Cresswell counts on home comforts
WHUFC.com
Aaron Cresswell is looking forward to getting back to the Boleyn Ground on Sunday
04.02.2015
Aaron Cresswell hopes that West Ham United's excellent home form will stand them in good stead for Sunday's Barclays Premier League visit of Manchester United.Only Louis van Gaal's men and leaders Chelsea have won more home league games than the Hammers and so Cresswell is confident that United, like Liverpool and Manchester City before them, can come a cropper at the Boleyn Ground. Though circumstances conspired against Cresswell and his colleagues at Anfield last weekend, the 25-year-old insists there is no shortage of confidence in the camp ahead of Sunday's teatime kick-off. "We've got to look forward to Sunday's game and go into the game full of confidence," he confirmed. "We're still eighth in the league after 23 games and there's no reason why we can't stay there. We've just got to carry on with our job, get three points on Sunday and crack on. "Manchester United have world class players, as most teams do in the Premier League, but we're at home, so there's no reason why we can't get the three points. We've had some great wins at home this season against the likes of Manchester City and Liverpool and so Sunday's game is one we're looking forward to."
Having ended the Liverpool defeat without a recognised centre-half on the pitch, it remains to be seen just who will line-up alongside Cresswell in the Hammers' back four. But the former Ipswich Town full-back believes West Ham have the personnel to cope with the absentees. He continued: "Injuries are just one of those things that happen in football and there's nothing you can do about it. The physios will obviously assess the players all this week and do the very best they can to try and get them ready for Sunday's game. We'll just have to wait and see what happens. "I'm sure whoever comes in there will do a job. We've got a big enough squad available here and whoever comes in will be up to the task."
As for Sunday's visitors, Cresswell is relishing the prospect of pitting his wits against some of the world's best, even if it promises to be another stern test. "They've been getting better with time," he added. "At the start of the season they had their ups and downs, like most teams do. But under van Gaal they're obviously doing well at the minute. "You're playing against world-class players, most probably the best players in the world. You want to challenge yourself, you want to see where you stand against the world's best. For me personally, it's one that I'm really looking forward to and I'm sure the rest of the boys are too."
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Vote for your Player of the Month
WHUFC.com
Who was your top Hammers performer in January? Have your say now
04.02.2015
Voting is now open to decide your West Ham United Player of the Month for January.
The Hammers only tasted defeat once in the month, and made progress through two rounds of the FA Cup to boot. Now it's time to pick the top performer.
January's nominated players are...
Adrian - Who could forget the Spanish stopper's heroics against Everton in the FA Cup, stepping up in the penalty shoot out to secure a dramatic 9-8 sudden death success. He also kept clean sheets against Hull City in the league and Bristol City in the fourth round of the FA Cup.
Diafra Sakho - The Senegal striker only played two games in the month, but made his mark with goals in both of them. He notched on New Year's Day against West Bromwich Albion and returned to seal FA Cup progress with a header at Bristol City..
Andy Carroll - Another striker who enjoyed a fine month was Andy Carroll. The big No9 scored a fine individual goal against Swansea City, adding to his tally against Hull City, reacting first to knock home a rebound after keeper Allan McGregor spilled a Enner Valencia shot.
James Collins - The Welshman has enjoyed a good run in the team over the last month and capped a solid spell with the opening goal in the first running of the FA Cup tie at Everton at the start of January. Contributed to the clean sheet against Hull City
Enner Valencia - With Diafra Sakho suffering a back injury, Ecuador striker Valencia has been a regular in January, and he notched his first Boleyn Ground goal in the FA Cup replay against Everton. He also played provider, scoring two assists against Hull City - one for Carroll and the other for Morgan Amalfitano.
To cast your vote, click WHUFC.com and scroll to the bottom right-hand corner of the page.
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Jenko frustrated to miss out
WHUFC.com
Carl Jenkinson was disappointed to miss Saturday's trip to Anfield
03.02.2015
Carl Jenkinson was a frustrated observer on Saturday as West Ham United suffered a 2-0 defeat at Liverpool. The 22-year-old defender was forced to sit out after suffering a calf injury, meaning he missed a game for just the second time since forcing his way into the starting XI in October. Like his teammates, he was disappointed that the Hammers could not keep Liverpool below them in the table, but has backed them to bounce back against Manchester United this weekend. He said: "Everyone wants to play at Anfield so it was especially frustrating to miss that one. It's a fantastic place to play football. I streamed it on the internet and it's never nice watching when you want to be out there. "We have a massive game again on Sunday. Man Utd are coming into a bit of form and they have some great players but we're a very strong side at home. "It should be a great game and one we're looking to come out on top of."
The Hammers may have been defeated at Anfield, but it was their first loss of 2015, so Jenkinson believes they have the ability to get back on track swiftly. He added: "We've only lost once this year, but playing in the Premier League you're going to lose games of football. Liverpool played quite well on the day and that can happen. "It's important that we bounce back quickly and that's got to start this weekend."
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Diafra Sakho: West Ham fined £71,000 by Fifa for rule breach
By Frank Keogh
BBC Sport
West Ham have been fined £71,000 by Fifa for breaching rules over striker Diafra Sakho but no action has been taken over their place in the FA Cup. Striker Sakho withdrew from Senegal's Africa Cup of Nations squad with a back injury but scored 18 days later in West Ham's Cup 1-0 win at Bristol City. Bristol City say they are disappointed by the penalty and are "considering their options". Fifa has reprimanded both West Ham and the 25-year-old forward. Football's governing body says a player cannot appear for his team when he should be on international duty. But the Hammers, who got £90,000 from the FA prize fund for winning their fourth-round tie, have escaped potential expulsion from the FA Cup and will travel to West Brom in round five on Saturday 14 February. West Ham will also be able to select Sakho, their top scorer this season, for Sunday's Premier League home match against Manchester United. Manager Sam Allardyce said he had left the forward out of last Saturday's 2-0 defeat at Liverpool after being advised to rest him until the dispute was resolved.
Fifa fined West Ham 100,000 Swiss francs (£71,000) after a disciplinary committee found the club and the player to have violated its regulations by playing in the game at Ashton Gate. Sakho came on as a substitute and headed in the 81st-minute winner two days before Senegal were knocked out of the Cup of Nations. The Hammers said he had not been fit enough to fly to Africa and was driven in a limousine to Bristol City.
A club statement after the Fifa decision said: "The club and the player have received the decision and will now be focusing their concentration on the game against Manchester United on Sunday." Bristol City said in its own statement: "The club is disappointed with the penalty handed down by the Fifa disciplinary committee and is considering its options." The club has not commented on newspaper reports it could seek compensation of up to £250,000 - a combination of lost prize money and gate receipts. Under its rules, Fifa could have requested the Football Association reverse the result of the Cup tie.
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Emmanuel has the blues over West Ham knock back
KUMB.com
Filed: Wednesday, 4th February 2015
By: Staff Writer
Tottenham striker Emmanuel Adebayor has confirmed that Spurs Chairman Daniel Levy blocked his transfer deadline day move to West Ham.
The 30-year-old striker was all set to move to the Boleyn on loan for the rest of the season until Levy pulled the plug on the deal at the last minute - much to Adebayor's disappointment. The Togo international had chosen to move to West Ham having been offered the choice of several interested parties - but Levy was unwilling to sanction the move due to the Irons being in contention for a European placing this season. "The club decided to send me out on loan, which I was pleased with," Adebayor told Sky Sports. "I was lucky enough to have the choice of five good clubs. "When I finally chose the one I wanted to go to, unluckily Mr Levy was against it because they had become a rival. So I decided I should stay at the club, which I'm very happy to do. "I was more than happy to play for West Ham. I wanted to stay in the Premier League and took the chance to stay in London so I had a choice of Queens Park Rangers or West Ham. "I decided to go to West Ham because of their position in the league. They are fighting well and doing everything [they can] to finish in the top four. I've played alongside a few of their players - like Alex Song - so I wanted to go there instead of QPR."
Levy's decision to cancel Adebayor's move also scuppered Carlton Cole's planned switch to West Bromwich Albion. According to reports, Cole reacted angrily to the news that he was being recalled to West Ham. That is perhaps no great surprise given that Albion had offered the striker - who leaves the Boleyn this summer - a two-and-a-half year contract.
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Song's sadness over no new arrivals
KUMB.com
Filed: Wednesday, 4th February 2015
By: Staff Writer
Alex Song has admitted he was disappointed at West Ham's inability to bring in any new faces capable of challenging for a first team spot during the transfer window. The on-loan midfielder, who has settled into to life at the Boleyn well confessed that he was frustrated at the club's failure to land any of their key targets - or any of the eight players sought on deadline day. "We know we have good players and a good squad but we were looking to have more players come in," he told Sky Sports. "It didn't happen so we have to focus on the players we've got, keep going and play the way we have been." Song was also sad that the Hammers were unable to complete the signing of Emmanuel Adebayor, who the former Cameroon international knows personally from having played alongside him at Arsenal in the mid-noughties. "I played with him for five years so I know what he can do," added Song. "So when someone told me he had the potential to come to West Ham I was very happy, because I know this kind of player can help us contribute to doing very well in the league. "We need players like this. It didn't happen but now I want just to tell him good luck."
Adebayor's move to West Ham was halted by Tottenham Chairman Daniel Levy, who whilst agreeing to subsidise a move to Queens Park Rangers but not to West Ham, as he views the two clubs as rivals for European slot.
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City could claim seven-figure sum, predicts Leroy
KUMB.com
Filed: Wednesday, 4th February 2015
By: Staff Writer
Former Hammer Leroy Rosenior believes Bristol City will hit West Ham with a compensation claim after FIFA ruled that West Ham breached regulations by fielding Diafra Sakho in their 4th round FA Cup tie. And Rosenior - who played for both clubs during a long and fruitful career - thinks that West Ham could be in for a major financial setback, now that FIFA have ruled against them. "You can understand Senegal's anger over the issue," Rosenior told the Bristol Post. "From the outside looking in, something certainly doesn't smell right and if the rule states that a player is unable to play for their club during the period they should have been on international duty, then I fancy West Ham could have a bit of a problem. "I do think that City have a great case for financial compensation because of how influential Sakho was on the game when coming off the bench to score the goal that ultimately separated the teams. "There is the financial windfall that would have come from both a replay and a potential fifth round tie to consider - and I wouldn't be surprised if City could make a claim of somewhere between £500,000 and £1,000,000."
Bristol City released a short statement a few moments ago in which they expressed their "disappointment" at West Ham's nominal fine.
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Bristol City to 'consider options ' in wake of FIFA fine
KUMb.com
Filed: Wednesday, 4th February 2015
By: Staff Writer
Bristol City have released a statement criticising FIFA's decision to fine West Ham for fielding Diafra Sakho in their FA Cup tie at Ashton Gate last month. Responding to FIFA's earlier statement, in which they confirmed West Ham had been fined CHF100,000 for using Sakho as a second half substitute, The Robins admitted to being "disappointed" at the governing body's decision. "Bristol City FC notes FIFA's decision with regards to the Disciplinary Committee's case against West Ham United and their player Diafra Sakho," read the club's statement. "The club is disappointed with the penalty handed down by the FIFA Disciplinary Committee and is considering its options. The club will be making no further comment at this time. "
City, who were knocked out of the FA Cup courtesy of Sakho's late winner in West Ham's 1-0 win are likely to consider an appeal, although legal action against West Ham is also an option. West Ham were awarded £90,000 for progressing to the 5th round of the FA Cup, whilst the FIFA fine equates to just £71,000. City have received no compensation, despite West Ham being found guilty of breaking FIFA rules.
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Summer move planned - if Sam stays
KUMB.com
Filed: Wednesday, 4th February 2015
By: Staff Writer
West Ham are planning to complete the signing of Genk defensive midfielder Kara Mbodj in the summer, having failed to push the deal through ahead of Monday night's transfer deadline. The 25-year-old defender was one of Sam Allardyce's key targets on the final day of the window, but concerns over specific contractual terms and the inability to proceed with a full medical (due to time constraints) saw the deal fall through.
Despite that, West Ham plan to revisit their bid in the summer, with the two clubs having already agreed a fee worth in the region of £4.5million. The deal's completion also depends on whether Sam Allardyce, whose contract expires at the end of the season, will remain in charge thereafter.
Mbodj, a Senegal international, began his career in Norway with Tromso - who he represented for two years before moving to Belgium in a €1.4million switch (in December 2012). He featured alongside West Ham's Cheik Kouyate in this year's African Cup of Nations.
Now managed by Alex McLeish, who used to work for David Sullivan at Birmingham, Mbodj is the latest of a long line of Premier League-bound stars to come from Genk; others to make Premier League moves in recent years include Thibaut Courtois, Kevin De Bruyne and Christian Benteke.
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West Ham fined over Diafra Sakho's appearance against Bristol City
Last Updated: 04/02/15 6:58pm
SSN
West Ham have been fined £71,000 for fielding Diafra Sakho in the FA Cup win over Bristol City despite telling Senegal the striker was unfit. The club have also been reprimanded but they will be allowed to continue to play in this year's competition. Sakho, 25, had been due to join up with his national side at the Africa Cup of Nations but the Hammers informed the Senegalese FA that injury would prevent him from travelling to the tournament. On January 25, Sakho came off the substitutes' bench to score the only goal of the tie at Ashton Gate – prompting protest from the Senegalese authorities. West Ham issued a brief statement following FIFA's decision. "The club and the player have received the decision and will now be focusing their concentration on the game against Manchester United on Sunday," it read.
A FIFA statement read: "FIFA can today confirm the decisions of its Disciplinary Committee in the case involving the English club West Ham United and the player Diafra Sakho. "Diafra Sakho was called up by the Senegalese Football Association on 18 December 2014 to play for Senegal in the Africa Cup of Nations 2015 taking place in Equatorial Guinea between 17 January and 8 February 2015, as well as to attend the training camp of the said representative team from 5-16 January 2015 in Morocco. "The Senegalese FA was informed by West Ham United that Sakho was prevented from playing and travelling by plane due to injury and thus he did not join the Senegal team." "The Senegalese FA was informed by West Ham United that Sakho was prevented from playing and travelling by plane due to injury and thus he did not join the Senegal team. "On 25 January 2015, the player took part in an official match for his club West Ham United. Senegal were eliminated from the Africa Cup of Nations 2015 on 27 January 2015. "In view of the above and in accordance with art. 6 par. 1 of Annexe 1 of the FIFA Regulations on the Status and Transfer of Players (hereinafter the Regulations), disciplinary proceedings were opened against the player and the club for a potential violation of Annexe 1 of the Regulations. "The FIFA Disciplinary Committee has found the club and the player to have violated art. 5 of Annexe 1 of the Regulations in relation to the match played by Sakho on 25 January 2015. The club has been fined CHF 100,000 in accordance with art. 10 c) and art. 15 of the FIFA Disciplinary Code (FDC) and issued with a reprimand, while the player has been sanctioned with a reprimand in accordance with art. 10 b) and art. 14 of the FDC. "The terms of the decisions were notified to the relevant parties today."
Both Sakho and West Ham have been cleared to play in the next round as scheduled, where Sam Allardyce's side face West Brom. But Bristol City issued a a brief statement of their own following FIFA's ruling, hinting that this may not be the end of the matter as far as they are concerned. "Bristol City FC notes FIFA's decision with regards to the Disciplinary Committee's case against West Ham United and their player Diafra Sakho," the statement read. "The club is disappointed with the penalty handed down by the FIFA Disciplinary Committee and is considering its options. "The club will be making no further comment at this time."
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Carlton Cole has been a fine servant for West Ham and deserved better than his treatment on Deadline Day
13:24, 4 February 2015
OPINION BY JOHNCROSS
The striker was on the verge of a switch to West Brom, only for the Hammers to block the deal at the last minute
The Mirror
Alan Curbishley hit the nail on the head. Sometimes we forget that there is a "moral" issue with footballers just as there is for anyone in any walk of life. On transfer deadline day, West Ham blocked Carlton Cole, a loyal player with just four months left on his contract, from joining West Brom on a two-and-a-half-year contract worth £5m which would probably the last big deal of his career.
It was a curious story which ended with 31-year-old Cole screaming down the phone at West Ham boss Sam Allardyce for stopping him from going to West Brom. But former West Ham boss Curbishley, now one of the best and most sensible pundits in the media, was one of Sky's experts on deadline day and put the whole Cole situation into perfect context. Curbishley said: "Sometimes there's a moral situation as well. Carlton Cole's contract is running out this summer and it looks like West Brom are offering him a longer contract. "Sometimes there's a moral issue when you feel as a manager and as a club that you've got to do what's right for the player. But invariably you are looking if it might back fire on you. "He's done a lot for West Ham, left then came back and needs to be playing regularly. With the length of the contract, I think sometimes morally you need to do what's right for the player even if perhaps it's not right for the club."
Sadly, West Ham blocked the move in the final few hours as their own attempts to sign Emmanuel Adebayor fell flat and they decided against allowing 31-year-old Cole from moving to West Brom. The day ended with Cole, at the West Brom training ground having done a medical and agreed personal terms on a £500,000 transfer, shouting down the phone at Allardyce: "you're f***ing wrecking my career." At the end of the season, Cole might struggle to get a decent deal. A lot of people at West Brom heard the shouting, with Cole pleading with Allardyce to let him go for the sake of his family and his career. Cole, who has had the best part of ten years at West Ham in two spells at the club, has been such a good pro that it is hard to believe he will refuse to play or anything like that. But others would.
That's because the collapse of his move to West Brom is only half the story. The other half is that West Ham did agree to allow Cole to go to Queens Park Rangers. Cole did not want to go there. That left Harry Redknapp, still in charge at QPR, furious.
Cole didn't want to go to QPR because he wanted to go to West Brom where he felt Tony Pulis would play him every week, it was an two and a half year deal and it would give him and his family long term security. West Ham agreed a £500,000 fee for him to join West Brom. Then they blocked it anyway. Cole felt West Brom really wanted him - and that was the key. In the end, Cole was pleading with Allardyce to let him go. He looks like he will be back to being fourth choice at West Ham. The worst scenario now for Cole is that he does not play for the rest of the season. Sometimes in football, no matter how well paid the players are, surely they deserve a little respect and goodwill. And, as Alan Curbishley said, it's almost a moral obligation. There's no doubt about it, Carlton Cole was the big loser in this window. He was left feeling like a piece of meat and while deadline day seems fun, there are some really nasty side effects, too.
Cole is a good solid pro who deserves better.
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West Ham's Diafra Sakho row may see Bristol City protest FIFA NOT kicking them out of FA Cup
22:30, 4 February 2015 By Darren Lewis
League One club "disappointed and considering its options" after Hammers are only fined for playing Senegal striker during Africa Cup of Nations
The Mirror
West Ham face a fresh FA Cup battle with Bristol City after FIFA's decision not to kick the Irons out of the competition. The League One club are "considering" whether to protest after world football's governing body contracted their own rules by only fining the Irons £71,000 for fielding striker Diafra Sakho at Ashton Gate last month. Sakho pulled out of Senegal's squad for the Africa Cup of Nations with a back injury but scored the winner for West Ham 18 days later in their FA Cup Fourth Round tie to knock City out. If FIFA had applied their rules, City would have been reinstated and West Ham - set to play West Brom in the fifth round next Saturday - dumped out.
A statement from the Robins said: "The club is disappointed with the penalty handed down by the FIFA Disciplinary Committee and is considering its options."
FIFA launched an investigation after Senegal angrily complained about Sakho's FA Cup appearance. The FIFA rules state that a player cannot play for his club if he is meant to be on international duty. Article 5 reads: "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."
Article 6.2 adds: "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 club belongs to declare any match(es) in which the player took part to have been lost by the club concerned. "Any match contested according to the cup system shall be regarded as having been won by the opposing team, irrespective of the score."
It was angry Senegal - furious that Sakho played for West Ham 48 hours after they were knocked out of the Africa Cup of Nations - who complained to FIFA. West Ham insisted Sakho 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. The east Londoners are not trying to draw a line under the affair. A Hammers' statement said: "The club and the player have received the decision and will now be focusing their concentration on the game against Manchester United on Sunday."
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QPR to put Mauro Zarate on fitness regime after bid to send Argentine back to West Ham failed
18:51, 4 February 2015 By Darren Lewis
The Hoops were so unimpressed by Zarate's lack of fitness that they desperately tried to send him back to Upton Park in exchange for Matt Jarvis
The Mirror
Mauro Zarate will be put on a punishing fitness regime to get him in shape to join QPR's relegation fight. The west Londoners, unimpressed by his lack of fitness despite his desperation to play, tried to send the 27-year-old striker back to West Ham with winger Matt Jarvis instead going to Loftus Road. They were prevented from doing so, however, by Premier League rules which decree a player cannot rejoin a club he has left in the same window. Zarate, who joined QPR after complaining about his lack of action at Upton Park, stunned staff at Loftus Road with his lack of condition. The player featured just eight times for Sam Allardyce at West Ham and has so far played only 14 minutes out of the three games for which he has been available at QPR.
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Boleyn pub raises £5m in funds
Posted by Sean Whetstone on February 4, 2015 in Whispers
Calret & Hugh
West Ham have confirmed they have sold nearly 750 of 1,000 packages at the new Boleyn Bar based in the Olympic Stadium. Members will enjoy exclusive use of the bar and café, free half-time drinks and halfway line seats. They will enjoy access to every West Ham Premier League home fixture plus the first three cup games, priority for cup semi-finals and finals, a dedicated VIP entrance to the Stadium, and a complimentary matchday programme.
With 75% of the packages sold the Hammers have received £450,000 up front with a further £4.53m payable by monthly direct debt by members over the next three years.
Fans wanting to buy one of the remaining two hundred and fifty places are required to pay a joining fee of £600 with monthly direct debits of £168 beginning from June 2016. This price will remain fixed for the length of your membership making the £2016 per season on top on the £600 joining fee.
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Hammers Academy cull continues
Posted by Sean Whetstone on February 4, 2015 in Whispers
Claret & Hugh
The club have officially confirmed that West Ham academy players Kieran Sadlier and Ben Marlow have left the Club after their contracts were cancelled my mutual consent.
This brings the total number of Academy players officially released to six in the past week. The club previously confirmed Jamie Harney, Danny Whitehead, Blair Turgott and Matthias Fanimo have all left West Ham United after their contracts were cancelled my mutual consent. Blair Turgott signed for Coventry on transfer deadline day on a free transfer.
A host of other Academy players whose contract expire this summer are also thought to be under threat and their names could soon be added to this expanding list, They include Danny Potts, Seb Lletget, Paul Mccallum, Lewis Page, Taylor Tombides, Josh Cullen, Raphael Spiegel, Moses Makasi, Nathan Mavila, Amos Nasha and Sam Westley.
Terry Westley took over the Academy last Summer with Steve Potts announced as the Under 21 manager earlier this year . It is understood Terry has been tasked by the board with getting a return on the £4m plus investment made into the Academy every year.
The Hammers U21's remain bottom of the Premier League U21 league with eight points after losing eight of their 12 games this season.
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Former Hammer questions Jack's message
Posted by Sean Whetstone on February 4, 2015 in Whispers
Calret & Hugh
Former Hammer David James has questioned Jack Sullivan's message on Twitter on transfer deadline day saying he could have a negative impact on current West Ham players and morale. The Chairman of the Youth Supporters Club Jack Sullivan posted a message on twitter just before 11pm the January transfer window closed on Monday. saying "Sadly despite trying to do eight deals today everyone has collapsed in the last 2 hours and are now unlikely to do any business" The former Hammers keeper has suggested that young Sullivan should not have posted the message. James speaking on BT Sport on Tuesday night said "That's a lot of players to bring in, a lot of them were developmental players, or up and coming players, weren't they? You know when your club has failed to bring in eight players and you look around and think: 'Was it me who was going?' I don't think it's a good message to send out."
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Thursday, February 5
Wednesday, February 4
Daily WHUFC News - FIFA Ruling 2
West Ham fined £71,000 by FIFA after playing Diafra Sakho in FA Cup tie
following striker's withdrawal from Senegal squad
By MIKE KEEGAN FOR MAILONLINE
PUBLISHED: 14:25, 4 February 2015 | UPDATED: 14:31, 4 February 2015
West Ham have been fined £71,000 and reprimanded by FIFA after they played
Diafra Sakho in an FA Cup win 18 days after he withdrew from Senegal's
Africa Cup of Nations squad. Sakho scored in the 1-0 victory at Ashton Gate
and the governing body opened an investigation to see if they had breached
rules over international duty. The Hammers vigorously denied any wrongdoing
but could have faced expulsion from the FA Cup if they were found guilty.
FIFA released a statement this afternoon confirming the fine.
It stated: 'The FIFA Disciplinary Committee has found the club and the
player to have violated art. 5 of Annexe 1 of the Regulations in relation to
the match played by Sakho on 25 January 2015. The club has been fined CHF
100,000 in accordance with art. 10 c) and art. 15 of the FIFA Disciplinary
Code (FDC) and issued with a reprimand, while the player has been sanctioned
with a reprimand in accordance with art. 10 b) and art. 14 of the FDC.'
Senegal were furious that Sakho played for West Ham 48 hours after they were
knocked out of the competition. The Hammers insisted 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.
They requested FIFA dismiss the case.
FIFA STATEMENT IN FULL
FIFA can today confirm the decisions of its Disciplinary Committee in the
case involving the English club West Ham United and the player Diafra Sakho.
Diafra Sakho was called up by the Senegalese Football Association on 18
December 2014 to play for Senegal in the Africa Cup of Nations 2015 taking
place in Equatorial Guinea between 17 January and 8 February 2015, as well
as to attend the training camp of the said representative team from 5-16
January 2015 in Morocco.
The Senegalese FA was informed by West Ham United that Sakho was prevented
from playing and travelling by plane due to injury and thus he did not join
the Senegal team.
On 25 January 2015, the player took part in an official match for his club
West Ham United. Senegal were eliminated from the Africa Cup of Nations 2015
on 27 January 2015.
In view of the above and in accordance with art. 6 par. 1 of Annexe 1 of the
FIFA Regulations on the Status and Transfer of Players (hereinafter the
Regulations), disciplinary proceedings were opened against the player and
the club for a potential violation of Annexe 1 of the Regulations.
The FIFA Disciplinary Committee has found the club and the player to have
violated art. 5 of Annexe 1 of the Regulations in relation to the match
played by Sakho on 25 January 2015. The club has been fined CHF 100,000 in
accordance with art. 10 c) and art. 15 of the FIFA Disciplinary Code (FDC)
and issued with a reprimand, while the player has been sanctioned with a
reprimand in accordance with art. 10 b) and art. 14 of the FDC.
The terms of the decisions were notified to the relevant parties today.
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following striker's withdrawal from Senegal squad
By MIKE KEEGAN FOR MAILONLINE
PUBLISHED: 14:25, 4 February 2015 | UPDATED: 14:31, 4 February 2015
West Ham have been fined £71,000 and reprimanded by FIFA after they played
Diafra Sakho in an FA Cup win 18 days after he withdrew from Senegal's
Africa Cup of Nations squad. Sakho scored in the 1-0 victory at Ashton Gate
and the governing body opened an investigation to see if they had breached
rules over international duty. The Hammers vigorously denied any wrongdoing
but could have faced expulsion from the FA Cup if they were found guilty.
FIFA released a statement this afternoon confirming the fine.
It stated: 'The FIFA Disciplinary Committee has found the club and the
player to have violated art. 5 of Annexe 1 of the Regulations in relation to
the match played by Sakho on 25 January 2015. The club has been fined CHF
100,000 in accordance with art. 10 c) and art. 15 of the FIFA Disciplinary
Code (FDC) and issued with a reprimand, while the player has been sanctioned
with a reprimand in accordance with art. 10 b) and art. 14 of the FDC.'
Senegal were furious that Sakho played for West Ham 48 hours after they were
knocked out of the competition. The Hammers insisted 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.
They requested FIFA dismiss the case.
FIFA STATEMENT IN FULL
FIFA can today confirm the decisions of its Disciplinary Committee in the
case involving the English club West Ham United and the player Diafra Sakho.
Diafra Sakho was called up by the Senegalese Football Association on 18
December 2014 to play for Senegal in the Africa Cup of Nations 2015 taking
place in Equatorial Guinea between 17 January and 8 February 2015, as well
as to attend the training camp of the said representative team from 5-16
January 2015 in Morocco.
The Senegalese FA was informed by West Ham United that Sakho was prevented
from playing and travelling by plane due to injury and thus he did not join
the Senegal team.
On 25 January 2015, the player took part in an official match for his club
West Ham United. Senegal were eliminated from the Africa Cup of Nations 2015
on 27 January 2015.
In view of the above and in accordance with art. 6 par. 1 of Annexe 1 of the
FIFA Regulations on the Status and Transfer of Players (hereinafter the
Regulations), disciplinary proceedings were opened against the player and
the club for a potential violation of Annexe 1 of the Regulations.
The FIFA Disciplinary Committee has found the club and the player to have
violated art. 5 of Annexe 1 of the Regulations in relation to the match
played by Sakho on 25 January 2015. The club has been fined CHF 100,000 in
accordance with art. 10 c) and art. 15 of the FIFA Disciplinary Code (FDC)
and issued with a reprimand, while the player has been sanctioned with a
reprimand in accordance with art. 10 b) and art. 14 of the FDC.
The terms of the decisions were notified to the relevant parties today.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
http://vyperz.blogspot.com
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Daily WHUFC News - FIFA Ruling
FIFA sanctions West Ham United and Diafra Sakho
(FIFA.com) Wednesday 4 February 2015
FIFA.com
FIFA can today confirm the decisions of its Disciplinary Committee in the
case involving the English club West Ham United and the player Diafra Sakho.
Diafra Sakho was called up by the Senegalese Football Association on 18
December 2014 to play for Senegal in the Africa Cup of Nations 2015 taking
place in Equatorial Guinea between 17 January and 8 February 2015, as well
as to attend the training camp of the said representative team from 5-16
January 2015 in Morocco.
The Senegalese FA was informed by West Ham United that Sakho was prevented
from playing and travelling by plane due to injury and thus he did not join
the Senegal team.
On 25 January 2015, the player took part in an official match for his club
West Ham United. Senegal were eliminated from the Africa Cup of Nations 2015
on 27 January 2015.
In view of the above and in accordance with art. 6 par. 1 of Annexe 1 of the
FIFA Regulations on the Status and Transfer of Players (hereinafter the
Regulations), disciplinary proceedings were opened against the player and
the club for a potential violation of Annexe 1 of the Regulations.
The FIFA Disciplinary Committee has found the club and the player to have
violated art. 5 of Annexe 1 of the Regulations in relation to the match
played by Sakho on 25 January 2015. The club has been fined CHF 100,000 in
accordance with art. 10 c) and art. 15 of the FIFA Disciplinary Code (FDC)
and issued with a reprimand, while the player has been sanctioned with a
reprimand in accordance with art. 10 b) and art. 14 of the FDC.
The terms of the decisions were notified to the relevant parties today.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
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(FIFA.com) Wednesday 4 February 2015
FIFA.com
FIFA can today confirm the decisions of its Disciplinary Committee in the
case involving the English club West Ham United and the player Diafra Sakho.
Diafra Sakho was called up by the Senegalese Football Association on 18
December 2014 to play for Senegal in the Africa Cup of Nations 2015 taking
place in Equatorial Guinea between 17 January and 8 February 2015, as well
as to attend the training camp of the said representative team from 5-16
January 2015 in Morocco.
The Senegalese FA was informed by West Ham United that Sakho was prevented
from playing and travelling by plane due to injury and thus he did not join
the Senegal team.
On 25 January 2015, the player took part in an official match for his club
West Ham United. Senegal were eliminated from the Africa Cup of Nations 2015
on 27 January 2015.
In view of the above and in accordance with art. 6 par. 1 of Annexe 1 of the
FIFA Regulations on the Status and Transfer of Players (hereinafter the
Regulations), disciplinary proceedings were opened against the player and
the club for a potential violation of Annexe 1 of the Regulations.
The FIFA Disciplinary Committee has found the club and the player to have
violated art. 5 of Annexe 1 of the Regulations in relation to the match
played by Sakho on 25 January 2015. The club has been fined CHF 100,000 in
accordance with art. 10 c) and art. 15 of the FIFA Disciplinary Code (FDC)
and issued with a reprimand, while the player has been sanctioned with a
reprimand in accordance with art. 10 b) and art. 14 of the FDC.
The terms of the decisions were notified to the relevant parties today.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
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Daily WHUFC News - 4th February 2015
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
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
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."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
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."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
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.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
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.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
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.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
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.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
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."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
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."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
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?
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
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
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
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 !"
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
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!
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
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.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
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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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
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
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."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
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.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
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.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
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.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
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.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
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."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
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."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
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.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
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
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
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.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
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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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."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
'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.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
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.
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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.
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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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http://vyperz.blogspot.com
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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
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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.
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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!
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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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http://vyperz.blogspot.com
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