Collins and Diafra Sakho by the
looks of things. The rest of the team is ok which gives us a strong squad to
go to Bristol City with."
It's now only ten days to go until the end of the transfer window, what is
the situation with Darren Fletcher?
SA: "I'm not in the position to do the financial side of the deal. There are
a few financial packages going out to certain players done by the Chairmen
at the moment, so when we have a satisfactory reply from those, we'll make
them more public than we are at the moment."
Do you feel that he does want to come here?
SA: "He's got quite a few clubs interested in him, so I suppose when he
makes his mind up, everyone else will know."
Is there any time frame on it, Tony Pulis suggested it might do down to
transfer deadline day?
SA: "I don't know. It depends how quickly the packages for our current
players are settled. We can't wait forever, so we'll have to see what
happens."
Have you had the chance to speak to Darren?
SA: "No, we've not had any permission to speak to him."
People may look at this game with Bristol City and think it's a banker, but
Bristol City are doing well in the League One, joint top at the moment?
SA: "It'll be an extremely difficult game, it always is against lower league
opposition, especially away from home. We lost to Sheffield United earlier
in the season on penalties, at home in the Capital One cup so we know how
difficult it is. Tottenham found it difficult against them too, as did
Liverpool against Wimbledon, but for the brilliance of Steven Gerrard they
may have struggled. It's all down to the attitude of the players. If they
take anything lightly then they can get caught cold. Starting on the front
foot has always been important in these types of games."
How difficult is to strike the balance for team selection given you've got
Liverpool, Manchester United, Tottenham and Southampton all coming up soon?
SA: "I'm happy with my selection process at the moment, because I've got a
whole week before we play Liverpool. On the other hand Steve Cotterill has
got a busier schedule, 46 league games in a season and they're still in the
Johnstone's Paint Trophy as well. So he's got a bigger problem than me, and
this game on Sunday probably isn't his priority, probably promotion is. I
don't have a problem playing a full strength elven as we have a full week to
recover before we play Liverpool away."
Given the row following Kevin Mirallas taking the penalty instead of
Leighton Baines, has Adrian been having words with Mark Noble?
SA: "(Laughs) No, no. It was very disappointing for Everton, obviously there
wouldn't have been a fuss had he scored. If someone else
takes a penalty they better make sure that they score it."
Has there been any interest in Adrian following his performances recently?
SA: "No."
Moments in the FA Cup replay are what the competition is all about, can the
manner of the win give your side that lift in the tournament?
SA: "For us now, we have to continue where we left off. We put in a huge
amount of effort into the two games. We were only a minute away from winning
away at Everton and we really should've been more comfortable at home than
we were. However, we finally got through it. It would be a real waste if we
threw it away against Bristol City. This game is something that is very
important to our season, and we want to go as far as we can. We're
favourites to go through but it won't be easy."
Can I just ask you about Arsene Wenger's comments about the work permit laws
being relaxed in order benefit English football, do you agree with that?
SA: "I don't agree with that at all. There's always a massive influx of
foreign talent coming into academies already. As a result we lose the
opportunity for young British players to develop. As an Englishman that's a
real no for me. I think it's important we protect our own, we very rarely do
it here. We haven't done it up to now, and we need to do it somewhere down
the line."
Do you think the rules should be tightened?
SA: "I think they're fine at the moment. You have the opportunity to get
foreign talent in if they are particularly talented. To change it to make it
even easier is a big no for me."
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Potts: 'We need to learn quickly'
WHUFC.com
U21s coach Steve Potts said his side must learn from the 3-1 defeat by
Chelsea
23.01.2015
West Ham United U21 coach Steve Potts said his side need to learn quickly
from the 3-1 defeat to Chelsea at Rush Green on Friday 23 January. The Blues
took an early through Kasey Palmer's inspired flick from a corner before two
goals just before half time from Dominic Solanke sealed the victory. The Dev
Squad rallied in the second half with Sebastian Lletget scoring his first
goal of season after he headed Djair Parfit-Williams cross past goalkeeper
Mitchell Beeney. Speaking after the game, Potts said: "I thought it was a
mixed bag really. There were some good bits, but I thought the bits where we
weren't so good were down to naivety really. "The first goal was from a
corner where we switched off when they play it short, the boys should know
their jobs better than that. Conceding two goals just before half time which
killed the game really."
Speaking about the quality of the Chelsea side, who know go top of the
Barclays U21 Premier League table, Potts continued: "I think sometimes you
just have to accept that you're playing a decent side, you know they are
going to have more of the ball than you, you just have to be patient and no
let the break you down. We gave them too many openings which they punished
in the end. "It was about keeping some sort of shape about the team and
building it from there. In the first half we had some moment going forward
and I thought we were unlucky not to score. I think Chelsea are one of those
teams where you can't give them anything. But I was pleased in the second
half how solid we were and we built from there."
The Dev Squad's next game is another tough fixture, just three days later
when they travel to Southampton on Monday 26 January. "We played with a very
young side tonight, but at the same point this is the level that we want
them to get to. You're playing a Chelsea team that you have to be able to
compete with. They're young lads and they need to learn quickly but
hopefully they will. "Southampton away will be another tough game. We've got
to go again. Southampton are doing really well. It'll be a tough fixture for
us but hopefully we can learn quickly."
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Chadwell Chatter
WHUFC.com
Aaron Cresswell blogs about penalty shootouts, playing Bristol City and
being reunited with teammates
22.01.2015
Hello everyone,
It's been a while since I wrote my last column, I hope you are all doing
well. I guess I better start with our rollercoaster of a replay against
Everton last week. For the neutral, I'm sure it was a great advert for the
FA Cup, but for the fans it must have been quite an ordeal! Thankfully, we
came away with the right result. Adrian did superbly to hold his nerve in
the shootout but the whole team deserve credit for their effort over the two
games.
During the game I knew it was exciting, but it was only afterwards, when I
watched it back, that it all sunk in. It had everything. There were quality
goals, a red card and penalties, so I think it was a fantastic game. When it
came to my penalty, I was originally meant to put it in right-hand corner
but as I started my run up, the referee stopped me. After that I decided to
play it safe and go down the middle, I wasn't willing to take any chances!
This Sunday, we travel to Bristol City in our fourth round tie. They are
flying high in League One and it looks like they will get promoted this
year. Speaking from my experiences of playing against them with Ipswich
Town, it was never easy going to Ashton Gate. Even though we got a couple of
wins there, they were always tough games.
Sunday is particularly special for me as I'll come up against Jay
Emmanuel-Thomas, my former teammate from Ipswich. Funnily enough both Jay
and myself played on the same night in the replays, after the game we were
texting a bit and having a little bit of banter.
He's a fantastic player, having come through at Arsenal as a youngster. He's
got all the ability to be a fantastic player. Having scored four goals in
his last three games, he is in red hot form just as we're about to face him!
It'll be good to come up against him, and I hope the best team wins on the
day.
The FA Cup is still a very special tournament for me personally. I'd like to
go as far as I can in it because as I've never really had a cup run. I'm
really looking forward to the game and hopefully we'll be in the hat for the
fifth round draw on Monday.
Being the Premier League side, I think there's a bit of extra pressure and
as everyone knows, cup upsets can happen. I know all the lads are going into
the game with a lot of confidence, especially after the win over Hull at the
weekend. I thought the first half was very scrappy but in the second, we
worked hard, scored some very good goals and deserved the three points in
the end.
COYI!
Aaron
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Bristol City v West Ham: Aden Flint relishing Andy Carroll battle
BBc.co.uk
Bristol City defender Aden Flint is looking forward to a physical battle
with West Ham striker Andy Carroll in the FA Cup fourth round on Sunday.
Carroll has five goals in his last nine games for the Premier League side,
while Flint has been an integral part of City's League One promotion push.
"He'll let me know that he's there early on and hopefully I can give that
back," said Flint, who stands an inch-and-a-half taller than 6ft 3in
Carroll. "It's a battle I'm looking forward to."
Carroll, who has nine England caps, became Liverpool's club-record signing
in 2011 when he joined from Newcastle for £35m. But the 26-year-old's time
at Anfield was hampered by injury and he was loaned to West Ham before
moving permanently in 2013 for £15m. Ten days before Carroll joined
Liverpool, centre-back Flint left Alfreton Town to sign for Swindon for
£150,000. The battle of the big men
The 25-year-old went on to win the League Two title with Town, under the
management of former West Ham striker Paolo Di Canio, and was signed by City
for £300,000 in June 2013. When asked about coming up against Carroll, who
is known for his power and strength as a centre-forward, Flint joked: "We
both love to head the ball for a living. "But you don't get big money moves
Liverpool for no reason, and he plays in the Premier League so you've got to
be a good footballer - besides heading it. "He's come back from injury and
West Ham have pretty much turned a corner. "You always want to play against
the best players and it's a challenge I'm relishing."
Bristol City battled relegation last season but are currently second in
League One and are on their way to securing a place at Wembley in the
Johnstone's Paint Trophy final. Sunday's game at Ashton Gate will be the
first time the club have played in the fourth round of the FA Cup since
2007. "It puts a smile on your face when you're winning games," added Flint.
"Last year was difficult, for me and the team, but we've turned a corner now
and everyone's looking up rather than down. "We can't be getting ahead of
ourselves. We've got to keep our feet on the ground and play to the best of
our ability."
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Manchester United's Darren Fletcher interests West Ham
BBC/.co.uk
West Ham are interested in signing Darren Fletcher from Manchester United,
says Hammers boss Sam Allardyce. The Scotland captain, 30, has made 342
appearances for United but just five starts under boss Louis van Gaal and
has six months left on his contract. Allardyce has "had no permission" to
speak to the midfielder, who has held preliminary discussions with West Brom
according to their boss Tony Pulis.
"When he makes his mind up everyone will know," said Allardyce. "I don't
know what the timeline is. If any of the other packages offered to him are
accepted then we would accept that. "Or if they hadn't made their mind up or
were negotiating somewhere else that would be it. We can't wait forever. "I
always think at this stage of the window, if you do get something nailed on
you have to take it because you might end up with nothing if you don't."
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Another youngster to depart
KUMb.com
Filed: Friday, 23rd January 2015
By: Staff Writer
Kieran Bywater has become the latest casualty of the Development Squad cull
at Chadwell Heath. The 19-year-old Manchester-born midfielder has confirmed
that he will be leaving West Ham United this year having failed to secure a
new c ontract.Speaking via his Twitter account this lunchtime, the
18-year-old said: "I am not signing a new contract after this season with
West Ham United and just want to thank everyone at the Academy to getting me
where I am. "Looking forward to a new challenge in my career - wherever it
is going to be."
Bywater, who was short-listed for the Dylan Tombides Award (for West Ham's
outstanding Academy scholar) in 2013/14 signed his first professional
contract with West Ham last summer. However he is just one of a number of
Development Squad players whose time at West Ham is coming to an end, with
new Under 21 manager Steve Potts overseeing sweeping changes to the squad.
20-year-old Elliott Lee is another likely to move out ahead of the transfer
window deadline with Southend expressing an interest. Shrimpers boss Phil
Brown told the Echo this week: "I've been interested in bringing Elliot Lee
to the football and that hasn't changed."
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No pressure but we need a little luck, says Cotterill
KUMB.co m
Filed: Friday, 23rd January 2015
By: Staff Writer
Bristol City manager Steve Cotterill believes his team can beat West Ham
when the two teams meet at Ashton Gate this Sunday - but only with a major
slice of luck. Cotterill, who has been in charge of the Robins since
December 2013 has taken his team to the upper echelons of League One this
season, with City currently lying second in the table behind leaders
Swindon. However he accepted that this weekend's challenge would be
considerable more difficult that any he has faced elsewhere this season. We
know we have to play to our maximum and potentially they have to have an
off-day," Cotterill told bcfc.co.uk. "We may need a little bit of luck, we
know that, but these things can happen in the FA Cup. "All in all it's going
to be a really good occasion and hopefully we can play well. When you're
playing against Premier League teams I think they will let you play because
they play. I imagine it'll be a good game, or at least I hope it will be."
City - who will almost certainly be missing Aaron Wilbraham (hip), Kieran
Agard (ankle) and James Tavernier (Cup-tied) go into the game having won 10
or their last 12 outings, with just the one solitary defeat during that run
- a 1-0 defeat at Crewe Alexandra on 20 December. They reached the fourth
round of the competition courtesy of wins against Gillingham (2-1 away),
Telford (1-0) and Doncaster (2-0 in a reply following a 1-1 draw in the
first tie). "Every time there's been an FA Cup tie we've tried our best,"
continued Cotterill. "Thankfully we've made it through a couple of tough
games against Doncaster Rovers to get a shot at a Premier League side.
"I wanted that opportunity for the players to test themselves against
Premier League players. They will learn something in this game."
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Fletcher move in the balance, says Allardyce
KUMB.com
Filed: Friday, 23rd January 2015
By: Staff Writer
Sam Allardyce says that West Ham are just one of a number of clubs seeking
to sign Manchester United midfielder Darren Fletcher during the current
transfer window. The Hammers have been linked with a move for the Scottish
international who is also said to be interesting the likes of West Bromwich
Labion and La Liga side Valencia. However Allardyce insisted this morning
that West Ham's bid to land the 30-year-old is far from close to completion.
"He's got quite a few clubs interested in him, so I suppose when he makes
his mind up everyone else will know," Allardyce told the media at a press
conference this morning. "There are a few financial packages going out to
certain players done by the Chairmen at the moment, so when we have a
satisfactory reply from those we'll make them more public than we are at the
moment."
Fletcher, whose latest contract at Old Trafford expires at the end of this
season has been with the Manchester club for nearly 20 years. He has also
spoken with new Albion manager Tony Pulis, who like Allardycerefused to
claim a deal was close to being sealed. "We've spoken to Darren, he said
he'll let us know," said Pulis. "The time frame will be deadline day. He's a
fantastic lad and we've shown an interest. But he'll make a decision on
where he wants to go, then the club will get involved in negotiations."
West Ham face Bristol City in the fourth round of the FA Cup at Ashton Gate
on Sunday afternoon.
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FA Cup fourth round team news: Bristol City v West Ham preview
Last Updated: 23/01/15 10:45pm
SSN
Bristol City boss Steve Cotterill has doubts over Aaron Wilbraham and Kieran
Agard ahead of their FA Cup fourth-round clash against West Ham. Striker
Wilbraham is struggling with a hip problem and has not featured for the
Robins since December, while Agard's last appearance came on Boxing Day.
Defender James Tavernier is cup-tied after playing for parent club Wigan in
their 1-0 loss to Bolton in the previous round. However, fellow loanees
George Saville and Matt Smith can both feature. West Ham defender James
Collins is expected to miss out with a back problem. Collins had to be
substituted in the second half of West Ham's 3-0 win against Hull last
weekend while Diafra Sakho also has a back injury and remains sidelined.
Hammers midfielder Cheikhou Kouyate is on international duty with Senegal at
the African Nations Cup and is unavailable.
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Sam Allardyce sets his sights on Wembley glory for West Ham
Last Updated: 23/01/15 11:03pm
0
Sam Allardyce: Hammers boss sets his sights on Wembley
West Ham manager Sam Allardyce insists his players can create history by
going all the way in the FA Cup this season.
SSN
The Hammers have not lifted the trophy since 1980 and have reached the final
just once since the start of the Premier League era. They take on Sky Bet
League One promotion hopefuls Bristol City in the fourth round on Sunday and
Allardyce wants his side to convert their excellent league form into cup
success this season. "If it could bring success it would recreate modern
history, particularly as we move into a new stadium," Allardyce said. "I'm
sure a lot of West Ham supporters have fantastically fond memories of what
we did at Wembley when we got promoted. "If we can get to a cup final, it's
generally for most fans a once in a lifetime occasion."
Allardyce received heavy criticism last year for fielding a youthful side in
the third round when they were thrashed 5-0 by Nottingham Forest. The
Hammers have no relegation concerns this season, however, and Allardyce
insists his players can give everything to secure a place at Wembley. "We
haven't picked up as many injuries as we might have expected, we've got a
full squad ready and raring to get stuck into the FA Cup," Allardyce said.
"I've got no concerns that it will affect the league form at all. "The FA
Cup falls on a Saturday, not midweek, so we have plenty of time between this
game and the next game to recover and keep our very good league form up. "We
want to be very, very competitive in this competition. We know the glories
of it. "You have that ultimate goal of being at Wembley and that's one of
the most wonderful things you can ever experience in your career."
Allardyce, however, is not expecting an easy ride at Ashton Gate against
Bristol City, who are second in League One and have won their last six
matches at home. "FA Cup games are always extremely difficult against lower
league opposition, particularly away from home," Allardyce added. "It's all
down to the attitude of the player. If they try to take things lightly, they
can get caught cold. "You have to start on the front foot because there is
such excitement - players at Bristol City will play way, way above their
best. "They can produce a one-off performance that causes you a lot of
problems."
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Irons rubbish Valencia Chelsea link
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on January 23, 2015 in Whispers
Claret & Hugh
An Italian sports reporter and well respected transfer expert Gianluca Di
Marzio reckons Jose Mourinho could look in the direction of Enner Valencia
if he fails to land other attacking targets. But the story was immediately
rubbished by the Hammers where a source told ClaretandHugh: There's
absolutely no chance and there is no excape clause ijn his contract. It
won't happen." In a report published today Di Marzio says: "It is no secret
that Chelsea are keen on Fiorentina's Cuadrado, but the asking price for the
midfielder is high.
The English club are not willing to pay more than 25 million euros for the
winger, so under the current circumstances there will be no deal. The
alternative, Douglas Costa of Shakhtar Donetsk, is more feasible in terms of
price. While Chelsea consider these two players, they are also paying
attention to a third option: Enner Valencia of West Ham. He is likely to be
a cheaper alternative. The Hammers source added: "The very idea is crazy –
laughable. He's only been here half a zseason and is settling in brilliantly
– it's not even a remote possibility -not a prayer."
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Fletcher doesn't look the answer!
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on January 23, 2015 in Whispers
Claret &Hugh
Unless Sam Allardyce and David Sullivan have something up their sleeves,
this January will pass without a whimper and that has to be… a very good
thing. Frenetic January activity is not the name of the game at West Ham for
once. We are sorted – and frankly it nice to have a peaceful midwinter
rather than worrying about who may leave and whether anybody needs to be
urgently replaced. With Ricardo Vaz Te now part of our history and Mauro
Zarate out on loan and Ravel Morrison set to make an unlikely move to Lazio
I'd call that good business.
The wage 'save' when all three have departed will be in the region of £75k.
Darren Fletcher may of course arrive but whilst I have great admiration for
his battle against serious illness I do wonder why we are entertaining guy
who has played a handful of Premier League games for United and has been on
the first team sidelines for a month.
At 30, he is also outside our age range and if we are to strengthen
midifield as appears to be the desire its serious pace and energy we need.
Fletcher may show all of those qualities were he to make a loan move but I
remain unconvinced he's the answer to the lack of pace, energy and drive we
are seeing from Mark Noble and Kevin Nolan. In general terms January
spending never a clever idea. Big and successful clubs don't do it and when
you look at our recent excursions into that market, we have spent an awaful
lot of mopney on players who made n o impact whatsoever – last winter being
a perfect example of the point. Some may call this January very boring –
personally I think its very satisfactory!
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"Hammers going all the way to Wembley"
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on January 23, 2015 in Whispers
Clare t& Hugh
I have little doubt that the Irons will beat Bristol City to go through to
the Fifth Round of the FA Cup but believe they will need a replay to do so.
It's going to be hard at Ashton Gate on Sunday where because of
redevelopment on one side of the ground, the capacity has been reduced to
13,000. And the Hammers will also find that the Ashton Gate pitch is nuch
bigger than they expect which may involve them in having to change their
game a bit – it's actually as big as Wembley. City are going well of course
and will be ready to give the game a right go under boss Steve Cotterill
whose major objective is promotion so this is very much an afternoon off for
him and will tell his team to have a right go. I joined City towards the end
of my playing career and carried out virtually every job possible at Ashton
Gate so I have split affections. I reckon the Robins will take the tie back
to Upton Park after a 2-2 draw and that the Irons will then beat them and
advance on Wembley.
I reckon that the Hammers can go all the way this year and have a real
chance of lifting the old trophy but they mist beware strikers Matt Smith
and Jay Emmanuel-Thomas who started his career at Arsenal. They are the
club's second string strikers but took their chance when the front pair were
injured before Christmas and have scored 12 goals between them since. The
team is doing really well and are second in the division with two games in
and on Swindon. Of course it will be tough but the Irons have quality
everywhere and I don't need to run over it again. They should – and in my
view – will go through. I genuinely believe an FA Cup Final appearance is
now on for the Hammers!
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BBC FA Cup duty for 'mixed emotions' Leroy
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on January 23, 2015 in Whispers
Claret & Hugh
ClaretandHugh's chief pundit/analyst Leroy Rosenior knows Bristol City as a
club better than most! So it's very much a case of 'mixed emotions' when the
former Irons striker heads for our FA Cup fourth round clash at Ashton Gate
on Sunday. Leroy will be the BBC's man on the touchline for the game and
speaking exclusively to us he said: "It's a tough game for me as I love the
Hammers with all my heart but I did virtually every job there was to do at
Bristol City before leaving the club to manage elsewhere. "I signed as a
player at the same time as Andy Cole and during my time there was reserve
team coach, assistant manager, assistant academy director and even caretaker
manager. "It's going to be tough for the Hammers but I am confident they
will come out with a result as they are the class side but they can taken
nothing for granted."
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West Ham emerge as front-runners in race for Paris prospect
KUMB.com
Filed: Saturday, 24th January 2015
By: Staff Writer
West Ham are understood to be closing in on the capture of teenage Paris
Saint-Germain striker Jean-Kevin Augustin. 17-year-old Augustin has been the
subject of interest from a number of Europe's top clubs in recent months and
is poised to leave the Parc des Princes at the end of the season, when his
current contract expires. His potential availability on a free transfer has
alerted a string of top clubs such as Arsenal, Juventus and West Ham - who
we understand are close to sealing a deal to bring Augustin to the Boleyn
Ground.
Until now Arsenal had been considered favourites to sign the former
Boulogne-Billancourt youngster, who is yet to make an appearance for the PSG
first team despite having made the match day squad on four occasions. But
West Ham - who could take Augustin before his contract expires at the end of
the season, should the two clubs be able to agree what would amount to a
nominal fee - are believed to have stolen a march on their north London
rivals.
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WHUFC.com
The manager speaks to the media ahead of Sunday's FA Cup tie at Bristol City
23.01.2015
Sam Allardyce faced the media on Friday morning ahead of Sunday's FA Cup tie
at Bristol City. He fielded questions on team news, transfer dealings and
more.
Sam, what is the team news?
SA: "We're all fit and well apart from James Collins and Diafra Sakho by the
looks of things. The rest of the team is ok which gives us a strong squad to
go to Bristol City with."
It's now only ten days to go until the end of the transfer window, what is
the situation with Darren Fletcher?
SA: "I'm not in the position to do the financial side of the deal. There are
a few financial packages going out to certain players done by the Chairmen
at the moment, so when we have a satisfactory reply from those, we'll make
them more public than we are at the moment."
Do you feel that he does want to come here?
SA: "He's got quite a few clubs interested in him, so I suppose when he
makes his mind up, everyone else will know."
Is there any time frame on it, Tony Pulis suggested it might do down to
transfer deadline day?
SA: "I don't know. It depends how quickly the packages for our current
players are settled. We can't wait forever, so we'll have to see what
happens."
Have you had the chance to speak to Darren?
SA: "No, we've not had any permission to speak to him."
People may look at this game with Bristol City and think it's a banker, but
Bristol City are doing well in the League One, joint top at the moment?
SA: "It'll be an extremely difficult game, it always is against lower league
opposition, especially away from home. We lost to Sheffield United earlier
in the season on penalties, at home in the Capital One cup so we know how
difficult it is. Tottenham found it difficult against them too, as did
Liverpool against Wimbledon, but for the brilliance of Steven Gerrard they
may have struggled. It's all down to the attitude of the players. If they
take anything lightly then they can get caught cold. Starting on the front
foot has always been important in these types of games."
How difficult is to strike the balance for team selection given you've got
Liverpool, Manchester United, Tottenham and Southampton all coming up soon?
SA: "I'm happy with my selection process at the moment, because I've got a
whole week before we play Liverpool. On the other hand Steve Cotterill has
got a busier schedule, 46 league games in a season and they're still in the
Johnstone's Paint Trophy as well. So he's got a bigger problem than me, and
this game on Sunday probably isn't his priority, probably promotion is. I
don't have a problem playing a full strength elven as we have a full week to
recover before we play Liverpool away."
Given the row following Kevin Mirallas taking the penalty instead of
Leighton Baines, has Adrian been having words with Mark Noble?
SA: "(Laughs) No, no. It was very disappointing for Everton, obviously there
wouldn't have been a fuss had he scored. If someone else
takes a penalty they better make sure that they score it."
Has there been any interest in Adrian following his performances recently?
SA: "No."
Moments in the FA Cup replay are what the competition is all about, can the
manner of the win give your side that lift in the tournament?
SA: "For us now, we have to continue where we left off. We put in a huge
amount of effort into the two games. We were only a minute away from winning
away at Everton and we really should've been more comfortable at home than
we were. However, we finally got through it. It would be a real waste if we
threw it away against Bristol City. This game is something that is very
important to our season, and we want to go as far as we can. We're
favourites to go through but it won't be easy."
Can I just ask you about Arsene Wenger's comments about the work permit laws
being relaxed in order benefit English football, do you agree with that?
SA: "I don't agree with that at all. There's always a massive influx of
foreign talent coming into academies already. As a result we lose the
opportunity for young British players to develop. As an Englishman that's a
real no for me. I think it's important we protect our own, we very rarely do
it here. We haven't done it up to now, and we need to do it somewhere down
the line."
Do you think the rules should be tightened?
SA: "I think they're fine at the moment. You have the opportunity to get
foreign talent in if they are particularly talented. To change it to make it
even easier is a big no for me."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Potts: 'We need to learn quickly'
WHUFC.com
U21s coach Steve Potts said his side must learn from the 3-1 defeat by
Chelsea
23.01.2015
West Ham United U21 coach Steve Potts said his side need to learn quickly
from the 3-1 defeat to Chelsea at Rush Green on Friday 23 January. The Blues
took an early through Kasey Palmer's inspired flick from a corner before two
goals just before half time from Dominic Solanke sealed the victory. The Dev
Squad rallied in the second half with Sebastian Lletget scoring his first
goal of season after he headed Djair Parfit-Williams cross past goalkeeper
Mitchell Beeney. Speaking after the game, Potts said: "I thought it was a
mixed bag really. There were some good bits, but I thought the bits where we
weren't so good were down to naivety really. "The first goal was from a
corner where we switched off when they play it short, the boys should know
their jobs better than that. Conceding two goals just before half time which
killed the game really."
Speaking about the quality of the Chelsea side, who know go top of the
Barclays U21 Premier League table, Potts continued: "I think sometimes you
just have to accept that you're playing a decent side, you know they are
going to have more of the ball than you, you just have to be patient and no
let the break you down. We gave them too many openings which they punished
in the end. "It was about keeping some sort of shape about the team and
building it from there. In the first half we had some moment going forward
and I thought we were unlucky not to score. I think Chelsea are one of those
teams where you can't give them anything. But I was pleased in the second
half how solid we were and we built from there."
The Dev Squad's next game is another tough fixture, just three days later
when they travel to Southampton on Monday 26 January. "We played with a very
young side tonight, but at the same point this is the level that we want
them to get to. You're playing a Chelsea team that you have to be able to
compete with. They're young lads and they need to learn quickly but
hopefully they will. "Southampton away will be another tough game. We've got
to go again. Southampton are doing really well. It'll be a tough fixture for
us but hopefully we can learn quickly."
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Chadwell Chatter
WHUFC.com
Aaron Cresswell blogs about penalty shootouts, playing Bristol City and
being reunited with teammates
22.01.2015
Hello everyone,
It's been a while since I wrote my last column, I hope you are all doing
well. I guess I better start with our rollercoaster of a replay against
Everton last week. For the neutral, I'm sure it was a great advert for the
FA Cup, but for the fans it must have been quite an ordeal! Thankfully, we
came away with the right result. Adrian did superbly to hold his nerve in
the shootout but the whole team deserve credit for their effort over the two
games.
During the game I knew it was exciting, but it was only afterwards, when I
watched it back, that it all sunk in. It had everything. There were quality
goals, a red card and penalties, so I think it was a fantastic game. When it
came to my penalty, I was originally meant to put it in right-hand corner
but as I started my run up, the referee stopped me. After that I decided to
play it safe and go down the middle, I wasn't willing to take any chances!
This Sunday, we travel to Bristol City in our fourth round tie. They are
flying high in League One and it looks like they will get promoted this
year. Speaking from my experiences of playing against them with Ipswich
Town, it was never easy going to Ashton Gate. Even though we got a couple of
wins there, they were always tough games.
Sunday is particularly special for me as I'll come up against Jay
Emmanuel-Thomas, my former teammate from Ipswich. Funnily enough both Jay
and myself played on the same night in the replays, after the game we were
texting a bit and having a little bit of banter.
He's a fantastic player, having come through at Arsenal as a youngster. He's
got all the ability to be a fantastic player. Having scored four goals in
his last three games, he is in red hot form just as we're about to face him!
It'll be good to come up against him, and I hope the best team wins on the
day.
The FA Cup is still a very special tournament for me personally. I'd like to
go as far as I can in it because as I've never really had a cup run. I'm
really looking forward to the game and hopefully we'll be in the hat for the
fifth round draw on Monday.
Being the Premier League side, I think there's a bit of extra pressure and
as everyone knows, cup upsets can happen. I know all the lads are going into
the game with a lot of confidence, especially after the win over Hull at the
weekend. I thought the first half was very scrappy but in the second, we
worked hard, scored some very good goals and deserved the three points in
the end.
COYI!
Aaron
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Bristol City v West Ham: Aden Flint relishing Andy Carroll battle
BBc.co.uk
Bristol City defender Aden Flint is looking forward to a physical battle
with West Ham striker Andy Carroll in the FA Cup fourth round on Sunday.
Carroll has five goals in his last nine games for the Premier League side,
while Flint has been an integral part of City's League One promotion push.
"He'll let me know that he's there early on and hopefully I can give that
back," said Flint, who stands an inch-and-a-half taller than 6ft 3in
Carroll. "It's a battle I'm looking forward to."
Carroll, who has nine England caps, became Liverpool's club-record signing
in 2011 when he joined from Newcastle for £35m. But the 26-year-old's time
at Anfield was hampered by injury and he was loaned to West Ham before
moving permanently in 2013 for £15m. Ten days before Carroll joined
Liverpool, centre-back Flint left Alfreton Town to sign for Swindon for
£150,000. The battle of the big men
The 25-year-old went on to win the League Two title with Town, under the
management of former West Ham striker Paolo Di Canio, and was signed by City
for £300,000 in June 2013. When asked about coming up against Carroll, who
is known for his power and strength as a centre-forward, Flint joked: "We
both love to head the ball for a living. "But you don't get big money moves
Liverpool for no reason, and he plays in the Premier League so you've got to
be a good footballer - besides heading it. "He's come back from injury and
West Ham have pretty much turned a corner. "You always want to play against
the best players and it's a challenge I'm relishing."
Bristol City battled relegation last season but are currently second in
League One and are on their way to securing a place at Wembley in the
Johnstone's Paint Trophy final. Sunday's game at Ashton Gate will be the
first time the club have played in the fourth round of the FA Cup since
2007. "It puts a smile on your face when you're winning games," added Flint.
"Last year was difficult, for me and the team, but we've turned a corner now
and everyone's looking up rather than down. "We can't be getting ahead of
ourselves. We've got to keep our feet on the ground and play to the best of
our ability."
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Manchester United's Darren Fletcher interests West Ham
BBC/.co.uk
West Ham are interested in signing Darren Fletcher from Manchester United,
says Hammers boss Sam Allardyce. The Scotland captain, 30, has made 342
appearances for United but just five starts under boss Louis van Gaal and
has six months left on his contract. Allardyce has "had no permission" to
speak to the midfielder, who has held preliminary discussions with West Brom
according to their boss Tony Pulis.
"When he makes his mind up everyone will know," said Allardyce. "I don't
know what the timeline is. If any of the other packages offered to him are
accepted then we would accept that. "Or if they hadn't made their mind up or
were negotiating somewhere else that would be it. We can't wait forever. "I
always think at this stage of the window, if you do get something nailed on
you have to take it because you might end up with nothing if you don't."
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Another youngster to depart
KUMb.com
Filed: Friday, 23rd January 2015
By: Staff Writer
Kieran Bywater has become the latest casualty of the Development Squad cull
at Chadwell Heath. The 19-year-old Manchester-born midfielder has confirmed
that he will be leaving West Ham United this year having failed to secure a
new c ontract.Speaking via his Twitter account this lunchtime, the
18-year-old said: "I am not signing a new contract after this season with
West Ham United and just want to thank everyone at the Academy to getting me
where I am. "Looking forward to a new challenge in my career - wherever it
is going to be."
Bywater, who was short-listed for the Dylan Tombides Award (for West Ham's
outstanding Academy scholar) in 2013/14 signed his first professional
contract with West Ham last summer. However he is just one of a number of
Development Squad players whose time at West Ham is coming to an end, with
new Under 21 manager Steve Potts overseeing sweeping changes to the squad.
20-year-old Elliott Lee is another likely to move out ahead of the transfer
window deadline with Southend expressing an interest. Shrimpers boss Phil
Brown told the Echo this week: "I've been interested in bringing Elliot Lee
to the football and that hasn't changed."
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No pressure but we need a little luck, says Cotterill
KUMB.co m
Filed: Friday, 23rd January 2015
By: Staff Writer
Bristol City manager Steve Cotterill believes his team can beat West Ham
when the two teams meet at Ashton Gate this Sunday - but only with a major
slice of luck. Cotterill, who has been in charge of the Robins since
December 2013 has taken his team to the upper echelons of League One this
season, with City currently lying second in the table behind leaders
Swindon. However he accepted that this weekend's challenge would be
considerable more difficult that any he has faced elsewhere this season. We
know we have to play to our maximum and potentially they have to have an
off-day," Cotterill told bcfc.co.uk. "We may need a little bit of luck, we
know that, but these things can happen in the FA Cup. "All in all it's going
to be a really good occasion and hopefully we can play well. When you're
playing against Premier League teams I think they will let you play because
they play. I imagine it'll be a good game, or at least I hope it will be."
City - who will almost certainly be missing Aaron Wilbraham (hip), Kieran
Agard (ankle) and James Tavernier (Cup-tied) go into the game having won 10
or their last 12 outings, with just the one solitary defeat during that run
- a 1-0 defeat at Crewe Alexandra on 20 December. They reached the fourth
round of the competition courtesy of wins against Gillingham (2-1 away),
Telford (1-0) and Doncaster (2-0 in a reply following a 1-1 draw in the
first tie). "Every time there's been an FA Cup tie we've tried our best,"
continued Cotterill. "Thankfully we've made it through a couple of tough
games against Doncaster Rovers to get a shot at a Premier League side.
"I wanted that opportunity for the players to test themselves against
Premier League players. They will learn something in this game."
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Fletcher move in the balance, says Allardyce
KUMB.com
Filed: Friday, 23rd January 2015
By: Staff Writer
Sam Allardyce says that West Ham are just one of a number of clubs seeking
to sign Manchester United midfielder Darren Fletcher during the current
transfer window. The Hammers have been linked with a move for the Scottish
international who is also said to be interesting the likes of West Bromwich
Labion and La Liga side Valencia. However Allardyce insisted this morning
that West Ham's bid to land the 30-year-old is far from close to completion.
"He's got quite a few clubs interested in him, so I suppose when he makes
his mind up everyone else will know," Allardyce told the media at a press
conference this morning. "There are a few financial packages going out to
certain players done by the Chairmen at the moment, so when we have a
satisfactory reply from those we'll make them more public than we are at the
moment."
Fletcher, whose latest contract at Old Trafford expires at the end of this
season has been with the Manchester club for nearly 20 years. He has also
spoken with new Albion manager Tony Pulis, who like Allardycerefused to
claim a deal was close to being sealed. "We've spoken to Darren, he said
he'll let us know," said Pulis. "The time frame will be deadline day. He's a
fantastic lad and we've shown an interest. But he'll make a decision on
where he wants to go, then the club will get involved in negotiations."
West Ham face Bristol City in the fourth round of the FA Cup at Ashton Gate
on Sunday afternoon.
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FA Cup fourth round team news: Bristol City v West Ham preview
Last Updated: 23/01/15 10:45pm
SSN
Bristol City boss Steve Cotterill has doubts over Aaron Wilbraham and Kieran
Agard ahead of their FA Cup fourth-round clash against West Ham. Striker
Wilbraham is struggling with a hip problem and has not featured for the
Robins since December, while Agard's last appearance came on Boxing Day.
Defender James Tavernier is cup-tied after playing for parent club Wigan in
their 1-0 loss to Bolton in the previous round. However, fellow loanees
George Saville and Matt Smith can both feature. West Ham defender James
Collins is expected to miss out with a back problem. Collins had to be
substituted in the second half of West Ham's 3-0 win against Hull last
weekend while Diafra Sakho also has a back injury and remains sidelined.
Hammers midfielder Cheikhou Kouyate is on international duty with Senegal at
the African Nations Cup and is unavailable.
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Sam Allardyce sets his sights on Wembley glory for West Ham
Last Updated: 23/01/15 11:03pm
0
Sam Allardyce: Hammers boss sets his sights on Wembley
West Ham manager Sam Allardyce insists his players can create history by
going all the way in the FA Cup this season.
SSN
The Hammers have not lifted the trophy since 1980 and have reached the final
just once since the start of the Premier League era. They take on Sky Bet
League One promotion hopefuls Bristol City in the fourth round on Sunday and
Allardyce wants his side to convert their excellent league form into cup
success this season. "If it could bring success it would recreate modern
history, particularly as we move into a new stadium," Allardyce said. "I'm
sure a lot of West Ham supporters have fantastically fond memories of what
we did at Wembley when we got promoted. "If we can get to a cup final, it's
generally for most fans a once in a lifetime occasion."
Allardyce received heavy criticism last year for fielding a youthful side in
the third round when they were thrashed 5-0 by Nottingham Forest. The
Hammers have no relegation concerns this season, however, and Allardyce
insists his players can give everything to secure a place at Wembley. "We
haven't picked up as many injuries as we might have expected, we've got a
full squad ready and raring to get stuck into the FA Cup," Allardyce said.
"I've got no concerns that it will affect the league form at all. "The FA
Cup falls on a Saturday, not midweek, so we have plenty of time between this
game and the next game to recover and keep our very good league form up. "We
want to be very, very competitive in this competition. We know the glories
of it. "You have that ultimate goal of being at Wembley and that's one of
the most wonderful things you can ever experience in your career."
Allardyce, however, is not expecting an easy ride at Ashton Gate against
Bristol City, who are second in League One and have won their last six
matches at home. "FA Cup games are always extremely difficult against lower
league opposition, particularly away from home," Allardyce added. "It's all
down to the attitude of the player. If they try to take things lightly, they
can get caught cold. "You have to start on the front foot because there is
such excitement - players at Bristol City will play way, way above their
best. "They can produce a one-off performance that causes you a lot of
problems."
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Irons rubbish Valencia Chelsea link
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on January 23, 2015 in Whispers
Claret & Hugh
An Italian sports reporter and well respected transfer expert Gianluca Di
Marzio reckons Jose Mourinho could look in the direction of Enner Valencia
if he fails to land other attacking targets. But the story was immediately
rubbished by the Hammers where a source told ClaretandHugh: There's
absolutely no chance and there is no excape clause ijn his contract. It
won't happen." In a report published today Di Marzio says: "It is no secret
that Chelsea are keen on Fiorentina's Cuadrado, but the asking price for the
midfielder is high.
The English club are not willing to pay more than 25 million euros for the
winger, so under the current circumstances there will be no deal. The
alternative, Douglas Costa of Shakhtar Donetsk, is more feasible in terms of
price. While Chelsea consider these two players, they are also paying
attention to a third option: Enner Valencia of West Ham. He is likely to be
a cheaper alternative. The Hammers source added: "The very idea is crazy –
laughable. He's only been here half a zseason and is settling in brilliantly
– it's not even a remote possibility -not a prayer."
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Fletcher doesn't look the answer!
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on January 23, 2015 in Whispers
Claret &Hugh
Unless Sam Allardyce and David Sullivan have something up their sleeves,
this January will pass without a whimper and that has to be… a very good
thing. Frenetic January activity is not the name of the game at West Ham for
once. We are sorted – and frankly it nice to have a peaceful midwinter
rather than worrying about who may leave and whether anybody needs to be
urgently replaced. With Ricardo Vaz Te now part of our history and Mauro
Zarate out on loan and Ravel Morrison set to make an unlikely move to Lazio
I'd call that good business.
The wage 'save' when all three have departed will be in the region of £75k.
Darren Fletcher may of course arrive but whilst I have great admiration for
his battle against serious illness I do wonder why we are entertaining guy
who has played a handful of Premier League games for United and has been on
the first team sidelines for a month.
At 30, he is also outside our age range and if we are to strengthen
midifield as appears to be the desire its serious pace and energy we need.
Fletcher may show all of those qualities were he to make a loan move but I
remain unconvinced he's the answer to the lack of pace, energy and drive we
are seeing from Mark Noble and Kevin Nolan. In general terms January
spending never a clever idea. Big and successful clubs don't do it and when
you look at our recent excursions into that market, we have spent an awaful
lot of mopney on players who made n o impact whatsoever – last winter being
a perfect example of the point. Some may call this January very boring –
personally I think its very satisfactory!
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"Hammers going all the way to Wembley"
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on January 23, 2015 in Whispers
Clare t& Hugh
I have little doubt that the Irons will beat Bristol City to go through to
the Fifth Round of the FA Cup but believe they will need a replay to do so.
It's going to be hard at Ashton Gate on Sunday where because of
redevelopment on one side of the ground, the capacity has been reduced to
13,000. And the Hammers will also find that the Ashton Gate pitch is nuch
bigger than they expect which may involve them in having to change their
game a bit – it's actually as big as Wembley. City are going well of course
and will be ready to give the game a right go under boss Steve Cotterill
whose major objective is promotion so this is very much an afternoon off for
him and will tell his team to have a right go. I joined City towards the end
of my playing career and carried out virtually every job possible at Ashton
Gate so I have split affections. I reckon the Robins will take the tie back
to Upton Park after a 2-2 draw and that the Irons will then beat them and
advance on Wembley.
I reckon that the Hammers can go all the way this year and have a real
chance of lifting the old trophy but they mist beware strikers Matt Smith
and Jay Emmanuel-Thomas who started his career at Arsenal. They are the
club's second string strikers but took their chance when the front pair were
injured before Christmas and have scored 12 goals between them since. The
team is doing really well and are second in the division with two games in
and on Swindon. Of course it will be tough but the Irons have quality
everywhere and I don't need to run over it again. They should – and in my
view – will go through. I genuinely believe an FA Cup Final appearance is
now on for the Hammers!
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BBC FA Cup duty for 'mixed emotions' Leroy
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on January 23, 2015 in Whispers
Claret & Hugh
ClaretandHugh's chief pundit/analyst Leroy Rosenior knows Bristol City as a
club better than most! So it's very much a case of 'mixed emotions' when the
former Irons striker heads for our FA Cup fourth round clash at Ashton Gate
on Sunday. Leroy will be the BBC's man on the touchline for the game and
speaking exclusively to us he said: "It's a tough game for me as I love the
Hammers with all my heart but I did virtually every job there was to do at
Bristol City before leaving the club to manage elsewhere. "I signed as a
player at the same time as Andy Cole and during my time there was reserve
team coach, assistant manager, assistant academy director and even caretaker
manager. "It's going to be tough for the Hammers but I am confident they
will come out with a result as they are the class side but they can taken
nothing for granted."
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West Ham emerge as front-runners in race for Paris prospect
KUMB.com
Filed: Saturday, 24th January 2015
By: Staff Writer
West Ham are understood to be closing in on the capture of teenage Paris
Saint-Germain striker Jean-Kevin Augustin. 17-year-old Augustin has been the
subject of interest from a number of Europe's top clubs in recent months and
is poised to leave the Parc des Princes at the end of the season, when his
current contract expires. His potential availability on a free transfer has
alerted a string of top clubs such as Arsenal, Juventus and West Ham - who
we understand are close to sealing a deal to bring Augustin to the Boleyn
Ground.
Until now Arsenal had been considered favourites to sign the former
Boulogne-Billancourt youngster, who is yet to make an appearance for the PSG
first team despite having made the match day squad on four occasions. But
West Ham - who could take Augustin before his contract expires at the end of
the season, should the two clubs be able to agree what would amount to a
nominal fee - are believed to have stolen a march on their north London
rivals.
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Friday, January 23
Daily WHUFC News - 23rd January 2015
Potts named U21 coach
WHUFC.com
Club legend Steve Potts takes charge of U21s in Academy restructure
22.01.2015
Steve Potts has been named as the Club's new Under-21s coach following
further restructuring to the Academy. Potts will now work with the
Development Squad alongside Head of Coaching Terry Westley, having worked in
the Academy since 2011 and coached the Under-18s for the past two years. The
restructure will see Steve, as with all Academy Coaching Staff, working
across the age groups to ensure all players receive a comprehensive
footballing education that reinforces the Academy's philosophy. The
47-year-old is himself a graduate of the Academy of Football who went on to
make over 500 first team appearances for the Club and win the Hammer of the
Year award in 1993 and 1995. Academy Manager and Head of Coaching & Player
Development Terry Westley is sure Potts' experience will benefit the
Under-21 players. He said: "At Under-21 level we believe you need coaches
rather than managers, so Steve has joined the Under-21s as a coach and will
continue to work across age groups. "We believe he can still work with the
U16s and U18s which will benefit them. His knowledge and experience can
really help them. His work with the Under-21s is also important so there is
a sense of continuity. So that is first in my mind. "Steve is committed to
the club, he's got two boys in the system, Freddie at Under-11 Dan in the
Under-21s. Given the amount of times he played for the club he is a legend.
"He's dedicated and hardworking and a very important member of staff at the
Academy. Hopefully these conditions will help him to flourish. I want to see
our staff work across a number of age ranges."
Potts' long and successful association with the Club began way back in 1983,
coming through the Academy to make his first team debut at the age of just
17 on 1 January 1985. He was an ever-present as Billy Bonds' team won
promotion in the 1992/93 season and then took the captain's armband for
three seasons. An important part of West Ham's first team squad for nearly
two decades, his Premier League appearance record for the Club was only
recently eclipsed by Mark Noble. As a coach he led the Under-18s to the
Barclays U18 Premier League Play-Offs last term and will now look to build
on that success with the Under-21s.
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Long-serving staff celebrated
WHUFC.com
Members of staff who have been at the club for ten years or more were
recognised
22.01.2015
West Ham United celebrated the dedication and loyalty of long-standing
employeers at a special award ceremony hosted by Vice-Chairman Karren Brady
on Tuesday afternoon. With Joint-Chairmen David Sullivan and David Gold
marking their fifth anniversary in charge of the Club, the awards were
created to celebrate the achievements of staff who have worked at West Ham
for at least double that amount.
Vice-Chairman Karren Brady said: "As the Joint-Chairmen and myself celebrate
reaching our fifth year at the Club, we were honoured to celebrate the
contribution of our hard-working, loyal and dedicated staff too. "The work
that goes in behind the scenes and off the football pitch often goes
unnoticed on the outside, but without it the Club would not be in the
position it is in, ready to drive forward into an exciting new era at the
new Stadium. "I would like to personally thank all of those that received an
award for their unwavering commitment to this great Club and I look forward
to sharing many more exciting memories with them over the coming years."
Tony Carr MBE is the longest-serving member of staff, having been with the
Hammers for an impressive 41 years, and he said: "It's great that the Board
recognise not just myself, but everyone who has been here for many, many
years. There is something very special about West Ham United and the loyalty
it promotes. It's a great occasion for all the staff to be recognised. "To
be top of the list is fantastic, it's an achievement I am very proud of."
The former West Ham United Academy Director and current Club ambassador, who
was responsible for bringing through some of the Academy's brightest
talents, continued to say: "There's a lot happening with the Club at the
moment. The move to the new stadium is within touching distance really.
Walking out in at that first game is really going to be a fantastic
occasion."
Another long serving member of staff whose commitment was recognised was Kim
Montague, who works in the corporate sales department.
Speaking about her 35 years at West Ham, she said: "I came here for two
weeks, and 35 years later I'm still here! It's very nice to be honoured and
to have your commitment recognised. It's the first time it's happened. 35
years has gone so quickly. "I'm a West Ham fan and I have been since I was
five years old. I was 16 when I first started. The club has certainly
changed a lot since when I first arrived."
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Tomkins ready for Robins test
WHUFC.com
James Tomkins is looking forward to facing Bristol City this Sunday in the
FA Cup
21.01.2015
West Ham United defender James Tomkins is looking ahead to Sunday's FA Cup
fourth round tie with League One high flyers Bristol City.
The Hammers go into the game on the back of a 3-0 win over Hull City as
second half goals from Andy Carroll, Morgan Amalfitano and Stewart Downing
secured their biggest victory of the season so far. In the previous round,
West Ham beat Everton in a thrilling replay which saw the Hammers win 9-8 on
penalties with goalkeeper Adrian slotting home the crucial spot kick.
Speaking about the Everton game, the 25-year-old centre back said: "It was
obviously nice to beat Everton in a very exciting clash. It was nice to come
through that with a win. "The Everton game had a bit of everything really,
it was an exciting match. There was a red card, penalties, it had the lot
and I'm sure for the neutral it was great. Obviously playing in it was a bit
different. When Enner scored I thought we were going to win the game quite
comfortably but it didn't go quite like that."
Despite 38 league positions separating the two sides, Bristol City have been
in excellent form of late, winning six of their last seven matches.
Currently, the Robins are second behind Swindon Town with 54 points from 26
games, and Tomkins is taking nothing for granted.
"Bristol City won't be an easy game, anyone can beat anyone in the FA Cup.
It'll be a hard place to go because they are doing well in the league. "I'm
sure there is a bit more pressure on us as we are the favourites being the
Premier League side. We're expected to win. But Bristol City are a strong
side and we'll treat it like they are a Premier League team. We can't
underestimate them, we've seen it over the years. I remember watching lots
of shocks as a kid, hopefully that won't happen on Sunday."
The last time the two sides met, back in April 2012, the points were shared
as the Hammers drew 1-1 at Ashton Gate, with Tomkins opening the scoring
with a header at the back post. "I think it was in the first 15, 20 minutes
or so. We had a wide free kick, I think it was Nobes who put the ball in
which puts us 1-0 up. We drew that game 1-1 in the end. "Yeah it's a bit
different coming up against a team we haven't played for a while. I think
our experience of playing in the Championship not that long ago will help
us, we know what to expect more or less. Obviously, they are doing very well
in League One. It'll be a physical game and they will try and bully us,
it'll be a hard game for sure."
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Maguire's ready to impress
WHUFC.com
Sean Maguire enjoyed a succesful spell on loan at Accrington Stanley and is
back with the Hammers
22.01.2015
West Ham United midfielder Sean Maguire says he thoroughly enjoyed his time
on loan at Accrington Stanley, having returned to the Hammers after his loan
expired. In total, Maguire made 16 starts for Stanley, scoring four goals in
his four months at the League Two side.
Speaking about his first experience of league football in England, the
20-year-old said: "I enjoyed every minute of it. It was a great experience,
playing in the Football League, coming up against grown men each week. I
think I stood up well to it. "I played 16 games overall. I enjoyed myself as
well. The players, the staff and the fans made me feel at home. The fans
were brilliant with me, so was the gaffer."
Maguire was reunited with manager John Coleman who he had previously worked
with at Sligo Rovers in Ireland. He had a great start to life at Accrington
scoring on his debut against Northampton in a 5-4 epic. "I think my debut
goal was the best of my four goals. I scored to make it 5-2, and it
eventually finished 5-4 so it proved to be the winner. So that one stood out
for me. "It's a big step up from U21s to the Football League to be fair.
It's very competitive as well as playing in front of a crowd. It is more
physical. In U21 you're playing against people your own age, but league
football it is a big mix, I really enjoyed it."
Having returned to West Ham, the Irishman could well be involved in the U21s
match with Chelsea at Rush Green on Friday evening. "I've played against
Chelsea a few times. They are always going to be a tough side to face at any
age group, from the academy to the first team. You know that they are going
to pass the ball well and look to play. It is going to be a tough ask but I
think the boys are well capable of beating them."
Following the Dev Squad's game with the Blues on Friday, they next face
Southampton away on Monday 26 January. "Two games in four days is quite
tough but it's not the first time that's happened and we should be able to
get results from both games."
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West Ham snookered by Hendrie news
KUMB.com
Filed: Thursday, 22nd January 2015
By: Staff Writer
The vice-chairman of Hamilton has cancelled West Ham's move for Stephen
Hedrie after the club apparently failed to turn up for meeting to discuss
the transfer. Ronnie MacDonald hit out at West Ham despite the fee and
personal terms having been agreed. "West Ham had expressed an interest so we
then opened a dialogue with them," he told the Express. "They made an offer
which was acceptable and our representatives met with their representatives
in London. The fee was agreed, Stephen agreed personal terms through his
agent and they were meant to come up to our place on New Year's Day to sign
off the deal and didn't appear. "They then said they would up on the 4th but
didn't appear so I just cancelled the deal. "I'm getting phone calls from
London saying they want to resurrect it but as fas as I'm concerned it's
off. I'm presuming they have seen Stephen playing against Celtic when he did
really well for a kid and changed their mind but I have not changed my mind.
"I always like to deal woth add-ons and with add-ons the fee for Stephen
wuld have been well in excess of £2million. We are sorry for the boy because
he is not getting his big move. "I think West Ham are shambolic and if
that's how they carry on their business that's up to them, They should do
things properly."
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Reid reiterates love for London
KUMB.com
Filed: Wednesday, 21st January 2015
By: Staff Writer
Winston Reid has expressed his 'love' for London - just 24 hours after he
dismissed a report linking him with a possible January move to Arsenal. A
story in yesterday's Mirror claimed that Reid had indicated he would join
Arsenal IF a deal could be struck with West Ham ahead of the transfer
deadline. A matter of hours later Reid took to Twitter, to accuse the author
of fabricating the story. Yet later in the day, speaking in his latest
column for Fanbookz, Reid - who has thus far refused to sign a new contract
with West Ham - appeared to hint that he saw his long-term future in the
capital, as revealed here on KUMB at the beginning of January. "I get asked
how I find London, having come from New Zealand and then from Denmark four
years ago," he said. "The answer is that I love it, mainly because you can
do almost anything at any time. "There's loads going on, with concerts,
shopping etc - so there's lots of possibilities. It's one of the most iconic
cities in the world and it's a city that's on the go all the time which is
something that really appeals to me.
"It's a fun city…when you're not sitting in traffic." Yesterday West Ham's
co-owner David Sullivan admitted that his chances of persuading the central
defender to extend his stay in east London were no more than "30 per cent"
-whilst indicating that he would not be averse to striking a deal - albeit
only on hugely favourable terms. "We wouldn't let Winston go unless it is a
silly deal and I don't think anyone would pay the money we want," he said.
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MACDONALD BLASTS WEST HAM
By Sean Whetstone 22 Jan 2015 at 09:36
West Ham Till I Die
Hamliton Vice Chairman Ronnie MacDonald has called West Ham shambolic for
their handling of a £2m plus deal for Stephen Hendrie.
He told the Daily Express : "We had agreed terms with Crystal Palace for
Stephen to go there once the transfer window opened but unfortunately Neil
Warnock lost his job so that fell away.But prior to that West Ham had
expressed an interest so we then opened a dialogue with them, they made an
offer which was acceptable and our representatives met with their
representatives in London. The fee was agreed, Stephen agreed personal terms
through his agent and they were meant to come up to our place on New Year's
Day to sign off the deal and didn't appear. They then said they would up on
the 4th but didn't appear so I just cancelled the deal.I'm getting phone
calls from London saying they want to resurrect it but as fas as I'm
concerned it's off. I'm presuming they have seen Stephen playing against
Celtic when he did really well for a kid and changed their mind but I have
not changed my mind.I always like to deal woth add-ons and with add-ons the
fee for Stephen wuld have been well in excess of £2million. We are sorry for
the boy because he is not getting his big move.I think West Ham are
shambolic and if that's how they carry on their business that's up to them,
They should do things properly."
Media reports yesterday suggested West Ham had a £2million bid rejected for
the Hamilton left-back Stephen Hendrie. The Scottish 20-year-old is out of
contract in the summer and is said to be attracting interest from a number
of Premier League clubs including West Ham, Crystal Palace and Swansea.
Hendrie has made more than 100 appearances for the Scottish Premiership club
but has made it clear he is ready to move to a bigger club.
Speaking before his 20th birthday in January Hendrie said: 'I'm 20 next
week, I don't think that's too young or too old to move from Hamilton.I'm a
Celtic fan and obviously the Premier League is one of the best leagues in
the world. That's my dream – you want to reach as high a level as you can
and if I can get to the Premier League that would be brilliant. But the
Accies would need to see if it's the right offer. If it is, they say they'll
never stand in anybody's way. They are a great club like that. If they
accepted it, there is not much I could do. It's good massive clubs are
getting mentioned. But I just want to get my head down and keep doing
well.Just now, the Accies are flying and I'm loving every minute of it. We
just want to finish as high as we can."
An West Ham insider told ClaretandHugh this morning : "We didn't value the
player at £2m, he's a Bosman in the summer. We only saw him as back- up.
They were too greedy and will now get a token fee in the Summer as its
across border move."
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Irons hit back at Accies "shambolic" claims
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on January 22, 2015 in Whispers
Claret & Hugh
West Ham have responded strongly to claims that their behaviour in trying to
sign defender Stephen Hendrie was "shambolic." The accusation came from
Hamilton vice-chairman Ronnie MacDonald after he scrapped their £2million
move for the player. According to MacDonald, the Hammers made an
"acceptable" offer for Hendrie after Crystal Palace pulled out of an
agreement to sign the 20-year-old left-back following the sacking of Neil
Warnock. An angry MacDonald has pulled the plug on the deal and hit out
after claiming we failed to show up at meetings to sign off the transfer.
However, a West Ham insider told ClaretandHugh: "We didn't value the player
at £2m, he's a Bosman in the summer." And he denied MacDonald's claim they
are trying to resurrect the deal saying: "We only saw him as back- up. They
were too greedy and will now get a token fee in the Summer as its across
border move.
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Tug of war over Hammer Borg
Posted by Sean Whetstone on January 22, 2015 in Whispers
Claret & Hugh
West Ham teenage Hammers academy youngster Oscar Borg is subject to a
tug-of-war between the England and Turkey national teams. The 17-year-old
was born and grew up in Surrey but the Turkish Football Association are
aware of his eligibility when they discovered his grandmother was born in
Istanbul. Since then representatives from both the English and Turkish FAs
have contacted his parents to declare their interest in him. Hammer Borg
has been dubbed the next Gareth Bale by coaches at Chadwell Heath. Last year
Manchester United's attempt to sign Borg collapsed after West Ham refused to
agree a compensation package with the Red Devils. The then 16 year old had
trials with Manchester United after refusing to sign a new contract with
West Ham to become a full scholar. He has been with the Hammers since 10
years old. Following the collapse of his dream move to Manchester United he
committed his future to West Ham.
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Henry/Glover scenario may be an Irons problem
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on January 22, 2015 in Whispers
Claret & Hugh
Tension is never far from the surface inside Upton Park – there's invariably
an issue simmering not far below the surface which ensures intrigue and
conspiracy theories. So let's not beat around the bush – how does the
Malcolm Glover/Tony Henry situation work? Glover is Sam Allardyce's long
term chief scout whilst Henry – described by insiders to ClaretandHugh today
as "a major West Ham influence"in the market – is a special adviser to the
board on transfers. Now, being charitable it could be argued the more the
merrier – so long as we are getting the very best players on board at
competitive prices, where's the problem? And if the two men were working
together rather than apart that would be fine but in terms of title and, it
seems activity, that doesn't appear to be the case. One advises the manager
whilst the other has a title which makes it clear he reports directly to the
board and that may, to put it mildly, cause difficulties.
Sam Allardyce doesn't do directors of football. We understand it's written
into his contract and that's presumably because he wants overall control of
football matters. But with a transfer market guru reporting to the board
whilst Sam discusses his favoured targets with Glover at the very least a
two tier structure looks to be in place which in the long term could prove
troublesome, if it hasn't done so already. You have to wonder whether this
can work long term and with reports having circulated already that Henry
isn't allowed on the training pitch that looks unlikely. Is it a recipe for
success or conflict? One thing's for sure – the conspiracy theories won't be
going away anytime soon.
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Hatters hoping to Hammer out Lee deal
Posted by Sean Whetstone on January 22, 2015 in Whispers
Claret & Hugh
Luton Town have been linked with a loan move for West Ham striker Elliott
Lee despite him not playing a game this season. The 20-year-old played four
games on loan for Colchester United last season, scoring once, but hasn't
made an appearance in 2014/15. He signed for League Two Southend United in
October but injured his hamstring just 30 minutes into his first training
session and is still on the recovery trail. Southend continue to monitor
Lee's recovery with Wycombe Wanderers and Burton Albion also reported to be
interested in loaning the promising youngster. Southend Manager Phil Brown,
who worked with West Ham manager Sam Allardyce told the Southend Echo.
"I'm still interested in bringing Elliot Lee back to the football club but I
don't think he's quite ready to play on a regular basis at the moment. I've
spoken to West Ham quite regularly about his progress ever since his loan
spell with us came to end…"I've been interested in bringing Elliot Lee to
the football and that hasn't changed"
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Hammers update Fletcher 'deal'
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on January 22, 2015 in Whispers
Claret & Hugh
West Ham are currently negotiating hard to bring Manchester United's Darren
Fletcher to Upton Park on loan. A clause would be included for him to join
permanently in the summer and ClaretandHugh has just been told the chances
of the Scottish international are "at around even money." Speculation the
move was more than 'paper talk came earlier in the week when Fletcher's
agent was spotted at Chadwell Heath but it wasn't until a few minutes ago
that talks were confirmed. West Ham are poised to sign out-of-favour
Manchester United midfielder Darren Fletcher on loan for the rest of the
season. Valencia and West Brom are also believed to be involved in the chase
but the Hammers current lofty Premier league position has put the club in
pole position. A top Hammers source told us exclsuively : "Talks are
definitely in progress and we are hopeful but at this stage the chances are
at 50/50 – it looks an even money job. " Fletcher is surplus to requirements
at Old Trafford and with a his contract expirng in the summer he is ready to
look strongly at the Hammers option.
The 30-year-old started the first three games under Van Gaal but has since
been relegated to the substitutes' bench. He has overcome serious illness
in recent years, being diagnosed with ulcerative colitis which required
surgery in 2013.
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Report: Egwuekwe flies in for Hammers talks
Posted by Sean Whetstone on January 22, 2015 in Whispers
Claret & Hugh
Nigeria international Azubuike Egwuekwe is reported to have flown to London
for talks with the Irons according to SL10.ng The Warri Wolves skipper had
earlier been linked with a move to Watford in the January transfer window
but it now appears The Hammers may be on his radar. A source close to Warri
Wolves is quoted as telling SL10.ng: "Azubuike Egwuekwe is in London right
now. He is with West Ham.
Hapoel Tel Aviv are also interested in him, and representatives of the club
have been making enquiries.'I am aware they called Ibezito Ogbonna to ask
him about information about Azubuike Egwuekwe." Egwuekwe, 25, is a regular
for Nigeria with 34 caps, and is a centre back, standing at 6ft 5in.
Previous reports suggest West Ham will have to pay £4m to land Egwuekwe
which some way off the reported £500,000 bid West Ham initially submitted.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Henry's a major Irons transfer influence
Posted by Sean Whetstone on January 22, 2015 in Whispers
Claret & Hugh
Tony Henry has been described as "a major West Ham influence" as a transfer
adviser despite having no visible presence at the club.
The former Chief Scout at Sunderland and Everton is the main adviser to the
board and he is busy this transfer window behind the scenes.
Manager Sam Allardyce continues to employ his own head of recruitment Martin
Glover and it has been claimed in the national press Henry is not welcome at
the training ground. The suggestion has been made that friction may exist
because he and Glover are carrying out similar roles. When asked about
Henry's influence at the club a senior source told Claret and Hugh: "He's
the adviser to the board and has a major influence. We've bid for a number
of players at his suggestion. These are lower division players for the
future. He's also in negotiations with several senior players over possible
signing now."
:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Ravel Morrison's West Ham exit is as inevitable as it depressing
Julian Shea for Metro.co.ukThursday 22 Jan 2015 3:03 pm
Metro.co.uk
When he was on loan at Birmingham from West Ham, Blues boss Lee Clark told
midfielder Ravel Morrison he had more talent than any player Clark had seen
since Paul Gascoigne. Morrison had to be told who Gazza was. In the most
depressing way, that resemblance looks like becoming significantly stronger.
The news West Ham are seeking to offload the 21-year-old – with Gascoigne's
old club Lazio touted as his next possible port of call – is as sad as it
was predictable. It is pretty much the same set of circumstances that
surrounded Morrison's Manchester United exit in 2012. Bags full of talent,
but even heavier emotional baggage.
A player of prodigious talent but sadly with more of nose for finding
trouble than finding the net, Morrison was rated one of United's hottest
prospects in years, but when Sir Alex Ferguson – a man more than happy to
stand by and defend hot-heads if they get the job done on the pitch –
decided it was in everyone's best interest if he left Manchester – not the
club, the city – completely, the warning signs were there.
Everyone knew Sam Allardyce was playing with fire, and running a risk of
seriously burnt fingers, when he took a gamble on the youngster in 2012 –
but the saddest aspect of Morrison's likely exit is what a damp squib he
turned out to be, rather than the bright spark hoped for.
After Birmingham, hopes were high that Morrison might make the contribution
his (footballing) reputation promised to West Ham's 2013-14 campaign. Wrong.
Admittedly, his one contribution of note – a brilliant solo effort in the
3-0 win at Tottenham in October 2013 – counted as much as 10 goals against
other opposition in the eyes of some fans, but Morrison's failure to follow
this up saw him farmed out in an odd 'emergency' loan (presumably emergency
in the sense that Harry Redknapp had run out of any other players to sign)
to promotion-chasing QPR.
He helped them reach the play-off final, but was only an unused substitute
for the final, and once back at West Ham was soon loaned again, this time to
Cardiff, with Allardyce warning this was about proving himself as a person,
not a player. When he came back early, it was not so much a case of the
writing being on the wall for Morrison's West Ham career as the headstone
having been engraved.
In an effort to prevent an unwanted gatecrasher spoiling the surprise party
that is this season, West Ham are now looking to let Morrison go, to become
someone else's problem – should anyone be so reckless. Those who remember
the car crash that was Gascoigne's Lazio career will wince at the thought of
Morrison following in his footsteps.
As the Ched Evans case has shown, clubs can be very forgiving if they think
a bad boy will bring something positive to the team. Tragically for
Morrison, bad attitudes seem to be less tolerated than bad behaviour. What a
sad waste.
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WHUFC.com
Club legend Steve Potts takes charge of U21s in Academy restructure
22.01.2015
Steve Potts has been named as the Club's new Under-21s coach following
further restructuring to the Academy. Potts will now work with the
Development Squad alongside Head of Coaching Terry Westley, having worked in
the Academy since 2011 and coached the Under-18s for the past two years. The
restructure will see Steve, as with all Academy Coaching Staff, working
across the age groups to ensure all players receive a comprehensive
footballing education that reinforces the Academy's philosophy. The
47-year-old is himself a graduate of the Academy of Football who went on to
make over 500 first team appearances for the Club and win the Hammer of the
Year award in 1993 and 1995. Academy Manager and Head of Coaching & Player
Development Terry Westley is sure Potts' experience will benefit the
Under-21 players. He said: "At Under-21 level we believe you need coaches
rather than managers, so Steve has joined the Under-21s as a coach and will
continue to work across age groups. "We believe he can still work with the
U16s and U18s which will benefit them. His knowledge and experience can
really help them. His work with the Under-21s is also important so there is
a sense of continuity. So that is first in my mind. "Steve is committed to
the club, he's got two boys in the system, Freddie at Under-11 Dan in the
Under-21s. Given the amount of times he played for the club he is a legend.
"He's dedicated and hardworking and a very important member of staff at the
Academy. Hopefully these conditions will help him to flourish. I want to see
our staff work across a number of age ranges."
Potts' long and successful association with the Club began way back in 1983,
coming through the Academy to make his first team debut at the age of just
17 on 1 January 1985. He was an ever-present as Billy Bonds' team won
promotion in the 1992/93 season and then took the captain's armband for
three seasons. An important part of West Ham's first team squad for nearly
two decades, his Premier League appearance record for the Club was only
recently eclipsed by Mark Noble. As a coach he led the Under-18s to the
Barclays U18 Premier League Play-Offs last term and will now look to build
on that success with the Under-21s.
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Long-serving staff celebrated
WHUFC.com
Members of staff who have been at the club for ten years or more were
recognised
22.01.2015
West Ham United celebrated the dedication and loyalty of long-standing
employeers at a special award ceremony hosted by Vice-Chairman Karren Brady
on Tuesday afternoon. With Joint-Chairmen David Sullivan and David Gold
marking their fifth anniversary in charge of the Club, the awards were
created to celebrate the achievements of staff who have worked at West Ham
for at least double that amount.
Vice-Chairman Karren Brady said: "As the Joint-Chairmen and myself celebrate
reaching our fifth year at the Club, we were honoured to celebrate the
contribution of our hard-working, loyal and dedicated staff too. "The work
that goes in behind the scenes and off the football pitch often goes
unnoticed on the outside, but without it the Club would not be in the
position it is in, ready to drive forward into an exciting new era at the
new Stadium. "I would like to personally thank all of those that received an
award for their unwavering commitment to this great Club and I look forward
to sharing many more exciting memories with them over the coming years."
Tony Carr MBE is the longest-serving member of staff, having been with the
Hammers for an impressive 41 years, and he said: "It's great that the Board
recognise not just myself, but everyone who has been here for many, many
years. There is something very special about West Ham United and the loyalty
it promotes. It's a great occasion for all the staff to be recognised. "To
be top of the list is fantastic, it's an achievement I am very proud of."
The former West Ham United Academy Director and current Club ambassador, who
was responsible for bringing through some of the Academy's brightest
talents, continued to say: "There's a lot happening with the Club at the
moment. The move to the new stadium is within touching distance really.
Walking out in at that first game is really going to be a fantastic
occasion."
Another long serving member of staff whose commitment was recognised was Kim
Montague, who works in the corporate sales department.
Speaking about her 35 years at West Ham, she said: "I came here for two
weeks, and 35 years later I'm still here! It's very nice to be honoured and
to have your commitment recognised. It's the first time it's happened. 35
years has gone so quickly. "I'm a West Ham fan and I have been since I was
five years old. I was 16 when I first started. The club has certainly
changed a lot since when I first arrived."
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Tomkins ready for Robins test
WHUFC.com
James Tomkins is looking forward to facing Bristol City this Sunday in the
FA Cup
21.01.2015
West Ham United defender James Tomkins is looking ahead to Sunday's FA Cup
fourth round tie with League One high flyers Bristol City.
The Hammers go into the game on the back of a 3-0 win over Hull City as
second half goals from Andy Carroll, Morgan Amalfitano and Stewart Downing
secured their biggest victory of the season so far. In the previous round,
West Ham beat Everton in a thrilling replay which saw the Hammers win 9-8 on
penalties with goalkeeper Adrian slotting home the crucial spot kick.
Speaking about the Everton game, the 25-year-old centre back said: "It was
obviously nice to beat Everton in a very exciting clash. It was nice to come
through that with a win. "The Everton game had a bit of everything really,
it was an exciting match. There was a red card, penalties, it had the lot
and I'm sure for the neutral it was great. Obviously playing in it was a bit
different. When Enner scored I thought we were going to win the game quite
comfortably but it didn't go quite like that."
Despite 38 league positions separating the two sides, Bristol City have been
in excellent form of late, winning six of their last seven matches.
Currently, the Robins are second behind Swindon Town with 54 points from 26
games, and Tomkins is taking nothing for granted.
"Bristol City won't be an easy game, anyone can beat anyone in the FA Cup.
It'll be a hard place to go because they are doing well in the league. "I'm
sure there is a bit more pressure on us as we are the favourites being the
Premier League side. We're expected to win. But Bristol City are a strong
side and we'll treat it like they are a Premier League team. We can't
underestimate them, we've seen it over the years. I remember watching lots
of shocks as a kid, hopefully that won't happen on Sunday."
The last time the two sides met, back in April 2012, the points were shared
as the Hammers drew 1-1 at Ashton Gate, with Tomkins opening the scoring
with a header at the back post. "I think it was in the first 15, 20 minutes
or so. We had a wide free kick, I think it was Nobes who put the ball in
which puts us 1-0 up. We drew that game 1-1 in the end. "Yeah it's a bit
different coming up against a team we haven't played for a while. I think
our experience of playing in the Championship not that long ago will help
us, we know what to expect more or less. Obviously, they are doing very well
in League One. It'll be a physical game and they will try and bully us,
it'll be a hard game for sure."
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Maguire's ready to impress
WHUFC.com
Sean Maguire enjoyed a succesful spell on loan at Accrington Stanley and is
back with the Hammers
22.01.2015
West Ham United midfielder Sean Maguire says he thoroughly enjoyed his time
on loan at Accrington Stanley, having returned to the Hammers after his loan
expired. In total, Maguire made 16 starts for Stanley, scoring four goals in
his four months at the League Two side.
Speaking about his first experience of league football in England, the
20-year-old said: "I enjoyed every minute of it. It was a great experience,
playing in the Football League, coming up against grown men each week. I
think I stood up well to it. "I played 16 games overall. I enjoyed myself as
well. The players, the staff and the fans made me feel at home. The fans
were brilliant with me, so was the gaffer."
Maguire was reunited with manager John Coleman who he had previously worked
with at Sligo Rovers in Ireland. He had a great start to life at Accrington
scoring on his debut against Northampton in a 5-4 epic. "I think my debut
goal was the best of my four goals. I scored to make it 5-2, and it
eventually finished 5-4 so it proved to be the winner. So that one stood out
for me. "It's a big step up from U21s to the Football League to be fair.
It's very competitive as well as playing in front of a crowd. It is more
physical. In U21 you're playing against people your own age, but league
football it is a big mix, I really enjoyed it."
Having returned to West Ham, the Irishman could well be involved in the U21s
match with Chelsea at Rush Green on Friday evening. "I've played against
Chelsea a few times. They are always going to be a tough side to face at any
age group, from the academy to the first team. You know that they are going
to pass the ball well and look to play. It is going to be a tough ask but I
think the boys are well capable of beating them."
Following the Dev Squad's game with the Blues on Friday, they next face
Southampton away on Monday 26 January. "Two games in four days is quite
tough but it's not the first time that's happened and we should be able to
get results from both games."
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West Ham snookered by Hendrie news
KUMB.com
Filed: Thursday, 22nd January 2015
By: Staff Writer
The vice-chairman of Hamilton has cancelled West Ham's move for Stephen
Hedrie after the club apparently failed to turn up for meeting to discuss
the transfer. Ronnie MacDonald hit out at West Ham despite the fee and
personal terms having been agreed. "West Ham had expressed an interest so we
then opened a dialogue with them," he told the Express. "They made an offer
which was acceptable and our representatives met with their representatives
in London. The fee was agreed, Stephen agreed personal terms through his
agent and they were meant to come up to our place on New Year's Day to sign
off the deal and didn't appear. "They then said they would up on the 4th but
didn't appear so I just cancelled the deal. "I'm getting phone calls from
London saying they want to resurrect it but as fas as I'm concerned it's
off. I'm presuming they have seen Stephen playing against Celtic when he did
really well for a kid and changed their mind but I have not changed my mind.
"I always like to deal woth add-ons and with add-ons the fee for Stephen
wuld have been well in excess of £2million. We are sorry for the boy because
he is not getting his big move. "I think West Ham are shambolic and if
that's how they carry on their business that's up to them, They should do
things properly."
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Reid reiterates love for London
KUMB.com
Filed: Wednesday, 21st January 2015
By: Staff Writer
Winston Reid has expressed his 'love' for London - just 24 hours after he
dismissed a report linking him with a possible January move to Arsenal. A
story in yesterday's Mirror claimed that Reid had indicated he would join
Arsenal IF a deal could be struck with West Ham ahead of the transfer
deadline. A matter of hours later Reid took to Twitter, to accuse the author
of fabricating the story. Yet later in the day, speaking in his latest
column for Fanbookz, Reid - who has thus far refused to sign a new contract
with West Ham - appeared to hint that he saw his long-term future in the
capital, as revealed here on KUMB at the beginning of January. "I get asked
how I find London, having come from New Zealand and then from Denmark four
years ago," he said. "The answer is that I love it, mainly because you can
do almost anything at any time. "There's loads going on, with concerts,
shopping etc - so there's lots of possibilities. It's one of the most iconic
cities in the world and it's a city that's on the go all the time which is
something that really appeals to me.
"It's a fun city…when you're not sitting in traffic." Yesterday West Ham's
co-owner David Sullivan admitted that his chances of persuading the central
defender to extend his stay in east London were no more than "30 per cent"
-whilst indicating that he would not be averse to striking a deal - albeit
only on hugely favourable terms. "We wouldn't let Winston go unless it is a
silly deal and I don't think anyone would pay the money we want," he said.
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MACDONALD BLASTS WEST HAM
By Sean Whetstone 22 Jan 2015 at 09:36
West Ham Till I Die
Hamliton Vice Chairman Ronnie MacDonald has called West Ham shambolic for
their handling of a £2m plus deal for Stephen Hendrie.
He told the Daily Express : "We had agreed terms with Crystal Palace for
Stephen to go there once the transfer window opened but unfortunately Neil
Warnock lost his job so that fell away.But prior to that West Ham had
expressed an interest so we then opened a dialogue with them, they made an
offer which was acceptable and our representatives met with their
representatives in London. The fee was agreed, Stephen agreed personal terms
through his agent and they were meant to come up to our place on New Year's
Day to sign off the deal and didn't appear. They then said they would up on
the 4th but didn't appear so I just cancelled the deal.I'm getting phone
calls from London saying they want to resurrect it but as fas as I'm
concerned it's off. I'm presuming they have seen Stephen playing against
Celtic when he did really well for a kid and changed their mind but I have
not changed my mind.I always like to deal woth add-ons and with add-ons the
fee for Stephen wuld have been well in excess of £2million. We are sorry for
the boy because he is not getting his big move.I think West Ham are
shambolic and if that's how they carry on their business that's up to them,
They should do things properly."
Media reports yesterday suggested West Ham had a £2million bid rejected for
the Hamilton left-back Stephen Hendrie. The Scottish 20-year-old is out of
contract in the summer and is said to be attracting interest from a number
of Premier League clubs including West Ham, Crystal Palace and Swansea.
Hendrie has made more than 100 appearances for the Scottish Premiership club
but has made it clear he is ready to move to a bigger club.
Speaking before his 20th birthday in January Hendrie said: 'I'm 20 next
week, I don't think that's too young or too old to move from Hamilton.I'm a
Celtic fan and obviously the Premier League is one of the best leagues in
the world. That's my dream – you want to reach as high a level as you can
and if I can get to the Premier League that would be brilliant. But the
Accies would need to see if it's the right offer. If it is, they say they'll
never stand in anybody's way. They are a great club like that. If they
accepted it, there is not much I could do. It's good massive clubs are
getting mentioned. But I just want to get my head down and keep doing
well.Just now, the Accies are flying and I'm loving every minute of it. We
just want to finish as high as we can."
An West Ham insider told ClaretandHugh this morning : "We didn't value the
player at £2m, he's a Bosman in the summer. We only saw him as back- up.
They were too greedy and will now get a token fee in the Summer as its
across border move."
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Irons hit back at Accies "shambolic" claims
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on January 22, 2015 in Whispers
Claret & Hugh
West Ham have responded strongly to claims that their behaviour in trying to
sign defender Stephen Hendrie was "shambolic." The accusation came from
Hamilton vice-chairman Ronnie MacDonald after he scrapped their £2million
move for the player. According to MacDonald, the Hammers made an
"acceptable" offer for Hendrie after Crystal Palace pulled out of an
agreement to sign the 20-year-old left-back following the sacking of Neil
Warnock. An angry MacDonald has pulled the plug on the deal and hit out
after claiming we failed to show up at meetings to sign off the transfer.
However, a West Ham insider told ClaretandHugh: "We didn't value the player
at £2m, he's a Bosman in the summer." And he denied MacDonald's claim they
are trying to resurrect the deal saying: "We only saw him as back- up. They
were too greedy and will now get a token fee in the Summer as its across
border move.
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Tug of war over Hammer Borg
Posted by Sean Whetstone on January 22, 2015 in Whispers
Claret & Hugh
West Ham teenage Hammers academy youngster Oscar Borg is subject to a
tug-of-war between the England and Turkey national teams. The 17-year-old
was born and grew up in Surrey but the Turkish Football Association are
aware of his eligibility when they discovered his grandmother was born in
Istanbul. Since then representatives from both the English and Turkish FAs
have contacted his parents to declare their interest in him. Hammer Borg
has been dubbed the next Gareth Bale by coaches at Chadwell Heath. Last year
Manchester United's attempt to sign Borg collapsed after West Ham refused to
agree a compensation package with the Red Devils. The then 16 year old had
trials with Manchester United after refusing to sign a new contract with
West Ham to become a full scholar. He has been with the Hammers since 10
years old. Following the collapse of his dream move to Manchester United he
committed his future to West Ham.
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Henry/Glover scenario may be an Irons problem
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on January 22, 2015 in Whispers
Claret & Hugh
Tension is never far from the surface inside Upton Park – there's invariably
an issue simmering not far below the surface which ensures intrigue and
conspiracy theories. So let's not beat around the bush – how does the
Malcolm Glover/Tony Henry situation work? Glover is Sam Allardyce's long
term chief scout whilst Henry – described by insiders to ClaretandHugh today
as "a major West Ham influence"in the market – is a special adviser to the
board on transfers. Now, being charitable it could be argued the more the
merrier – so long as we are getting the very best players on board at
competitive prices, where's the problem? And if the two men were working
together rather than apart that would be fine but in terms of title and, it
seems activity, that doesn't appear to be the case. One advises the manager
whilst the other has a title which makes it clear he reports directly to the
board and that may, to put it mildly, cause difficulties.
Sam Allardyce doesn't do directors of football. We understand it's written
into his contract and that's presumably because he wants overall control of
football matters. But with a transfer market guru reporting to the board
whilst Sam discusses his favoured targets with Glover at the very least a
two tier structure looks to be in place which in the long term could prove
troublesome, if it hasn't done so already. You have to wonder whether this
can work long term and with reports having circulated already that Henry
isn't allowed on the training pitch that looks unlikely. Is it a recipe for
success or conflict? One thing's for sure – the conspiracy theories won't be
going away anytime soon.
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Hatters hoping to Hammer out Lee deal
Posted by Sean Whetstone on January 22, 2015 in Whispers
Claret & Hugh
Luton Town have been linked with a loan move for West Ham striker Elliott
Lee despite him not playing a game this season. The 20-year-old played four
games on loan for Colchester United last season, scoring once, but hasn't
made an appearance in 2014/15. He signed for League Two Southend United in
October but injured his hamstring just 30 minutes into his first training
session and is still on the recovery trail. Southend continue to monitor
Lee's recovery with Wycombe Wanderers and Burton Albion also reported to be
interested in loaning the promising youngster. Southend Manager Phil Brown,
who worked with West Ham manager Sam Allardyce told the Southend Echo.
"I'm still interested in bringing Elliot Lee back to the football club but I
don't think he's quite ready to play on a regular basis at the moment. I've
spoken to West Ham quite regularly about his progress ever since his loan
spell with us came to end…"I've been interested in bringing Elliot Lee to
the football and that hasn't changed"
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Hammers update Fletcher 'deal'
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on January 22, 2015 in Whispers
Claret & Hugh
West Ham are currently negotiating hard to bring Manchester United's Darren
Fletcher to Upton Park on loan. A clause would be included for him to join
permanently in the summer and ClaretandHugh has just been told the chances
of the Scottish international are "at around even money." Speculation the
move was more than 'paper talk came earlier in the week when Fletcher's
agent was spotted at Chadwell Heath but it wasn't until a few minutes ago
that talks were confirmed. West Ham are poised to sign out-of-favour
Manchester United midfielder Darren Fletcher on loan for the rest of the
season. Valencia and West Brom are also believed to be involved in the chase
but the Hammers current lofty Premier league position has put the club in
pole position. A top Hammers source told us exclsuively : "Talks are
definitely in progress and we are hopeful but at this stage the chances are
at 50/50 – it looks an even money job. " Fletcher is surplus to requirements
at Old Trafford and with a his contract expirng in the summer he is ready to
look strongly at the Hammers option.
The 30-year-old started the first three games under Van Gaal but has since
been relegated to the substitutes' bench. He has overcome serious illness
in recent years, being diagnosed with ulcerative colitis which required
surgery in 2013.
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Report: Egwuekwe flies in for Hammers talks
Posted by Sean Whetstone on January 22, 2015 in Whispers
Claret & Hugh
Nigeria international Azubuike Egwuekwe is reported to have flown to London
for talks with the Irons according to SL10.ng The Warri Wolves skipper had
earlier been linked with a move to Watford in the January transfer window
but it now appears The Hammers may be on his radar. A source close to Warri
Wolves is quoted as telling SL10.ng: "Azubuike Egwuekwe is in London right
now. He is with West Ham.
Hapoel Tel Aviv are also interested in him, and representatives of the club
have been making enquiries.'I am aware they called Ibezito Ogbonna to ask
him about information about Azubuike Egwuekwe." Egwuekwe, 25, is a regular
for Nigeria with 34 caps, and is a centre back, standing at 6ft 5in.
Previous reports suggest West Ham will have to pay £4m to land Egwuekwe
which some way off the reported £500,000 bid West Ham initially submitted.
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Henry's a major Irons transfer influence
Posted by Sean Whetstone on January 22, 2015 in Whispers
Claret & Hugh
Tony Henry has been described as "a major West Ham influence" as a transfer
adviser despite having no visible presence at the club.
The former Chief Scout at Sunderland and Everton is the main adviser to the
board and he is busy this transfer window behind the scenes.
Manager Sam Allardyce continues to employ his own head of recruitment Martin
Glover and it has been claimed in the national press Henry is not welcome at
the training ground. The suggestion has been made that friction may exist
because he and Glover are carrying out similar roles. When asked about
Henry's influence at the club a senior source told Claret and Hugh: "He's
the adviser to the board and has a major influence. We've bid for a number
of players at his suggestion. These are lower division players for the
future. He's also in negotiations with several senior players over possible
signing now."
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Ravel Morrison's West Ham exit is as inevitable as it depressing
Julian Shea for Metro.co.ukThursday 22 Jan 2015 3:03 pm
Metro.co.uk
When he was on loan at Birmingham from West Ham, Blues boss Lee Clark told
midfielder Ravel Morrison he had more talent than any player Clark had seen
since Paul Gascoigne. Morrison had to be told who Gazza was. In the most
depressing way, that resemblance looks like becoming significantly stronger.
The news West Ham are seeking to offload the 21-year-old – with Gascoigne's
old club Lazio touted as his next possible port of call – is as sad as it
was predictable. It is pretty much the same set of circumstances that
surrounded Morrison's Manchester United exit in 2012. Bags full of talent,
but even heavier emotional baggage.
A player of prodigious talent but sadly with more of nose for finding
trouble than finding the net, Morrison was rated one of United's hottest
prospects in years, but when Sir Alex Ferguson – a man more than happy to
stand by and defend hot-heads if they get the job done on the pitch –
decided it was in everyone's best interest if he left Manchester – not the
club, the city – completely, the warning signs were there.
Everyone knew Sam Allardyce was playing with fire, and running a risk of
seriously burnt fingers, when he took a gamble on the youngster in 2012 –
but the saddest aspect of Morrison's likely exit is what a damp squib he
turned out to be, rather than the bright spark hoped for.
After Birmingham, hopes were high that Morrison might make the contribution
his (footballing) reputation promised to West Ham's 2013-14 campaign. Wrong.
Admittedly, his one contribution of note – a brilliant solo effort in the
3-0 win at Tottenham in October 2013 – counted as much as 10 goals against
other opposition in the eyes of some fans, but Morrison's failure to follow
this up saw him farmed out in an odd 'emergency' loan (presumably emergency
in the sense that Harry Redknapp had run out of any other players to sign)
to promotion-chasing QPR.
He helped them reach the play-off final, but was only an unused substitute
for the final, and once back at West Ham was soon loaned again, this time to
Cardiff, with Allardyce warning this was about proving himself as a person,
not a player. When he came back early, it was not so much a case of the
writing being on the wall for Morrison's West Ham career as the headstone
having been engraved.
In an effort to prevent an unwanted gatecrasher spoiling the surprise party
that is this season, West Ham are now looking to let Morrison go, to become
someone else's problem – should anyone be so reckless. Those who remember
the car crash that was Gascoigne's Lazio career will wince at the thought of
Morrison following in his footsteps.
As the Ched Evans case has shown, clubs can be very forgiving if they think
a bad boy will bring something positive to the team. Tragically for
Morrison, bad attitudes seem to be less tolerated than bad behaviour. What a
sad waste.
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