Joint-Chairman's window watch
WHUFC.com
Joint-Chairman David Sullivan provides an update on the final day of the
transfer window
03.02.2015
Joint-Chairman David Sullivan has updated supporters on the Club's transfer
deadline day activity
Yesterday was an incredibly long day as we undertook hours of meetings and
negotiations to try to bring in new faces. I would say that the end result
versus effort would put it up there as one of the most frustrating transfer
deadline days I can remember. I can assure you that the absence of any
deals was certainly not through lack of trying but I am satisfied that doing
no deadline day business is better than doing the wrong business. Throughout
this month we have said we are comfortable with the squad we have and our
main focus was ensuring that we kept hold of our best assets and I am
pleased that we have successfully done that.
However, our desire to try to bring in new faces was heightened by what
happened at Anfield on Saturday, with all three central defenders suffering
injuries. We prioritised that position and targeted two experienced Premier
League defenders but could not reach an agreement with them over the length
of their deals. We then appeared to have reached an agreement with a rising
star central defender from overseas, but that deal fell through at the
eleventh hour as his club would not have had time to replace him. We do rate
the player so it could be that we look to resurrect our interest again at
the end of the season.
Further forward, it was widely reported that Carlton Cole was in talks to
join West Bromwich Albion, but we made clear he could only leave if a
suitable replacement was found. We thought we had one experienced Premier
League striker lined up, only for his Club to pull out of the deal at the
last minute. I think we take the reasons they gave as a backhanded
compliment, with our improvements on the field and our increased success off
it meaning we are now viewed as rivals that shouldn't be dealt with!
Finally, we looked into the possibility of Mauro Zarate returning from loan,
with Matt Jarvis going the other way in search of more first-team football,
but that deal was ruled out by the Premier League once it seemed set to go
through.
Overall, we are still happy with the make-up of the squad and have faith in
those players that have helped us get to the strong position we find
ourselves in today. The priority was not to lose any of them and I am
pleased we have done that. I also take satisfaction that we have been
sensible financially and not committed to big contracts for older players.
We have a clear philosophy on bringing in the right players for this
football club and I am pleased we have stuck to our guns.
Would you believe, we now only have four months until the start of the
summer window and with significant funds being made available again, our
planning for that period can now begin in earnest.
Thank you for your continued support as ever.
David Sullivan
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Local students grill Hammers stars
WHUFC.com
Winston Reid, Carl Jenkinson and Matt Jarvis took part in a Q&A with Palmer
Catholic Academy students
03.02.2015
West Ham United first team stars Winston Reid, Carl Jenkinson and Matt
Jarvis were on hand to share their expertise with Year 11 students from The
Palmer Catholic Academy in Seven Kings in a special question and answer
session on Tuesday. The group of 15 and 16-year-olds visited the Club's
Chadwell Heath training ground to grill them on all areas of life as a
professional footballer - from how they control pre-match nerves to the best
piece of advice they received at a young age. The students are aspiring
footballers themselves, having got to the latter stages of their national
cup competition, and were thrilled to meet the Hammers stars. West Ham fan
Kieran, 15, said: "I support West Ham and I enjoy watching them play, so it
was good for me to meet the players. "This year, we got far but got knocked
out of a few Cups. We were in the last 64 of the National Cup, which isn't
too bad. We're still in the District Cup, so hopefully we can win that one!"
He said: "It was a great experience to meet full-on footballers. We want to
be footballers too so it was great to get tips from them.
"It was a mindblowing experience and to hear it from the players themselves
is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity so I'm grateful fot it.
"I'm a centre half so I just wanted to ask Winston Reid as many questions as
I could about playing there!"
Jenkinson, who was a student in the local area himself at Loughton's
Davenant Foundation School, knows from his personal experience how important
his role as an inspirational figure is. He explained: "It was a good Q&A
session and they were a really good bunch of young men - a credit to
themselves and their school. "It's nice to be able to pass on our expertise
because they are in the same boat that we were, maybe six or seven years
ago. "We know exactly where they are and you can tell a lot of them would
love to be a footballer. It's nice to chat to them and it's nice for them to
chat to us and share experiences. "When I was their age it was a massive
thing for me to meet footballers and you use it as an opportunity to find
out a bit about them and what it takes to become one."
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New milestone for our new Stadium
WHUFC.com
VINCI Stadium have been awarded the contract to manage West Ham United's new
home
03.02.2015
VINCI Stadium, operators of The Stade de France, have been awarded the
contract to manage West Ham United's new home in Queen Elizabeth Olympic
Park. Following a competitive tendering process, the experienced stadium
operators have been awarded the 25-year contract by the E20 Stadium LLP, the
commercial partnership set up by the London Legacy Development Corporation
and London Newham Council to manage the former Olympic Stadium.
The French-owned company also currently operate the Allianz Riviera in Nice,
the New Bordeaux Stadium and the MMArena in Le Mans. While West Ham will
become the main tenant of the new Stadium from 2016 onwards, it will also be
used to host athletics events, other sports, entertainment, and activities
for the local community. To ensure consistency and efficiency in how it is
managed, no matter what purpose it is being used for, it has always been the
case that the E20 LLP planned to appoint an expert facilities company to
manage the operations of the Stadium all year round.
West Ham United Vice-Chairman Karren Brady said: "Managing the basic
day-to-day operations at a Premier League football stadium is a unique
challenge, so we will be passing on our extensive experience and expertise
to Vinci to ensure they provide the same high levels of service our
supporters have become accustomed to at the Boleyn Ground. "While Vinci will
manage the functional aspects of the matchday operation, we will still be
overseeing the overall supporter experience to make sure watching West Ham
remains one of the very best days out in the Premier League. "We look
forward to meeting with Vinci to share our vision for what will be a busy,
but exciting, 20 months until we kick off our first game in our stunning new
home."
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Emmanuel Adebayor: Spurs chief Levy blocks West Ham move
By Ben Smith
BBC Sport
Daniel Levy stepped in to stop striker Emmanuel Adebayor leaving Tottenham
for West Ham on transfer deadline day. The Spurs chairman refused West Ham's
bid to seal the loan deal after the 30-year-old Togo striker had agreed
terms. Tottenham were open to allowing him to leave during the transfer
window and were prepared to subsidise more than half of his £100,000-a-week
wages. But they refused to extend those terms to West Ham, because they
deemed them direct rivals. Senior officials from both clubs were in talks
until 23:00 GMT on Monday. West Ham co-chairman David Gold apologised to
fans after deals fell through having raised hopes of additions. "Don't go to
bed. DG," tweeted Gold during Monday evening. But after the deadline passed
without any new recruits, he added: "Sorry for keeping you up late but at
the last moment the main deal collapsed and the rest folded like a pack of
cards." He thanked co-owner David Sullivan and manager Sam Allardyce for
their efforts, blaming the Premier League club's failure to land new players
on "people out there that you just can't do business with". The collapse of
the Adebayor deal had a domino effect, with the Hammers then blocking
Carlton Cole's move to West Brom as they feared a lack of striking cover.
West Ham and Spurs have been in dispute in recent years over the use of the
Olympic Stadium, which will be the Hammers' new home from the 2016-17
season. QPR also made an enquiry for former Arsenal and Manchester City
player Adebayor, who was not willing to join the Loftus Road club and will
now attempt to force his way back into manager Mauricio Pochettino's plans.
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Paul McCallum: Portsmouth striker given seven-match ban
BBC.co.uk
On-loan Portsmouth striker Paul McCallum has been banned for seven matches
after his furious reaction to being sent off against Southend.
The West Ham youngster was dismissed for violent conduct amid a 2-1 defeat.
The 21-year-old then appeared to raise a hand to referee Lee Collins and had
to be dragged away from the confrontation by team-mates. He received a
three-match ban for the red card, with the additional four matches imposed
for his reaction. McCallum, who pleaded guilty to the charge, joined Pompey
on loan until the end of the season and was making his second appearance
from the bench. He will miss matches against Hartlepool, Dagenham and
Redbridge, Exeter, Cambridge, Tranmere and Oxford, having already served the
first match of the suspension. The first game after his ban is completed
will be Portsmouth's match against Northampton on 3 March. McCallum, who has
had previous loan spells with AFC Wimbledon, Aldershot, Torquay and Hearts,
apologised on Twitter for his reaction, admitting he had been "very stupid
and reckless". Portsmouth are 18th in League Two, just two points above the
relegation places.
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Mac whacked with seven-match ban
KUMB.com
Filed: Tuesday, 3rd February 2015
By: Staff Writer
West Ham United youngster Paul McCallum has been hit with a SEVEN match ban
as a result of his response to being dismissed in a recent match at
Portsmouth. The 21-year-old, who is one of the few Development Squad players
it is felt may have a future at the club was sent off whilst playing for
Portsmouth, with whom he has been on loan since mid-January. Having been
sent off for violent conduct, McCallum responded by raising a hand towards
referee Lee Collins and had to be pulled away from the incident by a number
of team mate, who were quick to intervene. For that response, McCallum
received a four-match ban - on to pof the three-match ban his red card hard
already earned him. The young striker, who had only been on the pitch for 29
minutes having replaced fellow forward Craig Westcarr will now miss Pompey's
crucial fixtures against Hartlepool, Exeter, Tranmere and Oxford at home and
the trips to Dagenham & Redbridge and Cambridge.
He had already sat out Portsmouth's goalless draw at Wycombe last weekend.
McCallum is on-loan with the League Two side for the rest of the current
campaign.
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West Ham rejected Amalfitano offer
KUMB.com
Filed: Tuesday, 3rd February 2015
By: Staff Writer
Leicester City tried to sign West Ham United winger Morgan Amalfitano as the
transfer window drew to a close last night. The French midfielder, who
joined West Ham in a cut-price £1million deal last summer was the subject of
a firm bid from the Foxes - an offer that was instantly rejected by West
Ham's David Sullivan. City, who are in deep trouble at the bottom of the
Premier League turned to Amalfitano having had an approach for Aaron Lennon
rejected by the player (who eventually signed for Everton). However they
were politely informed that West Ham would be unwilling to do business on a
player who has been a vital cog in the squad that has propelled United into
the upper half of the Premier League. In the end, the only player Nigel
Pearson managed to sign on a frustrating day for Leicester was Robert Huth
from Stoke City on loan for the rest of the season.
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French firm win OS management rights
KUMB.com
Filed: Tuesday, 3rd February 2015
By: Staff Writer
French operating company Vinci Stadium have been appointed as the new
managers of the Olympic Stadium. Vinci, who current operate a number of
stadiums including the Stade de France in Paris, the Allianz Riviera in Nice
and the New Bordeaux Stadium were confirmed as the stadium's new owners by
London mayor Boris Johnson this morning. Karren Brady, West Ham United's
vice-chair said: ""Managing the basic day-to-day operations at a Premier
League football stadium is a unique challenge. "We will be passing on our
extensive experience and expertise to Vinci to ensure they provide the same
high levels of service our supporters have become accustomed to at the
Boleyn Ground."
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Sullivan: my deadline day frustration
KUMB.com
Filed: Tuesday, 3rd February 2015
By: Staff Writer
West Ham co-owner David Sullivan has admitted that West Ham's failure to
land any of their main transfer targets yesterday left him hugely
frustrated. West Ham's 65-year-old co-chairman was at the very heart of
yesterday's deadline day business. However a succession of failed deals left
West Ham with practically the same squad they had prior to the beginning of
January. "Yesterday was an incredibly long day as we undertook hours of
meetings and negotiations to try to bring in new faces," he told whufc.com.
"I would say that the end result versus effort would put it up there as one
of the most frustrating transfer deadline days I can remember. "I can assure
you that the absence of any deals was certainly not through lack of trying
but I am satisfied that doing no deadline day business is better than doing
the wrong business. "Throughout this month we have said we are comfortable
with the squad we have and our main focus was ensuring that we kept hold of
our best assets and I am pleased that we have successfully done that."
Sullivan admitted that he and manager Sam Allardyce had prioritised the area
of central defence on the day, although deals for Younis Kaboul (Tottenham),
Steven Caulker (QPR) and Genk's Kara Mbodj failed to work out. "We
prioritised that position and targeted two experienced Premier League
defenders but could not reach an agreement with them over the length of
their deals," confirmed Sullivan.
"We then appeared to have reached an agreement with a rising star central
defender from overseas, but that deal fell through at the eleventh hour as
his club would not have had time to replace him. "We do rate the player, so
it could be that we look to resurrect our interest again at the end of the
season."
The other key area identified as being in need of strengthening was the
forward line. With Mauro Zarate on loan at QPR, Andy Carroll injured and
Diafra Sakho's career apparently in limbo, Allardyce and Sullivan were keen
to add to their firepower. In the end a late move for Tottenham's Emmanuel
Adebayor was scuppered by Spurs' chairman Daniel Levy, who refused to
subsidise the 30-year-old's wages - despite agreeing to do so if the player
had signed for Crystal Palace, or Queens Park Rangers. "It was widely
reported that Carlton Cole was in talks to join West Bromwich Albion, but we
made clear he could only leave if a suitable replacement was found," said
Sullivan. "We thought we had one experienced Premier League striker lined
up, only for his club to pull out of the deal at the last minute. "I think
we take the reasons they gave as a backhanded compliment, with our
improvements on the field and our increased success off it meaning we are
now viewed as rivals that shouldn't be dealt with! "Finally, we looked into
the possibility of Mauro Zarate returning from loan, with Matt Jarvis going
the other way in search of more first-team football, but that deal was
ruled out by the Premier League once it seemed set to go through."
The chairman ended his statement with what appeared to be a critical comment
aimed at his manager, who had championed West Ham United's purchase of
Darren Fletcher - the former Manchester United midfielder who instead joined
West Bromwich Albion ahead of last night's deadline. "I take satisfaction
that we have been sensible financially and not committed to big contracts
for older players," retorted Sullivan. "We have a clear philosophy on
bringing in the right players for this football club and I am pleased we
have stuck to our guns.
"Overall, we are still happy with the make-up of the squad and have faith in
those players that have helped us get to the strong position we find
ourselves in today. The priority was not to lose any of them and I am
pleased we have done that."
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Alex Song would have loved to play with Emmanuel Adebayor at West Ham
Last Updated: 03/02/15 7:23pm
SSN
West Ham midfielder Alex Song would have relished chance to play with former
Arsenal team-mate Emmanuel Adebayor had the Tottenham striker's Deadline Day
transfer gone through. West Ham looked set to bring Adebayor to Upton Park
on loan but the deal collapsed late on Monday night. Song, who played
alongside Adebayor at Arsenal, said it was a shame the striker would not be
joining West Ham. "I think if he was coming it would be very good for us –
he is a great player," Song told Sky Sports News HQ. "I played with him for
five years, I know what he can do. So when someone told me he had the
potential to come to West Ham I was very happy because this kind of player
can help us contribute to doing very well in the league – we need a person
just like this. "It didn't happen but now I want just to tell him good luck.
We just have to focus now, just to do our job very well. "We know we have
good players, a good squad, but there's something we didn't have…we were
looking to have more players come in but we didn't have them. So we just
have to focus on the players we've got. "Every time (after transfer
deadlines) it's good when you have players coming in, trying to help, but we
didn't get it. Now we just have to look forward and play like we have."
Adebayor's move reportedly fell though because Tottenham chairman Daniel
Levy refused to allow Adebayor to move to Upton Park. Levy's reported
refusal to subsidise the loan sparked comments from West Ham co-chairman
David Gold on Twitter. Gold tweeted: "Sorry for keeping you up late but at
the last moment the main deal collapsed and the rest folded like a pack of
cards. Stay strong. "I'd like to thank David Sullivan and Sam (Allardyce)
for their efforts to secure new players during this window. "However no
matter how hard you tried there are people out there that you just can't do
business with. Dg"
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OH, RAVEL, YOU COULD HAVE BEEN A WEST HAM GREAT
By Iain Dale 3 Feb 2015 at 14:29
West Ham till I Die
Guest Post by Casey Moore
Ravel Morrison is leaving West Ham United in the summer, having signed a
pre-contract with Rome club, Lazio. I, for one, have mixed emotions about
this. He is the embodiment of being West Ham and the embodiment of our
lovely little battle tune "I'm Forever Blowing Bubbles". (Excuse the
ordering of the lyrics. Had to be done to get my point across. These things
happen, leave it out.)
"Fortune's always hiding, I've looked everywhere"
We have looked everywhere in the past few years for that one special talent,
everywhere. We even looked as far as Maldonado, Uruguay, where we found
Brian Montenegro. Montenegro failed to even make one first team appearance
for us during his loan spell. Before Brian came there was one of our dearest
broken footballers, Savio Nsereko. Savio was bought for nine million from
Brescia under the Iceland/Zola era. Last we heard about him he was faking
his own kidnapping to get ransom money in Asia.
As for Ravel we didn't have to go that far to find a treasure. We would take
the M6 up to Manchester. Morrison seemed like a gift from Fergie to his pal
Big Sam. However, he did come with a caveat, Fergie had given up on
mentoring this youth as he was to hard to contain. He was a diamond in the
rough to paraphrase the sentiments that Fergie had for the boy. The fortune
is there (if you can dig it up) for the whole world to see.
"Then like my dreams, they fade and die"
Relive that moment at White Hart Lane with me will you? Click the link,
close your eyes and listen to the commentary, take deep breathes and feel
your pulse heighten:
"Is it going in? It is! Thats three!"
"Brilliant goal by Morrison, fantastic pace!"
"A touch of a young Michael Owen about this!"
And with that our dreams shot out of the Lane and floated to the heavens, we
had finally found our Claret and Blue clad savior. He gave Spurs a torrid
time that day and he helped finalize our first win at the Temple of Doom
since 1999. Morrison had praised showered down upon him like Big Sam's gravy
onto his Sunday roast. But, if science has taught us anything it is that
what goes up must come down or in the case of bubbles they explode with out
a sound and then cease to exist.
His form dipped, his calls to the England U21's stopped coming after a
superb piece of skill in training was topped of by infighting with Wilfred
Zaha and he was loaned out. His first loan, at the end of the Tottenham
treble season (To be fair there wasn't much else worth noting about that
season), was to Redknapp's QPR. He started well scoring a few goals but then
the goals and the skill dried up and there he was, sitting on the bench
sulking with a cigarette in hand. That picture was worth more than 1000
words. It showed he had no respect for his position, his manager, or his
career.
At the start of the 14/15 season the road was rocky with alleged tension
between the twenty-one year old and Sam and he was loaned out again to
Cardiff. Half way through the season and he was sent back to West Ham after
failing to score in his only seven appearances. He had trouble with the law,
was in local lock up and then found innocent in court of threatening his
ex-girlfriend and assaulting her mom.
It is now January and with just under six months left on his contract he was
allowed to sign up with any team willing to have him, for free. It is
disheartening to see someone with this much talent throw it away so easily.
He could have had statues erected outside the Olympic Stadium. He could have
been handed the crown of cult/punk-rock fiery figure from Paulo Di Canio and
even more. Alas, he will just go down in the West Ham history books as a
never-was, a gamble on dice that came up snake eyes, and a blip of greatness
on the Irons timeline. I wish the lad the best, I really do, as that one
moment of genius was unlike anything I had ever witnessed. Picking up the
ball from the halfway line, jinking around players as if they were traffic
cones, switching the ball between feet, and popping it over a hapless Hugo
Loris. Thank you for that Ravel, Thank you.
What are your thoughts? Troubled soul who is a journeyman in the making? or
is he the real-deal and the best is yet to come?
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Paul Pogba to help Ravel Morrison settle in Italy ahead of midfielder's
summer switch to Lazio
18:05, 3 February 2015 By John Cross
The ex-Manchester United youngster has signed a pre-contract with Lazio to
join the Serie A side this summer on a five-year deal
The Mirror
Ravel Morrison has turned to Paul Pogba for help in becoming a smash hit in
Italy. West Ham midfielder Morrison, 22, has signed a pre-contract with
Lazio to join them this summer on a five-year deal. Morrison is big pals
with Juventus star Pogba from their days together at Manchester United's
academy and they remain in close contact. Pogba has already given Morrison
some tips on how to settle in Italy where the French midfielder has
established himself as one of the biggest talents in Europe. England
Under-21 star Morrison will also take regular Italian lessons to help him
settle in after he arrives in the summer. Morrison is one of English
football's most talented youngsters after former United boss Sir Alex
Ferguson called him the best he had ever seen for his age.
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West Ham's Carlton Cole screamed "you're ******* wrecking my career" to Sam
Allardyce after West Brom move collapse
15:38, 3 February 2015 By Darren Lewis
The Hammers front man was on the verge of completing a deadline day switch
to the Baggies but complications in the deal meant the late move was
cancelled
The Mirror
Angry Carlton Cole screamed his frustration at Sam Allardyce after receiving
a call from the West Ham boss to say that his £500,000 move to West Brom had
fallen through. The 31-year-old striker, hugely popular at Upton Park, is
alleged to have stunned watching Albion staff when he allegedly shouted down
the phone: "You're ******* wrecking my career!" His expletive-laden tirade
had come after he was let down just 20 minutes before last night's 11pm
deadline. Heartbroken Cole - who had completed a medical and agreed terms on
an 18-month deal - angrily demanded to know why he was being prevented from
being able to play first-team football under Tony Pulis at the Hawthorns.
Mirror Sport understands the marksman was particularly frustrated as he had
earlier turned down a move to QPR. Far from taking umbrage at Cole's anger,
Allardyce is understood to have sympathised. Cole had been sitting waiting
to get the green light in Albion's training ground canteen before receiving
the call to say that the move could not happen and that he had to return to
London. West Ham had no option to bring him back, however, because Tottenham
chairman Daniel Levy had decided to block their loan move for Emmanuel
Adebayor.
West Brom chairman Jeremy Peace, said: "We were disappointed for Carlton
because he was also excited about joining us but for reasons
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Premier League helped snooker Cole move
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on February 3, 2015 in Whispers
Claret & Hugh
West Ham did all they could to get Carlton Cole his move to West Brom
despite Daniel Levy making it impossible for the club to complete a deal for
Emmanuel Adebayor. Such has been the player's loyalty to the club, the major
feeling across the Upton Park and Chadwell Heath this morning is sadness for
the Hammers veteran. The striker was left distraught after he believed his
move to the Baggies – and presumably regular first team football – had been
sorted when things fell apart at the last minute as Spurs chairman Daniel
Levy demanded we paid Adebayor's £100k a week wages in full. We were told:
"Yes, there were deals we would love to have done but our hearts go out to
Coley. It wasn't entirely a Spurs thing – it involved the Premier League as
well. "Everybody is gutted for Coley -he's a nice man. The Premier League
said we could recall Zarate, by mutual agreement with QPR, then we could
have let Carlton go. Then sadly they changed their minds !"
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Great window: 'Sak' and Enner still here
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on February 3, 2015 in Whispers
Claret & Hugh
Well, so much for The Sun and the scare stories over Enner Valencia to a
larger, and Diafra Sakho, to a lesser extent. Whilst legions of Irons fans
sat up to watch the last knockings of Deadline Day and our failure to land
Emmanuel Adebayor for goodness sake, not a word appears to have escaped our
lips on the other two. Yet for a few days earlier the only issue on the
agenda was whether either of both of them would be gone by today. sak with
ballThat both are still with just is really no surprise for what was going
on here was that a bunch of agents telling their favourite newspapermen to
talk it up – all of whom would have earned, a cut had sales gone through.
There was never anymore than a five per cent chance of Enner leaving whilst
Diafra Sakho's future is totally under lock and key with one very highly
placed individual telling us: "He's going nowhere at any price."
The rest of the window – for me anyway – was brilliant although I know as
the words escape the keyboard there's plenty of flack heading my way.
Bullet's dodged all over the place – Darren Fletcher, Younes Koubal ( who
turns at the same sort of pace as the QE2) 37 year old Sylvain Distin and of
course Emmanuel Adebayor – yet another skyscraper front man..
ValenciaactionNo business is better than bad business and the great news is,
the deadly duo (WHEN THEY ARE ALLOWED TO BE) are still with us. Give thanks
– things could be considerably worse today!
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Song sings Reggae
Posted by Sean Whetstone on February 3, 2015 in Whispers
Calret & Hugh
Alex Song provided lead vocals in a charity West Ham reggae band as he was
joined by Kevin Nolan, Stewart Downing and Cheikhou Kouyate. The players
were singing in aid of the NSPCC and the Autism Society. Stick to the
football guys.
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FIFA Sakho probe starts
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on February 3, 2015 in Whispers
Claret & Hugh
FIFA is starting it's inquiry into the Diafra Sakho affair today. West Ham
and the player are expecting to know the outcome of the probe into the club
v country row with Senegal within a few days. But a well placed club source
told ClaretandHugh exclusively: "It's only Round One and if we don't get the
outcome we want we have the right to appeal and will." The club has already
appealed for an immediate dismissal of the proceedings claiming they have
fully adhered to the rules on the player' absence from the Senegal national
team.
In trying to understand where this could lead we have looked at the Fifa
Rule book and here's what it has to say on such issues.
Restrictions on Playing
"A player who has been called up by his association for one of its
representative teams is, unless otherwise agreed by the relevant
association, not entitled to play for the club with which he is registered
during the period for which he has been released or should have been
released pursuant to the provisions of this annexe. This restriction on
playing for the club shall, moreover, be prolonged by five days, in the
event that the player, for whatever reason, did not wish to or could not
comply to the call-up."
Disciplinary measures
1. Violations of any of the provision set forth in this annexe shall result
in the imposition of disciplinary measures.
2.If a club refuses to release a player or neglects to do so despite the
provisions of this annexe, the Fifa Players' Status Committee shall
furthermore request the association to which the player belongs to declare
any match (es) in which the player took part to have been lost by the club
concerned. Any points thus gained by the club in question shall be
forfeited. Any match contested according to the Cup system shall be regarded
as having been one by the opposing team irrespective of the score."
However, should Fifa find against the Irons and decide on the ultimate
sanction it's likely they will run into big opposition from our own Football
Association.
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Wednesday, February 4
Tuesday, February 3
Daily WHUFC News - 3rd February 2015
Manager on Monday
WHUFC.com
Sam Allardyce is expecting a busy Monday as he focuses on transfers and
injuries
01.02.2015
As the January transfer window prepares to close tonight, Sam Allardyce
admits that his thoughts will be split between potential new recruits and
the injury concerns among his current squad. Premier League clubs have until
11pm on Monday night to confirm any new additions to their squads and, as
ever, Big Sam and the Board will be working hard to see if any suitable
last-minute deals can be reached. While there is certainly no sense of
panic, the need for reinforcements was increased following a casualty-heavy
2-0 loss at Liverpool on Saturday, where James Collins, Winston Reid and
Andy Carroll all succumbed to injury. "With the window coming to a close, I
think we'll possibly be looking at bringing in someone on a short-term deal
or a loan contract." Big Sam said. "We'll see what's there and if it's
something worth doing then we'll take a look. "With Andy Carroll's injury,
we'll know more once we've had the scan but it's too early to guess how
serious or non-serious it is. We'll know better in the next few days.
"Hopefully it's not too serious as we can ill-afford any more injuries at
this stage of the season if we want to continue where we are in the league,
stay in the top eight and continue in the FA Cup which is only ten days
away. "We were already without James Tomkins, Carl Jenkinson, Cheik Kouyate
and Diafra Sakho and now these three new injuries have left us pretty thin.
"It seems Kouyate has a bit of an ankle injury and we didn't really know the
extent of that until he arrived back in the country on Friday afternoon. We
were expecting him to be available for the bench as cover in central defence
at Liverpool as both Doneil Henry and Reece Burke were injured in our
Under-21s game. "If Andy is out we can probably cope up front if Sakho comes
back with Carlton and Enner, but in defence we need at least two of the
players back for Sunday's game against Manchester United. It's where we
suffered last year and we've hit that problem again."
The Hammers had started brightly at Anfield and the game was evenly poised
without a goal at the break, leading to hopes of a first victory at the red
half of Merseyside since 1963. The visitors were soon undone, though, as
Collins and Reid were forced off with hamstring injuries and Carroll made
way with a knee complaint. "Having put up a good showing in the first half
and looking comfortable, it just became too much for us based on our team
rather than the brilliant talents of Liverpool. It wasn't our day and we
didn't have enough second half to cause them any more problems. "The only
record I could have broken was to bring on Reece Oxford as the youngest
player ever in the Premier League, but with the injuries and the fact it was
1-0 meant I sadly wasn't able to."
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'We want to kick on again'
WHUFC.com
Joey O'Brien says the players want to bounce back straight away from
Saturday's defeat at Liverpool
01.02.2015
Joey O'Brien says West Ham United's players want to bounce back straight
away from Saturday's 2-0 Barclays Premier League defeat at Liverpool The
Hammers started well at Anfield, only for second-half goals from England duo
Raheem Sterling and Daniel Sturridge to condemn them to a first defeat of
2015. While the reverse - and injuries to Winston Reid, James Collins and
Andy Carroll - were disappointing, O'Brien says it is important to remember
that West Ham sit eighth in the table and have an FA Cup fifth-round tie to
look forward to. "We shouldn't get too down," said the full-back. "We have
got a massive game next week against Manchester United at home. The place
will be rocking and it's a great game for us to bounce back. We want to kick
on again."
Concentrating on Saturday's defeat, the No17 said West Ham had played well
in the opening 45 minutes, only for Sterling's 51st-minute goal and a series
of injuries to take the wind out of their sails. "They only really had one
good chance in the first half that I can remember, but apart from that we
played well in the opening 45 minutes," he said. "It's hard going to
Liverpool as they are on an upward curve and have got some quality players.
"We got in half-time at nil-nil, which is what we wanted, but to concede so
early in the second half made them a hard team to play against. You have to
chase the game, but they have quality, movement and pace in their team.
"Even at one-nil you are in with a chance and hoping to get a draw out of
the game, but when it went to two-nil and we went down to ten men, it made
for a hard day at the office."
Manager Sam Allardyce said circumstances meant his team stopped playing to
their tactical strengths after Sterling's goal - namely to press Liverpool
and knock balls into the channels to pull the Reds' three central defenders
out of position. "Maybe so, yes, but with the goal they had their tails up
and the crowd were buzzing and that makes it difficult," said the Irishman.
"If we had kept it at nil-nil until 70 minutes then they might have got a
bit nervous and we probably go on the front foot. "When they scored the
opening goal, it probably changed the game a little bit and they started
taking the game to us, which made it difficult. We could still have got a
draw, through, with a bit of magic from someone or a set play, but when it
went two-nil it's a hard place to get something from. "When you go down to
ten men, it's hard to try to chase the game. They were pressing so high up
the pitch because we only had ten men, so it was even harder to get a
result."
For O'Brien himself, injuries to Collins, Reid and Carl Jenkinson could give
the Dubliner a chance to stake his claim for more match-time after making
just eight appearances so far this term. "Yes, we will see what happens. I
haven't played much, if at all, this season. The last game I played was
against Arsenal which was a while ago now, but I came in on Saturday and the
manager knows he can trust me if the lads are injured. "Hopefully they are
not injured, though, because we have some massive games coming up and we
want to go as high as we can in the league. Hopefully it's not as bad as it
seems."
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Youngsters depart
WHUFC.com
Blair Turgott and Matthias Fanimo have left the Club after their contracts
were terminated by mutual consent
02.02.2015
Development Squad pair Blair Turgott and Matthias Fanimo have both left West
Ham United. The youngsters have cancelled their contracts with the Club by
mutual consent and are now free to pursue opportunities elsewhere.
20-year-old winger Turgott was with the Hammers since the age of eight, and
enjoyed a series of loan spells with Football League sides in recent
seasons, helping Bradford City reach the Capital One Cup final in 2012/13.
He made one first team appearance for West Ham, in the FA Cup third round at
Nottingham Forest in January 2014.
Fanimo, 21, came through the ranks at West Ham to sign his first pro
contract in 2011. He debuted for the first team in a League Cup win over
Crewe Alexandra in August 2012 and also featured in that FA Cup tie at
Nottingham Forest last term.
West Ham United would like to thank both Blair and Matthias for their hard
work and wish them all the best for their future careers.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Loan round up
WHUFC.com
Five loanees were in action over the weekend, find out how they fared here
02.02.2015
Jaanai Gordon played 84 minutes in Chelmsford City's 2-1 win over Whitehawk.
Michael Cheek netted the winer - a 40-yard chip - after Jake Robinson had
cancelled out Joe Ward's free-kick. Gordon was replaced with six minutes to
go by Leon Redwood.
Sean Maguire played the full game as Accrington Stanley lost 5-1 to
Northampton Town. Goals from Ricky Holmes and a Marc Richards penalty gave
the visitors a 2-0 lead. Ryan Cresswell was sent off having fouled Maguire
in the box, Piero Mingoia slotted the rebound away after
Luke Joyce's penalty was initially saved. However, despite being a man down,
Northampton scored three in the second half thanks to a Lawson D'Ath brace
and Marc Richards' second of the match.
Tim Brown played the full 90 minutes as Canvey Island beat Tonbridge Angels
5-2. A George Sykes hat-trick and a goal a piece for Enoch Showunmi and
Harrison Tweddell secured the victory for the hosts. Taylor Tombides also
played the first 65 minutes before being replaced by Marlon Agyakwa with the
score at 4-1.
Nathan Mavila came on in the 70th minute as Wealdstone beat Hayes & Yeading
United 2-0. Goals from Jefferson Louis and Matt Ball secured the win,
extending their unbeaten run to 11 games.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Diafra Sakho: West Ham could face FA Cup expulsion
By Frank Keogh
BBC Sport
West Ham could face FA Cup expulsion if Fifa finds the club breached rules
over the selection of striker Diafra Sakho. Sakho, 25, withdrew from
Senegal's Africa Cup of Nations squad with a back injury but scored 18 days
later in West Ham's 1-0 FA Cup win at Bristol City. Fifa rules state a
player cannot appear for his club if he is meant to be on international
duty. World football's governing body has begun an inquiry but the Hammers
"vigorously" deny any wrongdoing. If West Ham are found guilty, Fifa could
order the Football Association to overturn their victory over the League One
side. The Football Association is refusing to comment but is believed to be
aware of Fifa's proceedings. Senegal are angry Sakho featured for West Ham,
albeit as a substitute, 48 hours before they were knocked out of the Cup of
Nations. The Hammers insist the player had a back injury that prevented him
from flying and claim he was driven to Ashton Gate in a limousine for the FA
Cup tie on 25 January. A Hammers statement claimed Fifa's inquiry was
"clearly unfounded" and requested its dismissal. West Ham boss Sam Allardyce
said he was advised not to select Sakho for Saturday's 2-0 loss at Liverpool
while the dispute was ongoing. Bristol City declined to comment on reports
they would seek £250,000 in compensation if Fifa finds West Ham broke the
rules.
The Hammers are set to visit Premier League rivals West Brom in the FA Cup
fifth round on Saturday, 14 February.
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Transfer Deadline Day: Coventry City sign Turgott & Williams
BBc.co.uk
Coventry City have signed young midfielder Blair Turgott following his
release by West Ham United. Turgott, 20, who has had spells on loan at
Bradford City, Colchester United, Rotherham United and Dagenham, has made
just one Hammers first team appearance. He is now contracted to remain with
the Sky Blues until the end of the season.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Emmanuel Adebayor move fails, Carlton Cole to return
KUMb.com
Filed: Monday, 2nd February 2015
By: Staff Writer
West Ham's bid to sign Tottenham's vice captain Emmanuel Adebayor has failed
after Spurs Chairman Daniel Levy blocked the move. The 30-year-old striker
was set to move from north to east London on loan for the rest of the season
but for the second time today the move was halted by Levy, who didn't want
the forward to join a rival. That, combined with West Ham's failure to bring
Mauro Zarate back from Queens Park Rangers means that Carlton Cole's move to
West Bromwich Albion is almost certainly off.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham fail with late bid to sign Tottenham's Emmanuel Adebayor
Last Updated: 02/02/15 11:14pm
West Ham have failed in a late effort to sign Tottenham's Emmanuel Adebayor
on loan, according to Sky sources.
SSN
Sky Sports reported on Sunday that the 30-year-old Togolese striker was made
available for the rest of the season but Spurs have been at pains to loan
players to Premier League rivals. That has ruled Adebayor out of joining
clubs in the top-half of the table, with the Hammers four points and two
places below Spurs, despite the player wanting to join the club and West Ham
having fulfilled the loan criteria. Sky sources also understand Queens Park
Rangers were interested in bringing the former Arsenal and Manchester City
forward on loan but he will now remain a Tottenham player. Sky Sports
reported on Sunday night that Adebayor was one of a number of players Spurs
were hoping to offload on loan along with captain Younes Kaboul, winger
Aaron Lennon and midfielder Etienne Capoue. Lennon has joined Everton on
loan for the rest of the season but it appears Kaboul and Capoue will remain
at White Hart Lane for the rest of the campaign.
West Ham were also interested in bringing Kaboul into the club, while Capoue
rejected the chance to join West Brom on loan despite the clubs agreeing the
deal.
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West Ham eye transfer of Senegal defender Kara Mbodj as contract rebel
Winston Reid's replacement
22:30, 2 February 2015 By James Nursey
Belgium-based Africa Cup of Nations stopper has received rave reviews from
his Genk boss Alex McLeish, who worked for Hammers' owners at Birmingham
The Mirror
West Ham are considering Senegal international Kara Mbodj as a summer
replacement for Winston Reid. New Zealand defender Reid, 26, has made it
clear he will walk on a Bosman when his contract is up, and refused to be
sold in January. The Hammers are already planning for the future without
him, and have received rave reviews on Genk stopper Mbodj. The Belgium club
are managed by Alex McLeish, who West Ham chiefs David Sullivan and David
Gold used to employ at Birmingham. McLeish already rates Mbodj, who played
for Senegal at the 2012 Olympics, highly and believes the 25-year-old is
decent and will only get better. A former defender himself with Aberdeen and
Scotland, McLeish has been impressed with Mbodj at centre-back this term in
the Belgium top-flight. There was some interest from West Ham in the winter
window but Mbodj is only due back on Tuesday from playing in the Africa Cup
of Nations. Genk know they face a battle for his services in the summer
though, when the Hammers are poised to step up their interest.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Tottenham BLOCK Emmanuel Adebayor transfer to West Ham because they are a
rival for top 4 spot
20:53, 2 February 2015 By John Cross, Darren Lewis
Daniel Levy's decision to veto loan leaves £100k a week striker facing
months in limbo as Spurs don't want him and he had rejected a string of
other clubs
The Mirror
Emmanuel Adebayor's Deadline Day move to West Ham was vetoed by Tottenham
chairman Daniel Levy - because he didn't want to pay him to play for one of
their rivals in the top 4 race. As MirrorFootball online exclusively
revealed, the Hammers entered the bidding for striker Adebayor on Monday
morning after Adebayor rejected offers from Stoke, Crystal Palace, West Brom
and Queens Park Rangers.
With the 30-year-old keen to stay in London, West Ham were confident of
pulling off a surprise deal. They were told, however, that while Spurs were
prepared to subsidise the deal for the other London clubs, they would have
to stump up all of the frontman's £100,000-a-week wages. West Ham were
willing to pay only £50,000-a-week, and Adebayor refused to take a pay cut.
Just six points currently separate the two clubs, and while Tottenham are
desperate to get Adebayor off their books, they did not want him to come
back to haunt them by helping West Ham's bid to qualify for the Champions
League. French champions Paris Saint-Germain and Italians Roma made attempts
to sign him last week but both fell down. That left QPR and Stoke keen to do
a deal - either on loan or permanent - but Adebayor steadfastly refused to
go, even though he knows he is well down the pecking order at Spurs. It
leaves Adebayor stuck at Tottenham and facing an uncertain future. He knows
the club were actively trying to get rid of him and he has fallen out with
the Spurs fans after criticising the atmosphere at White Hart Lane. With 18
months left on his contract, he could now be left in limbo. Meanwhile,
in-form striker Harry Kane signed a five-and-a-half year contract worth
around £45,000-a-week. The 21-year-old, whose form may be further rewarded
by an England call-up next month, tweeted: "Very happy to have signed my
contract at Spurs! Excited for the future ahead."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Reports: Irons in late deadline action
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on February 2, 2015 in Whispers
Claret & Hugh
West Ham are tonight reported to be closing in on 25 year old Sengalese
defender Kara Mbodj. Mbodji was the first name on the Hammers Deadline Day
radar and it appears that the clubs may have played a very shrewd game in
throwing other names into the pot to keep the spotlight off the Genk
defender. However, the Hammers have also admitted that they are talking to
Tottenham's Younes Koubal and it's now a case of which they can persuade
aboard on personal terms. Mbodji looks likely to be offered a loan deal with
a price of £2 million on a permanent arrangement at the end of the season
whilst the Koubal deal would cost the Hammers £2.5m. There is also
suggestions that should West Brom complete a deal for Carlton Cole, the
Irons may try to bring Mauro Zarate back to the club and send Matt Jarvis in
the opposite direction.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Boleyn to rise from it's ashes
Posted by Sean Whetstone on February 2, 2015 in Whispers
Claret & Hugh
A construction firm has submitted plans for the redevelopment of West Ham's
Boleyn Ground. Boleyn Pheonix Ltd has put in a full planning application for
the Boleyn Ground, which the Hammers are set to vacate at the end of the
2015/16 season after 112 years. The firm intends to demolish the
35,000-seater stadium and build 838 new homes at the site, along with
"commercial and community floorspace". The directors of Boleyn Phoenix are
also directors of the Galliard group, which agreed to buy West Ham's ground
last year. The application reads: "Demolition of the West Ham United
Football Ground and ancillary outbuildings to enable a comprehensive
redevelopment of the site; including the erection of new buildings, rising
to 3 to 13 storeys, (including a basement on part of the site), to deliver
838 new residential homes (use class C3) in a mix of unit sizes, 476 sqm
(Gross Internal Area) of use class D1 floor space and 402 sqm (Gross
Internal Area) of flexible use class A1 and/or A2 and/or A3 and/or A4 and/or
B1 and/or D1 and/or D2 floor space, together with associated cycle parking,
car parking, highways, landscaping, and infrastructure works."
Newham Council is currently running a public consultation on the plans.
Local residents have until 13th February to share their views.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Irons seek Sakho probe dismissal
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on February 2, 2015 in Whispers
Claret & Hugh
Diafra Sakho and West Ham face are now involved in Fifa inquiry over his
withdrawal from Senegal's Africa Cup of Nations squad after the governing
body opening disciplinary proceedings for "a potential violation of
regulations". However, within seconds of the proceeding getting underway
ClaretandHugh received a statement from the club which said: "Diafra Sakho
and West Ham United vigorously deny that they have acted in breach of FIFA
regulations. "They regard the proceedings as clearly unfounded and are
requesting their dismissal. At this stage, neither the player nor the Club
can make any further comments."
However, the Hammers have all medical reports available and will presumably
argue strongly these were all made available to the Senegal Federation. They
are also likely to make it clear that with the back injury making it
impossible for the striker to fly to Africa for medical checks by Senegal
staff they were invited to the UK instead but failed to show up. Fifa rules
say a player cannot appear for a club if he was meant to be on international
duty, but West Ham "vigorously" deny any wrongdoing. A Fifa spokesman said:
"We can confirm that disciplinary proceedings were initiated against the
player Diafra Sakho and the club West Ham United for a potential violation
of the Fifa regulations on the status and transfer of players."
He declined to give a likely time frame for the case, or potential
penalties, should it find that the rules were breached.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham face FA Cup KO if found guilty of illegally playing Diafra Sakho
Diafra Sakho scored winner against Bristol City in FA Cup fourth round
Senegal complained that striker should not have played after being withdrawn
from Africa Cup of Nations squad
FIFA have opened disciplinary proceedings against West Ham
By SAM CUNNINGHAM FOR THE DAILY MAIL
PUBLISHED: 23:11, 2 February 2015 | UPDATED: 23:13, 2 February 2015
West Ham could be kicked out of the FA Cup if found guilty by FIFA of
illegally playing Senegal striker Diafra Sakho in their fourth-round win at
Bristol City last month. FIFA have opened disciplinary proceedings against
the London club after Senegal complained that Sakho should not have played.
The 25-year-old, who scored the only goal in a 1-0 West Ham win, withdrew
from the Senegal squad for the Africa Cup of Nations with a back injury and
FIFA rules say a player cannot appear for a club if he was meant to be on
international duty. West Ham deny any wrongdoing and want the case
dismissed. Sanctions by FIFA could involve expulsion from the FA Cup, a ban
on the player or a fine. West Ham maintain Sakho did not team up with
Senegal because his back problem meant he could not fly. Senegal were
knocked out of the Africa Cup of Nations after losing to Algeria in the
group stage Co-chairman David Sullivan told Sportsmail last week: 'A top
back surgeon said Sakho can't fly and he still can't fly. He went by car to
Bristol. 'We are sure any FIFA hearing will vindicate us. The player missed
four games as a result of injuries incurred while playing for Senegal. We
have done nothing untoward.'
Manager Sam Allardyce, who left Sakho out of the Premier League trip to
Liverpool on Saturday, said: 'I'm not worried that he will face a ban. We
have stuck by every rule and regulation in the book.'
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WHUFC.com
Sam Allardyce is expecting a busy Monday as he focuses on transfers and
injuries
01.02.2015
As the January transfer window prepares to close tonight, Sam Allardyce
admits that his thoughts will be split between potential new recruits and
the injury concerns among his current squad. Premier League clubs have until
11pm on Monday night to confirm any new additions to their squads and, as
ever, Big Sam and the Board will be working hard to see if any suitable
last-minute deals can be reached. While there is certainly no sense of
panic, the need for reinforcements was increased following a casualty-heavy
2-0 loss at Liverpool on Saturday, where James Collins, Winston Reid and
Andy Carroll all succumbed to injury. "With the window coming to a close, I
think we'll possibly be looking at bringing in someone on a short-term deal
or a loan contract." Big Sam said. "We'll see what's there and if it's
something worth doing then we'll take a look. "With Andy Carroll's injury,
we'll know more once we've had the scan but it's too early to guess how
serious or non-serious it is. We'll know better in the next few days.
"Hopefully it's not too serious as we can ill-afford any more injuries at
this stage of the season if we want to continue where we are in the league,
stay in the top eight and continue in the FA Cup which is only ten days
away. "We were already without James Tomkins, Carl Jenkinson, Cheik Kouyate
and Diafra Sakho and now these three new injuries have left us pretty thin.
"It seems Kouyate has a bit of an ankle injury and we didn't really know the
extent of that until he arrived back in the country on Friday afternoon. We
were expecting him to be available for the bench as cover in central defence
at Liverpool as both Doneil Henry and Reece Burke were injured in our
Under-21s game. "If Andy is out we can probably cope up front if Sakho comes
back with Carlton and Enner, but in defence we need at least two of the
players back for Sunday's game against Manchester United. It's where we
suffered last year and we've hit that problem again."
The Hammers had started brightly at Anfield and the game was evenly poised
without a goal at the break, leading to hopes of a first victory at the red
half of Merseyside since 1963. The visitors were soon undone, though, as
Collins and Reid were forced off with hamstring injuries and Carroll made
way with a knee complaint. "Having put up a good showing in the first half
and looking comfortable, it just became too much for us based on our team
rather than the brilliant talents of Liverpool. It wasn't our day and we
didn't have enough second half to cause them any more problems. "The only
record I could have broken was to bring on Reece Oxford as the youngest
player ever in the Premier League, but with the injuries and the fact it was
1-0 meant I sadly wasn't able to."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
'We want to kick on again'
WHUFC.com
Joey O'Brien says the players want to bounce back straight away from
Saturday's defeat at Liverpool
01.02.2015
Joey O'Brien says West Ham United's players want to bounce back straight
away from Saturday's 2-0 Barclays Premier League defeat at Liverpool The
Hammers started well at Anfield, only for second-half goals from England duo
Raheem Sterling and Daniel Sturridge to condemn them to a first defeat of
2015. While the reverse - and injuries to Winston Reid, James Collins and
Andy Carroll - were disappointing, O'Brien says it is important to remember
that West Ham sit eighth in the table and have an FA Cup fifth-round tie to
look forward to. "We shouldn't get too down," said the full-back. "We have
got a massive game next week against Manchester United at home. The place
will be rocking and it's a great game for us to bounce back. We want to kick
on again."
Concentrating on Saturday's defeat, the No17 said West Ham had played well
in the opening 45 minutes, only for Sterling's 51st-minute goal and a series
of injuries to take the wind out of their sails. "They only really had one
good chance in the first half that I can remember, but apart from that we
played well in the opening 45 minutes," he said. "It's hard going to
Liverpool as they are on an upward curve and have got some quality players.
"We got in half-time at nil-nil, which is what we wanted, but to concede so
early in the second half made them a hard team to play against. You have to
chase the game, but they have quality, movement and pace in their team.
"Even at one-nil you are in with a chance and hoping to get a draw out of
the game, but when it went to two-nil and we went down to ten men, it made
for a hard day at the office."
Manager Sam Allardyce said circumstances meant his team stopped playing to
their tactical strengths after Sterling's goal - namely to press Liverpool
and knock balls into the channels to pull the Reds' three central defenders
out of position. "Maybe so, yes, but with the goal they had their tails up
and the crowd were buzzing and that makes it difficult," said the Irishman.
"If we had kept it at nil-nil until 70 minutes then they might have got a
bit nervous and we probably go on the front foot. "When they scored the
opening goal, it probably changed the game a little bit and they started
taking the game to us, which made it difficult. We could still have got a
draw, through, with a bit of magic from someone or a set play, but when it
went two-nil it's a hard place to get something from. "When you go down to
ten men, it's hard to try to chase the game. They were pressing so high up
the pitch because we only had ten men, so it was even harder to get a
result."
For O'Brien himself, injuries to Collins, Reid and Carl Jenkinson could give
the Dubliner a chance to stake his claim for more match-time after making
just eight appearances so far this term. "Yes, we will see what happens. I
haven't played much, if at all, this season. The last game I played was
against Arsenal which was a while ago now, but I came in on Saturday and the
manager knows he can trust me if the lads are injured. "Hopefully they are
not injured, though, because we have some massive games coming up and we
want to go as high as we can in the league. Hopefully it's not as bad as it
seems."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Youngsters depart
WHUFC.com
Blair Turgott and Matthias Fanimo have left the Club after their contracts
were terminated by mutual consent
02.02.2015
Development Squad pair Blair Turgott and Matthias Fanimo have both left West
Ham United. The youngsters have cancelled their contracts with the Club by
mutual consent and are now free to pursue opportunities elsewhere.
20-year-old winger Turgott was with the Hammers since the age of eight, and
enjoyed a series of loan spells with Football League sides in recent
seasons, helping Bradford City reach the Capital One Cup final in 2012/13.
He made one first team appearance for West Ham, in the FA Cup third round at
Nottingham Forest in January 2014.
Fanimo, 21, came through the ranks at West Ham to sign his first pro
contract in 2011. He debuted for the first team in a League Cup win over
Crewe Alexandra in August 2012 and also featured in that FA Cup tie at
Nottingham Forest last term.
West Ham United would like to thank both Blair and Matthias for their hard
work and wish them all the best for their future careers.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Loan round up
WHUFC.com
Five loanees were in action over the weekend, find out how they fared here
02.02.2015
Jaanai Gordon played 84 minutes in Chelmsford City's 2-1 win over Whitehawk.
Michael Cheek netted the winer - a 40-yard chip - after Jake Robinson had
cancelled out Joe Ward's free-kick. Gordon was replaced with six minutes to
go by Leon Redwood.
Sean Maguire played the full game as Accrington Stanley lost 5-1 to
Northampton Town. Goals from Ricky Holmes and a Marc Richards penalty gave
the visitors a 2-0 lead. Ryan Cresswell was sent off having fouled Maguire
in the box, Piero Mingoia slotted the rebound away after
Luke Joyce's penalty was initially saved. However, despite being a man down,
Northampton scored three in the second half thanks to a Lawson D'Ath brace
and Marc Richards' second of the match.
Tim Brown played the full 90 minutes as Canvey Island beat Tonbridge Angels
5-2. A George Sykes hat-trick and a goal a piece for Enoch Showunmi and
Harrison Tweddell secured the victory for the hosts. Taylor Tombides also
played the first 65 minutes before being replaced by Marlon Agyakwa with the
score at 4-1.
Nathan Mavila came on in the 70th minute as Wealdstone beat Hayes & Yeading
United 2-0. Goals from Jefferson Louis and Matt Ball secured the win,
extending their unbeaten run to 11 games.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Diafra Sakho: West Ham could face FA Cup expulsion
By Frank Keogh
BBC Sport
West Ham could face FA Cup expulsion if Fifa finds the club breached rules
over the selection of striker Diafra Sakho. Sakho, 25, withdrew from
Senegal's Africa Cup of Nations squad with a back injury but scored 18 days
later in West Ham's 1-0 FA Cup win at Bristol City. Fifa rules state a
player cannot appear for his club if he is meant to be on international
duty. World football's governing body has begun an inquiry but the Hammers
"vigorously" deny any wrongdoing. If West Ham are found guilty, Fifa could
order the Football Association to overturn their victory over the League One
side. The Football Association is refusing to comment but is believed to be
aware of Fifa's proceedings. Senegal are angry Sakho featured for West Ham,
albeit as a substitute, 48 hours before they were knocked out of the Cup of
Nations. The Hammers insist the player had a back injury that prevented him
from flying and claim he was driven to Ashton Gate in a limousine for the FA
Cup tie on 25 January. A Hammers statement claimed Fifa's inquiry was
"clearly unfounded" and requested its dismissal. West Ham boss Sam Allardyce
said he was advised not to select Sakho for Saturday's 2-0 loss at Liverpool
while the dispute was ongoing. Bristol City declined to comment on reports
they would seek £250,000 in compensation if Fifa finds West Ham broke the
rules.
The Hammers are set to visit Premier League rivals West Brom in the FA Cup
fifth round on Saturday, 14 February.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Transfer Deadline Day: Coventry City sign Turgott & Williams
BBc.co.uk
Coventry City have signed young midfielder Blair Turgott following his
release by West Ham United. Turgott, 20, who has had spells on loan at
Bradford City, Colchester United, Rotherham United and Dagenham, has made
just one Hammers first team appearance. He is now contracted to remain with
the Sky Blues until the end of the season.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Emmanuel Adebayor move fails, Carlton Cole to return
KUMb.com
Filed: Monday, 2nd February 2015
By: Staff Writer
West Ham's bid to sign Tottenham's vice captain Emmanuel Adebayor has failed
after Spurs Chairman Daniel Levy blocked the move. The 30-year-old striker
was set to move from north to east London on loan for the rest of the season
but for the second time today the move was halted by Levy, who didn't want
the forward to join a rival. That, combined with West Ham's failure to bring
Mauro Zarate back from Queens Park Rangers means that Carlton Cole's move to
West Bromwich Albion is almost certainly off.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham fail with late bid to sign Tottenham's Emmanuel Adebayor
Last Updated: 02/02/15 11:14pm
West Ham have failed in a late effort to sign Tottenham's Emmanuel Adebayor
on loan, according to Sky sources.
SSN
Sky Sports reported on Sunday that the 30-year-old Togolese striker was made
available for the rest of the season but Spurs have been at pains to loan
players to Premier League rivals. That has ruled Adebayor out of joining
clubs in the top-half of the table, with the Hammers four points and two
places below Spurs, despite the player wanting to join the club and West Ham
having fulfilled the loan criteria. Sky sources also understand Queens Park
Rangers were interested in bringing the former Arsenal and Manchester City
forward on loan but he will now remain a Tottenham player. Sky Sports
reported on Sunday night that Adebayor was one of a number of players Spurs
were hoping to offload on loan along with captain Younes Kaboul, winger
Aaron Lennon and midfielder Etienne Capoue. Lennon has joined Everton on
loan for the rest of the season but it appears Kaboul and Capoue will remain
at White Hart Lane for the rest of the campaign.
West Ham were also interested in bringing Kaboul into the club, while Capoue
rejected the chance to join West Brom on loan despite the clubs agreeing the
deal.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham eye transfer of Senegal defender Kara Mbodj as contract rebel
Winston Reid's replacement
22:30, 2 February 2015 By James Nursey
Belgium-based Africa Cup of Nations stopper has received rave reviews from
his Genk boss Alex McLeish, who worked for Hammers' owners at Birmingham
The Mirror
West Ham are considering Senegal international Kara Mbodj as a summer
replacement for Winston Reid. New Zealand defender Reid, 26, has made it
clear he will walk on a Bosman when his contract is up, and refused to be
sold in January. The Hammers are already planning for the future without
him, and have received rave reviews on Genk stopper Mbodj. The Belgium club
are managed by Alex McLeish, who West Ham chiefs David Sullivan and David
Gold used to employ at Birmingham. McLeish already rates Mbodj, who played
for Senegal at the 2012 Olympics, highly and believes the 25-year-old is
decent and will only get better. A former defender himself with Aberdeen and
Scotland, McLeish has been impressed with Mbodj at centre-back this term in
the Belgium top-flight. There was some interest from West Ham in the winter
window but Mbodj is only due back on Tuesday from playing in the Africa Cup
of Nations. Genk know they face a battle for his services in the summer
though, when the Hammers are poised to step up their interest.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Tottenham BLOCK Emmanuel Adebayor transfer to West Ham because they are a
rival for top 4 spot
20:53, 2 February 2015 By John Cross, Darren Lewis
Daniel Levy's decision to veto loan leaves £100k a week striker facing
months in limbo as Spurs don't want him and he had rejected a string of
other clubs
The Mirror
Emmanuel Adebayor's Deadline Day move to West Ham was vetoed by Tottenham
chairman Daniel Levy - because he didn't want to pay him to play for one of
their rivals in the top 4 race. As MirrorFootball online exclusively
revealed, the Hammers entered the bidding for striker Adebayor on Monday
morning after Adebayor rejected offers from Stoke, Crystal Palace, West Brom
and Queens Park Rangers.
With the 30-year-old keen to stay in London, West Ham were confident of
pulling off a surprise deal. They were told, however, that while Spurs were
prepared to subsidise the deal for the other London clubs, they would have
to stump up all of the frontman's £100,000-a-week wages. West Ham were
willing to pay only £50,000-a-week, and Adebayor refused to take a pay cut.
Just six points currently separate the two clubs, and while Tottenham are
desperate to get Adebayor off their books, they did not want him to come
back to haunt them by helping West Ham's bid to qualify for the Champions
League. French champions Paris Saint-Germain and Italians Roma made attempts
to sign him last week but both fell down. That left QPR and Stoke keen to do
a deal - either on loan or permanent - but Adebayor steadfastly refused to
go, even though he knows he is well down the pecking order at Spurs. It
leaves Adebayor stuck at Tottenham and facing an uncertain future. He knows
the club were actively trying to get rid of him and he has fallen out with
the Spurs fans after criticising the atmosphere at White Hart Lane. With 18
months left on his contract, he could now be left in limbo. Meanwhile,
in-form striker Harry Kane signed a five-and-a-half year contract worth
around £45,000-a-week. The 21-year-old, whose form may be further rewarded
by an England call-up next month, tweeted: "Very happy to have signed my
contract at Spurs! Excited for the future ahead."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Reports: Irons in late deadline action
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on February 2, 2015 in Whispers
Claret & Hugh
West Ham are tonight reported to be closing in on 25 year old Sengalese
defender Kara Mbodj. Mbodji was the first name on the Hammers Deadline Day
radar and it appears that the clubs may have played a very shrewd game in
throwing other names into the pot to keep the spotlight off the Genk
defender. However, the Hammers have also admitted that they are talking to
Tottenham's Younes Koubal and it's now a case of which they can persuade
aboard on personal terms. Mbodji looks likely to be offered a loan deal with
a price of £2 million on a permanent arrangement at the end of the season
whilst the Koubal deal would cost the Hammers £2.5m. There is also
suggestions that should West Brom complete a deal for Carlton Cole, the
Irons may try to bring Mauro Zarate back to the club and send Matt Jarvis in
the opposite direction.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Boleyn to rise from it's ashes
Posted by Sean Whetstone on February 2, 2015 in Whispers
Claret & Hugh
A construction firm has submitted plans for the redevelopment of West Ham's
Boleyn Ground. Boleyn Pheonix Ltd has put in a full planning application for
the Boleyn Ground, which the Hammers are set to vacate at the end of the
2015/16 season after 112 years. The firm intends to demolish the
35,000-seater stadium and build 838 new homes at the site, along with
"commercial and community floorspace". The directors of Boleyn Phoenix are
also directors of the Galliard group, which agreed to buy West Ham's ground
last year. The application reads: "Demolition of the West Ham United
Football Ground and ancillary outbuildings to enable a comprehensive
redevelopment of the site; including the erection of new buildings, rising
to 3 to 13 storeys, (including a basement on part of the site), to deliver
838 new residential homes (use class C3) in a mix of unit sizes, 476 sqm
(Gross Internal Area) of use class D1 floor space and 402 sqm (Gross
Internal Area) of flexible use class A1 and/or A2 and/or A3 and/or A4 and/or
B1 and/or D1 and/or D2 floor space, together with associated cycle parking,
car parking, highways, landscaping, and infrastructure works."
Newham Council is currently running a public consultation on the plans.
Local residents have until 13th February to share their views.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Irons seek Sakho probe dismissal
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on February 2, 2015 in Whispers
Claret & Hugh
Diafra Sakho and West Ham face are now involved in Fifa inquiry over his
withdrawal from Senegal's Africa Cup of Nations squad after the governing
body opening disciplinary proceedings for "a potential violation of
regulations". However, within seconds of the proceeding getting underway
ClaretandHugh received a statement from the club which said: "Diafra Sakho
and West Ham United vigorously deny that they have acted in breach of FIFA
regulations. "They regard the proceedings as clearly unfounded and are
requesting their dismissal. At this stage, neither the player nor the Club
can make any further comments."
However, the Hammers have all medical reports available and will presumably
argue strongly these were all made available to the Senegal Federation. They
are also likely to make it clear that with the back injury making it
impossible for the striker to fly to Africa for medical checks by Senegal
staff they were invited to the UK instead but failed to show up. Fifa rules
say a player cannot appear for a club if he was meant to be on international
duty, but West Ham "vigorously" deny any wrongdoing. A Fifa spokesman said:
"We can confirm that disciplinary proceedings were initiated against the
player Diafra Sakho and the club West Ham United for a potential violation
of the Fifa regulations on the status and transfer of players."
He declined to give a likely time frame for the case, or potential
penalties, should it find that the rules were breached.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham face FA Cup KO if found guilty of illegally playing Diafra Sakho
Diafra Sakho scored winner against Bristol City in FA Cup fourth round
Senegal complained that striker should not have played after being withdrawn
from Africa Cup of Nations squad
FIFA have opened disciplinary proceedings against West Ham
By SAM CUNNINGHAM FOR THE DAILY MAIL
PUBLISHED: 23:11, 2 February 2015 | UPDATED: 23:13, 2 February 2015
West Ham could be kicked out of the FA Cup if found guilty by FIFA of
illegally playing Senegal striker Diafra Sakho in their fourth-round win at
Bristol City last month. FIFA have opened disciplinary proceedings against
the London club after Senegal complained that Sakho should not have played.
The 25-year-old, who scored the only goal in a 1-0 West Ham win, withdrew
from the Senegal squad for the Africa Cup of Nations with a back injury and
FIFA rules say a player cannot appear for a club if he was meant to be on
international duty. West Ham deny any wrongdoing and want the case
dismissed. Sanctions by FIFA could involve expulsion from the FA Cup, a ban
on the player or a fine. West Ham maintain Sakho did not team up with
Senegal because his back problem meant he could not fly. Senegal were
knocked out of the Africa Cup of Nations after losing to Algeria in the
group stage Co-chairman David Sullivan told Sportsmail last week: 'A top
back surgeon said Sakho can't fly and he still can't fly. He went by car to
Bristol. 'We are sure any FIFA hearing will vindicate us. The player missed
four games as a result of injuries incurred while playing for Senegal. We
have done nothing untoward.'
Manager Sam Allardyce, who left Sakho out of the Premier League trip to
Liverpool on Saturday, said: 'I'm not worried that he will face a ban. We
have stuck by every rule and regulation in the book.'
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Monday, February 2
Daily WHUFC News - 2nd February 2015
BANTER IS FUN, BIGOTRY IS NOT
By Iain Dale 1 Feb 2015 at 19:15
West Ham Till I Die
Guest Post by Neale Williams
Yesterday's performance at Liverpool was dismal, but the performance of some
of our fans was even worse. I was shocked at the levels of racist chanting
before the match in the bar beneath away supporters stand and was equally
appalled at the baiting of Liverpool fans over the Hillsborough and Heysel
disasters. To top it all off I witnessed one of our fans calling Joey
O'Brien a square head and urging him to xxxx off back to potato land.
Now I like football banter as much as any fan, but the anti Tottenham song
about foreskins ending with xxxxing Jew is not banter – it's racist. This
song was sung by around a 100 fans in the bar before the match and came in
the same week as the 70th anniversary of the liberation of Aushwitz and
Holocaust Remembrance Day.
Whilst I don't think that every fan who sings this song is a Nazi, I do
think every fan should consider the hatred expressed in this song is in
danger of legitimising the anti semitic Nazi ideology that led to the
systematic murder of over 6 million innocent men, women and children simply
for being Jewish.
Moreover, the baiting of Liverpool fans about the Hillsborough and Heysel
disasters is equally disgusting. The song "always the victim" disdains the
memory of the 96 innocent Liverpool fans who died at Hillsborough and the 39
Juventus fans who died at Heysel. These disasters could have happened to any
football fans as the deaths at Ibrox and Bradford amply show. Blaming fans
for negligent policing decisions and crumbling dangerous stadia lets the
authorities off the hook and protects the people who are really responsible.
I was proud as a West Ham fan to visit the Justice for the 96 campaign shop
opposite Anfield with my son before the game yesterday. There we paid our
respects to the dead and the bereaved. We also talked to Steve who is an
Evertonian who lost his brother at Hillsborough. Nothing can bring his
brother back, but the relentless campaign for the truth supported by fans in
Liverpool and beyond has established the innocence of the fans on that day
and also nailed the attempted cover up of the establishment and the police.
Justice is coming but only as a result of the efforts of the JFT96 campaign
and the solidarity shown by many others.
It is in this tradition of solidarity that we should all seek to stand.
Banter is fun, bigotry is not.
Neale Williams
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
A TEAM WITH NO CENTRAL DEFENDERS...
By Iain Dale 1 Feb 2015 at 10:33
West Ham Till I Die
By the end of tomorrow, it's possible we won't have a single fit central
defender at the club. Tomkins was out yesterday. Collins went off injured,
and if the Sunday Mirror is to be believed (and it usually isn't) Liverpool
are about to table a £6.5 million bid for Winston Reid. No wonder 16 year
old Reece Oxford was on the bench yesterday. He and Reece Burke would be the
only central defenders left! In theory Demel, O'Brien and Kouyate can all
play there, but it's not exactly an ideal situation when we are about to
play Manchester United!
The Mirror allege that former Spurs defender Vedran Corluka may be brought
in from Spartak Moscow. Not a bad player, it has to be said.
I don't want to lose Reid, but he's clearly determined to leave the club
that gave him his opportunity, so if we can get £6 million for him, I
suspect the club will see it as a reasonable bit of business, but only if
they can bring someone else in to replace him first.
The story about Enner Valencia going to Chelsea also won't go away, although
I find it difficult to believe that it will actually happen.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham defender Winston Reid set to move to London rivals Tottenham in the
summer
18:16, 1 February 2015 By John Cross
The defender is poised to head to White Hart Lane on a lucrative Bosman free
transfer after snubbing various offers of a new deal
The Mirror
Winston Reid is set to enrage West Ham by joining Tottenham for NOTHING in
the summer. Hammers defender Reid, 26, has agreed a £60,000-a-week deal to
move to West Ham's bitter rivals when he becomes a free agent at the end of
the season. That will enrage West Ham fans as they will see it as a betrayal
to join Spurs after Reid has snubbed various offers of a new contract to
stay at Upton Park. Arsenal and Liverpool have been keen to sign Reid and
were ready to do a cut price deal in January as West Ham stand to lose him
for nothing when his contract expires. But, despite fearing he has been
tapped up, they slapped a £7m price tag on his head and that has put off
both clubs - leaving the way open for Spurs. Mirror Sport revealed last
month that Spurs had made an offer to get Reid in the summer - and they
believe they have got their man. Reid is not able to sign a formal
pre-contract with Spurs but sources close to the deal say it is done for the
summer and West Ham are well aware of the situation. West Ham privately fear
Reid has agreed to join Spurs but it would appear they will carry on playing
him.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Sam's Fletcher 'disaster' – don't think so mate!
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on February 1, 2015 in Whispers
Claret & Hugh
There are many things I may dislike about manager Sam Allardyce but for one
thing I'm grateful – he says it as HE believes it to be!
As a result it allows bloggers across the West Ham universe to give their
view on virtually everything he has to say which at the very least keeps us
in words. We could have Steve Clarke or a ton of others with little or
nothing of any real significance to say. Even Sam's throwaway remarks
present a fund of ammunition as was the case yesterday when after the Darren
Fletcher deal had broken down he was moved to declare: "Thank God this
transfer market is closing – it's been a disaster."
Whichever position you take as a blogger you will get almighty 'stick' when
commenting on this particular manager for he truly does create extreme
reactions – you either love his management techniques with a passion or
loathe them to the point of near hatred. And in raising his thoughts on
Fletcher he's managed to raise the temperature again. To suggest that not
signing him is a disaster does a tsunami wave or earthquake that kills
hundreds a disservice. And in footballing terms it's not a tragedy either.
This was a thirty year old with a dodgy recent medical and injury record who
wanted around £11 million over three years to join a club already feeling
the pinch via FFP. Had we missed out on a quality central defender – a
position which has moved from potentially problematical to very difficult
indeed following yesterday – I'd have shared the Allardyce concerns but he
made no moves whatsoever in that direction and is now screaming "defensive
crisis."
Most people have recognised the problems at the back where both James
Collins and the often fragile James Tomkins have had more than their share
of problems for weeks. It wasn't rocket science to work any of that out so
why and how Sam was ready to offer such a massive contract to a midfielder
rather than seek out a decent defender is a total mystery.
Yes, Big Sam creates big reactions…Nolan, Carroll, the refusal to play Sakho
and Valencia together, changing the diamond – the list goes on and on. But
missing out on Fletcher a disaster? Sam you are surely having a laugh!
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Sakho not for sale "at any price"
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on February 1, 2015 in Whispers
Claret & Hugh
West Ham will not be selling Diafra Sakho "at any price." With the closure
of the transfer window virtually upon us, the club has made it clear there
is no price tag on the player's head and that they won't consider any
offers. The club has regularly denied that a firm offer has been received
for either Sakho or Valencia but they have made it crystal clear this
morning that any club considering a Sakho move can forget it. ClaretandHugh
was told: "There have been no offers or inquiries, only rumours, but it's as
well to get things straight. There is zero chance that we will sell Diafra."
The player is currently caught up in a club v country row but the Irons
remain confident he will be available for next Sunday's clash against
Manchester United. "We understand five days has to elapse from Senegal's
elimination before we can play him – we have done nothing wrong and are
playing it by the book with Fifa."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Noble set for Hammers stay
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on February 1, 2015 in Whispers
Claret & Hugh
West Ham are ready to take up the option on Mark Noble's contract at the end
of the season and could be tempted to offer him a new three year deal on
top. The Hammers loyalist has been linked with Queens Park Rangers in recent
days but has made it clear privately he wants to stay with the Hammers.
Harry Redknapp would love to take the player across London but realises how
tough it will be as in a recent interview he declared: "Mark's a Hammer
through and through. I can't see him leaving them." And the club itself is
ready to take up the option with sources close to the player saying: "He
loves it here and is ready to agree the option."
The club will talk to the player at the end of the season and we were told:
"Mark is a valuable player and we will take up the option with the
possibilty of offering a contract extension on top."
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By Iain Dale 1 Feb 2015 at 19:15
West Ham Till I Die
Guest Post by Neale Williams
Yesterday's performance at Liverpool was dismal, but the performance of some
of our fans was even worse. I was shocked at the levels of racist chanting
before the match in the bar beneath away supporters stand and was equally
appalled at the baiting of Liverpool fans over the Hillsborough and Heysel
disasters. To top it all off I witnessed one of our fans calling Joey
O'Brien a square head and urging him to xxxx off back to potato land.
Now I like football banter as much as any fan, but the anti Tottenham song
about foreskins ending with xxxxing Jew is not banter – it's racist. This
song was sung by around a 100 fans in the bar before the match and came in
the same week as the 70th anniversary of the liberation of Aushwitz and
Holocaust Remembrance Day.
Whilst I don't think that every fan who sings this song is a Nazi, I do
think every fan should consider the hatred expressed in this song is in
danger of legitimising the anti semitic Nazi ideology that led to the
systematic murder of over 6 million innocent men, women and children simply
for being Jewish.
Moreover, the baiting of Liverpool fans about the Hillsborough and Heysel
disasters is equally disgusting. The song "always the victim" disdains the
memory of the 96 innocent Liverpool fans who died at Hillsborough and the 39
Juventus fans who died at Heysel. These disasters could have happened to any
football fans as the deaths at Ibrox and Bradford amply show. Blaming fans
for negligent policing decisions and crumbling dangerous stadia lets the
authorities off the hook and protects the people who are really responsible.
I was proud as a West Ham fan to visit the Justice for the 96 campaign shop
opposite Anfield with my son before the game yesterday. There we paid our
respects to the dead and the bereaved. We also talked to Steve who is an
Evertonian who lost his brother at Hillsborough. Nothing can bring his
brother back, but the relentless campaign for the truth supported by fans in
Liverpool and beyond has established the innocence of the fans on that day
and also nailed the attempted cover up of the establishment and the police.
Justice is coming but only as a result of the efforts of the JFT96 campaign
and the solidarity shown by many others.
It is in this tradition of solidarity that we should all seek to stand.
Banter is fun, bigotry is not.
Neale Williams
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
A TEAM WITH NO CENTRAL DEFENDERS...
By Iain Dale 1 Feb 2015 at 10:33
West Ham Till I Die
By the end of tomorrow, it's possible we won't have a single fit central
defender at the club. Tomkins was out yesterday. Collins went off injured,
and if the Sunday Mirror is to be believed (and it usually isn't) Liverpool
are about to table a £6.5 million bid for Winston Reid. No wonder 16 year
old Reece Oxford was on the bench yesterday. He and Reece Burke would be the
only central defenders left! In theory Demel, O'Brien and Kouyate can all
play there, but it's not exactly an ideal situation when we are about to
play Manchester United!
The Mirror allege that former Spurs defender Vedran Corluka may be brought
in from Spartak Moscow. Not a bad player, it has to be said.
I don't want to lose Reid, but he's clearly determined to leave the club
that gave him his opportunity, so if we can get £6 million for him, I
suspect the club will see it as a reasonable bit of business, but only if
they can bring someone else in to replace him first.
The story about Enner Valencia going to Chelsea also won't go away, although
I find it difficult to believe that it will actually happen.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham defender Winston Reid set to move to London rivals Tottenham in the
summer
18:16, 1 February 2015 By John Cross
The defender is poised to head to White Hart Lane on a lucrative Bosman free
transfer after snubbing various offers of a new deal
The Mirror
Winston Reid is set to enrage West Ham by joining Tottenham for NOTHING in
the summer. Hammers defender Reid, 26, has agreed a £60,000-a-week deal to
move to West Ham's bitter rivals when he becomes a free agent at the end of
the season. That will enrage West Ham fans as they will see it as a betrayal
to join Spurs after Reid has snubbed various offers of a new contract to
stay at Upton Park. Arsenal and Liverpool have been keen to sign Reid and
were ready to do a cut price deal in January as West Ham stand to lose him
for nothing when his contract expires. But, despite fearing he has been
tapped up, they slapped a £7m price tag on his head and that has put off
both clubs - leaving the way open for Spurs. Mirror Sport revealed last
month that Spurs had made an offer to get Reid in the summer - and they
believe they have got their man. Reid is not able to sign a formal
pre-contract with Spurs but sources close to the deal say it is done for the
summer and West Ham are well aware of the situation. West Ham privately fear
Reid has agreed to join Spurs but it would appear they will carry on playing
him.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Sam's Fletcher 'disaster' – don't think so mate!
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on February 1, 2015 in Whispers
Claret & Hugh
There are many things I may dislike about manager Sam Allardyce but for one
thing I'm grateful – he says it as HE believes it to be!
As a result it allows bloggers across the West Ham universe to give their
view on virtually everything he has to say which at the very least keeps us
in words. We could have Steve Clarke or a ton of others with little or
nothing of any real significance to say. Even Sam's throwaway remarks
present a fund of ammunition as was the case yesterday when after the Darren
Fletcher deal had broken down he was moved to declare: "Thank God this
transfer market is closing – it's been a disaster."
Whichever position you take as a blogger you will get almighty 'stick' when
commenting on this particular manager for he truly does create extreme
reactions – you either love his management techniques with a passion or
loathe them to the point of near hatred. And in raising his thoughts on
Fletcher he's managed to raise the temperature again. To suggest that not
signing him is a disaster does a tsunami wave or earthquake that kills
hundreds a disservice. And in footballing terms it's not a tragedy either.
This was a thirty year old with a dodgy recent medical and injury record who
wanted around £11 million over three years to join a club already feeling
the pinch via FFP. Had we missed out on a quality central defender – a
position which has moved from potentially problematical to very difficult
indeed following yesterday – I'd have shared the Allardyce concerns but he
made no moves whatsoever in that direction and is now screaming "defensive
crisis."
Most people have recognised the problems at the back where both James
Collins and the often fragile James Tomkins have had more than their share
of problems for weeks. It wasn't rocket science to work any of that out so
why and how Sam was ready to offer such a massive contract to a midfielder
rather than seek out a decent defender is a total mystery.
Yes, Big Sam creates big reactions…Nolan, Carroll, the refusal to play Sakho
and Valencia together, changing the diamond – the list goes on and on. But
missing out on Fletcher a disaster? Sam you are surely having a laugh!
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Sakho not for sale "at any price"
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on February 1, 2015 in Whispers
Claret & Hugh
West Ham will not be selling Diafra Sakho "at any price." With the closure
of the transfer window virtually upon us, the club has made it clear there
is no price tag on the player's head and that they won't consider any
offers. The club has regularly denied that a firm offer has been received
for either Sakho or Valencia but they have made it crystal clear this
morning that any club considering a Sakho move can forget it. ClaretandHugh
was told: "There have been no offers or inquiries, only rumours, but it's as
well to get things straight. There is zero chance that we will sell Diafra."
The player is currently caught up in a club v country row but the Irons
remain confident he will be available for next Sunday's clash against
Manchester United. "We understand five days has to elapse from Senegal's
elimination before we can play him – we have done nothing wrong and are
playing it by the book with Fifa."
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Noble set for Hammers stay
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on February 1, 2015 in Whispers
Claret & Hugh
West Ham are ready to take up the option on Mark Noble's contract at the end
of the season and could be tempted to offer him a new three year deal on
top. The Hammers loyalist has been linked with Queens Park Rangers in recent
days but has made it clear privately he wants to stay with the Hammers.
Harry Redknapp would love to take the player across London but realises how
tough it will be as in a recent interview he declared: "Mark's a Hammer
through and through. I can't see him leaving them." And the club itself is
ready to take up the option with sources close to the player saying: "He
loves it here and is ready to agree the option."
The club will talk to the player at the end of the season and we were told:
"Mark is a valuable player and we will take up the option with the
possibilty of offering a contract extension on top."
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Sunday, February 1
Daily WHUFC News - 1st February 2015
Sam reflects on Liverpool defeat
WHUFC.com
Sam Allardyce gives his reaction to Saturday's 2-0 Barclays Premier League
defeat at Liverpool
31.01.2015
Sam Allardyce said injuries, absences, missed opportunities and conceding
just after half-time were the major factors in West Ham United's 2-0
Barclays Premier League defeat at Liverpool. The Hammers started well at
Anfield, going toe to toe with Brendan Rodgers' side in the opening 45
minutes, only to fall behind to Raheem Sterling's goal six minutes after
half-time. West Ham then lost James Collins and Andy Carroll to hamstring
and knee injuries - adding to the absences of Cheikhou Kouyate, Diafra
Sakho, James Tomkins and Carl Jenkinson - before the returning Daniel
Sturridge drilled in the Reds' second with ten minutes remaining. There was
still time for Winston Reid to be forced off with a hamstring problem before
Joey O'Brien's late header was ruled out for a foul on home goalkeeper Simon
Mignolet. "Too many players ended up with injuries, particularly at
centre-half, and because of that we lost this game," the manager began. "In
all fairness to Ginge, because of the injuries we had in defence [in the
build-up] he tried to come in and get through this game himself, but his
hamstring injury had obviously re-occurred by half-time. "Because we had
problems in central defence, we ended up a 16-year-old Reece Oxford on the
bench. While Joey O'Brien and Guy Demel might do a job in there, we could
have thrown Reece on there, but we had Winston Reid and Andy Carroll injured
as well and James Tomkins, Carl Jenkinson and Cheik Kouyate missing so went
with the experience. "Those three coming off has thrown us into a major
crisis at the minute injury-wise and you can't expect to come to a place
like Liverpool and win when those things go against you. "As much as we did
in the first half and as good as opportunities that we created, we couldn't
find the sort of clinical finish we have found so often recently. It's been
a long time since we haven't scored a goal. We had several opportunities in
that opening half-hour to get one but we didn't convert them. "Finally,
because of the injury problems we had, they scored. I can't criticise the
lads for the effort they put in, because circumstances beyond our control
have not allowed us to get anything out of this game."
Big Sam opted for a 4-2-3-1 formation at Anfield, where West Ham remain
winless in 45 matches dating back to September 1963, and explained the
thinking behind the system. In the opening half, the approach saw the
visitors stretch Liverpool's three-man defence across the pitch, creating
space down both channels to get balls into the box. However, once the
injury-hit Hammers went behind to Sterling's well-taken finish from
Coutinho's clever pass, they struggled to put the home side under similar
pressure in the second half. "The thinking was that we do exactly what we
did in the first 30 minutes, which was to have Morgan Amalfitano and Enner
Valencia get in those spaces behind those wing-backs and drag those
centre-halves out," the manager explained. "The only problem we had was our
players not playing in there more often and with the same sort of quality
they showed in the first 15 or 20 minutes. It was a massive problem for
Liverpool with Emre Can and Mamadou Sakho running out to chase Enner and
Morgan into the wide areas. "When the back-up comes from the full-backs or
Stewart Downing then you win corners and get balls into their box. We had
seven or eight corners and finally scored in the end with one, but it would
have been too late and the referee disallowed it for whatever reason. "It
worked well at the start but because of the problems we had in the second
half, we stopped doing that and stopped being as effective by playing down
the sides of that back three. Liverpool do a high press and when you give
the ball away willy-nilly, you struggle. "In some ways, we shot ourselves in
the foot by trying to play through the midfield too much when we had set out
tactically to play a certain way and it worked so well for us in the first
half. "In the end, I think the injuries really told on us and we never got
anything out of the game. It looks like they beat us easily, but by
half-time they were struggling and we were finding it very easy to cope with
them. "We ended up with ten men and it was a real kick in the lower regions
for us. The problem now is how we cope going forward from here. This is our
first real injury crisis of the season and we really need to get over it as
quickly as we can, particularly with the FA Cup game and Manchester United
next week.
"We'll re-assess the lads during the week and see how many of them can get
fit and hopefully there won't be a considerable number of players missing.
Hopefully, in the next two weeks we'll get the majority back and we'll go
again."
With the transfer window closing at 11pm on Monday evening, Big Sam was also
asked in his Sky Sports post-match interview about the prospect of bringing
in reinforcements to bolster his squad. The manager admitted a move for
Manchester United midfielder Darren Fletcher is unlikely to materialise: "It
doesn't look like it [is going ahead], no. It looks like it's broken down on
negotiations."
Big Sam was also asked by Sky Sports about the absence of Sakho from
Saturday's squad, to which his response was: "With Sakho it is down to the
situation we are in with FIFA. While it is happening it is not conducive for
us to be putting him on the field until it is resolved, sadly. If you speak
to the lad you would know how angry and disappointed he is at being denied
the opportunity to play football when it is not our fault. "We have covered
all the rules and regulations but at this moment in time it is sensible to
do the right thing and not get involved any more - that is what I was told
yesterday."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Nolan disappointed with Reds reverse
WHUFC.com
Kevin Nolan felt a poor second half display cost his side at Liverpool on
Saturday
31.01.2015
Kevin Nolan was disappointed to leave his native Merseyside empty-handed
after second half goals from Raheem Sterling and Daniel Sturridge gave
Liverpool a 2-0 victory over the Hammers on Saturday. It extended West Ham
United's winless run at Anfield, which stretches back in September 1963, and
sent Brendan Rodgers' side above the Hammers in the table. Nolan felt his
team were doing well enough at the break, only for a disappointing start to
the second period to prove their undoing. He explained: "In the first half I
thought we contained them well and had our fair share of the game, but in
the second half we came out and didn't really get going.
"Once they got the goal, it was a massive body blow, and we didn't really
react. They played the game out and we're very disappointed but it's one
we've got to put to bed. "We'll look at it early on next week and then try
to put it right at home."
The Hammers had injury problems at the back, with Carl Jenkinson and James
Tomkins missing the trip, then both James Collins and Winston Reid limping
off with hamstring injuries. Up front, Andy Carroll was also forced off with
a knee problem. Nolan admitted those were all big blows, but says his team
need to get over it quickly. He continued: "There's been a lot of chopping
and changing going on over the last few weeks from the Christmas time and
you will pick up injuries. "You have to deal with that, but when you get
three centre halves out in a week it's tough. Hopefully two of them will be
ok for Man United."
Saturday's loss was West Ham's first of 2015, so Nolan has belief that they
can soon return to winning ways and maintain their push towards the head of
the table. He added: "We had a fantastic first half of the season and the
second half has been tough up until now. We've gone to Liverpool and they've
just gone above us after us leading them for so long. "We've got to bounce
back and we have the ability to. We have a lot of lads coming back in the
next month or so - the squad is thin at the moment but once we get those
numbers back we can kick on again."
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U18s go goal crazy
WHUFC.com
West Ham United won 5-0 at Arsenal at the Barclays U18 Premier League on
Saturday
31.01.2015
Two goals from England U17 striker Jahmal Hector-Ingram helped West Ham
United to an impressive 5-0 Barclays U18 Premier League victory at Arsenal.
After the young international set the Hammers on their way, centre-half
Manny Onariase rose highest to head home Matt Carter's corner and put the
Hammers 2-0 ahead after just 15 minutes, before Hector-Ingram grabbed his
second and West Ham's third before the break. With the result seemingly
already in the bag, the Hammers refused to let their north London opposition
into the fixture and added a fourth through Jordan Brown's strike, with the
game then put to bed when Vashon Neufville fired in his first goal of the
season to end a five-star performance from the visitors. The Hammers were
again coached by Mark Phillips, who made four changes to the starting XI
that beat Brighton & Hove Albion at Little Heath a week earlier. Noha
Sylvestre, Kieran Bailey, Jake Eggleton and Anthony Scully were replaced by
Alex Pike, Neufville, Grady Diangana and Brown (pictured), who all missed
out against Brighton due to Development Squad commitments. It took the
visitors just seven minutes to open the scoring against Arsenal when
midfielder Joe Powell broke down the left with speed and put an early cross
into the danger area, which was finished well by Hector-Ingram for his third
goal of the season.
On 15 minutes, the Hammers doubled their lead when Onariase timed his run
perfectly to meet Carter's corner with a bullet header that gave Arsenal
keeper Hugo Keto no chance of saving. From that position onwards, West Ham
controlled the remainder of the half and even managed to add a third before
the break when Hector-Ingram used his strength to hold off a defender and
chip the ball over Keto for his second goal of the game.
After the break, Arsenal stepped up their performance level in an attempt to
try and get back into the game. However, the young talent on show for the
Hammers kept the Gunners quiet for the remainder of the game. West Ham added
their fourth when Brown buried the ball into the back of the net from Jerry
Amoo's cutback, before Neufville fired in from 18 yards to extend the
Hammers lead to 5-0. Phillips was delighted with the convincing win over
Arsenal and revealed that a change in formation perhaps shocked the Hammers'
opponents. "It's a fantastic result for us as there aren't many teams that
go away to Arsenal at any level and get a result like we did," said
Phillips. "I changed the formation a little as I thought Arsenal would be
expecting us to match them with three in the middle of the pitch but we
switched to 4-4-2 and I think we caught them out. "Overall, I'm very happy
with the performance and can't really pick anyone out that didn't put in a
good performance. "We have Fulham at home next week and we go into that off
the back of two victories so we will prepare as usual for that game and look
forward to hopefully getting another result next weekend."
Also on Saturday, 16-year-old defender Reece Oxford was an unused substitute
for Sam Allardyce's first team at Liverpool. After coaching him regularly
over the past few years, a proud Phillips admitted that experiences like
this will really aid Oxford's development over the next few years. "I think
I know Reece just as much as anyone else at this Club after coaching him
from as young as U13s and I think that a player of his ability and character
deserves opportunities like this," confirmed Phillips. "It gives him a
chance to get involved with the first-team squad and see how they go about
their business on a match day. "I'm pleased that Sam Allardyce has given
Reece this opportunity and I know that as a very level-headed person, it
will help bring the best out of him in the future."
The Hammers' next Barclays U18 Premier League South fixture is at home to
Fulham on Saturday 7 February, with kick off at 11am. Parking and admission
are both free at Little Heath.
U18s: Howes, Pike, Onariase, Akinola, Neufville, Carter, Diangana (Bailey),
Powell (Borg), Amoo, Brown (Scully), Hector-Ingram
Subs not used: Bogard, Sheriff
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Liverpool 2 West Ham 0
31 January 2015
Last updated at 17:31
By Neil Johnston
BBC Sport
Daniel Sturridge scored on his comeback from injury as Liverpool made it
five wins in six Premier League games with victory over West Ham United.
Raheem Sterling struck for the eighth time this season after latching on to
Philippe Coutinho's clever pass. Substitute Sturridge, out for five months,
doubled the lead 12 minutes after coming on with a low drive following
another Coutinho assist. West Ham rarely threatened, Andy Carroll going
closest with a header. Sturridge had not played since suffering a thigh
injury while on England duty in September. Since then he has injured his
calf and thigh again. But the 25-year-old, making his first appearance in a
Reds shirt since 31 August, sealed a thoroughly deserved victory. The result
lifts Brendan Rodgers' side one place up the table to seventh on 38 points,
four behind fourth-placed Southampton. Liverpool are hitting momentum at a
crucial stage of the campaign, and they head into the Merseyside derby at
Everton on 7 February having taken 17 points from a possible 21. In contrast
West Ham have now won once in their last six top-flight outings. Sam
Allardyce's side created few serious chances but their stubborn defence
frustrated the hosts until Sterling made the breakthrough after the
interval. Jordan Henderson and Lucas Leiva spurned good chances, while
Coutinho was denied by a fine save from Adrian after Sterling's clever
back-heel. There was controversy at the end of the first-half when Sterling
went down inside the area following a challenge by Joey O'Brien. But while
Liverpool fans screamed for a penalty, the ball fell invitingly for Lazar
Markovic who fired wastefully wide. The hosts went ahead six minutes into
the second-half as Sterling produced a composed low finish after a
delightful back-heel by Coutinho. Sturridge received a rapturous reception
when he was introduced in the 68th minute. Twelve minutes later he was
celebrating his second goal of the campaign, a trademark low finish
following Coutinho's pass. West Ham had their moments.
Carroll, who was substituted, forced Simon Mignolet into a save with a
close-range header, while Enner Valencia also tested the Liverpool keeper
from distance. But this was a fine response from Liverpool after their
Capital One Cup semi-final defeat by Chelsea in midweek.
Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers: "The team stood up to the aerial duels
very well, pressed the game well and they got their rewards for that. "On
the back of 120 minutes in midweek, we knew today was going to be a tough
game. West Ham have been excellent this season, scored goals throughout the
season and been very tough to play against. "But after the first 15-20
minutes, when we had to compete and battle physically, the players earned
the right to play. Some of their football today was outstanding."
West Ham manager Sam Allardyce: "I thought we were more than comfortable in
the first half without being as good as we know we can be.
"We've had three players come off injured. We didn't create much. But I
hoped with the number of set-plays we were getting and balls behind the
Liverpool defence, particularly in the first half, we might have got a
little bit more on target."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Diafra Sakho: Sam Allardyce advised not to play Senegal striker
BBC.co.uk
West Ham boss Sam Allardyce says he has been advised not to play Diafra
Sakho until a row with Senegal is resolved. Senegal are reported to have
complained to Fifa after striker Sakho, 25, missed the Africa Cup of
Nations with a back injury, but then played for his club.
Fifa rules say a player cannot play for a club if he is meant to be on
international duty. Allardyce said: "It is not conducive for us to be
putting him on the field until it is resolved, sadly."
Sakho played and scored in last Sunday's 1-0 FA Cup win over Bristol City
but was not part of the squad for Saturday's 2-0 Premier League defeat at
Liverpool. Allardyce said: "We have covered all the rules and regulations
but at this moment in time it is sensible to do the right thing and not get
involved any more - that is what I was told yesterday. "If you speak to the
lad you would know how angry and disappointed he is at being denied the
opportunity to play football when it is not our fault."
Senegal boss Alain Giresse, who was told Sakho had withdrawn as he could not
fly because of a back injury, claimed West Ham had "set a dangerous
precedent" by playing him. With Senegal eliminated, Allardyce hoped Sakho's
countryman Cheikhou Kouyate would be on the bench for West Ham at Anfield.
But he said the 25-year-old midfielder told the club he was injured after
they went to "great lengths" to get him back to England.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Darren Fletcher: Man Utd player's West Ham move 'broke down'
BBC.co.uk
West Ham boss Sam Allardyce says a move to sign Manchester United midfielder
Darren Fletcher has broken down. Scotland international Fletcher, who turns
31 on Sunday, was in talks with the Hammers about moving to Upton Park after
being granted a free transfer. "Fletcher broke down on negotiations this
morning," said Allardyce after Saturday's 2-0 defeat at Liverpool. Red
Devils boss Louis van Gaal thought Fletcher would leave but claimed West Ham
only wanted the Scot on loan. He added: "That was not the agreement."
Fletcher has made 342 appearances for Manchester United but has started only
five times under Van Gaal. The Dutchman said: "He is my third captain so it
is not a problem for me. "Manchester United just want to help him play more.
For him now that is a big pity."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Sakho sidelined by FIFA fears, confirms Allardyce
KUMB.com
Filed: Saturday, 31st January 2015
By: Staff Writer
Sam Allardyce has confirmed that Diafra Sakho was prevented from featuring
for West Ham at Liverpool today over fears of a FIFA backlash.
Allardyce, speaking after West Ham's 2-0 defeat at Anfield earlier this
afternoon confirmed KUMB's earlier story in which we revealed that the
potential threat of a FIFA sanction led to the decision to drop Sakho from
today's match day squad. "Sakho was not in our team because of the situation
we are in with FIFA," he said during his post-match press conference. "While
it's happening, it's not conducive to pick him. We'll look at that as
quickly as possible. "If you speak to the lad, he's just concerned about
being denied the opportunity to play football. But it's the rules and
regulations. It's sensible to do the right thing until it's resolved. It was
a recommendation that we shouldn't pick him."
Sakho was one of four first team players to miss today's defeat, along with
James Tomkins, Cheik Kouyate and Carl Jenkinson (all injured). West Ham
ended the game with only ten men after losing James Collins, Andy Carroll
and Winston Reid to various injuries during the match. Senegal registered a
complaint with FIFA after Sakho appeared as a second half substitute at
Ashton Gate last weekend. West Ham beat Bristol City courtesy of the
striker's late winner. 48 hours after West Ham beat Bristol City, Senegal
were sent tumbling out of the African Nations Cup by virtue of their 2-0
defeat to Algeria.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Sam Allardyce facing 'defensive crisis' at West Ham after Liverpool defeat
Last Updated: 31/01/15 6:52pm
SSN
West Ham manager Sam Allardyce says he is facing a defensive crisis after
losing two players during the defeat at Liverpool. James Collins struggled
through a hamstring problem but eventually had to come off, while Winston
Reid limped off in the latter stages as the Hammers lost 2-0 at Anfield.
With James Tomkins already injured, Allardyce is struggling for choice in
defence and, with a key Premier League clash against Manchester United to
come next week, the Hammers boss is praying that Collins and Reid won't be
out for two long.
"It's more than an issue, it's a crisis for us now," he said. "Him and Reidy
going down has left us a massive hole and I'm not sure how long they're
going to be. "We've got to try and face the crisis as best we can. It will
be difficult, but it's all hands on pumps for the medical staff to get the
lads back as quick as we can, particularly with next week just as important
for us, and the week after when the FA Cup arrives."
Raheem Sterling and Daniel Sturridge scored as Liverpool took the points on
Saturday afternoon as West Ham's bright start faded away into defeat. While
admitting his side didn't play their best on Merseyside, Allardyce couldn't
help but wonder if it would have been different if he had fewer injuries. "I
think in the end, due to our injury problems, it's cost us anything we might
have got here today," he added. "I don't think Liverpool were outstanding at
all – certainly in the first half we could see that. What we didn't do was
play as well as we could. "But [Collins] came off at half time saying he's
got a hamstring [injury], and of course he wanted to try and play on and
that caused us problems, because when you've got a bit of an injury marking
Sterling is not easy, so our game got stretched and in the end we had to try
and change him. "By that time we're 1-0 down and Reidy comes off as well.
Andy Carroll hurt himself, so that's three on top of the seven we had
[injured] before we played and that's too much for us to cope with today
when you're playing somewhere like Anfield. "It's a great shame for us
today. As hard as we tried the forces went against us in terms of injuries
particularly. On another day with players staying fit, other players getting
on the pitch who we missed today's game, I think we'd have made a better
game of it."
Despite having a threadbare defence, the Hammers boss thinks it is very
unlikely the club will look to bring in cover at centre-back ahead of
Monday's transfer deadline. Allardyce added: "Probably not. Not in the
central defensive area because you end up pulling somebody from abroad who
probably hasn't played for his club, and because he hasn't played for his
club would not be up to speed coming in and playing at this level."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Daniel Sturridge scores on return as Liverpool beat West Ham 2-0
By Tom McKeown. Last Updated: 31/01/15 6:55pm
SSN
Daniel Sturridge scored on his return as Liverpool registered a 2-0 win over
West Ham to leapfrog their opponents in the table. Raheem Sterling fired low
past Hammers goalkeeper Adrian to put the hosts in front shortly after the
break, before Sturridge's powerful finish doubled the lead 10 minutes into
his return from the bench. Philippe Coutinho was earlier denied by Adrian
while Lazar Markovic fired a golden opportunity wide, moments after the
hosts felt they should have had a penalty for a foul on Sterling by Joey
O'Brien. But it would not matter in the end as the two England
internationals netted in the second half, and Brendan Rodgers' men move
above the Hammers into seventh in the Premier League. It was an open affair
right from the off, with Andy Carroll causing plenty of problems in the air.
The striker caught Emre Can with a flailing arm early on and that seemed to
rattle the Liverpool man for the rest of the half.
The hosts had the first real chance, though, as the lively Sterling cut in
from the flank and laid off for Adam Lallana. The midfielder was quickly
closed down but it fell for Markovic, who had one shot blocked before firing
wide. Sterling and Coutinho were the main threats for the hosts, and they
nearly set up an opening goal when they played a superb one-two as the
former backheeled it beyond the defence, but the Brazilian's tame effort was
easily saved at the near post by Adrian. The hosts then felt they should
have had a penalty right on half time as Sterling spun round O'Brien only to
go down under the defender's challenge. Nothing was given, but Liverpool
almost took the lead immediately as Markovic cut out Stewart Downing's loose
pass, only to fire wide of the target with the goal at his mercy.
Cool finish
The hosts finally broke the deadlock shortly after half-time, though.
Alberto Moreno's ball was chested down by Sterling, the ball deflected off
Winston Reid into the path of Coutinho, who chipped a lovely ball beyond the
defence, and Sterling slotted it calmly under Adrian with a cool first-time
finish.
The visitors hardly created anything, but Enner Valencia spurned a chance as
he drilled a low shot straight at Simon Mignolet from 18 yards, before
Coutinho showed some lovely footwork at the other end, working some space on
the edge of the box and firing low at Adrian.
The biggest cheer of the afternoon came with just over 20 minutes remaining,
as Sturridge was finally re-introduced to first-team action after five
months out when he replaced Markovic. It only took 10 minutes for Sturridge
to score on his return. Coutinho raced into the West Ham half and played a
lovely ball into the striker, who took a superb touch before drilling a low
shot in at the near post to cap an excellent afternoon for Liverpool.
Soccer Saturday reaction - Matt Le Tissier
"It was pretty comfortable, it really was. West Ham certainly weren't at
their best today. Liverpool were probably not as good as they were in
midweek but it was still plenty enough to beat this West Ham side, who
didn't really threaten them too much. I don't remember Mignolet having to
make too many saves. "It was great for the Liverpool fans to see Daniel
Sturridge to come back – that was the highlight of the day for everyone. He
got himself a little bit of space in the box, made a lovely first touch, got
it on to his right foot and it was a brilliant finish in at the near post. I
think that was the big plus point of the day, to see him, after such a long
time, come back and give himself a chance and get a goal within 10 minutes
of coming on."
Player Ratings
Liverpool: Mignolet (6), Can (5), Skrtel (6), Sakho (7), Henderson (7),
Lucas (6), Moreno (7), Markovic (6), Lallana (7), Coutinho (8), Sterling
(9).
Used subs: Sturridge (8), Ibe (7).
West Ham: Adrian (7), O'Brien (6), Collins (7), Reid (6), Cresswell (6),
Song (7), Amalfitano (5), Nolan (5), Downing (6), Carroll (6), Valencia (6).
Used subs: Cole (6), Noble (6), Demel (6).
Man of the match: Raheem Sterling
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Darren Fletcher's proposed move to West Ham from Manchester United breaks
down
Last Updated: 31/01/15 6:58pm
SSN
Manchester United's Darren Fletcher move to West Ham seems over with both
managers saying negotiations have broken down. Louis van Gaal confirmed on
Friday that 30-year-old was having talks with the Hammers but the United
boss told Sky Sports News HQ after Saturday's 3-1 win against Leicester: "I
don't know what's happening because I thought Darren was signing. "But at
the end, they looked for a loan and that wasn't the agreement so I can't
(see it happening)." He later added: "When you allow your player to go to
London for the medical, there is no problem. At the end there is no
agreement, it is strange. "I don't know what is happening there but the
agreement is different there. On Saturday it is off." Allardyce revealed
after the 2-0 defeat to Liverpool at Anfield that the move will not go
ahead.
Sam Allardyce believes that a growing injury list cost his side a result
against Liverpool and described his centre-back selection as a 'crisis'
On the chances of reviving a Fletcher deal, Allardyce told SSN HQ: "It
doesn't look like it. It looks like it's broken down in negotiations." West
Ham were head of the queue to sign Fletcher with Spanish side Valencia and
West Brom also interested in signing the Scottish midfielder before the
transfer window closes. Fletcher was named United vice-captain at the start
of the season but has been unable to break into Van Gaal's first team this
season. The United boss hopes he can give the midfielder more playing time
in the rest of the season. "He is my third captain so it is not a problem
for me (if he comes back)," Van Gaal added. "Manchester United just want to
help him play more. For him now that is a big pity. "We want to help
Fletcher. That is my only concern. I am very happy he is coming back." The
Scot has made just 12 appearances for United this season, with the most
recent being in the 2-0 win at Yeovil Town in the FA Cup first round.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Liverpool plot transfer swoop on West Ham for Winston Reid as summer free
agency looms
22:30, 31 January 2015 By Steve Stammers
Reds will offer £6.5m for defender who could walk for nothing at the end of
the season - and Hammers will join Vedran Corluka chase if they do sell
The Mirror
Liverpool are set to make a £6.5million bid for West Ham's Winston Reid. New
Zealand international centre-back Reid, 26, is out of contract at the end of
the season. He rejected a new four-year deal to stay at Upton Park and now
Liverpool will test the Hammers' resolve to hang on to him. West Ham are
likely to insist on a fee of £6-£7m, but Liverpool boss Brendan Rodgers can
meet that demand.
If Reid goes, the Hammers will enter the race for Croatian defender Vedran
Corluka. The former Tottenham defender is now at Spartak Moscow and will
this week go to Spain for a warm-weather training camp with the Russian
team. Corluka, 28, is available at £4.5m but West Ham will face stiff
competition from three Premier League rivals. West Brom boss Tony Pulis is
anxious to bolster his defence in a bid to steer his new club away from the
relegation zone. Everton are also keen, and under-pressure Hull manager
Steve Bruce is also monitoring the situation.
:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Poor selections …poor tactics – Sam's to blame
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on January 31, 2015 in Whispers
Claret & Hugh
Match verdict
Liverpool 2 Irons 0
Let's be 100 per cent honest about today's performance – it was awful –
simply awful. This is no time to mince words – the manager got it horribly
wrong in key areas. He started without Mark Noble, stuck the season's most
effective playmaker within the diamond – Stewart Downing – on the left and
decided to play Joey O'Brien for the injured Carl Jenkinson. There was no
room for Chiek Kouyate who we were told almost on kick off had come back
from the African Nations Cup injured although there had been no mention of
this earlier in the week and Diafra Sakho was nowhere to be seen with no
explanation as to why.
And after a lively first first 10 minutes it became crystal clear that the
game plan was to defend deep and come away from Anfield with a draw if
possible. Sound familiar? At no time did we trouble the scousers, Andy
Carroll went off injured along with James Collins and Winston Reid. We
finished with O'Brien in the middle of defence, Demel down the right and
Cole playing one up – Sound horribly familiar?
There was more bad news for Reid too before his departure because he was
made to look a mug by first goalscorer Raheem Sterling (51 mins) on several
occasions showing just why he will never be a top four player. Not good
enough!
Daniel Sturridge appeared for the first time in many moons to collect the
second and you just knew it would be against us – a near post thump after 80
mins with which Adrian had no chance.
Liverpool were better in every area of the pitch but we were never helped by
the selection, tactics and general approach of a manager who to put it in
the words of a famous song is beginning to look like a rebel without a clue!
With players hobbling off through injury these are worrying times as we
start to descend towards our usual level – what's even more worrying
perhaps is that if they keep players out for a couple of games it presents
a handy excuse to the boss for any sub-standard performance. I'm not wearing
it. This match was lost through seriously bad mistakes in selection and
tactics before a ball was kicked or anyone took a knock. We all believed we
had a real chance of winning at Anfield today for the first time in 53 years
– Sam Allardyce blew it!
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Fletcher deal "The sums didn't add up"
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on January 31, 2015 in Whispers
Claret & Hugh
West Ham have denied they attempted to change the failed deal which would
have seen the Manchester United midfielder arrive at Upton Park. Old
Trafford boss Louis van Gaal had claimed that was the case but insiders at
the irons have claimned it was the other way around.
It has emerged that there were no medical problems with the player but that
the more the two sides talked the less likely a deal became.
ClaretandHugh was told: "Suddenly various add ons started to appear in
agent's fees and such like and personal terms never really got settled. "In
the end it became clear the sums weren't adding up and it became obvious it
was best to call time on the deal."
However, there's an air of relief around the club as the negotiations were
being conducted against a backdrop if the player's health problems. Another
source explained: "That was in the minds of a lot of people particularly as
Fletcher's side wanted a straight three and half years – it was always a
worry."
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Sakho back for Manchester United clash!
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on January 31, 2015 in Whispers
Claret & Hugh
Diafra Sakho will return for next Sunday's match against Manchester United
having served out FIFA's 'five day rule.' ClaretandHugh learned this evening
the Senegal striker missed today's game at Liverpool as Fifa rules insist
that players cannot appear for their clubs until five days has passed
following their nation's elimination from a major tournament. Despite the
fact that the player was injured and unavailable to Senegal such has been
the fuss kicked up by Senegal's Federation, the Irons board decided to keep
the player out of the action today and avoid any further problems. Sam
Allardyce failed to mention that only the one game would be involved when
issuing a statement on the matter in which he said: "With Sakho it's down to
the situation we are in with FIFA. "While it is happening it is not
conducive to be putting him on the field until it is settled, sadly."
But in fact it is settled and a source said tonight: "He's now available for
Manchester United and we will just have to keep everything crossed that the
problems at central defence ease in the week."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
How the Irons rated
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on January 31, 2015 in Whispers
Claret & Hugh
Adrian: Can't be blamed for the goals and made a couple of top stops 7
O'Brien: Gives us nothing – part of our history 4
Collins: Sturdy performance before hobbling off. Battled to stay on. No
complaints 6
Reid: Was made to look a mug by Sterling on occasions but battled 5
Cresswell: Not the high quality display we're used to. Caught out a couple
of times 6
Song: Nothing like as mobile in possession as when he arrived, struggled 5
Downing: Played out of position – never a danger 5
Amalfitano: Sparky at times – looked dangerous before being inexplicably
subbed 6
Valencia: Had he got Chelsea on his mind? Annonymous 5
Nolan: Tip of the diamond – Nolan? Oh please! Nothing to offer 4
Carroll: Nothing like the high energy player we've seen of late 5
Subs: Noble 5, Demel 5 Cole 4
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Woe is Sam – it's the injuries yer know!
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on January 31, 2015 in Whispers
Claret 7 Hugh
My God it diodn't take long for the "woe is me I have injuries and it's a
crisis " Allardyce head to go on – about 10 minutes after the match actually
In my match report I wrote: "With players hobbling off through injury these
are worrying times as we start to descend towards our usual level – what's
even more worrying perhaps is that if they keep players out for a couple of
games it presents a handy excuse to the boss for any sub-standard
performance."
It actually took a couple of minutes rather than games. For as he stood
looking folorn and lost in front of the nation he whined: "Ginge had to come
off with a hamstring, then we lost Reidy. It's not a problem it's a crisis."
Yeah Yeah Yeah as Liverpool legends The Beatles sung when we last won in
their home city back in 1963! Carroll of course had hobbled off allowing Sam
the opportunity to bleat: "That's three on top of the four we left behind"
which of course would include Kouyate and Sakho who is now being kept in
cotton wool as the Senegal complaint goes to FIFA. He claimed the "medical
staff will have all hands to the pumps this week" as Manchester United
await but as I wrote earlier I'm not wearing this injury stuff being
presented as as an excuse. We were beaten today before a ball was kicked and
to say anything different would be a lie! Stand up and be a man Sam. You
have Koutaye who can do a shift at the back and as we are now more or less
safe what about blooding Reece Oxford? Big people see times of trial as
times of opportunity so please stop moaning and groaning and show some
balls!
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
LVG: "West Ham changed Fletcher deal"
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on January 31, 2015 in Whispers
Claret & Hugh
The news that Darren Fletcher's move to West Ham has broken down didn't come
as a huge surprise this evening. For this morning as rumours started to
spread that the player had failed a medical, a source refused to make any
sort of comment to ClaretandHugh on the situation declaring: "I just can't
comment on that!" That is usually a pretty good indication that all is not
as it should be so this evening's news was no shock Sam Allardyce – at the
end of a seriously depressing post-Liverpool press conference – admitted;
"It looks like that one has gone away. It's broken down on negotiations."
Manchester United boss Louis van Gaal revealed that he believed West Ham may
have tried to change the terms of the deal. He said: "I thought Darren was
going to sign a contract but at the end they looked for a loan and that was
not the agreement. I'm only listening to what is said by West Ham United.
Later he added: "I don't know what is happening. It was different on Friday
but now it's changed."
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WHUFC.com
Sam Allardyce gives his reaction to Saturday's 2-0 Barclays Premier League
defeat at Liverpool
31.01.2015
Sam Allardyce said injuries, absences, missed opportunities and conceding
just after half-time were the major factors in West Ham United's 2-0
Barclays Premier League defeat at Liverpool. The Hammers started well at
Anfield, going toe to toe with Brendan Rodgers' side in the opening 45
minutes, only to fall behind to Raheem Sterling's goal six minutes after
half-time. West Ham then lost James Collins and Andy Carroll to hamstring
and knee injuries - adding to the absences of Cheikhou Kouyate, Diafra
Sakho, James Tomkins and Carl Jenkinson - before the returning Daniel
Sturridge drilled in the Reds' second with ten minutes remaining. There was
still time for Winston Reid to be forced off with a hamstring problem before
Joey O'Brien's late header was ruled out for a foul on home goalkeeper Simon
Mignolet. "Too many players ended up with injuries, particularly at
centre-half, and because of that we lost this game," the manager began. "In
all fairness to Ginge, because of the injuries we had in defence [in the
build-up] he tried to come in and get through this game himself, but his
hamstring injury had obviously re-occurred by half-time. "Because we had
problems in central defence, we ended up a 16-year-old Reece Oxford on the
bench. While Joey O'Brien and Guy Demel might do a job in there, we could
have thrown Reece on there, but we had Winston Reid and Andy Carroll injured
as well and James Tomkins, Carl Jenkinson and Cheik Kouyate missing so went
with the experience. "Those three coming off has thrown us into a major
crisis at the minute injury-wise and you can't expect to come to a place
like Liverpool and win when those things go against you. "As much as we did
in the first half and as good as opportunities that we created, we couldn't
find the sort of clinical finish we have found so often recently. It's been
a long time since we haven't scored a goal. We had several opportunities in
that opening half-hour to get one but we didn't convert them. "Finally,
because of the injury problems we had, they scored. I can't criticise the
lads for the effort they put in, because circumstances beyond our control
have not allowed us to get anything out of this game."
Big Sam opted for a 4-2-3-1 formation at Anfield, where West Ham remain
winless in 45 matches dating back to September 1963, and explained the
thinking behind the system. In the opening half, the approach saw the
visitors stretch Liverpool's three-man defence across the pitch, creating
space down both channels to get balls into the box. However, once the
injury-hit Hammers went behind to Sterling's well-taken finish from
Coutinho's clever pass, they struggled to put the home side under similar
pressure in the second half. "The thinking was that we do exactly what we
did in the first 30 minutes, which was to have Morgan Amalfitano and Enner
Valencia get in those spaces behind those wing-backs and drag those
centre-halves out," the manager explained. "The only problem we had was our
players not playing in there more often and with the same sort of quality
they showed in the first 15 or 20 minutes. It was a massive problem for
Liverpool with Emre Can and Mamadou Sakho running out to chase Enner and
Morgan into the wide areas. "When the back-up comes from the full-backs or
Stewart Downing then you win corners and get balls into their box. We had
seven or eight corners and finally scored in the end with one, but it would
have been too late and the referee disallowed it for whatever reason. "It
worked well at the start but because of the problems we had in the second
half, we stopped doing that and stopped being as effective by playing down
the sides of that back three. Liverpool do a high press and when you give
the ball away willy-nilly, you struggle. "In some ways, we shot ourselves in
the foot by trying to play through the midfield too much when we had set out
tactically to play a certain way and it worked so well for us in the first
half. "In the end, I think the injuries really told on us and we never got
anything out of the game. It looks like they beat us easily, but by
half-time they were struggling and we were finding it very easy to cope with
them. "We ended up with ten men and it was a real kick in the lower regions
for us. The problem now is how we cope going forward from here. This is our
first real injury crisis of the season and we really need to get over it as
quickly as we can, particularly with the FA Cup game and Manchester United
next week.
"We'll re-assess the lads during the week and see how many of them can get
fit and hopefully there won't be a considerable number of players missing.
Hopefully, in the next two weeks we'll get the majority back and we'll go
again."
With the transfer window closing at 11pm on Monday evening, Big Sam was also
asked in his Sky Sports post-match interview about the prospect of bringing
in reinforcements to bolster his squad. The manager admitted a move for
Manchester United midfielder Darren Fletcher is unlikely to materialise: "It
doesn't look like it [is going ahead], no. It looks like it's broken down on
negotiations."
Big Sam was also asked by Sky Sports about the absence of Sakho from
Saturday's squad, to which his response was: "With Sakho it is down to the
situation we are in with FIFA. While it is happening it is not conducive for
us to be putting him on the field until it is resolved, sadly. If you speak
to the lad you would know how angry and disappointed he is at being denied
the opportunity to play football when it is not our fault. "We have covered
all the rules and regulations but at this moment in time it is sensible to
do the right thing and not get involved any more - that is what I was told
yesterday."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Nolan disappointed with Reds reverse
WHUFC.com
Kevin Nolan felt a poor second half display cost his side at Liverpool on
Saturday
31.01.2015
Kevin Nolan was disappointed to leave his native Merseyside empty-handed
after second half goals from Raheem Sterling and Daniel Sturridge gave
Liverpool a 2-0 victory over the Hammers on Saturday. It extended West Ham
United's winless run at Anfield, which stretches back in September 1963, and
sent Brendan Rodgers' side above the Hammers in the table. Nolan felt his
team were doing well enough at the break, only for a disappointing start to
the second period to prove their undoing. He explained: "In the first half I
thought we contained them well and had our fair share of the game, but in
the second half we came out and didn't really get going.
"Once they got the goal, it was a massive body blow, and we didn't really
react. They played the game out and we're very disappointed but it's one
we've got to put to bed. "We'll look at it early on next week and then try
to put it right at home."
The Hammers had injury problems at the back, with Carl Jenkinson and James
Tomkins missing the trip, then both James Collins and Winston Reid limping
off with hamstring injuries. Up front, Andy Carroll was also forced off with
a knee problem. Nolan admitted those were all big blows, but says his team
need to get over it quickly. He continued: "There's been a lot of chopping
and changing going on over the last few weeks from the Christmas time and
you will pick up injuries. "You have to deal with that, but when you get
three centre halves out in a week it's tough. Hopefully two of them will be
ok for Man United."
Saturday's loss was West Ham's first of 2015, so Nolan has belief that they
can soon return to winning ways and maintain their push towards the head of
the table. He added: "We had a fantastic first half of the season and the
second half has been tough up until now. We've gone to Liverpool and they've
just gone above us after us leading them for so long. "We've got to bounce
back and we have the ability to. We have a lot of lads coming back in the
next month or so - the squad is thin at the moment but once we get those
numbers back we can kick on again."
:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
U18s go goal crazy
WHUFC.com
West Ham United won 5-0 at Arsenal at the Barclays U18 Premier League on
Saturday
31.01.2015
Two goals from England U17 striker Jahmal Hector-Ingram helped West Ham
United to an impressive 5-0 Barclays U18 Premier League victory at Arsenal.
After the young international set the Hammers on their way, centre-half
Manny Onariase rose highest to head home Matt Carter's corner and put the
Hammers 2-0 ahead after just 15 minutes, before Hector-Ingram grabbed his
second and West Ham's third before the break. With the result seemingly
already in the bag, the Hammers refused to let their north London opposition
into the fixture and added a fourth through Jordan Brown's strike, with the
game then put to bed when Vashon Neufville fired in his first goal of the
season to end a five-star performance from the visitors. The Hammers were
again coached by Mark Phillips, who made four changes to the starting XI
that beat Brighton & Hove Albion at Little Heath a week earlier. Noha
Sylvestre, Kieran Bailey, Jake Eggleton and Anthony Scully were replaced by
Alex Pike, Neufville, Grady Diangana and Brown (pictured), who all missed
out against Brighton due to Development Squad commitments. It took the
visitors just seven minutes to open the scoring against Arsenal when
midfielder Joe Powell broke down the left with speed and put an early cross
into the danger area, which was finished well by Hector-Ingram for his third
goal of the season.
On 15 minutes, the Hammers doubled their lead when Onariase timed his run
perfectly to meet Carter's corner with a bullet header that gave Arsenal
keeper Hugo Keto no chance of saving. From that position onwards, West Ham
controlled the remainder of the half and even managed to add a third before
the break when Hector-Ingram used his strength to hold off a defender and
chip the ball over Keto for his second goal of the game.
After the break, Arsenal stepped up their performance level in an attempt to
try and get back into the game. However, the young talent on show for the
Hammers kept the Gunners quiet for the remainder of the game. West Ham added
their fourth when Brown buried the ball into the back of the net from Jerry
Amoo's cutback, before Neufville fired in from 18 yards to extend the
Hammers lead to 5-0. Phillips was delighted with the convincing win over
Arsenal and revealed that a change in formation perhaps shocked the Hammers'
opponents. "It's a fantastic result for us as there aren't many teams that
go away to Arsenal at any level and get a result like we did," said
Phillips. "I changed the formation a little as I thought Arsenal would be
expecting us to match them with three in the middle of the pitch but we
switched to 4-4-2 and I think we caught them out. "Overall, I'm very happy
with the performance and can't really pick anyone out that didn't put in a
good performance. "We have Fulham at home next week and we go into that off
the back of two victories so we will prepare as usual for that game and look
forward to hopefully getting another result next weekend."
Also on Saturday, 16-year-old defender Reece Oxford was an unused substitute
for Sam Allardyce's first team at Liverpool. After coaching him regularly
over the past few years, a proud Phillips admitted that experiences like
this will really aid Oxford's development over the next few years. "I think
I know Reece just as much as anyone else at this Club after coaching him
from as young as U13s and I think that a player of his ability and character
deserves opportunities like this," confirmed Phillips. "It gives him a
chance to get involved with the first-team squad and see how they go about
their business on a match day. "I'm pleased that Sam Allardyce has given
Reece this opportunity and I know that as a very level-headed person, it
will help bring the best out of him in the future."
The Hammers' next Barclays U18 Premier League South fixture is at home to
Fulham on Saturday 7 February, with kick off at 11am. Parking and admission
are both free at Little Heath.
U18s: Howes, Pike, Onariase, Akinola, Neufville, Carter, Diangana (Bailey),
Powell (Borg), Amoo, Brown (Scully), Hector-Ingram
Subs not used: Bogard, Sheriff
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Liverpool 2 West Ham 0
31 January 2015
Last updated at 17:31
By Neil Johnston
BBC Sport
Daniel Sturridge scored on his comeback from injury as Liverpool made it
five wins in six Premier League games with victory over West Ham United.
Raheem Sterling struck for the eighth time this season after latching on to
Philippe Coutinho's clever pass. Substitute Sturridge, out for five months,
doubled the lead 12 minutes after coming on with a low drive following
another Coutinho assist. West Ham rarely threatened, Andy Carroll going
closest with a header. Sturridge had not played since suffering a thigh
injury while on England duty in September. Since then he has injured his
calf and thigh again. But the 25-year-old, making his first appearance in a
Reds shirt since 31 August, sealed a thoroughly deserved victory. The result
lifts Brendan Rodgers' side one place up the table to seventh on 38 points,
four behind fourth-placed Southampton. Liverpool are hitting momentum at a
crucial stage of the campaign, and they head into the Merseyside derby at
Everton on 7 February having taken 17 points from a possible 21. In contrast
West Ham have now won once in their last six top-flight outings. Sam
Allardyce's side created few serious chances but their stubborn defence
frustrated the hosts until Sterling made the breakthrough after the
interval. Jordan Henderson and Lucas Leiva spurned good chances, while
Coutinho was denied by a fine save from Adrian after Sterling's clever
back-heel. There was controversy at the end of the first-half when Sterling
went down inside the area following a challenge by Joey O'Brien. But while
Liverpool fans screamed for a penalty, the ball fell invitingly for Lazar
Markovic who fired wastefully wide. The hosts went ahead six minutes into
the second-half as Sterling produced a composed low finish after a
delightful back-heel by Coutinho. Sturridge received a rapturous reception
when he was introduced in the 68th minute. Twelve minutes later he was
celebrating his second goal of the campaign, a trademark low finish
following Coutinho's pass. West Ham had their moments.
Carroll, who was substituted, forced Simon Mignolet into a save with a
close-range header, while Enner Valencia also tested the Liverpool keeper
from distance. But this was a fine response from Liverpool after their
Capital One Cup semi-final defeat by Chelsea in midweek.
Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers: "The team stood up to the aerial duels
very well, pressed the game well and they got their rewards for that. "On
the back of 120 minutes in midweek, we knew today was going to be a tough
game. West Ham have been excellent this season, scored goals throughout the
season and been very tough to play against. "But after the first 15-20
minutes, when we had to compete and battle physically, the players earned
the right to play. Some of their football today was outstanding."
West Ham manager Sam Allardyce: "I thought we were more than comfortable in
the first half without being as good as we know we can be.
"We've had three players come off injured. We didn't create much. But I
hoped with the number of set-plays we were getting and balls behind the
Liverpool defence, particularly in the first half, we might have got a
little bit more on target."
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Diafra Sakho: Sam Allardyce advised not to play Senegal striker
BBC.co.uk
West Ham boss Sam Allardyce says he has been advised not to play Diafra
Sakho until a row with Senegal is resolved. Senegal are reported to have
complained to Fifa after striker Sakho, 25, missed the Africa Cup of
Nations with a back injury, but then played for his club.
Fifa rules say a player cannot play for a club if he is meant to be on
international duty. Allardyce said: "It is not conducive for us to be
putting him on the field until it is resolved, sadly."
Sakho played and scored in last Sunday's 1-0 FA Cup win over Bristol City
but was not part of the squad for Saturday's 2-0 Premier League defeat at
Liverpool. Allardyce said: "We have covered all the rules and regulations
but at this moment in time it is sensible to do the right thing and not get
involved any more - that is what I was told yesterday. "If you speak to the
lad you would know how angry and disappointed he is at being denied the
opportunity to play football when it is not our fault."
Senegal boss Alain Giresse, who was told Sakho had withdrawn as he could not
fly because of a back injury, claimed West Ham had "set a dangerous
precedent" by playing him. With Senegal eliminated, Allardyce hoped Sakho's
countryman Cheikhou Kouyate would be on the bench for West Ham at Anfield.
But he said the 25-year-old midfielder told the club he was injured after
they went to "great lengths" to get him back to England.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Darren Fletcher: Man Utd player's West Ham move 'broke down'
BBC.co.uk
West Ham boss Sam Allardyce says a move to sign Manchester United midfielder
Darren Fletcher has broken down. Scotland international Fletcher, who turns
31 on Sunday, was in talks with the Hammers about moving to Upton Park after
being granted a free transfer. "Fletcher broke down on negotiations this
morning," said Allardyce after Saturday's 2-0 defeat at Liverpool. Red
Devils boss Louis van Gaal thought Fletcher would leave but claimed West Ham
only wanted the Scot on loan. He added: "That was not the agreement."
Fletcher has made 342 appearances for Manchester United but has started only
five times under Van Gaal. The Dutchman said: "He is my third captain so it
is not a problem for me. "Manchester United just want to help him play more.
For him now that is a big pity."
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Sakho sidelined by FIFA fears, confirms Allardyce
KUMB.com
Filed: Saturday, 31st January 2015
By: Staff Writer
Sam Allardyce has confirmed that Diafra Sakho was prevented from featuring
for West Ham at Liverpool today over fears of a FIFA backlash.
Allardyce, speaking after West Ham's 2-0 defeat at Anfield earlier this
afternoon confirmed KUMB's earlier story in which we revealed that the
potential threat of a FIFA sanction led to the decision to drop Sakho from
today's match day squad. "Sakho was not in our team because of the situation
we are in with FIFA," he said during his post-match press conference. "While
it's happening, it's not conducive to pick him. We'll look at that as
quickly as possible. "If you speak to the lad, he's just concerned about
being denied the opportunity to play football. But it's the rules and
regulations. It's sensible to do the right thing until it's resolved. It was
a recommendation that we shouldn't pick him."
Sakho was one of four first team players to miss today's defeat, along with
James Tomkins, Cheik Kouyate and Carl Jenkinson (all injured). West Ham
ended the game with only ten men after losing James Collins, Andy Carroll
and Winston Reid to various injuries during the match. Senegal registered a
complaint with FIFA after Sakho appeared as a second half substitute at
Ashton Gate last weekend. West Ham beat Bristol City courtesy of the
striker's late winner. 48 hours after West Ham beat Bristol City, Senegal
were sent tumbling out of the African Nations Cup by virtue of their 2-0
defeat to Algeria.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Sam Allardyce facing 'defensive crisis' at West Ham after Liverpool defeat
Last Updated: 31/01/15 6:52pm
SSN
West Ham manager Sam Allardyce says he is facing a defensive crisis after
losing two players during the defeat at Liverpool. James Collins struggled
through a hamstring problem but eventually had to come off, while Winston
Reid limped off in the latter stages as the Hammers lost 2-0 at Anfield.
With James Tomkins already injured, Allardyce is struggling for choice in
defence and, with a key Premier League clash against Manchester United to
come next week, the Hammers boss is praying that Collins and Reid won't be
out for two long.
"It's more than an issue, it's a crisis for us now," he said. "Him and Reidy
going down has left us a massive hole and I'm not sure how long they're
going to be. "We've got to try and face the crisis as best we can. It will
be difficult, but it's all hands on pumps for the medical staff to get the
lads back as quick as we can, particularly with next week just as important
for us, and the week after when the FA Cup arrives."
Raheem Sterling and Daniel Sturridge scored as Liverpool took the points on
Saturday afternoon as West Ham's bright start faded away into defeat. While
admitting his side didn't play their best on Merseyside, Allardyce couldn't
help but wonder if it would have been different if he had fewer injuries. "I
think in the end, due to our injury problems, it's cost us anything we might
have got here today," he added. "I don't think Liverpool were outstanding at
all – certainly in the first half we could see that. What we didn't do was
play as well as we could. "But [Collins] came off at half time saying he's
got a hamstring [injury], and of course he wanted to try and play on and
that caused us problems, because when you've got a bit of an injury marking
Sterling is not easy, so our game got stretched and in the end we had to try
and change him. "By that time we're 1-0 down and Reidy comes off as well.
Andy Carroll hurt himself, so that's three on top of the seven we had
[injured] before we played and that's too much for us to cope with today
when you're playing somewhere like Anfield. "It's a great shame for us
today. As hard as we tried the forces went against us in terms of injuries
particularly. On another day with players staying fit, other players getting
on the pitch who we missed today's game, I think we'd have made a better
game of it."
Despite having a threadbare defence, the Hammers boss thinks it is very
unlikely the club will look to bring in cover at centre-back ahead of
Monday's transfer deadline. Allardyce added: "Probably not. Not in the
central defensive area because you end up pulling somebody from abroad who
probably hasn't played for his club, and because he hasn't played for his
club would not be up to speed coming in and playing at this level."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Daniel Sturridge scores on return as Liverpool beat West Ham 2-0
By Tom McKeown. Last Updated: 31/01/15 6:55pm
SSN
Daniel Sturridge scored on his return as Liverpool registered a 2-0 win over
West Ham to leapfrog their opponents in the table. Raheem Sterling fired low
past Hammers goalkeeper Adrian to put the hosts in front shortly after the
break, before Sturridge's powerful finish doubled the lead 10 minutes into
his return from the bench. Philippe Coutinho was earlier denied by Adrian
while Lazar Markovic fired a golden opportunity wide, moments after the
hosts felt they should have had a penalty for a foul on Sterling by Joey
O'Brien. But it would not matter in the end as the two England
internationals netted in the second half, and Brendan Rodgers' men move
above the Hammers into seventh in the Premier League. It was an open affair
right from the off, with Andy Carroll causing plenty of problems in the air.
The striker caught Emre Can with a flailing arm early on and that seemed to
rattle the Liverpool man for the rest of the half.
The hosts had the first real chance, though, as the lively Sterling cut in
from the flank and laid off for Adam Lallana. The midfielder was quickly
closed down but it fell for Markovic, who had one shot blocked before firing
wide. Sterling and Coutinho were the main threats for the hosts, and they
nearly set up an opening goal when they played a superb one-two as the
former backheeled it beyond the defence, but the Brazilian's tame effort was
easily saved at the near post by Adrian. The hosts then felt they should
have had a penalty right on half time as Sterling spun round O'Brien only to
go down under the defender's challenge. Nothing was given, but Liverpool
almost took the lead immediately as Markovic cut out Stewart Downing's loose
pass, only to fire wide of the target with the goal at his mercy.
Cool finish
The hosts finally broke the deadlock shortly after half-time, though.
Alberto Moreno's ball was chested down by Sterling, the ball deflected off
Winston Reid into the path of Coutinho, who chipped a lovely ball beyond the
defence, and Sterling slotted it calmly under Adrian with a cool first-time
finish.
The visitors hardly created anything, but Enner Valencia spurned a chance as
he drilled a low shot straight at Simon Mignolet from 18 yards, before
Coutinho showed some lovely footwork at the other end, working some space on
the edge of the box and firing low at Adrian.
The biggest cheer of the afternoon came with just over 20 minutes remaining,
as Sturridge was finally re-introduced to first-team action after five
months out when he replaced Markovic. It only took 10 minutes for Sturridge
to score on his return. Coutinho raced into the West Ham half and played a
lovely ball into the striker, who took a superb touch before drilling a low
shot in at the near post to cap an excellent afternoon for Liverpool.
Soccer Saturday reaction - Matt Le Tissier
"It was pretty comfortable, it really was. West Ham certainly weren't at
their best today. Liverpool were probably not as good as they were in
midweek but it was still plenty enough to beat this West Ham side, who
didn't really threaten them too much. I don't remember Mignolet having to
make too many saves. "It was great for the Liverpool fans to see Daniel
Sturridge to come back – that was the highlight of the day for everyone. He
got himself a little bit of space in the box, made a lovely first touch, got
it on to his right foot and it was a brilliant finish in at the near post. I
think that was the big plus point of the day, to see him, after such a long
time, come back and give himself a chance and get a goal within 10 minutes
of coming on."
Player Ratings
Liverpool: Mignolet (6), Can (5), Skrtel (6), Sakho (7), Henderson (7),
Lucas (6), Moreno (7), Markovic (6), Lallana (7), Coutinho (8), Sterling
(9).
Used subs: Sturridge (8), Ibe (7).
West Ham: Adrian (7), O'Brien (6), Collins (7), Reid (6), Cresswell (6),
Song (7), Amalfitano (5), Nolan (5), Downing (6), Carroll (6), Valencia (6).
Used subs: Cole (6), Noble (6), Demel (6).
Man of the match: Raheem Sterling
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Darren Fletcher's proposed move to West Ham from Manchester United breaks
down
Last Updated: 31/01/15 6:58pm
SSN
Manchester United's Darren Fletcher move to West Ham seems over with both
managers saying negotiations have broken down. Louis van Gaal confirmed on
Friday that 30-year-old was having talks with the Hammers but the United
boss told Sky Sports News HQ after Saturday's 3-1 win against Leicester: "I
don't know what's happening because I thought Darren was signing. "But at
the end, they looked for a loan and that wasn't the agreement so I can't
(see it happening)." He later added: "When you allow your player to go to
London for the medical, there is no problem. At the end there is no
agreement, it is strange. "I don't know what is happening there but the
agreement is different there. On Saturday it is off." Allardyce revealed
after the 2-0 defeat to Liverpool at Anfield that the move will not go
ahead.
Sam Allardyce believes that a growing injury list cost his side a result
against Liverpool and described his centre-back selection as a 'crisis'
On the chances of reviving a Fletcher deal, Allardyce told SSN HQ: "It
doesn't look like it. It looks like it's broken down in negotiations." West
Ham were head of the queue to sign Fletcher with Spanish side Valencia and
West Brom also interested in signing the Scottish midfielder before the
transfer window closes. Fletcher was named United vice-captain at the start
of the season but has been unable to break into Van Gaal's first team this
season. The United boss hopes he can give the midfielder more playing time
in the rest of the season. "He is my third captain so it is not a problem
for me (if he comes back)," Van Gaal added. "Manchester United just want to
help him play more. For him now that is a big pity. "We want to help
Fletcher. That is my only concern. I am very happy he is coming back." The
Scot has made just 12 appearances for United this season, with the most
recent being in the 2-0 win at Yeovil Town in the FA Cup first round.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Liverpool plot transfer swoop on West Ham for Winston Reid as summer free
agency looms
22:30, 31 January 2015 By Steve Stammers
Reds will offer £6.5m for defender who could walk for nothing at the end of
the season - and Hammers will join Vedran Corluka chase if they do sell
The Mirror
Liverpool are set to make a £6.5million bid for West Ham's Winston Reid. New
Zealand international centre-back Reid, 26, is out of contract at the end of
the season. He rejected a new four-year deal to stay at Upton Park and now
Liverpool will test the Hammers' resolve to hang on to him. West Ham are
likely to insist on a fee of £6-£7m, but Liverpool boss Brendan Rodgers can
meet that demand.
If Reid goes, the Hammers will enter the race for Croatian defender Vedran
Corluka. The former Tottenham defender is now at Spartak Moscow and will
this week go to Spain for a warm-weather training camp with the Russian
team. Corluka, 28, is available at £4.5m but West Ham will face stiff
competition from three Premier League rivals. West Brom boss Tony Pulis is
anxious to bolster his defence in a bid to steer his new club away from the
relegation zone. Everton are also keen, and under-pressure Hull manager
Steve Bruce is also monitoring the situation.
:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Poor selections …poor tactics – Sam's to blame
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on January 31, 2015 in Whispers
Claret & Hugh
Match verdict
Liverpool 2 Irons 0
Let's be 100 per cent honest about today's performance – it was awful –
simply awful. This is no time to mince words – the manager got it horribly
wrong in key areas. He started without Mark Noble, stuck the season's most
effective playmaker within the diamond – Stewart Downing – on the left and
decided to play Joey O'Brien for the injured Carl Jenkinson. There was no
room for Chiek Kouyate who we were told almost on kick off had come back
from the African Nations Cup injured although there had been no mention of
this earlier in the week and Diafra Sakho was nowhere to be seen with no
explanation as to why.
And after a lively first first 10 minutes it became crystal clear that the
game plan was to defend deep and come away from Anfield with a draw if
possible. Sound familiar? At no time did we trouble the scousers, Andy
Carroll went off injured along with James Collins and Winston Reid. We
finished with O'Brien in the middle of defence, Demel down the right and
Cole playing one up – Sound horribly familiar?
There was more bad news for Reid too before his departure because he was
made to look a mug by first goalscorer Raheem Sterling (51 mins) on several
occasions showing just why he will never be a top four player. Not good
enough!
Daniel Sturridge appeared for the first time in many moons to collect the
second and you just knew it would be against us – a near post thump after 80
mins with which Adrian had no chance.
Liverpool were better in every area of the pitch but we were never helped by
the selection, tactics and general approach of a manager who to put it in
the words of a famous song is beginning to look like a rebel without a clue!
With players hobbling off through injury these are worrying times as we
start to descend towards our usual level – what's even more worrying
perhaps is that if they keep players out for a couple of games it presents
a handy excuse to the boss for any sub-standard performance. I'm not wearing
it. This match was lost through seriously bad mistakes in selection and
tactics before a ball was kicked or anyone took a knock. We all believed we
had a real chance of winning at Anfield today for the first time in 53 years
– Sam Allardyce blew it!
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Fletcher deal "The sums didn't add up"
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on January 31, 2015 in Whispers
Claret & Hugh
West Ham have denied they attempted to change the failed deal which would
have seen the Manchester United midfielder arrive at Upton Park. Old
Trafford boss Louis van Gaal had claimed that was the case but insiders at
the irons have claimned it was the other way around.
It has emerged that there were no medical problems with the player but that
the more the two sides talked the less likely a deal became.
ClaretandHugh was told: "Suddenly various add ons started to appear in
agent's fees and such like and personal terms never really got settled. "In
the end it became clear the sums weren't adding up and it became obvious it
was best to call time on the deal."
However, there's an air of relief around the club as the negotiations were
being conducted against a backdrop if the player's health problems. Another
source explained: "That was in the minds of a lot of people particularly as
Fletcher's side wanted a straight three and half years – it was always a
worry."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Sakho back for Manchester United clash!
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on January 31, 2015 in Whispers
Claret & Hugh
Diafra Sakho will return for next Sunday's match against Manchester United
having served out FIFA's 'five day rule.' ClaretandHugh learned this evening
the Senegal striker missed today's game at Liverpool as Fifa rules insist
that players cannot appear for their clubs until five days has passed
following their nation's elimination from a major tournament. Despite the
fact that the player was injured and unavailable to Senegal such has been
the fuss kicked up by Senegal's Federation, the Irons board decided to keep
the player out of the action today and avoid any further problems. Sam
Allardyce failed to mention that only the one game would be involved when
issuing a statement on the matter in which he said: "With Sakho it's down to
the situation we are in with FIFA. "While it is happening it is not
conducive to be putting him on the field until it is settled, sadly."
But in fact it is settled and a source said tonight: "He's now available for
Manchester United and we will just have to keep everything crossed that the
problems at central defence ease in the week."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
How the Irons rated
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on January 31, 2015 in Whispers
Claret & Hugh
Adrian: Can't be blamed for the goals and made a couple of top stops 7
O'Brien: Gives us nothing – part of our history 4
Collins: Sturdy performance before hobbling off. Battled to stay on. No
complaints 6
Reid: Was made to look a mug by Sterling on occasions but battled 5
Cresswell: Not the high quality display we're used to. Caught out a couple
of times 6
Song: Nothing like as mobile in possession as when he arrived, struggled 5
Downing: Played out of position – never a danger 5
Amalfitano: Sparky at times – looked dangerous before being inexplicably
subbed 6
Valencia: Had he got Chelsea on his mind? Annonymous 5
Nolan: Tip of the diamond – Nolan? Oh please! Nothing to offer 4
Carroll: Nothing like the high energy player we've seen of late 5
Subs: Noble 5, Demel 5 Cole 4
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Woe is Sam – it's the injuries yer know!
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on January 31, 2015 in Whispers
Claret 7 Hugh
My God it diodn't take long for the "woe is me I have injuries and it's a
crisis " Allardyce head to go on – about 10 minutes after the match actually
In my match report I wrote: "With players hobbling off through injury these
are worrying times as we start to descend towards our usual level – what's
even more worrying perhaps is that if they keep players out for a couple of
games it presents a handy excuse to the boss for any sub-standard
performance."
It actually took a couple of minutes rather than games. For as he stood
looking folorn and lost in front of the nation he whined: "Ginge had to come
off with a hamstring, then we lost Reidy. It's not a problem it's a crisis."
Yeah Yeah Yeah as Liverpool legends The Beatles sung when we last won in
their home city back in 1963! Carroll of course had hobbled off allowing Sam
the opportunity to bleat: "That's three on top of the four we left behind"
which of course would include Kouyate and Sakho who is now being kept in
cotton wool as the Senegal complaint goes to FIFA. He claimed the "medical
staff will have all hands to the pumps this week" as Manchester United
await but as I wrote earlier I'm not wearing this injury stuff being
presented as as an excuse. We were beaten today before a ball was kicked and
to say anything different would be a lie! Stand up and be a man Sam. You
have Koutaye who can do a shift at the back and as we are now more or less
safe what about blooding Reece Oxford? Big people see times of trial as
times of opportunity so please stop moaning and groaning and show some
balls!
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
LVG: "West Ham changed Fletcher deal"
Posted by Hugh5outhon1895 on January 31, 2015 in Whispers
Claret & Hugh
The news that Darren Fletcher's move to West Ham has broken down didn't come
as a huge surprise this evening. For this morning as rumours started to
spread that the player had failed a medical, a source refused to make any
sort of comment to ClaretandHugh on the situation declaring: "I just can't
comment on that!" That is usually a pretty good indication that all is not
as it should be so this evening's news was no shock Sam Allardyce – at the
end of a seriously depressing post-Liverpool press conference – admitted;
"It looks like that one has gone away. It's broken down on negotiations."
Manchester United boss Louis van Gaal revealed that he believed West Ham may
have tried to change the terms of the deal. He said: "I thought Darren was
going to sign a contract but at the end they looked for a loan and that was
not the agreement. I'm only listening to what is said by West Ham United.
Later he added: "I don't know what is happening. It was different on Friday
but now it's changed."
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